ARP/O50: The February meeting was attended by more than 70 members and friends when an interesting talk was given by a representative of the Air Ambulance Service, a collection was made on their behalf and £100 was handed to the speaker towards the funds of the organisation. On March 28 the speaker will be John Skerrett the subject 'Oil painting on bone china', this should be another interesting talk. The meetings are held at Pershore Football Club at 10.30am for 11am coffee and sandwiches are available and a warm welcome is awaiting all who wish to join us. Apart from the monthly meetings, a pub lunch is held on the first Wednesday of month preceded by a walk, weather permitting. Theatre trips and outings are arranged and holidays too are available. If you are free on the morning of March 28 why not come along and join us.

TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD: The AGM of the Townswomen's Guild was held on a dry sunny morning and was well attended. The chairman welcomed Mrs Chambers as returning officer, two visitors and four new members, Mesdames Bigwood, Baldwin, Turver and Miss Wilcox. Members were reminded to give their names for the birthday lunch at the Railway Inn on April 10 and for the outing to Swindon on April 26. The scrabble, skittles and drama groups are each holding monthly meetings again and Mrs Rubbra asked for members to support the quiz team, who are competing against Malvern Link on March 14. Mrs Loach gave a brief report about the Literary Appreciation Group, who will be meeting again on April 9. The returning officer announced that as Mrs A Brown's election to the committee was not contested, no election was necessary. She then introduced all committee members individually.

The annual financial, secretary's and chairman's reports were given and Mrs Lockhart and Mrs Rubbra thanked each committee member for their support in the past, busy year. Mrs Powell, the retiring assistant treasurer, was especially thanked for standing in for Mrs Richardson during the last three months and for all her work on the committee. She was presented with a flower arrangement by the chairman. Brief talks were given about the work of the Pershore Cottage Hospital and the Home Farm Trust and Miss Wright spoke about Pershore Talking Newspaper. Pershore Cottage Hospital was chosen as this year's charity. After coffee, the Guild's president, Mrs Bateman, gave a most interesting talk about her 50 years as a member of Townswomen's Guilds and concluded with an outline of the Guild's aims. The meeting ended on a light-hearted note with a performance by Mrs Herbert of the amusing Joyce Grenfell Nursery Class sketch. She was thanked by Mrs Rubbra. All members have been invited by St Peter's Guild Worcester, to attend a tea party on April 12 at 2.15pm. The next meeting will be on April 3, in Wulstan Hall at 10am and will be an open meeting, when members are asked to bring a friend. There will be an illustrated talk by Mr Hadwell on 'Faberge Eggs' and a raffle in aid of Womankind Worldwide.

RBL WOMENS SECTION: The monthly meeting of Pershore RBL womens section took place on March 6 at Wulstan Hall. The meeting was opened by chairman Mrs Wendy Griffiths. There was a short business meeting followed by refreshments. Tea hostesses being Mrs Blunt, Bourne and Harknell. The 150 club was drawn, winners being T Grantham, C Berry and R Griffiths. There was a special raffle GUP donated a radio/CD player, this raised £40 and was won by Mrs Gilson. Then followed a talk and slide show given by Angela Tidmarsh, tourist officer for Wychavon. She outlined what is being done to encourage visitors to our area. The next meeting will be April 3 the speaker will be Lin Hunt from Age Concern. The next whist drive will be on April 11 at Pershore Working Mens Club at 7.30pm - old and new players welcome.

NUMBER 8: "Italian Travels" an exhibition of paintings by Sue Lee.

Film at Number 8: On Saturday at 7.30pm, The Pershore and District Film Society present Angela's Ashes (cert.15), starring Emily Watson, Ciaran Owens and Robert Carlyle. Set in the slums of Limerick in the 1930s. A moving portrayal of a family's struggle against poverty and tragedy with determination, love, music, and humour.

ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CAMPAIGN: Publicity secretary, Helen Fowler, has been busy distributing the events organised for 2001, which have been organised as part of this years fundraising. To kick off the year they are holding an Easter fair which this year is being held at The Old School Room, Charlton, near Pershore on April 14. The fair will be open between 10am and noon. There will be the usual stalls which will include ARC goods, plants, cakes, bring and buy, tombola and raffle, plus some Easter surprises. Entry will be 50p on the door which will include coffee/tea and biscuits. Everyone is welcome. If you require any further information then please ring Helen Fowler on 01386 860331.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN PERSHORE: Local Ecumenical Covenant formerly Pershore Christian Council. The Lent Project 2001, which benefits charity 'ACES' Aid for the Children of El Salvador. Lent lunches, at the Baptist Church, are being held on Fridays commencing March 16, 23 and 30 and then April 6, starting at noon until 1.30pm (soup and roll). Everyone will be welcome.

GARDENING CLUB: Good Friday Procession of Witness (April 13), assembling at the Baptist Church in Broad Street from 10.15am and processing at 10.30am to Chapman Court (by the Co-Op, for a short ecumenical service, accompanied by Perscoran Brass. The procession will then re-assemble at Wollas Hall for the Pilgrimage to the summit of Bredon for a short service and erection of the Cross. Everyone is invited to join in. The next meeting will be on March 29, at 7.30pm at Wulstan Hall, when Grace Darby will talk on 'A Plant for all Seasons', and the competition will be 'A Spring Garden on a Saucer'. As always, new members and guests will be welcome.

CHARITY EVENING: Has been arranged by Betty Hughes on March 30 at Pershore College of Horticulture. The tickets are £16 each and the evening commences with a reception at 6.30pm, the evening meal commencing at 7.15pm. Dress is optional. There will be the usual grand raffle, with lots of prizes. Entertainment will be by Perscoran Brass, Pods Cabaret group. The main proceeds of the evening are for Perscoran Brass and Podys. Plus donations to St John Ambulance Cadets, 233 (Pershore) Squadron Air Training Corps, and Pershore Troop Army Cadet Force. Tickets are available from Betty Hughes on 01386 552547.

FLOWER CLUB: The next meeting is next Wednesday when the demonstration title is 'Growing Imagination', by Satsuko Watanabe, will be at Wulstan Hall, 7.30pm, visitors are welcome.