A Season of Goodwill for Wyke and Westham (From Dorset Echo)

A Season of Goodwill for Wyke and Westham

12:31pm Thursday 5th January 2012 in Community By Lucy Hamilton

Welcome to the first column of the New Year! All through Wyke and Westham, December was quite a whirl. Beachview Community Centre celebrated with a fine buffet and with carols from the choir of Wyke Regis Junior School. The young singers turned in a simply amazing performance. Fiveways Community Centre celebrated Christmas lunch with over 40 diners sharing a delicious meal at Wellworthy Social Club, with dancing to live music. Dorset Close Christmas lunch was a great success too.

Despite some grim weather, outdoor festivities added to the sparkle. Wyke Christmas Street Fayre was unstoppable, with food stalls, crafts people, competitions and entertainments. Goods came from all over Dorset, from Germany and from Kenya. Young performers from Razzamatazz fired us up with their enthusiasm, and there was fine fancy dress.

It rained on Alf’s Fish and Chips too, when pupils from Beechcroft cheered us all with some very jazzy numbers at the traditional switching on of Christmas Tree lights. They were joined by the Salvation Army Band and all had a chance to sing. Alf’s Christmas Raffle raised much needed funds for older residents locally and for Kingfisher Children’s Ward at Dorset County Hospital.

The people of Westham and Wyke showed their generosity throughout the season of goodwill. Everywhere, fundraisers found that 2011 beat previous years: St Paul’s Christmas Bazaar raised £2,400, Lanehouse Rocks Methodist Church raised £280, Wyke Community Centre £1,065, The Society for the Protection of Markham and Little Francis Christmas Raffle raised £2,879.

The Friends of Wyke Library enjoyed coffee, tea, mince pies and delicious home-made cheese scones at their Christmas meeting. The Friends will meet regularly on the fourth Monday of each month between 10.30 - 12.00 to exchange views on the books we are reading and to catch up on news both literary and local. New Friends always welcome - see you on Monday January 23 at Wyke Library. Young residents flocked to a Youth Disco at St John’s Hall, organised by Synergy Neighbourhood Panel and supported by Synergy. Organiser Sue Faulkner reports the youngsters enjoyed a great night out, and were generous in their thanks.

Join in a Family Fun Night on Saturday January 21, 6.00-9.00pm at Sharky’s, organised by Synergy Neighbourhood Panel. All activities will be free, food and drink will be available to buy. Tickets are limited and available in advance only, free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Pick up tickets from Fiveways Community Centre on Monday January 9, 3.15-6.00pm or Saturday January 14, 10.00-1.00pm.

Many of us take time to reflect at New Year and in the Parish of Wyke Regis, All Saints’ with St Edmunds, is offering an opportunity to share thoughts and to explore the questions that crop up along our journey of life. Whether you are a church member, or have no church connection, you are welcome. Drop in at the Coffee Morning at Wyke Memorial Hall on Friday January 13, 10.30am—12 noon, or contact Revd Deb Smith on 01305 784649. “Your Journey” course starts January 17, 7.30pm.

Looking ahead, there are so many activities to get involved with. Beachview Community Centre has bingo on Monday January 9, 2—4pm and art on Wednesdays. Fiveways has craft on Mondays from 1.30pm and bingo on Friday from 2pm. Please get in touch if your group would like to invite new members through Community News.

Finally, a sad note to close, as Old Wyke Village Stores has had to call it a day. Neil and Michelle finally closed the doors on December 11 after long and careful consideration. We wish them all the very best for the future.