VILLAGE OF THE YEAR -- The judges duly turned up on Wednesday to see short-listed Westhope. The start was delayed by their vehicle refusing to leave Leintwardine, which led to a somewhat hurried dash up hill and down dale around the lanes. Hopefully enough productive information was imparted despite shortage of breath, to give the village a sporting chance of again lifting one of the prizes.

BRANCH MEETING -- The Canon Pyon and District Branch Conservatives held their quarterly meeting at Wyndham House, hosted by Christina Fletcher. The treasurer was able to confirm the success of the summer function, the musical evening at the Great House, by the donation of the proceeds to the Playing Field and the St Lawrence Friendship Club. It was decided, after some discussion, that the next event would be a wine tasting in early December; a Master of Wine has agreed to share a little of his encyclopaedic knowledge, and generally oversee the evening. Tickets will be limited and will be advertised after details are finalized.

END OF DIVERSION -- Good to see that the work near the Nag is finally completed and that the road is again open... if the number of demolished diversion signs is anything to go by its not a moment too soon. How long, I wonder, before the new man-size ditch claims its first victim; as I pass in the half-light of morning, I shall try to remember to peer into its depths to see if the odd car or tank transporter lies at the bottom.