POWICK Parochial Church Council heard last week that the parish is to lose the vicar, Reverend David Nichol, and his family as they move onwards (and upwards) to take over the parish of Holy Trinity, Link Top with St James, West Malvern.

After seven years in Powick, David and his family will be very much missed. He has overseen the formation of the united benefice of Powick, Callow End, Guarlford and Madresfield and has been involved with the church controlled schools of Powick Primary, Callow End Primary and Madresfield Primary.

During his time at Powick, the installation of the stained glass windows from the old Powick Hospital has been completed, along with an extension of the facilities at St James, Callow End, to include a meeting room and vestry. At St Peter's, Powick the newly-built facilities of kitchen, disabled toilet and a new vestry built over has been completed this year.

Lyn Nichol has been involved in the parish as a bell ringer, junior church teacher and has helped on Brownie pack holidays. Thomas will be missed, especially for his musical ability on piano and organ and as a member of 7th Worcester Scouts (and Cubs earlier). Catherine spent three years with 1st Powick Brownies and plays the violin along with her brother in the junior church music group. They are both members of the junior church at St James, Callow End and sang in Powick Church Choir. Good wishes are sent from the churches of the united benefice who take solace in the fact that the Nichol family will not be far away and will be part of the Churches Together in Malvern.

Last Thursday morning, with the first of the spring sunshine, 12 people (and three dogs) from Powick Ramblers took to the hills for a five mile walk starting at British Camp car park.

The recently installed gates and cattle grid were admired as well the newly refurbished toilets. The route led gently uphill past the reservoir towards Little Malvern Priory where the clipped yew hedge was much admired.

On towards St Wulstan's church, the views across the Severn Plain towards Bredon Hill and the Cotswolds were clearly visible. A brief stop was held at the churchyard where Sir Edward Elgar and Lady Elgar are buried.

The path continued to Berrington Quarry and led steeply up onto the ridge where the wind blew. It continued over the top towards Wynds Point and the Malvern Hills Hotel where welcome refreshment was taken. The leaders Joy and Phil Bunyan were thanked and members were invited to join the next walk at Inkberrow, which was held yesterday (Thursday).

A quiz evening will be held at Powick Parish Hall on Friday, April 1 from 7pm. Teams are invited at £5 per person to include ploughman's supper. To book please ring (01684) 563269. The event is to raise funds for St Richard's Hospice and is organised by the Malvern fundraising group.

This last week of Holy Week has seen services in all the four churches of the benefice, including Easter services for Callow End School and Madresfield School. The Palm Sunday service was held last Sunday at St Peter's when Palm crosses were distributed. Today (Good Friday), members are joining the Malvern Link group of churches walk of witness starting from Handyman House at 9.15am and ending with a service in the URC Church at 10.15am. Paul Higgins will be carrying the cross. Other services are at Callow End (noon) and at Madresfield (2pm). From 3pm onwards St Peter's Church will be decorated for Easter. Gifts of flowers and foliage (or money to purchase) will be welcome.

Easter morning communion will be held at St Peter's, Powick at 8am and 11am and at 9.30am at St Mary's, Guarlford and St James, Callow End and at 11am at St Mary's, Madresfield.

Daffodil Sunday held last week at Madresfield gardens raised £5,700 gross (expenses are still to be paid) and will go to support the Madresfield and Guarlford churches.

The first Powick Ramblers walk for April is on Thursday, April 7 and will be led by Peter and Isabel Brant (01905) 23853. Please meet at the Almonry at Evesham for a five mile walk.

1st Powick Brownies ended spring term last week. For Mothering Sunday they made cards and each gave mum a polyanthus plant. They made Easter cards; a card model of a donkey with Jesus riding for Palm Sunday; and by paper folding made a cross for Good Friday. Each Brownie received a hot cross bun. Meetings re-commence on Friday, April 15 in Powick Parish Hall at 5pm. There are a few vacancies. Ring (01905) 830746 for details.