THE Sunset Café Stompers made a very welcome return to Osmington Village Hall last month, for an evening of foot-tapping New Orleans jazz. Always a sell-out, the hall was suitably decorated for a jazz party atmosphere. Whether listening or dancing, a packed and enthusiastic audience were entertained by this popular band, whilst the bar and hot snacks provided welcome refreshment.

This is now an established annual event where the hall plays host to the band and this year all the proceeds are being used in the planned redecoration of the premises over the next few months. Keith Pratt, who organised the event on behalf of the hall trustees, expressed thanks to all who supported this event and to the Sunray pub, Craig’s Farm Dairies, trustees and friends of the hall for donating raffle prizes. By public demand, an additional evening with the Stompers has been arranged for Saturday, October 9. Next year, the band has been booked for Saturday, March 12, so put these two dates in your diary now. Keith and the hall trustees look forward to seeing you, so watch this space to learn when tickets become available.

  • WHEN the previous youth club closed down, it caused a lot of disappointment, and the young people of the community lost a valuable facility. Now the community plan working group dealing with Osmington youth has not only confirmed the demand for new club activity, but sees a way forward towards achieving it. It needs your support! Accordingly, a public meeting will be held in the village hall on Tuesday, April 20, at 7pm, to form a youth club committee and adopt a constitution. The meeting will be chaired by a representative from the Dorset Youth Association, and will last about one hour. Everyone is welcome, but especially the young people of the parish. If you have any interest in providing activities for the younger generation, please turn up. For further information, call Hilary Ballard on 01305 832168 or Terry Vine on 01305 262440.
  • GARDEN sale day is back!! The popular garden “bring and buy” event to help raise funds towards the upkeep of St. Osmund’s church will take place in and around the village hall from 1.30 to 4pm on Saturday, May 8. Find a good home for those surplus seedlings, and pick up something different to fill those gaps. Additional attractions include a scarecrow competition, “potato head” design, a raffle and, of course, cream teas. Plants, shrubs or vegetables are needed, so start now to sow some extra seedlings, strike some cuttings or split a clump that has become too big. All donations will be gratefully received. (Please label if possible as the team’s expertise in plant identification may not be entirely adequate!). Raffle prizes or items for a home-made produce stall would also be greatly appreciated. A collection service will be available on the day or day before, for anyone needing help in transporting items. For further details and offers of help please contact Denise Flinn (01305 835640), Caroline Cheeseman (01305 832222), or Tracy Reed (01305 832687)
  • ALSO on Saturday, 8 May, the Osmington Society is hosting a 60,/70s disco in the village hall from 7.30 to 10.30pm, with dancing to the Crown Jules Disco. The dress code is declared as psychedelic - glamrock, minis and hotpants are encouraged. Tickets are £7 for OsSoc members, or £8 for non-members, and are available from Kate Hallett (01305 833250, katehallett@btinternet.com) or Geoff Codd (01305 832247, Geoff@TheCodds.net). Kate would also like to hear from anyone with a specific music request. Be there or be square!