SPRING OPEN DAY: Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is holding its annual open day in Tiddesley Wood, Pershore, on Sunday from 10am to 5pm. There will be guided nature walks, a tombola, live music, plant stalls, home made refreshments, demonstrations of local crafts, something to interest every family member. Entrance is at the north end of the wood, signposted from Allesborough Hill. Strong shoes or wellies are recommended. All proceeds to nature conservation.

NCCPG: (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens) Worcestershire Group.

At the last meeting on April 12 members enjoyed a talk on Campanulas by Peter Lewis, ex national collection holder. Illustrated with many slides he described how garden Campanulas all originated as Harebells which thrive on poor alkaline soils in many countries. There is a large number of varieties which apart from the tall Canterbury Bell types, dislike fertile soils especially if poorly drained.

At the next meeting on May 10 there will be a talk on Digitalis by John Williams also an ex collection holder.

Visitors are always welcome at the NCCPG and the monthly meetings are held in the Frank Parkinson Centre at Pershore College at 7pm for coffee and plant sales, lecture at 7.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to come to the annual plant sale on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2 at Pershore College from 11am to 3pm. There will be stalls for NCCPG members as well as many specialist nurseries and the college's own specialist plant unit. Entrance is free and refreshments will be available.

HERITAGE AND HISTORY SOCIETY: The American connection will feature prominently in Pershore Heritage and History Society's first outing of the new season on Sunday, May 15.

Sulgrave Manor, a Tudor manor house near Banbury in Oxfordshire was the home of Lawrence Washington, an ancestor of George Washington, who bought the house from Henry VIII in 1539. The house contains a wealth of memorabilia relating to the future first USA president.

Cost of the trip which leaves Pershore at 10am and includes coach fare, admission to the house and grounds and guided tour is £19.50 for adults, £18.50 for senior citizens and £12 for children under 16. For booking or further details please contact Julian Palfrey on 01386 561198.