• DUE TO my injured leg I missed the Sutton Poyntz Victorian Street Fayre back on a beautiful sunny day in the summer, and I am very sorry that I did, because everyone who went told me that it was one of the best yet, and that they had enjoyed themselves immensely.

These reports are reflected in the amount of money that was raised for charity by the hard work of those who organised the Fayre, under the chairmanship of Guy Bridge, those who assisted on the day and, of course, those who donated so generously.

It could not have been achieved without the co-operation and support of hard working villagers, stalls holders, collectors, parking attendants, refreshment providers, performers on and off stage, the Springhead Pub, the Waterworks, sponsorship from Goadsby, Weymouth Scaffolding and many more contributing behind the scenes.

Over 70 people attended a recent presentation evening in the Mission Hall to distribute this money, and a total of no less than £14,950 was presented to 24 different charities!

The charities to benefit were Water Aid, represented by Vanessa Ashton, the Mission Hall Trust by Anthea Heathershaw, the Clare Clements Fund by Barbara Clements and Clive Burgess, the Ohkle Village Nepal project by Richard Backwell, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance by Jo Pickard and Jane Hall, Dorset Search and Rescue by Bob Knott, Shelter Boxes by Brian Evans, RNLI by Michael Gill, Headway by Ian Curtis, Diabetes UK by Elizabeth Peckover, the Nothe Fort by Paul Merry and Monica Donohoe, St. John’s Ambulance by Keith Hocking, Friends of the Samaritans by Stuart Boichot, Dorset ME Support Group by Helen Smith, Life Education by Diane Day, Preston Pantomime Group by Tricia Dunford, First Responder Emergency Defibrillator by Simon Allison, Preston Brownies by Maureen Bond, and Preston Vicars in Welfare work by Kathryn White, Julia’s House, Help for Heroes, Weymouth East Scouts, St Andrews Church and Preston Village Hall.

I’m sure you will agree that this is a most impressive list, and it is heart warming to know that so many local charities benefited from this local event, and that so much more good work will result. Congratulations to everyone concerned, and roll on 2010 – my leg should be completely recovered by then, so I’ll see you there.

  • LIZZIE Mould tells me that Preston Playgroup will be holding a ‘Cakes and Carols’ afternoon on Sunday, 7 December at 2:30pm in The Preston Village Hall.

This sounds as though it will be a lovely afternoon, with The Preston Pantomime Group – always worth listening to - dropping in to lead the singing, followed by refreshments including mulled wine and mince pies.

Other attractions include a tombola, raffle and lucky dip. The cost is £2.50 per adult which includes refreshments, and children get in free.

The proceeds, of course, will go towards the Playgroup funds.

This is a lively, active and friendly Group that are always trying new ideas, so why not drop in for a spot of festive cheer to begin the season of good will?