THE St James's Church organ refurbishment fund is nearly £5,000 better off following Friday's well-attended gift and promise auction at the village hall.

Three-figure prices were realised for a week's holiday in the south of France (£410), another on the Pembrokeshire coast (£370), a half-hour helicopter ride from West Malvern (£250) and a Sunday lunch for six (£128).

Other prices ranged from single figures for items such as cakes, a floral plate and a second hand high-chair but it was consistent bidding for middle range items from £20-£70 that helped the final tally to a magnificent £4,775, taking the appeal well past half-way to its target.

Auctioneer Michael Winch did his best to keep things moving but, with a generous half time break, the event did not finish till around 10pm. Congratulations to the organising support team which included The Rev. Rosemary Herbert, Roy Knightley, Valerie Blackbourn, Janet Lloyd, David and Sue Matthews and especially to John and Susan Raine for their major effort in raising lots from some 50 local residents and 40 businesses.

The organ fund should receive a further boost this evening (Friday) from the recital to be given in the church by Worcester organist John Wilderspin. The programme will include works by Bach, Buxtehude and Reinberger, Franck, Gigout, Guilmant, Elgar and Lizst's Fantasia and Fugue on BACH. Never heard of Gigout and Guilmant? Never mind, just turn up and enjoy probably the last pre-MOT recital on our church organ! Admission is £5 on the door to include a glass of wine afterwards.

Concerns were raised at Monday's meeting of the new parish council about the loss of the coinbox facility at the recently repainted phone box outside the village hall. It was explained that whilst the equipment will no longer accept coins, calls can be made using credit cards. It is also possible to make operator calls, reverse charges calls, and, most importantly, 999 calls.