BENNY the donkey led the procession of witness from Staunton Cross along the A417 to the parish church of St James', Staunton on Palm Sunday, as he has done for the past few years with the Reverend Penny Hamer, who later conducted the service.

The cross was carried by Ben Norton and everyone carried a palm cross. Some of the congregation were already in the church. Benny was led by her owners, Belinda and Val, and led the procession into church where he took his place by the pulpit and, as always, behaved impeccably with just a few tit bits to help him along!

Margaret Riley accompanied the passion-tide hymns. The offertory was taken by Ben and James Norton. On leaving the church everyone, including Benny, was given a slice of the cake made on Mothering Sunday, the remainder of which will be given out on Easter Day. There will be a service of devotion at St James' today (Good Friday) at 10.30am. On Easter Day the family service will be at 10.30am when the children are given an Easter egg and there are usually some baby chicks or ducklings to show new life. Everyone is welcome to these services.

Some members of the PCC gave the church its annual spring clean and outside the front of the church, the grass had its first cut which showed up the daffodils in all their golden glory. The church stands high and overlooks the attractive lake at Staunton Court and beautiful countryside.

Due to circumstances, for this year, Staunton and Corse Carnival Committee are unable to hold their carnival but instead will be holding Staunton and Corse grand fete in June. It will be on the usual date, Saturday, June 25, and the venue will be the same, Staunton and Corse CE School, by kind permission of the headteacher and school governors.

Everything will be contained in the grounds and school as usual. There will be many attractions including a pig roast with hot dogs for the children, the Five Star Liners, music will be provided by a band, there will be side shows and all the usual stalls, bouncy castle etc. There will be another innovation with competitions for the best victoria sandwich and also flower arranging. The fancy dress competition will be for children. The proceeds from the fete will be for Staunton Church, Corse Church and Staunton and Corse CE School. For further information, ring (01452) 840273.