PRESIDENT Angela Watson gave a warm welcome to the speaker for the evening, Francis Seeney.

Francis told us that she and her husband had been fortunate in enjoying two different expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic.

Her slides of icebergs and the different varieties of penguins in Antarctica, and the polar bears of the Arctic, were spectacular and accompanied by a interesting commentary.

Gill Hawker thanked Francis for a most enjoyable talk.

After refreshments the president dealt with the business.

There was a ballot for tickets to the council meeting to be held at Chesford Grange as this event was over subscribed.

The extra event on February 25 was a visit to Stratford theatre for a conducted tour. Members have also been invited for coffee in the mayor’s parlour at Stratford Town Hall in April.

The stall at this year’s street market will be bottles and gifts, and members were asked to start collecting items to bring to the next three meetings.