Eardisland

HISTORY GROUP - The Oral History group has been contacted by Rosemary Martin of Devon enquiring about the Yeld family of Eardisland. If anyone has any information about the family who lived in Twyford and Arrow Villa in the early part of the 20th century, please contact Paul Selfe (01544 388571), and the information will be passed on. Mr Yeld had been a pupil in the Cathedral School, won the Newdigate prize for poetry at Oxford and later became a schoolmaster in York. Other family members remained in Eardisland into the middle of the last century.

CHURCH SINGERS - The Oakville Singers will perform in the Church on July 2. Tickets £5 (under 16 free) from the Tearooms (01544 388226) and Serena Askew (01544 637). They are based in Worcester an have been performing for over 40 years, singing in Cathedrals and churches all over Britain. This highly acclaimed group include in their repertoire a mixture of folk songs, sacred and secular music as well as many in a lighter vein. They are accompanied by John Wilderspin, a noted organist at Worcester Cathedral. There is a glass of wine available in the interval. The funds raised are in support of St Mary's Church. Everyone is most welcome.

PARISH COUNCIL - Mrs Maryann Hanson and Ms Greta Pennington have been welcomed to the council following the recent local election. At the March meeting a guest speaker, Mr John Kendall gave an informative talk about the proposed twining arrangements of Eardisland with Lyre, in Normandy, based on the experiences Presteigne. Dr Brinton-Bivand agreed to liaise between the twinning group and the PCC. The PCC was also informed that the bus shelter has been repaired, thanks to the excellent work of Mr Griffiths. Plans are in hand to repair the village notice board and to provide a lockable board on the bus shelter. The play area has been inspected and received a glowing report. Thanks were expressed to Melanie Gittoes and the volunteers involved in looking after this area and its upkeep. The PCC also gave its support toward this year's entry in the Herefordshire in Bloom competition. It was noted that much good work was being undertakento improve the look of the village and there was a prospect of it being entered into the National In Bloom Competition. Judgement day is Friday, July 15.

VILLAGE SHOW - Plans are in hand to hold this event on Saturday, August 20.

FLORAL COMPETITION - Derek Wareham, the delegate to a seminar held at the Courtyard Theatre, was informed by Lady Cotterell that the great hope of the County rested on Eardisland's entry in the Heart of England in Bloom regional competition. He reported that there are many achievements already in evidence. These relate to the work done by many individuals and village groups. They include that undertaken by the owners of properties throughout the village who are working on garden displays. Also, the village hall management committee whose members have ensured that there are many improvements to the immediate area around it. The PCC have assisted in the tidying of the churchyard, where the ivy and hedging is controlled and there is a new herb display and shrubs, as well as a fine display of spring flowers. The Dovecote Committee have ensured that the car park has been resurfaced and helped to improve the war memorial area, where new laurels have been planted and flowers added to the AA Box garden. The Dovecote area has also been improved with floral tubs and a grassed area beside the mill stream. The main street has a renovated notice board and bus shelter. All those volunteers who have been strimming, cleaning and enhancing the village were thanked. There are further plans to improve other features in due course. Local people are encouraged to keep up this good work and to impress the judges in due course. Everyone is greatly impressed by the efforts to date.

OPEN GARDENS -This event takes place on Saturday and Sunday and 12, between 11am and 5pm, admission £4.

There are refreshments, stalls and a prize draw in the Village Hall. This is a fund raising event for the Church and the Village hall. There are many gardens to visit and plenty of good car parking space. Everyone is invited to attend this important event in one of the most beautiful villages in Herefordshire.