Newton Poppleford allotments now have the added benefit of piped water and eight water troughs. Read this and more.

TREES: Newton Poppleford’s Christmas Tree Festival will take place on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 from 10.30am to 6.30pm at The Pavilion, Back Lane. Entrance is �2, to include refreshments and mince pie, 50p children. You can round off the festival on Sunday at 6pm by singing carols. Proceeds to the village’s Queen’s Jubilee Celebration Fund.

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MINCE PIE TEA: There are a limited number of places for a Christmas Mince Pie Tea to be held at Harpford village hall at 3pm on Friday, December 9. Tickets are �3.50. Call (01395) 567751.

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ALLOTMENTS: Newton Poppleford allotments now have the added benefit of piped water and eight water troughs. Plot holders paid �10 each donation to the parish council towards connection to the main roadway by South West Water that now brings water to the cemetery and allotments.

The Garden and Allotment Association made �100 donation towards the project.

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OPEN GARDENS: Hospiscare is looking for new gardens for its 2012 Open Garden Scheme. Last year the gardens raised �20,000, money that will help the charity provide its vital service to patients and their families across Devon. For more information on the garden scheme contact Tracey Skinner (01392) 688063 or email: t.skinner@hospiscare.co.uk.