ST JAMES' CHURCH: There was a full church for the tsunami commemorative service held last Sunday evening - a service specially designed to commend the people of Harvington for their generous response to the recent disaster fund-raising appeal, to give thanks for the continuing worldwide efforts to alleviate the problems faced by the victims and to urge ongoing prayer for all who have suffered. Appropriate passages of scripture and poetry were read by various members of the congregation, prayers were said and the Rector spoke of the reasons for this particular act of intercession and thanks. Then, as a token of appreciation of the imaginative effort shown by a number of leaders in the community, as a result of whose efforts thousands of pounds were quickly raised, several of them were presented with a small gift (a potted plant) which they accepted on behalf of all the friends and neighbours who had responded so generously to their calls for assistance.

The bell-ringers of St James' had that same day taken part in another county-wide act of appreciation and appeal. Villagers may have been aware that the church bells rang early that morning, starting at about 8.30am, and this was in response to a plan that, at that time, all the bells of the area would be rung in thanksgiving for the work of St Richard's Hospice in Worcester and in hope that appreciative donations might be made to their current appeal for funds to aid the building of their new premises. Anthony Wheeler (870834), the tower captain, would like to hear from anyone who wishes to donate.