CONGRATULATIONS to the Dyer Family who scooped the Emery Trophy for the family gaining the most points in the Horticultural Show; Katey, George and Chris did the clan proud. Don Mander gained four awards along with David Harwood; Kate Veale won three Junior Classes; Eileen Thompson, Charles Roberts and Elizabeth Druce all gained two apiece with Sophie Giddings, John Willson, Julia Rouse, Eileen Higham, Dawn Abraham and Norman Belson all winning one class each. These are listed in no particular order.

Apologies for not listing the cup/trophy name and class entered it would take all my word allocation.

DON'T FORGET the Downley Artists Exhibition this weekend at the Old School Community Centre in School Lane from 2pm to 5pm each day. Admission is free. Some paintings will be for sale and refreshments will be available.

You have the chance to win an original masterpiece, painted and donated by Ray Bradbury, in the raffle for just £1 a ticket.

There will be a display of the entries submitted by young residents to design the cover of the next Downley Village News.

The winners of the two classes, four to seven years and eight to 11 years, will receive a £10 book token.

THERE HAS BEEN such a fantastic response to the appeal for books to be used at the Community Library that there are some duplicates, all in very good condition, which will be on sale during the exhibition.

Proceeds will be used to purchase brand new titles for loan. Pop along to find out more about this very popular scheme.

MACMILLAN NURSES will benefit from the proceeds of a coffee morning to be held by Ann Buxton on Friday, September 30, 10.30am to midday. Please call Ann on 01494 522118 for full details.

A FEW SPACES REMAIN for next Saturday's Fun Quiz at the Memorial Hall. Call Pamela Brooks on 01494 426161 to book and place your supper order.

The cost is a very reasonable £7.50, bring along your own beverages alcoholic or otherwise.

BAWDY STORIES will be enacted by Cat Weatherill at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, November 19 at 8pm. The show is suitable for those aged over 16 years, tickets cost £7 with concessions at £5.

I urge all theatre lovers to be in the audience, last year's show was excellent and this should prove the same. Please call Hazel Parnham on 01494 437422.

HOW MANY OF YOU were duped by "The Don Le Code" as reported in last week's column? I'll admit to falling in hook, line and sinker! Of course the whole idea of a Spanish Galleon being wrecked on our own beloved Common was far fetched, but, hey, I'm very gullible!