CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR—Under the direction, and with the active assistance of the ladies of the parish, the fine old church has been tastefully decorated. Both on Christmas and New Year's Eve the church bells rang out merry peals, much to the satisfaction of the hearers. This has not been done for some years past, and it is much to be hoped that this good old custom may not again be allowed to be neglected.

PIGEON SHOOTING—On Saturday last, the 31st December, through the energy of Mr. Britten, gamekeeper to Mr. B. Wontner, Hinwick Hall, the lovers of pigeon shooting had a good opportunity of displaying their skill. The shooting took place in a field of Mr. E. W. Goosey, and the names of the shooters are Messrs. Britten, Goosey, Knight, C. Rose, F. Heathfield, and F. Allen. The shooting, taken as a whole, cannot be called good. Messrs. Knight and Rose may be considered as the best shots on the ground.

CHOIR SUPPER— Through the kindness of the Vicar, the adult, male members of the Church Choir were enabled to meet together and have their annual supper on Wednesday evening last.

CONCERT IN AID OF ORGAN FOR PARISH CHURCH—For some time past it has been felt by many of the parishioners as a great want that there is no organ at the parish church. Steps are now being actively taken in order to remedy this defect. On Thursday evening, the 5th inst., a concert of vocal and instrumental music was given in aid of the above-named object, in the National Schoolroom, when a varied and very interesting programme was performed by some kind friends. Judging by the hearty and frequent bursts of applause given by the crowded audience, the efforts of the helpers in this good work were fully appreciated. Through the kindness of Mrs. Orlebar, of Hinwick House, and with the assistance of several of the ladies of the parish, the room was tastefully decorated.

ENTERTAINMENT—On Friday last, the 27th inst., another very interesting and enjoyable entertainment was given in the National Schoolroom, Podington, in aid of the Organ Fund. The programme consisted of readings, and vocal and instrumental music. The frequent and hearty bursts of applause given by the audience, clearly shewed that the efforts of the many kind friends who had volunteered their services, were greatly appreciated.

THE MILD WEATHER—The winter being so mild, gooseberry bushes are in green leaf, currant trees are showing that spring time is nigh, and birds have begun to build their nests. Robin's eggs were found as early as January 14th in this parish. The wheat, beans, and peas are looking well, flowers are very plentiful, and we hope to find some young birds very shortly.

Sharnbrook Petty Sessions
Friday, April 14th.—Before Mr. H. H. Mr. T. Bagnall, and Mr. L. G. S. Gibbard.

In an affiliation case, Caroline Risely, of Harrold, v. John Tyler Pettit, shoemaker, of Poddington, an order was made for 1s. 6d. per week, with the usual costs.

THE THUNDERSTORM— Wednesday afternoon's storm broke very heavily over this village. The lightning was very vivid, and the fall of rain and hail so great that the brooks and ponds overflowed their banks in all directions. The fruit trees and flower gardens suffered, but fortunately no injury appears to have been sustained by either man or beast.

PODINGTON - YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION—On Sunday last a meeting was held at the Mission Room, Hinwick, to form a Young Men's Christian Association, when 21 young men gave in their names as members. The Vicar is president, and Mr. George Henry Carrington, secretary and treasurer of the Association.

ASCENSION DAY—Thursday being Ascension Day, Divine Service was held in the parish church at 7 o'clock p.m. There was a fair audience. The Vicar officiated.

CRICKET—On Saturday last a match was played OH the Recreation Ground, Wellingborough, between the Podington Hearts of Oak C.C. and the Wellingborough Midland United C.C. The Hearts of Oak were first called to the bat, and scored 42 runs; then the Midland United scored 41, the Podington men thus gaining the victory.

BENEFIT SOCIETY—On Whit-Friday and Saturday the members of the Podington Benefit Society held their 46th anniversary in the National Schoolroom. On Friday morning service was held in the Church for the members of the Podington and Hinwick Benefit Societies, the Vicar officiating. This society consists of 73 members, most of whom sat down to a substantial dinner at one o'clock, which was provided by the steward. At the table we noticed, among other gentlemen, the Vicar, Mr. R. Wyldes, Mr. J. Blythe, and Mr. Roughton. On Saturday lunch was served at eleven o'clock, and each day singing, glees, dancing, and, various other amusements were carried on until ten o'clock.

HAY HARVEST—During the past week most of the farmers in this locality have commenced clover and grass, and some very heavy swathes have been produced. If the weather proves favourable there will be some good stacks.

