It’s Christmas lighting up time in Riverhead – make sure you don’t miss the big switch on celebrations which start at 5.45pm

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TODAY: Don’t miss the switch-on this evening, Thursday 28 November, at 6pm. This year the ceremony will be held around the Riverhead Christmas tree in the courtyard at the Village Hall, rather than in the area under The Heights. Meet outside the village hall at 5.45pm for the countdown to 6pm. Everyone welcome. There will be mulled wine, mince pies and carol singing led by members of St Mary’s Church choir. Plus, the possibility of moving indoors should the weather prove inclement!

COFFEE MORNING: The monthly Seniors’ 60+ coffee morning takes place today Thursday 28 November 28 at 10-11.30am at the Bullfinch Pub. An amazing 28 people attended the second coffee morning at the Bullfinch on 31 October and all enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones including two people new to the area. This event takes place on the last Thursday of each month and the Bullfinch really makes everyone feel most welcome. Excellent coffee (or tea), biscuits and cakes for £3. If you are over 60 and would enjoy some company do go along. Or if you know someone in Riverhead who you think might benefit from this event, let them know about it. Date for December to be confirmed.

CHILDREN IN NEED: Pupils and parents at Amherst School raised an amazing £900 for Children in Need last week through various activities including a Cross Country Run, a Bake- Off, a themed Art Competition and a Penalty Shoot-Out with gallant (and very muddy) Year 6 teacher Mr Barratt in goal. Thanks to everyone who took part.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: St Mary’s Church will again be holding this popular event on 7 & 8 December. Everyone is invited to view the tree display that weekend from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday 7th and 11am to 4pm on Sunday 8th. There will also be a gift stall, refreshments and musical interludes. At 3pm on the Sunday there will be a carol service amidst the trees. Voluntary donations will be invited to be shared between Hospice in the Weald and St. Mary’s Church.

Invitations have been sent out to previous participants, but clubs, school groups, families, individuals, charities and businesses are all welcome to display a tree which could, for example, depict their organisation or hobby, especially where it serves people in the Church Parish community of Riverhead and Dunton Green. For more information email: or follow the link at www.stmaryriverhead.co.uk

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: The legendary Amherst School Christmas Bazaar will be taking place on Saturday December 7 from 12 noon until 3.30pm. In addition to the Silent Auction (a signed and framed Jonny Wilkinson shirt is up for grabs), Santa’s Grotto and the Grand Draw, there will be craft activities, toys, festive gifts, cakes and biscuits, games, Christmas hampers, refreshments and lots more. This is Amherst’s biggest annual fund raiser so do support them. All proceeds will go towards the cost of a new building of which the school is in desperate need.

WINTER BIRDS WALK: On Sunday 8 December there will be a warden-led walk at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve 10.30am-12.30pm to discover the birds that make the reserve their winter home. For more information and to book (essential) go to www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events

CHRISTMAS WINDOWS: Riverhead’s shopkeepers and businesses are being invited by Riverhead Parish Council to decorate their windows – the theme this year is Father Christmas. District Councillor Kim Bayley will be the judge this year, touring the village on Wednesday 11 December and awarding prizes to the winners.

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS: The Riverhead Parish Council Clerk has an office in the Village Hall which is open to visitors Mondays and Thursdays 9.30am – 12.30pm. Messages are picked up frequently at other times. You can phone Riverhead Parish Council on 01732 461278 or email clerk@riverheadparishcouncil.org.uk. The Riverhead Parish Council website is at www.riverheadpc.kentparishes.gov.uk and you can also keep up to date with local events by following ‘Riverhead Parish Council’ on Facebook and Twitter @RiverheadParish. The and Committee Room are available to hire for parties and meetings.

The Riverhead village news is compiled by Maggie Miles. If you have any news or events you would like her to consider for the My Sevenoaks Community village column you can email it to her at: maggiejmiles@gmail.com