• The last Sutton Poyntz Society Coffee morning of the season was, as always, well attended. The chance for a chat with friends and neighbours, the charmingly served coffee and delicious homemade cakes are always a great draw, but on this occasion there was an additional attraction. Villager John Newbould had prepared a presentation on the work of the National Trust, with particular emphasis on Dorset. NT volunteers are asked to undertake a minimum of 50 hours in a full year, and John’s contribution can be gauged by the fact that he has already put in over 50 hours in the first two months of this year alone! In fact, John’s tireless contribution has been recognised. Part of his Mission Hall display was the certificate presented by Prof Hansell when, accompanied by wife Liz, John received Honorary Membership of the National Biodiversity Network, at the Royal Society building in London in November 2012. This honour, which only one other volunteer has received, recognises John’s 40 years of work for the Trust, especially as a botanist, where his detailed work has built up a picture of complete habitats. This lifelong passion, which started in his Yorkshire Primary school in the early 1950s, has not abated, and he has now “started on mosses”! John’s enthusiasm is infectious, and I am sure we all left the Mission Hall a lot more aware of what is going on around us.

• The excessive rainfall over the last - well, it seems forever - has made walking in the countryside extremely difficult. This has led to a change in the plans of the Team Walks, and the next will take place fairly close to home, starting from Owermoigne Church at 11am on Saturday 23 March. There is not much room around the Church, so careful parking in the village would be appreciated. The walk is about 5½ miles in length, climbing the gentle incline to Moigns Down. This, if I’ve placed it correctly, is in the direction of Gallows Hill Road up onto the ridge, and the views can be outstanding. You are advised to take a picnic, but tea will be taken at the Garden Centre on the way back. If you would like to enjoy a pleasant day out in good company do go along - but don’t forget to don your sensible footwear! Ring Diane (761975) if you need further details.