LAST Thursday’s walk by Powick Ramblers saw a record number of walkers – a total of 28 plus dogs Tilly, Monty, Digby and Spangle. The walk began at The Bell Inn at Lower Broadheath and followed a lane to Partridge Farm (when peacocks hid in a barn) and on to open fields of pasture with sheep and cattle. The footpaths followed a circular route, past Elms Farm and back to The Bell car park, a total of just over four miles, led by Garth Lowe. A delicious meal was enjoyed at the Bell.

The walk next Tuesday, November 17 includes a train ride! David Allen will lead a walk of four miles from Colwall station via the Worcestershire Beacon and past St Ann’s Well and back to Malvern Station. Walkers are asked to meet at Great Malvern Station in order to catch the 9.43am train to Colwall. David’s contact number is 01905 831988.

A coffee morning with bric-a-brac, cakes, books and a raffle will take place tomorrow, Saturday, in St James Church, Callow End, from 10am till noon. All proceeds are for the Barnabas Fund.

A coffee morning in aid of the Children’s Society is once again being held, this year on Thursday, November 19 from 10am till noon, at 78 Malvern Road. There will be a bring-and-buy sale, plus cake and preserves, and of course a raffle. Marian Lewis will also be collecting the home collecting boxes for The Children’s Society.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is hosting a Quiz Evening in Powick parish hall on Friday, November 20 at 7.30pm, for an 8pm start. The light-hearted general knowledge quiz will be chaired by Gwyn Williams. Teams of four are needed at £6 per person to include a ploughman’s supper. Bring your own drinks but soft drinks will be on sale. To book a table, please ring 01886 884372. Everyone is welcome, not just Trust members.

The Friends of St Peter’s held an interesting evening with local auctioneer Philip Serrell last Friday evening in Callow End Village Hall. Before his talk, the audience of 100 enjoyed a fish and chips supper (provided by The Bluebell), followed by apple and damson crumble and ice cream, the puddings being home made by the ladies of the Friends. Coffee then followed and the raffle was drawn. Philip then spoke of his early experiences as an auctioneer with special mention of his time working in the cattle market and his later foray into the world of television and the antiques business. His anecdotes and sense of humour made the evening most enjoyable. Special thanks were expressed to Jackie Bell for the use of the hall and to all who made the crumbles. A profit of around £700 (of which £50 is being donated to St Richard’s Hospice) was made, the rest going towards projects at St Peter’s Church in Powick.

Powick primary School held a pig roast and fireworks to celebrate Bonfire night last Friday. After a wet day, the evening stayed fine for the fireworks party.

Junior Church restarts after the half term this Sunday, November 15 at St James’. On Thursday, November 19 a new venture – for mums and toddlers – in the form of play, praise and coffee will take place in St James’ church from 2.30pm till 3pm when school children will be met from school. All parents (and grandparents) with young children are invited – for free. Call in and see what’s happening.

At St Peter’s church last Sunday the annual Remembrance Day service was well attended by members of the Royal British Legion, members of the youth uniformed organisations and members of the public. Father Roger Watson, Chaplain to The Beauchamp Community at Newland conducted the service and gave the address, his first at Powick. He received the standards from Standard Bearer John Mason, escorted by RBL members Trevor Barry and Guy Phillips; the standard from 7th Worcester Scouts from Cameron March, escorted by Sam Evans and Christopher Shuard; from the Cubs from Keiran Shuard, escorted by Taylor Hardiman; from the Beavers from Daniel Weaver, escorted by Simon Lloyd and Alexander Swanston. The flag from 1st Powick Brownies was carried by Molly Smout, escorted by lucy Warburton and Rebecca Barber. For the first time members of 1st Callow End Rainbows with their leaders were in attendance. Poppy wreaths were laid by peter James (RBL), Jenny Flubacher (WI), Thea Wild (Women’s Guild) and one was laid by a the Scout. Neville Fairbairn read the names of those on the War Memorial which was followed by The Last Post and the Two Minutes Silence. The words of the Homage and the Kohima Epitaph were read by David Brickell who also read a lesson, the other being read by Trevor Barry. The hymns reflected the theme of the service and the collection, on behalf of the Poppy Appeal, was taken by members of the RBl. The choir sang the anthem Prayer for Peace and Ian Gane led the prayers. The bell ringers rang the six bells which had been half muffled in respect of the fallen.

In the afternoon, the Act of Remembrance took place at the War Memorial in Callow End with the RBL standard being carried by John Mason with escorts were Trevor Barry and Guy Phillips. Tom Wells laid a Wreath on behalf of Malvern Hills District Council and Gerry Taggart one on behalf of Powick Parish Council. A service in St James’ Church followed when the readings were by David Brickell and Trevor Barry while Father Roger Watson gave the address. After the service tea was provided at The Old Bush for members of the RBL.