WE ARE still busy with charity work in Fiji. We have just returned from the island of Kadavu, where we attended the memorial service for Iva and her grandmother Sera, in whose memory the Sunny Smiles kindergarten at Nabukelevu-i-Ra was opened a year ago. Iva and Sera both lost their lives in a tragic car accident in New Zealand in 2009.

The memorial service was very moving and the whole village turned out to show their support. Afterwards there was the traditional feasting, dancing, singing and ‘kava drinking’!

During this particular visit we have come across a 2 year-old girl who is in desperate need of surgery, which is unfortunately not available in Fiji. She has a very under-developed lower jaw and virtually no tongue, so has real difficulty in swallowing, eating and speaking.

Surgeons from Australia have examined her and are confident that she can be treated at a specialist unit in Adelaide.

As a charity we are determined to do all we can to raise the funds needed for the surgery, as well as flights and accommodation for Pooja and her mother. The first course of treatment is expected to take 6 months, but she will need to return for follow-up treatment.

We plan to use any money from our forthcoming fundraising events towards the ‘Pooja Fund’. One of these events is a coffee morning to be held in the Savill Hall, Cattistock, on Saturday, November 26. Anybody unable to attend but wishing to donate can do so through the website www.childrenoffiji.co.uk or by texting FIJI42 £2 (£5 or £10) to 70070 and support the cause.

CATTISTOCK WI is holding a coffee morning on Saturday, October 29 at 10.30 am in the Savill Hall to raise funds for the Boost Charity`s 2011 Digital Mammography Appeal. There will be the usual attractions such as cakes (to eat or take away), bric-a-brac, preserves, books and a raffle.

50p entry includes a cup of tea.

STRATTON and District Home and Garden Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, November 3, when Mr Ching will be addressing the subject of Wicked Winters!

STRATTON and Bradford Peverell WI has its forthcoming meeting on Thursday, November 17.

On this occasion there will be a demonstration on balsamic and other vinegars.

THERE will be a quiz in Rampisham Hall on Saturday, November 12.

Those who have attended one of these famous quiz evenings before will know how popular they are and how important it is to book early!

THERE will be an Indian Spice night at Stratton Village Hall on Saturday, November 12.

You are warned that spaces are VERY limited.

This event has been organised by Friends of St Mary’s Church, Stratton.