Almeley

WHIST CLUB - There was a record turn out of players when the Almeley Whist Club met on Tuesday, December 2, for their last event in 2003. Rick Harris, who has served as door steward/MC throughout the series, announced the dates for 2004 as Tuesdays, January 6 and 20, February 10 and 17, and March 2, 16 and 30. Prizes were presented by the organisers, Sandra and Allan Payne to Mrs M Thomas Miss M Kerrigan, Mrs E Exton, Mr E Dyke, Mr R Harris, Mrs I Hill, Mrs G Thomas and Mr J Allen. On behalf of the players Mr P Mokler thanked Mrs Dorothy Brown, Mrs Brenda Catley and Mrs Janet Cadman, together with the organisers for making the whist drives such pleasant social occasions.

CHURCH - The annual whist drive in aid of St Mary's Church, Almeley, will be held in the village hall on Tuesday, December 16, at 7.45pm. The church autumn sale, held in the village hall raised the grand sum of £2,198.56. The organisers are very grateful to everyone who helped to make the event such a great success. At 3pm, on Sunday, December 21, there will be a carol service in St Mary's Church. Then on Wednesday, December 24, at 11.30pm, there will be midnight extended communion. Holy Communion will be celebrated on Christmas Day at 11am.

WI - The coffee morning hosted by Mrs Margaret Smith at her home, Little Woonton Farm, raised £211. Margaret wishes to thank everyone who supported this event. The Christmas meeting for Almeley WI will be in the village hall today (Thursday) at 2.30pm.

SCHOOL - Sponsorship money raised by the Rev Jen Pollock s a result of her parachute jump has raised around £700. The Christmas production of the Snow Queen, will take place in the village hall on tomorrow (Friday) at 6pm. Everyone is welcome at this event and at the school's nativity to be held in St Mary's Church on Tuesday, December 16, at 2pm. Christmas bingo, arranged by the PTFA, will be held in the village hall on Saturday at 7.30pm.