• At the Preston Preschool Easter Bonnet Afternoon the children enjoyed themselves immensely in the fun filled end of term event of games, songs, refreshments and, of course the Easter Bonnet competition for the mums.

The winner even had an array of working lights to attract the judge’s attention! It was bittersweet occasion, though, for they were also saying goodbye to Helen Plested after her long association with the Pre-school. Helen is moving north to Salisbury to take up grandmother duties and we wish her well.

During the term the children have had a visit from the Weymouth beach donkeys and walked to the garden of one of the staff for an Easter egg hunt and meet her chickens.

The Preschool starts back on Monday 23 April and welcomes any new mums to come and have a look round. They are taking children from the age of two up to school entry age, so contact me and I’ll put you in touch, or just pop along to Preston Village Hall any term time weekday 9am to noon, or up to 3.30pm on Friday.

• Weymouth East Scouts and Guides Spring Jumble Sale raised the magnificent total of £490.

This is a good reward for Betty Hennessey’s hard work, and she would like to thank all those who helped, donated items for sale or turned up to buy those items on the day.

The money will go towards maintaining the Scutt Hall for the benefit of all the youngsters who use it.

• In the first Preston Village Market of the year there may have been a few less stalls than usual, but quite a few people dropped in and as ever there was a friendly atmosphere in the hall.

The profit of £84 will be divided equally between the Nathan Cross Memorial Fund, set up in memory of a Dorchester teenager to benefit underprivileged children and local worthy causes and the Max Price Fund to help the family of a local 3 year old battling chronic renal failure and failed kidney transplant.

The next market will be on Saturday 21 April in the Church Rooms from 10am to 12.30pm with cakes, preserves, crafts, local produce, eggs and plants and delicious refreshments available.

• The Mothers’ Union Table will be holding a Top Sale on Saturday 28 April between 10am and noon in the Church Rooms.

If you would like to book a table, contact Beryl on 834847, otherwise turn up on the day for an array of items to purchase. All proceeds will go to Mothers’ Union projects.