HARVINGTON SINGERS: Summer concert, performed in St James' church last Friday evening was well attended and well received, many complimentary remarks at the end of the evening. The songs, chosen by choirmaster Peter Harrison of Pebworth, were designed for a light-hearted summer's evening and this atmosphere was sustained by the guest artistes - a quartette known as 4 Pleasure, of which Peter Harrison sang as a member, a very gifted young violinist Sarah Tennant of Badsey who, accompanied by her mother delighted the audience with her sparkling performance, and Isla Kent, a choir member, who played and sang to her own accompaniment, ending with 'Summertime' which was the title of the evening's entertainment. Strawberries and cream served together with a glass of wine and partaken under gazebos outside church completed the occasion, profits from which will be shared with the church. Plans are already being made for the Singers' next concert so would-be members - and more are always needed - should contact the chairman, Alan Hirst, on 870162 in order to express interest and obtain membership details. Additions to the bass section, in particular, would be welcomed.

ANOTHER CONCERT: Also to be performed in St James's Church, will take place on July 7, at 7.30pm, and will feature the St James' Singers. This choir, well known and loved in the Stratford area (and beyond!) is gathered from the environs of Hampton Lucy and is trained and conducted by Julian Harris, a Harvington resident. People who had the pleasure of hearing their impromptu carol concert here last December will remember the quality of their singing and know that they now have a further treat in store. Tickets, priced £7.50 (which will include strawberries, ice cream and wine) can be obtained from Linda Attwood 870735 or Liz Jones 871159. All proceeds are in aid of the Home Farm Trust, a charity with many hardworking local supporters whose previous fund-raising events here in Harvington have always commanded a generous and enthusiastic response. The trust provides support of all kinds for people with severe learning problems and disabilities and the Arden Vale scheme operates in this area, and includes Moreton, Stratford, Evesham and Bidford.

It is the resource centre in Bidford that the organisers of the forthcoming concert hope to provide another touch-screen computer which will enable people with more profound and multiple disabilities to access games and the internet and to email parents.

THE REV RICHARD THORNILEY: The new incumbent to the recently created joint benefice of Church and Rous Lench, Abbot's Morton and Harvington was instituted in a ceremony held in St James's Church last Sunday and the village now has a new priest! The perfect June evening and a packed church provided an ideal setting for this ceremony which was led by the Bishop of Dudley who, installed the new priest into his benefice. He was then welcomed by representatives of all four churches, by his fellow members of the clergy from the Deanery to which we belong and by individuals representing the parish of Harvington. It was an uplifting experience which was then followed by an equally pleasant hour in the village hall when all guests were entertained to finger-food and drinks. Great care had been taken by the organisers to ensure that all four churches were involved and it is hoped that this co-operation will continue and grow. A vote of thanks to everybody who contributed to the success of the service and the gathering which followed was given by the Rev Richard Armitage of All Saints, Evesham, in his capacity as Rural Dean.

This was echoed by the Rev Richard and Mrs Thorniley and their children whom many people had enjoyed meeting. Certain small changes will take place with regard to church services in future starting on Holy Communion on Sunday will be at 9.15am not 9.30am, (this so that the Rev Richard can stay for a while after the service and have coffee with the congregation).

The first Sunday in the month will be a lay-led morning service not Holy Communion, and where there is a fifth Sunday there will be a joint service involving all churches, details of which will be announced monthly in The Lychgate. The Wednesday service of BCP Communion will continue weekly at 10.15am.