THE service at the Parish Church of St James, Staun-ton held special significance for members of Hartpury, Corse and Staunton Mother's Union as it included their own annual service, held at the beginning of their year in one of the three churches within the united benefice. This year also included the admission of two new members Mrs Ruby Payne and Mrs Gilly Wells. The service was conducted by Canon John Evans who admitted the new members and the lesson was read by MU member Mrs Mary McGhee.

The intercessions were led by the branch leader Ursula Groves-Smith who also assisted during the celebration of Holy Communion. Margaret Riley was the organist and Brian Claessen and Prim Goldring sidesmen.

What a wonderful effort was made by three small children, Tom, Laura and Emily Penman when they held a sale outside their home, Staunton Post Office, and collected £11 for GEAR, the Gloucester Emergency Accommodation Centre for the homeless. Well done.

Why not start Christmas off with something special this year, Staunton PCC will be holding their Christmas event on Saturday, December 8 "Christmas in Times Past", a four course supper with entertainment. Further details shortly when tickets will be available. Proceeds are for church funds.

Staunton and Corse Cub group will be helping the Rev Penny Hamer to collect old clothing items for the day centre of Gloucestershire Emer-gency Relief. Items desperately needed include old towels, men's socks, jeans, T-shirts, sweaters and trainers. Collec-tions will be made in Staunton and Corse on Saturday, November 10 and the Scout hut will be open to receive items from 10am-1pm. Staun-ton and Corse School have also agreed to help the Cubs.

It's good to hear that Staunton and Corse Rainbows are running again and already they have a long waiting list so there is need for another group, if you can help contact Terri on 840870.

There has been a fairly quiet spell in the villages of Corse and Staunton over the past few weeks, so it was nice for people to have the opportunity to have some first class entertainment, on their own doorstep, on the last night of British Summer Time. Corse and Staunton Village Hall committee arranged an 'Evening of Entertainment' and nearly 90 people enjoyed the folk songs and humour of that well known and very popular entertainer Dick Brice and the lovely voices of Dave and Vera who, with their songs from the shows, included many Lloyd Webber favourites with Vera accompanying at the organ. The whole show encouraged audience participation. During the interval a ploughman's supper was served and there was a splendid raffle. About £350 will benefit hall funds.

Good advice comes from our Neighbourhood Watch team in Hartpury, Corse and Staunton and Newent Police with the dark and probably wet even-ings. Make sure you can be seen when cycling or walking at night, wear something white or bright.

Thefts continue, particularly from sheds and outbuildings. Make sure your property is burglar proof and if you see anything you think is suspicious report it quickly to Roger Boaler in Hartpury (700447), Tony Fardon in Staunton (840342) and Tony Jenkins in Corse (840597) or PC Simon Bailey, Newent Police (335251, Fax 01531 822532).