• I took advantage of the recent good weather to walk up onto the hills behind Sutton Poyntz. The path on the right of the valley is one of my favourite routes, as the views out over Weymouth Bay to Portland are spectacular. As always I was looking forward to resting awhile on Margaret’s Seat at the top to enjoy the view and catch my breath. However that was not to be, as someone with more strength than intelligence has pushed the stone seat off its supports! It is hard to imagine why anyone would want walk all the way up the hill to commit such an act of mindless vandalism, but it is very sad. I do hope that something can be done to repair the damage.

• The Sutton Poyntz Society BBQ will be taking place in the Mission Hall garden (or the Hall if the weather is inclement) on Sunday 8 September. Please bring your own meat and drinks, bread/rolls, salad and a dessert will be provided, as well as the means of cooking your meat! The cost is £6 a head and all are welcome. This is always a very pleasant event, so ring Maureen on 835533 to book your places.

• Local artist Caroline Nairn from Verlands Road is exhibiting some of her artistic prints and mixed media paintings at the engine Room Restaurant at Poundbury Garden Centre until the end of September. Caroline is one of a marvellous group of local artists whose work is always worth viewing, so if you are up in the Dorchester area do drop in to enjoy what is on display.

• If you think that some of the road surfaces locally are rough enough to vibrate your teeth out of your head then take heart. Councillors Ian Bruce and David Mannings report that some resurfacing work will be taking place in Melstock Avenue, Wyke Oliver Road and Coombe Valley Road early in October. Local households will be informed, but I will let you know what is intended closer to the time, as some temporary road closures are inevitable. On the contentious issue of further works to Preston Road as per the plans outlined a while ago, DCC are apparently still considering further measures from Chalbury Corner to Heron Close but there are no engineers currently working on the plans, and further action is unlikely this year.