BEACONSFIELD's Festival of Lights takes place on Wednesday from 6pm, with the children's procession starting from Hughes garage at 7.15pm. Lots of sideshows and amusement stalls will line the route, with shops open late. After the procession crowds gather at the green outside the town hall for Christmas carols.

KEITH Williams, the manager of Beaconsfield Fire Station, has been recognised for his 'long and meritorious service' to the Bucks brigade. The 20-year Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was introduced by the Queen in 1954 to honour long-serving firefighters. Mr Williams also oversees stations in Marlow and Gerrards Cross.

CHEF Gary Weston's roast potatoes were a smash hit when Beaconsfield Freemasons laid on a slap up lunch for community heroes. He got up early on November 27 to peel 45 lbs of spuds as part of the treat for 60 people who spend much of their time caring for sick and disabled relatives. Members of Beaconsfield lodges including Bowen, Cliveden, Cestreham, and Bucks Masters all contributed work or cash to the event, which cost more than £1,700.

LAST week to visit the charity Christmas card shop in Beaconsfield Town Hall, which is open from 9.30am - 4.30pm, Monday - Saturday, until December 19. Wrapping and small gifts also available.

YOUNGSTERS are being offered free membership to a south Bucks golf club. Huntswood Golf Club in Burnham wants to get more junior players on the course, and aims to give away about 40 memberships, worth £200 each, to youngsters aged between seven and 15. Application forms are available to download from the club website: www.huntswoodgolf.com/Special_Offers

THE Government has approved The Gerrads Cross CofE School's application to obtain academy status. A funding agreement now needs to be put in place before the 'outstanding' primary school leaves the control of Bucks County Council.

GERRARDS Cross Sailing Association meets at the Colston Hall, in the Memorial Centre, on Wednesdays. On December 14 there will be stories from members about their sailing experiences in the last year, plus mince pies and refreshments. Starts at 8.15pm, bar open from 7.30pm.

A BUSINESSMAN from Gerrards Cross picked up an Asian Who's Who Award at a swanky ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane. Dr Diwan Rahul Nanda, the global chairman of Indian security firm TOPSGRUP, won the accolade in the 'Asian Leadership in International Business' category last month.

SOUTH Bucks District Council is calling on residents to nominate special people for its annual community and volunteering Awards. The awards are open to volunteers in the district who have not previously been a winner. Closing date is February 1. Contact Kate Murray on 01895 837390 or email community@southbucks.gov.uk for a nomination form, or apply online at: www.southbucks.gov.uk

MEET your local police officers at a 'Have your say' meeting at Seer Green Baptist Church on Monday, from 10.30 - 11.30am.

JORDANS Village Lunch Club’s Christmas meal is on Thursday in the village hall at1pm. Jackie Affleck is the hostess. Call her on 01494 87875914 to book a place.

Email: ldunhill@london.newsquest.co.uk with news and events for these areas.