We met on November 18 for the last meeting in 2014 - we return on January 20, 2015.

The speaker was Mr Roger Butler and the topic Canal History and Heritage, and it was presumed that he either had worked on a canal boat or lived or holidayed on a barge. In fact, Mt Butler had never worked, lived or holidayed on a canal ever! A total surprise, and a fascinating and interesting talk he gave. He obviously had a great knowledge of canals, the environs and industry on canals and the hard working way of life.

Mr Butler showed all aspects on beautiful coloured slides - now unusual, but perfect in presentation. The audience sat riveted to their chairs for well past the usual lecture time! Canals are a growing part of leisure pursuits. The work barges now very few, the mills and warehouses on the canal banks either apartments, museums or derelict and another ancient industry lost.

Mr Butler is a professional lecturer and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society. He lectures all over the UK on many topics with great skill and beautiful photographic images - a speaker well worth a return visit!

January 20 is a Members Evening and on February 17 Claire Henley will talk about Children's Illustrations. We meet at 7.30 pm at the Catholic Church hall - visitors welcome.