ON Saturday, Longdon Village Hall held a grand re-opening party to mark the completion of the refurbishment project. Children and their parents arrived from 3pm for games and refreshments. At 5pm a large crowd of local people, together with others associated with the building project, gathered for the opening ceremony, during which the vicar of Longdon cut the ribbon. The chair of the village hall committee, Jo Beswick, gave a vote of thanks for all the support and encouragement the community had given to the work and was herself presented with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her contribution. Every-one was then invited inside for free beer and wine. The party was followed by a wine tasting, organised by Malvern Fine wines, attended by around 50 people.

Two new village events have been planned for the village hall: a table tennis club for young people on Monday evenings from 5-7pm and a Friday club from 7pm aimed at all ages, and offering coffee and conversation. Parishioners are encouraged to bring a bottle.

In the evening Outer Limits, the benefice youth group, gathered at Longdon Vicarage for games, chat, food and a light hearted activity.

The new churchwardens for Longdon parish, Wendy Thompson and Shirley Kirby, were admitted to office by the Archdeacon of Worcester at a special service held in Malvern Priory on Wednesday, May 19. On Thursday, Ascension Day was marked in St Mary's Church by a service of Holy Communion at 7.30pm. On Sunday, a large crowd gathered in the church for a family service at 10am during which Jenny and Eleanor Kirby were baptised.

On Monday, Longdon Junior Choir rehearsed in St Mary's Church at 6.30pm. The children have been learning a number of new items to be included in the forthcoming Summer Soiree on Saturday, July 10, starting at 7pm in St Mary's. The evening will include a garden party with food and wine at Longdon Vicarage and tickets for this popular event are available now from the Vicarage (adults £6, children £1). Last year the church was packed, so get tickets early!

Longdon Village Fete will be held on the playing field on Saturday, June 5 at 2.30pm with the traditional stalls and attractions plus maypole and country dancing by pupils at St Mary's School.