ON the morning of Saturday, May 8 Gerald and Christine Draper gave a coffee morning at Broadlands, their home in Upleadon.

Funds raised are to be devoted to the Miss Annie Lawrence Memorial. Many friends gathered, some of whom had know Miss Lawrence all their lives.

There was a bring and buy stall lavishly furnished and a book and toy table, as well as delicious home made scones and cakes. A real coal fire added to the welcome on a fine but chilly morning, interesting plants were also on sale. There were many happy raffle winners. The first winner was Mrs Janet Leighton, who had known Miss Lawrence all her (Janet's) life.

As guests relaxed over coffee and a very tempting array of Christine's home bakes, they were able to view the garden. From the conservatory there is a splendid view over glorious countryside to St Mary the Virgin Parish Church. It is in this churchyard that Miss Lawrence is buried. She worked devotedly for Upleadon Church and was one of the restoration committee when the church was restored in the late 1960s.

Miss Lawrence was the first pupil from Upleadon School to pass the 11 plus. This was in the days when Mrs Lily Johns was the headteacher. Miss Lawrence went to school in Gloucester for a short time and then transferred to Newent Grammar School when it was opened.

From there she went to St Mary's Training College in Cheltenham. She later taught near Bristol and finally was headteacher of Pauntley CE School until she retired. She died last October in her 91st year.

Two people at the coffee morning were Victor and Marie Lark, of Whitchurch, Ross-on-Wye. Victor was for many years lay chairman of Upleadon Parochial Church Council, a post which is now held by Gerald Draper.

Christine and Gerald thanked everyone for their support. They in turn were thanked for opening their home for the occasion. Gerald, in his thanks, added that Upleadon Parochial Church Council would be meeting in June and at that meeting, the form that the memorial will take will be discussed. The sum of £185 was raised on the Saturday.

There was no service in Upleadon Church on Sunday but worshippers joined in with a nine parishes service at St Bartholomew's Church in Redmarley.

The rector, the Reverend Patricia Phillips led the service and the preacher was the Right Reverend John Went, Bishop of Tewkesbury. Coffee was served in the church after the service.

In the afternoon songs of praise with the Salvation Army band was held in Redmarley Village Hall. The rector introduced the Dean of Gloucester, the Very Reverend Nicholas Bury, who took part in the service. Tea was served by the Mothers' Union.

Upleadon worshippers also joined in with a buffet at Redmarley village hall on Friday, May 14 and enjoyed a talk by Mr Chris Short of Gloucester.

Rogation celebrations continued on Saturday, May 15 with a walk from Pauntley to the Rose & Crown in Redmarley. Approximately 20 people took part. A short service was held in Pauntley Church and then the walkers went across the fields to Payford Bridge and on through the woods and across fields passing by the Old Rectory, Redmarley and the cricket field to the lunch venue at the Rose & Crown.

On Sunday, the Reverend Keith Bruton of Dymock took his first service in St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, Upleadon. It was a service of parish communion. The first part of the service was led by Mrs Jessie Williams, who also administered the chalice. Bible readings were by Mrs Christie Draper and Mrs Pat Smith. Mr Gerald Draper was the sidesman. There will be no service at Upleadon Church next Sunday, May 30.