NEWENT Fair Shares has taken the lead as the first charity to sponsor flower tubs for Newent in Bloom. With proceeds from a plant sale last month, the trustees have purchased two tubs to go outside the Fair Shares shop in Church Street. The Fair Shares community timebank's participants have donated the plants to fill them. The charity plans to enter the best planted container category in the competition.

Trip to Egypt

PUPILS from Newent Community School will return from an 11-day trip to Egypt tomorrow (Saturday). Nine Y10 students are currently staying in the Sinai Peninsular, where they are working on a project to restore the 'Lost Gardens of Sinai'. Today (Friday), they are due to climb Mount Sinai before descending to the Red Sea.

News in brief

n THE Gloucester City and District branch of the RSPCA will hold a flag day in Newent on Saturday, June 18.

n The mobile police bus comes to Upleadon Village Hall on Sunday. From 10am to 1pm, residents will have the chance to quiz their rural beat officer about any matters of concern.

n THE Pianist will be the next film to be shown at Newent Memorial Hall. The film starts at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 30. To book, call 01531 820594.

n A COFFEE and jum- ble sale takes place at Newent Memorial Hall at 10.30am tomorrow (Saturday). Entry costs 50p with proceeds going to Women for Women, a charity supporting work with premature babies.

n A SUMMER quiz night will be held in Gorsley Village Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 18. The event includes a raffle, bar and supper. Tickets are £12 from 01989 720221.