Puddletown

  • Imagine all the people

Sharing all the world

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one

Never were John Lennon's words in his song Imagine more appropriate than when it was played at the assembly at St Mary's Middle School that linked the school up live via the internet with a remote KwaZulu/Natal school in South Africa - Sipholabadleshe High School in Hluhluwe, KZN.

I was privileged to go along and share this experience with them when head teacher Carl Winch and three Year 7 students, Sarah Elliott, Matt Burleigh and Amelia Barnes talked live to the head teacher and some of the students in the South African village.

The assembly launched the project Cultural Partnerships that will enable children from such diverse backgrounds to benefit from sharing and learning about each other's cultures and lives.

Once one or two technical problems with the link-up were sorted out with the help of Richard Wood and the Siemens company, the students were soon chatting away with their new friends in South Africa about the things they enjoyed, the foods they ate, and the activities, music and sports they took part in.

There were many similarities, some differences, and a great deal of shared laughter from the young people of both schools.

It was an immensely moving experience to watch these children, aged just 11 and 12, forging links of friendship across the world.

The assembly ended with both head teachers knotting together the school ties of both schools, symbolising their being united in friendship.

The project all began when parent Rachel Wood was on holiday in South Africa and chanced to meet Siphile, head teacher of a remote Zulu school.

On her return, she and school governor, Kasia Robins organised a fund-raising concert to donate money to Siphile's school, and this money was used to fund a monthly subscription to get internet access for the school until the government paid.

There are still people in their village with no running water, Rachel said, but their internet access is better than ours.

The first stage of the project will be the organisation of an after-school club by parent Jaqui Warder.

Activities like art, drama, cooking on-line pen pals and music, all with a South African theme will bring to life the origins of our culture and appreciate diversity.

Next year, on June 11, there will be a day with eight workshops for the Year 7 children, and a Zulu dance troupe will be coming along.

It is hoped that the project will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with a community on the other side of the world that will broaden the minds of all participants.

Bere Regis

  • A CHRISTMAS fayre and coffee morning for the church will be held at the Drax Hall on Saturday, November 28 from 10.30am until noon.

There will be cakes, various stalls, coffee, a raffle and games.

Please do come along.

  • CHRISTMAS bingo organised by the Pop in Place will take place at the lower hall of the Drax Hall on Friday, December 4. Eyes down at 10.30am.
  • TONIGHT There is a Star is the title of the Christmas performance presented by the Pop in Place Performers on Saturday, December 12 at 6pm in the Drax Hall.

Entry is by ticket only.

The cost is £5 per person, with no concessions.

Tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis, and are available from Alison Bennett by telephoning 01929 472023.

  • MINCE pies and bells and carols will be part of the Pop in Place session on Friday, December 18 from 10am until noon.

Everyone is welcome to come along.

Alison thanks everyone for their continued support.

  • RAGAMUFFINS pre-school has a Christmas raffle with over 40 prizes that include a luxury hamper, a Phillips digital photo frame, a Phillips juicer that retails at over £90, a Marc Young beauty voucher, a belly-dancing lesson, whisky and decanter, and a Pampered Pigs voucher.

Many thanks to all the companies who have kindly donated prizes.

The group relies heavily on fundraising , and would appreciate your support. With so many prizes, you have a good chance of winning!

All proceeds will go towards buying new equipment and resources for the pre-school children.

Tickets cost £1 per book, and are available from the pre-school, or by telephoning Cathryne Packham on 01929 471752.

The draw will take place on Friday, December 18 at 11am at Ragamuffins. Please feel free to come along.

  • ORDERS for Christmas trees to be displayed on the outside your house for the enjoyment of all are to be confirmed in the third week of November.

Telephone Chris Maunder on 01929 471342 if you would like to have one.