UNUSUAL hats were the order of the day at the Bromley and District Talking Newspaper Association's annual luncheon for volunteers.

Prizes were awarded to the hats that best illustrated the title of a musical.

Considerable ingenuity was demonstrated representing shows such as Salad Days, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sweet Charity and Brigadoon.

After parading the competitors, chairman David Hunter awarded first prize to Lawrie Smith, who used a picture of his wife to represent My Fair Lady.

It was a very lively occasion, with much laughter as honorary secretary Graham Towills made suitably irreverent comments as he read out the apologies for absence.

A cold buffet, prepared by Christine and Howard Wilson, and a dessert made by Wendy Dudleston, were enjoyed by all.

Catherine Ross also entertained the guests with an amusing anecdote.

A raffle raised £120 for a school for the blind in Tanzania.

The association provides a weekly recording of local news, known as The Bromley Cassette, to keep its 430 blind and partially sighted members in touch through tape'.

Volunteers select the news then edit and record it on tape.

They make copies, mail them out and when the tapes come back, wipe them clean to start the weekly cycle all over again.