FIRST of all – a big thank you to all the clergy from Malvern Deanery who are maintaining our Sunday worship while we wait for a replacement for Clare. We are meeting many clergy, both stipendiary and retired, and they are all giving us something to think about.

Apart from our regular worship, we have had a number of social events in recent weeks.

On February 12, we had a delightful shared lunch to celebrate Barbara’s 60th birthday, and on Shrove Tuesday, we shared pancakes and held a beetle drive.

We held our monthly coffee morning on Tuesday, March 6, at which Annie Cox and Jan Watts, of Hope Unlimited, spoke about their Connect to Work project.

The project is looking for volunteer mentors who will be paired with individuals from the Pickersleigh area who are looking for support in making the move into work.

If you could offer a few hours a month to act as a mentor, or need help in applying for work, then Annie can be contacted on 07969 804110.

Our coffee morning raised £70 which was donated to Hope Unlimited.

Our jumble sale on Friday, March 9, raised £81. The next sale will be on Friday, May 11, at 6pm.

On Saturday, March 24, we are holding a book sale and coffee morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

This is a new venture for St Mary’s.

Do come for a coffee and a browse.

DAVID GUTTERIDGE