IT has been proving increasingly difficult to find volunteers who can give some time and effort to help to run the annual Osmington fête. This year, the situation has been compounded by the enforced non-availability of some of the organising committee of the Friends of St. Osmund, and they have therefore, very reluctantly, concluded that it is impracticable to carry on with the 2010 event.

The Friends have been running the fête since 1986, and it has been a highlight of local life, bringing in a great cross-section of local people, as well as many visitors from all over the country. At the same time, the money raised each year has been vital in keeping the structure of our parish church in good repair, and made a major contribution to the building of the village hall.

If this important community event is to survive in the future, there is a real need for new blood and new ideas to be injected into the planning and organisation. The remaining members of the existing committee plan to hold a meeting in the Sunray on Tuesday, August 17 at 7.30pm, to which anyone who is willing to take part in forming a revitalised team is invited to come along. If you might be interested, contact Teresa on 01305 833830 or e-mail tms@smartrack.co.uk.

There may be a possibility of holding some form of alternative social event involving the jazz band (maybe at the Sunray) on August 1, and plans are being made for a joint exhibition by the Art Club and the Hardy Quilters - watch the website (www.osmington.info) and notice boards for announcements.

  • ST. OSMUND’S church will be holding its annual patronal festival on Sunday, July 11, with choral evensong at 6.30pm, followed as usual by a social gathering with refreshments. The choir from All Saints, Wyke Regis will be joining the choirs from our own benefice to lead the singing, and the visiting preacher will be the Reverend Richard Simmonds, Vicar of Broadwey.
  • THEY sent out survey questionnaires, you filled them in, they then collected them and created a data base. The Community Plan Working Group then formed individual teams of volunteers to address the different subject areas. Those teams have met several times separately, and have also had joint meetings of team leaders and of all members to present their progress to date and to address issues that cut across the different subject areas.

Some of the ideas presented are already proving to be a reality. Work is being actioned by the energy conservation group, and the youth welfare team is working on several ideas, not least of which is the re-opening of the youth club, whose first meeting has already taken place.

Your help is now needed to assist the Community Plan Working Group to review and consolidate the details of the community plan to ensure that it addresses the needs and aspirations of the whole community. With this in mind, an important event is being held on Saturday, July 17 from 11am until 3pm in Osmington Village Hall.

All are invited to come and discuss the teams’ provisional conclusions in each of the areas studied, and to make suggestions prior to the finalisation of the Osmington Community Plan. Please give us your views, i.e. has anything been missed? Do you agree with the ideas that are being put forward?

Your views are important and your help is needed, so please do come along on July 17.

  • AS part of the South Dorset Ridgeway Festival, the Ridgeway Heritage Project and the Osmington Society are presenting “Dorset History on Film”, an archive film show by Trilith, at Osmington Village Hall at 7.30pm on Sunday July 18. Tickets are £5, and can be booked by calling 01305 832247 or 833830. Light refreshments will be available.