Harvington

The next meeting, on July 5, is planned as an outdoor event at Harvington Lock. It is important that members who have not already indicated that they intend to take part but who wish to do so should contact Alan on 01386 870156 without delay, so that transport can be arranged. It is proposed that the group will congregate at the village hall at 10am, returning at 2pm.

The August meeting (August 9) will be from 7pm to 9pm and anyone affected should note this change of time. It is a pleasure to report that this village art group is doing well with an increased membership and interesting plans for the future, but they would still welcome more members and anyone interested should contact Alan Davies who would be delighted to explain how the group operates.

ST JAMES' CHURCH: The monthly tidying-up of the churchyard takes place next Saturday and extra help is being appealed for. The number of volunteers has been declining steadily over the past months and now, with the temporary incapacity of Bob Young, who took on the responsibility of these monthly working parties but who is now recovering from a major operation and cannot be present, the need for other people to come forward is urgent. If you can spare an hour or two starting at 10am on Saturday, June 29, please report to the church (bringing any tools which you feel might be needed). It should be remembered that the church grounds and the churchyard are used by many people who are not regular churchgoers but who, quite rightly, see them as a public amenity whose existence they are grateful for. Some occasional help in keeping them trim and tidy would be most gratefully welcomed; this is one of those tasks which, if shared, is much less of a burden to all concerned. Do, please, volunteer your services if you possibly can.

Mrs Sue Bullard of Hughes Close, whose husband Cliff died suddenly a week ago after a short and tragic illness, spoke very warmly at church on Sunday morning of the support and great kindness she and her family have received, not only from the congregation, but from numerous other people in the village, and she asked that her gratitude should be expressed through this column. Though resident in Harvington for less than two years, Sue said that she and Cliff had been given a most friendly welcome here and had settled well, looking forward to a long and happy retirement. Their new friends and neighbours will be saddened by his passing.

OPEN GARDEN: The Close, Station Road was the scene on Monday evening of a delightful and successful event, when Mr and Mrs Bob Byrd's beautiful garden was again open to the public, raising funds for the Macmillan Cancer organisation. Blessed with a warm, sunny late afternoon and evening in which the colours of the plants and flowers could be seen at their best, the occasion gave obvious pleasure to large numbers of people who wandered about, admiring, chatting, enjoying their drinks or buying the plants and produce which were on sale. This open garden which (we sincerely hope) has become an annual event in the village's calendar reflects great credit on the host and hostess, Sonia, whose skill and enthusiasm produce such attractive results which we are then privileged to share. It is hoped that she, and her team of volunteer helpers, raised a gratifying sum of money.

PARISH COUNCIL: On Sunday evening, members of the parish council and county councillor Clive Holt attended a service in St James' church which has become an annual event, inaugurated some years ago under the then chairmanship of coun Arthur Robinson. This year's service, devised by the Rev Thorniley and coun Keith Seager had, as its central theme, the voluntary work done by councillors past and present, who were warmly thanked by the Rector for the time and energy they give to serving the community. People who attended spoke warmly about the service and were grateful for the Rector's remarks.