WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: Marion Coombe from Hayle gave an interesting and thought-provoking talk about her many visits to the Gambia, arranged by a group of West Cornwall Churches. This is one of the highlights of her life and she enjoys helping the families and friends whom she has met over the years, by sponsorship, by gifts and with practical help.

She showed some fascinating pictures of the Gambia and said how much can be learnt by their delight in having very little and being surprised and pleased with the gifts, however small. A donation was given by members for the next projected visit in January 2014.

About 20 members and friends enjoyed an excellent meal at the Old Quay House, Lelant on Sunday, November 24, with an exchange of cards and good company. Other matters dealt with were the Christmas events and plans for the New Year.

The next meeting in Leedstown Chapel Sunday schoolroom is an open meeting on Tuesday at 2.15pm when Leedstown School choir is coming to entertain. Everyone is welcome to come along.

VILLAGE HALL: The dance held on Saturday was a great success. There was lively dancing to the Rock ‘n Roll Band, The Crumblies, and the four-course dinner was amazing value and very tasty. Around 70 people enjoyed the evening and many thanks are sent to Vikki and Nikki and their helpers who decorated the hall and produced and served the meal.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: This year the Christmas lights will be switched-on on Friday by Abby Hatherley. Abby was the winner of Leedstown School's competition to design the Christmas lights poster. The switch-on will be held at the Duke of Leeds pub, in the square. Father Christmas will lead the children from the Village Hall at 6.45pm and Abby will pull the switch at 7pm. Everyone is invited to come along and enjoy the festive fun. Breage Silver band and the schoolchildren will lead the carol singing. Children are invited to go back to the Village hall later to meet Santa and receive a present from him. The Christmas displays will be judged between December 10 and 20. There will be two classes, Best Window Display and Best Overall Property Display and there is a Perpetual Cup for the winner of each class. The committee appreciate how much these displays add to the overall effect of the village.

LUMC: Carols were sung and the first Advent candle lit by Katherine Willoughby, on behalf of the Sunday school on Sunday. On Sunday at 11am the preacher will be Jenny Bales. Also at 11am Junior Church meets in the Sunday school. The service will be followed by a bring-and-share lunch of savouries and desserts. The Junior Church annual meeting was held recently and reports received. Highlights of the year included a visit to Binnerton, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and an art workshop. All-Age worship has been very enjoyable with the children taking part in music and drama and further colourful displays were made for the schoolroom. It is challenging to arrange activities that interest all the ages attending but a fresh approach will be considered this year. The Missions Project will look at various countries within the Commonwealth, especially Scotland where the Games are due to be held in the summer. There will also be another Music in Worship event for the charity Action for Children. Teachers and helpers for the coming year will be Tania Bird, Mary Willoughby, Rosemary Pollard, Pat Henwood, Sue Williams, Maureen James and Mel Young. The treasurer is Jackie Paul.

Please remember to save your stamps over Christmas for the Leprosy Mission. A border of paper (half a cm) must be left around the stamp, to avoid damage in transit.

There will be a Christmas Quiz in aid of the lights in the chapel Sunday schoolroom on Monday. Doors will be open at 7pm and the quiz starts at 7.30pm. The cost is £1.50 per person and there will be a raffle and refreshments. Ruben will be playing carols for a sing song during the evening, to add to the festive atmosphere.

DUKE OF LEEDS QUIZ: David Hoskin will be the quiz master at the Christmas Quiz to be held on Saturday, December 14, at 7.30pm .The cost is £1 per person and the winner takes all. Team size is a maximum of six.