GARDENING CLUB: The October meeting - the 40th AGM - was well attended by over 40 members. The finance report indicated another fairly successful year, with over 70 members having joined. The chairman hoped that we might increase our membership slightly in the coming year. Subscriptions would remain the same at £4 per year. The chairman thanked Marion Hill and Jean Glazebrook for running the raffle for seven years, and as they wished to stand down, Margaret Elliot and Betty Loach kindly volunteered to take over. The club secretary said that she hoped the programme arranged for the year ahead would prove of interest to members. She thanked those members who had supported the organised trips and mentioned the possible venues agreed by the committee for next year's trips - Ryton Organic Gardens, Shrewsbury Flower Show, Burford House and Garden Centre, and How Caple Court, Herefordshire. All other officers and committee members were prepared to stand again and were therefore unanimously re-elected. One additional member - Caroline Abbey - was also elected to the committee. The competition awards were announced, third was Ann Shepherd, second was Jean Norcott and first was Frances Watson Smyth, to whom the cup was presented. After coffee, club president, John Glazebrook, entertained members with 'Making the Most of a Small Greenhouse' which contained a host of useful practical tips, well laced with John's usual humorous quips - much appreciated by all. The next meeting will be the annual mince pies and wine evening, on November 29, when Eileen Spalding will demonstrate some 'Christmas Ideas', and the competition will be 'A Christmas Decoration'. As always, new members will be welcome.

DANCE AT 8: New classes and new venues are arranged for November and December. Pershore (Pershore Theatre Arts, 8 High Street, Pershore) will be the venue for Mondays (a new class started on Monday for five weeks) 7.30pm - 8.30pm - new absolute beginners Tango workshop, 8.30pm - 9.30pm - absolute beginners Salsa and Merengue. On Fridays (starts November 16 for five weeks) with various classes from Video Pop Stars, Latin and Ballroom and Practice Party every Friday, all styles, all levels, everyone welcome. This is a new venue (Abbey Park First School) on Tuesdays with Video Pop Stars for adults and Latin Line dancing from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. For further information the website is danceat8.freeserve.co.uk and email paulnbarb@fdance8.co.uk

TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD: There was a good attendance for the November meeting of the Townswomen's Guild, on a pleasant, sunny morning, and the chairman welcomed a new member Mrs Guest, and a visitor Mrs P Davies. Mrs Rubbra was pleased to say that the recent coffee morning had been a success, raising £231, which will help Guild funds. Members were reminded about the Christmas lunch on December 7, at the Vale Golf Club and the Federation Carol Service on December 1 in Pershore Abbey at 2pm. After the carol service, refreshments will be available in St Andrew's costing £1, to include tea, mince pies and a raffle ticket. Mrs Lockhart thanked members for all their support following her operation, and then reported that letters of thanks for donations, has been received from Mr Sparrey of Marie Curie Cancer Care and from Mrs Polly Vacher. Mrs Loach announced that the first round of the Federation skittles competition will be played against Hereford City Guild, on November 24 at Much Marcle. A minibus will leave the Abbey car park at 1.30pm. The quiz team will be competing against Nunnery Wood Guild in their first round match on November 28 at 7.30pm. The Literary group met on November 5, when the book 'A Thousand Acres' by Jan Smiley, was discussed and some poems read. Next meeting on December 3. After coffee, Mr N Clarke gave a talk entitled 'Beyond Bangkok'. Mrs Hendrick gave the vote of thanks.

The sales table raised £22.20. The next meeting will be on December 4 in Wulstan Hall at 10am when Mrs Tricia Freeman will be present to accept the charity cheque on behalf of Friends of Pershore Cottage Hospital. Later, Mr Mike Edwards will talk about 'Asum's Poet', The sales table will be Christmas goods. Visitors and new members always welcome.

FILM AT NUMBER 8: Pershore and District Film Society, Saturday at 7.30pm. 'The Claim' starring Natasha Kinski (cert 15). Set in California, in the 1840's,

NUMBER 8 GALLERY: Exhibition of paintings by Elizabeth Long, 'Images from Meditation'.

SATURDAY MORNING CHILDREN'S WORKSHOPS: Starting November 3 for 5 weeks £20 for the course. Ceramic painting ages 2-10 years, ring Charlotte on 561906 or call in at Number 8.

YOUTH DANCE GROUP: (DanceFest) for 13-18 year olds, Mondays 5-6.30pm, starting Monday, November 12 for six weeks. £2 per session or £10 for six sessions. Aimed at young people interested in creating and performing dance. Ring Charlotte on 561906 or call at Number 8.

