PARISH COUNCIL: The statutory meeting of the parish council took place last Wednesday evening and was followed immediately by the first monthly meeting of the new year. There were eight members of the public present. With retiring chairman Dennis McKenzie in the chair, coun Clive Allen was elected chairman and coun Joyce White was re-elected vice-chairman. On taking the chair Mr Allen thanked fellow councillors for their support and promised them, and the residents they represent, fair dealing and impartiality in his judgements and decisions.

Coun Sheila Lewis agreed to act as representative on the Perkins Education Foundation. Noel Christie and Keith Seager will continue to represent the council on the village hall management committee, of which Mr Christie is now treasurer, the new chairman, together with councillors Seager, Lewis and one other (to be named in due course) will be the representatives on the Educational Trust. It was hoped that Dr Hugh Nunn would continue his excellent work as tree warden with Mr Trevor Knowles continuing as footpaths officer. Mr Noel Mobberley agreed to become the transport representative and coun Tom Bacon agreed to continue to have charge of street lighting.

In the public forum which began the monthly meeting the state of the footpaths was again deplored (that along the road to Salford Priors being also included) while residents from Orchard Place complained about the inadequacy of the repairs to potholes in the road. Coun Clive Holt explained how it is that allocation of funds at county level make more extensive repairs impossible, but while he was listened to with understanding, it was not felt that this solves Harvington's problem and, meanwhile, the potholes deepen!

The meeting proper began with apologies for absence from new councillor John Redman and, at this point, Mrs Jean McClymont, whose resignation from the previous council had been brought about by the illness and death of her husband, was co-opted onto the present council, her application having been the only one made in response to the appeal for two more councillors, needed to bring the present council up to strength. Thanking fellow members for their enthusiasm, Mrs McClymont said she wished to thank most sincerely the many people whose kindness and encouragement had led to her agreeing to rejoin the council this year.

A recent example recited earlier by Mr McKenzie of the injustice which can arise because of conditions existing at Harvington Cross was then discussed, with coun Christie urging the provision of a speed camera as the only way of making motorists obey the speed limits, and coun Holt reporting that he had already made an appointment to see the county safety officer to try and see if this problem can be more satisfactorily solved.

ROGATION WALK: Rogation Sunday was marked by St James' Church in the revival of the old tradition of walking the village environs, offering prayers and thanks for the bounty of nature which has made the growing crops and other produce of such vital importance to this community through many years of its existence. Led by Mervyn Huggins, some two dozen members of the congregation left the church and visited various points in the village where prayers were said and benedictions pronounced, before returning to church for final prayers and a closing hymn.

GARDEN CLUB: The Garden Club met as usual last Wednesday evening to hear a talk by John Meiklejohn on the subject of mushrooms and fungi, designed to ensure that all members can, in future, gather and cook and eat their fill in safety.

The results of the previous speaker's talk and workshop (Paul Seymour from Golls Nurseries) were to be seen in the attractive response to this month's competition - A Buttonhole, with Janet Eastwood winning first prize and Irene Deaner and Pam Walden taking second and third.

The latest edition of the club's newsheet, Cuttings and Clippings announced that, following the tradition of encouraging the local school children to take an interest in growing things, busy lizzies had been given out for nurturing at home and will be judged in July. Mill Lane Nurseries and Vale Propagation were thanked for their generosity in supplying and potting up the plants.

The club's summer visit, this year to Arley Hall in Cheshire, will take place on Sunday, July 27, and is now open to anyone in the village who would care to join them. The cost of the coach will be about £8 each (non-returnable once booking has been made) with entrance fee payable separately by non NT members. Further details can be obtained from the club secretary, Edith Capell (871567) or from Sheila McKenzie (870353).

FETE: St James' Church summer fete will be held at the village hall and in the school's front play area on Saturday, June 14 commencing at 2pm. With live music, food, numerous stalls and attractions and plenty to see and hear and buy it is hoped that the fete will attract its customary following of generous supporters.