THE Ledbury branch of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, starts the New Year with a new meeting place and the hope that membership will increase, following a fall in recent years.

The Friends have been a presence in Ledbury for a decade and attendance at meetings during that time has been "in the teens", according to the group's co-clerk, Andy Boldero.

However, at recent meetings, attendance has been as low as three to six worshippers.

Mr Boldero said: "Basically, some people have died. Others have moved out of the area."

The Friends have been meeting at the St John Ambulance base, off the Southend, but from now on they will meet every Sunday at the Burgage Hall, in Church Lane, at 10.30am. Further details on 01531 631018.