Harvington (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Harvington

PARISH COUNCIL: At the parish council meeting held on Wednesday, February 8, county councillor Clive Holt was present along with one resident of the village. John O'Neill, the new councillor replacing Mrs Sheila Lewis, was introduced.

One item of good news was the announcement that there is every hope that collection of glass for recycling will begin in Harvington within the course of the next few months. The chairman reported that he was delighted with the work of the lengthsman whose efforts in clearing and smartening Anchor Lane have greatly improved that area, though this may not be very obvious being somewhat off the beaten track.

Other areas on the list for his attention are on the corner opposite The Old Bakery and along a stretch of roadside on the way to Brickyard Cottages. It is hoped that this year, in consequence, the village may be able to take part in the Best Kept Village competition.

Cllr John Redman spoke about the frustration felt by his committee in not being able to proceed with plans for the new village hall, but said he was delighted to find people responsive to the efforts being made to raise funds and keep the effort uppermost in residents' minds. He reminded the meeting about the next two forthcoming concerts.

A further reminder came from the chairman in connection with the production of the parish plan and design statement. He commended Peter Oliver, chairman of the steering committee now being formed for his enthusiasm and commitment to this enterprise and said he hoped that councillors would show their support for his efforts by being present at the village drop-in day scheduled for February 25.

HALL CONCERTS: The village hall was the venue on Sunday, February 5 for a concert by the Daniel Smith Blues Band. Touches of humour, interspersing the more serious, professional, performances of the various musicians, were provided by the drummer who performed a short solo on a fire extinguisher and the pianist who played the keyboard using a plastic bottle. The concert again was sponsored by Shindig with subsidies from the Arts Council, Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council. John Redman, chairman of the village hall management committee has arranged for another Shindig concert to take place on March 18, called Born to Swing it features the Geoff Castle Trio. Tickets costing £6 per head, with concessions at £5 can be obtained from John on 870255.

ST JAMES' CHURCH: The special service of Thanksgiving for Marriage which was held on Sunday morning was a reminder of the importance of marriage to society as a whole and an opportunity for couples to remind each other how special they are to each other. Prayers embracing the concept of human love were offered by members of the congregation.

The congregation was reminded that, on Shrove Tuesday evening from 6-8pm the church will again be the venue for a pancake supper, when pancakes will be on sale for consumption on the premises.