AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - Within days of learning that their group activities had earned them second place in the Campaign Group's fund-raising league, members of Knighton and District Amnesty International received a letter of congratulations from director Kate Allen. It read: "On behalf of AI (UK), I am writing to express special gratitude and admiration is expressed for the group's fund-raising efforts in 1999, resulting in £1,475 being sent to section office. We gratefully appreciate the time spent collecting.'' After the statement that £2.75 million had been contributed to the International Secretariat by AI (UK), a breakdown of expenditure indicated that the greatest amount went to running the research missions and information systems which were involved in generating new actions on behalf on prisoners. Knighton AI workers had always commented on the generosity local people had shown towards helping those who suffered torture, family separations and imprisonments without fair trails or the benefit of a form of justice. The commendation from London headquarters had doubled the branch's determination to work harder still. events already planned for the year were: Saturday, May 7, Forget-me-Not Day -- collection stall from 10am until-noon; Tuesday, June 20 -- Art for Amnesty exhibition in Knighton library. This year there would be a display of pastels by Gordon Yapp, and concurrent exhibition of pinhole camera photographs by Andrea Heilmann at The Lanterns, High Street; Thursday, July 6 -- coffee evening and bring-and-buy at Ruth Mills' home, Rose Hill, Knucklas Road.

DISCO - More than 300 people attended and enjoyed the recent Knighton Community Centre's Ultimate disco. Earlier, the youngsters disco went off very well and the children enjoyed themselves. Several of the parents helped by selling soft drinks and hot dogs, and the committee thanks them for their help and support. On May 19, there will be a young persons' disco from 7pm and 9pm and the adult disco will start at 9.30pm. All proceeds will go towards the running costs of the community centre.''Powys County Council expects us to take on the running of the entire building and it is essential for us to hold successful events if the centre is to stay open,'' said committee secretary Kevin Kell.

MOTHERS' UNION - A table stacked with gaily-patterned cotton prints in traditional and abstract designs gave a colourful start to the April meeting of St Edward's and St Andrew's Mothers' Union addressed by Eileen Ackermann. Mrs Ackermann, who spent six years in Malaysia while her husband was in Indonesia, studied the process of batik work -- the interaction of wax and dye printing on pure cotton. Her display included sarongs, cloths, cushions, tablemats and a ceremonial robe. The meeting was presided over by Joyce Riley in the absence of enroling member, Diana Rudge.

INNER WHEEL - Members watched the London Marathon on television with great interest after hearing a talk by Martyn Price at a recent meeting. Martyn, who ran in the marathon in 1997 and 1999, gave an interesting talk about the race and the organisation of such a huge event. Members took part in the district bowling competition in Llandrindod Wells in March. Linda Hall was the outright winner and Betty Richards and Connie Stinchcombe were also in the team. A coffee morning and sale was held at the home of Tina Southall to raise funds for DEBRA, which helps young children with a damaging skin complaint, causing blistering to the extent that it is life threatening. £100 was raised.

COMMUNITY CENTRE - Knighton and District Community Centre will hold its annual meeting in the centre on May 22 at 7.30pm. Everyone interested in the running of the centre is welcome.

OBJECTION - Knighton and District Community Centre management committee has made a formal objection to the proposed car-parking charges on the Bowling Green Lane car park on the grounds that the charges would adversely affect the running of the centre.