ON Palm Sunday a group of members walked to St James’ Church from the village hall in Callow End, waving Palm Crosses and singing. Led by Julia Davis the short service in the church was one of reflection with pictures of Jerusalem and Passion Artwork shown on the computer screen. At St Peter’s in Powick, the Palm Sunday service included a dramatic reading of the story of Christ’s Passion. The church at Powick was beautifully decorated for Easter, which included an Easter Garden, and a good congregation attended the service led by Reverend David Manship. Easter Biscuits made by Neville Radburn (who also led the prayers) were enjoyed with coffee after the service. At Callow End the service was led by Reverend Brian Williamson and there the church was well decorated. Junior Church recommences at St James’ this Sunday, May 1 and for the next few weeks the theme will feature Angels.

Another warm sunny day was enjoyed by 17 members of Powick Ramblers and two dogs last Thursday morning as they set off from the picnic site at Pershore to walk the Pershore Bridges five mile circular walk. The path followed one of the fully way-marked routes of the Avon Valley. After crossing the old medieval bridge (where the Civil War was fought), the way led over the main Worcester – Pershore road bridge (built in 1926), to join the footpath along the north bank of the River Avon. The path led past hedges full of may blossom, past a young wood with native trees growing, and past fields of wheat and the yellow oil-seed rape. After crossing the Defford Road, the walkers entered Tiddesley Wood, administered by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Here the bluebells carpeted the ground and a variety of other woodland flowers were seen – celandines, lady smock and early purple orchids. The trees were in leaf and much of the hazel showed signs of coppicing. In the wood an information board explained how the yellow Pershore egg plum had been first discovered in Tiddesley Wood in 1833 and developed commercially. On leaving the wood the path followed pasture where belted Galloway cattle grazed, with an apple orchard on the left, and ahead views of Pershore Abbey and Bredon Hill in the distance. The footpath crossed the Defford Road near the cemetery and at Cornmore the new flood alleviation barriers had been erected by the Environment Agency. The way then led back to the riverbank where the cuckoo was heard! The path is also shared by the Millennium Walk instigated by the 41 Club (of ex-Round Table members). Back at the car Park (where the flood markers of the 2006 and 2007 Floods were seen on the toilet block), there were information boards and leaflets of the walk were available for the public. Nancy was thanked for leading a delightful walk – with no stiles!

Next week’s walk is on Wednesday, May 4 meeting at the Nags Head, Link Top (GR 777469) at 10am. The four mile hilly walk goes to North Hill and visits several points of historical interest about West Malvern and is led by Bob (01905 81873).

Worcestershire Animal Rescue Centre is holding another Grand Fete at Hawthorn Lane, Newland, on Sunday, May 8 from 1pm to 4pm. Among the attractions are refreshments, barbecue, cream teas, tombola, vintage stall, sweets, plants, ice cream, Bowling for the Pig, coconut shy and beauty treatment. For more information, ring Ann on (01905 830014).

Tickets for the Jon Boden concert in Powick Parish Hall on Saturday, May 7 are almost sold out. To book for this popular folk singer’s solo concert ring Jim Allsopp on 01905 830746, Tickets are only £8 as the event is sponsored by Shindig through the Arts Council, the County Council and the MHDC, which brings live arts to rural communities.

A public meeting was held in Powick Parish Hall last week when Dr Richard Taylor, past Wyre Forest MP who campaigned to keep Kidderminster Hospital, chaired the meeting. Brendon Young (of Kings End Lane, Powick) spoke of his concerns for the proposal to relocate the stroke unit from Worcester to Redditch. He explained to need for speed where stroke is concerned. Mr Young is standing as an Independent for Community and Health Concern in the local elections for the MHDC (Powick Ward). About 50 people attended including Tom Wells and Elaine Newman (Lib Dems) and the two Conservative candidates Peter Huntingdon and David Bicknell. A question and answer session was held and concerns were expressed over the local mental health and cancer services in Worcestershire.