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. No sparklers are permitted. The event is sponsored by Dybles and organised by Twyford St Mary's PTA.

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, 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."

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."

LOOKING ahead to Christmas, 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 until 5pm.

PANTOMIME seats for a production of Alice in Wonderland in Otterbourne Village Hall are available for booking. The performances will take place on Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January and the following weekend on Friday 17, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19. Performances begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10. On the Saturdays, there will be performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 for those shows. On  Sundays, the performances will be at 2.30pm and tickets will cost £12. There is also a relaxed Performance on Sunday 12 at 11am, for which tickets are £12. To book, visit ticketsource.co.uk/ovh or call 07544 581331.

On Remembrance weekend the annual local history photographic exhibition in Otterbourne Village Hall will remember local men who fought in the WW2 campaigns of 1944. Also featured will be a display of 200 years of village schools. The exhibition in the John and Betty Mobbs room will run from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10. Entry is free.