FUND-RAISING - The first fund-raising event which was a country music dance was enjoyed by many and was a huge success. The hall took on a new look when villagers, armed with paint brushes, soon had it looking grand. Another dance is booked for May 26, with Jane Ryan as host. Tickets are available from Heather Hackley 01568 616908 or Carol's Western shop in Leominster. A rota of volunteers for grass cutting has been set up and eight villagers have donated time and effort to maintain the grounds of the hall. The local primary school had an early Christmas present. Equipment no longer needed at the hall found a new home, much to the delight of school head, Carol Milnes, who wrote thanks on behalf of staff and pupils. Cadburys gave £400, which had helped with the enormous rising costs. Electrical work was needed now.

PARISH COUNCIL - The next meeting of the parish council will be held in the village hall on Thursday, May 25, at 7.15pm.This will be preceded at 7pm by the annual meeting of the council and the chairman's annual report. In the parish council elections for Hope-under-Dinmore Group Parish Council, re-elected to serve as parish councillors for the next three years were: Hope-under-Dinmore:Michael Bodkin, David Legge, Mrs Esme Lewis, Mrs Patricia Wickes, Trevor Wickes and Robert Wynne; Newton: Alastair Goodwin and David Horlock.

CHILDREN'S AREA -- The Marches Housing Association had confirmed the creation of an area for children to play had been included in the Cherrybrook Close development. The association also intended to sponsor summer play schemes for children living within its developments. It would also explore the possibility of providing activity days during the holidays for children at Hope-under-Dinmore. Any parents or children interested in these schemes and making sure they happened should contact Chris Boote, the director of housing at the Marches, Lion Court, Leominster, telephone 610100. Further information is available from parish clerk David Greaves on 797297.