A REMINDER about the open evening for all existing and prospective parents of children aged from 2-5 years, which takes place on Friday between 5pm and 8pm in Tillingham village hall.

The committee will be there to talk to parents, and members of staff will also be on hand to explain what happens at preschool.

For those who already have children in the group it is an opportunity to discuss progress, and for those with children coming up for the age to attend it is a chance to see what is available in learning at this stage.

Some of the toys and activities will be on display.

TWIG

THERE is, as yet, no opportunity for wandering among the trees and bluebells of Tillingham's own wood, but TWIG is quietly progressing very well with its ambitious project to plant an area for generations to come.

Information about this and the support being given by many organisations can be found on www.twigs.org.uk or by ringing 01621 778859.

In the meantime, for those who would like to enjoy a day out in an established wood and share the company of people who have already done so much to provide a new attraction in Tillingham, there is a free spring walk planned for Sunday, April 27.

It will be in Hazeleigh Wood, Lodge Road, Hazeleigh (follow the small signs into the lane, on the left of the A414 driving from Maldon's Morrisons towards the Woodham Mortimer roundabout).

This private woodland is normally closed, but in association with Twig and Essex Art the owners will open it that day and be on hand to show how it is managed, and give information about woodcrafts and the making of charcoal.

The bluebells will make ideal scenes for painters and photographers, and in the wood there will be a nature trail for youngsters.

Twig members will be there to help identify trees and explain their Tillingham woodland project, and also present will be the MDC tree officer and experts from Essex Art, a company that offers solutions to all tree problems.

Refreshments will be available, so come as a family and bring friends to have a spring walk through a well-managed mature wood and think about the one planned for Tillingham.

BOWLS CLUB

THE Tillingham Bowls Club, based in the clubhouse at the north west corner of the West Field behind the fine hedge, will be opening on Saturday at 2.30pm for the summer season.

There may be newcomers to the village who have wanted a chance to play this game, or others who have planned each year to take up the sport but never got round to it.

For this reason there will be a Bowls for Beginners course running on the first four Thursday evenings next month: May 1, 8, 15 and 22, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Qualified instructors will give free tuition, all you need to do is bring a pair of flat-soled shoes as all other equipment will be loaned for the duration of the course.

Afterwards, you can discuss it all while enjoying a drink in the friendly bar, and find out more about the lively social scene at the club. Members greatly enjoy their sport and want others to enjoy it too.

If Thursdays are not convenient, please ring Pam or Alfie Burton on 01621 779575 to see if alternative times can be arranged.

HANDBELL RINGERS

IF you do not want to take up bowls, remember that the Tillingham handbell ringers are still looking for one or two new members to join their group of about seven people.

Everyone meets at Tony Batten's house at Bridgeman's Cottages on the last bend before the farm down at the end of the righthand branch in Marsh Road.

There is no need to be able to read music to join the handbell ringers, but if you turn up at 7.45pm on a Tuesday evening you are certain to enjoy a couple of hours with this informal group, and there is no commitment if you do not want to take it further.

Call John Barnes on 01621 779267 if you want more information, or if you are in need of a lift go get there.