THE church of St Peter's, Powick, last Sunday morning saw a large number of children attending the family service with the families whose children were baptised. Young George Stanley Brooks of Station Road, Bransford and toddler Jack James Bruton of Pole Elm Close, Callow End were baptised by the vicar Rev David Nichol. The reading about the Ascension was read by Sally Linsey, who also played the organ and prayers were led by Ian Gane.

This last week has been Christian Aid Week, the charity that 'believes in life before death' and that poverty is a scandal. It acts without and for the world's poorest people, regardless of religion, and works with local organisations in over 60 countries. Please support the local collectors who have distributed envelopes.

If you missed the Spring Gardening Show last weekend, then it's not too late to purchase bedding plants, perennials, shrubs and house plants at the plant sale in Powick Parish hall. Proceeds are in aid of Powick Playing Field Association.

Congratulations to Ian Gane of Colletts Green, who along with Jane Lush of Malvern, played to full audiences at various venues over the last month, in the play Abelard and Heloise by Ronald Duncan. This love story is played out in the context of letters, which passed between Abelard and Heloise, the play was performed at churches at Much Cowarne, Leigh, Ludlow, Chaddesley Corbett and the Lady Chapel of Worcester Cathedral. If you missed these performances there is a chance to see it at one of the three performances to take place at the Commandery, Worcester as part of the Three Choirs Festival Fringe in August.

Powick Parish Council holds its annual parish meeting at Callow End Village Hall on Thursday, May 23 commencing at 7.30pm. This meeting is open to the public and all registered electors in the parish of Powick are entitled to speak and vote. Copies of the agenda are displayed around the parish.

The annual general meeting of Powick Parish Ramblers will be held in Powick Parish Hall next Wednesday, May 22 at 7.30pm. Everyone interested in Powick parish footpaths or in rambling generally is invited to attend.

The Worcester & Malvern local member's group of the RSPB held its annual general meeting in Powick Parish Hall last Wednesday evening. Reports were received and the accounts adopted. The committee were re-elected. Following the business meeting Mike Stevens commented on the sponsored bird watch, which noted 108 different species including a nightingale at Castlemorton Common, and that the RSPB reserve at Symonds Yat, where peregrine falcons are nesting, needed volunteers. A collecting day has been arranged outside Waitrose in Malvern on July 6. The guest speaker for the evening was Tony Hughes who spoke about the island of Crete with special reference to the huge variety of wild orchids, including many different species of bee orchids. His selection of slides of the varied flora of the island was most interesting. The next indoor meeting at Powick Parish Hall is on Wednesday, June12 - a date not to be missed - as Michael Leach will entertain with further adventures of a wildlife photographer. The event starts at 7.30pm, adults £1, children free.

Notice is given of an exemption dog show to be held on Sunday, June 9 at the Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter, Hawthorn Lane, Deblins Green. Entries from 11am, judging to take place at noon. Held under the Kennel Club rules, entries are £1 per class. For more details ring (01905) 831651 or (01299) 823571.