PARISH COUNCIL: At their October meeting, chaired by coun Tony Wilkins, the parish council heard that the pavilion roof had been refelted by Woodstock Felt Roofing but that it still leaked because the slates and ridge had not yet been replaced. Coun Fred Edmunds and Adrian Meredith would do this as soon as possible. Coun Edmunds had spoken to Mrs Betteridge at Mabels Farm, and it had been agreed between them that the bonfire would be held on the usual site, coun Rob Hawkins had trimmed back the trees at the junction of Featherbed Lane and Shipston Road as far as he could, but it did not seem to have made any difference to the visibility. The hedge alongside the police house in Back Street had been cut by the new owner, but the one round Mabels Farm had not yet been cut.

The chairman reported that the war memorial had been inspected, and he felt that the two faces with the names of those killed during the wars should have the whole panel cleaned. He had found out that the memorial was made of Portland stone, and it was agreed that the War Graves Commission should be asked about the correct way to clean it.

The clerk reported that the Gloucestershire Housing Association had been aware of no 16, Cross Leys, one of the 'affordable' houses, being for sale, and they had asked the District Council for names of anyone local on their housing list. They only had one name, and that person had not responded. Since there were no others on the housing list, the house would have to be offered for sale on the open market.

The chairman reported that Mr J Rainforth of Long Barn, Back Street, had found out from the Land Registry that the land on which the willow tree in Whitehouse Lane was growing was not registered. It was agreed that the parish council should apply for planning permission to cut the tree down, and county coun Chris Saint agreed with this action.

ST MARY'S CHURCH: In place of the normal celebration of harvest time the church held a harvest quiz in the village hall. This proved to be a great success as there were some 15 teams (each of at least four contestants) at the ready with brains and pens.

The evening was professionally run by M M and R who kindly donated their expert services free to raise funds for the church - and to provide splendid entertainment. The evening was arranged by Paul Horton, Derek Gallent and Canon Bill Merrington.

The top prize of a dinner for four was donated by the Howard Arms.

The event was an enjoyable evening of fun which raised something over £400 towards the church.

WEDNESDAY CLUB: The club was proud to welcome Colin Dexter, the author of the Morse novels, to its October meeting. A most enjoyable afternoon and a healthy donation to the Royal National Institute for the Deaf were the results of his visit. Thanks to Colin Waterman and Derek Chapman for their organisation of this special event.

The next meeting is on November 13 at 3pm in the village hall. Members traditionally indulge in an afternoon of nostalgia at least once in the year and this year will be looking back at village life many years ago. The meeting is open to everyone, entry is 50p and tea will be served.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE: The year is drawing to a close, but there is no need to be depressed or lonely if you belong to the WI. A wide selection of activities is on offer in addition to the monthly meetings. Pub skittle evenings, social scrabble, patchwork and knitting groups, Christmas dinner, a trip to Birmingham for ballet or shopping and - pure indulgence - afternoons reliving the original Forsyte Saga. The next meeting is on November 27, 3pm in the village hall. This is the AGM.