MERCURY MOVIE MAKERS: On Wednesday we saw the first half of the two part annual competition films programme. Many of these would be first time viewing for most members so there was an air of anticipation. Titles included Mediterranean Sunshine by Bob Rudd; a new museum feature in Leeds on Marks & Spencers involving a recreation of the original market stall by Mabel Mackman; Whitby Gothic Weekend showed this now well-established festival and was filmed by Mick Varley and John Orrell; Ian and Maurice at Brooklands; two short films by Peter Hartingdon Homework and Na Na Na; the working of a preserved railway were viewed by John Wheeler with his Worth Valley; a trip to Belgium was shown in Brugge by Alan Vanston; and finally It’s Simply Scilly by Roy and Jean Vickers. More details can be found at mercurymoviemakers.com.

DARBY AND JOAN CLUB: The club met in Greenacre Hall on Monday. Chairman was Joyce Schofield, announcements were made by Cynthia Gray and the meeting was closed by June France. MCs for the games were Sheila Wilkinson and Christine Watson and prize winners were Jim Sendall and Judith Watkinson (whist) and Muriel Austin and Christine Watson (dominoes).