THE Martinstown Cricket Club’s recent fundraising jumble sale proved to be an irresistible attraction to bargain hunters from over a wide area to judge by the numbers of cars parked not only by the village hall but also along the road.

Certainly the top quality goods would have happily adorned any new-to-you shop whilst the bric-a-brac, as always, carries the hopes of those Antique Roadshow enthusiasts to judge by the depth of the crowd around the tables.

It is obvious that the written word still has the power to prise many people away from their TV sets to judge by the customers busily loading their bags. The array of books on offer could easily have equipped one of those library vans with everything from fiction and autobiographies to practical pursuits and of course some excellent children books.

I was in my seventh heaven, so must apologise for my continued non-appearance at the Mobile Library van, which now parks most conveniently by the village hall.

Naturally the jumble sale organisers had the good sense to cater for all those who appreciate a welcome cup of tea and the chance to sit down and have a good natter. After which most did a second tour of the stalls whilst awaiting the draw for an excellent choice of raffle prizes.

It was an opportunity too, of seeing the refurbished hall kitchen proving its worth, to judge by the contented expressions on the faces of the work force.

OVER many years it has been an ongoing problem to find a safe field available for youngsters to enjoy a game of football.

It is understandable that in these times of flourishing insurance claims no local landowners are willing to allow their fields to be used for these activities.

I wonder what happened to the goal posts that were well used some years ago when football flourished in a field near Bats Lane.

Years ago when I was the Martinstown Cubs Akela the boys played countless football games and practices at West End – happy days indeed when the team was known as the Martinstown Tigers.

It would be marvellous if a field could be made available with the insurance as the concern of those in charge as is such the case with the scouting leader’s indemnity.

At one time the village school played many matches in a field central to the village. It was a great pity that this was not purchased by the Parish Council when it was put up for sale for it would have proved valuable asset for the community for generations to come.

MARTINSTOWN Women’s Institute meeting will take place on Monday, October 12, at 7.45pm, in the village hall.

News members welcome.

OUR Community Support Officer, Sarah, will be at Stevens Farm Shop, October 14 and 28, 1.30pm-3pm.

THIS year’s Harvest Praise will be held at Winterbourne Abbas on Sunday, October 18, at 11am, and will be followed by Harvest lunch.

BREWERS Arms will be hosting a Film Evening on Sunday, October 25, 7.30pm. Admission is free, but drinks are available to purchase.

THE next lunch date with the monthly Valley View Lunch Club is on Tuesday, November 3.