WILDLIFE: The Strettons branch of Shropshire Wildlife Trust's audience enjoyed the unique privilege of sharing the evening with two hedgehogs, aged three months, at their recent meeting.

They had been brought in by husband and wife team, Martin and Tanis Jordan, who have been caring for and rescuing hedgehogs for around 14 years, first in London and now in Shropshire since moving here 18 months ago.

At the end, a very hearty thanks was expressed for a most exciting evening which was well applauded by the audience.

WI: The Church Stretton branch is due to meet in the Silvester Horne Institute, at 7.15pm, next Tuesday, when visitors are welcome. The entertainment comes under the heading of Corners.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS: The Craven Arms Men's Chorus, together with Knighton Town Silver Band, will be on hand to entertain at the Royal British Legion's concert tomorrow (Friday). The concert will be in Church Stretton School, at 7.30pm.

Applications for tickets should be made at Wrights Estate Agents or Burway Books, and cost £6 including light refreshment.

Hodie is a celebration of Christmas in words and music featuring The More Singers, in the Methodist Church, at 7.30pm on Saturday. A collection for Mayfair will be taken.

Next Wednesday evening, will see pupils at Church Stretton School presenting their Christmas concert.

STRETTON CANCER CARE: Members and guests are due to celebrate Christmas with a lunch at the Royal Oak, in Cardington, tomorrow (Friday). On Saturday, they will be busy organising the Christmas bazaar, which is due to take place in the Silvester Horne Institute from 2-4pm. Cakes, toys, Christmas gifts, books and white elephant will be on the stalls and there will be a raffle and refreshments too. Good quality items for the stalls would be welcome.

SCHOOL NEWS: Year 7 at Church Stretton School will be off to the pantomime during the week and the school will be hosting its Christmas concert next Wednesday.

Year 11 pupils will have completed their 'mocks' and school term will end on Friday, December 17. At St Lawrence's Primary School, there have been trips to Hereford to see Aladdin for Key Stage One pupils, while classes 5, 6 and 7 will see Cinderella in Shrewsbury.

Tomorrow (Friday), it will be the Christmas production for class 9 and next Monday, for classes 5, 6, and 7, at 6.30pm.

Next Tuesday, will be the Key Stage One carol service in the church, with Key Stage Two's carol service the next day. Both services are due to start at 10.30am.On Thursday, December 16, there will be Christmas parties in the afternoon and, at 4pm Key Stage Two pupils will be all set for their Christmas ball.

OUT AND ABOUT: Acton Scott Church will be the venue for a seasonal concert, starting at 7pm, on Saturday, December 18, with tickets £5 including light refreshment. The concert will be presented by Salop Musica and feature a chamber choir, harp and voice, guitar and flute, and a soloist. Audience participation will be expected! Ring 01694 781331 for tickets. Other events in the village have included a prize bingo, which raised £154 for church funds and provided a good evening's entertainment for all. The Christingle service last weekend saw a full church and raised £600 for The Children's Society. There was a good attendance for the Harry Potter film in the village hall last Friday.

Dorrington Church will be the setting for Carols in the Countryside, at 7.30pm, next Wednesday, followed by cheese and wine in Stapleton Village Hall.

Tickets for this event cost £5, inclusive of cheese and wine, accompanied children admitted free. For tickets ring 01743 861178 or 761138.

MAYFAIR: The retirement of Meg Bacon as development manager at Mayfair Community Centre will be marked with a Christmas bring and share party on Saturday, December 18, at 7.30pm. This is an open invitation to all members of the community, and a list is available at reception for everyone to indicate the type of food they will be taking.