HAY-TIME—During the past week, but little has been done amongst the hay owing to the weather. Heavy storms of rain have been very prevalent in this locality.

BAZAAR—The preparations for the bazaar to be held in the Vicarage grounds at the above village, on the 27th and 28th inst., in aid of the restoration of the Parish Church, and a new organ, are rapidly progressing, and some very handsome and valuable articles will be exhibited. Should the weather be favourable the attendance of visitors will doubtless be large.

STORM—On Tuesday, the 11th. inst., the storm quickly overflowed the brook and carried away large quantities of hay, breaking down fences, &c. Several families were obliged to turn out in the middle of the night. One man named Horn walked through water up to his waist seven times to rescue his wife and family. Mr. G. Horsford lost 17 fowls which were drowned. Pigs and other animals had also to be removed to places of safety, the flood being the highest we have had for many a year. It was a difficult task, and happily an unusual one, to find fresh lodgings for men, women, and children, to say nothing of pigs, in the middle of the night.

TEA PARTY—On Friday, last week, a public tea held in Mr. J. L. Blythe's grounds (kindly lent for the occasion) in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association. Tea was provided at 4.30 by the secretary and treasurer (Messrs. George H. Carrington and John Cross), when upwards of 120 sat down. The cloth being removed, all sorts of amusements were indulged in until 6.45, when the Vicar (Rev. J. Geldart, M.A.) gave a very impressive address to the public, numbering about 180 persons, in the open air. Subsequently the Doxology was sung. Games of various descriptions were then carried on until ten o'clock, the proceedings being closed by singing the National Anthem and loud cheers for Mr. J. L. and Mrs. Blythe. At the tea tables we noticed the Rev. J. Geldart (vicar), Mrs. Wyman (Hinwick), Miss Cain (Bedford), Mrs. Chapman, Miss White, Miss Blythe (Podington), and others, including an old inhabitant named Mr. Thomas Tysoe, now in his 88th year, and in good health. Altogether a very pleasant evening was spent, and as a result a fair sum of money will be devoted to the Restoration Fund.

HARROLD UNITED C.C. v. PODINGTON HEARTS OF OAK C.C.
On Saturday last a match was played between the above clubs on the Harrold ground. Scores: Harrold, 25 and 54; Podington, 60 and 20; the latter gaining the victory with six wickets to fall.

HARVEST is making rapid progress in this village, and the crops are highly spoken of.

We are glad to say that the fever has now left Podington, the recent sufferers being convalescent.

PODINGTON—On Sunday morning last some excitement was caused in this village by the report that the barley in Mr. Parson's shed was overheated and likely to fire. The report proving accurate the farm men were got together, and after a few hours hard work the barley was brought out into the field and untied arid spread. Had it been left in the shed any longer it would have fired, being so overheated by the green clover in straw.

ACCIDENTS—On Friday last a lad named Joseph Bodington was engaged driving a dung cart on the Vicarage Farm, when passing through a gateway with a load the wheel caught the lad and knocked him down, and the wheel of the cart passed over his foot very badly crushing it. He was at once conveyed home where he is progressing, but very slowly. On Sunday afternoon a young gentleman from Rushden was passing through Hinwick on a bicycle when, coming down the hill by the Horseford, it caught against a stone and he was pitched off. He was picked up insensible by some friends and taken to the Wheat Sheaf Inn, where he was well cared for by the landlady, while his friends proceeded to Rushden to provide a conveyance to get him home. At 3.30 a horse and trap arrived. The poor fellow had by that time much revived, but he was dreadfully shaken and unable to set his foot to the ground.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING—On Sunday last, the harvest thanksgiving services were held in the Parish Church. The Rev. J. Geldart, vicar, officiating. Collections were made after each service, the amount realised being upwards of £6, which was devoted to the restoration fund.

CUB HUNTING—The hounds met at Hinwick-hall at 9 o'clock on Tuesday. There was a very large meet, including most of the neighbouring gentry. The first place visited was Toptoft plantation, where the hounds turned out no less than three foxes. One of these was followed until it was run aground in Wollaston field. They put in again at Long Lays Spinney, where another find was effected, and after a good run he was killed on the road about a quarter of a mile from Hinwick.

