POWICK Parish Ramblers have, of course, been unable to walk the footpaths through the countryside while the foot and mouth outbreak still affects activities. However, a visit to the Royal Worcester Porcelain Factory and Museum in May was a welcome diversion and attended by fifteen members at the early part of May.

Nine members (and two dogs) met at Worcester Countryside Centre where the walks in Nunnery Wood and Perry Wood were open. It was a warm day and the bluebells, were at their best.

In the absence of regular walks, the working party consisting of seven volunteers and two contractors have been active in Dark Lane, Callow End. Over six days the lane has been gritted, the paths edged and a handrail erected, under the supervision of Bill Ash.

At last there is a five-mile walk planned on Wednesday evening, June 6, starting at the Church of Our Lady and St Alphonsus, Blackmore Park at 7pm prompt.

The route is via Hanley Swan Green, Gloucester Road, Gilver's Lane, on to The Hook at Upton passing The Boynes and Tiltridge Farm. The walk finishes at New Road, Upton.

This is a sponsored walk for the St Vincent de Paul Society, which helps the poor and unemployed. The cost is £1 per person. No rights of way of field paths will be walked, but there will be pubs to visit at the end of the walk! For details, ring Bill and Pat Ash on 01905 830094.

The sponsored walk in aid of Christian Aid, which took place on May Day Bank Holiday, to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon raised £200.

On the national day of prayer for the work of the Bible Society, a coffee morning was held at "Rayrue" Old Malvern Road, and raised £47.60.

Powick Bellringers, are appealing for new members!

If anyone would like to have a trial, or has rung before and would like to join Powick Bellringers, go along to St Peters Church on Wednesday, June 13, at 7.30pm to meet the ringers.

For further details ring Lyn Nichol on 01905 830270, or Andrew Harding on 01905 830402.

The local branch of the RSPB meets at Powick Parish Hall on Wednesday, June 13, at 7.30pm when guest speaker will be Michael Leach, his subject "Owls of the World".