• ALLOTMENT holders of all ages at Westham crossroads celebrated when a digger arrived to work on a new track way to replace the muddy and treacherously slippery central access path they have had to negotiate for many years. Half the track has now been resurfaced with the help of Hansons, the main contractor for Weymouth’s controversial transport package, as part of their contribution towards the local community.

Thanks to the hard work of a dedicated core group of plot holders, a Westham Crossroads allotments association was formed earlier this year. It is hoped that further improvements will be made to the site over the coming months, working in conjunction with WPBC and thanks to the generosity of several local businesses who are supplying various materials.

  • WESTHAM Community Group will have a stall at the town’s Christmas Sparkle evening on Thursday, December 9 as well as at the Wyke Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 12. The group is raising money towards running Bingo sessions and additional activities for older people in Westham next year, in partnership with Age UK Weymouth. If you can help either by donating items for sale or for a tombola, or can help on the stalls please contact Ryan on 07794757558.

The group were delighted that Vic Moore was given a Special Award by WPH for his work in the community. He has been responsible for supporting the Nautical Community Garden in Bedford Road where he is now waiting for the hedges to grow so he can carve them into the shape of dolphins. He has also helped lead the allotment project in the waste land adjacent to the green. If any Westham resident would like to help Vic in these schemes please contact the secretary David Harris on 01305 781660.

  • TICKETS for the Christmas raffle organised by John and Karen Pearce are on sale at Alfs Fish and Chip shop, Fiveways. There will be community carol singing outside the shop, led by the Salvation Army band and Beechcroft school choir, on Thursday, December 2, at 7pm. Free hot drinks will be available, Father Christmas will be circulating as usual, and the Mayor also hopes be there. All money raised will be donated to Conifers School, including 10% of the shop takings that evening.
  • AT THEIR November meeting 56 members of Wyke WI were taken back in time by Shelagh Hansford's talk on 'Washing in the 40s'. For some, memories of a wartime childhood were revived whilst others had their eyes opened by her vivid account of wartime life.

Union flags were displayed alongside wartime memorabilia such as a ration book and identity card to create a nostalgic atmosphere, and members enjoyed spam or jam sandwiches with their tea.

Well over £520 was raised at the group’s autumn fair. Cakes, handicrafts, book and bric-a-brac stalls did a brisk trade and those attending could also take part in a treasure hunt, tombola and guessing the weight of a pumpkin. The popular Wyke Regis WI 'Winter Warmers' lunch was enjoyed by 60 people.

New members have been welcomed to the WI’s art and table tennis groups. Members are now looking forward to the Christmas tea, the WI singers’ concerts and the Dorset Federation of Women's Institutes Carol Festivals in Sherborne Abbey and Christchurch Priory.

  • WYKE Sisterhood are holding their Christmas coffee morning in the Methodist Church Hall, Portland Road, on Thursday, December 9, from 10am to 11.30am. There will be various stalls and everybody is welcome.