Members of Downham Short Mat Bowls Club is hosting a free open evening at the town's Sports and Leisure Centre, Bexwell Road, on Friday, October 24, at 8pm.

The evening is open to people of all ages and will include taster sessions, with the chance watch, ask questions and meet the members.
For further details contact Len on 01366 381218.

n I hear that a new charity shop is to open in Downham in support of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

It will be in the old Norwich and Peterborough Building Society premises in High Street, opening early next month.

The search is now on for volunteers who can spare a few hours a week to help in the shop, as well as fundraising volunteers who could help with organising collecting tins, attending functions and assisting at local events.

Open days for potential volunteers will be held at the new shop next Friday, October 17, and again on Wednesday, October 22.

For more information and to book your place, call Clare on 01223 815134, or email clare.bates@each.org.uk

Next Sunday, October 19, Downham High School has another of its fundraising car boot sales. Pitches are still available and can be booked by ringing 07967 397779.

Tickets are now on sale for Downham Friends of Papworth organ concert.

Organist Sarah Foley, a new musician for Papworth, will be travelling from Devon to provide an evening of popular music; all are welcome and invited to show their support. Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7.30pm on Friday, October 31, are available from Lewks and committee members at £5 each, or call Barbara Yallop on 01366 382003.

It's always great to hear of a local business doing well. Having opened in March, Arbuckles restaurant at Downham has gone from strength to strength, providing employment for more than a dozen local people. To meet a growing demand, the restaurant has expanded its car park to provide 25 more spaces. The added bonus of a takeaway service is also going a long way.