THE official date has been set for Twyford's bonfire night. At Hunter Park on Monday, November 4, the village's "firework spectacular" starts at 6.30pm, although the gates will open from 5pm. Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for kids and £15 for the whole family. On offer will be mulled wine, beer, hot chocolate, soft drinks, hot and cold food and light-up toys, as well as a raffle. Revellers have been asked to park considerately around the village, and are reminded that only disabled parking is available on site. Unfortunately, no sparklers are permitted. The event is sponsored by Dybles and organised by Twyford St Mary's PTA.

ONE more event in Twyford is the church quiz, at Twyford Parish Hall on Friday, October 25. Between 7pm and 10pm, Jon Hibberd will act as quiz-master to test knowledge on a range of subjects. All are welcome, and revellers are invited to bring their own picnic. Entry is £10 per person and guests will be seated at tables of eight. Bookings are being supervised by Juliet Hawkes, who can be contacted on 07887946830 or at julietahawkes@aol.com. There will also be a bar and a raffle.

THE new waste and recycling calendar came into force on October 7 onwards and will affect the entire area, including Twyford, Colden Common, Otterbourne, Compton and Shawford. Information will be posted to you soon if it has not arrived already, along with a letter explaining some changes that may affect you. Winchester City Council is overseeing the changes. For more information, visit winchester.gov.uk.

CALLS for volunteers to help with this year's poppy appeal have been made in Twyford. Jane Bronk posted the following on Facebook: "Can you help please? Do you have an hour or two to support the Poppy Appeal this year? Would you be willing to sell poppies outside of the Twyford Stores on any of the following dates between 10 am and 4pm? Saturday, October 26, Sunday, October 27, Saturday, November 2, Sunday, November 3, or Saturday, November 9, or even weekdays if you wish. If your daughter or son is a member of a uniformed group and would like to help, they need to be accompanied by an adult, it would be fantastic. Please contact me on janebronk@gmail.com or 07725059717 as soon as you can."

THE first Christmas event to appear in this section this year has arrived. On December 7 at Twyford Parish Hall, members of the public are invited to the free festive hobnob. There will be a series of relaxing features, including festive teas and locally produced honey. In a post on Facebook, the organisers said: "You will find some really special and unique gift ideas, or simply just pop in for a coffee, a piece of cake and a chat, somewhere to go if you feel like unwinding and de-stressing from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping." The event will run from midday untoiol 5pm.

IT is with regret that the parish council has confirmed that the fireworks display at Colden Common Park will not be taking place this year. The parish council, as the landowner, has a duty under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 for the safety of events held on its land. Concerns were raised regarding animal welfare and public safety which needed to be addressed. Solutions to reduce risk so the event could go ahead have not been found. The council said: "We understand that this may come as a disappointment to many. This is not a decision which has been taken lightly."