DEREHAM'S Talking with Friends group finishes its series on April 24 with a talk on the work of the House of Lords by Baroness Shephard of Northwold. As Gillian Shephard, she represented South West Norfolk as a Conservative MP for nearly 20 years.

DEREHAM'S Talking with Friends group finishes its series on April 24 with a talk on the work of the House of Lords by Baroness Shephard of Northwold. As Gillian Shephard, she represented South West Norfolk as a Conservative MP for nearly 20 years. In 2005 she was created a life peer. In her political career she has served in most of the major departments of government, including Secretary of State for Employment (1992-3), Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (1993-4), and Education and Employment (1994-7). Before her parliamentary career she worked in Norfolk as a teacher and education inspector.

The talk will be at Dereham Meeting Point (7 for 7.30pm), tickets cost �5 (including refreshments) and can be bought in advance from the Friends' Secretary (Alex Noel-Tod, 01362-695943), or at the Parish Office.