Thanks to the energy and commitment of some of the fantastic young people of Dorset, great progress has been made with the final stage of restoration of the Osmington White Horse – a project that is now coming to fruition after two years of planning and preparation by a range of cooperating organisations.

Over the past few months, Ordnance Survey and English Heritage experts have been involved in ground breaking research based on evidence ranging from contemporary oil paintings, old photographs, Ordnance Survey maps, on-site analysis of old earthworks, and use of the latest GPS and mapping technologies to identify and mark out the historic outline of the monument, which in parts differs significantly from the weather beaten and eroded figure with which we are familiar. This work resulted at the end of June in a line of yellow spray paint on the ground marking the definitive limits of King George and his steed, and showing just how much the surrounding vegetation had encroached on the original shape. All that then remained was to cut this away - and to build up and re-turf the patches where the opposite had happened and stone from the horse had spread to wear away the surround. Though this sounds simple, it represents a lot of man-hours of hard manual labour with mattocks and spades on a steep slope where the use of mechanical diggers would be impossible.

Fortunately, local volunteer groups have risen to the challenge with enthusiasm. A start was made on the weekend of July 9/10 by a team from PGL Osmington Bay, who converted the line of paint into a more durable trench outlining the area to be cleared. The following Friday brought a group from Thomas Hardye School hacking out the surplus turf and hauling it to the nearby quarry pit to restore the shape of the king’s head and arms. On Saturday, a team from the Army Cadet Force turned up, but the weather conditions proved too severe for them to be allowed to carry on. Sunday (July 16) saw some improvement, and an enthusiastic team from Weymouth East venture scouts and Houlding Explorers worked through the showers to redefine the horse’s rear legs.

Tribute also needs to be paid to some of the older volunteers who have been sharing in the physical work as well as in the background organisation. A look round during the Friday’s session revealed a district councillor, distinguished figures from English Heritage, the Ordnance Survey and English Nature (the major source of project funds), the chairman of the Osmington Society and assorted spouses, friends and supporters, all wielding heavy tools to hack away at the hillside. Meanwhile, the whole process has been controlled and led from the front by the tireless presence of John Hayes and his team of Dorset Countryside rangers, who have been out on the horse in all weathers, briefing teams, providing tools, and doing more than their share of the heavy labour.

The task is not finished yet, and more volunteer labour will be needed in the coming weeks, but the last lap is well under way. To read a blow-by-blow account, with some great pictures, turn to Chris’ Blog on the project website www.osmingtonwhitehorse.info.

OSMINGTON Fête is almost here, but it is not too late for you to help by contributing goods for stalls - they need bric-a-brac, books, village produce, eggs, plants - anything you are happy to donate.

Bring bric-a-brac (before the day, please) to Hilary Ballard at Beech Cottage (Tel. 832168) Clear out your cupboards to find Tombola prizes - large or small, edible or not, alcoholic or not (if Aunty Edna gave it to you, remove the label first). Wine, whisky, Pimms, potions - If you brought it back from holiday but can’t remember quite what it is – give it to Teresa Seall at Little Manor (833830).

Raid your shelves for second hand books, DVDs, CDs and computer games for adults or children. They can be dropped off at Osmington Garage whenever it is open.

As for home made produce, whether you've stitched it, knitted it, sown it, grown it, boiled it or baked it - they want it – just bring it along on the morning of the fête.

If you have any problems, give Eileen a call on 833108 or 07813 832554 or email eileenbramley@hotmail.co.uk to arrange collection, or drop items in to her before the day at The Old School (next to the Village Hall).

Finally, of course BE THERE – with your family, your photos, and the dog – on Sunday, August 7 from 12.00 to 4pm.