CAROL concerts bring Christmas cheer to many villages this week: As school terms finish ahead of Christmas, villagers and friends will find a warm welcome at St Martin’s, Ellisfield, on Sunday, at 6pm, and St Andrew’s, Farleigh Wallop, at 4pm, on Christmas Eve, for candlelit services of nine lessons and carols.

The Belles of St Martin’s, led by Theresa Lunn and accompanied by Caroline Cazenove, will lead the singing in Ellisfield – the order of service contains some traditional carols and perhaps some more contemporary surprises.

True Christmas celebrations start with these carol services and details of Christmas Day services can be found here next week and in Hill & Dale.

THANKS again: To all those who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of Christmas fayres in Ellisfield and Farleigh, to everyone who donated, to those who manned the stalls, and to those who attended and spent their money, raising funds to maintain the structure of valuable village amenities – Farleigh Club, Ellisfield Memorial Hall and St Martin’s Church.