MEMBERS of Upleadon Over 60s Club met in Upleadon Village Hall on Tuesday, October 7. Mrs Hazel Berry welcomed everyone and announced that there were no birthdays this month. Hazel asked for members' opinions on the Christmas meal. It was decided to have the meal on Tuesday, December 2. The venue and menu are to be confirmed at the November meeting. The annual subscriptions were collected. Ray and Sheila Martin then showed slides of Scotland, which included the Queen Mother's Castle of Mey and also pictures of Brussels including the floral display in the Grand Place. A special raffle with a Scottish theme was held and the winners were Mrs Ada Bassett, Mr Hugh Mayo and Mr Albert Vye. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs Betty Vye. Ray and Sheila also provided a variety of refreshments. The general raffle was also in place with many happy winners. The next club meeting is on Tuesday, November 3, at 2.30pm at Upleadon Village Hall. New members are always welcome.

St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Upleadon had been beautifully decorated by the ladies for the harvest festival service. The service took place on Sunday, October 12, in the morning. This was a new venture as it was usually held in the evening. The service was conducted by Mrs Jessie Williams and the Reverend Dr Peter Newing who also gave the address. Mr Albert Vye was at the church organ accompanying the traditional hymns. 60 people were present and the children took gifts to the altar. The sidesman was Mrs Pat Smith and the lesson readers were Mrs Hazel Berry and Mr Michael Manning. Both churchwardens were in attendance. Produce was for Kathleen House in Newent. Afterwards there followed a harvest lunch, another new venture as traditionally Upleadon has had a harvest supper. However 70 people were present including a good number of children making it an occasion for families. The ladies of the Parochial Church Council and helpers served a cold buffet lunch which included apple pie and cream, cheese and biscuits and coffee. Although the harvest lunch was not a fundraiser, proceeds of around £100 were realised and this included the interesting raffle.

Looking ahead to Friday, January 16, 2004, Upleadon Parochial Church Council will be holding its annual quiz in the village hall.

Next Sunday, October 19, the service in Upleadon Church will be parish communion at 9.30am.