THE Monday Club is best known to most people as a right wing conservative group whose policies have included controversial ideas such as supporting voluntary or assisted repatriation of non-white immigrants.

But people involved with the Teme Valley Monday Club which is now in its fifth decade could not be more different.

The Teme Valley Monday Club began with a farmers 'get together' in March 1972.

Its aim was for men to meet and get to know one another in the bar. This was followed by a presentation on a variety of subjects with the proceedings ending with an informal discussion on the talks.

The very first meeting on Monday, October 2 1972 included an illustrated talk by a Mr Barney Mosedale on the subject of Inn Signs. Sandwiches were provided by the landlord and each member was asked to contribute 5p to pay for them!

Now the club is still going strong and is about to start its 43rd season.

Meetings now take place at the Royal Oak Hotel in Tenbury on the second Monday of the month from October to April. Each meeting starts at 8.00 pm but many members arrive earlier to allow time to enjoy a drink together.

On Monday (October 12) the invited speaker is Ray Sturdy who will talk about Witley Court with the title ‘The Rise and Fall of a Victorian Palace’.

As well as the talks, a spring lunch and summer outing are included in the programme when the ladies are also invited.

The annual subscription for membership is £15 but visitors are welcome to come along for £2 per meeting and new members are most welcome.

To find out more call the chairman, Dick Fox on 01584 819845 or Peter Metcalfe, secretary on 01584 819021.