THE Friday Lenten Lunches are proving to be most popular rather than penitential for the participants. The volunteer chefs vie to see who can produce the most tasty soups which are an accompaniment to the healthy ploughman’s. Apart from the bonus of the pleasant company – especially rewarding for those who live alone – there was no need to suffer any pangs of guilt for all profits go to support the children’s hospice at Julia's House.

  • BRUCE and Maggie Robertson held open house for a Fair Trade coffee morning – well worth the mileage to attend. Not only for the welcome cup of coffee and delicious biscuits enjoyed whilst watching a film of the countries who need our support, but the chance to buy some wonderful crafts which will solve many a present on future occasions. Most importantly it is worth seeing how the women of all these countries work hard to augment their incomes.
  • ANN Matthews was overjoyed to be able to thank Fran Taylor and her panto team for boosting the village hall building fund by an amazing sum of over £1,000. An annexe for storage space will enable the kitchen extension to go ahead. Ann and her team work their socks off to do so many things for fundraising, but they could do with a great deal more support from those who will ultimately benefit from the improvements to the hall.
  • SQUADRON Leader Colin Pomeroy gave a wonderful illustrated talk entitled Wings Over Weymouth, a history of flying from 1900-1980. It was quite astounding to see history unfold from a different viewpoint where areas which had once been airfields were now mammoth housing estates. Thanks to Ron and Ann for arranging an excellent event.
  • THE district council has reminded all Riparian owners that it is their responsibility to maintain the bank bordering their property and keep the Winterbourne stream free-flowing. In other words to clear any debris and vegetation that retards the flow of water. Quite a difficult task since certain wildlife habitats need to be maintained. However, help is at hand and more details can be obtained from Carley Field on 01305 252296, who will also confirm that the council is responsible for maintaining the bank which borders the main road through the village. Another source of help could be obtained by simply attending the next parish council meeting on Monday, March 23 at 7.30pm in the parish office.
  • OUR Police Community Support Officer Sarah Pilcher will be present at the Stevens Farm shop this Wednesday, March 18 from 1.30pm-3pm.
  • DORCHESTER area guides are making a special memory book of guiding and want your memories from anywhere in the movement in which you have been involved. The only stipulation is that you should now be living within the division area, which lies from Bere Regis to Maiden Newton, encompassing Dorchester and Martinstown, plus the fact that your memory must fit on one side of a sheet of A4 paper. Lisa can be contacted by email at lisa.upward@btinternet.com but she is quite happy to type up those who are not online.