TODAY: The monthly Community Lunch takes place today in the Parish Hall with a traditional menu, thanks to the cooks and helpers.

The regular meals provide a social occasion for quite a number of residents.

CHURCH: At the parish church of St John the Baptist, Westfield, this Sunday, Holy Communion (1662) is at 8.00 a.m., Nine Thirty Start, all-age service is at 9.30 a.m. and Parish Eucharist follows at 10.30 a.m. In the evening, the church will be aglow with nightlights at 6.00 p.m. for the Carols by Candlelight.

On Christmas Eve (Wednesday) the Christingle service, supporting the work of the Children's Society, takes place at 6.00 p.m. and the candlelit Midnight Eucharist begins at 11.00 p.m. and finishes just after midnight. On Christmas Day Holy Communion, Book of Common Prayer, is at 9.00 a.m. and Family Eucharist, an informal and seasonal celebration with Holy Communion, is at 10.30 a.m.

The card with wishes for a very merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year from Westfield Parish Church, which has been delivered to residents, also states that Christmas is a time when we love to recall the Nativity Story, about the arrival of a special baby into the world. It's an enchanting tale, but it's far more because the story doesn't end there. After the shepherds, wise men and angel had gone home, the baby Jesus grew up to fulfil a mission that was nothing less than God himself coming to be with us. There is an invitation to join the Christmas services and, for those online to read on the church website at www.stjohns-westfield.org.uk more of that amazing story.

On the Sunday after Christmas, Holy Innocents Day, Holy Communion (1662) is at 8.00 a.m. and Parish Eucharist at 10.30 a.m.

POSTAGE STAMPS: In the last week or two it has been mentioned that the religious Christmas postage stamps have been available but only if specifically asked for, from 'under the counter'. Although this year's issue is with the pantomime theme, last year's religious stamps are for first and second class only for inland mail. The following was printed in the Westfield Messenger: If you are pleased to have had the option of theme, you are invited to contact the Press Office, Special Stamps, Royal Mail Group, 148 Old Street London EC1V 9HQ; press.office@royalmail.com or 0207 250 2468 as a good response may encourage them for the future.

ENTERTAINMENT: Andy and Lynne at The Old Courthouse and Mick and Debs at The Plough Inn invite you to visit them and their friends over Christmas and the New Year for a drink or two, alcoholic or soft, coffee or tea, a meal or snack and evening music spots. There are posters in Westfield, drop in or call them on 01424 751603 or 751066 respectively for further details.

DOORSTEP COLLECTIONS: Rother District Council hopes that all householders received their information on Christmas waste and recycling collection dates and details. There were some interesting points including the fact that Yellow Pages, complete, can now be put in the Green Box for paper. Unfortunately, for those with Garden Waste bins, these are not being collected again until 12 January. As a reminder, next week, household waste week, there is no change for collections from Monday to Wednesday but where bins are usually collected on Thursday and Friday, these roll over to Saturday and Monday respectively. The following week, Monday and Tuesday collections are a day later than usual, then Wednesday's normal goes on Friday, Thursday's on Saturday then Friday's on Monday 5th. The week beginning 5th January, all collections will be a day later then from 12th we are back to normal. Which bin is collected which week is still guesswork for some people but when days pass so quickly and the weeks too, it is no wonder!

CAROLS: A good number of people of all ages gathered at Corbieres for the annual Carols Round the Christmas Tree last Friday evening, despite the coolness of the night. Fortunately the rain and the atrocious weather on Saturday waited until proceedings were over. The music was up to the standard we have appreciated in recent years from our own residents and the homemade soup was as delicious as ever. The Christmas lights on the tree and adjoining neighbours' properties provided a beautiful scene. A large number of visitors are visiting the area to enjoy the lights but are a problem for drivers as dark clothing is difficult to see and the pavements are too close to passing traffic. Please take care so everyone can enjoy the season.

DIARY DATE: The 1st Westfield Scout Group is holding a Murder Mystery Evening, with the help of BATS, on Saturday 31 January in the Parish Hall. Tickets at £5, to include supper, will be on sale after Christmas, posters will have more details.

TABLE SALE: Watch for details of the Table, Indoor Boot Sale to take place on Saturday 24 January in Westfield Community Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. or call 01424 755721 to book a table.

GREETINGS: This is my last contribution for this year, so I thank you for reading what I have been able to gather in 2008 and wish you all a very happy Christmas, safe travelling locally and further afield, and a healthy, enjoyable start to 2009.