Poppy Appeal

Poppy appeal collector Hugh Sayce, of Callow Hill, was honoured at the LifeGuards Band concert in Wootton Bassett, where he received a Royal British Legion certificate of appreciation from the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Robert Lawton.

A fanfare by trumpeters in scarlet gold-braided uniforms heralded a superb programme.

The Band of the Life Guards, which captures the traditions of this historic regiment, performed a varied selection from its extensive repertoire.

Stirring marches, minstrel melodies, film music, dances from Russia and Hungary, a Glenn Miller tribute and Cockney capers offered a host of delights.

The finale, England's Glory, included a fantasia on British Sea songs, arranged for the Governor of the Falkland Islands Sir Rex Hunt in 1983.

The concert concluded with the March of the Royal British Legion, the March of the Life Guards and the National Anthem.

The band, including male and female musicians, their musical director Malcolm Torrent and bandmaster Darren Wolfendale, won applause from the audience at Wootton Bassett School.

Special guests included Wing Cdr and Mrs Martin from RAF Lyneham. Proceeds of the concert and raffle will benefit the RBL Poppy Appeal.

Women's Institute

At their recent meeting in the Memorial Hall, members of Wootton Bassett WI observed a minute's silent tribute to Dorothy Cretchley, their president, who died from cancer less than a month after officiating at WI.

"We have lost a very good friend and staunch WI member," said secretary Madge Townsend.

Mrs Cretchley had been hoping to continue in office until Wootton Bassett WI's final meeting in December, when the Institute is to close after almost 76 years.

The closure has been forced by a failure to find sufficient volunteers to serve on a committee next year. Hook WI has kindly extended an invitation to Wootton Bassett members who wish to join it. It was suggested that the WI scrapbook be kept in the town's museum.

A collection was taken for Prospect Hospice in memory of Mrs Cretchley.

After tea, guest speakers Mr and Mrs Clarke gave an amusing talk, illustrated with slides, on their tour of New Zealand's North Island. The trip included an outward stop- over at Hong Kong and a visit to Singapore on the way home.

Reggie Reeson thanked them. Barbara Morris won the raffle. The WI meets again on Wednesday at 2.15pm in the Memorial Hall. Ron Pybus will give a talk titled It Will Go Wrong on the Day.

Birds of Prey

A rare opportunity to see birds of prey at close range will be offered by the local branch of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on November 14.

Geoffrey Dalton, of the Cotswold Falconry Centre, will bring some of these splendid birds to St Ivel Social Club hall to illustrate his talk.

Pay at the door, £1 adult, free entrance for accompanied children. For further details please contact branch chairman Barry Bissett, tel (01793) 848217.

St Bartholomew's

The Millennium Flower Festival Celebration of Christ 2000, held in July, surpassed all expectations.

St Bartholomew's Flower Guild chairman Janet Gilder told the annual meeting at Church Croft:

"The Festival was greatly appreciated by all who came, and we received lovely letters from members of the public, some of whom visited more than once because they were moved to tears by the beauty of it all."

Retiring secretary Rosemary Ashley, in reviewing the year's activities, described the flower festival as the Guild's moment of triumph.

It well supported by sponsorship from local organisations and businesses. Many said that it was the best festival yet.

The St Bartholomew's Day lunch, organised by Ro Tuckett and helpers, was another highlight of a memorable summer.

The Guild is now looking forward to a festive flower arranging demonstration by Margaret Bayliss on November 24, at the Church Hall.

This will be open to the public, whose support would be appreciated.

The theme will be Christmas Old and New.

Committee members elected for 2000-2001 are Janet Gilder, Beryl Brickell, Rosalene Tuckett, Naomi Ashton, Peggy Stroud, Elizabeth Gregory, Margaret Gransbury and Rosemary Ashley.

Old Court Pre-school

The demand for places at Old Court Community Pre-school has resulted in a waiting list for admissions, reports revealed at the recent annual meeting.

The pre-school caters for a wide age range, with two Teddy Tots sessions one accommodating up to 12 children aged two to two-and-a-half and another for 16 two-and-a-half to three year-olds.

Currently, 73 children aged three to four attend Busy Bears sessions, which take place every morning and on two afternoons.

The Plus Fours session, aimed at older children who are preparing for school, accommodates up to 12 children per session and meets each morning and on three afternoons per week.

Old Court caters for some children with special needs, who may require one to one assistance.

The pre-school has its own premises, originally the infant department of the old church school. Ground rent is paid to the Memorial Hall trustees.

Fundraising efforts help to finance the pre-school's ongoing maintenance programme. The recent jumble sale raised £3127.50.

Sessions at Old Court are led by 11 members of staff including supervisor Lorraine Davies and Plus Fours leader Jeannette Elver. The administrator is Mary Simpson.

Officers elected for 2000/01 are: Maxine Smith, chair; Binny Upham, vice chair; Marleen Moxon, treasurer; Maria Wyer, secretary; Caroline Fleming, health and safety; Mark Rose, maintenance; Jo Greenwell, representative to Memorial Hall committee; Caroline Gardiner, parents' rota and Sandra Dyer, publicity.

Members of the committee's fund-raising team are Tresanna Borgman, Deb Fry and Lorraine Ferris.

Stella Taylor

Tel (01793) 852361