HISTORY SOCIETY -- The current interest in local and family history has led to Kington History Society purchasing a new computer, its annual meeting was told by chairman Norman Allum. On both subjects, he and secretary Vera Harrison have to deal with many enquiries, and the new computer will enable them to cope with the increased load. He thanked Miss Harrison for the additional work she undertakes as editor of the society's annual papers, a record of its work with other contributions, and for her preparation of the new 'nutshell' series of booklets, on local historical topics, which were selling well. Mr Allum also reported that the society had enjoyed a varied and interesting year of lectures in which they had ventured further afield than usual, namely off to Jamaica with John Rerrie, and learning the craft of beekeeping in Herefordshire with Len Dixon. Kington Museum curator Ken Reeves had given an interesting talk on ghosts, and Gwyneth Guy had fascinated members with her knowledge of local houses and their structure, said Mr Allum, who hoped that the society had succeeded in offering an interesting programme to its members. He expressed the Society's thanks to its president, John Morgan, not least for his regular attendance at all meetings, and to treasurer John Potts and all members of the committee. He praised the work of Mary Allum and Mick Turner, who throughout the year had provided members with high quality refreshments at monthly indoor meetings. The funds of the society, which will celebrate its first quarter-century next year, were in a healthy state, said Mr Potts, and Mr Reeves was thanked for his services as auditor. When the question of imposing charges for research was raised, Mr Allum said that this was quite difficult to do, and in addition, most enquirers left a donation, which offset those who did not. The business part of the meeting was followed by a display of model farm carts, given by Bill Tittle, who also gave a talk on the history of farm wagons and carts. Officers re-elected: Norman Allum, chairman; Gerald Smith, vice-chairman; John Potts, treasurer; Vera Harrison, secretary. Committee members are Beryl Lewis, Geoffrey Mitchell, Bruce Parker, Margaret Price, Barrie Trumper, Mick Turner and Keith Wilson.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER -- The occasional newsletter published by Lady Hawkins School, LHS Matters, has released the results of this year's poetry competition, arranged by the school's English department. They are: year 10, winner Lewis Edwards, runner-up Nick Carpenter; year 9, winner Sarah Spiers, runner-up Jim Gardiner; year 8, winner Chloe Watson, runner up Tom Blake; year 7, winner Kirsty Bayliss, runner up Izzy Budd. All of them received book token prizes, and their poems, along with the best submitted by other competitors, appear in the school's 2001 anthology, entitled 'A Prison and a Palace'. This title says LHS Matters, is taken from a line in Jim Gardiner's poem, 'Questions of Reality', where he says: "What are our minds? A prison and a palace". The anthology was on sale during the school's open evening. LHS matters also reports that the school has re-equipped the computer room with 25 new high specification computers, which offer internet access and email, and it says: "This is a major step forward in the school's computer resources." It also congratulates students Ceri Griffiths, Melissa Downing, Sarah Betterton and Isabel Lane on representing the county at cricket, and Chris Lloyd on his selection for the county football squad. Lady Hawkins' School, like others, has a distasteful problem, of which the newsletter writes: "Already this term, large amounts of dog faeces have had to be removed from the sports pitches. Could parents please assist us by emphasising to all, the need to keep dogs off the school site."

CONCERT -- The annual autumn concert at Kington Baptist Church was given this year by the Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir. Its members came armed with a good reputation which they had built up over many years, and the large audience was not disappointed. Their programme included many favourite items, such as 'Comrades in Arms', sung at a brisk pace and with a clean cut delivery - the hallmark of good male voice choirs. The concert, which also included supporting artistes, raised £580 for the Kington Baptist building fund, which finances the repair and maintenance of the church's property.

WHIST DRIVE -- A whist drive to raise funds for the Diabetic Society was held at the Parish House, Kington, on Monday (October 22), with Bryn Thomas as MC. Highest score award went to Mr T Beaumont, and other prizewinners were ladies: Mrs N Parker, Mrs E Pinches, Mrs A Ball, Mrs C Dennis and Mrs J Owens (consolation); gents, Mr J Price, Mr J Pugh, Mr D Smith, Mrs E Harding and Mr E Rowlands (consolation). Refreshments were served by Eileen Thomas and Bev Fensom.