HARVEST: Safely gathered in before the worst of this week’s rain and The Belles of St Martin’s choir are busy rehearsing Harvest Festival Service to be held at St Martin’s Church, Ellisfield on September 27, at 11.15am.

FRUITS of another harvest will be enjoyed this Saturday, when members of Ellisfield Ladies Club head for a tour of Jenkyn Place Vineyard, Bentley. Tour starts at 2pm.

RUNNERS: Are a familiar site along our lanes as they continue to prepare for the ever-demanding Basingstoke Half Marathon – quite how anyone manages to run uphill is beyond me.

Meanwhile, perhaps a more leisurely pursuit; anyone wishing to enter Ellisfield Ladies’ second Scarecrow competition, should return entry forms to Theresa Webb, Dragons Holt as soon as possible. Entry fee is £1 per household. Scarecrows to be completed and on display by midday on Saturday, October 3, for judging; they will then be easy to cheer on the marathon runners the next day.