LAST week, 14 members of Powick Parish Ramblers, plus dogs Molly and Tilly, visited Parkend in the Forest of Dean for a three-day walking break among the woodlands. One walk was around the village of Parkend, the second was on hills above Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley. The six-mile walk on the last day began at Parkend, through forestry land to Mallard Pike lakes. Apart from cyclists, two llamas were out for walks escorted by two dogs and their owners! The event was organised by Peter and Isabel Brant.

On Monday, a morning walk around Powick will begin at the Old Bridge over the Teme to Upper Wick and cover five miles. Meet at the bridge at 10am. For details, ring David Allen on (01905) 831988, who will lead the walk.

The harvest festival service was held at St Peter's Church on Sunday morning when Rosemary Wells led devotions. Children of junior church took part in readings, Joe Lippett, Anna Warburton and Amber Mitchel. Playing musical instruments were Nicola Sandy (clarinet), Abby Thompson and Sally Green (flutes) and Louisa Sandy (violin).

Donations of produce were distributed to MHHYAT Foyer (Malvern) and St Paul's Hostel (Worcester), who work with the homeless. Special thanks to all who donated produce and decorated the church.

Still on the harvest theme, an auction of produce and other items took place on Sunday evening at the Three Nuns. The auctioneers were Paul Baker (licensee) and Dougie Gilman. Before the bidding, Paul took a short service of thanksgiving, which included the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful, a prayer, a psalm and a harvest poem. Bidding was brisk and £400 was raised for Air Ambulance - a splendid effort.