There will be a Bingo & Raffle Night on Friday March 24 at Fairford Community Centre, Fairford GL7 4DG. Eye’s Down at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome in aid of The Moonlight Eclipse Project. This is a new Cotswolds-based community-run project that supports friends and neighbours who are struggling to afford basic living requirements. Find out more at: www.moonlighteclipse.co.uk.

On Saturday March 25, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, you are invited to switch off your lights for one hour. St Mary’s Church in Fairford is showing its support for the Earth Hour event by switching off the church floodlights. Switching off lights for an hour gives us the opportunity to step back and reflect and take time in solidarity for the future of the planet. You may enjoy a candle-lit dinner, switch off phones and be reminded that change is possible if we act together. Small steps can make a big difference. We hope you will support it too. For more details: https://www.wwf.org.uk.earth-hour.

Fairford’s Olympic swimming hope, Alex Cohoon is a step nearer to being chosen for the Paris Olympic games in 2024. Last month, 20 year old Alex took part in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) competition in Sheffield and won four Gold medals competing in the 50m freestyle; the 100m freestyle, 100m freestyle relay and the 100m medley relay. Alex was the defending champion having won all four of these classes last year. Alex said: “Yes, I won these classes last year but, this year, I have bettered my times in every class. I am now hoping to continue my success at the Olympic trials.”

The next meeting of Lechlade History Society is on Monday March 20 at 7.30pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall. Caroline Adams talks about ‘Can you dig it? Community Archaeology with Cotswold Archaeology’. Membership is £8 per year plus £2 entry for each meeting. Visitors are welcome to meetings at a cost of £4 per meeting.

The next meeting of Lechlade Mothers’ Union is on Friday March 24 at 12.30pm for the Lent Lunch in Lechlade Memorial Hall. For more information, contact Kathy on 01367 252543, 07508 563905, kathryn8newton@gmail.com.

Fairford’s eco-warrior and award-winning litter picker, Heather Kent, has been raising money for The Fire Fighters’ Charity. It is now seven years since Heather started her annual Lent Litter Pick at the age of eight years old. Now 15, she continues to collect ‘a bag a day to keep the litter away’. Heather, who lives close to Fairford Fire Station, often sees how much the firefighters do and said: “They always have a smile on their face no matter what and they spread happiness around the community. They need the recognition they deserve, and I wanted to help.” Heather has been out in all weathers every day over Lent picking up litter all over Fairford along with friends, relatives and her supportive mum, Julie and dad, Bob. “Every donation makes a huge difference,” said Heather. “Thank you to Lechlade Lions for sponsoring me for £100 and to the anonymous person who donated £320.” Heather has now raised over £1,000 for the Fire Fighters’ Charity on her Just Giving page. If you can help, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/heather-kent-lent-litter-pick-2023. Heather said: “Please with any donation you can afford. We all need to take action now before it’s too late!”