POWICK Ramblers have held two walks recently. The first one on December 15 was in Worcester starting from the Pump House Environment Centre in Barbourne and following the bank of the River Severn to Sabrina Bridge. Having crossed the river the nine walkers and Milly the dog followed the path to the newly constructed bund of the Flood Alleviation Scheme completed in June 2009 by the Worcestershire County Council, City Council, Severn-Trent Water and the Environment Agency. Along Hylton Road the route then crossed the road to follow the new surface of the riverbank walk to Diglis Weir where the water cascaded over in some force. On reaching the new footbridge over the Severn at Diglis, the walkers crossed and back tracked to the river lock at Diglis, past new apartment blocks and to the new dock and basins of the canal system. A brief coffee stop was taken at the PF2 gym! The way then followed the Worcester-Birmingham Canal through town from the Commandery to Lowesmoor and on past the Lansdowne Road allotments on one side and the playing fields of the Royal Grammar School on the other side of the canal. The route ended past St George’s Football Club, and crossed the road to enter Ghulevelt Park. There the War Memorial was studied, and the new additions to the play equipment, including the new splash-pad, were noted. Across the park lay the Pump House where some walkers enjoyed hot soup, and Isabel was thanked for leading the four ½ mile walk (a route she takes every morning!).

Last Tuesday 22 people and dogs Jenny and Milly ventured into the Martley area when Garth led a four mile level walk over the rural area starting from the Cob House Fisheries. The path led past the many Victorian fishing ponds with their ducks and swans, to open fields. Cob House Farm was passed (a farm has stood on that site for more than 800 years)and the path joined a lane in the Broadheath/ Berrow Green area. At one point the path met the Geopark Way. The paths past Boxley Cottages and Upper Hollins Farm, where alpacas and horses were very much in evidence., and Candleford before returning to the Cob House over very muddy ploughed fields. A welcome meal of a carvery was enjoyed at the restaurant along with members of the Malvern-Worcester Cycling Club. Garth was thanked for leading the walk in an area known only to a few.

The first walk of 2012 is on Wednesday, January 4 when Bob (01905 831837) will lead the five mile circular walk from The British Camp at 10am. The walk follows the Middle Hills and the old Worcestershire Way avoiding the steepest hills, with views of rural Herefordshire and some points of historical interest.

The Christmas Carol service at St Peter’s Church in Powick was well attended last Sunday evening. The first verse of Once in Royal was sung by Lyn Snook by candle light and the choir led the singing of the carols. Readings of the Christmas Story from the Bible were read by Lindsey Brassington, (a student). Rita de Boer,(a WI member), Neville Radburn (St Peter’s congregation), Sheila Lyon (St James’) and Chris Ramsden (Church Warden). The service was led by Reverend Sue Irwin who read from St John’s Gospel. During the service the choir sang How beautiful upon the mountains by John Stainer and Now to God on high by Basil Harwood, with solo verses by Meriel Bartlett and David Purdham. Prayers were led by Rosemary Wells and Julia Davis, and members of Powick hand bells rang during the hymn Hark the Herald.

Powick Parish Community Choir was in full voice for A Musical Celebration of Christmas on Monday evening and filled the Parish hall. Joy Hadley compered the evening concert which was conducted by Tom Wells and the choir of some 80 voices began with the rousing chorus Gloria by Vivaldi. This was followed by Once in Royal with solo by Louisa Sandy; the traditional Deck the halls ; the moving Mary did you know? by Green and Lowry (with solo by Nicola Sandy); and Tom’s own composition Somewhere in the darkness with solo voice Jenny Taylor. Other items were Silent Night with the men of the choir; a duet In the arms of an Angel by Nicola and Evie; a solo by John Hadley When a child is Born; and O Holy Night sung by Louisa, Nicola and Evie. The seven piece Powick strings which came together for the concert, with lead violinist Richard Lane, played part of Winter by Vivaldi. The second half opened with the splendid Glory to God by Handel, followed by the spiritual Oh poor little Jesus sung by Sally Kidd. The choir sang Bethlehem Down by Peter Warlock; the Callow Carol , music by Tom Wells; and Elizabeth Poston’s haunting Jesus Christ the Apple Tree with verses sung by Sally and Nicola. Sally Green sang In the Bleak midwinter. The Strings which had accompanied throughout the concert then played The Snowman by Howard Blake and carols O Come all ye faithful and Hark the Herald ended the evening; the hand bells ringers once more accompanied the last carol. Special thanks were given to Margaret Roy who has accompanied on the piano all year in the choir’s concerts and rehearsals, and to the men on the lighting and sound.

Members of Junior Church at St James’ last Sunday saw themselves on DVD performing the Christmas Nativity with donkey telling the story and giving a ride to Mary (Franscesa Hill). Other parts were taken by the children and the film was made by Adam Birch. It was screened during the service at St James’ marking the fourth Sunday of advent. The Christmas Eve Crib service is at 4pm on Saturday, December 24 and everyone is invited to dress in character!