PRESIDENT Sue Grimstead welcomed members and speaker then everyone joined in a rousing rendition of Jerusalem.

Sue reminded members that subs were now due and hoped they had all picked up their copy of Avon News.

The secretary Margaret read the minutes of the last meeting which were duly approved and signed by Sue.

Treasurer Jackie gave her financial statement.

President Sue then gave her address.

Reminding members that tickets for the pancake party at Jenny’s were now on sale.

There were two teams for the group skittles on February 24, at Shire Way and perhaps they would like to arrange a car share.

For the group quiz on April 7 there were already two teams but two more people were required to make up a third team.

The tickets for the social skittles evening on March 11 at Winterbourne Social Club were selling well. Members were reminded that the pennant competition, would be voted on at the April meeting. The Carol service held at Frenchay Church raised £244 for the Clic Charity.

The tickets for the Spring meeting at the Vassall Centre have now been sold. The raffle was won by Jackie and the competition was won by Margaret. Sue then handed over to the speaker, Mark Green from the charity Blood Bikes - Freewheelers.

He gave a very informative, interesting and amusing talk.

Freewheelers have to undergo at least seven tests before they are allowed on a bike, these bikes are much like the police bikes we see but of a different colour. What they deliver can be anything from medication to samples urgently going for analysis, including of course blood but they are not a blood transfusion service. There are about 80 riders that cover this the south west region on a rota basis doing a shift approximately once month, doing either weekends or Monday to Fridays.

The phone is manned twenty four seven. They are totally self funding with no money coming from the government and then they give their time free with many doing a full time job as well.

They do approximately four thousands jobs a year. Gill thanked the speaker for a very interesting and enlightening talk. Next month the speaker will be Sandra Bateman – The Bronte Sisters.