APPOINTMENT -- The Rev. Michael Langstaff has been appointed Superintendent Minister of the Knighton and Leintwardine Methodist Circuit. Mr Langstaff, who lives at the Ffaldau Country House, Llandegley, took up his appointment on September 1. With his wife Carol he runs a retreat centre at the Ffaldau, which they will continue to do on a reduced basis. The previous superintendent minister, the Rev. Roger Moore, has retired through ill health.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN SERVICE -- Father Andrew Pearce, priest-in-charge of the Knighton Group of Parishes, welcomed the Rev. Paul Credle from New York State at Knighton's Battle of Britain service. Mr Credle, who read the lesson, is serving as Knighton's Baptist Minister for three months on an exchange visit.

Before the service, the St Edward's bellringers rang a half-muffled peal, and the national anthem of the United States of America was sung, as well as the United Kingdom and Welsh national anthems. Mrs Hillary Howcroft directed the choir of St Edward's and Cecil Rudge was organist.

Present at the service was the Mayor of Knighton, Councillor Roger Bright, and Mrs Bright; the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Reeves and Mrs Reeves, members of Knighton Town Council and members of the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal British Legion and the Air Training Corps. John Owen carried the standard of the Royal Air Forces Association, Andrew Pritchard that of the Royal British Legion, and Flight Sergeant Simon Pritchard that of the Air Training Corps.

The Amnesty International candle in a window in the North Aisle of the church was lit during the service as reminder of those who still suffer for their beliefs under oppressive regimes.

Before the service at St Edward's, there was a short service at Knighton's War Memorial in Brookside Square. Wreaths in memory of those killed in the Battle of Britain were laid by Knighton Town Council, the Royal British Legion, Knighton Branch, Knighton and District RAFA, and 579 Squadron ATC. In addition, there was a wreath of red, white and blue flowers, with the national flags of the United States of America and the United Kingdom, in memory of those killed in the recent terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. The inscription on the wreath read: "The thoughts of Knighton Town Council and residents are with all who have suffered."