LOCAL EXCAVATIONS TALK: Bourton Local History Society heard Paul Nichols, of the Glos. County Council Archaeological Dept., talk about his work.

Initially, Mr Nichol spoke of the method of working in his department and then went on to the local excavation in the grounds of Bourton Primary School. He explained how six trenches were dug, to establish what the site comprised.

It appeared that there had been multiple age activity ranging from 1000 BC to Mediaeval times. They soon found what transpired to be a skeleton in a curled up position. The Home Office had to be informed and permission obtained for it to be removed. It was thought that the skeleton was of a young woman and it has now been sent to Durham University for intensive study and evaluation. Mr Nichols showed members some of the artefacts found at the site. The BBC came with a team from "Meet the Ancestors" and the item may be included in a programme to be broadcast in 2001.

Phyl Tyler thanked Mr Nichols and said how interesting it was to learn how the Iron Age Bourtononians may have lived.

Next meeting will be July 19 when Tim Porter will talk of Anglo Saxon Borderlands.

COTSWOLD SCHOOL NEWS: 110 Junior School children from 19 feeder schools in the Cotswolds had a sample day at what will be their new school come September. They were treated to a pyrotechnic display in the science dept and enjoyed making rainbow fizz ! Lessons of maths, geography and French were also on the agenda before an afternoon on the sports field. Jenny Foster was elected Head Girl for the new term starting September and Robert Langley, Head Boy with their deputies being Gemma Pellow and Simon Webb. £1000 was raised from the raffle of the Tesco mountain bike, won by year 7 student Ellie Hyde, which has gone to provide new sports kits. Hacklings Transport have generously agreed to sponsor a senior rugby kit. The school's summer concert will take place next Thursday in the school hall. It will include the chorus from this year's musical and pieces from the Jazz band and Wind band. Tickets, £2 and £1 are available from School Reception.

If anyone has any surplus computer equipment, the school is looking for items in working order and if you can help, please contact Mr Kempson at school on 01451-820554.

ROCK AND BLUES NIGHT: Tomorrow (Friday) there will be an evening with "Jumping the Gun Live" - a local country rock and blues band in the village hall at Great Barrington from 8.00 pm until midnight. Tickets £4 from Tracy on 01451-821917. Proceeds to Great Rissington new Sports Centre.

TASTER WALK: An introduction to "Just Walk" tomorrow (Friday) starting at 10am from Car Park in Rissington Road. Lasting up to one and a half hours, it is part of the healthy walking scheme.

GARDENS OPEN: On Saturday, from 2-4pm, The Manor, Station Road will have their gardens open. Admission £2. Proceeds to Leonard Cheshire Home.

WYCK RISSINGTON EVENTS: A Flower Festival will be held in St. Laurence, Wyck Rissington between midday and 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday only, there will be an organ recital at 7.30pm by Jonathan Ericson. Tickets £6 from Liz Wright on 01451-820232. On Sunday, there will be a village fete at 2pm with lots of attractions and the gardens at Stone House will also be open. Proceeds towards the rebuilding cost of the Village Hall.

TABLE TOP SALE: On Saturday, at the Royal British Legion Hall, there will be a table top sale between 11am and 3pm. Refreshments. Free parking. Tables may be booked on 01451-820608.

NEW CURATE'S WELCOME EVENT: On Sunday, there will be a welcome tea at the youth centre from 4.30-5.30pm to welcome the new Curate at St Lawrence's, Rev Ian Tomkins. Evensong will follow in the church at 6pm.

MUSIC ON THE GREEN: Also on Sunday, the Celebration Reed Band from Evesham will be playing on The Green during the afternoon.

PROBUS CLUB: Next Tuesday, Bourton Vale Probus Club meet at 10.15am in the Baptist Church School Room. Mr N Dimmer will talk on "Silver". All welcome.

LIONS SALE: Also next Tuesday, Fosse Lions Club are holding a Sale in the Victoria Hall from 10am-6pm. Various stalls and teas. In aid of Lions Charity Fund.

WHIST DRIVE: Next Wednesday, there will be one of the regular whist drives at Market Close at 7pm. All welcome.