THERE are a lot of people celebrating the loss of a lot of weight.

Some 60 members of Slimming World, Upwey and Broadwey group, held their getting ready for Christmas party recently at which all sorts of delicious slimline foods and recipes for exciting dishes were shared and tasted.

At the party, the leader, Teresa Paul, announced the names of those who had achieved their target weights and among them was Jane Woodland, the group’s Woman of the Year.

Jayne Simmonite, Teresa Fairbank, Tony Batty, Ruth Hoadley, Pat Dominey, Jenny Scriven and Kim Roberts were others who’d got to where they wanted to. Between them all they lost a staggering 18st 8½lbs and they all looked extremely pleased with themselves - no wonder for, as one lady said, her blood pressure had dropped from high to normal, she’s got loads of energy and so much more confidence. Definitely a success story.

Anyone, no matter what age or shape, is welcome to join the group, which meets at the Memorial Hall in Victoria Avenue,10am-11.30am on Tuesday mornings. Just turn up, or contact Teresa on 01305 785737.

BIG CATS, panthers or daimons is the title of the next talk to be given to the Wessex Research Group.

This will be on Wednesday, October 13 in the Menzies Room at the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.

The speaker is Merrily Harpur who has researched thousands of sightings of big cats, many of which have happened in Dorset, and more locally in Upwey. She has written widely on the subject and invites you to share her thoughts and discoveries.

Contact 01305 816644 or spiraloftranquility.roma@virgin.net

THERE HAS been a spate of burglaries in and around Upwey just recently.

We have been asked to keep eyes and ears open and report anything unusual to the police and neighbours.

TICKETS are going nicely for the Come and Sing, choruses from Handel’s Messiah event at St Laurence Church on the afternoon of Saturday, October 30.

For all those who would just love to sing those rousing and well-known words, here’s an opportunity for you to rehearse and then perform, under the baton of Sue Bruce-Payne, with her husband David playing the organ. It’s rare to have such a chance as this, so please do ring Sue on 01305 816178 for details. Tickets are only £5 in advance or £7 on the door, you can hire the music for £5 and it’s all in aid of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust.