ECKINGTON UNDER FIVES: Thank you to everyone who supported the fund-raiser, Name The Logo, that was out over the December/January period. More than 400 people bought a copy of the quiz and 70 completed entries were returned. More than £350 was raised for playgroup funds.

EUF second Scalextric Grand Prix was held on Sunday, March 16, and a good turnout meant that £30 was raised for the group.

EUF Easter Eggstravaganza is being held on Saturday, April 19, 2-4pm, at the recreation centre, with all proceeds going to the new building fund. Among the stalls on offer are face- painting, tombola, skittles, raffle, lucky dip, colouring competition, park a car competition, treasure hunt and many more. For information or with offers of help, ring Karen Sagar on 01386 750401.

GUIDES: Are holding an appeal for Cancer Research UK in memory of former guide leader Mrs Eileen Huband, This will take place on Thursday, March 27, 7-9pm, at headquarters on Pershore Road. For details please ring Geoff Ranstead on 01386 750855.

FIRST SCHOOL: Congratulations to the school football team on their match against Elmley Castle First School on Monday, March 17. The score at half time was 3-0 to Elmley, but the team were not discouraged and went on to win 8-3. Thanks to Martyn Poytress for his coaching skills.

PARISH COUNCIL: Notes of the meeting held on Wednesday, March 12:

Eckington Wharf: Countryside Services has begun improvements to the site. The car park layout will be altered, with an enlarged picnic area and provision of a new information shelter. The circular walk along the riverbank and through the village will be waymarked, and details will be included in the information panel.

Power Supply to Boon Street and Manor Road: Aquila has identified a number of trees that may affect the power supply. Aquila will be taking steps to have the trees pruned, and will inform the affected households in advance of disruption to the power supply whilst undertaking the work.

Quality Parish Status: The Government announced in 2002 this standard for parish councils. The criteria for the standard will soon be announced but it is anticipated that the criteria will include the stipulation that parish councils will have to be wholly elected and that they should employ a qualified clerk.

Holy Trinity Churchyard and Eckington Cemetery: Following the council's inspection and the notice placed in last month's magazine, a memorial mason has been commissioned to undertake some maintenance in the churchyard.

Highways: The chair will be arranging to meet with a representative from the highways partnership in Wychavon to discuss some of the problems in Eckington. This will include the road surface condition in Church Street, bank erosion in New Road and the poor condition of the road in Jarvis Street and Cotheridge Lane.

Citizens Advice Bureau: The council agreed that in recognition of the invaluable services provided by the Citizens' Advice Bureau, a grant of £50 would be given.

Evesham Community Contact Care: This centre opened on March 3 in the old magistrates' court building in Evesham. It is a joint initiative between Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council, Evesham Town Council and West Mercia Constabulary. It provides a one-stop access point for residents to a wide range of public services.

The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at 7.30pm in the committee room of the village hall.

The annual parish meeting will be on Tuesday, April 29 in the village hall at 7.30pm.