IT was very busy in Slaley last week: the climax was the leek show on Saturday, and a surprise for this correspondent who had her best result ever, while the other one did even better!

The cabbages were magnificent, but where were the cabbage patch babies? Many thanks to everyone who came to all the village coffee mornings, groups and clubs.

The influx of new people into the village continues, with new children joining the school, and new folk into the clubs and groups.

We are covering so many of the criteria for a sustainable village: school, shop, churches, pubs and new houses with plenty of new faces.

THE Slaley carpet bowls teams played their first match of the season on Tuesday, at home to the talented and hugely entertaining Snods Edge team.

The match was very close right to the end and, with two games left, Slaley were only nine points ahead.

Trying hard to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory one team lost 9-0 but thankfully the other Slaley team won 4-1 to ensure that Slaley scraped home winners by three points! A great night of bowls, thoroughly enjoyed by both teams.

The next three Tuesdays in October are all club nights in the Commemoration Hall so if you fancy giving it a go turn up at around 7.30pm.

ON Friday, October 16, it’s film night again, with an engaging Italian comedy We Have a Pope, about a very reluctant Pope.

One reviewer says: ‘A great deal of the plot involves Vatican tradition and politics, but this is not a cynical film. Quite the contrary. God has spoken, and it’s up to the Vatican to make the best of it.’

As usual doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm, while supper is provided in the interval; please contact Jean on (01434) 673443, if you wish to find out about the menu.

IF the forecast is correct, our beautiful Indian Summer has now broken, but wasn’t it great while it lasted?

THE medicine run for the next two Thursdays is down to S. Foster.