THERE are quite a number of residents throughout the Winterbourne Valley who may be classed as Riparian owners since their houses are situated by the side of the stream.

They may at times feel that they are living on the edge in more ways than one when they endeavour to sort out their responsibilities. 'To clear’ or 'not to clear' is a tricky question, which often has them bemused.

However, help was at hand when a special meeting was held recently in the Martinstown Village Hall. The Environment Agency and the Dorset Wildlife Trust presented some excellent display boards along with expert advice from the team plus the many specialist leaflets.

Hopefully with an amicable partnership between the riparian owners and the County Council there is no doubt that there is a thriving population of water life in our stream for it is proved by the regular appearance of the heron and the occasional little egrets.

There are other things which are not quite so welcome such as that dreadful foreign import, the Himalayan Balsam, maybe better known as Touch Me Not, since the slightest pressure on the seed pod triggers of an explosion which scatters seeds metres in all directions.

THE Valley Club holding a Barn Dance on the Friday, October 8 at 7.30 till 10.30pm in Martinstown Village Hall.

Tickets are £10 for members, £12 for non-members.

There will be a bar and a ploughmans supper will be included.

This will be a charity event with a donation to the local Dorset Kidney Fund.

THE Martinstown WI will meet at 6.45pm on Wednesday, October 13 in the village hall.

Members are asked to bring an interesting object from home and tell its story. Will it produce any skeletons from cupboards? Visitors are most welcome to come along.

THE two Johns wish to thank all who sponsored their cycle ride in aid of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust. They raised £265 for their noble efforts.

Thanks are also due to those who stewarded the churches and welcomed the cyclists with refreshments.

THERE will be a Coffee Morning in aid of the Samaritans Purse Shoe Box Appeal, Saturday, October 9, 11am at 1 Manor Grove, Martinstown.

THE Valley School is collecting Nestle Box Tops for books and Lets Grow vouchers from Morrisons.

These can be dropped off at the school or put in the tub by the till in Martinstown shop.

FEELING weak?

Restore your strength at the Brewers Arms with Stew and Dumplings on Thursday, November 11 and celebrate the Feast of St Martin at the same time!