• AT a recent meeting of the Chickerell Partners and Communities Together (PACT) panel, they discussed the current state of the community gardens and open spaces in the area. The areas discussed were Aldabrand Close, Plover Drive, Maskew Close and the Peto Memorial Gardens.

The panel came up with the idea of the councils working together with community volunteers. To progress the meeting will be held in the New Year to discuss the way forward and to prepare a calendar of events.

  • CHICKERELL and Charlestown Townswomens Guild will be meeting on Tuesday, January 18 to listen to a talk about helicopter rescue with the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

They meet at 7.30pm at Marshallsay Court and all visitors are very welcome.

  • THE Age Concern Tea Dances will continue in the New Year.

They are being held on the first Friday in every month from 2pm to 4pm. Entrance is £2 and this includes refreshments and a raffle.

  • WILL you be in need of a clear out after Christmas? Do you want to swap some unwanted Christmas presents for something that may be of use to you?

Come along to a free Give or Take Day at the Willowbed Hall on Saturday, January 22 at 9.30am to noon.

The Give or Take Day, organised by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and West Dorset District Council, is a community waste exchange event, a chance for you to get rid of small furniture and bric-a-brac you don’t need and to pick up something you do need. Representatives from Weymouth and Portland Council and West Dorset District Council will also be on hand with information on your local recycling schemes, stopping junk mail, re-useable nappies and other ways to reduce your waste.

Items can be dropped off from 9am and the last time to drop off is 11am. Refreshments will be available and you can take what you want even if you don’t bring anything. Dealers and traders will not be admitted.