Pershore

NUMBER 8 GALLERY: Exhibition of paintings by Stuart Hudson and Jill Burrows.

TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD: The presentation of a cheque for £1,000 for Pershore Cottage Hospital, was the first item of the December meeting of the Townswomen's Guild. Mrs P Freeman accepted the cheque from the chairman, on behalf of the Friends of the Pershore Cottage Hospital. In thanking all members for raising such a magnificent amount, she spoke briefly about the hospital and said that a recent visitor there had been Sir Michael Spicer, who was very positive about the need to keep the hospital open, Mrs Freeman said that it had been decided that this welcome donation would probably be used towards the cost of new curtains throughout the hospital. Pershore Guild were the hosts for the Hereford and Worcester Federation Carol Service in Pershore Abbey on December 1 and the chairman reported that it had been a lovely occasion and thanked those members who had helped with the refreshments in St Andrews and those who led the singing. The service was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Pershore, Mr and Mrs J Grantham. Mrs Meller gave a report of the November Federation meeting. The NCM conference is to be held on June 19 and any member willing to attend as delegate should contact the chairman. There will be a craft day in Hereford in June, for which exhibits are needed. She read a letter from the Federation vice-chairman expressing grateful thanks for all the help and co-operation given by Pershore members, which contributed to the enjoyment of the carol service. Mrs Rubbra announced that there will be a Malvern Theatre outing on January 30, a matinee performance of 'Relative Values' by Noel Coward, starring Susan Hampshire. Tickets cost £18, to be paid for at the January meeting. Free coach provided. She was pleased to report that the skittles team had won their match against Hereford City in a close contest, score was 201-199. Mrs Loach gave an account of this event. Unfortunately, the quiz team lost their first round match against Nunnery Wood by eight points, 68 points to 60, but as this year's winners, they have been invited to compete in the SW Area finals next March. The Literary Appreciation Group discussed 'The Daughter of the House' by M Roberts and read some poems at their last meeting and will next meet on January 7. After coffee, members were entertained by Mike Edwards, 'Assum's Poet', who recounted some fascinating anecdotes about his early life, then read his own poems from his recently published book. Mrs Herbert gave the vote of thanks. The sales table raised £26.25. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 8, in Wulstan Hall at 10am, when Sir M H Simms will talk about 'A Policeman's Lot'. There will be a raffle in aid of Guild funds. Visitors and new members always welcome.

RBL WOMENS SECTION: The Christmas meeting of RBL Pershore Womens Section took place at St Wulstans Hall on December 4. After the exhortation said by chairman Wendy Griffiths. She welcomed members and visitors from the mens section, then followed a short business meeting, Mrs Laura Joyce (treasurer) gave her report. Mrs Joyce was also delegate for the county conference, he gave a report on this. At conference Pershore branch won one cup and three runner-ups certificates. The winners of 150 club were 1st B Horton, 2nd N Bourne and 3rd B Peart. The entertainment for the evening was Deputy Dog a group who led singing and dancing and after the break carol singing. During the break mince pies, sherry and fruit juices were served. Arrangements were made for a lunch to be held at the Bridges, Hindlip on January 21, picking up at Broad Street at noon and then Roland Rutter Court, Whitcroft Road and the Stepes. Visitors are invited to this and should contact members of committee for details. There will be no meeting in January - the February meeting will be Mr Peter Averis talking about Victorian Slides. Old and new members welcome.

CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT: Andrew Wilson and the Pershore Choral Society are to be congratulated on their performance of Brahms 'Requiem' in Pershore Abbey. From the very first moment one was aware of the buzz. The abbey was full and the stewards neat and attentive. I was particularly impressed by the quietly disciplined arrival of the chorus onto the platform. The choice of Mozart's Exultate, jubilate, K. 165, complimented the Requiem perfectly. Yvonne Seymour gave a thrilling performance of the miniature vocal concerto, accompanied by the West Midlands Sinfonia led by Tim Callaghan, and the full range of vocal fireworks was warmly applauded. Then to the Brahms. Andrew Wilson drew a thoroughly convincing rendering of the work from the singers and orchestra with impressive contrast between the quiet singing and the fortissimos. Roderick Williams sang his part beautifully and it was nice to welcome him back to Pershore where his parents in law live. Yvonne Seymour sang her one number with feeling, sympathetically accompanied by the chorus. The audience went home having enjoyed a thoroughly satisfactory concert.

CHRISTMAS FARMERS' MARKET: This year the Farmers' Market will be held in Pershore Town Centre on December 23, between 10am and 3pm. On sale will be Christmas gifts and produce including country fayre and Christmas chickens, ducks, bacon and Christmas pudding. A pig roast is also included. The Farmers' Market is being held in conjunction with Wychavon District Council, The Worcestershire Farmers Market Group, Pershore Co-op and Pershore Tourism Association. During the time that the market is open 'Fiddlestick' a children's entertainer will be performing, also Strolling Musicians (jazz and carols) and Old Fairground Organs.

ARTS THEATRE CLUB: At the club's meeting on November 16 the speaker was Simon Trapnell from Nature in Art at Twigworth near Gloucester who gave an enthusiastic and knowledgeable illustrated talk on 'Visual Art Inspired by Nature'. Members were treated to a fascinating glimpse of the paintings, sculptures and ceramics, all depicting aspects of the natural world, which are available for the public to see at Twigworth. The skill shown by the artists was impressive and the slides held the audience spellbound. All agreed that a visit to see the exhibits for themselves should be arranged. An outing to see 'Chicago' in Birmingham the previous evening had been very successful. Members will see 'The Wind in the Willows', at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on December 20 and outings to Stratford to 'Alice', in March and to the Birmingham Royal Ballet during May, are being arranged. The annual New Year lunch will be held at the Vale Golf Club on January 27. The next meeting will be on December 21, at 7.30pm at St Agatha's Hall, when Tim Bridges will give an illustrated talk on 'Church Memorials'. New members are always welcome. Contact Jean Norcott on 01386 561624 about future events.

ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CAMPAIGN: The Pershore branch held their annual Christmas Fair last Saturday, between 10am and noon, and raised in excess of £600. The figure as yet to be finalised, and a big thank you goes to all helpers and visitors to the fair, see you again next time round. For further information please ring either 01386 860331 or 01386 710022.

PERSHORE HARVESTERS: Are holding a grand sale between 10.30am and noon on Saturday in St Andrew's Parish Centre. All the usual stalls with lots of items of interest for sale so why not go along you might find that special Christmas present you have been looking for. Entrance is just 20p and children can go in free. Refreshments will be available.

PERSHORE ABBEY - CHRISTINGLE SERVICE: The Christingle Service is being held in Pershore Abbey at 4pm on Sunday. This will be followed by the Town Council's Carols on the Octagon at 5pm-ish, with a visit from Santa. The Abbey Concert by the English Symphony Orchestra performing 'Messiah by Candlelight' is being held on December 20 commencing at 7.30pm. This is tickets only concert, please ring 01684 560696 to book. On December 23 the Traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be held at 4pm and at 3.30pm on Christmas Eve the Informal Children's Blessing of the Crib. Midnight Eucharist with carols will commence at 11.30pm.

ROLLS ROYCE (COVENTRY) BRASS BAND: Will be appearing with their conductor, Dave Lea, on January 12 in Pershore Abbey commencing at 7.30pm. The concert is in aid of the Mayor's Charity, which is St Andrews Parish Centre, Pershore. Admission is £7 and tickets are available from Blue A la Carte and Belle House,