FRIENDS of the Parish Church are holding a wine tasting this evening at 7.30pm in the Reading Room. Tony Augustin, an Austrian who is living in England, will be guiding visitors through a range of German and French wines. After giving a short talk on each wine there will be the chance to taste and make your own judgement.

As Tony is an independent wine trader who deals directly with the producers he will be taking orders on the night for those interested in buying. It is normal to buy in crates but it is possible to amalgamate orders to allow the buying of smaller quantities. If the chance to tickle your taste buds and use your nose is what you fancy then ring John Davidge on 01494 873325. Tickets cost £3.

REGULAR blood donors will be concerned to hear the rumours that there is a move a foot to stop the sessions in the village. Apparently numbers of donors have dropped to the point where it might not be worth them coming. Parish Councillor, Doreen Wilcokson, who has donated blood 50 times has asked if we can publicise the next session. So watch this space and let's keep the National Blood Service visiting the village.

LOCAL Brownies, Guides and Rangers have been in the village for over 70 years. There is a range of meeting times for all ages from ten to 25 years at the guide centre at the top of School Lane.

If you are interested in more information then call Mrs Brafield on 01494 872552 or Sarah Bishop on 01494 876137.

TWO headlining musicians will feature this Sunday at Merlin's Cave. Playing trumpet will be Martin Shaw and jazz fans will be pleased to know that this is the regular big band chief trumpet player and not the actor from The Professionals. Recently returned from a tour in Russia and a six-year stint with Jamiroquai he will share the stage with pianist Craig Melverton. This is man that Humphrey Littleton described as being a master of whatever he chooses to perform and the Observer called "an extraordinarily gifted pianist with an unrivalled sense of swing". With Clark Tracey and Pete Hughes struggling for their share of the limelight at the back of the stage on drums and bass it should be a great afternoon. Music starts at 12.15pm.

TO finish here are a couple of reminders. On Sunday in the Reading Room there will a Traidcraft fair. This normally starts after the morning church service and sells products bought directly from independent producers allowing them to get a fair price for their produce.

On Tuesday the Friends of the Library will have a talk by Peter Mussett on the story of Jack the Ripper at 7.30pm at the Garden Centre. Tickets cost £3.50 and are available from the library.

January 24, 2003 12:00