Martinstown

THERE is more to life than sitting glued to the ever-widening range of TV channels and computer activities.

However, it takes a somewhat special person to do something positive about it, and that was when Dennis took a hand.

He started to reckon up the number of friends and relations he wanted to invite to an informal get-together and realised it would be trying to get a quart into a pint pot should he go for an “at home”.

Fortunately the village hall was available to easily accommodate the fifty or so friends and neighbours, including several whom were almost foreigners, coming as they did, from the area around Shaftesbury.

Catering was easily accomplished with all asked to bring a plate of sweet or savoury and the generous contributions had the tables laden with a tasty array of delicious food, not to mention an array of salads and wickedly tempting desserts.

However, the lasting memory will not be the food alone but that of a really rural atmosphere of friends and neighbours coming together in the way that was so well portrayed in the recent TV series of the Victorian Farm.

The main purpose of this party was not that of self-indulgence but the opportunity to do something that would benefit others in Dorset, residents and visitors alike, so with this aim a fantastic raffle was held.

All prizes had been donated and the end result came to at least £100 to be shared between Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Cancer Research.

A wonderful idea, since these two good causes rely on fund raising events to keep going and maintain their independent status and a great many people have cause to be grateful for their timely help, not just those who live in Dorset but also many visitors to our lovely county.

MARTINSTOWN really is a generous place as the Cricket Club has reason to be thankful for since their recent jumble sale raised £300 for their funds.

Thanks go not only to those local fans but also to many that came from far and wide in search of many bargains on offer and, of course, the welcome cup of tea and a chat.

I GATHER that around seventy people thoroughly enjoyed the recent Valley Club Barn Dance, especially Michael, who although unable to participate in the dancing enjoyed a sociable chat to friends.

MARTINSTOWN WI members hone up their crafty skills when they were instructed in the art of decoupage.

The end product is quite astounding for it results in a brilliant 3D effect through building up layers of the main subject and I must admit that the birds on my own cart looked ready to take flight at any moment.

Any lucky recipient will have something that is worth cherishing provided that the creators can bear to part with their masterpieces.

MAGGIE Robertson is, once again, organising her Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Appeal and asks people to fill a shoebox with items for either a boy or a girl.

A choice of ages 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years.

Closing date for completed boxes is November 13.

For more details contact Maggie on 01305 880008.

In anticipation she says thank you, for this will make such a difference to a child this Christmas.