LIFEBOATS - For a considerable number of year, the late Cecil Wedgwood, of Broadheath, took up a house-to-house collection in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The RNLI is supported entirely by voluntary contributions. After his death, Maureen Holst, of Norton, another keen supporter, continued to collect and forward donations.This year, £50 has been raised by Phyl Sullivan through a competition run at the Fish Restaurant; Maureen Holst raised £50 by a Christmas raffle; and now supporters hoped to give a substantial boost to funds with a quiz night at the Bull Hotel on Sunday at 7.30pm. Entries of teams of four should contact 01544 267488.

HOSPICE - Presteigne and Norton group of supporters of St Michael's Hospice held a coffee morning at Upper Dolley, by permission of Jim and Barbara Muggleton, raising £200. Chairman Margaret Morgan and the committee thank all who supported this event. The hospice has launched its new lottery which allowed supporters to participate on a regular basis by payment in advance. Further details available on 01432 851000.

NEWMAN ASSOCIATION - Pat Lyne, of Combe, Presteigne, has become widely known as an international judge of Connemara ponies, which she bred for a number of years at the Redgates Stud, Eardisley. On moving to Presteigne, she began to help in the guest house of the Carmelite Sisters. This led her to study a member of the Order, Edith Stein, who perished in Auchwitz in 1942. The story of this heroic sister became the basis of Pat's book, 'Edith Stein Discovered', published this month by Gracewing, Leominster. Tonight at 7.30pm, Pat will address the Newman Circle meeting at the Catholic Church annexe on the life of Edith. The book launch reception will take place at Carmel Court afterwards.

CONCERT - The Assembly Rooms were packed on Mothering Sunday afternoon when Mid Border Arts presented another of its popular concerts featuring pupils from several schools. Prestgang Youth Choir sang, with moving local soloists from Wigmore School and Bedstone College. As a result of this concert, Mid Border Arts is making small donations to the music departments of John Beddoes School, Presteigne Primary School, Wigmore School, Whitton School and Bedstone College.

MBA DRAMA - Touring company Pentabus, which brings live drama to five countries along the Welsh border, delighted the Assembly Rooms audience with its comedy, 'On the Slate'. The next show, directed by Terry Hands and performed by Richard Moore, will be Theatre Clwyd's 'An Evening with Charles Dickens', at the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, April 19. For details contact Barbara Neal on 01544 267012.