CHERITON FITZPAINE Drama Club thanks all its supporters who gave so generously to the collections made at the recent production of the pantomime Sinbad the Sailor.

Special thanks must go to local potter Dougie Fitch, who donated the two goblets used in the panto to be auctioned with dealed bids.

The final total was £376.78, which was raised for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

Garden Club: Despite driving rain and sleet, there was a good attendance at the February meeting, when the new chairman, David Nunn, welcomed members to An Evening of Garden Gossip. He thanked Sarah Tricks, for accepting the office of president.

During the business part of the meeting it was decided to donate a tree to be planted in the grounds of the new village primary school when it is completed and also to supply a display of members' activities for the Crediton Food Festival in June.

After enjoying home-made soup, served from the parish hall's newly fitted kitchen, members exchanged advice on when best to re-pot plants.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 18, when Roger Clark and Chie Nakatani will talk about Cherry Blossom in Japan. New members and visitors are very welcome to attend the meeting, which will start at 7.30pm. Annual membership is still only £10.

The spring exhibition will be held on Saturday, March 27, starting at 2.30pm in the parish hall. Tea and cakes will be available and there will be displays by the Brownies and Rainbows.

Schedules for members and non- members are available from Terry Meakin at 13, Cherry Close.

There will be classes covering plants, flower arranging, cookery and photography.

Welcome Club: The AGM was held in the Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 17. Thanks to grants obtained during the past year the club is able to continue offering meals at £3 for a main lunch and £2 for a "light" lunch.

Chairman Ann Jackson thanked "all those volunteers who assist in so many ways to make the club a success."

Two members, Fran Meakin and June Sandford, have died during the year. "Both were wonderful characters, " said Ann, adding:. "They were always willing to help in any way they could and they are sadly missed."

After lunch talks had ranged from genealogy to digital tv and the school children had made a valuable contribution by helping at the light lunches, entertaining at Christmas and also giving a presentation of their ambitions for the future.

The club is extremely grateful to all volunteers but would be very pleased to see some more helpers.

If anyone can help, in any way, would they please contact Mary Nunn on (01363) 866030.

Womens World Day of Prayer: A service will be held at the Methodist Church on Friday, March 5, starting at 2.15pm.

Afterwards there will be tea and cakes. A warm welcome is extended to those who would like to learn about another culture. If anyone needs transport, please contact Mary Nunn on (01363) 866030.

Methodist Church: The church has been fortunate to obtain a grant from "Learn Devon", which aims to make lasting changes to our communities.

The church has paid towards the Tai Chi classes being run on Fridays from 9.30am until 11am and is now arranging a flower arranging workshop.

This will be taken by Mary Tasker from Crediton, on Saturday, March 13, from 10am until 1pm. Come and learn how to make an arrangement, using locally sourced foliage and flowers. You will need to bring a plastic saucer and a pair of secateurs or scissors. And also, if possible, a small jam jar. Everything else will be provided.

This is a free course for residents of Cheriton Fitzpaine and adjacent hamlets.

Childrens Activity Day: Sixteen young people enjoyed a Childrens Activity Day, arranged by the Methodist Church and held at half-term.

Mary Nunn