THE speaker at the second meeting of the Bromsgrove U3A in October was Kevin Ward, the official town crier of Bromsgrove, being a member of the town’s court leet. This is an historic association that produced the local legal system, but now it is more of a ceremonial operation.

Kevin was able to explain all the various official posts of the court leet and to give a history of the association.

Kevin is related to a famous town crier of Birmingham and he was awarded top prize in the national competition of town criers of England in 2009.

Hegave his talk in his official costumeand heralded himself with his bell to attract attention and had a special proclamation specifically for the Bromsgrove U3A We are continuing our series to introduce the various specialist groups which cater for members’ interests – this time it was about the church visits group.

The leader of this group identifies a place of worship in the area and then arranges with the authority there to be able to visit the particular place and to have a tour and a historical background.

All religions are considered as it is the place itself that is the interest. There is always an opportunity to make it a social occasion according to the hostelry in the location thathasbeenchosen, so as tosample local produce For more information about anything to do with Bromsgrove U3A, please contact the membership secretary on 01527 870449 or visit the website at bromsgroveu3a.org.uk.