Dorset Echo | Preston & Sutton Poyntz

Local ‘Time Team’ digs up the past in Plaister's Lane

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:12:10 +0000

“Recent excavations in Sutton Poyntz” was the subject of the Sutton Poyntz History Group Winter talk held in the Mission Hall recently. A capacity audience heard Richard Breward and Allan Prentice from the South Dorset Community Archaeological Society give a fascinating description of the work carried out over a six year period in and around Wyndings, Dorothy and Simon Emblen’s home in Plaister’s Lane. Describing themselves as enthusiastic amateurs, Richard started with a general overview of the archaeology of Preston and Sutton Poyntz, including the well known Roman Temple above Bowleaze Cove, the much less known Roman Villa in the Haven Holiday Park and the many barrows, bumps and other evidence of life in the area so many years ago. Allan then gave an account of the excavations at Wyndings which had resulted in the unearthing of a kiln and a rich haul of artefacts; so many in fact that cataloguing is still going on. The work led to interest in the field adjacent to Wyndings, and permission was granted by the farmer and Wessex Water for further exploration. Richard described how, after extensive magnetic detection and geo-physics activity, a number of trenches were dug. Again items were found, but none of the major structure that had been hoped for. However more work is planned, including another round of geo-physics so, as they say, watch that space. On behalf of the History Group Caroline Crisp thanked Richard and Allan for their hard work and for sharing the results. Then, over a glass of wine, came the opportunity to view the interesting artefacts which had been brought along to the Mission Hall, and it was fascinating to be able to handle a jug that might last have been used over 2,000 years ago.

Funeral of popular and highly respected Sutton Poyntz resident

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:11 +0000

John Harrison, a popular and much loved resident of Sutton Poyntz passed away recently after a long illness.At his funeral his three children Stephen, Anthony and Emma gave eulogies to his happy and fulfilled life. John was born in the village in 1932 and went to St Andrew’s School, which was then located near the church. On leaving school he became an apprentice carpenter at Portland Dockyard, following in his father’s footsteps, also a ‘chippy’ who built the family home in Plaisters Lane. During his National Service in West Malling, Kent he met Barbara, and three years later, in 1957, they were married. John returned to his job in the dockyard and they lived in Weymouth for four years, his only home away from Sutton Poyntz. On the death of his father in 1962 they returned to the family house and John continued to work on Portland until his retirement. John was always very active in village life, including the darts team at the Springhead, and skittling with the Poyntz Pirates, for which he received a cup after 30 years service. With his lovely Dorset accent he appeared in the Thomas Hardy plays put on by Sutton Poyntz Players and went on to become a founder member of the Preston Pantomime Group. His faultless comic timing is remembered with great affection. Devoted to his family, he will be greatly missed by them and his many, many friends. Our thoughts are with Barbara, Stephen, Anthony, Emma, and grandchildren, Lewis, Mathew, Daniel, twins Sean & Ronan, Rebecca and Heather at this sad time.

It’s Preston Panto time again

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:15:54 +0000

As promised, I dropped into the Village Hall to catch a glimpse of a Sunday evening rehearsal of ‘Bluebeard’ by the Preston Pantomime Group Panto. The cast, an even mix of experience and youth, were being put through their dance paces by Chris Galpin, in fine voice as ever!

Festivities raise money for local charities

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:03:50 +0000

Although it seems a long time ago now, Christmas on the Green was certainly an evening to remember. The five local businesses at Chalbury Corner - Chalbury Wine Stores, Get Cycling, Head Style and Goadsbys teamed up with the Spar Shop along Preston Road to put on quite an extravaganza in ideal weather.

Preston Pre-School have a busy time!

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:38:54 +0000

Helen Plested tells me that the Preston Pre-School has been very busy in the run-up to Christmas. On Saturday 3 December they held a very successful and well attended barn dance, and in the process raised £530. They are planning to use this money to buy outside equipment for the children and to enhance the outside play area. Then on Thursday 8 December at the Christmas coffee morning it was the children’s turn. They all worked very hard to put on a performance of 'The First Christmas' for their parents, and followed this by singing Christmas songs. The term ended with a trip to the pantomime on Wednesday 14 December – oh yes it did! – followed by a Christmas party at which Father Christmas found time in his busy schedule to drop in. The Pre-School still has places available for next year, so if you would like your children to join this happy and active group, contact Helen.

Can you move faster than a Pelican can?

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:56:23 +0000

Walking along the Preston Road recently I saw the Pelican Crossing opposite the Village Hall in operation a number of times. It seems to me that it holds up the traffic for an unnecessary amount of time.

The children are the real winners

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:03:57 +0000

The November draw of the St Andrew’s School 200 club took place in Mrs Shaw's Year 2 class.

Save the Children benefits from coffee morning.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:54:36 +0000

Bonnie Symonds has held another of her popular and very successful coffee mornings in aid of the Save the Children Charity.

Help for Heroes supported by Open House

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:47:38 +0100

Recently Liz Newbould, helped by Maureen Martin and friends, held ‘Open House’ in aid of the Help the Heroes charity.

Dorchester Country Market moves to Preston

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:39:23 +0100

Recently the Dorchester Country Market moved, for one morning, to the Preston Village Hall.