GARDEN CLUB - The next meeting of the garden club will be held in the Community Centre next Thursday, January 19, at 7.30pm, when Marion Steinton will talk about the winter garden. This is an opportunity to learn how to make more of your garden during the colder months. A raffle, sales table and refreshments are available at the meeting. Visitors are always welcome.

SUNDAY LUNCH - On January 22, at 12.30pm, renowned local chef Rev Preb Michael Cluett presents a Sunday lunch special in Wellington Community Centre. It will be a three-course meal with the main course cooked by Michael. There will be a cash bar for drinks. Admission is by advance ticket only, costing £12 and available from Wellington Delights Shop or from Keith Brimley on 01432 830712. Proceeds are for the Wellington Bell Restoration Appeal.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR WELLINGTON CHAPEL - At the beginning of this century just eight or so elderly people were meeting in a portable hut, the 170-year-old chapel having become unfit for use due to damp and dry rot. But numbers began to increase and 12 months ago the congregation of Wellington Chapel celebrated the completion of the restoration and extension of their building.

Now they have begun this new year with a full-time pastor, Ed McMillen. He was inducted on December 3 before a packed congregation in St Margaret’s parish church, kindly loaned for the occasion. It was anticipated that the number of people would be greater than the chapel could accommodate and this proved to be the case. Ed studied at Nottingham University and then lectured as a chartered accountant before becoming convinced that he should enter the Christian ministry. He then studied for three years at Oak Hill Theological College until last summer.

In his spare time Ed is a keen sportsman.

His wife Theresa has worked as a GP and they have a 21-month-old daughter. The family are moving into Wellington this month and want to become fully involved in village life.