POWICK Parish Ramblers meet on Thursday, January 13 at Newland Church almshouses at 10am for a six-mile walk via hop fields, around Bastonford and Deblins Green. Good boots are recommended, as the paths are likely to be muddy. The leaders are Rita de Boer (01905) 830256 and Jo Walker (01905) 357764.

The January meeting of the Powick & Callow End branch of the Royal British Legion will be held at Madresfield Club on Tuesday, January 11, 7.45pm for committee and at 8.15pm for main meeting.

Powyke WI re-convene after Christmas on Wednesday, January 12 at 7.30pm at the Orchard Club, Colletts Green, when the speaker will be John Mason talking on an Alpine Interlude.

Congratulations to PC Steve Dawe of Colletts Green, on receiving an award at West Mercia Police annual award ceremony held at police headquarters at Hindlip Hall last month. He, along with his dogs Kes (a German Shepherd) and Ellie (a spaniel), was named dog handler team of the year for 2004. Tasks have involved finding stolen property and retrieving hidden drugs. Steve is based at police HQ as a member of the operations department and he first won the title in 2000.

On Wednesday, January 12 the local group of the RSPB meets at 7.30pm in Powick Parish Hall. There will be the usual raffle and the opportunity to buy bird seed for the rest of the winter. Last month's Christmas meeting, which included a fascinating talk on British Owls, was so successful that there were people standing!

Sunday morning's service at St Peter's Church celebrated Epiphany with a reading by Sally Gurney and the service led by Reverend Douglas Walker. Prayers, led by Meg Allsopp, were said for the victims and survivors of the tsunami disaster. Also last Sunday at 4pm, a new service of candlelight for Epiphany took place at St James', Callow End led by Jim Bullett. Readings took place at the altar and font read by Rosemary Wells and Jenny Hill. Prayers were lead by Rosemary and the organ was played by David Allen.

This Sunday at 11am at St Peter's Church, Powick a new service entitled Songs of Praise will be held, incorporating favourite hymn requests. The new facilities incorporating kitchen and toilet, plus a vestry over is now in use at St Peter's. These facilities will officially be opened later this spring.

The first book fair of 2005 is Sunday, January 9 from 10.30am onwards. Home-made refreshments will be available.

Powick Badminton Club re-starts on Wednesday, January 19 at 8pm. New members are welcome - the club is non-competitive and games are played in Powick Parish Hall (only boasting one court).

1st Powick Brownies starts tonight (Friday) from 5-6.30pm in the committee room at Powick Parish Hall. For details ring Meg Allsopp (01905) 830746.