CRICKET—On Saturday last, the 7th inst., a match was played between the Hinwick Hall team, and the Podington Hearts of Oak C.C., on the Podington ground. As time did not permit the game to be played out, it was decided upon the first innings, the Hinwick Hall team gaining the victory by one run. After the match was over, Mr. Wontner, of Hinwick Hall, entertained all the members of the Club and other friends to an excel¬lent supper, which was provided by Mr. W. Tye, and was served at the house of Mr. J. Austin at seven o'clock, when 28 sat down. The cloth having been removed, Mr. J. Austin was voted to the chair, and Mr. J. Brown to the vice-chair. The usual loyal toasts were first drunk, and the health of Mr. Wontner and his lady, and the ladies and gentlemen visiting at the hall were then received with musical honours. Some excellent songs were afterwards sung by Messrs. R. Jones, C. Rose, C. R. Horn, J. Cross, H. Partridge and others. Mr. R. Jones rendered good assistance on the concertina and guitar. Hearty enjoyment was kept up until 11.50, when loud cheers were given for Mr. Wontner, Mr. Bridgman, Mr. Gibbard, and the evening was brought to a conclusion with the National Anthem. Annexed is the score at the match:—

STORM AND FLOODS—The storm on Tuesday week was felt very severely in this village. Large branches were torn from the trees, while in other cases large trees were uprooted; a large number of stacks were also stripped of their thatch; and pots, bricks from the chimneys, and tiles and slates were blown in all directions. The stalls which stood in the Hinwick-street became a total wreck, especially one belonging to Mr. Wm. Stewart, "cheap Jack" from Keysoe, Beds., which was thrown over, and damaged to the extent of £20. The heavy fall of rain caused a serious flood, and for many hours the roads were quite impassable.

THE FEAST—The village feast was celebrated on Sunday week last. The weather was very wet and gloomy, but despite adverse circumstances a large number of visitors entered the village. On Monday there were the usual attractions for the young in the shape of stalls, swingboats, &c., and there was also dancing at the Wheatsheaf Inn. On Tuesday, Miss Elizabeth Sayer, landlady of the Wheatsheaf, entertained her customers and other friends to a capital lunch, when upwards of 70 sat down. The cloth having been drawn the usual toasts were drunk, and several good songs were sung by members of the company. It may be mentioned to the credit of the villagers that there was an entire absence of drunkenness during the week.

TEA MEETING AND SALE OF WORK—On Monday week a sale of work and other fancy articles (left from the late bazaar) and a public tea were held in the village schoolroom. The ladies presiding at the stalls were Mrs. Geldart, Miss Kinch, Miss White, and the Misses Goosey. Tea was served at four o'clock, when upwards of 80 sat down. Amongst the visitors we noticed the Rev. J. and Mrs. Geldart, Rev. Mr. Penrose, Miss Kinch, the Misses Goosey, Mr. G. W. Goosey, Mr. C. Goosey, Mr. Jonathan Austin, Mr. J. Hill, and Mrs. Blythe. There was a fair sale for the work and other articles which realised about £17. This will be devoted to the parish church restoration and organ fund.

BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS—On Saturday last a bonfire was prepared in front of the Hinwick Hall near the edge of the long canal. About 6 o'clock in the evening a large number of ladies and gentlemen of the village and other parishioners had assembled to witness the burning of the effigy of "Guy Fawkes." The fire was then lighted and a grand display of fireworks followed, which were exhibited by Major Bridgman and other gentlemen. After two hours' good sport loud cheers were given for the Major, and for Mr. Wontner and his lads, and the company then dispersed. Amongst those present were Mr. B. A. Wontner, Mrs. Wontner, Major Bridgman, Major Oxley, Captain Mallat and lady, Mr. R. Orlebar, Mrs. Orlebar, Rev. J. and Mrs. Geldard, Mr. R. R. Orlebar, Mr. B. O. C. Orlebar, Mr. R. Wyldes, Mrs. Wyldes, and others.

ENTERTAINMENT—On Friday evening last an entertainment of dissolving views was given in the National School-room by Mr. C. W. Hayes. The exhibition consisted of various views in foreign lands, natural phenomena, sketches, scripture scenes, and some very good comic scenes, together with a collection of splendid Chinese fireworks, ascent of Mont Blanc, &c. There was a fair audience on Friday and on Monday evening part of the views were shown to the week-day and Sunday School children and many other visitors. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Podington Church Organ Fund.

FOOTBALL—On Saturday evening a meeting was held to form a Football Club. There was a very fair meeting, Mr. Esau Partridge was elected captain, Mr. John Cross secretary and treasurer, and Messrs. H. Perkins, A. Tysoe, H. Partridge, the Committee. At the close of the meeting sixteen young men paid their entrance fee as members.

