ALI Baba: The Silchester Players panto starts on January 31, in the village hall and continues February 1, 7 and 8. Tickets cost £8, concessions £6, from 0118 9815600.

MUCH mourned: Sad news of the death of Jean Chapman, after a long illness. Jean was formerly deputy headteacher at Silchester School, worked for our church and as a reader for Living Paintings. Also Barbara Macklin, who had been frail for some time, has passed away. She was a founder member of our village “Mini Market” and supplied eggs for the produce stall for our church fete for almost 40 years.

We send our sympathy to both families.

ROMAN talk: Advance notice that Professor Fulford will speak on February 14, 7.40pm for 8pm start, in the village hall, with news of findings at the summer dig.

Tickets £3 adults and children £1.

POST Office: Jay’s Stores, in Pamber Heath, which hosts the Post Office counter, reports improvements are to be made to services and opening hours. This will mean the closure of our Post Office in early February, although the shop will remain open.