Samaritans

On December 7, The Samaritans are holding an open evening from 6pm to 10pm in the Council Rooms.

The Swindon branch is around 35 volunteers short of the number needed to guarantee the service locally.

The branch needs anyone who can offer around four hours a week.

Listening volunteers are given training and continuing support so that the care offered to their callers is of the highest standard.

For further information, call the Samaritans on 0345 909090.

Parking

The police are again appealing to vehicle owners to use the free carparks in Brewery Street, Cherry Orchard and Newburgh Place and resist the temptation to park on areas marked with yellow lines. Those who park on them can expect a fixed penalty ticket of £30 from the police.

Festive lights

Highworth Mayor Lynn Vardy and the BBC Wiltshire Sound presenter Sandy Martin will perform the switch-on of the Christmas tree lights in the Market Square on December 1 at 7pm.

Scrabble

A team of three from the Highworth Scrabble Club has won the coveted National Scrabble Club Championship. This was a knockout competition with an initial 150 teams entering.

The final competition was played against Exeter at Wells. The team members were: Steve Perry, Joy Lloyd and Andrew Perry, who after a hard match won by five games to four.

British Legion sale

The Royal British Legion's Women's Section is holding a tabletop sale with a raffle and tombola in the Council Community Room at 9.30am on December 2.

A Christmas bazaar will be held at Northview School this evening at 6pm.

There will be a visit by Father Christmas, cake stall, tombola and a Secret Room.

Tea and coffee with mince pies will be available. Admission will be 20p.

School fair

Eastrop School Parent Teacher Association is holding a Christmas fair on Friday December 1 from 3pm to 5pm in the school.

There will be a cake stall, gift stall, games, face painting and lucky dip and a visit by Father Christmas. Refreshments will include hot dogs and chips. Admission is free.

School anniversary

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Highworth Warneford as a comprehensive school.

A commemorative mug has been commissioned. It features the winning design from a recent competition alongside a painting of Highworth by 5th year pupil K C Bowie, which had been created for a previous Highworth Festival brochure.

The mugs, which cost £4 each, are available from the school and will provide an excellent memento for both existing and past staff and pupils.

Tomorrow, a Christmas fair is being held at Westrop School at 3pm.

Folk Club

The Last Straw will guest at the next meeting of the White Horse Folk Club, which will be held on December 9 at the Fox Inn, Swindon Street, at 8.15pm.

Mair Huband

Tel (01793) 762984