• THE END of term brings a mixture of emotions for staff and children alike. For some there is the excitement and nervousness of leaving or joining school or playgroup. For staff it is the saying goodbye and good luck to youngsters they have taught and seen develop. So, in keeping with a lot of other villages there are lots of special events and traditions which mark the end of the summer term.
  • Frome Valley first school marked the end of its second year in its new premises by putting on a production of Annie' in the village hall. All the performances were packed and not just by parents of those taking part. Many villagers and supporters of the school were there to watch the popular story and the high standard which had been achieved.

The school also has said goodbye to its year 1 teacher Mrs Jo Mortimer and Mrs Judy Venables who has worked for many years as the reception teaching assistant. Miss Loveless moves on after completing her training in childcare and Mrs Ashby who went on maternity leave in June has now had a baby girl Darcie Jayne.

Even though school is out for the summer break there is a holiday club which runs fro children aged 4-14 years and not just pupils of Frome Valley. I gather an exciting programme including outings are planned and children may attend for whole days or part days. For further information or to book in contact 07787 163004.

  • PLAYGROUP end of term featured three special events marking the completion of a successful year. For fifteen children it marks the end of their time with the group and they will be joining the school in September. Frome Valley headteacher Helen Boyce notes We are so pleased that Crossways Playgroup has prepared the children well for school and we send our thanks to Mary and her team for that and for all the information she sends on to us.' Instead of an outing this year which is becoming cost prohibitive with rising fuel and admission costs there were three parties. Arty Crafty from Dorchester came as a special treat for the children leaving and spent a very enjoyable time making things to take home as well as playing fun games.

A visit from Mark Sandercock, the chief inspector for Dorset early years learning coincided with the last week of term. This was an audit visit to see how well the setting was preparing for the delivery of early learning goals. You may have heard about the debates and discussions about what the under 5s should aim towards before joining school.

With the serious business over it was a chance for all playgroup children to have a lunchtime party. A special treat was a visit from children's entertainer Captain Stupid from Weymouth. He had the children enthralled and mesmerised with his magic tricks. Then Case & Brewer from Dorchester delivered a chip lunch for the children and staff which was thoroughly enjoyed.

The toddler group which meets on a Wednesday afternoon in the hall and which has been extremely well attended and supported held a small party as well. The children really enjoyed the use of a bouncy fun castle in the hall as well as the ride on toys and equipment which the group is fortunate to have the use of.

Rather sadly the end of the term has also seen some mindless vandalism take place with the outdoor play equipment in the little garden area which the groups use. Unfortunately the wendy house which has been there for three years or more with no problem has been damaged beyond repair. It is fortunate that it happened in the holidays as the children who use it so much would have been quite upset.

However there are always good things to balance with the bad and the playgroup had two generous donations from parents. One made a contribution towards the chip lunch for the children as a thank you for making their child feel so welcome. Another Mum had run a card selling venture and made a donation to the funds. The group is hoping to run a tombola stall at the village fete in September so will be working hard to get items donated as soon as sessions restart on Wednesday, September 3rd. The toddler group will meet that afternoon.

  • CHILDREN who are missing their playgroup or toddler group might be interested in two special events taking place in August in the village hall. For pre school children and siblings the staff of Sure Start Barnardos might have the answer. Stay n' play on Tuesday, August 12th from 1.30 to 3.30pm and messy play on Wednesday, August 20th from 9.30 - 11.00am. Enquiries and details from Surestart on 01305 852843.
  • BUDDING David Beckhams or Wayne Rooneys are being hunted by Owermoigne football club who train and play on the Crossways playing field every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.45pm. Steve Cole tells me that they are a young, ambitious, friendly, enthusiastic and forward thinking club who want to continue to develop and progress to reach the highest level possible. Interested ? give Steve a ring on 07811 516525.
  • CROSSWAYS Library is running the summer reading challenge called the team read' and it is now in full swing. I visited the library when two youngsters were enthusiastically telling librarian Chris about the books they had read. They are challenged to read six books in the holidays and collect stickers to go on a poster. Complete the poster and you receive a special medal and certificate to be presented when they return to school.

There is a scheme for younger readers too so if you are interested I should get down to the library and find out more. For the three to six year olds a special holiday treat on Tuesday, August 5th between 3.00 and 4.00pm when there is a puppet show called Zagro's big adventure' it is free so another opportunity to use our popular library.

Unfortunately the number of hours this village amenity is open is to be reduced under the DCC review of the library service. Whilst the campaign to save Crossways from closure was successful there will be the loss of six hours opening per week. Details of the new opening times will be publicised well in advance of the implementation in November.