HERE is the latest Fairford and Lechlade news, by Chris Roberts MBE. 

1. Sally Ann’s Music for Memory

Sally Ann’s Music for Memory started in 2021 in memory of a local lady who sadly passed away after having lived with dementia.

Run by Kelly Foreshew, the monthly event has grown from strength to strength and, last week, 30 dementia sufferers, their loved ones and carers turned up to enjoy a festive event. The Christmas party included refreshments, live music from Chris the Hombre and, of course, a visit from Santa, who gave out presents for all.

This was also an opportunity for Kelly to thank the volunteers, who give up their time each month to help with the organisation, catering and entertainment. Santa, aka Kelly’s husband Chris, presented the five volunteers – Angela, Katherine, Kerry, Vona and Zoe – with a beautiful bouquet of flowers courtesy of Blue and Bohème florists in Lechlade.

Kelly said: “This much-needed event is only made possible by our wonderful volunteers and supporters. A massive thank you to Lechlade businesses and organisations: Lechlade & District Lions; Midcounties Coop; The Trout Inn; The New Inn; Monique’s Country Kitchen and Bromford Housing.”

Events for 2024 will be themed events from Abba to Elvis Presley and featuring pop musician, Brian Slade. Sally Ann’s Music for Memory is held on the first Thursday of every month from 11am-1pm at St Birinus Court, Lechlade and the next event will be on Thursday February 1.

2. Fairford Fire Service Santa's sleigh

The ever-popular Fairford Fire Service Santa’s sleigh will be out and about around Fairford before Christmas collecting donations for the Firefighters’ Charity.

Come out and say hello to Santa – plenty of sweeties for everyone to enjoy. On Wednesday December 20, the sleigh will be out from 5.30pm around Trubshaw Way, June Lewis Way, John Tame Close, Aldsworth Close, Park Close, Hatherop Road, Churchill Place and The Quarry and St Mary’s Drive. On Thursday December 21, from 5.30pm, the sleigh will be around The Plies, Courtbrook, Scott Thomlinson Road, Jacob’s Piece, Pips Field Way, Saxon Way. Please give generously

3. Much-loved lunch club returns 

The much-loved Edna Dawes Lunch Club has now returned on Mondays as well as Wednesdays. The Club provide a warm meal, activities, socialising, refreshments and transportation if needed, all for a low cost of £10.

Please get in touch with Katie, EDLC Team Leader, for more information on attending Monday or Wednesday sessions or to volunteer: 07713 607 106, edlc@ friendsoffairford.org.uk.

4. Invited to write a label for someone you miss 

You are invited to write a label for someone that you will miss or not see this Christmas and to tie it on the Christmas tree in St Mary’s Church porch. Labels are provided in the basket next to the tree, or you may like to bring your own label.

If you would like someone to be remembered and are unable to come to the Church yourself, please contact Rev’d Denise on 01285 713285 or email denisehyde15@gmail.com who will write a label for you on your behalf

5. Service which is lifeline to many 

The volunteer Patient Transport Service is a lifeline to many but needs more volunteers. Please do get in touch if you can assist.

Fuel costs are covered. If you think you can help, please contact Val on 07540 798226, transport@ friendsoffairford.org.uk/.

6. New administrator for Friends of Fairford and Lechlade Communities

The Friends of Fairford and Lechlade Communities’ new Administrator is called Agneta and started in November.

She has lived in Lechlade for 16 years and has a wealth of administration experience with a background in working at a local Foodbank as well as other jobs including RIAT and as a Careers Advisor. She also volunteers at the Charity Shop in Lechlade. S

he is a creative person who is an artist and keen on sewing and cooking. If you need to contact her, her details are 01285 707300

7. Church services across Christmas 

Details of St Mary’s Church Services over the Christmas period are: on Christmas Eve December 24 at 3pm a Quiet Crib Service, followed at 5pm by a Crib Service and then at 11.30pm the Candlelit Midnight Mass; on Christmas Day December 25 at 8am, there will be the BCP Christmas Holy Communion followed at 10am by the Christmas Family Communion.

8. Christmas Day Lunch 

The well-established Christmas Day Lunch on December 25 will again be held in Fairford Community Centre and is for individuals and couples who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day.

It is open to people in Fairford and surrounding villages, plus Lechlade. A donation of £5 is suggested from each guest. It starts at 12.30pm and finishes after the King ́s Speech at around 3.30pm.

There will also be Christmas Lunch Hampers for some families, especially those with children on free school meals at Fairford Primary School. Please contact: Amanda and Mervyn Cully on 01285 712700 or email cully. amanda@gmail.com

9. Local artists pop up art sale 

If you have nothing planned for the Saturday before Christmas, then go along to the local artists’ Pop-Up Art Sale on Saturday December 23 from 10am-2pm in Lechlade Pavilion. Admission is free and there is ample parking