ARCH BENEFICE: The village hall was the venue for a celebratory gathering of people from the four churches - Abbots Morton, Church Lench, Rous Lench and Harvington. A party to mark its fifth birthday also celebrated the Rector's 50th, though this, as he obligingly pointed out, was only an official birthday, the actual date of which was in February.

Supper had been provided by contributors including all the Rector's family. This was followed by a programme of songs and music and a short speech from the Rector in which he reflected on his time in the area. The first part of it recovering from a heart attack which afflicted him on the day he and his family were scheduled to move into the rectory.

Following the communion service on Sunday morning the notices included a strong plea for more people to report to the church on Saturday at 10am to help with the clearing and tidying of the churchyard and cemetery and for church members to spread the word about the show marquee for the church fete to be held on June 24. Enrolment for the various competitive categories being required now.

SINGERS: Tickets for the choir's summer concert, For the Beauty of the Earth, are on sale. These are £5 each and can be obtained from Margaret Williams on 871321 or from any member of the singers. The programme will include guest artists and an interval, with wine and strawberries served.