THE playgroup and toddler group celebrated Easter by giving each child an Easter egg to go with the Easter pictures they had been colouring in and hot cross buns made.

The Beaver Scouts also had a go at a 'crafty evening' making Easter-themed cards as well as junk modelling.

The cubs have also been industrious making bird and bat boxes for the campsite and also cooking their own pizzas.

The hall was filled with the sound of hard work as well as a delicious baking smell.

The break will give leaders and teachers the chance to cook up' some more great ideas for the forthcoming summer term.

Hopefully with the clocks changing and warmer weather the groups will be able to get out and about.

The scouts have already had an evening walk and have a holiday expedition' planned although some don't seem so keen about sleeping outdoors at present !

  • WHILE thinking about the great outdoors Ann Hunt is planning another open gardens afternoon in Crossways to raise funds for the new church appeal.

This was much enjoyed in 2007 and I gather that a bigger event is hoped for this year.

Sunday, July 13 is the date for your diaries from 2pm- 6pm.

Anyone is welcome to join in the event and gardens don't even have to be neat and immaculate' according to Ann. Some wild' gardens can be just as interesting to the committed naturalist.

If you are interested in getting involved or would like to join the village craft group which is also dedicated to raising funds for the same cause why not speak to Ann on 01305 853553.

  • ONE scheme that has been running as long as the church appeal is the pennies from heaven scheme.

It is a way of saving up loose change and giving it to the building fund. Sometimes there is a special service designated to receive the offerings.

The next one of these takes place at the Morning Service on Sunday, April 6 in the Youth Centre, Old Farm Way at 10.30am.

It is linked with the work of the Mission Aviation Fellowship. The new church will commemorate the village's strong links with its history as the site of RAF Warmwell so this is a very appropriate subject to consider.

  • VIC Myers would love to hear from any volunteers who can help him cover the Christian Aid collections in the village as one or two of the roads and closes have nobody to do this important task.

He is also desperate for a Moreton contact. Can you help?

Please ring Vic on 01305 852673 and help this worthy cause. Christian Aid week starts on 11 May 11 but a call now means Vic and his team can get organised.

  • ALAN Brown, manager of Crossways FC, has been in touch with the date of a fundraising bingo to be held at the Tavern Club in Old Farm Way.

Echo readers will be aware that the team want to raise funds to sponsor the Dorchester District Beaver & Cub Football Tournament which is hosted annually in the village.

The Tavern have given their premises free of charge and prizes are being collected for the bingo to take place on Wednesday, May 7 with eyes down at 8pm.

Alan hopes many regulars will support with donations of items as well as attending on the night.