CHRIST Church, Chineham: Representatives from the charity through which we send shoeboxes to needy children in Eastern Europe at Christmas are going out to Asia shortly.

They are desperately in need of good-quality blankets. If anyone has any that they would be willing to donate, bring them into the church office as soon as possible.

Call or fax Ruth Randall on 474280 or e-mail cchurch@surfaid.org for further details.

PARISH council: Last Monday's meeting hosted a visit by representatives of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

They explained how they thought the South East Plan was likely to affect the borough in housing terms and, in particular, their displeasure at the idea of our borough council encouraging an even higher quota of houses for our district.

They further explained that they were against development on greenfield sites.

CONSULTATION: The play area consultation takes place at Chineham Village Hall car park next Wednesday, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

More information can be obtained from Ian Harris on 844844.

ALF stands for "About Life and Faith", and is a fun way to find out about Jesus through videos and stories as well as crafts and games.

Call the parish office for more details about an ALF course taking place on Saturdays at Christ Church between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, from January 22 to March 12.