LAST DEMONSTRATION: Arthur Blamires, artist and friend of Ryhill Arts Society, gave members his last demonstration on Wednesday, April 30 as he is now retiring. Well known for his wonderful Lake District oil paintings, applied with palette knife and fan brush, Arthur's subject was the west side of Buttermere. An interesting commentary about his life from geography teacher to a full-time artist of brilliant talent was enjoyed by all.

WORSHIP: Sunday services at the Living Hope Church, Cow Lane, Havercroft, will be at the usual times of 10.15am and 5pm. Everyone welcome.

CHARITY SHOP: Normal service resumes for the charity shop at the Living Hope Church, Havercroft, which will open as usual on Monday and Tuesday from 9am till noon.

DROP IN: A playgroup for those with young children is held at Living Hope Church, Havercroft, on both Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9am till 11am. There are plenty of great toys for the kids to play with while the grown-ups get time for a bit of relaxation and a chat with friends. No charge, although we do invite voluntary contributions towards the cost of providing refreshments.

SILENT SUCCESS: The silent auction evening at St James' Church, Ryhill, was a very happy event and even those who tried to outbid one another did so with smiles on their faces. Everyone went away with their new treasures tucked under their arms and the organisers had very little to clear away. After a very successful evening there was £226 for the church funds.

MOTHERS' UNION: The May branch meeting of Ryhill Mother's Union will be held on Monday, May 12 (not the first Monday because of bank holiday) at 6pm in St James' Centre, when the speakers will be June Greenwood and Marguerite Whitelm. They will talk about and demonstrate reflexology and aromatherapy. It is an open meeting, so do go along and take a friend.

RYHILL ARTS SOCIETY: Griff, the society's president, will give a watercolour demonstration on Wednesday, May 14 in St Paul's Church, Chapel Street at 7pm. Admission is £2 and all are welcome.

YOUTH CENTRE UPDATE: Things are finally moving. The regeneration committee has met with the architect and planning permission for the centre will shortly be applied for. It is hoped that work will commence in June with a completion date by December.

BIRD SONG: Join with Friends of Haw Park Wood and a countryside ranger on Tuesday, May 13 for a gentle stroll in the woods to hear and identify summer bird song. Meet at the Discovery Centre at 6.30pm and please dress appropriately for the weather, with sensible shoes for walking. This event is suitable for all the family, but no dogs please. During the walk you can take part in a fun competition – name the carved owls at Fiveways and maybe win a prize.

POLICE MEETING: The district councillors for Havercroft and Ryhill are in the process of organising a police meeting and have a provisional date of June 9. Members of the public will be invited to go along and express their concerns. Posters confirming the meeting, planned to take place in the skills centre, will be displayed around the village.

RYHILL COMMUNITY GROUP: An application for funding to support administration costs and purchase trophies for the Gardens in Bloom competition has been supported by district councillors.

HAVERCROFT HEALTH WALK: Get some fresh air, improve your health and meet new people. The next local walk starts from Havercroft Skills Centre at 10.30am on Wednesday, May 14. For more information, contact the skills centre on 01226 727824.

WILDLIFE WATCHING: Looking through the window into the garden the other day I was watching and comparing an elegant collared dove and a rather gawky wood pigeon when a third bird arrived, seemingly a mixture of the two. Almost as elegant as the dove, with colouring closer to that of the pigeon, but the usual white 'thumb-print' was missing from its green neck. When I looked it up in the bird book I discovered it was a stock dove, a first for our garden. The next day there were two of them. I wonder if we will be seeing a family?

FRIENDS OF HAW PARK WOOD: When you go down to the woods, look out for some rustic benches and toadstool seats installed by volunteers. More volunteers are needed on Sunday, May 18 for a litter-picking activity in and around the woodland. Meet at the Discovery Centre, Anglers Country Park at 11.30am, when gloves and equipment will be provided. Enjoy the company of friendly people while doing something to improve the environment.

PLANT SALE: Walton Flower and Produce Show Committee is holding its annual plant stall on Sunday, June 1 from 9.30am to 2.30pm outside Walton Village Hall. All proceeds go to village charities and organisations. The 10th annual show will be held on Saturday, August 16 – details to follow.

PARISH MEETING: A parish meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 14 in the Havercroft and Ryhill Community Learning Centre at 6pm. This is the opportunity for parishioners to discuss local issues.

ANNUAL MEETING: Havercroft-with-Cold Hiendley Parish Council will be holding its annual meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at 6.30pm, followed by the monthly meeting at 7pm in the Havercroft and Ryhill Community Learning Centre. All parishioners welcome.

CHILDRENS' ALLOTMENTS: Havercroft-with-Cold Hiendley Parish Council has come up with an initiative to involve young children up to the age of 11 to cultivate their own allotment. Children must be accompanied by a parent. The parish council will provide all the gardening equipment and it is intended to provide up to 10 junior plots measuring 7m x 3m. Two of the plots will be disabled friendly and a garden shed will also be provided. No livestock will be allowed on these allotments. There will be no cost to the children participating. If your child is interested, please contact Ken Hammond on 01226 723773 for further information.

WALTON METHODIST CHURCH: The preacher on Sunday at 10.30am is the Rev Rex Owen and he will be taking communion. On Monday the after tea dance group meets at 6.30pm. On Tuesday open door is from 10am to 11.30am. Tomorrow there is a coffee morning from 10am to noon and all proceeds will go to Christian Aid. There will be various stalls including cakes, books, crafts and plants. Last Friday's beetle drive was well attended and many thanks to all who participated. Prizewinners were Maureen Derbyshire and Teddy Foster. On Saturday, May 17 there is the monthly Saturday coffee morning and annual plant sale.

RNLI: Walton branch is holding a coffee morning in the village hall on Thursday, May 29 from 10.30am to noon. Admission is £1. There will be various stalls, including bring and buy. All proceeds will be used for saving lives at sea.

ANNUAL WALKS: Notton parish annual walks are taking place on Sunday, May 18. The walks start from Notton Village Hall from 2pm onwards. All ages and abilities are catered for, including those with pushchairs. There are a selection of walks ranging from two miles to seven miles. Route maps and directions will be available on the day.

BUFFALOS: The Rycroft Buffalos meet every Monday evening at the Havercroft Sports and Social at 7.30pm. It is an international brotherhood whose two main principals are fraternity and charity. Anyone interested in joining and having fun raising money for good causes, should contact George Andrews 07818 888234 or the Havercroft Sports and Social.

FUND RAISING: The Havercroft Sports and Social, in association with the Rycroft Buffalo Lodge, is conducting a charity appeal for 2008 in aid of Wakefield Hospice. Since January it has raised more than £800 through of hamper raffles on Sunday nights, jar on the bar and the slimming club. The slimming club meets every Tuesday afternoon and anyone interested in getting into shape for those summer holidays should contact Sue Emblem, club manageress. Fundraising events are planned for the rest of the year and will be open for all to participate and have fun raising money. Watch this space.