AS the fund for the repair of the roof of St Edburga's grows, the steering committee will be meeting on Tuesday to plan the first stages of expenditure.

On Sunday, contributions at Keith Hearnshaw's concert in Leigh Church at 7.30pm will be shared between the Suckley tower appeal and St Edburga's. This should be a most entertaining evening and a good audience is expected for a programme which includes Elgar, Bach and much more. The audience will also have the novel experience of being able watch the organist's feet on a wide screen. Tickets will still be available on the door.

As a complete contrast, the beautiful gardens of the Old Vicarage at Alfrick will be open from 2.30-5pm on Sunday, July 15, for a garden party. All are welcome and the party will go ahead inside if the weather is bad. The £5 ticket will include a cream tea and live musical entertainment and it is an open secret that some locals wish to wear very smart hats and frocks. Dressing up will definitely add to the party atmosphere although it is not essential! There will be a bric-a-brac stall, plant stall and a raffle.

Some tickets are still available for the Summer Soiree in the grounds of Leigh Court on Saturday, July 28, at 7.30pm. There will be live music and delicious refreshments and, if the weather continues to be miserable, the whole thing will be moved to the neighbouring historic Tithe Barn. All proceeds will go towards the repairs of the church roof. Tickets will be available from Ann Pallett, Ann Sharp, Madeline Brewin and Sheila Wright for £15.

In gratitude for the help from the various trusts giving grants for the south aisle roof, Jean Colley of Sandlin held a coffee evening last week which raised £130. More such events will follow in the months to come and of course local support would be very gratefully received.

Ellen Gwynne, who is reviving the traditional church fete in the grounds of the Rectory on Saturday, July 7, at 2pm is hoping for a good turnout. All the traditional stalls will be there, including excellent teas. Ellen would welcome enquiries or offers of help on 01886 832990.

Sincere apologies for announcing the Cradley singers' Summer Serenade for last Friday instead of tonight. There is so much going on in the local community at the moment that it is getting hard to keep up. It should be a very entertaining evening with food and wine included in the ticket. Admission is £10 on the door.

Sunday services will be 9am holy communion at Leigh, an 11am all age service at Suckley and 6pm evensong at Alfrick.