C OF E FIRST SCHOOL: The school has responded to an invitation to contribute children's art work to a big display in the town hall.

The work was being assembled last week, all based on the styles of various selected innovative artists past and present, and was extraordinarily good.

Listening to them talk about the work they have been doing and recognising the understanding they have of it, one is amazed at the breadth of the experiences our children are being given.

The school's remembrance service will be held in the school tomorrow (Friday), at 11am. Parents and friends will be most welcome.

During the week preceding the service, an on-going silver collection will have been made in aid of the Air Ambulance Service.

The school has a particular feeling for this charity having had colleagues and children who have owed much to the service it provides and it was felt that, showing support for the current Danny Shew Appeal, it would be fitting to have the children taking part in a collection.

There will still be time to add a silver coin on the day of the remembrance service should you wish to do so.

The official opening of the new Nursery wing will take place on November 25, with invited guests at a short ceremony at 10am, then, at 10.30am, the whole building will be open to members of the public.

Tea, coffee and cakes, courtesy of the school and served by the members of the St James' social committee, will be available, free, in the village hall from 10.30am.

It is hoped that as many people as possible (and particularly those who missed the OFSTED talk by Mrs Palmer some weeks ago) will be able to pay a visit to their school.

Advance notice: The school's carol service is planned for the evening of December 11 and will be held outdoors.

PRE-SCHOOL: Two events organised by the staff of the pre-school take place in quick succession this month.

On November 16, at 6pm, you are invited to the village hall to see exactly what facilities for care and learning are provided daily for the children who attend.

It is thought that most people may not know what goes on in pre-school: now is a chance to find out. The hall will be set up as for a day-time session.

While this is happening the AGM will be taking place in one of the back rooms and this is a public meeting.

On November 18, from 2-4pm a pre-Christmas Fair will take place in the hall.

Father Christmas will be present, there will be a variety of stalls and items of interest to see and take part in, with teas (or coffee) served throughout the proceedings.

CHALLENGE QUIZ: Eleven teams representing organisations in the village took part in this event, competing for a trophy which will carry the names of the winners under the legend Brains of Harvington 2000.

The winners were the team from The Golden Cross pub who beat St James's Church by a narrow margin.

The members - Chris and Andy Pedrick, Janet and Colin Till received the plaque but immediately handed it back to the organisers so that it could be suitably inscribed before being put onto the wall of the village hall where it will remain until it is played for again next year.

The competitors and organisers felt that the event had been a great success but some disappointment was expressed that more people did not turn up to support despite the invitations and free entry.