WITH the postponement of Staunton & Corse Carnival

due to foot and mouth from June to September it was inevitable that it would have an affect but even so just over £2,280 was raised and as well as the churches of Staunton and Corse, Staunton & Corse Church of England School, the 1st Staunton & Corse Scouts,

the playgroup and playing fields have all benefited. A preliminary date for Saturday, June 22 has been made for next year's event, so watch this space.

Following a communication from the Forest of Dean District Council technical services department, when it was suggested that either riperian owners in Moat Lane and The Old School bear the cost of clearing the culvert, or it is paid by Staunton Parish Council by increasing the precept, all councillors at a meeting of the parish council agreed that riperian owners should be approached by Mr Razee of technical services as the parish council would not be willing to pay out for these works.

The clerk, Mrs Penny Tracey, reported that the waste bin near the Millennium seat in Ledbury Road would be moved a little farther from the seat when contractors were in the area.

A cheque has been sent to Corse & Staunton Playing Fields Association towards the purchase of an item of play equipment for the new play area.

As no reply had been received from the divisional surveyor at the time of the meeting concerning Moat Lane conditions and other hazards district councillor Will Windsor Clive was to chase the matter.

The poor state of the footpath adjacent to Saddlers in Ledbury Road has been reported.

Staunton Parish Church had been beautifully decorated by the ladies on the flower rota for the harvest festival service which was attended by a good congregation and was conducted by the Rev Penny Hamer.

A large harvest loaf made by the local bakery was on the altar. As well as the lessons there were poems by Keats and John Betjeman, the readers were June Fardon, Audrey and Nigel Smith, Liz and Michael Bradbury and Stan Cotton and Ben Morton.

The offertory was taken by Jo and Brian Classen and the organist was Margaret Riley. After the service about 40 people enjoyed a harvest lunch prepared by members of the PCC in the church.

On Monday Canon John Evans took the harvest loaf and cheese to Staunton & Corse Church of England School when he talked to the children.