OUTWARD BOUND: Since 1977, Bredon has had its own Outward Bound Association, funded by a 200 Club, to send village youngsters on courses. If you would like to learn more, attend the AGM on Friday, March 26 at 7.30pm in the village hall. After the meeting, light refreshments will be served, and during this informal time, committee members will be available to explain and promote the courses to anyone interested. Another approach would be to look at www.outwardbound-uk.org and www.bredon.freewire.co

BREDON BIRTHDAY CALENDAR: With its delightful watercolours, it has already raised £900 for St Giles Church. These are still available, and would make a good Mothering Sunday present.

PARISH COUNCIL: Local safety initiative: The local initiative between the police and the council to combat local acts of vandalism has been launched. At a meeting on February 5 local people agreed to work closely with the local police to try to resolve problems, such as the attempts by some individuals to start fires close to the tennis club, and the mindless damage done to a bus shelter last month.

This initiative does not just tackle crime; it will help with a variety of local concerns.

Planning issues: The parish council is working hard to protect the status of the village of Bredon's Norton as a conservation area within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The open space that is under threat from revised proposals in the new 10-year plan has always been keenly safeguarded. Councillors are trying to get to the bottom of some apparent anomalies they believe they have found.

Councillors had been summoned to attend an extraordinary meeting of the parish council on Thursday, February 19 to discuss a wide range of planning matters including a possible dispute arising as to the correct boundary line between the Bredon Motor Company site and the parish council car park near the playing fields.

Photo competition: To celebrate 30 years of Wychavon District Council the council is running a photo competition to capture images of the local area for use in its award-winning publications.

It is inviting residents or visitors to Wychavon to take and send in a photo that sums up life in the district for them. It could feature people, a building, their village or an activity. One lucky winner will receive £100 for their entry.

Application forms with full details of the rules are available from the council's One Stop shop in Pershore, Evesham Community Contact Centre and libraries in Wychavon.

There is good news on the internet Broadband front. The Bredon exchange is to be upgraded by BT on or around March 31.

BREDON BELLS: Bad weather led to the postponement of the meeting to discuss the future of bell ringing at St Giles Parish Church. This has now been rescheduled, and will take place on Wednesday, March 31 at 7.30pm. The bells will be rung from 7pm.

PROBUS CLUB: The Tewkesbury Probus Club will from now on be meeting at Bredon Village Hall. Retired professional and business men meet most Tuesdays throughout the year to hear talks on a wide variety of subjects. The meetings begin at 10.15am. The secretary, Mr Vic Whittingham, reports that there are a few vacancies. For information, phone 01684 772293.

COFFEE MORNING: For the Gorka Hospital for children will be held at 35, Blenheim Drive on Thursday, March 11.

ST RICHARD'S HOSPICE: Local representative Elaine Lane encourages you to join in the 20th anniversary Malvern walk which takes place on May 18. There are three categories to choose from. For information contact Elaine on 01684 772311.