BISHOP'S Waltham Rotary Club is preparing for its annual Santa tour of Meon Valley villages. 
In its recent newsletter, a rotary club spokesman said: “Yes, it’s nearly that time of year - Christmas is fast approaching, and plans are well underway to start pounding the streets with Father Christmas and 'Roger his trusty, brightly lit, musical steam train. 
“Last year we raised nearly £6,000 and this year, as usual, we will be visiting Waltham Chase, Bishop's Waltham and Fair Oak starting on the week beginning Monday December 11 and continue through on weekday evenings until the following Friday December 22. 
“We will also be having several static collections with McCarthy’s, Wickham on the 16th, Sainsbury’s in Hedge End on the 22nd and Sainsbury’s in Bishop’s Waltham on the 23rd.”

THE Tea Rooms At Rookesbury Park will be opening in November.
In a Facebook post, they said: “We are very excited to announce that, The Tea Rooms At Rookesbury Park.
“Will be opening on November 17. 
“The Tea Rooms will be run by Alison and Sarah. 
“We will introduce them and share some more information over the next few weeks. 
“But we can promise delicious bakes and a warm smile.”

MEON Voices Community Choir is calling for new tenors and basses.
The choir meets on Monday nights from 7.30pm–9.30 pm at the United Free Church in Bishop’s Waltham.
A spokesman said: “There have been a record number of sopranos and altos joining this season, and whilst the choir has also welcomed new tenors and basses, it would be great to have more.
“Meon Voices performs a wide range of music, this term including a variety of carols, Guys & Dolls, Handel, John Rutter and Lennon & McCartney. As an SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir, the members create beautiful harmonies and their Christmas and Spring performances become more accomplished and popular each year.”
For more detail, contact Jane on janevose@icloud.com or contact Phil on 01489 579078 or via email coundleypj@yahoo.com.

BISHOP'S Waltham in Bloom is looking for volunteers to help take down some of the town's hanging baskets.
In a post on the Bishop's Waltham Community Volunteers website, they said: “Saturday October 21 at 9am the hanging baskets in Red Lion Street, High Street, Brook Street and a few other locations will be taken down and placed in our van. 
“Watering of the baskets will stop the week or so before and they should not be too heavy (weather permitting!). We need help to clamber up and down ladders and to carry the baskets to the van.
“At 10am the baskets will arrive at the Cricket Ground on Albany Road. We need help to empty these baskets, putting the plants onto a compost heap.
“A chance for you to have some plants for yourself.”