There will be over 25 stalls including games for children to play, raffles, tombolas and an arts and crafts room, and this year's fayre also includes for the first time stalls from some local small businesses. These include Happy Day Designs jewellery, Phoenix Cards and Liz Sands Watercolours.

That busy chap Father Christmas will be making one of a number of visits to Pitstone and Ivinghoe this festive season and will be in his grotto as usual. Refreshments will be available, including mulled wine. "This year the PTA is focused on raising money to refurbish the art room and cookery room and also purchase digital cameras and globes," said PTA vice-chair, Emma Burton. "All proceeds from the fayre will be put towards this so we hope people will come and support this event and have lots of fun as well!"

ROYAL BRITISH REGION. Ivinghoe and Pitstone Branch of the Royal British Legion held its annual meeting at the Bell Inn, Pitstone when the branch officers, chairman and Poppy Appeal Organiser Owen Wynne, secretary/treasurer Brian Brimm, Membership secretary Ken Gower, and members of the committee were all re-elected unanimously to serve for the coming year. Owen Wynne reported on the various activities held during the year which have raised to date just under £5,000 for the Poppy Appeal.

In particular, the very successful Wine and Cheese Evening raised over £660, and a further £200 was raised at the branch Annual Dinner and £240 at a weekly meeting of Mentmore Golf and Country Club Seniors' Section. The house-to-house and other collections in the villages of Ivinghoe, Pitstone, Marsworth, Ivinghoe Aston and Slapton, together with donations promised, have contributed to an impressive total.

BABY AND TODDLER GROUP: The Ivinghoe and Pitstone Baby and Toddler Group has been enjoying an autumn term with a new format, new faces, new activities and a new outlook.

Visitors have included Usborne Books, Phoenix Cards and Happy Day Designs, as well as a special visit from a contemporary photographer, allowing parents to have photos taken at a fraction of the usual studio cost. Meanwhile, craft activities have diversified to enable children to experiment with different materials and designs. "With paint, glue, glitter and a whole host of other arty items, there is more than enough to put a smile on any budding Da Vinci's face," said Joint Chair Lisa Woodbridge. "And best of all, the mess is all confined to one area - which isn't your living room rug!"

The group's Christmas Party takes place on Wednesday December 12 when there will be food and drink for adults and children, an entertainer, a raffle and a visit from that man Father Christmas. The Baby and Toddler Group is open in term time on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3pm in Pitstone Memorial Hall. For more information contact Lisa Woodbridge on 01296 663897 or visit the website at www.pitstoneandivinghoetoddlers.com.