The church carol party in Branscombe has been moved to December 16 after a booking clash. Read this and more.

CHRISTMAS PLAY: The public performance of Branscombe Primary School’s Christmas play will be on Thursday, December 8, at 6.30pm in the Village Hall, and the school are inviting locals to come along and watch.

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CAROL REARRANGEMENT: The church carol party in Branscombe has been moved to December 16 after a booking clash. Axe Vale Hunt had sold 200 tickets for an auction and supper on December 9, when they had booked the village hall for the week previously. Organisers of the carol party decided it was easier for them to move than to make the hunt rearrange, so the evening of entertainment, games and carol singing will be at 6.30pm on December 16. There is a free glass of mulled wine and a mince pie provided a collection for Children’s Hospice South West.

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FUNDRAISING: Branscombe Preschool is trying to raise money for a Christmas party for its children and some new painting equipment. If anyone is able to give a donation to help out contact them on 01297 680339 or pop in to school on a Monday, Tuesday or Friday.

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FOOTPATH: The new off-road track from Long Hill to Beer Hill is due to open this month. The footpath through the countryside around Beer, named ‘Cowersley Way’ after a public appeal, was finally given the go-ahead by Devon County Council earlier this summer after years of planning. It is hoped the path will benefit motorists as well as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, as they will no longer be a danger to drivers by being alongside traffic on the main route between Beer and Seaton. Beer Praish Council said there will be an official opening early next year, but added: “We trust that you will make use of and enjoy this valuable addition to our local footpath network.”

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PERFORMANCE: A local reworking of classic tale will be on in Branscombe on Saturday, December 10 in the village hall. The play, entitled ‘A Lad in Devon’, written by Patricia Barclay. It tells the story of 1940s Branscombe, which welcomes evacuees from the blitz, including one young man with a Welsh and Chinese heritage who catches the eye of the local squire’s daughter. Including an evil long lost uncle and ghostly pirates, tickets to see this tale cost �4 for adults, and �2 for children from the village post office and cast members.

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CHRISTMAS FAIR: Branscombe’ ‘Christmas Fair’ will take place in the village hall on Saturday, December 3, from 2pm to 4pm. There are still stalls available, contact Janet Sindle on 01395 516822.