NCCPG: (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens) Worcestershire Group - The 2002 Ron Sidwell lecture was given to members by Chris Bales, curator of the RHS Garden at Rosemoor. He gave an insight into the plants from New Zealand despite the hiccup with the projector his audience still enjoyed an evening of slides and the expertise of Chris.

On November 12 the group have the opportunity to learn about Perry Pears from Ashley Willoughby who looks after the National Collection at Malvern.

Come and join at 7.30pm in the Frank Parkinson Centre, Pershore College. Visitors welcome.

FILM SOCIETY: Pershore and District Film Society Saturday, November 2 The Lady and the Duke (PG) 2 hours 9 mins (French with subtitles). Starring Lucy Russell, Jean-Claude Dreyfus. Adapted from the memoirs of Scottish aristocrat Grace Elliott, set during the French Revolution. It is still necessary to become a member before the day of the showing.

Full information on films and ticket availability can be obtained at Number Eight Community and Arts Centre, in Pershore High Street, or by phoning 01386 555028.

NUMBER 8 GALLERY: Showing until November 9. An exhibition of mixed media paintings based on minerals and crystals by Hilary Coleman.

CHILDREN'S AUTUMN ART PROGRAMME: Red Feather' Day - Drama and Music Workshop, Friday, 7-11 year olds 10am-12.30pm £4.50; 5-7 year olds 1.30pm-3.30pm £3.50.

Christmas Capers - Christmas Inspired Workshops, Saturday, November 30, Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 - 5-7 year olds 9.30am-11am £4 for one Saturday £7.50 for two Saturdays or £10.50 for three Saturdays. 7-12 year olds 11.15am-1pm £5 for one Saturday £9.50 for two Saturdays or £13.50 for three Saturdays.

Booking essential - phone Charlotte on 01386 561906 or call in Number 8.

ARTS THEATRE CLUB: At the October meeting of Pershore Arts Theatre Club, Cora Weaver was the speaker. Members were very interested in, and fascinated by the research she had undertaken concerning Edward Elgar's life in Worcester, where as a boy and young man he grew up. Cora gave details of his family's life in the many houses, in which Elgar and his family had lived in and around Worcester.

Members were reminded that the New Year lunch will be held on January 26, at The Vale Golf Club. Mrs June Warner had undertaken to organise this. A trip is also being arranged to Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, on January 16.

The next evening meeting will be on Friday, November 15, at 7.30pm at St Agatha's Hall when Mel Mills will talk on Worcester Dialect and Country Stories. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact Ann Buckley on 01386 860014 for further details.

ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION: An enjoyable social evening was held last Friday, those who attended should be congratulated on braving the atrocious weather.

Chairman, coun Ken Rowe confirmed that the new season seed catalogues had now been received and would be circulated to members who had previously sent in an order. If you would like a copy and have not received yours by the end of the month, contact Ken Rowe on 01386 554279.