GUIDES: It gives great pleasure to report on, and to read about, the many and varied activities of the Guides over the past few months and to agree with their leader (and County Commissioner) Kathy Haynes, that they constitute a group of young people of whom the village can be proud. They are not alone, nor do all the youngsters who behave well and act responsibly, belong to an organisation of some kind (though many do) bringing credit on themselves and their families and, incidentally, on the community. It is all too easy to look at the misbehaviour of a few, deploring their conduct and their language, and to call all teenagers as being alike but it is an error which must be avoided if our young people are to be treated with justice and understanding. The adults who work to provide them with organised outlets for their energies and enthusiasms are to be congratulated and admired. The community is grateful for their effort and commitment. Kathy Haynes and her fellow Guide leaders are to represent the group in the forthcoming Challenge Quiz in which all organisations in the village have been invited to take part, competing for the title of Brains of Harvington. Further details of this event will be published in due course but readers may like to make a note of the date, October 27. Any inquiries to Jess Fairs on 871228 or to any member of the St James' church social committee.

GARDEN CLUB: The next meeting will take place next Wednesday in the village hall when Albert Brand will talk on the subject of fungi in the countryside and garden. On August 26 help is being requested for the monthly tidy-up of the churchyard when members of both bodies (and any willing volunteers) will meet at the church at 10am. Mrs Sonya Byrd, a member of the club and overall winner of this year's Best Kept Garden competition held a very successful charity event by opening that same garden to the public on Monday last, raising £340 for the Home Farm Trust. Visitors were so enthusiastic that she is resolved to open her garden again in the future, extending the opening times in response to many requests. She is grateful for such generous support.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING: Sophie Dodds of Breslau, Leys Road, gives advance notice of the annual fund-raising event for the Macmillan Cancer Relief association to be held at her home on September 29 between 10am and 12.30pm. This event was highly successful last year and Sophie and her fellow organiser Fran Webb are hoping for a repeat of that success. More details in due course.