Harvington (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Harvington

SPECIAL DAY: St James' Church, together with the three other churches in the ARCH benefice, held another of their children's activity days last Saturday and, despite an early setback, reported that the day had been a big success. The event was held at the Lenchwood Christian Centre at Ab Lench where the 50-plus group of children had been expecting another day of interesting activities led by the Rev Roly Bain, the holy clown. A death in his family prevented him from coming, but a quick pooling of ideas and resources resulted in the group obtaining the services of a couple of drama students from a local drama school, who responded immediately to the call for help. Their abilities and their leadership skills gave the children (and the adult volunteer helpers) an interesting day which, as usual, was rounded off by a display for which the band known as The Joyful Noisemakers provided music. Food was provided by supporters from all the churches concerned and they, together with all who had helped in any way to bring about this latest success were thanked by the Rev Richard Thorniley when he spoke about the event on Sunday. The service for Rogation Day, when, according to tradition, members of the congregation walk round the village, pausing for prayers at various places of importance in the life of the community, was not possible this year because of the heavy rain. Instead the service was followed in the church itself when prayers for the village as a whole and the produce with which it has long been associated were said, and appropriate hymns sung.

PRE-SCHOOL: The pre-school will be open to visitors today between 12 and 2pm and again from 6-8pm. Any parent thinking ahead to the possibility of enrolling a child or anyone simply interested in knowing how pre-school operates is welcome.

SHOW CHALLENGE: Entries are open for the church's village fete on June 24. There are 36 categories to choose from and organisers are hoping to make the fete an annual event.