Bere Regis

  • POP IN PLACE leader Alison Bennett reports:

The tenth annual Performer of the Year Competition had 27 acts of a fantastic standard for judges Duncan Sowry House, Doreen Hall, Tanita Gale and Simon Leaton to choose from.

After much deliberation the winners of the under 18s Section were Claire Syrett and Jess Kemp.

The adults winners were Pastor Jim and Jonathan with their alter egos the Two Little Boys.

The audience choice winner was Jade Hart, 14 with her adventurous portrayal of lady Gaga's Bad Romance.

The Awards for the Pop In Place Volunteers of the Year were also presented and they went to Ruth Hughes Volunteer of the Year, Pastor Jim Morris was recognised for his outstanding commitment to the group for over nine years, and the whole of the Young Performers group members were presented with the youth volunteer of the year award.

During the Presentations a cheque was presented to Adrian Williams from the Alzheimer's Society for the sum of £1,500 from the Bere Regis Open Gardens Event this will open the Pamela Hoare Tribute Fund and more events will be planned to raise money for this fund in the future.

  • YOUNG at Heart is the name of the new St John's social club for people who like to meet, chat, relax and have fun, regardless of age.

The club will meet on Thursday evenings from 5.30pm until 7pm at the sports club.

Everyone is welcome, all ages included, and the cost is just 50p per family.

There will be games, football, refreshments, chatter, crafts, debate, discussion, competitions and outings.

You can bring knitting, nintendos, friends, outdoor games, ideas - and anything else you enjoy.

Contact Paula Kent on 01929 471079 for more details.

  • A PARISH forum held in September involved some 20 people, representing 16 of the active village organisations.

Topics raised included the need for better communications for and with residents. and the need to ensure that development is appropriate and does not spoil our village ethos.

Also raised was the opportunity for a village-wide celebration for the Queen's diamond jubilee in June, 2012.

  • DUST off your brooms and hoes and help the parish council spruce up the village with a village tidy day on Sunday, October 24 starting at 10am.

Contact councillor Martin Howard on 01929 472841 or email him at howard245@btinternet.com with offers of help, questions or suggestions on what areas should be targeted.

  • MOTHERS' Union will hold its AGM on Wednesday, November 3 at 7.30pm at Turberville Court.

There will be a bring-and-buy for branch funds.

Contact Nancy Gibson, branch leader, on 01929 472105.for all information.

  • Bere Regis Floral Group has a demonstration by national demonstrator Michael Bowyer entitled Flowers for Christmas on Tuesday, November 9 at 2pm at Tarrant Keynston Village hall.

Tickets cost £10 to include seasonal refreshments.

Contact Jean Freak on 01258 488636 to reserve tickets.

  • THE latest figure on the profit from the flower festival is over £2,000 and still rising!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the festival's success.

  • THE Social History of Dorset is the title of a talk by Alan Brown to the WI on Tuesday, October 19 at 7.30pm in the Drax hall.

For all information, contact Lesley on 01929 471732 or Sally on 471022.

Affpuddle

  • GIFT Day and coffee morning in aid of St Laurence's church will be held at Blackdown House on Saturday, October 23 from 10am until noon.

There will be coffee, tea, cake and card stalls.

The vicar will also be outside the village hall from 9am until 10am to receive gift envelopes