WITH CHRISTMAS only just around the corner, our villages over the next couple of weeks are going to be filled with the sound of carols. Do try to attend one of the services or concerts to enjoy the true spirit of Christmas among friends.

THERE will be a Christmas Carol Concert at Melbury House on Monday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 13 from 6.30 to 8pm.

Sticklands School and the Melbury Team Choir will be performing carols and other choral items.

Tickets are available in advance from Sticklands School office and Evershot Village Shop. Tickets will also be available on the door on the night. Tickets cost £2.50 for adults – children are admitted free.

Refreshments will be served – mulled wine and cider, mince pies and sausage rolls.

There will also be a raffle CAROLS by Candlelight will be taking place at St Mary’s Frampton on Thursday, December 15, starting at 6.30pm Step back in time to enjoy a traditional carol service with readings by members of Frampton Footlights The service will be followed by mince pies and mulled wine Take time from the hustle and bustle to listen to the Christmas story – a perfect start to the season’s celebrations THE CATTISTOCK Carol Singers will be singing in the area on Saturday, December 17, starting at Wraxall Manor at 6pm.

RAMPISHAM Carol Service takes place at 6.30pm on Sunday, December 18.

The plan is to hold the service in the church, but in case the weather should take a turn for the worse and access to the church becomes difficult, the venue will be changed to the village hall.

MAIDEN Newton will be holding their carol service in the village hall at 6pm on Sunday, December 18 and their crib service at 5pm on Saturday, December 24.

There will be a toy service on Christmas morning at 11am, also in the village hall.

CHILFROME’s Carol Service will be held in the church at 6.30pm on Monday, December 19.

All families and friends of the parish will be especially welcome in this delightful little church on such a joyous occasion.

MELBURY Osmond will be holding a Chistmas Carol Service at 6.30pm on Sunday, December 18 – a traditional service of lessons and carols followed by mince pies and mulled wine at Cheney House, home a John and Ros Senior.

The church will be decorated on Saturday, December 17 ready for the festivities. Any help with flower arranging or decorating the Christmas Tree will be appreciated.

THE RESIDENTS of West Compton invite you to a friendly candle lit carol service at St Michael’s Church at 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 21.

Come and enjoy traditional readings, choral pieces and roof raising carols.

Afterwards follow the flaming torches back to West Compton Manor for some warming mulled wine and delicious nibbles.

Everyone is welcome.

There will be a collection in aid of St Michael’s Church fund.

More information can be found on www.westcomptonmanor.co.uk EVERSHOT will be celebrating at their Christmas Carol Service at 6.30pm on Saturday, December 24.

Don’t miss this wonderful candle lit service of carols and readings accompanied by the Melbury Team Choir and followed by mulled wine and mince pies!

CAROLS for Heroes will be sung from 6.30pm on Christmas Eve outside the Fox and Hounds in Cattistock.

Carol sheets will be on sale at £1 each and mince pies and mulled wine will also be available.

Come along and join in a sing-song with the rest of the village. Last year was a great success – around 100 people enjoyed the carols, as well as the mince pies and mulled wine kindly supplied by Liz and Scott.

COMMUNITY carol singing led by Durnovaria Silver Band will take place outside the Saxon Arms in Stratton at 7pm on Friday, December 16 (in the hall if wet).

The Saxon Arms will generously be providing mulled wine and mince pies.

A collection will be made for Help the Heroes.

More details can be obtained from Keith Hawkins on 01305 257572 The Stratton Strollers hope to be singing around the parish again this year. For more information, please contact Ian Gibson on 01305 264181 CHANGE of name! St Mary’s Wives Group is going to be known as Bradford Peverell and Stratton Ladies’ Thursday Group (to include all ladies, not just wives!) in the future.

Subs are £5 a year plus 50p at each meeting attended. The group meets alternately at Bradford Peverell and Stratton Village Halls with speakers and activities.

A birthday meal is held in November, an outing is organised in the summer and the famous fundraising coffee morning takes place in April.

The first meeting in the New Year will be a Memories Evening on Thursday, January 26. Everyone is asked to bring along an item which provides a personal memory for them to describe (eg a photo, a book, card or a gift). Don’t be scared, you will be among friends!

STRATTON Lunch Club will be holding their next two lunches on Wednesday, December 14 and Wednesday, January 11.

To book or find out more, please contact Anne on 01305 265895 A LANTERN-making workshop will be held at West Compton Manor from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, December 18.

The cost is £4 per person and this includes materials, tuition and refreshments.

People of all ages are welcome, but under 10’s must be accompanied.

Any donations to St Michael’s Church will be appreciated.

Come and spend a fun morning in beautiful surroundings, making friends and learning how to make a willow candle lantern.

To book, please contact Oonagh Stewart on 01300 320400 or email info@westcomptonmanor.co.uk