MY daughter and I spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening watching Fairgame Theatre’s production of Arabian Nights at Portesham village hall last week – part of the Artsreach rural arts programme.

We were treated to jewel coloured, sugar dusted pieces of Turkish delight to get us in the mood and the intimate atmosphere created by the darkened hall and close proximity to the beautifully painted stage soon transported us to lands full of eastern promise!

Stories from Sinbad the Sailor and Pearl Harvest led on to tales of the Leg of Mutton and the Ebony Horse. The interpretation of a giant bird carrying off Sinbad was beautifully portrayed by one of the four actors taking part, which together with music from an accordion, violin, guitar and drum enhanced the whole experience tremendously.

The next Portesham Artsreach production will be on Saturday, 14 January at 7.30pm also in the village hall, where we will be entertained by Morgan and West, a pair of Victorian Time Travelling Magicians.

The show is suitable for adults and children from 7+years and once again tickets costing £7.50 for adults, £5 for under 18’s and £22 for families will be on sale from 15 December from Gill Brignell on 01305 871925 or email gillbrignell@aol.co.uk, or from Tuesday village cafes from 20 December.

A BIG thank you to everyone who came and supported not one, but two fundraising events at the village hall last weekend.

The POPS (Parents of Portesham School) Saturday village cafe raised an amazing £850 and the St Peter’s Crafty Christmas tea party followed this on Sunday by raising a further £372 – well done to everyone involved.

COME to Portesham on Tuesday, 13 December and be spoilt for choice over lunch!

There will be a special Christmas community lunch at Portesham school at 1pm with turkey and all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. The cost is £5.50 and booking forms are available from the village hall or the school office.

Alternatively, the Diamond Club are holding their Christmas lunch at the village hall, 12.30 for 1pm. Contact Anita Buckland on 01305 871751 for details.

The RBL Women’s section will be having their Christmas lunch at the Haddon House hotel on Monday, 12 December.

A SPECIAL Christingle service will be taking place at 5pm on Sunday, 11 December at St Peter’s Portesham.

Details of other Christmas services, concerts and events in Portesham to follow next week.