Cropthorne

CROPTHORNE WITH CHARLTON VILLAGE HALL: The contract for the extension work to the village hall building, providing additional changing room and shower facilities etc., has now been signed and building work will commence on October 2. It is expected that the work will be completed within seven months, ensuring that the new facilities will be available for the summer season. As a result of unexpected changes in the requirements for, among other things, the shower facilities there is a slight short-fall in the resources available for the work but it is anticipated that this short-fall will be made up, without too much difficulty, from functions and other sources. Don't forget the Barn Dance, planned for October 28, and keep a look out for further details of this function in the near future.

SHEPPEY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB: The winter session, covering 28 weeks, will commence at 2pm on October 4, in the village hall. The cost for the season will be £20. Apart from a pair of flat shoes, without heels, no special gear is required and you will meet a lively crowd whose main objective is to enjoy themselves. Further details may be obtained by telephoning the Secretary, Margaret Anderson, on 861280.

THE RANDOLPH MEAKINS, PATTY'S FARM AND WIDOW LYE'S CHARITY: With the autumn approaching the Trust would like to hear of any additions to their list of pensioners qualifying for a Christmas parcel this year. Anyone who has reached the age of 70 and resided in the village for at least 5 years is eligible, and details should be given to Marnie Blizard on 860558 or Gordon Cropper on 860546.

Eckington

THURSDAY CLUB OUTING: The August outing for the Thursday Club was held on August 31, and many members and friends joined the coach to visit Stourport-on-Severn and Witley Court. Travelling down the M5 members reached Stourport for coffee and lunch, and also enjoyed the waterways of river and canal. Continuing the short journey to Witley Court, which is now mainly ruins after the disastrous fire of 1937. Past home of the Earls of Dudley, members enjoyed seeing may parts of the court, now made safe under the care of English Heritage, and visiting the now restored gardens. The highlight of the outing was a visit to the famous baroque church of Witley at St Michael and All Angels, with it's fine decoration of glass and marble. Afternoon tea was obtained before the journey home. Club raffles were organised by Mrs G Allen, Miss C Davies, Mrs V Calder, Mr R Draper, Mrs B Ross, Mrs J White, Miss F Ricketts, Mrs E Paxton, Mrs D Hickmott and Mrs P Beadle. Appreciation was accorded to Mr A Mole for organising the outing, and the caring coach driver.

WHIST DRIVE: The weekly whist drive, held at the village hall on August 31, was organised by Mrs B Hodges and Miss F Ricketts, to continue the series to raise funds for the County Air Ambulance Service. 15 tables were in play. Mr John Chester was MC, Mr C Bromfield Drawmaster. Whist, raffle and mystery prizes were won by Mrs R Sowerbutts, Mr D Bunn, Mrs P Miles, Mr P Macarthy, Mrs J Jackson, Mr A Perks, Mrs E Warner, Mrs J Bunn, Mr T Jeynes, Mrs F Williams, Mrs M Halling, Mr G Bennett, Mrs J Perks, Mr J Whitehouse, Mrs M Greaves, Mr P Gish, Mrs G Bryan, Mrs B Hodges, Mrs T Stamp, Mrs G Partridge, Mrs P Griffin, Mrs J Kostuik, Mr J Chester, Mrs E Edwards, Mrs B Errington, Mrs J Palmer, Mrs M Owen, Mr F Jeffreys, Mr C Griffin, Miss F Ricketts, Miss A Thompson and Mrs M Owen. Mr Chester announced the whist drive at Pinvin on September 6. Refreshments were organised during the evenings play.

WHIST DRIVE FOR PINVIN BRITISH LEGION CLUB: A bumper whist drive was organised by Mr and Mrs A Perks to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Club at Pinvin, Pershore. Held at the club on September 6, whist players were welcomed by the club's official before play commenced. The event was supervised by the organisers of the Eckington whist drives. 21 tables were in play and Mr J Chester was MC, Mr C Bromfield Drawmaster. Prize winners included: Mrs J Hawkins, Mrs B Bromfield, Mrs J Jenkins, Mrs E Griffin, Mrs D Arnold, Mr K Mills, Mr J Chester, Mrs P Jeynes, Mrs D Yarwood, Mrs H Archer, Mr A Perks, Mr R Baxter, Mr T Jeynes, Mrs M Halling, Mrs E Moseley, Mrs N Bennett, Mrs R Knight, Mrs Y Welch, Mrs I Griffiths, Mr J Skirten, Mr J Whitehouse, Mrs J Crowley, Mr H Newman and others. Appreciation was expressed for all prizes, donated by the residents of Pinvin, and a profit of £210 was raised for club funds.

