WEEKLY COLUMN by Chris Roberts MBE 

1. Sale of pre-loved baby, toddler and children's clothes 

Do you want to de-clutter and make a bit of money before Christmas?

A fabulous, festive fayre selling pre-loved baby, toddler and children’s clothes, toys, books, baby equipment, maternity items and more is being held on Sunday November 24 from 1pm-4pm in the Palmer Hall, Fairford GL7 4AQ.

This is a great opportunity for parents/grandparents to have a clear out at home before Christmas to make room for more new Christmas toys, clothes and books. If you have too many kids’ things cluttering up your house and you’d like to sell them on to another child to enjoy, then why not hire a stall measuring 5’ x 2’6”?

If you’re a bargain-hunter and would like some lovely gifts at great prices for your child at Christmas, then come along to the Palmer Hall, Fairford on Sunday November 24 from 1pm-4pm.

Entry is free. Teas, coffees, juice and festive treats will be available.

Free, unlimited parking in the Market Place, on the road outside and opposite the Church or the car park at the top of the High Street. Don’t delay, hire your stall today: Contact Sarah on 07702 249229, prelovedfairford@gmail.com.

2. Next Saturday worship night at Palmer Hall 

The next Saturday Worship Night at the Palmer Hall is on Saturday November 16 from 7pm-9pm. An evening to be refreshed and renewed as you worship Jesus. If you’d like any further information, please email saturdaynightworship@gmail.com.

There will be a Christmas-themed MacMillan Coffee Morning held on Wednesday November 20 from 8.45am-11.30am in Southrop Village Hall. Fabulous raffle and homemade cakes.

Can you spare one hour every two months to clean St Mary’s Church? This is done in a team of four people in six teams, so each group cleans for only about six times a year. It is quite a sociable outing, and teams normally have a coffee afterwards. If you can help, please phone 01285 712123 or email carol@richardandcarol.net.

3. Baking competition back after 11 year-break 

After an 11-year break, the Coln Men’s Cake Baking Competition & Tasting Party has returned. Entry forms are available only at Coln Community Store and the entry fee is £5. Deliver your cake to Vicarage Cottage Barn on Tuesday November 19 between 1pm-6pm.

Then come along later to celebrate the champion bakers with a special evening hosted by TV personality, Anne Robinson and Coln Community Stores to raise funds for the Hatherop Primary School Big Build.

The evening will take place on Tuesday November 19 at 7pm in Vicarage Cottage Barn, Coln St Aldwyns GL7 5AG with a pay bar featuring new wines. There will be five Awards and three Highly Commended categories. Judges will be Sarah Godwin of Everyday Cakes and four Coln Community Store cake connoisseurs! Cakes will be auctioned after the judging.

4. Craft Christmas Market on Sunduy 

There’s another Craft Boaters Christmas Market on Sunday November 17 from 10am-4pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall.

Free entry. Refreshments available. Proceeds to Lechlade Community Library.

Moore, Allen & Innocent will be holding a Valuation Day on Monday November 18 from 10am-2pm in their office at Burford Street, Lechlade GL7 3AJ.

Curious about the hidden value of your belongings? Wondering if you have cash in the attic? Bring along your items for a free sale valuation from Senior Valuer & Auctioneer, Philip Allwood. No appointment necessary – first come first served. For more information, call 01285 646050 or email fineart@mooreallen.co.uk.

6. Next meeting of Fairford History Society 

The next meeting of Fairford History Society is on Thursday November 21 at 7.30pm in Fairford Community Centre. Colin Moulden will give a talk on ‘Lost Railways in and around Gloucestershire’.

Membership is £5 per year and visitors are welcome to attend at £3 per session. For more information, contact Alison: 01285 711768, enquiry@fairfordhistory.org.uk or visit www.fairfordhistory.org.uk.