Highworth

The Rotary Club of North Wiltshire will be organising a Christmas tabletop sale in the Highworth Recreation Centre on Saturday from 10.30am until 3.30pm. Admission will be free.

At the October meeting of the Highworth Historical Society, Barley Roscoe from Bath gave a talk to a packed audience on Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie 1895-1985.

Born at Coleshill House on June 7, 1895 Katherine or Bina (or Beana) was descended from Sir George Pratt who built the house in the 17th Century.

After the 1914/18 war, Katherine went to study history at the British Museum, but in 1921 saw pots that were made by the early artist/potter, Roger Fry. This sparked an interest that continued for the rest of her life, especially with regard to Chinese pottery. In 1925 she returned to Coleshill with the French potter Ada Mason to set a pottery at the Mill House, situated on the edge of the village.

Ada emigrated to America in 1927 and it was then that Katherine was joined by Norah Braden, who stayed for the next nine years.

After the war, Katherine and her sister Molly sold Coleshill House to Mr Cook of the travel agents' family.

Katherine moved to Kilmington Manor, where she spent the rest of her life. She held many exhibitions at London, Bath and Cambridge and was a source of encouragement to young potters.

Sale

The Highworth Historical Society is holding a Sale of Bygones in the council Community Room on December 16 from 10am to noon.

Local author

On November 1, Highworth author, Margaret Bacon, launched her 13th novel at Waterstones in Swindon.

Mother Nature, published by Severn House, is about Flora whose mother Anita Montrose was a radio and television star and writer. Flora is sent away to school and to friends during the school holidays. Flora becomes determined to rebel against her mother's example and plans to put her family first.

Margaret's other books include Other Women, Snow in Winter, Journey to Guyana and The Ewe Lamb. The book is available from Waterstones and the Highworth Post Office.

Christmas fair

A Christmas fair will be held in Southfield School on Saturday from 10am to noon. Mrs Reynolds, a potter, will be demonstrating her skills and the children will be able to participate. Some of the pottery will be on sale.

There will also be a visit by Santa. Admission is 30p for adults and is free for children.

To book a space for a tabletop sale, at £5 in advance or £6 on the day, ring Helen Harris on (01793) 861631.

Lions Club charter night

On October 28, the Highworth and District Lions Club celebrated its Millennium charter night dinner and dance at the Wrag Barn Golf and Country Club.

This is the 26th year of the club, formed in 1974. The immediate past district governor, Lion David Atwell with his wife Joan, attended together with the town Mayor, Coun Lynn Vardy and husband Ken.

The immediate past president, Jack Thornton, was given a surprise award, a certificate of appreciation, by IPDG David Atwell, for his services to Lionism during his term in office.

The Highworth and District Lions Club will be holding a race night on December 8 at 7.30pm in St Michael's Church Hall, Lechlade Road.

Tickets at £3 are available from the charity shop of president Frieda Cox on (01793) 763237. They include a jockeys' supper. There will be a bar and all profits will go to the Prospect Hospice.

The Highworth and District Lions Club Father Christmas and his elf helper are again in their grotto this year, at the Wyevale Garden Centre, from this Saturday and Sunday and thereafter every weekend from 11am to 4pm. On Christmas Eve he will be available until 3pm.

Artists Society

The Highworth Artists Society is holding an exhibition of members' work in the Saracens Head Hotel, Highworth, until November 26, during opening hours.

Toy fair

A toy fair will be held in Westrop School on Tuesday at 3pm. Further details on (01793) 762897.

RBL Women's Section

The Annual General Meeting of the Highworth British Legion Women's Section will be held on Friday at 7.30pm in the council community room. Meetings are held monthly on Fridays and the aim is to raise funds for the women's section and for the welfare of all that have served in the forces, their widows, children and dependents. For further information contact Mrs E. Maydew on (01793) 764170.

Mair Huband