WHIST DRIVE: The whist drive held at the village hall on September 7, was organised my Miss F Ricketts and Mrs B Hodges to raise funds for the County Air Ambulance Service. 12 tables were in play, Mr John Chester was MC, Mr C Bromfield Drawmaster. Whist, raffle and mystery prizes were won by Mrs B Hodge, Mr C Bromfield, Mrs P Griffin, Mrs T Reed, Mrs E Hawkes, Mrs P Jeynes, Mrs D Hickmott, Mr P Gisby, Mr E Willis, Mrs P Bambury, Mrs H Archer, Mrs B Bromfield, Mrs C Evans, Mrs J Bunn, Mrs N Bennett, Mr J Chapman, Mrs E Warner, Mrs G Crook, Mr F Jeffreys, Mrs W Norris, Mr J Whitehouse, Mr G Errington, Mrs N Armstrong, Mrs J Palmer and Mr C Griffin. Refreshments were organised by the Whist Ladies and Mr Chester announced dates of future whist drives.

Evesham

Evesham Rambling Club: As well as continuing its millennium project of walking the Heart of England Way, Evesham Rambling Club enjoyed a varied month's activities during August. We discovered history on our doorstep when we walked to the site of the Battle of Evesham. Gerald Farquhar of the Civic Society, and a Club member, described to us the events of 1265 and explained how Evesham might have appeared in the 13th century. For seasoned walkers it was just a short step from there to the centre of Evesham. At the Bell Tower we were invited by the chief bell ringer to view the bells and learn a little about the art of bell ringing.Our walk then took us back past the lock keeper's house and upstream along one of the most serenely beautiful stretches of the Avon back to our starting point on Greenhill. On the following day, a group of ramblers met up at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham (in time for coffee) before strolling to the Gas Street Basin to embark on a leisurely canal trip - by boat and on foot. For details phone the Club Secretary on 01386 553661.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Next Monday The Vale of Evesham Camera Club will be holding a 'Members Night' open forum at the Friends Meeting House, Cowl Street, Evesham, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. New members always welcome.

EVESHAM VALE CTC: Sunday Audax - Four Counties Made Easy, 100 km, leader Mike Webster. Meeting start 7.15am Great Mills (7.30am Broad Street, Pershore. Refreshments on course, lights required.

Evesham Mayor's Diary:

TUESDAY: Mayor and Mayoress to attend an EO and DS performance of 'Fantasia of Time and Space' at the Arts Centre, Evesham.

THURSDAY: 7.30pm, Mayor to attend the AGM of the Volunteer Centre.

Harvington

ST JAMES' CHURCH: The annual Harvest Supper will take place on September 30 in the village hall - the time, 7pm for 7.30pm, all proceeds after expenses being for the Harvington Youth project. There will be a three-course meal (drinks are not included, so please bring any wine etc for your personal consumption) followed by a Surprise Auction which, naturally, is designed to encourage people to part with their money! Tickets, priced £6 are now on sale from Jenny Phillips on 870596 or from any member of the Church Social Committee or the Parochial Church Council. Jenny Phillips is also the contact for tickets for the 'How Well Do You Know Your School'? talk on September 19, price £1. The evening consists of a talk by the headmistress, Mrs Marcia Palmer, followed by a tour of the school, including the new Nursery Wing. Light refreshments will be served. Watch out for details of the Challenge Quiz entitled 'The Brains of Harvington' which will take place on October 27 and will see most of the village organisations competing for the trophy. It is hoped that this will become an annual event.

Honeybourne

WEDNESDAY CLUB: Members met on September 6 when Mrs M Boath presided. The birthday cards were distributed. Good wishes were sent to Mr James Miller, Mrs Watts, Mrs Lake and Mrs Allen who are at present on the sick list. The boat trip in July was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Weather was favourable and the afternoon tea served on board was delicious. A generous donation has been received from the relatives and friends of the late Mr Harry Lewis and will be used in accordance with their wishes. This kind thought has been acknowledged and is greatly appreciated. The programme for the afternoon was arranged by Mrs Wendy Neal and took the form of 'Take Your Pick'. Members taking part enjoyed the 'mystery prizes' hidden in the boxes and everyone joining in the fun. Cakes for tea were donated by Mrs Badham, Mrs Hall and Mrs Reade. Tea was served by Mrs Neal and helpers.

Hospices Lottery

1st (£1,000) 14757 Childswickham, Broadway; 2nd (£100) 14457 Droitwich; 3rd £50 14897 Four Pools, Evesham.

Inkberrow

INKBERROW SHOW: A record number of exhibits, many from new competitors, made for a splendid display of produce at the Inkberrow and District Horticultural Society's Annual Show, which was held at Inkberrow Village Hall on September 2. This year sees the 40th Anniversary of the Society which is clearly in very good heart judging by the standard of exhibits shown despite the atrocious weather conditions of what has laughingly passed for summer this year. By strange coincidence the weekend also saw the 50th Wedding Anniversary of the Society's Chairman, Mrs Pat Atkin and her husband, David, and for the first time since she has held the office, Mrs Atkin was not present at the show as a family celebration was being held that day. Mr John Tromans stood in for the Chairman and was warmly endorsed by all present when he sent congratulations and very best wishes to Mr and Mrs Atkin. Mr Tromans also thanked everyone who had helped make the show such a success, saying they were too numerous to mention individually but giving special thanks to the Show Secretaries Tom and Rosemary and to the Judges, particularly Mr Duncan Coombes of Pershore College who judged the bulk of the classes, his help, advice and support over many years association with the Society is much appreciated.