THOSE who take the Sedlescombe News will have read John and Jenny's note about the sale of the panto tickets at the shop. They are once again demonstrating their support of the village by becoming involved in box office duties at a very busy time for them.

Tickets are now available for the performances at the end of January 2009, and the selling is not quite as straightforward as it used to be.

As it is more complex you are asked to buy them from the shop, if you choose to do so, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 11am and 1pm. You can also buy from any of the cast and I will be pleased to help too if necessary.

This is a good opportunity to thank John and Jenny again for all they do for us. They are truly village people and it's so nice to see them when they are able to join in the events themselves. We are lucky to have them.

THEY are also handling ticket sales for a Friends of Sedlescombe Church event on December 12. There are not many of us in the village, whether regular churchgoers or not, who haven't at some time attended the church for a specific event such as a Christening, wedding or funeral.

The Friends of Sedlescombe Parish Church Trust was founded by Beryl Lucey in 1993 to assist in the preservation of this beautiful building in our village for this generation and those in the future.

On Friday, December 12, the church will host a concert of Christmas music performed by 'Cantabile', directed by Molly Townson with 'Lorelei' directed by Emma Darling. This is open to members and non members alike so if you would like to feel the glow of Christmas please join this festive evening in a most beautiful setting. Tickets, £8, include wine and mince pies and are available from the village stores as mentioned or on 01580 830813.

MARGARET, at 2 Forge Cottages, is hosting a Christmas lunch there on Friday, December 5, in aid of a Christmas charity. Please support her to the full and reduce our seasonal overspend by giving to a good cause.

ON Saturday, December 6, Whatlington has its monthly village market in their hall, 10am-noon. It abounds with goodies - fresh fish, honey, preserves, homemade bread, local eggs, dairy products, pies and plants.

The 'Community Fruit and Veg' is partly funded by the Primary Care Trust as part of their 'five-a-day' scheme. It's an excellent little market and always provides free tea and coffee for visitors, augmented on this occasion by a mince pie. Profits go to the upkeep of their village hall.

I OWE Julia Chapman, and perhaps others, an apology. I mentioned Julia's signing of her latest book The Time of our Lives as being November 22. This should have read Saturday, November 29, when Julia will be at Caroline's Country Cuisine at 2.30pm. Fortunately the occasion was mentioned elsewhere, correctly, in the Observer so I do hope no one was disappointed. After the signing copies of the book can be obtained from Julia (870 520) or from the shop (donning its bookseller's hat in place of ticket sales).

THE Players' summer 2009 production is another farce entitled 'Holiday Snap' by Michael Pertwee and John Chapman. There will be four performances, running July 8-11. The read through is next Tuesday (December 2) in the hall at 7.30pm and anyone interested in participating on stage or back stage is welcome. On Tuesday, December 9, auditions take place in the hall and again, the director will be glad to see interested participants.

The same wag who said the hall will have to be renamed the Sedlescombe Theatre if the Players continue this kind of output has said they might be renamed, too - the Sedlescombe Artistic and Dramatic Organisation (SADOS). Cheek!