CONGRATULATIONS to Polly Perkins of Colletts Green who was presented with a Scroll of Honour at the British Polio Fellowship's Annual General Meeting held recently in Walsall.

The award which recognises 32 years of fund raising in the Midlands and in particular in Worcester was presented to Polly by Bertie Massie OBE, Chair of the Disability Rights Commission.

Congratulations to PC Steve Dawe of Bowling Green Road who has been awarded Dog Handler of the year by West Mercia Police recently for his work with his two dogs Zak and Kes in detecting drugs and in arresting two criminals at a burglary. Steve also hit the headlines last week when he escorted a couple to Ronkswood Hospital who were caught in a traffic jam on the A449 at Powick. The woman, who was in labour, was delayed in traffic because of the floods and was delivered of her baby an hour and a half later thanks to Steve's help. PC Dawe has been a policeman for 20 years.

St Peter's Church, Powick had been festively decorated by ladies of the parish in readiness for the Christmas Carol Service held last Sunday evening.

The combined choirs from Guarlford, Madresfield and Powick led the singing and the Rev David Nichol led th prayers and blessing.

The processional carol O come, all ye faithful was sung by candlelight, led by Thomas Nichol, carrying the cross. The choir under the direction of Margaret Tarr and organist Lindall Brown sand Stainer's God so loved the world and the carols Carol, sweetly, Carol, and Joy to the world. Lyn Snook sang Star Candles accompanied on piano by David Allen.

Representatives from Powick and Callow End churches including a choir member and bellringers, read the Christmas story as told by the Old Testament prophets and gospel writers.

The readers were Philip Betts, John Turner, Julie Davis, Mary Ward, Jo Walker, Roger Gurney and Margaret Fry.

At the end of the service coffee, tea, mince pies and scones were served by Thea Wild and her team of helpers.

Whilst refreshments were enjoyed the team of Powick Hand Bell Ringers, directed by Debbie Steele, played a medley of carols. They included Penny Holehouse, Carol Witts, Mary Stafford, Lyn Nichol, Gill Hunt, Ann Leeming and Mary Ward.

Over the last ten days they will have played on the Bovis Estate, the Hing Tai Restaurant and Powick Village and Colletts Green to raise funds for the churches of Powick and Callow End.

Tonight (Friday) they are appearing at the Christmas Carol Evening at Callow End Village Hall. Organised by Tom Wells the Carol Evening is free and everyone is welcome at 7.30pm.

The service of Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve will take place at St Peter's Church at 11.30pm followed on Christmas Day by Communion at 8am and at 11am.