PEOPLE have been ordering their tickets for the WI Singers popular annual Christmas concert for weeks if not months.

For two nights the WI Hall in Gallwey Road was filled to capacity and the audience's expectations were not disappointed.

Once again, under the baton of conductor Valerie Burt, the members of the choir gave a stunning performance of varied Christmas music, both old favourites and new, more modern pieces.

The members of the choir are obviously enthusiastic and enjoy their singing, judging by their smiling faces. No wooden performances here!

It is so good to be able to hear every word too. I only popped in briefly this year but so enjoyed the item I heard that I slipped out wishing I had been able to stay longer. I shall be one of the first in the queue for tickets next year!

  • Members of Lanehouse Methodist Church met in the church for their annual Carols by Candlelight.

For this they sit together at tables on which are placed Christmas decorative arrangements and the candles.

There was a real family feel to the occasion as different people read their choice of seasonal pieces, including John Betjeman's famous poem Christmas' which was beautifully read by Margaret Hoskins and is such a poignant reminder of this most tremendous tale of all' so easily lost in all the busyness and glitter.

In between the readings various carols of choice were sung. The final one was new to me, written by Mrs M E Thompson of Weymouth and skilfully summing up the core message of this season of celebration: "What can we give him, how can we love him, This child called Jesus, Emmanuel? He lived to teach us, he died to save us, He came to earth, the Gospel to tell.

Come to the stable, visit the manger, Oxen surround him, here at the stall. Give him your heart, in humble oblation, King of all kings, and Lord of us all."