• The Mission Hall was packed for a Wine Tasting evening recently organised by the Sutton Poyntz Society. Bill Egerton introduced ‘mine host’ for the evening, well known local resident Jack de Carteret, who had worked for Eldridge Pope and during which time he became a Master of Wine. Jack explained that the Master of Wine institute was established to promote excellence, interaction and education in wine matters and that he had become a member in 1964 after a long examination which involved both blind tasting and written papers. He had selected six types of wine for the evening, and after a (small) quantity of each was tasted the audience were invited to give their opinion and an estimate of the cost. I enjoyed the wine and Jack’s interesting analysis of each, but have to confess that my palate is not as well developed as I might have hoped. However practice makes perfect! The evening concluded with a heartfelt round of applause in appreciation of Jack’s expert knowledge and much friendly discussion about what had been learnt over, of course, a glass of wine!

• The next Preston Village Market is on Saturday 9 February in the Church Rooms between 10am and 12.30pm. There will be lots of interesting stalls offering all sorts of produce and crafts, delicious refreshments and, as always, entry is free. This time they will be supporting St. Andrew's School Multi Use Games Area and Westfield Arts College Play Area Appeal. Why not drop in, help the good causes and see what the Market has to offer?

• Preston Pantomime Group will be performing ‘Little Miss Muffet’ in the Preston Village Hall at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 19 February until Friday 22 February and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 23 February. Normally I would be able to give you a sneak preview of what to expect, but for the first time for many years I forgot – it happens as you get older! – to drop in to a rehearsal! Tickets, which cost £6 for adults and £4 for primary school children, can be booked by calling Lynn on 834410. It’s sure to be a good show, with lots of lively humour and songs, and I am certain that even those afraid of creepy crawlies won’t be too scared by the spider! Oh yes they will!!