Here is a reminder of some of the Christmas community events here in Portesham.

Meet at the Christmas tree in the King’s Arms garden at 6.30pm on Thursday, 22 December for Portesham Village Carols. All welcome, regardless of singing ability! Mulled wine and mince pies provided courtesy of the pub.

The Christmas draw also takes place at the King’s Arms on Friday, 23 December. Squares cost £1 each and every penny goes in prizes.

ALSO on Friday, 23 December Abbotsbury and Portesham Royal British Legion are hosting the Durnovaria Silver Band at Portesham village hall. The concert will start at 7.30pm and all are welcome.

There will be community singing to carols and festive music in the second half and tickets costing £6 are available from Malcolm Pugh on 01035 871001 or John Perry on 01305 871346. Seasonal refreshments available and all monies raised will go to the Poppy Appeal.

CHURCH services at St Peter’s for this week continue with the Olympic themed crib service at 5pm on Christmas Eve followed by Midnight Communion at 11.30pm. Christmas Communion will be at 10.30am on Christmas Day.

Looking into the New Year, there will be a united benefice Communion at St Peter’s on Sunday, 1 January at 10.30am.

TICKETS costing £15 are on sale now from the pub for the ticket only event at the King’s Arms on New Year’s Eve. Buck’s Fizz on arrival to be followed by a dinner style buffet. Music by Duff Paddy. Dress to impress!

ALSO on sale are tickets for the next Artsreach performance at the village hall, which on Saturday, 14 January will host Time Travelling Magicians, Morgan and West. The show begins at 7.30pm and will appeal to adults and children over 7.

Gill Brignell will again be selling tickets. Contact her on 01305 871925 or email gillbrignell@aol.co.uk. Adult tickets are £7.50 with under 18’s £5 and family tickets £22. They will also be available from Tuesday village cafes on 20 December and 4th and 10th January.

USEFUL information about Portesham parish can be found at www.porteshamparish.org.uk and residents can opt to receive parish newsletters by email by contacting peter_craggs@btinternet.com. Peter edits and publishes the newsletter on behalf of the Portesham Parish meeting.

The next meeting of the Chesil Bank Parish Council, incorporating the parishes of Abbotsbury, Fleet, Langton Herring and Portesham will take place at 7.30pm on Monday, 9 January at Strangways Hall Abbotsbury.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2012.