THE Worcester & Malvern centre of the National Trust celebrated the New Year with a dinner party in Powick Parish Hall recently. Over 90 people enjoyed a hot buffet meal followed by entertainment in the form of a slide show of National Trust properties to be visited in the coming year. For details of membership of the local group contact Peter Riley on 01886 832549.

Members of the RSPB, Worcester & Malvern Group met in Powick Parish Hall last Wednesday for an interesting talk on Whales and Dolphins in the Azores given by Chris Beer of Banbury. Chris has organised Whale Watch Azores tours, whale and dolphin research holidays in the Azores Archipelago since 1993. Research projects have involved work with sperm whales, dolphins and other species using photographs and DNA to identify individuals. Whale Watch Azores continues research projects begun by the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare). Whaling in the Azores discontinued in 1985 when environmental protection legislation killed the market for whale products. Chris showed slides of the many varieties of whales and dolphins that can be seen in the Azores and had information on the whale watching holidays. The RSPB meeting in February will be on Wednesday, February 20, when Mike West will talk on Birds of the Emirates at 7.30pm in Powick Parish Hall.

Tomorrow (Saturday), a children's Harry Potter Disco is being held in Powick Parish Hall from 3.30pm-5.30pm. The event for children aged 6-11 years costs £3 (which includes a drink and refreshments bag). Fancy dress is recommended. The disco will be manned by members of Powick Playing Field Association and there will be a prize draw entry ticket.

Powick Guild held its Christmas party with traditional food and drink; instead of games there was a sing-a-long with carols with Edna White at the piano. In the gloom of January, a beetle drive was held, winners were Rita de Boer, Barbara Every, Sheila Crump and Freda Copping. Refreshments were served by Ethel Wood and Molly Gwilliam. February's meeting will be held at The Crown for lunch at 12.30pm on Tuesday, February 12.

This coming week celebrates the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with events taking place in Malvern Churches. This Sunday the visiting preacher at St Peter's at 11am will be Geoff Blackmore (a Methodist lay preacher), while at St James, Callow End, the preacher will be John Rogers at 9.30am, Pastor Alan Coyle will preach at Guarlford at 9.30am and Father Raphael will preach at the United Benefice Evensong at St Mary's, Madresfield at 4pm. A team of members from both St Peter's, Powick and St James (Callow End) will take part in a united games evening at Somers Park Avenue Methodist Church, Malvern Link next Wednesday, January 23, at 7.15pm.

Parishioners from Powick and Callow End are invited to Stanbrook Abbey, Callow End, next Thursday, January 24 at 7.15pm to meet the nuns and join in Compline (evening prayers) as part of the week for Christian Unity. Contact Rev David Nichol (01905) 830270 for tickets.

Rehearsals are now in full swing for the Powick pantomime to be held at Powick Parish Hall during the school half-term week of February 12-16. The pantomime this year is The Adventures of King Arthur, directed by John Manton, produced by Mary King. Tickets will shortly be available from members of the cast. Prices range from £3 for the first night, Tuesday, February 12, £4 for Wednesday, February 13 and £5 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Evening performances start at 7.30pm.

Powick and Callow End Branch of the West Worcestershire Conservative Association is holding a cheese & wine party on Friday, February 1, in Powick Parish Hall at 7.30pm. Sir Michael Spicer MP will speak. All are welcome.