SPARSHOLT School has received complaints from residents that parents are blocking access to resident parking spaces in Woodman Close and Bostock Close.

The school has asked people on the school run to park considerately and never block access to resident parking spaces.

WORK on a new cooking area at Sparsholt School should start in the new year. Meanwhile, the pond area transformation will be moving into the second phase with the replacement of the decking starting in January. Both projects have been funded by the Friends of Sparsholt School (FoSS).

CHILDREN at Littleton Pre-School are enjoying their encounters with ‘Lil Elf’. Last week, Santa’s little helper encouraged the kids to think about those who may not be as fortunate, with the pre-school’s collection for Winchester Basics Bank growing daily.

Lil Elf hid a tin of rice pudding, wrapping it in several layers of cling film, which the children had to work together to remove. The staff will be dropping off a donation box at the end of term.

LITTLETON Posada is underway with Mary and Joseph staying at different homes across the village.

Each year the posada raises money for Toybox, a charity working to reduce the number of children living on the streets. For more information or to donate go to justgiving.com/page/posada2023?fbclid=IwAR0vIxb6mX2zkIgqRIVkBh5OLN5dk8EPJg75R9tiWZav_49f553rEIqllRo.

CHRISTMAS services have begun in the Itchen Valley area. On Sunday, December 17 there will be family carols and costumes at St John’s at 10am and a traditional carol service at St Swithun’s Church in Martyr Worthy at 6pm.

On Tuesday, December 19 there will be carol singing at St Swithun’s Church at 5pm and at The Plough, in Itchen Abbas, at 6.30pm.

On Thursday, December 21 Carols by the Crib will be at St Mary’s Church in Easton from 4.30pm.

On Christmas Eve there will be a crib service at St Mary’s Church at 4pm and the midnight communion from 11pm at St Swithun’s Church. St John’s will also be hosting a family communion on Christmas day at 10am.

ST Catherine’s Church, in Littleton, will also be leading a carol service at 6pm on Sunday, December 17, a crib service on Christmas Eve at 4pm and a Holy Communion on Christmas day morning at 10am.

THE refurbishment of the Chestnut Horse, in Easton, has nearly finished ready for the pub’s January opening.

Joe Hibberd has been appointed as the new head and the team is busy preparing menus including small plates, pub classics, sharing boards and seasonal dishes.

THE Plough Inn, in Sparsholt, will be hosting an evening of Christmas carols from 6pm on Saturday, December 23.

THE Smile Education Hub is encouraging people to make or donate woolly hats to help the homeless this winter.

Hats can be dropped off at the collection point at The King Charles Pub in Kings Worthy by Monday, December 18.

THE Martyr Worthy Lecture Series will continue on Friday, January 12 with David Leakey giving an insider’s view of what goes on in political and parliamentary corridors.

Events start at 6.30pm at Itchen Abbas and Avington Hall with drinks and canapés before lectures commence at 7.15pm. Tickets cost £25. For more information or to book go to tickettailor.com/events/martyrworthylectures.