PRE-SCHOOL: The staff and children of the pre-school are planning a Coronation ceremony of their own to be held in St James' church on May 29, starting at 2pm. Anyone wishing to see this re-enactment of the Crowning of the Queen (with the Rev Thorniley officiating) is warmly invited to attend. That whole week is being made special for the children with a bouncy castle and a street party outside the village hall on May 30, the day they break up. They return to normality on June 10.

FESTIVAL OF HOBBIES AND CRAFTS: The church's Jubilee Festival of Hobbies and Crafts which took place over last weekend was a great success.

In a glowing setting enhanced by tasteful flower arrangements which followed the theme of gold, white and green, numerous crafts and hobbies were either illustrated or actively demonstrated, many of them inviting hands-on participation, while pre-booked groups of the more adventurous were taken up to the bell chamber in the church tower. Organ music, handbell ringing, children from school showing their developing skills on a variety of instruments, all added to the spirit of the occasion, while sessions of Indian head massage were available.

On Sunday, as four o'clock chimed, everything was taken down, dismantled and hustled away to prepare the church for the Singers concert which began at 7.30pm and was designed to bring the whole event to a fitting and pleasurable end. Visiting artistes as well as The Singers themselves played and sang to a packed church, the evening ending with a gracious and comprehensive speech of thanks from the Rev Thorniley who, pointing out that Pentecost is an important church festival which celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian church, also spoke a final prayer and pronounced a blessing.