SIXTY people took part in the annual Agape meal (love feast) and renewal of the Churches Together in Haddenham covenant which was held in St Mary's Centre on Sunday evening. The vicar of St Mary's the Reverend Chris Denham led the service and gave apologies for the Reverend Carol Murray and Father Paddy Glynn. The Reverend David Sharp of the Methodist circuit gave a farewell address.

The vicar thanked Vivienne Holloway and her team for preparing the candlelit tables and fruit cup, cake, fruit and nuts which were shared during the service. Barbara Shaw provided piano accompaniment and representatives of all four churches read the articles of covenant. Jane Rose spoke appreciatively of the help given to the Methodist Church during the time the building has been closed.

BRIAN Bowman is chairman of Haddenham Safe Walking and Cycling Group so it was no surprise for his audience when one of the props for his talk to a joint meeting of the Village Society and U3A was a bicycle.

Speaking as a "middle-aged backpacker" he kept the capacity audience at the County First School enthralled, not with a series of holiday slides but with advice on how to plan a walking or cycling tour. He drew on his experience in all continents, having arranged expeditions for himself, family and friends.

His advice on what and what not to take were much appreciated though many paled at the thought of daily 16-mile hikes with uncertain accommodation. In thousands of miles on his cycle Brian has had only one puncture in Haddenham!

DID you see the video which Lionel Finch made for the village presentation in the Village of the Year awards. Although we were unlucky in the final round it is good to recall all the attractive things about this lively village so Lionel has offered to make copies, for a small donation. You can contact him on 01844 291459.

I HOPE you've got your tickets for Alice in Pantoland at the Junior School at 7.30pm tonight £5 from Green's at Fort End, there are performances at 2.30pm and 6.30pm tomorrow as well. The script has been loaned by Forum Players in Bourne End where former member, Linda Axford, starred in plays and pantos. Linda is producing the Haddenham Show. The cast includes many young people taking leading parts for the first time and there are also some new adult players. The costumes are superb and the show is bright, colourful and full of fun.

TOMORROW Baptist Church members begin their year of celebration for their 350th anniversary with a cake sale at the Baptist Sunday School in Stockwell at 10.30am.

THE Police Crimewatch team will be at Banks Park tomorrow during the morning to give advice and offer a postcoding service.

January 24, 2003 12:00