LIP READING classes at the Frank Reynolds hall on the Dorchester Road have begun again and it is not too late to join, contact Mags Chue on 01308 897543. The classes are on Mondays at 12.30pm.

It was good to hear that a recent coffee morning held in aid of hearing dogs for deaf people raised a nice sum.

Also on Mondays, 7pm, at the Frank Reynolds hall, Anita Law is again running her classes in watercolour painting and drawing for improvers and beginners – they say that everyone can draw and paint, so this is a good opportunity to have a go. Contact Anita on 01258 837199.

IT SEEMS a long time ago now that the Upwey Society held its annual BBQ.

Again we were blessed with a perfect evening and a great number of local families and their friends enjoyed good food, music and a chance for the children to run free.

UPWEY and Broadwey WI have kicked off their autumn season with a splendid seasonal auction of home-produced goodies – fruit, vegetables, preserves, cakes, and many other items.

Business was brisk, president Sheila Williams wielded the gavel heartily and nothing was left unsold.

At the next meeting, Thursday, October 14, 2pm at the Memorial Hall in Victoria Avenue, the speaker will be Mrs V Stevens whose subject is Icons – sounds intriguing. Visitors and prospective new members are welcome.

COME AND SING! On Saturday, October 30, there’s a chance for you to join in singing choruses from Handel’s Messiah at St Laurence Church.

Rehearsal begins at 2.45 until 4.30, then there will be tea and cakes in the Old School hall and the performance will be from 5.30–6.30pm approx, directed by David and Sue Bruce-Payne.

This lovely event is being run in support of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust which so generously gave a grant for the repair of the windows in St Laurence’s.

Tickets to join in are £5 in advance or £7 on the door and include tea, available from Sue 01305 816178 or Pru 01305 812341. You can hire the music for a returnable deposit of £5. If you don’t sing, please do come and have tea and listen for £5.

OUR UPWEY historian Sue Virgin is planning to mount another of her wonderful Upwey and Broadwey history exhibitions at the Memorial Hall on the weekend of November 20 and 21.

It’s some time since the last one, which attracted a huge number of people with Upwey connections, many of whom found photos and items of interest to bring and share with others. If you have anything in the loft amongst your old albums and diaries which could be relevant, contact Sue 01305 267759 or email Sue.virgin@gmail.com. More details nearer the time.

REGULAR groups and classes at the Old School Village Hall, opposite the Wishing Well, begin on Monday September 27. There’s loads of arty stuff plus Morris dancing, yoga, astronomy and photography.

Where each class has its contact person for details, it may be best to visit the hall and look on the notice board outside for information.