REGENERATION -- The Kington Regeneration Partnership, chaired by Bob Widdowson, is inviting members of the public to have their say on potential improvements to the centre of the town. This move follows a study undertaken by WM Enterprise and the Derek Lovejoy Partnership, as part of the regeneration package for the area. The study looked at access, movement around the town centre for both pedestrians and motor vehicles, and the lighting and signage used around Kington. Its findings and proposals will be on view for public comment on Wednesday, February 12, between 4-8pm, at the Burton Hotel in Kington's town centre. Members of the Kington Regeneration Partnership will be on hand to answer any questions, and comments from the public will be utilised in making a decision regarding the proposed improvements. The funding for the study was provided by the market towns programme, though Advantage West Midlands, and any improvements will be funded by Objective 2 (European funding) from Government Office and the Rural Regeneration Zone administered by Advantage West Midlands.

TREE -- Just over £2,400 was raised by the St Mary's Christmas tree festival, reports churchwarden Ann Edwards in the current issue of the Kington, Huntington and Titley Anglican Parish News. Announcing that she is delighted to pass this news on to readers, Miss Edwards writes: 'As I am sure you are aware, the proceeds were for the fabric fund, in particular for the restoration of the windows and the spire'.

CHURCHES TOGETHER -- A jumble sale held last month raised £255 for the funds of the Churches Together in Kington and district organisation, reports secretary Gill Duberley.

TOURIST -- At this time of the year, Kington Tourist Group chairman Ann Edwards begins her preparations for the very useful diary of local events, which she painstakingly compiles on behalf of the volunteer members of her hard-worked group. But she relies very much on the flow of information which she receives from event organisers and others who enable the tourist group to make visitors and residents alike aware of events by submitting details for inclusion in the diary. As usual, the diary will be in two parts, the first covering events between April 1, and June 30,and the second being responsible for the period July 1, to October 30, an the deadlines for inclusion are February 28, (diary 1), and May 31, (diary 2). Information, including date(s), name of event, venue, time and contact person with phone number, should be sent to Miss Edwards at her home, 6 Headbrook, Kington HR5 3DZ.

WHIST -- Bryn Thomas was MC at the first of a series of three whist drives for the Harold Watkins cup at Kington's Parish House, which will raise funds for the county air ambulance, the Heart Foundation and St Michael's Hospice. Prizes were presented by Mrs C Dennis, refreshments were served by Eileen Thomas, and the second in the series takes place on Monday, February 10. Prizewinners were: highest score, Mr H Dennis; ladies, Mrs E Pinches, Mrs S Corbett, Mrs A Preece, Miss E Preece (consolation); gents, Mr H Jones, Mrs E Harding, Mr A Exton, Mrs J Bradford (consolation).