THE VOLUNTEER Working Group has been busy clearing the section of stream that runs along the church wall.

Most recently a group turned out to plant up a selection of native plants including snowdrops, primroses and foxgloves with another session planned shortly to finish the planting with ferns and others.

The stream had become very overgrown and it looks lovely to see the water running well and enjoy the natural rocks and stonewalls that are part of this section.

The other areas that were cleared around the village, near the surgery, a section of Goose Hill and at the top of Front Street along from the pond are now coming into their own glory as the snowdrops and primroses start to bloom and small trees are budding up.

Thank you on behalf of the village residents for all the time and hard labour the volunteers are giving to this project.

  • v THE VILLAGE CAFÉS have been slow to start this year but the first one organised by the WI was packed and everyone seemed happy to be there and had obviously missed this normally regular event.

The hall was packed and every chair taken, stalls included a wonderful display of crafts from members of the WI from pottery to quilted items and jewellery, so much talent in this area.

Other stalls included homemade cakes, tombola, raffle and quilted items for sale, cushions, doorstops and bags, with a wonderful array of cakes, bacon sandwiches and beans on toast for refreshments.

The library is becoming very large now but still seems extremely popular with a very large selection of books to suit all tastes.

  • THE KING’S ARMS opened its doors to the villagers in early February with a delicious free buffet for everyone to enjoy laid on from noon until late evening.

Pat and Phil, the new landlords, have now got to know many of the locals and are up and running with a regular daily menu and specials board.

Over Valentine weekend (Saturday and Monday) they had a three course, special menu for that occasion and reports from those attending were very complimentary and the bookings good.

My husband and I popped in Sunday when a choice of roasts, chicken, beef and lamb were on offer plus a limited menu, all at very reasonable prices and we thoroughly enjoyed our roast beef, beautifully presented and piping hot..

The villagers are very happy to have a pub serving good, delicious food again as well as a cheerful venue to meet up with friends.

  • SOCIAL EVENTS are becoming very popular especially the annual events such as the St. Peter’s Fish and Chip Supper followed by the pancake tossing competitions planned and practiced for months beforehand.

The tickets went on sale at the PO and within that day they were all sold!

The Barn Dance postponed from Christmas to the Royal Wedding weekend is almost fully booked.

Due to such heavy demand, anyone holding tickets for either of these events that are unable to attend, please get in touch with either Liz Draper (871316) regarding the Fish & Chip Supper and John Hensby (871892) or David McKinna (871392) for the Barn Dance as they can always resell.

It would be a shame if we have wasted places at either of these two events when others so desperately want tickets.

  • THE CHESIL Bank Garden Club meets again on Tuesday, February 22 with a talk by Pauline Bale & Kate Broomfield on “Living Willow and Herbs” meeting in Portesham village hall.