IT is always sad to learn that during their lifetime we are often totally unaware of the many attributes and accomplishments accredited to those we think we have known well.

Such was the case with those of us who attended the recent funeral service for Barbara McClinton for none had known that Barbara had achieved a brilliant University degree followed by a rewarding and responsible career but that she was also a most accomplished pianist.

Barbara’s connection with Martinstown lay in the fact that her husband Frank was an original Martinstown Mileater, so sympathies from all his Martinstown friends go to Frank and all the family.

THE recent coffee morning, in aid of Shelter, did not actually have the Rectory bursting at the seams so it was assumed that family shopping was a top priority with Christmas nearly upon us.

It did, however, provide a welcome opportunity to have a chat with folk that one does not see quite so often now that the days are shorter and the weather preventing all but the hardy dog walkers from taking outdoor exercise.

However, it was very nice to see those lovely ladies from Poundbury join us.

THE Christmas bazaar in aid of the village hall funding suffered from the similar lack of support.

A great pity as the stall holders had excelled themselves with a wonderful display of beautiful gifts and cards to cater for all tastes, while the crackers were available for the children.

Father Christmas was not exactly rushed off his feet, so I felt I should give him a word of encouragement, the disguise was excellent but the voice was a dead give away – nice try Cedric.

THE following day saw the sound of church bells guiding me down the road to St Martin’s for the lovely Christingle Service.

This always gets the festive season off to a proper start since it is a wonderful service for families, particularly since the children themselves take an active part in it.

I was most impressed by the technical expertise used to enhance the service, no more handing out of books or the inevitable rustle of printed sheets. Lo there on a large screen the appropriate words did appear both wonderful and clear – once I had adjusted my bifocals.

Incidentally I now know that Kuwana Krismasi Njema is Swahili for Happy Christmas.

Appropriately the collection was in aid of the Children’s Society, which was founded in 1881 with the aim of “Defending, Safeguarding and Protecting the childhood of all children.

No lessons seem to have been learnt since today’s children are just as much in need of protection as their Victorian counterparts.

THE Martinstown WI members decided to forego their exchange of presents amongst themselves and their guests, which seemed to be the heights of self-indulgence.

Instead the gifts will be donated to those most deserving of our good will, namely those spending Christmas in the Women’s Refuge.

LOOKING at the programme I see that Anne Grey will provide an entertaining Musical Twelve Days of Christmas.

I am in high hopes that Jan can be persuaded to show us the results of her course at Denman College, namely how to put on a display of Tap Dancing. Mabe she can even do a little more entertainment at the WI festive lunch at the Brewers Arms the following day, but of course I will have to report on this gem at a later date.

I CANNOT leave out a word of praise for that village hall stalwart Ann Matthews who knew exactly how to cope when one of the Bingo players are suddenly taken ill.

Hats off to her but it does seem somewhat strange that emergency calls are routed to Taunton before being relayed to Dorchester, I apologise if I have got this wrong but weird arrangements do illogically happen.

Anyway, hopefully no one will need to use these services during the festive season nor in 2010.