CROSSWAYS playgroup children had a wonderful surprise waiting for them when they arrived for school. In the main hall were two rather splendid pedal vehicles which proved instant hits with all.

  • The toys are a train and a fire engine and were ordered in secrecy as the result of two pieces of good luck for the Playgroup. An anonymous donation had been given to the Playleader from a kind hearted person who wanted to see the children have something special.
  • Coupled with this was a windfall that had been secured by the group's administrator when doing the tax returns. This was enough for the special delivery which steamed into the village hall.
  • I gather that the children were so chuffed that the leaders had to ration the turns with a stopwatch. It is to be hoped that the Crossways Playgroup express ran on time.
  • The group is extremely fortunate to have such a lovely big hall to play in which is bright, dry and warm in winter and lovely and airy and cool in summer. They also have an enclosed outside area where they can watch the activity in the nearby fields.
  • Readers may be surprised to learn of the detailed curriculum which is delivered to the under fives. Training is a constant necessity for the leader team who at the moment are working hard in conjunction with the teaching staff at Frome Valley first school.
  • All parents have been invited to a meeting to learn more about the SEALs initiative (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning). It all seems to fit in very well with the playgroup's motto of learning through fun'.
  • WEDDING bells rang out in Moreton on a glorious sunny day. The bride and goom getting married in the picturesque church of St Nicholas left the church to the sound of a peal of eight bells.
  • Inside the church, the organist said to the rector I can hear bells'. Perhaps it is a recording that the bridal party have brought with them' replied Rev.Birdseye.
  • It was in fact yours truly and three of the handbell ringers from Crossways who had been asked to greet the happy couple on the steps of the church as they emerged at the end of the service.
  • I gather the sound was most effective and carried some distance considering the size of handbells compared with those that hang in church towers. However the nearest church peals I believe are at Puddletown so a novel way of marking the start of a marriage.
  • GOOD news all round in this column with thanks going to all those who donated or supported the recent bingo held by Crossways FC. Readers may recall the club's generous wish to donate funds to pay for the district scout football tournament to be held on the village playing field.
  • A full report on the tournament itself to follow but the sum of £155 was raised by a packed tavern. The club had donated its premises free of charge and the large selection of prizes all provided by the generosity of local people.
  • The money will be used to ensure that the annual tournament will continue to be hosted in Crossways, much to the delight of the host scout group. How refreshing to report the kind hearted generosity and good news stories which is actually more reflective on life in Crossways,