PRE-SCHOOL: Harvington Pre-School, its staff and supporters wish to thank everybody who helped to make their Christmas Fair a success, especially given the fact that so many demands are made on people in the village at this time of year. Takings were boosted by the addition of £200 which was raised by four parents - Caroline, Tracy, Julie and Trish who did a sponsored 14-mile walk in aid of funds, braving the very wet weather which must have been a serious drawback to them on the day. The small group of people who are connected with pre-school work extraordinarily hard to meet the financial demands on them and are always very grateful for the generous support of all who are interested in seeing that they continue to provide this most welcome service to young parents.

ST JAMES' CHURCH: More thanks, this time from Sophie Dodds and all her helpers who organised the St James' Church Christmas Fair last Saturday lunchtime. Blessed with a lovely sunny day, the event was very successful, attracting a sizeable crowd of customers who seemed delighted with the goods on offer and the refreshments which enabled them to have lunch on the premises. When being thanked for her organising skills, Mrs Dodds insisted that the success of the occasion was entirely due to the hard work and co-operation of people whom she had asked to help her, and to the generosity of Harvington people who take the trouble to come and give their support. Over £1,000 can now be added to church funds. It was a matter of great regret that the Rev Richard Thorniley was unable to be present. He has been found to have a serious heart condition which is resulting in his having to have a heart by-pass, an operation which will have taken place by the time this column reaches its readers. It was felt that the village should know that their Rector is ill and may like to join the members of the church in wishing him a speedy and full recovery.

CAROL SERVICE: The WI carol service, which will take place on Saturday, is open to all women, not just members of the WI movement, and it is the sincere wish of the members that other people will come and join in what is always a delightful occasion. Only once every eight years does this take place in Harvington. The yearly service being held, in turn, by all the eight members of the Avonvale Group of WIs. It is not the well-known nine lessons and carols service, though the format is based on that, but it contains other material suitable for the festive season and, with the addition of wine and mince pies, is an occasion for women to meet and worship together, taking a couple of hours off from the demands of Christmas. A warm welcome is extended to all Harvington women and any of their friends who might be interested in swelling the congregation on Saturday at 3pm.