Upwey is now relaxing, just a bit, after an exceptionally busy time.

A large audience enjoyed a superb concert given by the Dorchester Choral Society in St. Laurence Church with a programme both sacred and secular. Money was raised from the sale of tickets for pre-concert drinks and nibbles which helps to swell the fund for the installation of new plumbing facilities.

Planning permission for the loo and server has now been granted and the next stage is to put the work out to tender before the diocese can grant the faculty for the work to be done. And the money has to be raised.

Open Gardens came and went with all the effort, and great enjoyment, that goes with this very popular event. As ever, the tea garden at Jackie and David’s was especially well-attended despite disappointing weather on the second day. A goodly sum was raised from ticket and tea sales which will go towards the cost of fireworks on Bonfire Night.

Students at Westfield College were pleased with their exhibition of arts and crafts held the same weekend as Open Gardens.

The annual craft fair at the Old School is well under way for the rest of this week until Sunday, July 26th, open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Entry is free, so come and find delightful, beautifully made pieces to treasure for yourselves or as gifts, and buy tickets for the raffle with a chance to win the Upwey quilt.

Take tea or coffee at the Wishing Well cafe, just opposite the Old School, where the gardens are in full summer bloom.

Go Quangle Wangle and hear the songs of this excellent Weymouth choir at the United Church in Dorchester on Saturday, July 25th at 7.30pm. They’re a very lively bunch.

Several things to look forward to in August: the first of these is St. Laurence Summer Fete held in the church and churchyard. Many well-laden stalls, the ever popular collectibles, preserves and cakes, the plants and books and, of course, the raffle, make this an event well worth a visit. Make a date for Saturday, August 8th, from 11.00am. Light lunches, teas and nice cakes welcome you.

More garden: the Horticultural Society will be holding their excellent Summer Exhibition at the Memorial Hall at 2.00pm on Saturday, August 15th. Amongst the many exhibits, there’s always an outstanding display of dahlias, big blousy ones all the way along to tiny flowers. Not only dahlias, of course, there are opportunities for anyone who would like to submit their garden plants, vegetables, flowers, produce, cakes, photographs and children’s work for display. Contact the show organiser, Eve Morris on 813942, for details. And even if you don’t enter any of the classes, just come and enjoy a lovely afternoon with teas and plenty of chat.

Then on Bank Holiday weekend, August 28th to 31st, the Royal Standard pub on Dorchester Road is holding its Sausage and Cider Festival, bigger than ever this year with lots of live music booked over the weekend. For details, go to www.theroyalstandardupwey.co.uk.

Another concert is planned at St. Laurence’s Church on Wednesday, September 16th, in the church. Further details later – it will be good.