FOR the first time for many years the bells of St James Parish Church Staunton rang out over the countryside to welcome parishioners to the Carols by Candlelight Service. The church was packed and included were the 1st Staunton & Corse Venture Scouts, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, Guides and Brownies with their leaders who were warmly welcomed.

Canon John Evans welcomed the congregation and led the prayers. Prim Goldring had arranged the readings of the nine lessons and carols.

Next Sunday the service will be Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer at 8.30am.

A very festive morning was enjoyed by Staunton & District Over 60's Club at their last meeting when mince pies were to be served with coffee but than came a lovely surprise in the form of a large Christmas cake, which had been won by a new member, Mrs Cox in a raffle and she very generously took it to the Club to share with fellow members.

The club will hold its first meeting in 2001 on Monday, January 8.

Corse & Staunton Village Hall winners for November draw were 1 Mrs J Fardon, 2 Mrs Turner, 3 Mrs Southall, 4 Mr R Cook.

Volunteers from our three parishes of Hartpury, Corse & Staunton are wanted to sing carols outside Tesco on Saturday, December 16 from 3-4pm for th seasonal fundraising for Christian Aid please contact Penny Hamer 700314.

It was pantomime time at the Village hall when SCATS, Staunton & Corse Amateur Theatrical Society presented Goldilocks a refreshingly different pantomime written by John Myhill.