IT may only be midsummer but Staunton and Corse Amateur Theatrical Society (SCATS) are making preparation for the pantomime season and will be starting their audition nights on Wednesday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 9, meeting at the Prince of Wales for a 7.30pm start. Rehearsals will begin in September, the pantomime will be on January 9, 10 and 11, 2003 and will be Old King Cole. For any further information ring Christine Stanbanks (01452) 8402.

Corse and Staunton Village Hall 100 Club draw winners were 1 Mr J Frost, 2 Mr B Mackie, 3 Mrs Stanbanks, 4 Mrs B McCreadie.

The three charities sale held in Johnstone Close lounge, Staunton was most successful and as a result Staunton and District Housebound, Staunton and District Over 60s Club and Sheppard House, Newent and Dial-a-Ride each received £175.

On behalf of the groups Nan Bevan, leader of the Over 60s Club, would like to thank everyone who helped to make it such a success and to the local tradespeople for donating raffle prizes, Ben Creese butcher, Staunton PO, Mr Field, Treona Nurseries, St George's Bakery, Staunton Garden Centre, Vic Smith, Hartpury PO and Over 60s.

50 members of Staunton Over 60s Club left in the rain for the Forest of Dean to see the bluebells, the rain stopped and the carpets of blue flowers were a lovely sight to see. The return journey was made through Lydney and on to Northwood Green, where the party had an enjoyable WI tea.

The club visited Staunton Garden Centre when 50 members had a walk around the much enlarged garden centre and had coffee and cakes. The club was joined by 35 school children for a Jubilee thanksgiving service taken by Canon John Evans. Margaret Riley accompanied the singing.

Another outing is planned for June 24 to visit Cadbury Garden Centre, at Congresbury, and then onto Clevedon for a short stay. On July 8, the club will be at home for a talk by social services on benefits.

The following is in particular for all former pupils or those with a connection with Staunton and Corse School which is celebrating its 150th anniversary on Friday, July 5, when the Bishop of Tewkesbury will be giving the address at a service of thanksgiving at the school.

There will be light refreshments afterwards. This will be a great occasion for a get together with old school friends so do try and go.

Also to celebrate the 150th anniversary the parents, teachers and friends are arranging a ball on Saturday, June 29 to celebrate the foundation of the school. Tickets are £12.50 to include supper, ring the school for further information or tickets (01452) 840240.

Corse and Staunton Youth Club are hosting a family summer fun night on Friday, July 5, from 7pm-10pm. There will be a barbecue, soak the bloke, coconut shy, tombola, amongst other things to do.

Staunton and Corse Carnival is being held this Saturday, June 22, with the procession leaving the Church field, Ledbury Road (A417), at noon arriving at Staunton and Corse School at 12.30pm, where the carnival is being held. The fancy dress theme is animals.

The carnival will be opened by Diana Organ MP at 12.30pm, followed by the judging and presentation of prizes. The committee have worked hard to provide something for all the family including Alfredo the Magical Clown, the Five Star Liners, a demonstration of dog agility, Staunton and Corse School children's dancing display and, by popular demand, the Frampton Footwarmers Dixieland Jazz musicians will play though the afternoon.

There will be a static display of an Austin Healey Sprite racing car and long circuit go-karts, there will be the chance to win a one-week stay in a luxury villa to be raffled on the day, you can have your photograph taken on a lovely big yellow digger, children can enjoy rides on an antique roundabout and loads of other attractions. As always there will be the popular pig roasts, teas, ices etc plenty of stalls, arts and craft. Children have free entry, adults £1.50, car parking is free.