THE first floods of the winter was encountered by members of Hartpury, Corse & Staunton MU on the way to the October meeting at The Oaks, Hartpury, fortunately it had receded for the return journey.

The Branch Leader Ursula Groves-Smith welcomed two new members, Mrs Sylvia Penfold and Mrs Gillian Wells, also the speaker Mrs Eileen Magee. Following the service of prayer, deanery business was dealt with and some members accepted an invitation to join Newent branch when the retiring Diocesan President Ann Herbert will be speaking. Eileen Magee began her talk "Rustle of Spring" by saying everyone has their own experience of weddings and she told of her own preparations, which brought many laughs as she told her story and brought back many memories to everyone. Judging by the photograph album it was a lovely wedding and her talk was greatly enjoyed. A Bring & Buy helped to raise funds for the branch and everyone had a lovely tea served by Lillian Brewer at whose home the meeting was held.

Members of Hartpury Girls Friendly Society took part in morning service at St Mary's Church, Hartpury by reading lessons and prayers and performing a short play The Good Samaritan. Four members were enrolled and the members also planted a small yew tree in the churchyard. They finished the day by a visit to Drayton Manor Park.

An Overseas Mission Evening will be held in Hartpury Methodist Church on Monday, November 20 at 7.390pm when the speakers will be Barbara and David Calvert (Christian Aid) who will speak about and show slides of their visit to the Caribbean.

Hartpury Methodist Church will be holding their Autumn Bazaar on Saturday, November 11 from 10.30am to 3pm. There will be morning coffee and lunches and the stalls will include nearly new, home-made cakes and Bring & Buy.

There will be an Open Day for the Old Chapel, Hartpury Court where restoration is taking place and an opportunity to see the progress made to date. The Old Chapel will be open from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday, November 11.