PRE-SCHOOL: The Easter fair held on Saturday last was a big success, well attended and apparently greatly enjoyed - all this despite the excessively heavy rain.

The Easter bunny and the Easter chicken were enthusiastically welcomed by most (though not all!) of the smaller children and Mrs Jenny Egan won the Easter bonnet competition.

Sue Johnson, who runs the group, was delighted with the result and passes on her thanks to everybody who helped or supported.

Pre-school resumes on April 24.

ST JAMES'S CHURCH: Will be organising its customary Good Friday charity lunch and hopes for enthusiastic support from the village.

From noon to 2pm, home-made soups accompanied by bread rolls will be served in the village hall.

No fixed charge is made, but patrons are asked to donate as generously as they can to the Church of England's Children's Society.

You are warmly invited; this is a village, not just a church, effort and one which is traditionally well supported.

The lunch follows a service in church at 11am.

On Easter Sunday there will be two Holy Communion services: at 9.30am and 6.30pm.

Visitors are assured of a friendly welcome.

C OF E FIRST SCHOOL: Term ended with its usual flurry of activities among which was a visit by the county's mobile museum unit with a hands-on exhibition of medical treatments old and new - was that as horribly fascinating as it sounds?.

On the last day there was the traditional Easter egg hunt in which the older children help the younger ones to solve clues leading them to hidden eggs.

School reopens on April 24 by which time there will have been further progress made on the new developments in the yard and play area.

As reported in this column a few weeks ago, the plans look very exciting and, a good start having already been made, it is clear that a fascinating period lies ahead.

The school is to be congratulated on its foresight and energy.

THE COACH AND HORSES: The new licensees, John and Kath Knight, are now installed and customers will be extending a warm welcome to them in their new post and looking forward to making their acquaintance.