POWICK

In August, an evening walk around the Old Hills for three-and-a-half miles was led by David Allen. A daytime walk for four miles, beginning and ending at The Nelson, Longley Green (where refreshment was taken!), was led by Phil and Joy Bunyan.

The next walk takes place on Friday, August 18, when Sally Linsey (01905 820476) will lead a five-mile walk, starting from Kempsey Church at 10m. This summer's fine weather has allowed for interesting walks in glorious countryside.

Powick Guild ended the season with a meeting reinstating the officers for another year. There was discussion on the 2007 programme and ideas suggested for possible speakers and activities.

There are no meetings in August but the September meeting will be on Tuesday, September 12, in the Community Room, Powick Parish Hall at 2.30pm, when a mini-auction will take place. New members welcome.

Although village activities are scaled down in August, members of the Parish Hall Committee and Powick Playing Field Association will be selling tickets for an outdoor barn dance with The Whole Caboodle Band (some will remember their exciting music last year) which, if wet, will be held in the hall. This is on Saturday, September 2, from 8pm. Tickets are £7 plus barbecue, bar and raffle (children £3). For details, ring Roger Gurney (01905 830756) or Jim Allsopp (01905 830746).

For an exciting day out for the family, visit Broadfields' Giant Dinosaur Maize Maze, situated on the B4424 Upton Road, between Powick and Callow End.

The maze, run by farmer Rob Colton, is set in nine acres of cornfield and has over 3.5 miles of pathways. Designed by Adrian Fisher, the maze is shaped like a giant Stegosaurus and is the only one it its kind in Worcestershire.

The maze is open now every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 6pm until September 3. In mid-September the maize will be harvested as silage for the farm's dairy cows. The maze will also open on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28. There is free parking (no dogs except Guide Dogs). Admission is £4.50 for adults, with children and senior citizens at £3.50. A family ticket, to include up to four members, is £14 (under threes free).

Included in the price is a puzzle book, with clues around the maze and a red flag to wave if lost!

Staff will also be on hand to help. Sown in May, the maize is expected to reach six feet by September! More details from Rob Colton on 01905 831158.

Why not combine a visit to the maze with a visit to the historic church of St Peter's, Powick? The church will be open every Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm. Stewards will be on hand to serve refreshments and talk about the church's life and history, and its part in the English Civil War. Take part in the indoor trail around the church (including the stained glass windows) or do the churchyard trail.

Anyone interested in the church linen and vestments is invited to the Church Furnishings Group on Sunday, August 6. The group meets in the lady Chapel at 2pm. For details, ring Thea Wild (01905 831048).

Powyke WI is challenging the Powick and Callow branch of the Royal British Legion to a friendly skittles match on Friday, August 18. We meet at the Madresfield Club at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

Are you a Shakespeare buff? If so (or even if you are not!) come to the outdoor production of Hamlet on Powick Playing Field on Sunday, September 3, at 2.30pm (if wet, in the hall). Bring your own picnic and seating, the ground opens at 12.30pm before the performance starts. Tickets are £12.50 (£6 students and children). Box office: 01905 831889 or 01684 573901. All proceeds to the Friends of Worcestershire Royal Hospital. This exciting and fast-paced two-hour production is being performed by The Festival Players Theatre Company (professional).

Tonight (Friday), there is live music at The Red Lion, Powick, featuring The Dublin Jacks. Playing Irish traditional music and songs, the band plays at 8.45pm onwards.