Window competition: The winners of Earby Town Council’s shop window competition have been announced. The Mayor and Mayoress of Pendle headed up the judging team and enjoyed tea in the Parish Rooms afterwards. The winners were: Large display areas – 1 Felicitations, 2 Julie Holmes, 3 Pendleside Hospice Shop. Small or limited display areas – 1 Prince & King, 2 S & B Fruits, 3 Jamie Pitt. Two special awards were given to private houses who had joined in the festive spirit and decorated their windows. The town council thanks everyone who took part.

Churches Together: Thanks have been expressed to everyone who worked hard to enable the production of the Earby to Bethlehem Nativity Play to take place last Sunday. Despite the appalling weather, the community co-operated to enable the event to go ahead. Thanks to the Pickles family, the lighting and sound technicians, Thornton Hall Farm and Happa for the animals, the producer and adult cast, Springfield Primary School, the White Lion, Earby Brass Band, the Churches Together choir, stewards, First Earby Scouts and all the behind the scenes folk who met regularly to plan and then run the event.

All Saints: All Saints Parish Church held a festival of nine lessons and carols last Wednesday, which was attended by 90 adults and ten youngsters. Lessons were read by members of groups and organisations in Earby and the music was provided by Earby Brass Band. The retiring collection was divided between Earby Brass Band and the Earby minibus appeal. The Rev Hugh Fielden thanked the readers and band, and said this was another event that showcased the community spirit Earby enjoys. The Christmas Eve Crib and Christingle service will be held at 6.30pm and there will be an 11pm service with Holy Communion to welcome in Christmas Day.

St Peter’s: A carol service will be held at St Peter’s Methodist Church at 10.30am on Sunday. This service of costumes, carols and cake will be led by David Hartley and members of the congregation.

Luncheon club: Earby’s Over-50s Luncheon Club enjoyed a Christmas lunch last Friday at the New Road Community Centre. More than 40 members and 18 volunteers tucked into roast turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas pudding or sherry trifle, followed by coffee and mints. There were balloons, party poppers and crackers, and each member was given chocolates to take home. Rosemary Biggin, secretary of Earby Community Association, thanked everyone who participated and the volunteers. The club, which has been running for more than 19 years at the New Road Community Centre, is run by volunteers on a rota basis. Each Friday a hot two-course lunch and coffee is served to members for a cost of £3.80. Door to door transport is available for a small charge. The luncheon club re-opens on Friday, January 3. Anyone wishing to join should ring 01282 842618. To find out more, visit earbycommunityassociation.com.