Here's the latest of what's going on in your community.

Acomb
Julie Foster

COME and join the Let’s Sing Group for one last, Christmas themed session of the term on Tuesday, December 7 in the Village Hall. Proceedings start with tea/coffee at 10.15am. If you want to know more, contact 01434 607490 or musicalmemories17@gmail.com

ACTION4ACOMB are organising this year's Carols around the Tree event starting at 7pm on Friday, December 17 at the Pant, led by Rev. Gareth Sherwood, our new Methodist minister. This will be followed at 7.30pm at the Village Hall by refreshments, generously prepared by Acomb WI, with mulled wine donated by Acomb Parish Council. The tree, which has been donated by Egger, will be decorated beforehand by children from Little Oaks Nursery and Acomb First School. All are welcome to come and participate.

Hexhamshire
Ruth Marlee

EVER since the Millenium, Whitley Chapel St. Helen's has hosted a Nativity Play on Christmas Eve that has overjoyed everyone who packed into our lovely little church. The story of the grumpy inn-keeper may not have changed that much, but neither has the level of absolute delight felt by everyone who attended! Even in howling gales, Mary enters the church on a donkey (actually most years it's been a very tolerant pony), then sheep, dogs, many shepherds, an abundance of angels and as many kings as costumes allow, pay homage to a very real baby playing the part of Jesus. Even the camel's surprise earns chuckles from the audience every year! Last year, the outdoor pastiche was harder to organise but nonetheless very successful. The hope is that this year, the Nativity will be back in the church at 5pm on Christmas Eve, so workshops and practices will be held in Whitley Chapel School on the 5th, 12th, and 19th of December. A final dress rehearsal will be held on Thursday, December 23. All enthusiastic and talented junior actors, singers and musicians of any age, as well as a not too enthusiastic pony, sheep and dog would be welcomed. Applicants for the very important role of Baby Jesus are also invited! For any further information, or if you would like to help or take part, contact Andrew or Carole on 01434 673379.

A FINAL reminder for the Christmas Fair to be held in Whitley Chapel Parish Hall on December 5 from 10.30am-2.30pm. There will be a fabulous selection of quality items to browse or buy as well as the possibility to enjoy a cup of tea and festive cake and glean the Christmas spirit! If you would like to view some of the items available, look up hexhamshire.org.uk 

Slaley
Helen Savage

THERE's a Christmas-themed coffee morning on Friday in the Commemoration Hall from 10am to 1pm organised by Slaley Show. You can also buy temptingly good Christmas wreaths, cakes, greetings cards, crafts and other items that might just fill a stocking or two. By the way, the Show’s AGM is on Thursday at 7.30pm. All welcome.

COME and enjoy a blast of colour, gold with Divino Amore - Susi Bellamy's quite fabulous Madonna collages at Healey Church this weekend. Friends of Healey Church are invited to the preview on Friday evening. The exhibition is then open (and free) to everyone else from 11am – 5pm, on Saturday and Sunday. If you'd like to become a Friend of Healey Church please email thehotspur@gmail.com

ON Thursday, December 9 there’s a Christmas Concert with Hexham Stage Society. In St Mary’s Church, Slaley at 7.30pm - a selection of very best of Christmas music - and a glass of mulled wine. There’s no need to book a ticket and there’s no minimum price, but we hope you’ll donate something to church funds. Please come in droves!

DON'T forget the Christmas Party menu at the Rose and Crown is available from Wednesday next week. Booking is essential, so be sure to pop in, or call to reserve your table.

FINALLY, huge congratulations to Rosaleen Doonan and her team at the Hall who put on a superb Christmas Crib exhibition last weekend despite Storm Arwen. If you didn’t see it – have a look at the video on the Slaley website.