TWO hundred and seventy lots went under the hammer at Staunton Church auction sale at the weekend, which had to be cancelled last year due to the foot and mouth epidemic.

Buyers came from the surrounding villages and Gloucester and Cheltenham. This year for the first time Canon John Evans acted as auctioneer and got through the lots in record time. Just over £232 was made for the church funds (2/3 to the vendor, 1/3 to the church). The auction was organised by Pauline Trigg and Jennifer and John Clayton with help from some members of the PCC and friends. Ivor Wilks and Brian Penfold have helped at every auction since it began many years ago. Refreshments were served throughout organised by Joyce Penfold. The PCC thank all who supported the event and thank the head teacher and school governors for their support.

A Taste of Lapland conjures up all sorts of pictures, it is in fact the theme of this year's Christmas supper and entertainment which is being arranged by Audrey and Nigel Smith with help from Staunton PCC members and will consist of a four course meal with wine etc. It will be held on Saturday, December 7 at The Barn, Gadfield Elm House and tickets will be available shortly, adults £10 with glass of wine/juice children 12 and under £6. Vegetarians - please order in advance. Proceeds are for Staunton Church. Ring June Fardon 840342, Prim Goldring 700830, Audrey Smith 840225 or Ursula Groves-Smith 840273.

Canon John Evans welcomed children, teachers, parents and friends to the school's harvest festival service in Staunton Parish Church. Headteacher Mrs Rosie Miller also gave a warm welcome and thanked parents for the wonderful gifts of fruit, vegetables and tinned goods which was to be given to the homeless in Gloucester. It was received at the altar by the vicar and Judith Ashmead. Former teacher at Staunton & Corse Church of England School Esme Jones was organist and children in each class played a part with prayers and songs and four children took the collection, which is being sent to a charity, and amounted to over £100. On the altar was a large cottage loaf given by Colin Broomfield, St George's Bakery, Corse.

Fifty members of Staunton & District Over 60s Club were joined by 35 children and head teacher Mrs Rosie Miler of Staunton & Corse CE School for their harvest festival service held in the lounge at Johnstone Close. Rev Penny Hamer conducted the service. Esme Jones accompanied the harvest hymns, later a buffet lunch with plentiful food and cider and fruit drinks followed by apple tart and cream ended the special event. On October 28 the club will hold their sale to boost funds for their Christmas lunch when there will be lots of cakes and goodies, books and bric-a-brac. You are welcome to attend.