The Friends of Welland ferret race night is on Saturday, January 28. The first race starts at 7.30pm and tickets, £5 for adults, £1 for primary schoolchildren, are available from me at the Post Office or any of the committee members.

Included in the ticket price is a light supper, but if you want to drink alcohol, please bring it with you!

There is an appeal out for anyone who wishes to sponsor a race - name a race after their family for a small sum, for example. Could they get in touch with a committee member as soon as possible.

Talking of village affairs and sponsorship, the Doorstep Greens sub-committee was considering the possible sponsorship of public seating at its recent meeting.

It was suggested that for a nominal sum (to include the manufacture and positioning of the nameplate and dedication) individuals/families/local organisations could sponsor a bench.

The main cost would be paid for via the Countryside Agency and the nominal cost by the sponsor. Further details can be obtained by telephoning parish clerk David Sharp on 573213 or email dasharp@lineone. net.

Kids Klobber is back this Saturday, from 11am-12.30pm at the village hall.

Megan Howell's concert at St James' on Saturday night was enjoyed by all who attended, there was about 60. Thanks go to the fellow artistes, Mary Wall (violinist) and Diane Hughes, on piano keyboard.

Finally, I have a request from a villager/golf fanatic, gardener and 60 year-old! John Godden would like to thank everyone who attended his 60th birthday party just this last week. Also, many thanks for all the cards and gifts. He seemed to invite the whole village and he hopes that you all enjoyed the night as much as he did.