• The Preston Road Doctors’ Practice held their seasonal flu vaccinations in Westfield Technology College on Littlemoor Road, and everything was extremely well organised. Local people flocked in on foot, bike and by car and were ushered through the College with no delay whatsoever to the gymnasium, where a bank of medical staff were on hand to actually give the vaccinations. For those not able to negotiate the stairs to the gym there was a convenient room set aside. Dr Bowditch had been promoted to car park attendant by the time my In-house Adviser and I arrived, but I am reliably informed that he had been in the thick of things earlier! The Community Angels had prepared refreshments, and a cup of coffee was very welcome after the mental strain of psyching myself up for operation. The Practice is to be complimented on a very efficient painless process. Well, virtually painless, for I am no hero when it comes to needles, and three days later I still have the plaster over the spot on my arm – well, you can’t be too careful can you?

• It is a huge disappointment for many older people – and a few young ones – that First have announced they will not be reinstating the Number 4 service down Oakbury Drive. One local resident told me that she had received a reply from First saying that it was the wish of the majority that the bus went straight down Preston Road. It would be interesting to see the figures to back up that assertion! There was also talk of putting a bus stop near the Wyke Oliver Road/ Preston Road junction, but this idea also seems to have been ignored, so people from the vicinity of Oakbury Drive have a very long walk to a bus stop, not easy with full shopping bags. Let’s hope that Councillor Mannings can win a reprieve.

• Betty Hennessey tells me that the Weymouth East Scouts and Guides Autumn Jumble Sale will take place on Saturday 19 October and but they need jumble to sell to raise money. Please help by looking out you unwanted items and contacting Betty (833614) or delivering them to the Scutt Hall, which is open most early evenings. I know that many charities ask for your help with clothes, jumble etc, but this is one of the major fund raising activities in support of the Scutt Hall which is used by so many local youngsters, so do please try and help.