diff --git a/doc/6_reference.md b/doc/6_reference.md
index 8a69d73..0c8894e 100644
--- a/doc/6_reference.md
+++ b/doc/6_reference.md
@@ -539,6 +539,11 @@ edit_html_message "${CHAT[ID]}" "${saved-id}" "this is <b>html</b> text"
 ### Manage Group
 To use the following functions the bot must have administrator status in the chat / group
 
+##### chat_member_count
+`chat_member_count` returns (putput) number of chat members.
+
+*usage:* num_members="$(chat_member_count "CHAT[ID]")"
+
 ##### set_chat_title
 `set_chat_title` sets a new chat title. If new title is the same than current title Telegram return error 400
 with description "Bad Request: chat title is not modified"
@@ -1488,5 +1493,5 @@ The name of your bot is available as bash variable "$ME", there is no need to ca
 #### [Prev Best Practice](5_practice.md)
 #### [Next Notes for Developers](7_develop.md)
 
-#### $$VERSION$$ v1.35-dev-24-g5a0a571
+#### $$VERSION$$ v1.40-dev-1-g41e2d09
 
diff --git a/modules/chatMember.sh b/modules/chatMember.sh
index 48ebe75..7d4c316 100644
--- a/modules/chatMember.sh
+++ b/modules/chatMember.sh
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 # This file is public domain in the USA and all free countries.
 # Elsewhere, consider it to be WTFPLv2. (wtfpl.net/txt/copying)
 #
-#### $$VERSION$$ v1.40-dev-0-g279a9e7
+#### $$VERSION$$ v1.40-dev-1-g41e2d09
 
 # will be automatically sourced from bashbot