THERE’S no getting away from it, in three week’s time the world population of turkeys will take a nosedive (or should that be beakdive?) and dads will be fitting batteries into coveted, plastic treasures while fir trees quietly shed needles on carpets.

SPICK AND SPAN

THE sprucing up of the high street continues. The old Crown pub on the corner of the Market Place and Churchgate Street really looks a treat now after being decorated; while the work on The Fountain opposite has gone well. It’s good to see that the steel yards is being cared for. As far as I’m aware there are only two left, here and Woodbridge, so it would be a shame if it fell into disrepair. Seeing the sort of things that attract public money these days, despite the hard times, we are constantly reminded that we are going through, it’s a little surprising that none was available to help maintain this almost unique historic landmark. So well done Zoe and John for taking the work on.

DON’T CALL US

JAKE the spaniel, despite having absolutely no talent and the musical ear of a cauliflower, has decided that he would rather like to be a singer. This all came about because I told him about our recent visit to The Brook to see Elkie Brooks in concert. Jake likes Ms Brooks, he likes anyone who sings about dogs, but especially if they sing about spaniels. One of Jake’s favourite songs is Ms Brooks’ hit, Pearl’s a Springer. But it’s not performing or the chance of stardom that attracts Jake to this new career, it was when I told him that the lady thanked the staff of The Brook for the sandwiches and, this was the clincher, the chocolate cake! Jake has different priorities to the rest of us.

IT’S COMING

THERE’S no getting away from it, in three week’s time the world population of turkeys will take a nosedive (or should that be beakdive?) and dads will be fitting batteries into coveted, plastic treasures while fir trees quietly shed needles on carpets. The hard-working street light group have done their bit and strung Soham’s new lights back and forth along the High Street and up and down some trees in the churchyard. It’s really great to see this happy band quietly getting on with the job while other communities are whining about funds and help and anything else they can find to moan about. The Soham Rotary Club will be putting Soham’s tree up in front of the Blue Donkey offices on Sunday morning. Once again the tree is being generously donated by the Chippenham Estate. This means everything will be in place for the Christmas Street Fair on the closed off High Street on Friday, December 9, from 6pm till 9pm while the Rotarians will be collecting for MAGPAS on each Saturday in December. After being given their marching orders by the Ely Cathedral authorities a few years ago the Rotary Club will again be organising a Christmas concert this year. It will take place in St Andrew’s Church on Wednesday, December 21 and will feature Soham Comrades Band, St Andrew’s School Choir, Weatheralls School Choir and St Andrew’s Church Choir, all under the direction of the Rev Tim Alban Jones. Tickets at �5 and �2 and will be available from St Andrew’s School, Lloyds TSB bank and members of the Soham Rotary Club.

SEASONAL ENTERTAINMENTS

ON Sunday there is a Christmas market at Wicken Village Hall, from midday till 5.30pm with all the usual stalls, teas and bargains.

From Wednesday till Sunday what is billed as Soham’s best home grown pantomime will be performed in Beechurst Hall when the KD group, led by Daniel Bell, present Aladdin. Surely if Aladdin’s mum was the widow Twanky his full name was Aladdin Twanky. We should be told.

HAVE YOUR SAY

TONIGHT (Thursday) the Forum will gather in the Pavilion at 7.30pm for one of their regular meetings. Everyone is welcome and you could learn something and get an opportunity to add your opinions.