Members of the Autumn Leaves Club met on a rather cold afternoon in the village hall to hear a very interesting talk from Mr Geoffrey Markham, an ex-policeman.

He told us how very different policing on the beat was in his time in the force, from how we watch on the television at present.

He carried out his beat on a bicycle and worked with police who had to arrest poachers.

Some of our members remarked that perhaps he could come again at a later date to tell some more stories from his past.

Nora won the competition with "48 things we used to see but we don't see now" and Betty requested that next month's competition should be for the prettiest handkerchief.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday November 28, when we will be entertained by the Handbell Singers.

Jean gave out details of the forthcoming pantomime outing with the morning being spent in Grays. The secretary gave news of raffle prizes which have been donated to the club from local shops and Five Lakes Country Club.

The bring-and-buy stall was very busy during the afternoon and there were many bargains to be had. Unsold items were donated to St Luke's Church bazaar which is being held on December 1. A large raffle was held and the meeting closed after a welcome cup of tea.

BINGO

Please note the following dates for bingo being held in the village hall over the next few weeks.

There will be no bingo on Wednesday November 28 due to the pantomime group holding their dress rehearsal. Bingo will, however, be held as usual on Wednesdays December 5, 12 and 19.

Naturally, there will be no bingo on Boxing Day, but there will be an evening of bingo on Thursday December 27. Bingo will then continue as normal, every Wednesday throughout the New Year, starting on January 2, 2008.

ALADDIN

Order your tickets for this year's pantomime, Aladdin, at a cost of £6, with £3 for concessions, from Lisa Brennan on 817515.

There will be three performances this year, the first on Friday November 30 and two performances on Saturday December 1, at 2pm and 8pm.

GREEN WASTE

The final collections of green waste from the village will be on Saturday November 24 and the service will not call again until March 2008.