Harvington

Steve and Di Salter have another award from the Shakespeare branch of CAMRA to add to the growing collection on the shelf in the lounge bar. The Coach and Horses is the Shakespeare branch Pub of the Year (Worcestershire) 2015. This is in recognition of the quality of the beer kept in the pub, which is cask marque accredited, but also for their many links within the community.

There was a bumper turnout on April 16 to mark the last of the 50+ lunches. Sadly as the funding has ended, it was felt by those running the lunches that it would not be possible to continue running them. At the end of the lunch Jenny Grey thanked Steve and Di Salter and Neil Spencer for all their hard work since the lunches began in 2012, and presented them with cards and gifts on behalf of all the 50+ lunch regulars. The pub will still be open for lunches on Thursdays with a two meals for £10 offer, and many of the regulars are planning to continue to meet up and chat over lunch, as many friendships have been formed over the years.

The Golden Cross will be opening again soon under new management. Although it was sad that the previous landlords could not stay longer, the village is glad that both its pubs will once again be open for business. Harvington wishes the new landlords well.

Harvington Cricket Club needs you! They are looking for help with teas on match days, or anyone wanting to learn to score for the teams. They would also welcome anyone who would like to play for the club or help coaches at the junior sessions. This year the Club, which is in Anchor Lane, over the old by-pass, will be running two Saturday sides, a Sunday side plus junior teams at Under 9, 11 and 15 age groups. The popular Friday night Sports Activities for children has started again and there will be outdoor practices at the ground for the Under 11 and 9 age groups on Thursday evenings from 6pm. For further information contact Trevor Knowles on 871334 or 0796 715 2394.

• Coming up: On Friday, April 14 the mobile library will visit Harvington calling at Orchard Place at 9.55, the Coach and Horses at 10.15 and Finch Lane at 10.35. For further information contact 01905 822722.

‘Wine and Chocolate’ is the tempting offer from Harvington Youth Project, who are planning an evening of chocolate and wine tasting in conjunction with Thorntons and Vin Neuf of Stratford upon Avon, with proceeds going to the Youth Project. This will be held in the Baptist Church on Friday, April 24 from 7.15pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 per person and are available from 01789 490223 or 0795 634 8088. The Youth Groups are continuing to meet during Hannah’s maternity leave as the DBS checked helpers have taken on the leader’s role temporarily. Adventurers for 7-10s meets on Thursdays between 6.30-7.45pm and The Drop for those aged 13 or over meets on Fridays between 6.30-8pm.

Songbirds meet in the Coach and Horses function room every Tuesday from 6.30-8pm. Contact Mike 871743 or Roland 870880.

On Wednesday, April 29 the Annual General Meeting of the Village Hall Management Committee will take place, starting at 8pm. All are welcome. Contact Chris 871570.

Don’t forget every Tuesday there is Coffee Time between 10am-12midday at Harvington Baptist Church. This is a wonderful opportunity to chat with friends and catch up with neighbours over coffee and biscuits.

GILL THORNILEY