OBAGS: The Riley Lane allotment shop opens this Sunday, from 11am-noon, so despite the soggy ground, gardeners can start buying their various horticultural necessities. Membership is still only £5.

BASING House: The Friends Winter Lecture season continues on Tuesday, January 13, at 7.30pm in the Education room, adjacent to the Great Barn. Chairman Andrew Howard (327014) has details of this and the subsequent programme. All welcome.

PLOUGHMAN’S lunch: This regular monthly event kicks off on Thursday, January 15, at 12.30pm in the Parish Room. It’s a cheerful opportunity to meet up with friends old and new.

QUIZ time: Dust off those mental cobwebs and join the Friends of St Mary’s at 7.30pm for their quiz, in the Parish Room, on Saturday, January 17. Tickets at £5, from Chris Beadle on 358533.

SENIOR Citizens Party: Once again, the carnival committee are inviting all senior parishioners to the village hall on Saturday, February 14, where there will be lots of food, fun and games, so please reply as soon as possible on the slip in this month’s Basinga.