SIMPSON HALL - At the recent meeting, the management committee was told how successful the hall had been during the recent financial period with a record income from lettings, in spite of the decision to hold hiring charges at the 1999 rate. Planning permission had been received for a doubling in size of the kitchen, for a storeroom, a toilet and improved access for persons with disabilities. Applications were being made to the National Lottery Charities Board for funding. Two new heaters had been fitted during June at a cost of more than £2,000. The committee suggested an advertising drive should be made to promote the hall more energetically and build even further on the success.

MILLENNIUM PARTY - The Millennium party was held for the villages of Burghill and Tillington on Saturday, June 24. At 2p.m, a procession of people and decorated floats went from the church at Burghill to Burghill C P School. The field at the school had many stalls and displays of dancing and singing took place on the stage. The Rev. Jimmy Morrison opened the event and welcomed the crowds to the crowning of the king and queen, Kate Lyddon and Tom Donaldson. They were supported on the day by two more pupils of the Burghill C P School, Phillip Law and Sadie Bristow, who were the prince and princess. More than 200 people attended an afternoon of action and laughter and again in the evening when there was a huge picnic and dancing to the excellent Tango Band until nearly midnight. The money taken at the party, exceeding £2,500, is to be divided equally between the church of St Mary the Virgin in Burghill and Burghill C P School. An enormous amount of work and effort went in to planning and carrying out the event and many thanks go to the dozens of people who contributed their time, skills and resources. The organisers also thank Browns, the BMW dealers in Whitecross Road, Hereford, for providing splendid new open BMW cars for the king and queen to use in the parade.

'THANK YOU' - The vicar of Burghill, the Rev. Jimmy Morrison, was very surprised to have his family service interrupted by some of his congregation recently. They reminded him that it was the beginning of "Clergy Appreciation Week" in the diocese and they wished to express their great appreciation for the hard work, love and leadership he showed in his work. Over the preceding week, a secret collection had taken place involving donations from more than 100 people in the parish in order to demonstrate, by a surprise present, the very high regard in which "Jimmy" was held. A year ago, the vicar had met the very talented local artist Lisel when she was making a drawing of the church at Stretton Sugwas. She had subsequently asked for his help in creating a large oil painting showing the vicar seated inside the church at Burghill. When Lisel learned of the wish of the parishioners to purchase the picture, as a surprise gift for the vicar, she readily agreed to complete the painting in time for the presentation to take place.The picture was presented to Jimmy, to his complete surprise and delight.