ST Mary the Virgin Church in Upleadon is always nicely kept and well worth a visit.

It has a Norman doorway and an Elizabethan tower. It was sensitively restored at the end of the 1960s.

The churchyard is kept neat and tidy by a dedicated few people. Recently the yew trees have been clipped and shaped adding further to the pleasing environment. A new path from the iron gates to the church is planned. A certificate from the Diocesan Advisory Committee now authorises the parochial church council to proceed with the work. This will commence in the near future.

The annual parish meeting and the annual parochial church meeting were held in the village hall on Thursday, April 24.

Mr Gerald Draper chaired the meetings, which were well attended. The churchwardens, Mr Albert Vye and Mrs Jessie Williams, were re-elected. Mr Gerald Draper was re-elected lay chairman and Mrs Christine Draper is the secretary. Members of the parochial church council are the Rev Patricia Phillips, Rector, Miss A A Lawrence, Mr Albert Vye, Mrs Jessie Williams, Mr Gerald Draper, Mr John Slack, Mr John Atkinson, Mrs Christine Draper, Mrs Mary Gough, Mrs Jill Clifford, M/s Barbara Dunn, Mrs Carol Dunn and Mrs Helen Murphy. During the year Mrs Lyndall Bagnall retired from the church council because of moving away from the area.

Don't forget the Upleadon Church fete to be held on Saturday, June 21 at the Old Vicarage at 3pm. The England's Glory Morris dance team will be in attendance. There will also be lots of competitions and interest for the children so do bring them along. Details will be given in advance.