ON Thursday, February 26, a very good bingo evening was held in Pauntley Memorial Hall at Brand Green. Mrs Dierdre Smith was the caller. An extensive raffle was held with many happy winners. Despite the cold evening there was a good attendance.

The next bingo evening in the hall is on Thursday, March 25, at 7.30pm. All welcome.

Don't forget the silent auction tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm. It is in Pauntley Memorial Hall. Details (01531) 820090.

Don't forget the slide show in Pauntley Memorial Hall at Brand Green on Thursday, March 11, at 7.30pm. Reverend Michael Ward is a welcome return guest. He will give an illustrated talk on the oldest Saxon churches. Tickets are £7 to include wine and refreshments. These are now available from Church Council members. Everyone welcome.

The service at St John the Evangelist Church, on Sunday, March 14, is matins at 10.15am.

New signs denoting Brand Green have been erected and are giving pleasure to local people, as well as telling visitors where they are.

Some 50 years ago Brand Green was noted for its outstanding amount of cherry trees. The blossom in the spring drew visitors to the area. When the cherries were ripe and ready for sale people made pilgrimages to buy the delicious fruit. The birds were a problem and many devices were seen flapping in the branches to scare them away. Sadly today, most of the trees are gone. However good news, just a few remain and there is hope some propagation of the old trees will take place in the near future.