BEER Festival: Beer was flowing at the village hall last Saturday, when Pete Francis held the first Sherfield Beer Festival.

With lagers and beers from around the world, such delights as "Robin's Revenge", "St Nick" and "Keel Over" were very popular with the drinkers.

There was food, the band Frottage played live music and an auction at the end of the evening helped raise more than £350 for St Michael's Hospice.

Several of those attending hope this might be an annual event.

Well done Pete!

EVERGREENS: They have had a busy couple of weeks.

Jean said: "Lunch at the Mill was absolutely brilliant. We had tea with the Brownies on Wednesday and were entertained at Bramley School last Friday.

"I'm also pleased to say that the Christmas whist drive went well."

In January the Evergreens are off to see Jack and the Beanstalk at The Anvil. Oh yes they are!

CHRISTMAS celebration: It was standing room only at the village hall on Monday, when villagers, led by Kathleen Gaiger, got together for a Christmas celebration.

There were instrumental solos by Maddy and Hester Watson, George Watson sang, and there were also violin solos from Jade Lander-Sims and Dora Craig.

The Davidson-Blake sisters danced and there were songs from the Brownies and Rainbows.

Sally-Anne Burt and Abbie Gaiger played a flute duet of Christmas melodies and there were readings from Natalie, Richard and Eleanor.

We enjoyed carols and the children sang around the tree.

The evening was finished off with tea and mince pies.

A collection for the Lunch Club raised £60.

THANKS: To everyone who keeps me posted with what's going on in Sherfield.

I couldn't do this column without you.

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2005.