ORPINGTON (AFTERNOON) TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD

At the monthly meeting of the above guild on January 25, the federation delegate gave details of events planned for this year, which includes a charity lunch and an Arts & Crafts day.

After tea, Mr J Howitt, with the aid of slides taken of pictures of 100-150 years ago, took us on a journey round the villages of Orpington, starting at Locksbottom.

The name is derived from the bottom field of Lock's farm. From there to Green Street Green, where there used to be a gibbet, and Farnborough Village.

It was then a short step to High Elms, where Caesar's well remains, though the Lubbock mansion was destroyed by fire some years ago.

The windmill and the Wilberforce Oak at Keston were followed by memories of Cudham, Biggin Hill and Pratts Bottom.

Many churches, hundreds of years old, are still in existence as are the pubs, though very much updated.

Time allowed only half of the collection to be shown but Mr Howitt returns next month with the next instalment. He was thanked for a most interesting afternoon.

The next guild meeting is on February 22.