ST THOMAS of Canterbury, in Worting, Basingstoke, is holding a flower festival to celebrate 160 years of the present church over this weekend, when some of the history of the church will be depicted.

On Saturday, the church will be open for viewing from 10am to 4pm, and on Sunday, from 1pm to 5pm. At 3pm, there will be a Songs of Praise service to which all are welcome. This will be accompanied by the Diocesan Sound Orchestra and will take the place of the usual 6pm evensong.

All donations received during the weekend celebrations will be given to Naomi House Children's Hospice.

THE Salvation Army presents a Christmas Gala at The Anvil on Monday, at 7.30pm.

The compere will be Philip Hatto, of Kestrel FM.

The programme will include Basingstoke Ladies Choir, Bishop Challoner School Choir, the Jeannine Greville Dance Academies, The Salvation Army Band and Songsters Brigade and Marc Harry Vocalist.

Proceeds in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.

Tickets are £10 and £8, from The Anvil box office.

I HAVE just returned home after a week in hospital after having had another stroke, so it’s now business as usual. I apologise if I have omitted anyone’s events.

I CAN be contacted by post to 16 Brocas Drive, Basingstoke, RG21 5LT,