JUBILEE - After seven months of planning by the parish, celebration day dawned dry but cloudy. By the start of the celebrations the sun was out and the crowds began to arrive, some on a tractor-drawn trailer following the church service at Leinthall Earls. More than 200 people enjoyed a hog roast. Children of the parish were presented with commemorative mugs that had been designed by local artist Jonathan Heale. People were wearing crowns that they had made, judged by Phillip and Domenica Dunne who presented the winners with medals. The crowd was entertained by local folk group Loxley and the shanty singers Hobson’s Choice. At 10.15pm the Gatley beacon was lit as part of the national chain. About 19 beacons could be seen from our vantage point. Sir Thomas and Lady Dunne, former Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire and his wife, were welcomed to the celebrations. Aymestrey Parish Council thanked Phillip and Domenica Dunne for providing the venue and to everyone who worked so hard for the event.

DEBUSSY AT 150 - As part of the Leominster Festival biographer, historian, pianist and broadcaster Roger Nicholls will give a talk with music at St Andrew’s Church, Leinthall Earls, on Sunday at 3pm. This will be followed by afternoon tea at Manor Farm, in aid of Leinthall Earls and Aymestrey churches’ ongoing restoration programme. Tickets are £10 (including afternoon tea) available from Leominster Festival box office or Chrissie Lawson on 01568 770431.

AYMESTREY FETE - The village fete is on July 21. The fete committee meets on June 27 in the village hall at 8pm to finalise plans.