CHRISTMAS is upon us, though the unusually mild weather seems to make it quite hard to get into the ‘Christmas spirit’.

Some of the 25 gas lamps round the village have already been clothed in Yuletide decorations. There is still time for others to be brought to life for the festive season. Choose a lamp near you, deck it out however you wish, and notify John Raine on 01684 565052 or j.w.raine@bham.ac.uk. Keep your fingers crossed that stormy weather between now and Christmas does not spoil your handiwork before the judges’ tour on Boxing Day.

At St James’s Church, there will be the usual busy schedule of activity. There will be a family crib service at 5.30pm on Christmas Eve, followed at 11.30pm by the traditional Christmas Night Holy Communion. At 10.30am on Christmas morning there will be a family service, again with Holy Communion.

COLIN JACKSON