ONCE again the Greig Hall, Alcester, was the venue for the September meeting.

New affiliate member, Gwen, was warmly welcomed. John Ruffell then informed us that we are now on the group page of the U3A website.

A visit to see the Chinese Terracotta Soldiers exhibition in London will go ahead if enough members are interested.

The new Monthly Outings Group will start next year under the guidance of John Ruffell.

The Church Group will visit Bretforton Church on September 25; Music Appreciation will be on September 26 and the new Heroes Group starts on September 27. The Amble is on September 21 from Yarningale Common, History Group meets on September 19 and Art continues each Tuesday. Yoga restarts this month.

David Mills from the Museum of Leather at Walsall gave an informative talk with slides about the leather industry in Walsall.

Originally the Lorimers made the metal accessories for horse riders and later produced leather tackle with Walsall then becoming a world leader in making leather items for the horses of armies and private owners.

The American Gold Rush boosted orders as did the cowboys.

After the advent of the motor car the leather industry diversified into making suit cases, wallets, purses, handbags and gloves.

The Leather Museum opened in 1988 where there are demonstrations to be seen.

The vote of thanks was given by Fred Guyatt.

The next meeting will again be at the Greig Hall on October 4.