AS in most places at the present time, it's wet, wet, wet and also very windy, the rain this week has been relentless and affected many things, in particular the annual auction for Staunton Church funds. Held in Staunton and Corse CE School, the rain persisted all day Friday, right through the taking in period in the evening, hence a smaller number of lots to auction.

On Saturday the rain persisted all day and prospective viewers and bidders were dramatically down. Canon John Evans acted as auctioneer but many lots remained unsold whilst many went for as little as one pound! It was disappointing for everyone but particularly for Pauline Trigg, who organised the event.

PCC members and friends worked very hard and Joyce Penfold and her team served refreshments. The PCC are grateful to everyone and in particular to Rosie Miller, headteacher, and the governors of the school and to those who braved the elements to support the event.

Parish communion was celebrated at St James' Church, Staunton with a well attended service. Canon John Evans was the celebrant and Ursula Groves-Smith administered the chalice. The lesson reader was Nigel Smith and Jo Claessen took the offertory.

On Sunday, a united benefice service will be held at St Mary's Church, Hartpury when Hartpury, Corse and Staunton MU will be holding their annual service, which is incorporated in the service. The address will be given by Mrs Rosemary Franklin, diocesan president.

Home-made jams, marmalades and home cookies were on the bring and buy table at the get-together coffee morning for Staunton Church funds. Janet Davis was welcomed back and all friends who attend each month. The notice board project has gone so well it is hoped to get the order in shortly and then the old one, which has been in the church porch for over 30 years and done good service, can be removed. The money has been raised through the get-together project and will be a happy reminder in years to come.

The Chapter House at Gloucester Cathedral was packed for a meeting of enthusiastic women and some men who have volunteered to represent their parish church for next year's Glorious Gloucestershire Flower Festival to be held at the cathedral in July 2005. Each village church can choose its own theme for the festival connected with their parish, which is the first time parish churches have been involved, and other denominations too will be taking part.