C OF E FIRST SCHOOL: The official opening of the new nursery wing - the Heron Nursery unit - took place last Saturday and proved to be a pleasant and popular occasion, followed as it was by an open morning to which everybody was invited. After a short speech by Mr Brian Tarling, chairman of the governing body, in which he thanked all who had been concerned with the promotion of the new nursery and who now, with continuing energy and foresight are planning the construction of a school hall and an updated playing field, the 50-strong party of invited guests moved outside to the nursery entrance where Peter Luff MP cut the ribbon and declared the unit open. Indoors again and obviously delighted with all there was to see, guests responded enthusiastically to a toast to a happy and successful future for the unit proposed by Mr Luff. The architect, not only of this new nursery but of the two classrooms installed a short time ago, as well as the proposed assembly hall, Mrs Karen Warboys of Worcester's Properties and Services Department, was warmly congratulated on producing plans for such an attractive collection of buildings and it seemed fitting that plans for the new hall were on view. Mr Tarling had previously said that it is anticipated this will be completed by September of next year and land has already been purchased for an extension to the playing fields, an exciting development which will be eagerly awaited by the village. The headmistress and staff then opened the school to the public who had responded in considerable numbers to the invitation and, judging by remarks overheard later, were very impressed with all they saw and heard. One visitor was heard to say 'Well, if children can't learn there, they can't learn anywhere!'

From school, most people popped into the nearby village hall where tea, coffee and cakes (courtesy of the school governors) were being served by members of the St James' Church social committee - a nice end (said one guest) to a nice morning!

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: The AGM last Wednesday saw the presentation of prizes for this year's Open Gardens Competition, the results of which were as follows: Small garden - Helen Ediss; medium garden - Sheila and Dennis McKenzie; large garden - Val Cook and Edith Cappell; baskets and containers - Val Cook and Edith Cappell; overall winner - Sonya Byrd. The present committee was re-elected en bloc with David Graham as chairman, Edith Cappell as secretary and Sheila McKenzie as treasurer. Business over, everybody enjoyed social time with wine and nibbles to consume - a pleasant and productive evening.

HARVINGTON SINGERS: The choir's winter concert is to be held on December 15 in St James' Church, commencing at 7.30pm. The programme will feature, as well as the choir itself, guest appearances by solo artistes and a selection of music for brass bands performed by the Junior section of the Bretforton Silver Prize Band. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served during the interval as is customary at this event. Tickets at £4 per head will be on sale this coming weekend, obtainable from Linda Attwood 870735, or any member of the Singers.

ST JAMES' CHURCH: Will be holding its annual Christmas Fayre in the village hall on December 9 from 12 noon to 2pm. Various stalls will be selling their usual range of gifts and delicacies, cards and decorations, produce etc and light lunches as well as mulled wine and mince pies, will be available. The organisers would welcome the village's enthusiastic support, this being one of the major fundraising efforts of the church's year.