After many phone calls to Somerset House, I only beard last week that the "special exhibition" will be photographs of Saint Petersburg from 1860 to 1910 (for the 300 anniversary of St Petersburg). This may be of some interest, but a member who has previously visited the Hermitage Rooms advised me to cheek the details of what would be on display. When I rang again and pressed for details, I was told that the Hermitage Rooms will only contain photographs (this is presumably why this particular exhibition is free). Apparently, the decor as well as the exhibits change regularly. From something that I was told earlier, I suspect that there has been a change of plan due to the political situation. There is a "spectacular" exhibition planned for later in the year ? but not yet finalised.

Any individual members who still would still like to go on 31 May can book directly with Woodlands Travel Club Telephone 01214540872. There are coaches going to Somerset House picking up at Redditch, Bromsgrove, Birmingham Alexander Theatre and Northfield. The cost is £15.50 and there is no extra charge for the photography exhibition. If you want to know who else might be interested in visiting the photograph exhibition, please contact Bert Gedin or Tim O'Sullivan (treasurer) 01562 883555.

I hope to arrange a visit to a more suitable exhibition later in the year, but I won't attempt to reserve places until I know what it is!!

Best wishes