PARISH COUNCIL: In his opening words, chairman, Mr Derrick Grainger, paid tribute to Mr William Reed, one time parish councillor, and clerk to the Reeds Memorial Trust, who had died recently. He was also a much-respected headmaster of Bredon Hill Middle School. Councillors observed a silence in his memory.

Mr Grainger, who was about to retire as chairman of the council, said it had been an honour to serve the community. He drew attention to the many projects which had been completed, and thanked individual councillors for their various contributions. He made a special tribute to Mrs Sally Deakin, not only for her stirling work as planning officer, but also for the hours of dedication she had given over many matters as vice chairman of the council.

Mr Mike Pullin said that he was ready to install the two seats which had been recently given to the parish as a memorial. He said that seats at the Dock needed attention and that one was no longer fixed to the ground. He was asked to put the necessary work in hand. It was also agreed to place the work on the village hall site with Stephen Pitt.

Mr Grainger asked coun Mrs Pam Moy to convey the thanks of the parish council to the WI members and others who had achieved wonders in their litter pick. Fifty bags of litter, plus a bollard, a bike, barbed wire, a car windscreen and £6 in cash were all disposed of!

At the close of the meeting, Sally Deakin presented Mr Grainger with an inscribed tankard. She thanked him warmly for his years of service to the parish and praised his achievements.

It was decided that the date of the annual parish meeting would be delayed until the formation of the new council. Regret was voiced that no new candidates had as yet come forward to fill the existing vacancies, although several names had been mentioned as possibilities. The chairman asked that anyone interested should contact the parish clerk, Mr Tim Foster, as soon as possible.

GOOD FRIDAY: There are sighs of relief all round now that the gardens are getting that long awaited drop of rain. How good though that the beautiful spell of weather lasted long enough to tempt a huge crowd of people up Bredon Hill for the Good Friday service. It was heartening to see so many young families there as well as representatives from many of the villages all around the hill.

CHRISTIAN AID: Organiser Mary Fenton would be very pleased to hear from you, if you could help with the delivery and collection of Christian Aid Week envelopes especially in Blenheim Drive, Broadacre Close, Cherry Orchard, Gravel Pits Close, the main road from the railway to the Cheltenham Road, Orchard Close, Plantation Crescent and Bredon's Hardwick. If you can help, phone 01684 773563 as soon as possible.

PLAY TENNIS DAY: Will be held by Bredon Tennis Club on Saturday, May 17. The Tennis Factory will be between 10am and noon when there will be games and activities for juniors with prizes and give-aways. Sessions for adults will be held from noon onwards. Committee members will be on site to advise on all questions involving membership, coaching, club sessions and tournaments. For further details, please telephone 07779 299692.