GARDENING CLUB: The members and visitors to the April meeting were treated to a talk by Keith Orchard Robinson, entitled The Derbyshire Custom of Well Dressing. The custom originated 650 years ago to give thanks for water for the area.

His audience were taken on a photographic tour of the Peak District and the dressed wells. The intricacies and colours of the designs and the patience of the dressers was truly astonishing. The largest measure 12ft by 8ft and all were decorated with individual flower petals and natural materials.

People from all over the country go for a week to help. Children also take part, thus insuring the continuation of this ancient and stunning custom.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 29, at 7.30pm at Wulstan Hall and will be a demonstration of hanging baskets and containers by Roy Walker. The competition will be a pot/tray of this year's seedlings.

New members and visitors are welcome.

ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CAMPAIGN: Pershore branch - This is the 21st celebration year and Pershore branch has several events organised to celebrate. These include the 21st birthday party, which is being held on June 21, between 2pm and 4pm at Almonry Close, Pershore, the usual flag day in July and a Black Country evening, which promises to be a very good evening, in October at the Arts Centre, Evesham. This has now been changed from September to October and looking even further ahead, the Christmas Fair is on December 6.

For further details of future events contact Helen Fowler, publicity secretary, on 01386 860331.

ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION: Chairman Ken Rowe confirmed that the Gardener's Arms rota was now up and running and would be open for business every Sunday between 10am and 12.30pm.

FILM AT NUMBER 8: With Pershore and District Film Society, Saturday, 7.30pm, Great Expectations, 1hr 53mins.

GALLERY AT NUMBER 8: Currently showing until May 17 - Tea, Toast and Tobacco, an exhibition by Nick Homfray.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES MAY HALF TERM: Crafty Fish, Wednesday, May 28 - a day of fun-packed, fishy crafts for all young artists, 10am to noon, 5-7 year olds £4; 1pm to 3.30pm 7-12 year olds £5.

Acting Up! Friday, May 30 - come and join Charlotte for a drama workshop, 10am to noon, 7-11 year olds £4.

MURDER MYSTERY EVENING AT NUMBER 8: Friday, May 30, 7.30pm. Become a super sleuth for an evening and solve the crime of the century. Admission £6 (includes a ploughman's supper), bar available. Tickets available at Number 8 or Maxine's Bookshop, High Street, Pershore.

GUYS AND DOLLS: June 17 to 21. Presented by Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society at the Swan Theatre, Worcester. Tickets now on sale from Blue, Broad Street, Pershore 01386 553847, Maxine's Bookshop 01386 550088, Mick Sherwood on 01386 750293 and the Huntingdon Arts Box Office at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester 01905 611427.

THE VILLAGES ART GROUP: An exhibition of paintings on the theme of Pershore Perspectives opens at Pershore Library on May 10, and runs until May 30.

The paintings are by ten members of The Villages Art Group, based at Little Comberton. Each has chosen various scenes to paint, but all are of the various corners of Pershore, some familiar, some not so familiar.