MANY family members and friends filled St Peter’s Church in Powick last Wednesday for the funeral and service of thanksgiving for the life of John Davies.

John had arranged the service which was led by Reverend Sue Irwin and had chosen stirring hymns and the reading from Ecclesiastes which was read by Ian Gane. The church choir – of which John had been a member until recently – sang The Lord's my Shepherd and the tribute was given by his nephew Victor. John had worked at Beard’s farm at Leigh Sinton since the age of 14 and when he retired at the age of 62 years he worked for A V Band the undertakers as a pall bearer. He was an active member of Powick Church where he sang in the choir, rang the church bells for many years, was a member of the PCC and a Church Warden for several years; he will be sadly missed. He had been married to Jackie for 61 years and also leaves a daughter Sally and son Tim, grandson Paul (who also helped carry the coffin) and granddaughter Amy. John is buried in the churchyard and following the service the bell ringers rang a muffled Quarter Peal in honour of John’s life of 87 years.

Tomorrow, don’t forget the Grand Fete on Powick Playing Field starting at 2pm. There will be many stalls and entertainment will include Worcestershire Youth Jazz, African Drums, Worcester Miniature Steam Engines, a barbecue, cream teas, a bar, raffle and cakes, plus bouncy castle and children’s activities. Entry is £1 with children under 12 free. Car boots are welcome. The event is in aid of further maintenance of the field and if wet will be held in the parish hall.

The weekly Coffee Shop held on Wednesdays from 2pm till 4pm has now returned to Callow End Village Hall as repairs to the hall are complete.

On Thursday , September 11 Powick Ramblers’ walk starts from The Oak at Upton Snodsbury (GR939544) . The 4.5 mile walk via Libbery and Froxmere is led by David and Ginnie Russell.

Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter is holding a Grand Fete and Fun Dog Show on Sunday, September 7 from 1pm to 4pm at its centre in Hawthorn Lane. Music is by The Pontiacs and there will be stalls, tombola, raffle, family fun and refreshments. Dog show registration will be from noon to 1.30pm.

Next Friday, September 12 Link Nurseries’ Coffee Morning is at 10am and Pete will give a talk on Tomatoes.

Powick Community Choir begins rehearsals this Sunday, September 7 at 4.15pm in Powick Parish Hall Community Room. New members are always welcome; there are no auditions – just turn up or contact Tom Wells on talwells@btinternet.com.

Two events to raise money for the Dudley and Worcestershire Historic Churches Trust and the National Churches Trust are planned in September. The first is on Thursday, September 11 at 7pm in St Peter’s Lady Chapel when a talk Powick Church related to its Landscape will be given by Steve Southwick. Hot drinks will be served. The second event is a Soup and Roll drop-in event in the church on Saturday, September 20 , between 10am and 2pm. The events are free but donations are in aid of the trusts who have given generous grants in the past for repairs to St Peter’s Church.

MEG ALLSOPP 01905 830746