SCHOOL LEAVERS' SERVICE AND PRIZE-GIVING

Once again the Will of Mary Gibbon was observed at Choral Evensong on 21st July. Before a large congregation ten leavers read the Beatitudes from St. Matthew's Gospel and later each received a copy of the Bible at the altar rail. The School choir led the singing in their usual competent manner, giving us a setting for the Magnificat (soloist, David Cox) and an anthem. Canon Alfred Hodgson, Vicar of Goosenargh, Lancs., preached the sermon, taking as his text a phrase from the Introduction to the Marriag Service - "that children might be brought up in the fear and nurture; of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy name".

Later, after coffee and perusal of samples of the term's work, a large number squeezed into the infants' classroom to see the prize-winners receive their awards from Canon Hodgson. Be it noted, too, that these were mainly for things like helpfulness, a knowledge of the Creed and swimming. Finally, the tables were turned - Mr. and Mrs. Snape received a stainless steel hors d'oeuvres set from parents, children and staff as a mark of appreciation respectively. Managers and trustees then showed their esteem by presenting Mrs. Snape with a Royal Worcester souffle dish and Mr. Snape with a leather brief-case.

ROUND THE SOCIETIES

Women's Institute

At the well-attended July meeting Mrs. Rowland presented her report of the Area Conference and has condensed what must have been long and sometimes routine proceedings into a lively and interesting talk which was greatly appreciated.

Mrs. Corbitt demonstrated the art of biscuit making and from three simple basic mixtures produced biscuits, sweet and savoury, in infinite variety. Not least among her achievements, stripped of its Scottish mysticism and reduced to butter, sugar, flour, ground almonds and a good rolling-pin, was a delicious sassenach version of shortbread. Mrs. Corbitt's husband, who is a Scot, had apparently voiced some criticism of this, but members of Hartlip, W.I. (presumably with not a drop of "Scotch" between them) tasted and came back for more!

As usual there will be no meeting in August and we look forward with great pleasure to seeing many friends, old and new, on September 13th at 7 p.m.

N.T.