National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens: At the meeting on March 8 members were given a unique insight into the running of the nation's favourite garden at Hidcote Manor in Gloucestershire. Employed five years ago by the National Trust, head gardener Glyn Jones gave a most interesting account, illustrated by slides, of his ambitious plans for the reconstruction and improvements that are now well under way. At the next monthly meeting on April 12 there will be a talk on Campanulas by Peter Lewis, a former national collection holder. Monthly meetings are held in the Frank Parkinson Centre at 7pm for coffee and plant sales, lecture at 7.30pm.

HERITAGE CENTRE: The centre reopens on Good Friday. Situated on the top two floors of the Town Hall it will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm over the Easter weekend - Friday to Monday and thereafter, Wednesday to Saturday inclusive at the same hours. The displays have been extensively remodelled during the winter break and a special exhibition will feature items found during excavations carried out prior to the rebuilding of No.8.