EASTER: Good Friday was a busy day for both the village churches and both reported generous support from gratifying numbers of well-wishers. The Baptist Church held a breakfast to which members and friends were invited in order to share a meal together, remembering the significance of Good Friday in the life of all Christian churches and meditating on its relevance for today.

Guidance and leadership were given by Jayne Nicol.

Upwards of 30 people were present and all greatly appreciated the work put in by Caroline Curnock and her helpers who had provided a simple, though excellent, meal. It proved to be a pleasant and spiritually uplifting occasion. St James' church held a very moving service of meditation at 11am at which the story of Christ's last few days, leading up to his crucifixion, was read, punctuated at intervals by appropriate readings and the singing of hymns and all sensitively presented by the Rector, ably assisted by Mervyn Huggins.

The congregation then went to the village hall where the members of the social committee were ready to serve the traditional soup and bread. Here, too, there was very good support from people of the village, with the result that well over £200 was raised for the Children's Society.

Sunday saw the church beautifully decorated with spring flowers as is the custom on this very special day and the flower arrangers, together with all others who had contributed to this well-attended Eastertide were warmly thanked by the Rev Thorniley. The service ended with the presentation of Easter chicks and eggs to children and adults alike. Readers, and particularly those who are members of the church, their names being on the electoral roll, are reminded that the annual meeting will be held on Sunday evening next, April 18 at about 7.30pm (after a shortened evensong).