Our president, Joan Jarvis, opened theApril meeting and thanked Eileen Williams for the table flowers and welcomed two new visitors.

Our speaker for the afternoon was Ronald Grounsell who spoke about the kings and queens of comedy.

His favourite performers turned out to be comedians from a bygone age; many of these were remembered nostalgically and were much enjoyed by his audience. Albert Modley was one of these - remembered as a dame in pantomime and Rob Wilton, born in Everton, who met and married Florence Palmer. He performed sketches with his wife; he was a very witty man and known for his monologues entitled “Back Answers”.

Eric Morecambe needed no introduction, who could forget him playing the piano for Andrew “Preview” and putting right notes in the wrong order!

There were others too numerous to mention but it was time for Joan to thank Mr Grounsell for coming and to congratulate Barbara Starkey, Olive Lee and Barbara Hartley with birthdays in April.

Brenda Seddon reminded members about outings to see Brassed Off in May, our summer trip in July, the Hot Ice Show at Blackpool in August and also the trip to Chester in December.

Christine Seddon then spoke about the osteoporosis testing, lunch at the Owls restaurant and a forthcoming Fashion Show we are holding in June.

After a cup of tea served by Martha Head and Lydia Howard, raffle prizes went to Sheila Stephenson, Lorna Mayoh, Maura Appleby, Brenda Pinion, Mary Bardsley and Sally Taylor. A special Easter raffle was won by Edna Worthington, Margaret Barron and Ann Anderson.

Our next meeting is on the afternoon of Tuesday May 20 when the speaker will be Andrew Zsigmund, telling us of A Church Too Far. Everyone is welcome.