CROSSWAYS beavers, cubs and scouts took part in the annual St George's Day parade and service in Dorchester.

Marching behind the Dorchester carnival band the elements were kind and everyone remained dry.

  • It was the first opportunity for some newly invested beavers to make their first public appearance in their new uniforms. They looked very smart and just as proud as when they were enrolled the previous Tuesday.
  • The last really wet parade day was ten years ago as we were reminded at the start of the service in the United Church in South Street. I remember sheltering with a lot of soggy youngsters in the Hardye Arcade, shivering from the cold.
  • It was also really good to see the route full of well wishers, parents and friends who had turned out to wish scouting and guiding well. The district commissioner Mike Marsh told us that it was the one day of the year that a youth organisation is given kind permission to stop the traffic in the town.
  • It was also an arm aching exercise for the group's banner bearers, the beavers carried by Samuel Keeping and cubs by Sam Chandler and his brother Matthew doing the honours with the scout flag
  • THE NEXT district event is to be in Crossways with the much mentioned football tournament taking place on Sunday, May 11. The beavers have the morning to settle their competition with registration taking place at 9.30am for a 10.00am kick off for the first match. Refreshments including the traditional bacon butties will be on sale and supporters, parents and friends are all most welcome.
  • For those in the cub packs their competition follows with registration at 1.30pm to start at 2.00pm. The barbecue will still be going and hopefully teas and cakes will be added to the menu. The scout group would be delighted for any offers of help manning the refreshments.
  • Crossways is looking forward to putting on a good show and welcoming many friends to the playing field, Dick O'Th Banks Road.
  • AFTER a years planning and research the parish council is finally looking to take a vote on the provision of a new skateboard bowl on the playing field. Consultation has been helped by the work of Kris Hallett and her team.
  • Parishoners have had the opportunity of attending public meetings, viewing the plans and discussions, questionnaires and surveys. There is also a further opportunity on Thursday, April 24 to come to the meeting of the parish council.
  • Before the start of council proceedings there is a democratic half hour' during which points of relevance to the agenda can be raised by the public. There will also be a chance for councillors to review the previous presentations and submissions made.
  • The council is being asked to support the scheme to provide a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) as well as the skate bowl. The council had previously been granted planning permission for the MUGA near the pavilion. Now there is an opportunity to enhance facilities till further,
  • In making such a decision, the councillors are considering the level of support from potential users of the facility, It should be noted that the MUGA was designed with all ages in mind with a wide variety of sports and activities possible on the all weather surface.
  • FROME Valley school headmistress Helen Boyce has mentioned that a special service will be held on Ascension Day which is Thursday, May 1. It is open to all members of the community and is designed to bring school and village closer together.
  • The service starts at 10.00am in the main hall. The children have been busy preparing items for this act of worship. Helen is very keen for the school to reach out and integrate with all sections of the Crossways community.