POWICK Parish Council held a public meeting on October 5 in Powick Parish Hall where many village organisations had displays. Representatives from sports groups - Powick Football Club and badminton; Women's groups - WI and Powick Guild; Junior organisations - 1st Powick Brownies, Junior Church, Powick Pre-school and Mother & Toddlers; Powick Church and the Parish Magazine were on hand. Powick Parish Ramblers showed on a map the controversial riverside walk along the River Severn, John Houghton had photographs of past Powick events, Callow End Playing Field Association showed their future plans for improvements to the play facilities; and the Powick & Callow End Branch of the Royal British Legion was represented. Powick Bellringers gave the opportunity to parishioners to try their hand at hand-bell ringing. From Malvern, the Malvern Hills Conservators were represented as were Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council's "Lights Out Line" with samples of new energy efficient street lights. County councillor Tom Wells and district councillor Rob Richards were on hand to discuss issues. Members of the parish council provided tea and biscuits. It was disappointing that not more members of the public were sufficiently interested to visit the exhibitions.

Today (Friday), Powick Parish Ramblers meet at St Peter's Church at 10am for a five-mile local walk with Pat and Bill Ash. Next Saturday, October 27 a walk will take place at Little Witley, meeting at 10am at St Michael's Church. Cars can be parked at the Village Hall and lunch can be arranged. Ring Pat Ash for information on both walks.

The harvest gathering held last Saturday in Powick Parish Hall was deemed a great success. The buffet supper, which comprised salad, rolls and a variety of local cheese followed by apple pie and cream and a glass of wine was arranged by hall committee members Helen Bartlett and Julia Evans. The bar was run by Jim Allsopp and members of the hall committee set up the tables and sold raffle tickets during the preceding weeks. Entertainment was provided by pianist Stephen Watkins who played a variety of songs and melodies and accompanied local tenor Derek Stokes who sang, among others, O what a beautiful morning and If I loved you by Rodgers & Hammerstein, and The music of the night by Lloyd-Webber and as an encore Danny Boy. The grand draw took place, first prize of £100 being won by Mr Bale, the £100 car service won by Mrs Neale and the microwave by someone from Worcester. The full list of winners will be published in the parish magazine. Proceeds from the draw and the event are expected to reach £1,200 and will provide more new chairs and tables. Members of the parish hall management committee wish to thank all who supported the event and brought draw tickets and provided prizes.

Last Sunday's family service at St Peter's Church, Powick, celebrated harvest. The church was decorated with ears of wheat, autumn flowers and produce. Members of 1st Powick Brownies illustrated the chain of people needed to bring bananas from the West Indies to the supermarket. Taking part were Juliet Wilkes, Hannah Whittal-Williams, Catherine Nichol, Olivia Sharpe, Sophie Powell, Alice Pickworth, Stephanie Hencher, Leila Cattell, Sarah Fraser, Lindsey Brassington and Louise Lyons. The story of Naomi and Ruth and the custom of gleaning was read by Bryony Wilkes and Meg Allsopp. The service was led by Reverend David Nichol and prayers of Intercession led by Lynne Nichol. The choir sang the harvest anthem Praise, O Praise by W H Baker and Martin Howe, accompanied on the organ by Lin Broom. Produce and goods from both Powick Church and Powick School harvest festival services were donated to the homeless at St Paul's Hostel in Worcester and MHHYAT Foyer in Malvern Link.

This Sunday there is a service at 11am of Holy Communion with baptism and the address will focus on Christian giving entitled First to the Lord.

Congratulations to musician and piano teacher Stephen Watkins of Powick Village who raised £450 in sponsorship by having his haircut! The money is being split between St Richard's Hospice and the Samaritans.