WORK has been going ahead steadily since September on the final phase of the Osmington White Horse Restoration Project – the establishment of a proper off-road viewing point off the A353 on Osmington Hill.   Once again, the Project is enormously grateful for the help that has been given by its friends and supporters.  The Army’s Corps of Royal Engineers have levelled and surfaced the car park, after which a volunteer team from PGL at Osmington Bay have worked hard at shifting topsoil to provide a base for the surrounding hedges.  The Portland stone information plinth, incorporating the plaque unveiled by the Princess Royal, has been donated by Albion Stone, and all the other necessary work has been made possible by grants from Natural England and from Dorset County Council, who have undertaken the surfacing work and road signs linking the parking area to the road.
The intention was for the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset to open the facility on November 15, but a last-minute hitch has put that plan on hold for the time being.   It appears that the height of the power lines across the entrance does not meet official safety criteria for traffic to pass underneath, and cars are, therefore, not allowed in.   Negotiations have started with SSE to install two taller telegraph poles, and the project ‘s chairman, Geoff Codd, remains confident that this final element of what has been a historic conservation project will be in use before the end of 2012.


THE next monthly arts & crafts fayre in Osmington Village Hall will be on Saturday, November 17 from 1.00 to 3pm.   These regular events started in May this year, with a gathering of 'local to Dorset' crafts people and artists, and have continued on the third Saturday of each month.  There are always a variety of stalls with some very talented crafts people, from handmade jewels to homemade soap and candles, while Osmington’s own Sapphira Hill has displayed her quirky and fun pieces.   With so much on show, there is something for everyone.  Local folk often pop up for a browse and stay for tea & cake - hot beverages and a selection of cakes on offer, make for an enjoyable time to spend with family and friends
For this month’s fayre, a full house of stallholders has been booked, and a festive feel is planned for the start of the Christmas build-up.  The regular stall holders will have an array of things on offer from button jewellery to felt creations, and there will be some new stalls, including framed local scenes photographed by Gilly Hopson, jams and chutneys, and silk flower displays – once again, something for everyone.


MEMBERS and guests of Osmington Recorded Music Society enjoyed the presentation by the society’s president, John Davis, entitled The Golden Age of Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra,  a Centenary Celebration.  The programme featured a fascinating sequence of rare recordings.   On Monday, November 5, Richard Searle of Dorchester U3A is due to present a programme titled “Take Five” offering some notable musical “Fives”. Meetings are held at the Village Hall, Shortlake Lane, Osmington, from 2.15pm on alternate Mondays.


THIS year brings the tenth annual Osmington Christmas Show to the Village Hall on Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December, with performances starting at 7.30pm.  It promises to be another great family fun show, and event passes will undoubtedly sell out again – so get them now from Debbie Vokes, School House, Main Road, Osmington, DT3 6EE or call (01305) 835877.