CELEBRATION! The village hall is holding a village Christmas celebration on Monday, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

For a cheerful start to the Christmas season, there will be musical offerings, poems and reading on a Christmas theme, as well as carols and Christmas songs. Light refreshments (and mince pies) served at the end. It's free, just turn up. Any queries, call 882223.

PARISH council: Two parishioners attended the meeting with a presentation by Alison Cross, project officer, Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area.

Items discussed included crime and disorder, travellers, the bus turnaround and the result of the 2004 Calor Village of the Year competition.

Councillor Johnston gave an update on the play area that he is awaiting quotes for, and Councillor Dodd reported that the allotments will soon have a new notice board.

The parish council discussed the revised terms of reference of the village green committee, various tasks for the village green volunteers and it agreed to ask Alison Cross to visit the green and report on its management. Community facilities at Sherfield Park, roads, traffic and footpaths were also discussed.

The next meeting is at Liddell Hall, on Wednesday, January 12, at 7.30pm.

HOSPICE: £396.11 was raised for St Michael's Hospice during the Sherfield door-to-door collection. Raffle tickets available from Ken's.