FOLLOWING on from the carol service at St Bartholomew’s Corton and the Christingle service at St Peter’s with the Scouts, there will be a Christmas Carol Service at Portesham Methodist church at 7pm on Thursday, 15 December to be followed by soup and rolls. All welcome.

A little earlier in the day, at 1.30pm Portesham Primary school will be visiting St Nicholas’ church in Abbotsbury for their Christmas assembly and carol service.

In addition to the nativity story, children will be singing carols and there will be award presentations.

Parents, families and community members are very welcome to join the school in celebrating this festive time of year.

SUNDAY, 18 December sees St Peter’s Portesham host their annual Carol service at 5.15pm, to be followed by mulled wine and mince pies and there will be still more carol singing at Portesham Village Carols on Thursday, 22 December at 6.30pm.

Everyone, regardless of singing ability is invited to join in. Meet at the Christmas tree (and the biggest Rudolph I’ve ever seen!) at the King’s Arms where mulled wine and mince pies will be on offer and optional orders for food will be taken for the 8pm return.

Wrapped and labelled gifts for women and children at the Women's Refuge are requested and can be left under the Christmas tree in church after each carol service.

CHRISTMAS services at St Peter’s continue with the 5pm Crib service on Christmas Eve – come early to get a seat! – which I understand this year will have an Olympic theme!

A little later, at 11.30pm there will be Midnight Communion and of course Christmas Communion on Christmas Day at 10.30am.

YET more Christmas entertainment on Saturday, 17 December, beginning with the WI village cafe at the village hall from 10am to 12 noon with all the usual goodies on offer.

Following this, at 7.30pm will be Portesham’s Christmas Film Night presenting Scrooge, the classic 1951 film of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” together with a supporting short topical film.

Tickets, to include a choice of traditional or vegetarian freshly baked warm Cornish pasty, cost £7.50 and are available from Susan on 01305 871239 or from Tuesday village cafes.

Doors open from 7pm for drinks, including mulled wine, tea and coffee and cakes.

All proceeds towards funding the Portesham Parish Newsletter, upgrading the village notice board and other Portesham community facilities.

FRIDAY, 23 December sees the Royal British Legion host a Christmas concert by the Durnovaria Silver Band at Portesham village hall beginning at 7.30pm in aid of the Poppy Appeal.

During the second half there will be community singing to carols and festive music and seasonal refreshments will be available together with a raffle.

Tickets cost £6 and are available from Malcolm Pugh on 01305 871001 or John Perry on 01305 871346. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door on the night. Everyone welcome.

THIS year’s celebrations end with a ticket only event on New Year’s Eve at the King’s Arms pub.

There will be Bucks Fizz on arrival and a dinner style buffet. Music by Duff Paddy. Tickets cost £15 and are available in advance from the pub. Dress to impress!