BUS -- Improved bus services in some rural areas surrounding Kington have been made possible by a major grant to Herefordshire Council from the government's rural bus challenge competition. Previous awards, says the council's director of environment, Graham Dunhill, 'have enabled us to provide a better service, with new buses, on the county's main routes. We can not extend these benefits to some of the more remote communities.' In rural areas surrounding Kington, some existing limited bus services will be improved and smaller vehicles will be introduced to allow more communities to be served. Some weekly bus services will be increased to operate throughout the week, says the council, adding: 'Connections will be made in Kington with the main line bus services to Leominster, Hereford and Llandrindod Wells, which already have improved time-tables and new low-floor buses, enabling rural residents to make many more long distance trips.' In addition, North Herefordshire will see a flexible service introduced to areas such as Lingen, Kinsham and Byton, which will operate six days a week from 8am to 6pm, between Presteigne and Leintwardine. The new services will be introduced in the summer following detailed planning and consultations with parish councils and others.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE -- Despite the fact that illness and the weather kept six members away, the January meeting of Kingswood (Kington) Women's Institute 'proved to be a very lively one,' reports press secretary, Margaret Davis. Retired teacher and local historian Allan Lloyd had the rapt attention of his audience as he recalled experiences of his childhood and described the strength of character of his maternal grandfather who had made such an impression on him. The scenes from his war-time childhood came alive as he described them, as did his interview with the governors of Lady Hawkins' School, and his talk earned the institute's donation to the fund for the restoration of the spire and windows of Kington's parish church. The competition, a poem about a least favourite teacher, was won jointly by Eileen Kite and Buddy Robinson. The speaker at the institute's next meeting on February 12, will be Nurse Jan Day, and her subject will be women's health issues. Anyone interested in the topic will be made welcome.

MEMBERS -- Although the January meeting of Huntington (Kington) Women's Institute was well attended, it is unfortunately losing members, 'and we would really like to make up our numbers,' says press secretary Gwn Pattison. To potential members she adds: 'If you would like to join a really friendly institute, please join us o the second Wednesday in the month, you will be most welcome.' Those who attended the January meeting saw 'a wonderful collection of miniature dolls, all dressed in hand-stitched clothing (even undies), hats and leather shoes and boots.' Thanks were expressed to Mary Watson 'for her lovely flower arrangement and, of course, for her tasty refreshments, and congratulations to her for winning the afternoon's competition for a pin cushion.' The raffle was won by Eileen Wheatley, and the institute's next meeting will be held on February 12, at 2.30pm.

STARS -- A report of the annual 'Stars in Yours Eyes' competition at Lady Hawkins' School is reported in LHS Matters, the school's occasional news-letter, and the winning act was Britney Spears, alias Lawuren Barnett from Year 7, accompanied by Rachel Price, Lauren Evans and Leanne Player. The a charity chosen to benefit from the event, organised entirely by the Sixth Form, was the St Michael's Hospice at Hereford, which has received a cheque for £470, the proceeds of the non-uniform day and the competition. The news-letter also lists a number of events planned by the Lady Hawkins' School Association (LHSA), starting with a bingo session at the town Football Club on Wednesday, February 12, followed by the annual quiz night on Saturday, March 15. A trolley dash raffle will take place at Easter, and a repeat of the fun day is likely to be part of the Kington Festival in June. The LHSA will also be assisting with the Music Challenge event on March 22, which will include an evening concert by the visiting professional musicians.