Christmas tree festival at St Mary’s Church in Riverhead this weekend

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: St Mary’s Church will again be holding this popular event over the weekend of 7 & 8 December. Everyone is invited to view the display of decorated trees from 9.30am – 4.30pm on Saturday and 11am – 4pm on Sunday. It is quite a sight! There will also be a gift stall, refreshments and musical interludes. At 3pm on 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. For more information contact: christmas-tree-fest@stmaryriverhead.co.uk or follow the link at www.stmaryriverhead.co.uk.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Don’t miss the legendary Amherst School Christmas Bazaar this Saturday 7 December from noon until 3.30pm. In addition to the Silent Auction (a signed and framed Jonny Wilkinson rugby 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

CHIPSTEAD WI: The next meeting of Chipstead WI, which always welcomes Riverhead residents, will be on Tuesday 10 December when members will be enjoying an evening of Fun, Games and Music, plus a Secret Santa. The competition is for a home-made toy and the sales table theme is CDs. The meeting starts at 8pm and the venue, as always, is Chevening Parish Hall, Homedean Rd, Chipstead (TN13 2RU). For more information about Chipstead WI call Janet Sharp on 01732 452715 or email: barjansharp@tiscali.co.uk

PARKLAND WORKING PARTY: The next Riverhead Parkland Working Party will be on Wednesday 11 December from 9.30 to 11.30am when a group of Riverhead Parish Councillors and local residents would welcome more volunteers. For anyone who is able to join them, tools and refreshments are provided but do come appropriately clad, including sturdy footwear and gardening gloves. The work is not arduous but there’s plenty of fresh air and good company. Meet at the entrance to the Parkland off St Mary’s Drive at 9.30am. More information on the Parish Council website at: www.riverheadpc.kentparishes.gov.uk or call: 01732 461278.

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

DECEMBER COFFEE DATE: The next Seniors’ Coffee Morning at the Bullfinch Pub will be on Thursday 19 December at 10 -11.30am. This event usually takes place as the last Thursday of the month, but as this date falls on Boxing Day in December it has been moved forward. The Bullfinch really does make everyone feel very welcome. Excellent coffee (or tea), biscuits and cakes for £3. If you would enjoy some company do go along. Or if you know someone in Riverhead who you think might benefit from this event, do let them know about it.

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS: The Parish Clerk has an office at 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 Village Hall 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