We are pleased that membership is on the increase and the open meetings are well attended


During September`s open meeting was also our AGM were the present committee was elected, including two new committee members. Brian Milhench was re-elected chair and Doris Kucharska vice chair. Effie Shaw took on the role of vice treasurer
and read  the report for statement of accounts.


Mary Smedley gave an excellent presentation on Victorian crime in our area, revealing many comical incidents.
At December`s open meeting we based it on Christmas with a more light hearted theme and once again we were entertained by Long Row Primary School pupils, David Stone demonstrated chocolate making and was willingly helped by some of the choir.  Many thanks go to the business of Belper who donated 38 raffle prizes, raising £157 which went towords the catering and speaker.  The local MP and the Mayor of Amber Valley also came along.


We applied for funds through the Grassroots Foundation foe equipment to start chair exercises, a choir and promotional aids, and were pleased to get a grant of £1,537


Unfortunately we had to cancel our trip to Countdown, but we`re hoping to rearrange it for later this year.  Our March meeting was about health, with John Floyd speaking about the out-of-hours service by Derbyshire Health United, John Sergeant talked about prescriptions and Justine Fitzjohn from Derby Hospital Foundation.


As well as our June meeting we`re holding an extra meeting on the 3rd of July at Nailer`s. This will be an antiques valuation day with Charles Hanson, who has appeared on Flog It and Bargain Hunt, served at Christie`s London and holds auctions in Derby


Any thoughts on future objectives are welcome and can be raised at meetings or contact
Brian Millhench on 01773 822242
Or email Belper50plus1@yahoo.co.uk