THANK you to everyone who helped at, or came to our Spring Charities' Fair on April 5. We shall let you know in due course how much money was raised towards the funds of the Vale of Evesham Volunteer Centre.

Don't forget the Volunteer Centre office will be closed from 3pm on Thursday, April 17 until 9.30am on Wednesday, April 23 for the Easter Holiday. If you have any transport requests during this period please contact us as soon as possible - thank you.

Being a parent can be tough - can you spare two hours a week to help? Home-Start volunteers are needed to visit families regularly, in their own homes, usually for between two and four hours. They receive out of pocket expenses and full training. These visits are flexible and for many families this simple type of support can make all the difference. Contact Heather Willcocks on 01608 650593 or Margaret Jones/Elaine Cleverdon on 01905 29377 or log on to www.home-start.org.uk

Roundabout urgently needs double beds, single wardrobes and a reserve driver for their furniture van if you have any items to donate, or could offer to be a van driver, contact them direct on 01386 833030.

The MIND shop in Evesham urgently needs volunteers on Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays and Thursdays to work in the shop including using the till. For more information contact Christine at the MIND shop on 01386 761851.

The Silurian Consort present Brahms' German Requiem and Mendel-ssohn's Violin Concerto at Pershore Abbey on Saturday, April 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50 from Blue and A La Carte, Broad Street, Pershore or telephone 01684 295366.

Why not visit the foyer of the Volunteer Centre office open weekdays 9.30am to 3pm telephone 01386 40165. Lots of information re voluntary work - so call in and have a browse.

We also welcome calls from groups wishing to advertise through the Helping Hands column.