St James’ Church has become a much more convenient place to meet after the official opening of the new toilet block. The ceremony was carried out by the Archdeacon of Worcester, the Venerable Robert Jones, who after blessing the building proceeded to splash those assembled with (clean) water. The members of St James’ hope that the facility will be especially useful to Harvington First School on their visits and for those who have travelled long distances to attend baptisms, weddings and funerals. The congregation are very grateful to the generosity of an anonymous benefactor who paid for all the building work.

Harvington Cricket Club were very pleased that at their social event at the end of November 2014, over sixty people enjoyed listening and dancing to local covers band ‘The Following.’ The meal afterwards was provided by celebrity chef Adam Palmer. The funds raised will go towards improving the social facilities at the club, as the club seek to encourage involvement between itself and the local community. More social events are planned for 2015.

Advance notice: There will be a Spring Holiday Club from Tuesday February 17 to Thursday February 19 from 10am-2.30pm each day. The venue is Harvington School Hall. The cost is £7.50 per child per day or £20 for all three days. Early booking is advised as the last two holiday clubs have sold out. To reserve a place please contact Rev Richard Thorniley at rector@archbenefice.org.uk or on 870527.

Coming up: There will be a Nearly New Sale in Harvington Village Hall on Sunday February 8 between 10.30am-1.30pm. Items for sale will include clothes, equipment and accessories for children 0-10 years. Tables cost £10 and entry is 50 pence. Teas, coffees and cakes will be available. Proceeds from the sale will go to Harvington Nursery and Preschool.

The next CAMEO Teas will take place on Wednesday February 11 in St James’ Church at 3pm. It’s a good chance to meet new friends, and to catch up with old ones. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes are available. If walking to and from the church is a problem please contact Sophie 870421 to arrange a lift.

The Harvington 50+ Lunch Club, which has members from 50-90+ years, will meet on Thursday February 12, as it does every Thursday at The Coach and Horses providing a chance to meet others over a hot meal, followed by a chat and other activities. The Club meets between 12noon-3pm. The cost is £4.95 for one course or £6.90 for two courses. To book a place, arrange transport or order a vegetarian option please call Steve on 870249.

The next Men’s Night will be on Thursday February 12 at 8.30pm at the Wheelbarrow Castle in Radford. Please come armed with enough for your first drink and £6 for the kitty. There will be no meeting in March.

Tim Porter will give the St James’ Winter Afternoon lecture on Saturday February 14 in Harvington Village Hall at 3pm. This year he will be talking on ‘Magna Carta – What it was and how it happened.’ These talks often sell out well before the day so early booking is advised. Tickets, which cost £7.50, are available from Harvington post Office or from Sue Coley on 870204.

GILL THORNILEY