Bere Regis

  • MARTIN HOWARD reports that a dedicated and enthusiastic group of individuals, the scouts and village clubs turned out with brooms and hoes to undertake the annual village tidy.

Energetic wellie-clad villagers including parish council members set to removing weeds, leaves and litter.

Landlady Jackie from the Drax Arms kindly laid on hot soup for all the workers.

  • MEET Father Christmas at the Christmas Fayre organised by FORBS at the First School on Sunday, November 28 from 2pm until 4.30pm.

Entrance is 50p, under 16s free.

Browse around the stalls and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Tolpuddle Tolpuddle craft group held an annual show in October in the Village Hall.

There were many beautiful hand-crafted items on sale such as jewellery, glass, felt craft, local photographs, greetings cards, recycled items, woodwork, teddy bears, paintings and an excellent selection of local produce.

During the three days there were demonstrations from artists Marilyn Allis and Martin Debenham, glass craft by Angela Woodhouse, and needlework by Lillian Royle.

Delicious home made refreshments were on sale and there was a raffle with the first prize being National Trust membership for a year.

The successful event raised over £700 for the Village Hall and St. John's Church.

Affpuddle

  • FATHER Christmas is coming along to the Christmas fair in Briantspuddle village hall on Saturday, November 20.

The fair begins at 2pm, and Father Christmas arrives at 2.30pm.

Admission is free, and there will be cakes, jewellery, gifts, cards, toys, charity stalls, raffle and refreshments.

If you would like to hold a stall at the fair, the cost is £10, or £8 for a charity stall.

Contact Maggie on 01929 471544.

  • BENJAMIN'S Book is the title of the Christmas show by Tim Laycock in Briantspuddle village hall on Saturday, November 27 at 7.30pm.

The show is based on a recently-discovered manuscript of fiddle tunes from Blackmore Vale.

Tickets cost £10 each to include supper.

Contact Philippa Thorniley on 01929 471497

  • A FREE IT session will be held in Briantspuddle village hall on Monday, November 22 from 11am until 2.30pm.

There will be a computer workshop from 11am until noon.

From noon until 1pm, young people from Dorset Youth Association will talk about blogging, twitter, facebook and YouTube.

From 1pm onwards you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Tea and coffee are provided.

Bring your own packed lunch.

Book your place on 0800 26 26 48.

  • DORSET Heroines is the title of a talk by David Beaton in Briantspuddle village hall on Thursday, November 25 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £3, and are available from Philippa Thorniley on 01929 471497.

Puddletown

  • BINGO with a Christmas theme will be held in the village hall on Saturday, December 4.

Doors open at 6pm, with eyes down at 7.30pm.

The cricket club is organising this event with its customary excellent seasonal prizes, great food and good fun.

  • MIKE Crankshaw gave a most interesting and amusing talk to the countrywomen's club on his ten years on the Royal yacht Britannia.

The competition for a memento of Royalty was won by Avril France, second Jean Tanswell and third Pat Brown.

The club is looking forward to its Christmas lunch at the Blue Vinny on December 8.

For all information, telephone Wendy Cox on 01305 848360.