Northiam

Badminton: Our two badminton clubs welcome players of all abilities, and provide all you need to learn or get back into the game. On Friday, the adult club starts at 8.15pm, contact Karen Ayling (01797 253375). The Monday club is run by Sue Clark (016797 253428) for one hour from 5.45pm. Both operate as drop-in sessions, so do just turn up and say hello!

Dance Club: Friday night is dance night, and if you fancy an evening sequence dancing with a friendly group of people, do pop into the Village Hall and see what’s on offer. The Club runs 7-10pm with a break for tea.

Cantemus: On Saturday evening there will be a candle-lit concert in St Mary’s church when we welcome back the very popular Cantemus, who brought us An Evening with Mr Byrd earlier in the year. A seasonal programme will include Christmas music and words – beautiful music, beautifully sung. Tickets are £10 (to include seasonal refreshments) on the door, or please phone 01797 252735.

Carols by Candlelight: St Mary’s will be lit by candles again on Sunday evening, for our special Carols by Candlelight at 6.30pm.

Over 60s: It’s time for the Sister Miller Christmas Lunch, celebrated by the Over 60s on Tuesday.

Mike Hatchard: Mike Hatchard has survived the summer spent cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats pulling his electric piano on a trailer behind him, and performing over 50 concerts for Children in Need. Unbowed by this feat, he is coming to Brickwall House on Tuesday 20th December for one more concert to add more to the coffers of this worthy cause. Tickets are £10, available from Mervyn Hayes (253443).

Coffee Morning: Call into the Church Centre on Wednesday mornings for coffee and a chat at Coffee Stop, between 10 and 12 noon

Lost Sheep: One of my favourite new traditions in the village is the search for the lost sheep during advent. There are 20 knitted sheep hiding around the village, and the shepherd needs to gather them all together to bring them to the Crib Service on Christmas Eve. Help any children you know to find them and write down their location.

Crib Service: One of the most moving services of Christmas, the Crib Service will be held in St Mary’s at 4pm on Christmas Eve. Yes, of course there will be candles! Everyone, especially families, will be very welcome.

Christmas: The Christmas services are Holy Communion at 11.15pm on Christmas Eve, and a Christmas Day Family Celebration at 10.30am. Bring your guests and start Christmas the right way!

Quiz: The Conservation Society’s Wine and Wisdom Quiz will be on Saturday 21st January. Make a note in your diaries, and collect another 7 people to make up your team.

Church Services (18th): St Mary’s: 8am Holy Communion, 10.30am Come Praise, 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight

St Teresa’s: 9am Mass

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