FUN DAY - Celebrating 2.000 years of the Christian Church, the East Radnorshire Churches united to host a Fun Day with a full programme for all ages, concluding with a well-attended Songs of Praise. Youngsters from all parts of Radnorshire and over the Border came in their hundreds for the football tournament. It was played on three separate pitches, marked out and prepared by a dedicated band of volunteer grounds-men and for four hours the marathon of football games was hotly contested by 40 teams. Younger brothers and sisters enjoyed a giant bouncy castle and other activities, while adults browsed at the line of stalls in aid of various charities. For several hours there was brisk demand for the abundant refreshments available at the sports hall, supplied and served by a thoroughly effective team of ladies from a number of different churches. The Scout committee set up barbecues under the largest tree which swiftly attracted hungry young customers, while nearby the stage was set for the final event Songs of Praise. Organising the service was the Rev Stephen Wood, choir conductor was Hilary Howcroft, and among the folk musicians were the Rev. Roger Moore and Nick Andrews. Finally, the red-coated ranks of Knighton Town Band took their places. Led by the united choir, the large congregation sang strongly.

CHRISTIAN AID - Kate Marshall, local secretary of Christian Aid, has announced a record total of £1,509 as a result of the house-to-house collection in May. It was an increase of £300 on last year, and represented the generous giving of residents in Presteigne, Discoed, Kinsham, Lingen, Stapleton, Knill and Roddhurst. Christian Aid thanks everyone who gave so generously, the team of hardworking collectors and treasurer Tony Bradley.

SENEGAL LINK - Megan Armstrong, a former pupil of John Beddoes School, returned to Presteigne recently after the "tremendous experience" of spending six months of her pre-university year in West Africa. She said she had a marvellous time in Bonaba, Senegal. Even though she had to come to terms with sharing the life of a small and primitive village. Megan is a keen photographer and took the opportunity of taking many pictures and videos. She had just finished making from these a video for the French class at John Beddoes School, who were penfriends of the Bonaba school children. Megan's mother, Madie, helps to run a tourist restaurant and camping facility in a beautiful situation close to Bonaba, beside the famous Rose Lake.