Soak up the crowd atmosphere if England go through in the Rugby World Cup and watch the matches in The Swan with your mates.

The pub will have a licence to show the games on big-screen TV so we're crossing our fingers for the team's success.

The cheque presentation for money raised through the annual cycle ride organised jointly by All Saints and The Swan will be held at the pub on Tuesday, October 23, from 7.30pm.

Dress up and look spooky on Saturday, October 27, for a pre-Halloween evening from 7.30pm onwards.

On Tuesday, October 30, The Swan flings down the gauntlet in the annual conker match against regulars from the Fox in West Mersea, at 7.30pm.

Gavin and Becky were just pipped at the post in their bid to become the Campaign for Real Ale East Anglian Pub of the Year. Better luck next year.

STAGE WORKSHOP

A half-term stage school workshop will be held at Thurstable School from October 22 to 26. A guitar workshop will also be available.

For more information, call 0845 474 0074, e-mail workshop@RazzleDazzleSchool .co.uk or visit www.Razzle DazzleSchool.co.uk

GIFT FAIR

An unusual Christmas present for the family could be a photograph of how the village used to look.

These will be among the goodies on sale at All Saints gift fair on Saturday, November 3, along with a selection of cards and presents.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

If you make or franchise suitable items for sale and would like a stall, contact Vivienne Smith on 891660.

CHOIR HONOUR

The choir of All Saints, Little Totham, and St Peter's Church, Goldhanger, is now 15 strong, comprising five men and ten women.

To their delight they have been invited to sing at three services in Norwich Cathedral.

They will join St Nicholas's choir from Witham at choral evensong on Saturday, October 20, as well as Sung Eucharist and Choral Evensong the following day.

Partners and supporters will accompany them on the trip.

St Peter's choir from Great Totham will take over duties at All Saints during the weekend.

Any singers from the village who would like to join the choir in future should contact Toni Philpott on 892686.

CHILDREN'S DAY

Make Christmas crackers, Advent calendars and handmade paper during half-term week.

There will be an All Saints children's day on Wednesday, October 31, from 10.30am to 3pm.

Led by the church's experienced children's team, activities will be held in the church and churchyard.

Wear old clothes and bring a packed lunch. Open to five to 14- year-olds.

Booking is essential with Vivienne Smith on 891660 to ensure sufficient materials and correct child-adult ratio. Leave a message if there's no reply.

The cost is £3.50 to cover materials.

Drinks will be provided.

BROOMSTICKS

Note new date!

IF you've inherited some jewellery that doesn't fit or would like some restyled make sure you put in an appearance at All Saints women's group on Wednesday, October 17.

Open to all women from the village, this month's get-together welcomes jewellery expert Paula Bling, who has worked in the industry for many years.

As well as simply enjoying a relaxing evening with friends - bring your own drink - there will be the opportunity to talk jewellery with Paula and admire, try on or buy at discounted prices.

The venue is Wentworth in The Street, thanks to Renee Partington.

If you've not been before and want someone to go with you, ring Vivienne on 891660. If you want directions, ring Renee on 891621.

MARIGOLD CLUB

Enjoy an afternoon out of the house. If you're retired and would like to meet new friends, why not join the Marigold Club?

All Saints can provide door-todoor transport to the fortnightly meetings held on a Monday in Goldhanger village hall between 2pm and 4pm.

The next dates are October 1, 15 and 29.

For more details, contact chairman Audrey Bridge on 892081.

STORY AND SONG

Enjoy a time especially devoted to activities for the under-sevens.

Listen to a story, draw a picture about it, plant some seeds - there are all sorts of activities during an All Saints monthly story and song session.

The next get-together in the parish church is on Saturday, October 13, at 10.30am.

HEATING OIL

Join the village oil-buying group and save money on your fuel bills.

Call Siobhan for more information on 892783