After the moving and well-attended and Remembrance Day service, preparations are under way for that other perennial favourite, the Christmas Carols by Candlelight Service, which this year will take place at St James's Church on Sunday December 21st at 6.30pm. And once again the call has gone out for singers to join the volunteer choir to swell the seasonal sounds. All ages and (in)experience are invited to join in singing a selection of familiar and well-loved carols, plus a few new ones as well that can be quickly learned.

There will be five rehearsals in church as follows: Mondays December 1, 8 and 15, all from 7.45 - 9.15pm; Friday December 19, 7.45 - 9.15pm; and on the afternoon of the service itself, Sunday December 21 from 2.00 - 4.00pm. Newcomers welcome. More information from organist/choirmaster John Raine on 01684 565052, or email j.w.raine@bham.ac.uk.

Our 25 recently restored gas lanterns are looking particularly smart following their annual clean and maintenance visit. And once again there will be a competition for the best decorated lamp this Christmas. Choose a lamp to decorate (preferably near home!) and give rein to your creative ideas, completing your adornments by Christmas Eve. Notify John Raine (as above) of the location and number of the lantern you have decorated, and await the decision of the judges who will tour the village on Boxing Day to decide the winner.

Long-time village residents Rod and Sue Farr have organised a quiz at the Brewers Arms this Tuesday (November 25th) in aid of the Parkinson's Society. Now retired, Sue was formerly a specialist Parkinson's nurse based at Upton-on-Severn. With good company, good prizes, a raffle and Ian Clayton presiding, the quiz will start at 7.30pm, entry £10 for a team of a four.

Before then, the busy folks down at the British Legion Club on Lower Road, meanwhile, are staging a Christmas Table Top Sale from 12noon-3pm this Sunday, November 23. There will be Christmas gift ideas, including seasonal plants, a tombola and a raffle and a bar. Entry is free and you will even be given a mince pie and a drink!

C JACKSON 01684 577604