Saturday, May 15, was a gloriously sunny day at Pauntley Memorial Hall in Brand Green, the venue for Pauntley playgroup's fun day.

The event was very well attended and there was a full round of activities. Teas, cakes and ice creams were served. The ices had been donated by Just Rachel of Egg Tump, Bromesberrow.

The petrol-run toy Jeep rides were also very popular - the children loved them. The balloon race took place and the result will be left open for three weeks from May 15. The balloon race was sponsored by Ideal Carpets of Newent.

The afternoon resulted in £520 for the play group, which will have a graduation party at the end of term on Friday, July 23. This will take place at the morning session. Certificates will be presented to those who are leaving to go to school.

On Saturday, May 22 Elm Grove, Pool Hill, Pauntley, was a hive of activities for Anne and Eric's coffee morning. It was the 18th coffee morning for Dr J R Owen's Breast Cancer Research at Cheltenham Cobalt Unit. All the money raised is used in Gloucestershire.

Guests were able to mingle among the various stalls on a fine sunny morning. The garden was looking superb both with flowers and vegetables. The large ceanothus was at its best and drew many admiring comments. The stalls were numerous, including plants, tombola, new and nearly new, books, bric-a-brac, cakes, fruit and soft drinks.

The raffle had over 20 winners. The first ticket drawn was Kathryn Bellamy's and she chose the garden voucher. Jim Ackrill ran a guesser with a bottle of whisky as the prize. The winner was Anita Trivett. Guests came from far and near and a New Zealand couple were absolutely thrilled to be present at such a friendly gathering. They were very taken with the typical English garden. The ladies kept everyone supplied with coffee and biscuits. While drinking the coffee it was good to look over the book stall.

It was the last coffee morning for Breast Cancer Research at Elm Grove and Anne and Eric were presented with a basket of fruit as appreciation for all the years they have hosted this event. It was a complete surprise to Anne and Eric but much appreciated.

When the first coffee morning for Dr Owen's research was held, Anne and Eric determined to raise £10,000 in total. On the Saturday, they raised in excess of £940. A more precise total will be available shortly. Congratulations are due because, with Saturday's takings, just over £10,000 in the 18 years has been raised. Anne and Eric would like to thank everyone who has helped in any way over the years to achieve this amount.

The Breast Cancer Research coffee mornings will continue but at a different venue. Indeed 2005 will see the event at the residents' lounge in Western Way, Dymock, on Saturday, May 21.