PRE-SCHOOL: Harvington pre-school's re-enactment of the Coronation which took place in the church last Wednesday was a delightful occasion, greatly appreciated by the many people who attended. The Queen, conveyed to church in a wagonette provided by Orchard Carriages (who had gallantly decorated the equipage for this grand occasion) was attended by six princesses and a body of guardsmen, drummers, members of the uniformed forces and bearers of the crown jewels. After a dignified march down the aisle to the altar where the Rev Richard Thorniley was waiting to perform the ceremony the Queen, seated on a throne (specially made for her by David Lee) and with her Consort seated alongside, was duly anointed and crowned, maintaining throughout a most seemly dignity and bearing. The ceremony was followed by a toast to her Majesty's health and a right royal reception from the many admiring onlookers. Many messages of congratulation were received by the organisers - the staff of pre-school - who were delighted to hear how well the idea was received. They, in turn, thanked most warmly everybody who had helped them with the many and varied aspects of the production (not the least of which was the making of costumes and props) expressing particular thanks to those members of the public who had taken the trouble to turn up and support the event. It was a most unusual and imaginative idea and the pre-school staff are to be complimented on its success.

OPEN DAY: The open day and village party which took place on Friday, May 31 (the last day of term) was the First School's Jubilee event and was another extremely successful occasion. Starting at 12.30pm with a short service and blessing given by the Rector, a picnic lunch prepared and served by members of the PTFA followed and was much enjoyed by the many visitors who, acting on instructions, had brought their chairs and rugs which enabled them to sit on the grassy areas which are now a part of the imaginatively designed adventure playground. (It was a pleasure to see the designer, Guy Redmond, there and to hope that the event gave him great satisfaction). From the attractive, hexagonal timber gazebo where lunch was laid out and round which guests circulated to select their food, through the arches and the hazel walkway and into the story-telling area with its chunky timber seating, or over the mound to the fir-tree area and the wigwams - visitors were able to wander and admire and wish themselves back at school again. Music and dancing followed, all the red, white and blue dutifully but cheerfully worn by all comers contributing to the brilliance of the scene. Then came the presentation of the commemorative mugs to all the schoolchildren, the singing of the National Anthem accompanied by the school's brass band which in turn was followed by the cutting and distribution of the giant cake - and, at 3pm, departure time. Blessed with a sunny afternoon it was a wonderful Golden Jubilee event, not the least aspect of which had been the public's first glimpse of the new development - and the nearby, almost completed school hall - all of which are such a credit to the foresight and persistence of the school's headmistress, staff and governors. It is a school to be proud of and it is the sincere wish of all who were present that the children recognise this and will remember.

BALLOON RACE: Do you remember the balloon race organised by pre-school in April? It will be of interest to know that the winning balloon was picked up in Lincolnshire and its arrival notified by the finder who, together with Mrs Jean Bailey of Ragley Road who despatched it, received the designated prize.

SERVICE: The ARCH benefice service of celebration and dedication was held at Church Lench on Sunday morning last and was well attended by members of the Harvington congregation along with their counterparts from the other three churches. A Bible, holy oil and bowl and towel such as were used in the Coronation service were carried to the alter, as well as offerings symbolic of the four churches who make up the benefice. Speaking of the Queen's example of service and of her personal request that this should be the theme, the Rev Thorniley asked all present to re-dedicate themselves to continuing service to each other, to the communities in which they live, and to the betterment of the world at large. He added that any money collected at the service would be shared equally between the four churches and would be used for any ongoing community projects.