Upwey resounded to the beat of Ben Waters and his brilliant band at the Memorial Hall recently.

What a treat that evening was! More than 200 people joined in to hear Ben’s incredible talent at the piano and watch his fingers flying over the keys.

None left the hall that night until they had to after several encores and then they danced out – feet just could not stop tapping and smiles stretched from ear to ear.

The Upwey Society had invited Ben to perform in aid of the appeal for the restoration of the windows at St Laurence Church, and we have been able to donate £2,000 from the proceeds of the concert, which must help to bring the total fund very near to its target.

In the excitement, a lady left a nice ‘Warehouse’ cardigan at the hall, so please contact me if you think it may be yours.

BONFIRE NIGHT is not far away, Thursday, November 5 as ever is and that’s when the Upwey Society invites the world and his wife and all their children to come and enjoy a splendid bonfire and fantastic firework display.

This year the entry to the field is at the bottom of Elwell Street, we’re keeping the price the same as last year at £3 for adults and £1 for children and there will be hot dogs on sale.

We’re lighting the fire at 6pm and the fireworks go off soon after.

We look forward to seeing you there.

THE OLD School Village Hall committee have reported a very successful season of arts and crafts exhibitions bringing a lot of talented people to use our very nice hall.

And, of course, lots of visitors came and enjoyed their work.

Now it’s the time of workshops to encourage newcomers to try their hands at some of the skills shown.

Fran Griffiths, from Lytchett Matravers is running a bead workshop on Saturday, November 14 all day – that sounds interesting. Contact her on 01202 625775 or email fran@crumpetsfarm.com.

The Upwey quilt-making group is under way again and Pam Dickinson is in charge of this.

If you would like to join in with this jolly group, you would be very welcome and can contact Pam on 812861.

At long last the path round the side of the Old School has been properly made and access for disabled people is no longer the hazard it has been.

Stuart Barnes and his chaps have done a nice job, a metre wide with reinforced edges, it looks good.

The hall is available for hire and you should contact Fil Cooke on 812665.

OUR HORTICULTURAL Society is enjoying a very active and informative autumn with their next meeting on Thursday, November 5 when Neil Lovesey will be talking about the history of the cottage garden and its future.

Then there’s the Christmas party with entertainment at the December meeting.

Usually the gardeners tuck themselves up with their new gardening books in January, but their committee have decided it would be a nice idea to offer an opportunity for members of the society to talk a bit about their own particular gardening interests, perhaps passing on hints and sharing experiences.

Guests are welcome.

It’s a lively society with a very interesting programme and several outings and exhibitions in the course of the year.

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at St Nicholas and St Laurence Primary School at 7.30pm and anyone interested in joining them should contact Sheila Seal on 816915.

FOR THOSE who enjoy computers or those who feel they haven’t really got to grips with them yet, there are sessions held at the Old School on Thursday afternoons from 2pm-4pm.

Rod Wakefield is on hand to advise, assist or sort out problems.

The computer club for young people restarts this month on Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm and you’re welcome to come and use our computers for homework, research and games.

Ring Diane Crumbleholme on 812030.

WHATEVER you may be interested in, there are opportunities for classes and groups meeting at both the Old School Village Hall and at the Memorial Hall in Victoria Avenue.

For the Old School, contact Fil Cooke on 812665 and for the Memorial Hall, the contact is Eve Morris on 813942.