Congratulations to Alexander Condliffe, a pupil of Monica Kingsnorth, who has gained a Distinction in his Grade 8 Piano Examination.

WI CAROL SERVICE

The Christmas Carol Service for the Maldonian Group of Women's Institutes was held in All Saints Church, Purleigh, on Monday December 3, hosted by Purleigh W.I.

The Purleigh bellringers rang the bells as the congregation gathered, then they were welcomed by the ector, the Rev Elspeth Bland.

Purleigh WI Choir led the singing, accompanied by organist Jill Burrage.

Bible readings were given by Joan McCallum (Purleigh), Doreen Clark (Heybridge and Langford), Jeanette Lovely (Maldon Centre) and Beryl Langford (Wickham Bishops and Great Totham).

Purleigh members Jean Hustwayte, Hazel Ridgwell, Jac Snow, Sue MacEwen and Jill Crosby read a selection of appropriate poetry. Refreshments were served in the Cock Clarks Room at end of the service.

STITCH AND CRAFT GROUP

This group held its last meeting of the year on Tuesday December 4 in Purleigh village hall.

The January meetings are on the 8th and 15th from 10am until noon.

SCHOOL NATIVITY

Purleigh County Primary School held its Nativity play in All Saints Church on Wednesday 5, Thursday 6 and Friday 7 December - it had to be over three days to allow everyone who wanted to see it to get in!

The children were escorted up the hill by the police community support officer and the Childrens' Bell Plate Club opened the proceedings by playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

The Nativity was mimed by the Reception Class with Class 6 narrating and Class 5 giving a percussion accompaniment. It was very well performed and the traditional carols had been memorised by the children. The costumes were good, especially the animal ones.

At the end of the Saturday evening performance, a presentation was made to the rector, the Rev Elspeth Bland, by headteacher Mrs Dawn Dack with children from each class coming forward.

They had made a very large card, with photos of the church and surrounding area which they had taken on visits to the church, on the front and a message from each class inside. They also gave her with a book token.

At the end of the evening a band of parents cleared all the props and left everything spotless and ready for the Saturday Service of Morning Prayer.