AUSTERITY LUNCH -- The last of this year's Monday Lenten lunches for Christian Aid was held at the Social Room, Saint Edward's Close. There was a choice of six soups - leek and potato, curried parsnip, tomato, mixed vegetable, spicy vegetable and lentil - and all were equally enjoyed by those who attended the lunch. As well as the soup, which was served with bread and cheese, there was a chance to meet people and engage in friendly conversation which was much appreciated. Winners in the raffle were Rose Parry, Vera Parker-Smith, Joan Beattie, Mrs Wozencraft, Cath Reeves, Eve Williams and Joyce Bird. Helpers were Betty Goulding, Jean Coulthard, Olive Waters, Edith Conway and Gwen Morgan. Soupmakers were Anne Maslen-Jones, Jenny Stothert, Olive Waters, Joyce Riley and Sandra Goodwin. Iris Leeson and Vi Brick took the money at the door. The five Lenten lunches together raised £270 for Christian Aid. Organiser Olive Waters thanks everyone who helped to organise the enjoyable and worthwhile series of lunches, and those who supported them. Today, Maundy Thursday (28th March) Churches Together in Knighton and District will hold their annual austerity lunch in Knighton Methodist Church from 12.00 noon to 1.30pm. The price is £1, and proceeds go to Christian Aid.

SAINT EDWARD'S CHURCH -- Worship for Psalm Sunday at Saint Edward's began at the Clock Tower. Members of the congregation assembled for the blessing of palm crosses before processing to the church, and were joined by Gilbert the donkey by courtesy of the Price family of Llanshay. Last year it was not possible to have a donkey taking part in the procession because of foot and mouth disease restrictions, and Gilbert made a welcome return to this year's proceedings. Kevin Kell carried the Saint Edward's Cross, which was veiled as is customary in Holy Week. The service, which commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem before the celebration of the Passover, began with the hymn most associated with the festival - 'All glory. laud and honour to thee Redeemer King'. Audrey Green read the first lesson and Hilary Howcroft the second. Councillor Ken Harris narrated the account of the Passion from Matthew's Gospel, with the Rev. Andrew Pearce reading the parts of the individuals involved and Kevin Kell reading the words of Christ. The congregation joined in the words spoken by the crowd. Mrs L. Heakin led the intercessions; Mrs Howcroft directed the choir of Saint Edward's, and Cecil Rudge was organist. During the Communion the choir sang 'O sacred head sore wounded', to the famous tune by H. L. Hassler (1564-1612), and harmonised by J.S. Bach (1685-1750). Richard Wood and Mr Kell assisted with the distribution of Communion. The service closed with 'Ride on! Ride on in majesty', another hymn associated with the occasion.

SUPPORT FOR DEVOLUTIONIST -- Knighton Town Council has given qualified support to local devolution campaigner John Myhill. Members, who heard Mr Myhill speak at their February meeting, agreed to support devolution to local councils in principle. Councillor Ken Harris said the National Association of Local Councils was pressing for greater powers for local councils.

DOG FOULING -- Knighton Town Council agreed to a proposition from Councillor Elizabeth Petley that Powys County Council ban dogs from the town's playing areas, and introduce a bylaw to enforce this if none existed already. The motion came in response to concerns from the junior council about the level of dog fouling in the town, especially in The Cwm and on the Bryn-y-Castell playing fields. Councillor Sarah Scotford said that there was a new supply of bags for the disposal of canine faeces at the Library.

BMX TRACK -- Councillor Ken Harris told Knighton Town Council that Powys County Council was proceeding with the installation of a BMX cycle track at the Recreation Field. The cycle track was the third of the three issues which the junior council had asked the town council to look into. The junior council will be present at the next meeting of Knighton Town Council on Wednesday, April 17 in Knighton Community Centre to hear how the town council has proceeded with their requests.

TREE REMOVAL -- Knighton Town Council agreed to support an application to remove a conifer and prune back a yew tree at Ystrad House, Church Road.

CONCERN ABOUT RIVER -- Knighton Primary School Students Faye Davis, Natasha Evans, Kerry Bufton, George Gough and Daniel James wrote a letter to Knighton Town Council expressing concern about the state of the River Teme opposite Pontfaen and Fronhir. "We live there and enjoy playing in the river in summer," said the youngsters. "The problem is people throwing their rubbish and junk in the river. It is very annoying for we cannot swim there any more. People's dogs leave mess for us to tread in and when we go to fish all we catch are papers, shoes, tyres and cans with fish stuck inside if we are lucky. Please could you discuss this at the next meeting and let us know of any advice you could give us to help improve the situation." The Council agreed to write to the Environmental Agency about the state of the river.