Udimore

The Christmas Fayre in St Mary’s Community Hall on Saturday morning went extremely well, raising over £1000 for church funds, the best result ever. It was also a very happy, convivial occasion which everyone there seemed to be greatly enjoying. Supporters had come from far and wide: Nan Hacking would like to express the Parochial Church Council’s gratitude to you all, as well as to the many people who donated goods for the stalls and raffle prizes, and especially to her large team of helpers.

This evening (Friday) the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St George’s Church, Brede, opens at 6.30pm with “Local Choirs in Concert”, a programme of seasonal music performed by local choirs, including our own Vocality Udimore. £3 entry, with refreshments and a licensed bar. The Christmas Tree Exhibition continues there tomorrow, on Sunday and on Monday, with stalls, traditional refreshments and a grand draw on Sunday (tickets @ £1, for a one hour helicopter trip for four: you decide where you want to go!)

Also tomorrow and on Sunday (11am till 4pm both days) Brenda Hartill will still be holding her Christmas Open Studio at Pound House (opposite the entrance to Church Lane). This is despite the serious road traffic accident she and Harold were involved in recently. After hospital treatment, they returned home a few days later, and I was glad to hear that since then they’ve both been making a good recovery. They’d like to thank their great neighbours, family and friends for their good wishes and help during this difficult time for them both.

At Brenda’s Open Studio a wide range of works will be available, including new embossed watercolours, abstract collagraphs, figurative etchings and hand-made cards (perfect for posting as presents). Brenda will also be showing her new black and white embossed monoprints and drawings. A DVD of the making of her collagraphs will also be playing both days (DVD sets available for sale at the 1/3 reduced price of £20). Do make a point of looking in sometime this weekend, to admire Brenda’s work, and enjoy her kind offer of Christmas refreshments.

The services in St Mary’s Church on Sunday will be Holy Communion at 8am, and the monthly Family Service for All at 11.15am, followed by refreshments and a social chat in the Hall. Perfect timing for a visit to Brenda’s Open Studio on your way home afterwards!