CONGRATULATIONS to Hilary Ann Warner on her MBE for services to the community in Chalfont St Giles. Hilary has worked tirelessly for the good of the village for over 60 years.

More awards for St Giles people came at Chiltern District Council's third chairman's volunteer awards ceremony held on June 2. Chairman Jeremy Banham presented three nominees from St Giles with citations and medals recognising their contributions to the community. Elizabeth Marks of Back Lane was honoured for her work in setting up and managing the Visitor Information Centre, Philip Birger of Captain Cook Close for his 25 years as chairman of the Milton's Cottage Trust, and Fred Nolan of Gorelands Lane for his contribution to the parish council, residents association, and many other village organisations.

JAZZ IN THE BARN at Merlin's on Sunday welcomes sax and clarinet star Vic Ash who played regularly when Frank Sinatra toured in the UK. He's also a regular member of the Radio Big Band. John Critcheson is on piano, Bobby Orr on drums and Pete Hughes on bass. The music starts at 12.15pm.

CHARITY ART SALE starts on Sunday at 43 Birkett Way in St Giles. It's the chance to buy an original oil painting at a very special price. For every painting sold £5 will be donated to the RNIB to help people with sight problems to integrate more easily into daily life.

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION looms again in St Giles so keep your area clean and tidy, please.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY in St Giles welcome Cyril Aydon on Tuesday for "An evening with Charles Darwin". Mr Aydon has written a biography of the great man. The talk takes place in the Garden Centre, School Lane at 7.30 for 8pm. Tickets are £3.50 from the library.

CHECK OUT the library noticeboard regularly.

VILLAGE HISTORY is now the subject of a new website. Visit www.chalfonthistory.co.uk CHARITY BINGO NIGHT takes place at Chalfont St Peter Community Centre tomorrow at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 with cash prizes, a raffle, bar and refreshments. Money raised will go to Cancer Research UK.