PARTY – On a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, Almeley Village Hall was full to capacity for a tea party in honour of Rene Bray, who retired recently after 26 years of unfailing service to the community. Guests arrived from every corner of the parish to pay tribute to their postmistress and friend.

Welcoming the guests, Clare Price invited them to partake of the sumptuous food, at the centre of which was an iced and decorated cake surmounted by two post boxes, the creation of local resident Allan Payne. Speeches were made by John Hope and Terry Holden, in which they paid tribute to Mrs Bray for her dedicated service.

They spoke of the competent manner in which she had performed her duties and praised her for the way in which she adjusted to the computerised systems.

Following the speeches, Mrs Bray was presented with a beautiful bouquet, a garden token, which was most appropriate as everyone knows of her great interest in gardening, and a cheque contributed to by members of the village community.

Mrs Bray wishes to thank villagers and friends for their kind support during the closure of Almeley Post Office.

BREAKFAST –The monthly gathering for breakfast, at the Bells Inn, will be on Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Full English breakfast, and vegetarian, or just coffee and biscuits.

WHIST CLUB – When the club met on Tuesday, prizes were won by Margery Phillips, Mario Battenti, Michael Handley, Anne Preece, Margaret Goode, Rick Harris, Pauline Edwards, Nancy Griffiths and May Thomas. This series is raising funds for the Acorns Children’s Hospice. The next event is on Tuesday, April 28, at 7.45pm.