THE December meeting of the Malvern and Worcester Group of the RSPB met at Powick Parish Hall to hear Tony Hamblin FRPS from Bradford-on-Avon give an illustrated talk with slides on A Season of Wildlife. Beginning with winter and the first snowdrops and wild flowers of spring, his photographs showed birds rearing their young in various habitats, the first butterflies and frogs mating. Summer saw cattle and deer and flower meadows and finally to autumn with its colours of leaves and berries. A seasonal raffle was held and coffee was served with a mince pie. A national appeal by the RSPB to purchase 4,700 acres of the Mull of Oa, on the southern tip of the Isle of Islay (Hebrides) has received a £3,000 donation from the local group (raised over the year). This land provides a haven for wildlife and supports many different birds. The January meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8, at 7.30pm when the renowned Brian Draper MBE will give a talk on Scotland in Powick Parish Hall.

Three members from the parish, singing with members of the Malvern Singers, joined the Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra (including Roy Snook on saxophone) at a concert, Christmas Delights, at the Chase High School, Malvern, last Thursday. The concert of seasonal music and verse, compered by Mike George (of BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester) was in aid of the National Association for Colitis & Crohn's and the Acorn's Hospice. The lighting effects were operated by Tomas Coles, also from Powick.

Tomorrow (Saturday) an evening of Christmas music, songs and words will be held at 7.30pm in Powick Parish Hall. Refreshments of coffee and mince pies will be served.