RBL WOMENS SECTION: The November meeting of RBL Womens Section, Pershore, took place at St Wulstans Hall. The meeting was opened with the exaltation said by chairman Wendy Griffiths. After the business was dealt with refreshments were served, raffle was drawn, 150 club winners were Mrs Buckle, Mrs Patterson and Mrs Grantham. The table top sale made £53 making £335 raised for poppy appeal. Mr Browne, chairman mens section and Mr P Cummings, poppy appeal organiser presented a certificate of appreciation to womens section for making and selling poppies at Garden of Remembrance for many years. A talk and slide show was given by Pauline Granville-Jolly on her visit to Denver and Grand Canyon.

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE - U3A: Mr Malcolm Atkins, the Worcester County Archaeologist, will give a talk to the Pershore U3A on the work of the County Archaeological Service at their meeting on November 20. The meeting will be held at 2pm in the Pershore Civic Centre Committee Rooms and will also take nominations for the committee in preparation for the December AGM. The U3A is designed for people who are over 50 and are not in full time employment but who wish to expand their skills and knowledge in a friendly environment. The Pershore U3A has over 100 members and holds a general meeting each month. The U3A welcomes new members and offers the opportunity to join a wide range of special interest groups that meet regularly in the daytime in and around Pershore.

PERSHORE TREE OF LIGHT - PERSHORE ROTARY CLUB: St Richards Hospice and Acorns are to benefit from The Pershore Tree of Light which will be lit in Broad Street over the Christmas and New Year period. It's purpose is to provide a focal point of remembrance, and in so doing raise money to support the local charities. If you would like a light to burn on the tree, in memory of a loved one or to remember someone important to them at this time of year, all you have to do is fill in a coupon, which are available in shops throughout the town, and send it, with your donation to The Rotary Club. The name of the person you wish to remember will be displayed, unless otherwise requested. Companies locally are also being requested to sponsor the lights and a list of all who have sponsored will be displayed on a separate board at the tree and published in the local papers.

WORCESTER MALE VOICE CHOIR: Annual Christmas Concert is being held at Pershore Abbey on December 8 beginning at 7pm. Dave Bradley, of BBC Hereford and Worcester, will be the compere and Perscoran Brass will also be performing as guests to the Male Voice Choir. Tickets, which cost £5 each, are available from Blue, 27 Broad Street, Tourist Information Office, 19, High Street, Sugar and Spice, 20, High Street and A la Carte, 1 Royal Arcade, Bridge Street, Pershore. The concert is to raise funds for the Mayor's charity, 'Acorn Trust'.

ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CAMPAIGN: Pershore branch are holding their annual Christmas Fair on December 8, Almonry Close, Abbey Road, Pershore, between 10am and noon. There will be bring and buy stalls, cake stalls, plants and produce, ARC goods including Christmas items. There will also be a tombola and raffle all of which will be accompanied by live music and carols. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free but coffee and mince pies at 50p at the door. For further information please ring either 01386 860331 or 01386 710022. Following their recent AGM the following were elected, president George Mason, chair Sheila Grantham, secretary Tony Hall, treasurer Laura Joyce, membership magazine Daphne Higgins, publicity Helen Fowler, magazine Paula Baylis, ARC goods Mary Marshal, committee, Ann Holland, Betty Taylor, Beryl Horton, who is a founder member of the branch and has served on the committee for the past 18 years, has now stood down from the committee. A big thank you to Beryl. Joan Cofield was elected to the general committee. For further information about the branch and how they can help both sufferers by raising funds for research and to help people understand their arthritis or rheumatic, please ring Helen Fowler on 01386 860331.

YOGAEROBICS: A new concept in Holistic Health. Sessions are starting at Number 8, High Street, Pershore on Thursdays from 10-11.30am. There is a fee of £4 (concessions £3) for information please ring 01386 555735.

PERSHORE OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY: Are presenting a Wassail for the festive season. This will be held at St Andrew's Hall, Pershore on December 8 at 5pm and 8pm and the same venue on December 9 again at 5pm and 8pm. On December 10 they are performing at St Andrew's Hall again at 8pm only. Little Comberton Church will be the last venue at 7.30pm on December 12. Tickets are £6 and £5 and are available from Mrs M Sherwood on 01386 750293, or at 'Blue' Broad Street, Pershore and 'Maxine's Bookshop', Pershore, High Street, Pershore.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS TEA AND CONCERT: Is being held at the Pershore College of Horticulture on Sunday. Tickets are £10 for the afternoon and tea or £5.50 for the evening concert only. For further information and to book your seats please ring Betty Hughes on 01386 552547.