ART GROUP: The next meeting will be on Friday, May 10 at 8pm in the village hall, when all members are requested to be present to discuss the final details for exhibiting their work at the St James's Church Festival of Hobbies and Crafts the following week. Also on the agenda will be the finalising of dates for the group's own exhibition and a 'painting outdoors' day, both of which are planned for later in the year. As this is a particularly important meeting, members are asked to contact Alan Davies on 01386 870156 if they are unable to attend.

PARISH COUNCIL: The annual meeting was held last Wednesday evening with 20 members of the public present. Reports from sub-committees started with that of the chairman of the village hall management committee which was read, in Dick Fairs' absence, by the treasurer Vernon Goodchild. Commenting on this report, the chairman coun Dennis McKenzie summarised the work done by Dick Fairs over the past 12 years, first as treasurer and latterly as chairman of the village hall, paying tribute to the hard work and dedication which has been instrumental in bringing the hall back into its present excellent state. The chairman said he was delighted to hear that David Clarke-Sykes of Hughes Close had volunteered to take on the job.

Coun McKenzie then went on to speak of Gerald Wolstenholme whose sudden death last week had been such a shock to everyone. His contribution to village life had been exceptional, not only in terms of the energy and leadership qualities he had shown in matters such as the noise from the by-pass and the threat connected with the creation of the Fishing Lakes, but in using his considerable skills as DIY expert in a variety of ways, not least during his term as chairman of the village hall.

A report on the playing field gave welcome news of progress being made in the matter of the extension for which an outline plan is now being drawn up and to which the receipt of the residue of a legacy left by the late Eric Newing gives added impetus. This money is now in the hands of the Recreational Trust, a body which was about to close down because of lack of funds when they heard that they were to receive this unexpected windfall - some £20,000 which is left over from the purchase of the chain for use by the chairman of the council - and which they now hold until its use in applying to the National Lottery for a matching sum is called for. The report from the Recreational Trust said that, with the renewal of their responsibilities, they would need more trustees - four are being looked for

Mr Brian Tarling, chairman of the school governors, gave a report on the school's activities over the year, adding that the promise of a revision of funding by the county in 2003 will be very welcome, the school suffering at present from underfunding, as do all the schools in the county. In saying how proud he is to serve as a governor to such an excellent establishment, he praised the headmistress and staff for their vision and hard work. He included in his thanks all the ancillary and volunteer workers (including many parents) whose commitment and loyalty add an extra dimension to the school's facilities. He referred to the Jubilee celebration planned for May 31, by which time the transformed area to the rear of the school will be ready for viewing,

Coun McKenzie's report finished with reference to the present position of the Fishing Lakes matter, in particular the fact that with the final discharge of conditions imminent, RMC could well start work immediately on the extraction of sand and gravel. The village action group, it is said, is poised to take whatever action is needed to challenge in law their right to do so.

Pershore

FILM AT NUMBER 8: Saturday, April 27 at 7.30pm, Asoka (Indian) with English subtitles 2hrs 27 mins.

NUMBER 8 GALLERY: The Tantalus Project (15th preview).

NCCPG: (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens) Worcestershire Group.

Unfortunately a very interesting talk 'My Auricular Year' was spoilt by the temperamental projector and the group apologise to Les Allen from the National Primula and Auricula Society for all the problems and were very grateful for the way he continued his talking with such a relaxed and laid back manner

May 6, Bank Holiday Monday, annual plant sale at Pershore College. Many unusual plants raised by members plus nursery stands. Free admission, free car parking, refreshments available all day.

May 14, plant conservation officer Ros Johnson will talk and meet members in her first year in her new job. Join the group at 7.30pm in the Frank Parkinson Centre, Pershore College. Visitors welcome.