JUST as the days are growing shorter, our thoughts usually turn to staying in our homes and hibernating for the winter but on September 11 at The Methodist Hall, Alcester, Eddie McDougall opened the Merry Wives' Autumn Programme with uplifting thoughts of holidays...by coach!

However, Johnson's Coaches offer something much more - days filled with interesting journeys to near and far flung places staying in selected top quality hotels with delicious food, exciting entertainment and places to visit. They have thought of absolutely everything for the ease of the traveller - from door to door collection of both traveller and luggage, guides and couriers, all insurance, meals and trips included in one complete package price.

The company was established in 1909 in Henley in Arden and began with one Garner bus van, a multi-purpose vehicle operating between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, moving freight, people and their goods and chattels, if moving house for example.

Still located in Henley today and still family owned - run by Joan and her two sons, plus all the other friendly staff including the professional drivers and couriers.

Today the coaches are air conditioned, have seat belts, reclining seats, large tinted windows, drinks facilities and toilets and are constantly upgraded.

Holiday options range from day trips and week holidays in the UK - city breaks, or seaside - Wales, the Isle of Wight, Jersey, the Scilly Isles often to four and five star hotels always situated for the client's convenience. Single rooms are available at no additional cost.

For those who would like to travel further afield, there are trips to Switzerland, Austria, Lake Garda, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Amsterdam to name just a few. Christmas markets are growing trend both home and abroad and the shows in London, so why not look at going out and about and give your spirits a lift this winter for a change.

A vote of thanks was made to Vicky Barker and the raffle won by Rosemary Cund, Joyce Berry and Doreen Ward.

The next meeting will be a talk about Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by Chris Bamber at the Methodist Church Hall, Alcester, at 8pm on Tuesday, September 25.