The breeches were worn by jockey John Fenton and kindly donated by Shane Clark who is a valet to the jockeys. All the other jockeys who took part in this year's race also signed them. The tickets were then sold at The Country Pursuit, and also at the Warwickshire Hunt Open Day. They were won by Bryony James of Whatcote. Thanks go to everyone who helped raise this amount.

COACH TRIP: There are still a few places remaining for the coach trip to London, which is being organised by the Friends of the High School. The trip takes place on Saturday, November 17, with the coach leaving the high school at 8.30am, and leaving Park Lane, which is the drop-off and pick-up point, at 8pm to return to Kineton. The cost is £12 return per person, payable at the time of booking with Debbie on 641463.

LOCAL HISTORY GROUP: The rain that affected the first two outings of the season struck again on the group's visit to the World Heritage Site of Derwent Valley Mills, but failed to spoil a splendid day. Derwent Valley has been called the Cradle of the Industrial Revolution where, in 1783, Sir Richard Arkwright built the first Masson Mill, where water power was first harnessed for textile production. Part of the mill is now a working museum, where the group enjoyed a comprehensive tour by a guide who had worked there for many years and was fully conversant with the processes of spinning, carding and weaving. It was a real glimpse
into our industrial heritage.

A short coach journey took the group to Crich Tramway Village, home of the National Tramway Museum. There they saw over 60 tramcars from Britain and all over the world. One could exchange the old pennies given to them for an all-day ticket for rides on the tramcars: the group took full advantage of the chance to rumble and rattle between the cleverly reconstructed Victorian buildings, up the hill, past a quarry to where, on a better day, one could enjoy a splendid view of Derbyshire.

In the sheds an ancient and dilapidated tram from Warwick was awaiting restoration, standing beside its more glossy American, European and British cousins. There were Birmingham and London trams on which many remembered riding, and their nostalgia contrasted with the excitement of the children at this exotic form of transport. Everyone thanked organiser, Gill Ashley- Smith, for a varied and novel excursion.

Those with tickets for the cancelled Sezincote visit can claim a refund from the treasurer at the next meeting, on September 21, at which David Smith will speak about A Shepherd's Tale: a history of shepherding - as always new members and visitors will be welcome. It is hoped to rearrange the Sezincote visit next year. For further details about the group please telephone Peter Ashley-Smith on 01926 640545.

WI: Kineton Women's Institute will be 90 years old in September and will be celebrating with tea and cake in Kineton village hall on Thursday, September 6 from 2-4pm. There will be an interesting exhibition of memorabilia including old and new photos. WI members and friends are welcome. Please have a look at the Kineton WI window
display in Flower Thyme.