THE chairman welcomed members and several visitors to the September meeting and brought everyone up to date with group activities.

Reminders were given that the singers regroup this month, and a trip to the Garrick Theatre in November is planned for which tickets were on sale.

The speaker was Ruth Moore Williams, whose subject, “The good old days”, covered the music of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

She brought along with her a lap harp, hurdy gurdy and a keyboard. The hurdy gurdy dates back to the medieval period, and over the years became smaller and portable.

It was carried all over the country to be played at gatherings as an accompaniment to dancing. Song sheets were handed out, and members were invited to join in with Ruth playing on the various instruments.

These were interspersed with monologues and anecdotes. Two of the songs Ruth had written and were based on English and Welsh girls’ names. The first everyone managed easily but the second was quite a tongue twister!

She was thanked for a very enjoyable afternoon’s entertainment.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 15, at 2pm, and will be the AGM followed by “The Lancashire Lad and his Uke” with Jon Beddlely.

Kathleen Mackie