Long-term president Bill Deveril said he was very pleased to see the project finally reach the construction stage, following receipt of a $7.4 million grant from the NSW Government's Regional Communities Development Fund.

"The project will provide Merimbula with a modern purpose-built performing arts venue, whilst retaining the heritage-listed community hall. Through careful planning, Twyford Hall and the Supper Room will continue to be available to the community during most of the theatre build, though some restrictions will apply."

Construction is expected to begin in earnest after the peak of the summer tourist period.

Twyford's "Donate-A-Seat" campaign has already raised more than $15,000 and is aiming to raise a total of $200,000 through its online GiveNow gateway at thetwyford.com.au/donate. All donations over $2 to the fund are fully tax deductible and donations of $1000 or more will be acknowledged with a name plaque on a seat in the new theatre.

The Pambula Show will take place on January 11 and show committee member Chrissy Simons is keen to see plenty of local artwork on display. Chrissy is looking after the art display in the pavilion and is urging all artists - particularly children - to prepare their work in time for the deadline of January 9 when they must be delivered ready to hang.

Contact Chrissy on 0403 873 148 for more information.

Merimbula Evening View club members are very grateful to all the wonderful volunteers who knit squares, join them together or knit and crochet rugs. Dozens of comfort rugs have been donated to the Pambula Hospital, Bega Refuge Centre, the homeless and those experiencing stressful times in their life, and all these donations are done on behalf of the Smith Family Charity which View Clubs of Australia support.

Folk on Friday on Sapphirefm 97.5This week the Deputy Mayor, Sharon Tapscott, will be on air at 9am this Friday to talk about the issues facing Councillors. Then at 10 an ANU student, Will Koslowski, will be joining Colin to chat about some tourism research he and his colleagues are conducting in our neck of the woods.

Come and join us as Aglow gathers on Thursday, December 12 at 10am to celebrate Christmas at the Merimbula RSL Club (entrance $8). Everyone is invited to share with us as we rejoice in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Aglow is a non denominational worldwide Christian organisation and welcomes women and men from all backgrounds.

This will be our last meeting of the year and we will be celebrating Christmas with a global theme. Join us as we delight in worship music led by Ps Janet Borley and Margaret Wilkes, and enjoy morning tea, fellowship and inspiring messages of faith from our Aglow advisors, Rev Minto, Ps Cam and Ps Janet. All Welcome.

Aglow Merimbula will be in recess then until February 13, 2020. To our members, guests and friends, we wish you all a blessed Christmas filled with love, peace and joy and look forward to being with you again in the New Year.