BREDON HANCOCK'S FIRST SCHOOL: As part of the half term's project for science on growing and for RE on 'God's family' the children from the reception class and years 1 and 2 of Bredon Hancock's First School went to St Giles Parish Church to celebrate a special Baptism service.

The rector, the Rev Matthew Baynes, had recently explored many of the topics involved in baptism with the children, during his weekly visits to the school. Now the children would all participate in a re-enactment of the actual service. They had chosen two children, Vincent Jones and Olivia Clutterbuck-Houghton to be the parents, and Daniel McGuigan and Grace Smith to be the godparents. The symbolism of the oil and the water was explained and the use of a shell for the baptism as a symbol of the pilgrimage about to be made by the newly baptised baby. Lastly, a candle was lit and given to the 'father' to represent Christ, the light of the World.

As part of the celebration, when the children returned to school, they enjoyed a tea party with a celebration cake.

SAVE THE CHILDREN: The many people who generously support SCF in Bredon may like to know that a charity Christmas shopping day will be held at Home Farm, Tredington, tomorrow from 10am until 4pm. Entrance, to include a cup of tea or coffee, will be £1. There will also be a preview evening today from 6pm until 8pm. Three other charities will be represented, Gloucestershire Arthritis Trust, Tewkesbury Hospital League of Friends and Salters Hill charity. There will be a wide variety of Christmas cards, presents and stocking fillers, as well as home baked cakes and other delicious home produced seasonal goodies.

It is hoped that a Christmas shop will be opened for several weeks up to the middle of December in Tewkesbury.