OUR meeting this month was very well attended by members and some partners and husbands. The reason for the above average attendance was our speaker, local historian Malcolm Fare. Malcolm had done extensive research into the buildings of the Hanleys past and present. Hanley Castle and Hanley Swan used to be the heart of the Malvern Chase. It had a castle built on the orders of King John who stayed there in 1213. There was also a pottery industry in medieval times. Malcolm's walk around the Hanleys began at the crossroads in Hanley Swan at one time it was a busy thoroughfare and had a coaching inn. He took us towards Gilbert's End towards Poolbrook where a mill house was built using stone from the castle. Malcolm had extensively researched his subject and gave an interesting often humorous insight into the buildings past and present and their occupants. He was asked if he intended writing a book and admitted that one may be looming. Watch this space. Many thanks Malcolm.

Our next meeting is our Christmas meeting, and is on Thursday, December 8 at 7.30pm in Hanley Swan Village Hall. Guests and new members always welcome.

FRANCES HOUGHTON