THERE were plenty of opportunities to wish Happy Christmas on Friday evening when half the town seemed to be wandering up and down the high street at the late night shopping event. Thankfully the shops seem to have stopped selling crazy string these day

THERE were plenty of opportunities to wish "Happy Christmas" on Friday evening when half the town seemed to be wandering up and down the high street at the late night shopping event. Thankfully the shops seem to have stopped selling crazy string these days and the herds of kids stampeding up and down had to make do with flashing rabbit ears instead.

There were opportunities to get some last-minute presents during the evening. At the Viva Centre, the Soham Artists Group had several pieces of work for sale, I didn't realise we had that much talent lurking in town. Downstairs you could buy Mum or Nana a ticket for Viva's next production, Thoroughly Modern Millie, at Beechust from February 1-3. There are still some on sale at £6 each from 01353 722 228. Go on, give them something to look forward to in the grey, cold days of February.

Further down the road, the museum group were selling part two of the Soham Chronicles. The first volume, compiled by the late Mrs Turner, came out in 1985 and this one, put together by George Ginn, is equally fascinating. For just under £4 it will keep dad quiet for ages on Christmas day while the kids sit mesmerised by their new computer games.

One slightly sour none on the evening was the dark Christmas tree outside the Blue Donkey office. The Rotary Club fully intended to have it lit up as usual, but some mindless moron's idea of fun was to drag the lights off the night before. All will be in running order again soon.