ALI Baba, the Silchester Players panto: Starts on January 31 in the village hall and continues on February 1, 7 and 8, with matinées on Saturday. Curtain up 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £8, concessions £6, from 0118 9815600 (they are selling fast!).

MANY thanks: To all who made Christmas a special time in the village, the churches whose decorations, flowers and trees gave pleasure; to the Silchester Association and the Calleva Arms for the village tree, really lightening our darkness around the common; for the many parties, children’s and others to brighten our wet and stormy days. Your efforts did not go unnoticed.

ROMAN Talk: Advance notice that Professor Fulford will speak on February 14 in the village hall, with news of findings at the summer dig. Tickets £3 adults and children £1 – 7.40pm for 8pm start.

PARISH council: Asks for your thoughts on how the village might commemorate the 100th anniversary of the declaration of war on August 4, 1914. Contact any of the parish councillors with your ideas.