BROADWEY Village Stores is now well and truly open – Jason Herbert of Wessex FM cut the tape, the newspaper boys and girls waved balloons and the customers cheered.

Peter and Janet Blakey have made a brilliant job of refitting the shop and encouraging local suppliers to find an outlet here.

Amongst the goodies on sale are fresh meats from Genesis – a co-operative of Dorset farmers, local dairy and bakery, fresh vegetables and the most delicious cakes and general groceries.

Add to those some very special deli items, wines, chocs and the newspapers and magazines and everything you need is there. There’s a cash machine, regrettably not free, and soon the card top-up machine will be installed.

The store was crowded on that opening day and there’s plenty to keep the customers coming.

  • TO HELP, not just the store but all the local traders, there’s to be a Local Trades Fair at the Memorial Hall on Wednesday, December 3, open to you all, from 3pm to 6pm.

It’s a great opportunity to come and see just what’s on offer, not only from shops, other businesses too – perhaps we could look at this as part of the ‘shop locally’ drive.

  • UPWEY and Broadwey Horticultural Society is holding its Christmas party at St. Nicholas School on Thursday, December 4 at 7.30pm.

In years past, members have brought the party food, but this year, the chairman, Graham Brant, has arranged for the food to be provided, at a cost to members of £3.00 each, and there will be entertainment. Please, members, would you let Graham know if you are planning to go – the more the merrier.

After Christmas, gardeners can relax with all those beautiful new books and make plans for beautiful new gardens next year – there’s no meeting in January.

  • A DIARY date – the very traditional candlelight carol service will be held at St Laurence Church on Monday, December 22 at 6.30pm and then, the following evening at 6pm, bring the children to the Christingle service.