VILLAGE market: On Saturday, February 2, from 10am to noon, with all the usual great stalls.

ROMAN Dig Talk: Friday, February 8, 7.30pm, in the village hall, when Professor Michael Fulford will speak on the Roman dig findings.

SHROVE Tuesday: On February 12, there will be a “Pancake Evening”, starting at 6pm in the Silchester Methodist Church Hall.

REX Monger: Died last Saturday, and will be sadly missed by friends at the parish church and around the Silchester area.

Rex was a talented artist and his home, in Soke Road, was a treasure trove for gift seekers. He acted as Father Christmas’ stand-in at many children’s parties in the village hall, and up to this year made the large Christmas card which was signed in church.

We send our sympathy to his wife Louise and daughter Ann.