I find it difficult to believe that we have reached the end of the year already.  This year seems to have gone so quickly what with the staff changes, the numbers of children we have at playgroup and all the changes we have undergone due to the new government standards.  But here we are at the end of the year preparing for the new intake in January. First of all though I must say farewell to the children who will be leaving us for school at the end of the term.  This term we lose Harrison, Eden, Lui, Bethany, Kane, Freddie, Sonny, James, Alexander, Cameron, Emelia, George, Oliver, Tabitha, Sahira, Charlotte, Thomas and Savanna.  They have all been a pleasure to have at playgroup and we wish them well at “Big School”. We have several events coming up in the next few weeks.  Firstly on Saturday 8th December at 10am we have our annual Christmas Bazaar.  We will have craft stalls, sideshows, a raffle and hopefully a visit from Father Christmas, so please come along and help boost our funds.  The next event in our calendar is the ever popular Nativity Play which, as ever, will be held in the Parish Church and this year Rev. Martin Flowerdew has kindly agreed to narrate it for us.  It starts at 11am and there will be refreshments afterwards.  All are welcome.  Finally on Friday 14th December the children have their Christmas party.  We hope to have an entertainer, play games, have a party meal and if they are REALLY good, the children will get a present from Father Christmas as well.  A letter will go out to all parents shortly giving full details. The term officially ends on Thursday 13th December (with the party on the 14th) and we return on Monday 7th January 2002. On behalf of the Playgroup I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Julia Rushford, Chairlady