• Those of you with long memories – as far back a May, anyway – will recall my story about 19 year old Merchant Seaman Cadet George Bell of Preston. George set out on a sponsored cycle ride of 1000km, the distance between his ship’s port of Aberdeen and Weymouth, for Breast Cancer Care. However this was no ordinary ride, because he did it on the exercise bike on the bridge of his ship during his 8 week tour of duty! I am pleased to be able to tell you that he covered the distance, despite days when it was too rough to stay in the saddle, and he raised nearly £600. He’s now home on 14 days leave, enjoying getting out on a ‘real’ cycle, and he would like to thank everyone who sponsored him on his virtual ride.

• David Mannings reports that at the recent meeting of the DCC Roads and Rights of Way Committee the application to upgrade the bridleways across the top of the White Horse to Osmington and Poxwell for use by all vehicles was rejected. This is excellent news, for 4x4s and motor bikes can soon churn the byway surface to a rutted mass of impassable mud, as parts of the South Downs demonstrate. A similar application for Bincombe Lane - Bincome to Came Down Golf Course - was rejected previously.

• No sooner did I mention the delay in building the K5 bus shelter on the Esplanade for the No. 4 service than work started! This could be due to the power of the press, so I mention it again because the workmen got as far as erecting the shelter itself in double quick time but then downed tools! In the last week or so the shelter has been taped off, with only half the floor of the shelter properly surfaced. I’ve not heard of a worldwide shortage of tarmac, so let’s hope it’s finished before the February snows set in!

• The Team Walk on Saturday 13 July will start from the entrance to Portland Prison at 11.30am. This is a sensible place to begin, as I know from my own experience the views are excellent and the walking virtually flat, providing you stay on Tophill and don’t succumb to the delights of Fortuneswell! The walk will cover about 3½ miles, and a picnic and sensible footwear are recommended. For further details please ring Dawn on 834226.