AMERICAN TRAGEDY -- Prayers were offered at services in the town's churches for all those affected by the terrorist attacks in the United States. There was special remembrance of all the victims and the bereaved, as well as thanksgiving for those who had escaped with their lives; and prayers also for the peace of the world. Among the local residents who spent anxious hours waiting for news from family and friends in America were Terry and Marenee Monaghan, of Carmel Court, whose eldest grandson, Alexander, now married, lives and works in New York. They were enormously relieved to hear he was safe.

BAPTIST CHURCH -- The Harvest Supper will be held tomorrow at 7pm. Entertainment by Leominster Harmony. For tickets telephone 01544 267339.

RECYLING -- A meeting of Presteigne and Norton Recycling Scheme will be held tonight at 7.30 in the Assembly Rooms. On the agenda will be reports on progress towards issuing a regular newsletter, the performance of the scheme and the state of its equipment. Also to be discussed will be the distribution of funds accrued from the scheme. At the last meeting of the recycling scheme, held in May, it was hoped a sub-group could be formed this autumn which would organise a regular newsletter to update the whole community on recycling needs. Although the markets had varied for the different categories of recycled waste, the town's scheme reported a healthy balance in May. It was able to make donations to the following community projects: Sheep Music Festival £150, Presteigne Festival £150 and Wentes Meadow £1,000. At the May meeting, all had agreed that funds should be distributed under the same four main categories as the original system. These were annual town events, community groups, environment projects and special town appeals. Any local resident may become a member of the Recycling Scheme by donating a £1 subscription.

FLORAL ART -- The first autumn meeting of Presteigne and Borders Floral Art Society featured a demonstration by NAFAS expert Diane Pritchard, who was welcomed by chairman Cynthia Hughes. Illustrating the subject of Venetian romance and masquerade, of which, she has made a special study, Diane Pritchard created five superb designs inspired by her visits to Venice at carnival time. Members have two events to look forward to in October. Margaret Jones will give a demonstration on October 10 at 7.30pm entitled 'Birds of Our Island', and Pat Crance will lead a Saturday workshop on October 13 from 10am until 2pm to produce 'A Contemporary Design'. Both events are at the Memorial Hall.Telephone 260113 for details and to book for the workshop.

CATHOLIC CHURCH -- When the late Father Bonaventure Welsford retired a year ago as parish priest of Presteigne and Knighton's Catholic churches, the parishioners had expected a successor would be appointed by the Bishop of Menevia within a few weeks or months. Two Passionist clergy, Father Time and Father Conleth, were in turn given temporary charge of the parish until Easter and gave much-needed support to its parishioners after the death of Father Bonaventure early in the winter.