Tolpuddle

  • STRAWBERRIES and cream were served at Orchard Meadow recently at a fund-raising afternoon that drew a good crowd of local people to support it.

We were lucky with the weather, said organiser Annette Pitman, and so grateful to all the helpers and supporters.

Special thanks go to helpers Anna Kerslake and Liz Reed, and also to young Abigail and Emily Hall who came along to take part in the tug-of-war and ended up as helpers.

Next year we plan to hold an even bigger event on the same lines, said Annette.

A net profit of £610 was made after expenses.

Half has been put aside for next year's event, £125 went to the brownies and £125 to TOSCA. £50 went to the village hall.

  • RESIDENTS swarmed to the village hall to hear a talk on bees from Allan Sillars, reports Roger Harcourt.

Some of the mysteries of the lives of these familiar yet highly complex social creatures were unravelled in a highly entertaining talk which certainly captured the attention of the audience.

Afterwards some made a bee-line for the demonstration of candle rolling and made some charming mini hives of beeswax.

Others made straight for the wine and delicious food provided by the village hall committee, to whom great thanks.

Whether Tolpuddle will become a hive of activity remains to be seen, but Many thanks to Allan for giving such an interesting insight into these fascinating creatures.

  • TAI CHI session with Patrick Harries continue to be beneficial and popular.

The sessions are now open to any resident who wants to improve balance, co-ordination and concentration in a social and light-hearted class at the village hall on Wednesday afternoons from 4pm until 5pm.

For all information, contact Jan Hopkin on 01305 848486.

Puddletown

  • A SUMMER fair is to be held at St Mary's Middle School on Friday, June 25 from 6pm until 8pm.

It is planned that this will be held on the playing field at the back of the school if the weather is fine, or it will be indoors if it is wet.

Entry is free, and there will be entertainment for all the family from St Mary's school samba band and dance troupe.

There will be games, crafts, cakes, local produce and a raffle.

Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from the barbecue and licensed bar.

All the money raised will be used to support the education of the pupils of St Mary's school.

  • FRIENDS of Puddletown church group holds its annual general meeting on Thursday, July 1 at 7.30pm at the church.

The church architect, David Illingworth, will give a talk on the work in progress to the tower, including the principles and procedures involved.

Wine and refreshments will be served afterwards, and non-members are welcome.

  • POP-IN coffee mornings are held every Thursday in the church room from 10am until noon.

Everyone is welcome.

  • A BENEFICE fete will be held at Athelhampton House on Monday, August 30.

As soon as I have more details, I will let you know.

  • A SUMMER flower and vegetable show is to be held in the village hall on Saturday, August 7, organised by the horticultural association.

All classes are open.

Schedules are available from the library, the hairdressers and the Londis stores.

The show opens to the public at 2pm, and prize giving is at 3.15pm.

Refreshments will be available.

Bere Regis

  • GARDENS throughout the village will be open to the public on Sunday, July 11 from 10am until 5pm.

Ten beautiful gardens will be open for you to enjoy, and there will be refreshments at the Drax Hall all day.

Programmes cost £4 each and are available at the Drax Hall.

All profits from the day will go to the Alzheimer's Society.

  • THE Thomas Williams Educational Foundation will be considering applications from those living in the parish who are under 25 years of age and may need assistance with educational expenses.

Applications from youth-based organisations are also invited.

Previous beneficiaries are also eligible to re-apply.

Applications should be received before Monday, August 9 2010.

For an application form, please contact Mrs Claire Gamble, clerk to the foundation, 17 Boswells Close, Bere Regis, telephone 01929 471682, or email claire.gamble@tiscali.co.uk

  • DANIELLE Hall completed the London Marathon and raised £1,600 for her charity SENSE.

She has been overwhelmed by everybody's generosity including DH Autos and Russell French Motors and says a big thank you to everyone including her family who have been so supportive throughout.

  • STEVE and Rob Cooper say a huge thank you to the residents of Bere Regis and Affpuddle for their wonderful generosity in sponsoring their London Marathon run.

Although they were overtaken by several teletubbies and a just-married couple in wedding clothes, they managed to get around in four hours, and raised over £2,400 for MENCAP.