THE book stall had a brisk trade before and after the April meeting. The Art and Craft session will be held on April 19.

A member gave an interesting account of proceedings at the annual meeting and another member recited two humorous anecdotes.

Mr Don Ball gave a very detailed history of London Bridge.

A bridge has stood on the site for 2,000 years.

The Romans built the first wooden bridge, which had to be rebuilt several times.

In the 12th Century, the first stone bridge was built, which took 33 years.

Because so many buildings were gradually built on top of it, crossing it became chaotic.

Finally the buildings were demolished.

The bridge stood for hundreds of years, but had to be replaced in 1831, this time with fewer arches.

This made it easier for river traffic. In 1952, the bridge began to sink, so it was demolished and put up for sale.

The bridge was bought by America, who made it a condition of the sale all the stones were numbered so an exact replica of London Bridge could be built.

Building on our present London Bridge started in 1957.

As early as 1209, a fund was set up to maintain the bridge.

People donate money to Bridge House, which also maintains other London Bridges.

The institute meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 2pm in Farnborough Village Hall, Farnborough High Street.

Anyone wishing to attend is very welcome.

For more information, call the institute secretary on 01689 820541.