MEMBERS of Wellington Ladies Probus Club were in for a treat at this month's meeting. First they were informed by the president Mrs. Marcia Paul that the sum of £500 had been raised for this year's charity - the SW childrens' hospice; unfortunately the photographer who had been booked could not make it but the cheque was presented to Mrs. Wendy Pollard as co-ordinator.

Mrs Pollard told members that a new appeal to be called "precious lives" was to be launched for a third hospice to be opened in Cornwall and then, as she said, the SW hospice would be complete.

Then Mr.John Ericson spoke on the Shakers, in a most informative and entertaining presentation which was accompanied by old photographs and computerised graphics.

The Shakers of whom there were only ever thousands were great inventors creating clothes pins, circular saws (invented by a female shaker!) , apple peelers, metal pen nibs and a method of waterproofing cloth before Mackintosh but they didn't believe in patents! The groups were called families and men and women lived separately, even entering buildings by separate doors, They believed in comfort and good sanitation, even bathing regularly long before it was normal, and tidiness was the by word because they believed that the second coming of Jesus was imminent, so everything had to be put away out of sight - just in case! They were almost self sufficient just selling their extra produce to buy what was necessary, for this they had two trustees for each village who were allowed to consort with the outside world.

Learning was not encouraged because it detracted from the attention to God.

Their furniture designs have become world famous with their attention to detail and beautiful , simple designs, and a photo of a cowshed at Hancock is of a lovely circular building which would have graced any stately home - the cows were obviously incredibly well looked after.

They were pioneers of the art and craft movement of the likes of Ruskin.

The vote of thanks was made by the President.

Mrs. Paul also welcomed new members Mrs. Joan Ward, Jenny Riggs, Betty Fawcess and Margaret Price.

The treasurer Mrs. Margaret Salter announced that the raffle held at the recent Ladies luncheon made £103 which will be added to the charity for the forthcoming year which, for a change, will be the club itself!

This being the 25th. anniversary of it's foundation a celebration will be held later in the year.

The next meeting will be the AGM on March 21