LAST Sunday, the United Benefice service as held at St Mary's Church, Guarlford, and was conducted by the vicar, the Rev David Nichol.

The choir, led by Margaret Tarr, sang the anthem Come ye faithful, by R S Thatcher, and led the singing of The Gloria to a new setting. The organist was Carlton Tarr and the congregation included parishioners from Powick, Callow End and Madresfield.

On Monday, the vicar will lead a walk to the Worcester Beacon to raise funds through sponsorship or donations in aid of Christian Aid. The walk will start from the Lyttelton Well at 10.30am. Walkers in 40 other countries will be walking to the summit of 40 high points at noon over the Bank Holiday weekend also in aid of Christian Aid.

On Tuesday, May 15 a Musical Coffee Morning with a Bring & Buy will be held at 19 Hanbury Road, St Johns (at the home of June Goddard), to raise funds for St Peter's Facilities Fund, from 10am to noon.

Next Wednesday, May 9, a coffee morning in aid of the Bible Society is being held at "Rayvue", Old Malvern Road, from 9.45am to noon.

Powick Playing field Association Plant Sale takes place on Saturday, May 19 in Powick Parish Hall from 10am.

The Friends of Powick School held a Promises Auction last Friday evening and raised the amazing sum of £1,200 for school funds.

The May meeting of the Sewing Group is on Sunday, May 13 at 2pm at "Rayvue", Old Malvern Road.

Christian Aid Week is being held this year from May 13-19 and focuses on people in Uganda, Brazil and Bangladesh. Debt campaigning by people in the UK and Ireland has made a real difference to people's lives in the Third World. Please give generously.

Scouts and Guides from across Worcester joined in the annual St George's Day parade last Sunday. 7th Worcester Cubs and Scouts, who meet at Powick, joined the procession, passing the Guildhall where the Mayor, Coun Mary Drinkwater, took the salute. The parade culminated in a service in Worcester Cathedral attended by Worcester District Scout Commissioner Nigel Brookes. The parade was organised by 3rd Worcester Scout Group.