Ref. 71799-40 Calley Arms landlord William Hooper and community forest marketing officer Alison Bruce and children Hannah, nine, and five-year-old Eleanor BruceWHEN a banner promoting the Forest Festival went missing from a railing in Newport Street the organiser feared she would never see it again.

But the banner mysteriously appeared laid out on the lawn of the Calley Arms pub in Hodson, near Chiseldon, four miles away.

"When I didn't see the banner outside the HSBC bank in Old Town I thought it would most likely to have been dumped," said Alison Bruce of the Great Western Community Forest.

"But then we got a call from the Calley Arms to say they had it laid neatly outside their pub and had no idea who had put it there.

"We were glad to get it back and we will make sure it is tied up very securely."

The Forest Festival at the Lawns on Saturday, August 28, from 10am to 5pm is a celebration of trees and aims to promote a greener lifestyle.

There will be traditional and contemporary woodland skills to watch or join in, children and family workshops, live music, interactive theatre, dance and displays.

Alison added: "This year we are introducing the theme World Wide Woods. African, Asian and Latin American drumming groups will play and the Lawn Ancient Tree trail will give information on trees from around the world.

"You can even find about the disappearing Sumatran forest and its endangered orang utans."

Ramblers can walk a six to seven mile trail. You can take your own picnic or visit the Forest Caf.

Organisers hope visitors will walk, cycle or take the bus to the event. If you need to drive, there will be a free park and ride from Nationwide in Pipers Way.

To book a place on the forest walk or get more information about the festival, call the Great Western Community Forest team on 017983 466324 or visit www.forestweb.org.uk

Catherine Turnbull