Michael Brown, who has given talks for Palmers before, will entertain with words and music. And there will be ‘mediaeval’ refreshments — vaguely authentic and not too frightening — no boars' heads! Punch — alcoholic and non-alcoholic will be made by the Blue Boar.

The cost for the evening is £15. Send your cheque, payable to CTSLL, with your name and telephone number, or email to: Ludlow Palmers Xmas Party, CTSLL, 2, College Street, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1AN.

Ian Evans was for seven years butcher to the Sandringham estate, including preparing the Royal Christmas dinner. He and his wife Alice now run their award-winning deli in Broad Street.

Part of the Palmers' Talk and Tea series. Tickets (limited seating): £5 on door (tea and cake included).

This month's talk will be by Andy Pearson, a wood carver who has made misericords for St Laurence church and for St Mary Magdalene church in Leintwardine, featuring local worthies. He is also a painter and now teaches at Moor Park School.

Part of the Palmers' Talk and Tea series. Tickets (limited seating): £5 on door (tea and cake included).

A Ludlow Palmers' afternoon with a talk on wildflowers by Dr Anne Robinson and music by Igor Kennaway and Jane Wynne Owen. Cream teas will be served. Details to be confirmed.