HISTORY GROUP - Keith Jarvis has recently put up the latest Much Cowarne History Group display board next to the restored toll board in the Much Cowarne Church tower room. The board gives the history of the Much Cowarne tollhouse and gate on the roads that wind through from Burley Gate to Acton Beauchamp. Barry Lawrence and Keith have also transcribed as much as they can read on the old board. Anyone who can read more is welcome to contribute. Much Cowarne History Group will hold its AGM in the tower room at the church at 7.15pm on July 24. Everyone is welcome. It is hoped that there will be a display showing Much Cowarne in the 1950s at the church fete on September 1 and at the heritage open days in the church between September 6 and 9.

Anyone with any local photographs from that time that could be copied, or with new historical information about the parish, is asked to contact Martin Hewitt on 01432 820282 or email panksbridge@hotmail.co.uk.

COUNCILS - Following a further resignation there is only one remaining member of Ocle Pychard Group Parish Council. Advice is still being sought from Herefordshire Council, but in the meantime the council remains nonquorate.

There will not now be a July meeting but the parish clerk can still be contacted on 01432 820074 or at parishclerk@ ymail.com. Outgoing parish councillors have asked for it to be made clear that, in most cases, their resignations were due to a combination of factors, including a change of personal circumstances, the new provisions of the Localism Act (requiring all councillors to declare their financial interests and those of their husbands, wives and partners), plus the fact that parish council comments on contentious planning applications are often ignored by Herefordshire Council’s planning officers and planning committee. Much Cowarne Group Parish Council will meet, as advertised, at 7.30pm on Tuesday. All parishioners welcome.