CHRISTMAS DINING -- Parties of up to twenty people can be accommodated for Christmas meals at the Bells Inn, Almeley, on Saturday, December 15 at 8pm, Sunday, December 16 at noon, Saturday, December 22 at 8pm and Sunday, December 23 at noon. The charge for the four course meal is £8.99 and for children £5.99. Early booking is essential.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE -- Almeley WI members were whisked away to a world of sunshine when Mr H Hancox brought his slide show "Up the Yangtse" to the village hall. It was a beautiful presentation of a trip that he and his wife made to China several years ago. Everyone was enchanted with the spectacular scenery, the delightful pagodas and statues, the magnificent Great Wall, the grand squares and the exquisite colours that were everywhere. On a wet winter night it was just a small imaginary step into summer. The next meeting will be the AGM and Show on Thursday, November 15. Please note that it will be at the winter time of 2.30pm.

CHURCH -- A very successful open meeting to discuss and make plans for next year's festival was held recently. Those wishing to view the plans for a kitchen and lavatory in St Mary's Church can see the display in the Church. The cost of this project is estimated to be in the region of £15,000. The Parochial Church Council meeting takes place in the Church on Monday November 12 at 7.30pm.

WI MEETING -- The next meeting of the Almeley Women's Institute will be the annual general meeting and there will be a small members show. This will take place on Thursday, November 15 at 2.30pm.

SCHOOL -- Thanks were expressed to the retiring Chairman of the Almeley PTFA, Trish Evans, at their recent meeting. Karen Anthony was voted to be the new Chairman. On Wednesday, November 14 at 2pm, visitors will be welcomed to the Witches' Brew and Creepy Cakes event. There will be spooky stories and poems and fancy dress will be optional for adults. Almeley schoolchildren will be taking part in the Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal.

REFLECTION IN PEACE -- Members of the Friends Meeting House and other local Churches have put together a collection of music, words and actions for the Reflection of Peace Service St Mary's Church, Almeley on Sunday, November 11 at 6.30pm. It is hoped that people of all denominations and faiths will join in this service.

SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND -- Further donations and orders have raised the amount collected in October at the S.C.F event at Oakland to £952.