FIRST I would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and cards which I received during my stay in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, I am glad to report that I am, hopefully, now on the mend.

THE three scouts selected to attend the World Jamboree in Thailand at the end of this year were put to the challenge at the quiz and disco evening held for their benefit last Saturday. The venue for the event was The Disraeli School in Brindley Avenue where the three lads were kept busy serving refreshments and beverages to competitors and dancers during the evening. One hundred and forty people took part and the fantastic sum of £1,356 was raised. The lads are feeling very pleased with their efforts. The committee would like to thank everyone for their help and support in making the evening such a success. Congratulations.

THE Woodlands Pre-School are holding a quiz night on Friday, March 1 at the Downley Donkey commencing at 8pm. Tickets are £5.50 each and include a fish and chip supper. Teams will be up to six people and there will be a prize for the winning team. Tickets can be obtained by telephoning Paula on 01494 638399 or you can pay £3.50 at the door on the evening, but this will not include the fish and chips.

TRAFFIC congestion is again rearing its ugly head. Many Downley residents are concerned at the amount of traffic parked at the junction of Plomer Green Lane and Downley High Street where buses and heavy traffic have very little room to manoeuvre their vehicles. It is anticipated that an accident is bound to occur before long. Frequently, traffic is parked right up to the T junction and around the corner at the end of the High Street making it difficult for pedestrians to see any oncoming cars in the High Street. Mothers with small children and the elderly have to go round parked vehicles into the middle of the road due to vehicles obstructing footpath access to Downley Post Office and the High Street.

By Doreen Biggin