THE February meeting was well attended in spite of the cold weather.

President Sheila Allen welcomed members and subscriptions were paid and Jean Fitzpatrick read the report of the group meeting.

Details of the next group meeting, which will be at Combwich on March 25, were given out.

A theatre visit to the Arts Centre to see The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is being arranged by Jenny Temple.

The president read out a draft letter expressing concerns over the effects that housing workers and siting freight and car parks for the proposed power station will have on the entire village.

After tea, Anna Knowles gave a talk on Lady Emma Hamilton. Emma, a remarkable woman, was born into a very poor family.

Because of her beauty, she became the mistress of Sir Harry Featherstonhaugh, owner of Uppark. Her next protector was Charles Greville, son of the Earl of Warwick.

She was sent to Naples where Sir William Hamilton, the British Ambassador, fell in love with her and married her in 1791. She learned languages and her portrait was painted many times. She then met Admiral Lord Nelson and although both were married, their great love affair began.

Mrs Knowles showed original letters written by Lady Hamilton and Nelson. Descendants of their daughter, Horatia, keep in touch with Mrs Knowles.

Betty Edney gave the vote of thanks.

The next meeting will be on March 8 at 7.30pm when Mr Tinker will talk about Bath.