PAINTING Party this Saturday at the village hall, the continuation of the Painting Party last week. Have you thought whether you might like to sponsor a new chair for the hall? The cost is £35 each and you can have a plaque on your chair.

SERVICE of Memories on Sunday, 28 October at 3pm in the Parish Church. This service will remember those from our village and many other friends from further afield who we have lost this year and also in previous years. As long as we have a memory of a loved one, they will never be forgotten.

BONFIRE Night is Saturday, 3 November. The Silchester Association would appreciate help in all ways and on the day. The doors open at 6pm at Silchester House, and grateful thanks for the use of their field once more. Barbecue, hog roast and drinks. Reminder please do not bring sparklers; enjoy the great display being readied for you all. Pumpkin judging at 6.30pm, fire lit at 7pm.

REMEMBRANCE weekend to commemorate the end of the First World War, a hundred years to the day, there will be the usual morning service, starting at 9.30am (NB not 10am) followed at 10.55am with a service at the War Memorial. From 11.30am to 3pm our hall will be open with display boards on each of the men who gave their lives in the First World War. Village maps and photos from the past century, and a talk by Philip Pearce on Silchester and the Great War. There is also a film show during the day and First World War-era songs to entertain by the Community Choir. I do not have fixed timings for these events…..just come for the afternoon. At 6.50 pm the lead up to the beacon lighting outside the Calleva Arms, starting with a 'battles over' tribute and a bugler who will play the Last Post followed by the ceremonial lighting of the beacon.

CHRISTMAS Dance in the hall on Saturday, 1 December, music by Lost Keys and perhaps join in the air guitar competition! Tickets are £18.

VILLAGE Market on Saturday, 3 November from 10am to 12.30pm, stand by for so many fresh foods and crafts and another enthusiastic crowd.