MARCHES SECULARISTS – The Marches Secularists will hold a meeting in Leominster on Friday, July 8, at the Chequers Public House, Etnam Street, at 7.45pm. Anyone interested in exploring and discussing the relationship between religious-based organisations and secular society in the 21st century will be welcome. One item for discussion will be the recent report commissioned by the Anglican Bishop for urban life and faith, the Right Reverend Stephen Lowe. The report is entitled ‘Moral But No Compass – Government, Church and the Future of Welfare’. The report argues that the work of Christian charities is undervalued and under-estimated by the government and the charity commission. Arthur Moore, who will be chairing the meeting, will give a secularist response to the arguments and conclusions of the report.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION – There is still time to get photographs in for this year’s Leominster in Bloom competition. This year’s theme is ‘Welcome to Leominster’ and can be of anything or anyone in or around the town. Entries need to be in by next Tuesday, and the competition is completely free and can be in any format. Entry forms can be obtained from Leominster Tourist Information Centre or Best Wishes card shop. Leominster has also now been told that the Heart of England in Bloom judges will be arriving during the afternoon of Friday, July 18, to judge the town’s entry.