SERVICES—On Sunday last, two sermons were preached in St. Mary's Church, in aid of the Church Missionary Society. In the morning the sermon was preached by the vicar, and the evening sermon by the deputation. There was a good attendance and a collection after each service. On Monday evening, the annual missionary meeting was held in the National Schoolroom, when the vicar the Rev. J. Geldart, presided. The meeting commenced with the hymn, "From Greenland's icy mountains," a short prayer was then offered, and the 19th Psalm read by the vicar. Addresses were afterwards given by the Chairman and the deputation. The vicar then said the collections last year amounted to £7 3s. 3d., and this year they were two shillings under that of last year. The meeting terminated with the hymn "All the night so dark and drear," Mr. C. W. Hayes presiding at the harmonium. There was a very large attendance. A collection was made at the doors.

OPENING OF THE INDEPENDENT WESLEYAN MISSION-ROOM—On Sunday last this place of worship was opened by special services. In the afternoon a sermon was preached by the Rev. T. Bromage, of Wellingborough, who took for his text 17th verse of the 28th chapter of Genesis, "This is the house of God and this is the gate of heaven." There was a good attendance, and the collection amounted to 15s. 0½d. In the evening the Rev. T. Bromage also preached, and the Mission-room was crowded to excess. The collection amounted to £1 5s. 7½d. The proceeds were devoted to the building fund.— On Tuesday a public tea was provided in the Mission-room, which was beautifully decorated with evergreens, holly and berries, great taste being displayed in the decoration by Miss L. A. Tysoe, of Podington. Tea was provided by Mr. Tysoe, and 90 persons sat down. A public meeting was subsequently held in the Mission-room, when addresses were given by Revs. T. Bromage, and J. Ball, and Messrs. J. Parker and J. Fuller, to a crowded audience.

ADVENT SERVICES—During the season of Advent special services have been held in the St. Mary's Church on, Thursday evenings, the vicar (Rev. J. Geldart) officiating.

TEA FETE—On Wednesday the 13th inst., the children of the Podington Band of Hope, were entertained to tea in the Wesleyan Missions Room, by Mr. John Tysoe, to the number of 60, also 30 adults of the Blue Ribbon Army at the rate of one penny each. Tea over, brief addresses were given to the children by Mr. Bailey, of Rushden, and Mr. Thew, of the Band of Hope Union. In the evening, the Mission Room was again filled with adults, a very impressive address on temperance being given by Mr. Bailey. The audience was highly interested, and at the close 20 took the pledge and donned the blue ribbon.

DINNER PARTY—On Monday, being New Year's Day, the vicar entertained all the inhabitants over 70 years of age to a splendid dinner at the vicarage. There were 12 men and four aged women present, who heartily enjoyed their annual holiday.

ENTERTAINMENT—The first entertainment in the Independent Wesleyan Mission-room, by the Rushden Wesleyan Band of Hope, was given on Tuesday evening last, when Mr. J. Bull was voted to the chair. The entertainment was well attended, and great praise is due to Mr. Bull, for getting such a good programme together. The choir gave several good part songs with credit, the female voices being particularly noticeable for time and sweetness. Mrs. Bull sang in a praiseworthy manner, and it will be sufficient to add that all the performers did themselves credit in their respective parts. The programme was as follows: Chairman's address; part song, choir; recitation, Miss Annie Cox; song, Mrs. Bull; recitation, Mr. Button; duett, Misses Mary and Martha Bull; dialogue; part song, choir; recitation, Miss Lawson; song, Miss Mary Bull; recitation, Miss Clarke; part song, choir. The money paid for admission will be devoted to the restoration fund.

TEA FETES—On Wednesday, the 27th ult., the infants of the week day school were entertained with tea and cake in the National Schoolroom, and after tea all sorts of games were conducted for them and, some pretty toys and other little presents were awarded them by the vicar and Mrs. Geldart.

On Friday, the children of the day and Sunday school took tea in the National schoolroom. Tea being over amusements were indulged in, and in the meanwhile a beautiful Christmas Tree was lighted up with candles for the children. The tree was covered with toys and other useful articles, which were cut off the tree and given to the children, each child receiving something worth having. At 8 o'clock the proceedings were brought to a close amidst loud cheers for the Rev. J. and Mrs. Geldart, and Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, the schoolmaster and mistress. After the children's tea, the teachers of the Sunday School were entertained with tea in the infant schoolroom.