Following the sell-out performance in Reach village church last month by Cambridge Voices you might like to know of a future event to be led by the same group. CAMBRIDGE VOICES' annual concert of music and readings to herald the Christmas season - ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT - began eight years ago as a modest affair, exploiting the unusual feature of Swaffham Prior's two neighbouring churches on one hillside. Music spanning 1,000 years of England's unique choral heritage - from the 11th-century Hildegard of Bingen to the living composer John Tavener - has been presented by the choir, often with guest artists and orchestras at hand, interspersed with short seasonal readings, both sacred and humorously secular, by members of the audience. Over the years this ADVENT BY CANDELIGHT has become nationally recognised and many leading composers from both England and the Continent have written new works especially for the event. Indeed, it's so popular nowadays that a second performance on the same day is now given, nearby in Cambridge, to allow those from outside the parish to attend.

It would be marvellous to have readers representing Reach taking part in the concert, both young and old: it would really help to keep the event truly "local". If you'd like to participate, please contact the Choir Director Ian de Massini at 24 Fair Green, Reach Tel: 01638 741366 or Email iandemassini@argonet.co.uk.

This year's guest artists are ensemble PRIME BRASS, the Cambridgeshire's leading Brass quintet. who, with the choir, will present music by Bach, Gabrieli, Scheidt, Ruetti as well as the World Premiere of a new work from Reach composer Ian de Massini. There'll also be mince pies and mulled wine afterwards and all proceeds will go towards the work of EMMAUS, helping the employment of Cambridge's homeless. Tickets are available only on the door: £5 for adults (children free). Do get there early (doors open 3.30 pm in St. Mary's church, the church nearer the High Street) as all the seats are normally taken.

CAROLS IN THE VILLAGE CENTRE

All Welcome

The success of the last two Fairs shows we have got a good formula for the event but we must not rest on our laurels. The committee have already started planning Fair 2002 and we feel we need some new events and attractions as well as keeping the old favourites going. It would be good to have more craft stalls and demonstrations for the Playing Field. If any reader knows of any one not presently attending the Fair who could offer this, or who comes across a good craft stall at another event we'd like to know. We're also looking for new attractions. The Knights of Chivalry have provided an excellent show the last two years, perhaps we need something different for next year?

Help and especially ideas are needed from the wider village community. If you can contribute in anyway please contact the Fair sub-committee. We meet the second Wednesday of the month at 8 pm in the Village Centre and always welcome visitors. Remember it's your Fair too!

Jen Holmwood Reach Fair sub-committee (742969)

On average more snow falls in the state of Virginia, USA than in the lowlands of the Artic.

As much heat is required to melt a kilo of snow at room temperature as is needed to boil a litre of soup.

Clean snow melts slower than dirty snow.

Black snow fell over 18,000 square kilometres of south east Sweden during Christmas 1969.

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