FACILITIES: Last week, I referred to proposed upgrades to our rather modest Chineham recreational facilities.

These are mainly for the benefit of our younger residents and, clearly, it is important that all generations benefit from the enhancement of facilities.

Sadly, the responses to both parish and borough council requests for comments concerning facilities for anybody aged over 25 are negligible.

However, many Chineham residents, particularly the elderly, feel there should be more vigorous activity to disperse groups of young people hanging around (and sometimes damaging) some of our existing facilities.

Pc Ray Niblock is in close liaison with the county youth service and would welcome approaches from any readers who might be interested in becoming involved in organising youth activities.

He can be contacted by calling 07791 152253 or e-mailing r.niblock@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

CHRIST Church activities: If you are free on a Tuesday morning, why not drop into the church for a drink, cake and a chat at Open House?

It is open every Tuesday, from 10.30am to noon.

And if you are aged between 11 and 18, you are invited to join "chineham youth congregation".

Every Sunday (except the fifth Sunday of each month), young people who want to seek to follow Jesus, or are "just looking", meet together.

If you, too, would like to join in the food, worship, prayer, teaching, small groups, talks, interactive games and Bible study, then go along at 6.30pm.

For any queries regarding the church, contact Ruth Randall via e-mail at cchurch@surfaid.org or call 474280.

CHINEHAM Village Club event tonight: Club members are invited to enjoy New Year celebrations together.

For further details on the New Year's Eve party, or on joining the club in the new year, please call Donna Naldrett on 471982.

ADVANCE notice: On Saturday, January 8, there is Kids Club at Christ Church; on Sunday, January 9, there is cycle coding at Chineham Village Hall; and on Monday, January 10, a parish council meeting at Chineham Village Hall.

I WISH all readers a happy and peaceful 2005.