HERITAGE AND HISTORY SOCIETY: "Do we speak English?" is the subject for the January meeting of the society when Mr Way will speak on the development, oddities and beauty of our national language. The venue as usual is Wulstan Hall, Priest Lane, Pershore on January 4 at 7.30pm. Admission is free to members, £1 visitors, raffle, tea/coffee available.

ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CAMPAIGN: The Pershore branch held their Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 9 at Almonry Close, Pershore. To the delight of the organisers, they raised in excess of £600. Thanks, from Helen Fowler and the committee must go to all who helped to make it such a grand occasion for this much needed charity.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - WOMENS SECTION: There was a good attendance at the last meeting of the year for the Royal British Legion, Women's section, Pershore branch.

The evening started in the usual manner, with the Exhortation given by chairman, Wendy Griffiths.

This was followed by the business for the coming month, and the secretary's and treasurer's reports. The final arrangements for the Christmas lunch outing, which was being held on December 12.

Sherry and mince pies were served and the Christmas raffle, and a special raffle of a tapestry named 'Poppy Picture', which was donated by past member Mrs Daisy Lovesay, was drawn and the picture was won by Mrs Win Taylor.

Barbara Shaw provided the music for a sing-a-long of Old Time Melodies and Carols, which everyone enjoyed.

There will be no meeting in January, the next meeting will be on February 6 when Mr Kearsey will give a talk and slide show of his travels to Singapore and his visit to the War Graves whilst there. The meeting will commence at 7.30pm at St Wulstans Hall, Priest Lane, Pershore.

PERSHORE HIGH SCHOOL: A team of three Pershore High Students covered themselves in glory at the regional final of the English Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition. The team consisted of Jacqui Kendall (15) of Pinvin, Pippa Spence (15) and Alex Winter (16) both of Pershore. The competition, held at Malvern Girl's College, on November 21, saw Pershore High School pitched against Bromsgrove School and King's School, as well as their hosts. Jacqui spoke on the topic, 'Public Schools Perpetuate Class Divide', whilst Alex chaired and Pippa questioned. The team, now compete in the area final on March 10. Chris Jones (17) of Pershore has won a play writing competition, entitled 'Transmissions'. He had to submit a three page scene that he had written, accompanied by a synopsis. His prize is a place on a course for 17-23 year olds at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Chris is one of only 20 to gain a place. He will be working with professional writers and actors, and his work is likely to be performed as part of a Rep Festival in July. Chris is also deputy head boy and is in the final year of his A level studies.

Michael Krier (headteacher) and Roger Embury, were recently presented with Royal Worcester Plates to mark 25 years service to education in the county, Roger, who teaches geography, is also an assistant headteacher at the Station Road School, with specific responsibility for transfer arrangements for students moving from local middle schools. He is also in charge of year 8. Mr Embury, whose only vice is to support Leicester City, is an extremely well respected colleague. Mr Krier has been headteacher of Pershore High School for nine years now, having previously worked in Evesham and Malvern.

VELO CLUB DE PERSHORE: Sunday - Last of the year, 45 miles plus, start 9.15am Broad Street (9.30am Great Mills), elevenses - Hillers, Dunnington, lunch - Fleece Inn, Bretforton, lights required.