Last updated 15:41, Thursday, 02 October 2008

THE going will be firm and slightly rough, hats are not obligatory, and most definitely no underwear should be on show.

The leek club annual horse racing event gallops off on Saturday, October 11, with seven exciting races over the width of the parish hall. Ticket price includes supper in the members’ enclosure.

To sign up for a really good night with loads of hilarity, contact chief bookie George Carr on (01434) 606696.

THE alterations to the parish hall, first phase, have progressed well. The new meeting room has been formed and the electrics more or less completed. By the time this goes to print the painting of the walls will be advanced, and the carpets ready to be laid.

The next phase of the alterations will be the formation of a storage cupboard.

THE ’Shire walk is today;meet in the usual place outside the parish hall at 9.30am for an autumnal walk. Everybody is welcome to come along.

THIS Saturday night, in the parish hall, enjoy an evening with Stefan Sobell talking about the instruments he makes and the famous people he makes them for.  His guitars are pieces of art and the craftsmanship is magnificent. There will be a finger buffet and a free complimentary glass of wine. For tickets, contact Kate Clarkson on (01434) 673946.

THE harvest festival at St Helen’s Church, Whitley Chapel, is this Sunday, October 5. There will be a family service at 9.30am and a thanksgiving service at 6.30pm. A collection will be taken for the Farm Crisis Network. Everyone is welcome to join in any of the services.

SHIRLEY’S Girls will be singing at Slaley Methodist Chapel on Monday, October 6, at 7pm. The girls should all know where to go this time, as last Saturday at Wall village, some inadvertently mistook the parish hall for the chapel. They were welcomed with open arms as they were thought to be the belly dancing act that had been booked to perform! The girls will be singing at Slaley (not dancing) so come and join in the harvest celebrations.

THE October parish council meeting is on Thursday, October 9. A member of the county highways department has been invited to talk about the roads in the ’Shire. Members of the public are most welcome to attend from 7.30pm.