PARTY: Next Friday is the last chance for senior citizens of the parish to return the application form in the January issue of the Basinga if they wish to attend the free party on Saturday, February 12, at the village hall.

VILLAGE carnival: This year, the carnival will be held on June 18, and the theme is "Seasons and Celebrations".

Those who are considering entering should now start to spring into action!

VILLAGE Show: Another long-term date is September 4, for the Village Show.

However, any comments or suggestions on the schedule have to be with a committee member by Sunday.

PARISH council: Anthony Fendall has been coopted to fill the vacancy in the Lychpit ward.

He has lived in Lychpit since 1990, is a member of the Mill Field Conservation Group, and has been assisting with the Village Design Statement.

CONGRATULATIONS: Stephen Richardson, the parish council groundsman, who has been attending a horticultural course at Sparsholt Agricultural College, has been awarded the title of Apprentice of the Year.

Incidentally, between 1899 and 1914, the college was based at Newnham Lane in Old Basing, and known as the County Farm Institute.

QUIZ: The Friends of St Mary's Church are holding a fish and chip quiz next Friday, February 4, at 7pm, in St Mary's Parish Room.

Tickets cost £8 for members and £9 for non-members.

Despite its title, the quiz is not limited to questions on fish and chips!

Max Deadman, on 817259, has the tickets and further information.

CLOSED: Crown Lane, between Fiveways Traffic lights and The Street, will be closed next Tuesday and Wednesday, for a new gas pipe to be laid.