ALL the Easter services were well attended at Staunton Parish Church.

The traditional Palm Sunday procession was made from Staunton Cross to the church, where palm crosses were blessed by Canon John Evans, who conducted the service, and given to the congregation by Paige Fardon.

On Good Friday, the service of Matins and Reflections of the Cross was attended by members of the United Benefice. The service was conducted by the Vicar assisted by Rev Penny Hamer, the organist was Margaret Riley and Ursula Groves-Smith took the offertory.

The celebrant was Canon John Evans assisted by Rev Penny Hamer, the lesson was read by John Luard and Margaret Riley accompanied the singing of the Easter hymns. The offertory was taken by Margaret Barclay and June Fardon and as the congregation left the church everyone was given a piece of the fruit cake made on Mothering Sunday and the children all had an Easter Egg.

The Annual Meeting of St James' Church, Staunton, which was postponed due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease will now be held on Thursday, May 3 at 7pm in Staunton Church.

St James' Church, Staunton, celebrated St George's Day with a parade which brought a large contingent of the 1st Staunton & Corse Scouts and Cubs and their leaders to join the congregation for a celebration of this national day, though the actual day April 23 fell on the next day, Monday. Canon John Evans welcomed over 100 people of all ages, before dedicating the new colour, the Union Flag, which had been given anonymously.

Barbara Calvert from Christian Aid spoke on their work and told of her recent visit with a group to Jamaica and Haiti. Christian Aid Week begins from May 13-19.

It was disappointing that the effort to raise funds for the locally based Gloucestershire Wildlife Rescue Centre, at Hartpury, by way of a coffee morning with stalls held in the lounge at Johnstone Close flats attracted so few people, although Staunton & District WI, who arranged the event, were able to hand over to the centre £71.15 for their funds, as well as selling £58.25 of their own wildlife goods.

The committee of Staunton & Corse Carnival have decided to postpone the event until September 1 when it is hoped the foot and mouth epidemic will be over. It was to have been held on Saturday, June 23 and, fortunately, all the major attractions have been able to be rebooked. Please keep this date!

With the closure of a nearby youth club it becomes more important than ever to provide something for the children aged from eight to 16 years old in the parishes of Staunton & Corse. Both men and women are needed to form a committee. If you feel you can help, please contact Nigel Gisby by phoning 840268.