FAREWELL my lovely... the end of an era occurred this week, as Kathleen McIlroy bade farewell to the village after 40 years in Forest Lodge, Wedmans Lane.

Kathy and her late husband Dan raised three children - Sally, Katy and Stuart - and were in the thick of things throughout the village, from the cricket club to the parish council.

She has been an incredibly good neighbour and helpful to many others. Lately, she has been languishing in Southampton General Hospital awaiting a heart procedure, so we all wish her a speedy recovery before she tackles the packing cases! Best of luck and keep in touch, Kathy.

FOR England and St George... It's all happening in the village this Sunday as all our uniformed Brownies, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts will be meeting in the village hall car park at 10.15am for the St George's Day Parade to the church for the 10.30am service.

This is the first time the village Scout groups have mounted a joint effort so do come out and see the procession!

It is a curtain raiser for next weekend's activities, though, because next Saturday night, April 24, is the St George "Bangers and Mash Bash" family disco!

Sponsored by the Scouts, the evening is designed for family fun, starting early for the smaller ones at 6.30pm, with a gentle disco beat and supper around 7pm, and going on until later for the older family groups, courtesy of Mr T's Adaptable Party Machines!

Dress code is anything red and white (we anticipate seeing a lot of England kit) and face painting will be available for those whose patriotic fervour requires a more upfront profile!

Tickets cost £25 for a family (two adults and up to three children) or £10 per adult and £5 per child. Further information and tickets from Sue or Richard Whistler on 763118.