NEW RECREATION CENTRE: Two fund-raising events have been held recently; the car wash on Saturday, April 12 was well supported and raised £97. Many thanks to all those that supported the car wash and well done to all those working.

The Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 19 raised £330 despite the weather taking a turn for the worse. This event was hosted by Eckington Under Fives who would like to thank all helpers and all the people who braved the elements to come along during the afternoon.

The next event is the sponsored cycle ride and barbecue which takes place on Sunday, May 18, starting at 2pm from the recreation centre. There will be an adult's course around Bredon Hill and a shorter children's course within the village. The barbecue begins at 4pm. For sponsor forms or more information please phone Richard Forrest on 01386 750784 or Bobby Whatley on 01386 750358.

ECKINGTON FIRST SCHOOL: Two recent events were held to raise funds for the school's chosen charity, Acorn Children's Hospice Fund. Pancake races were held after school on Shrove Tuesday with about 20 children taking part and £21 was raised for the charity.

During the last week of term two cake sales were held after school. Liddy Ellis, Charlotte Powell and Gemma Tuck baked huge amounts of cakes which quickly sold and raised £58 for the charity.

FOES: (Friends of Eckington School) - held The Poetry Show 2 on Thursday, April 10. A wonderful afternoon's entertainment was put on for the children and staff at the school with 34 poems and songs read by 14 members of FOES and friends. Everybody looks forward to number 3 next year.

The next fund-raiser for school funds is the FOES Feast to be held on Saturday, May 10, at the village hall. For more information or tickets please ring Sarah Fincher on 01386 751692.

SCOUTS AND GUIDES GROUP: Are still looking for leaders for Beavers and Rainbows. There is funding in place for equipment etc so if you are interested please ring Geoff Ranstead on 01386 750855.

The group's AGM takes place on Wednesday, May 21 at 8pm at HQ Hut, Pershore Road.

A jumble sale will be held at HQ Hut on Saturday, May 10 at 2pm in aid of group funds.

CRACK CANCER CAMPAIGN: Dorothy Ludlow, MBE, held her latest grand sale for the unit on Saturday, April 12, and raised the magnificent sum of £3,932 for the campaign. Mrs Ludlow would like to pass on her warmest thanks to all her helpers and to everybody that came along to support this very worthy cause.

VILLAGE HALL: The committee is holding its AGM on Tuesday, May 13, at 8pm and everybody is welcome to attend.

A jumble sale to raise funds for the hall will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 2pm.

THURSDAY CLUB: Are holding their AGM on May 1 at 2.30pm in The Anchor Inn. There is a club outing on Thursday, May 15; A Day in the Cotswolds with lunch in Stow. Cost £5 per person. For more details or to book your place please ring Janet Vaughan on 01386 750066 or Margaret Draper on 01386 750316.

PARISH COUNCIL: The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday next week, not Wednesday, May 14, as previously stated. The meeting will be held at 7.30pm in the committee room of the village hall.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK: May 11 to 17, three events taking place in the village in support of this week. On Sunday, May 11 there will be a church service at 10am. On Wednesday, May 14 there will be an Austerity Lunch at the church 12-2pm. On Friday, May 16 there is a coffee evening at the vicarage with a bring-and-buy stall, 7-9pm.