A VERY big debt of gratitude is owed to Ann Salmon for introducing Artsreach to the community as long ago as 2006.

Since that time it is hard to believe that Artsreach has provided some 17 shows, plus the fact that some of these seen in the village hall have gone on to win awards at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Ann thanks everyone for their support, but as much as she has enjoyed being the Artsreach promoter she feels it is time to hand over the baton to fresh faces with new ideas.

Fortunately Kate and Heather are willing to take on the task and they are wished all the very best from all in the community and beyond.

To help them in their new role Ann will pass on a Hope List, which she has learnt through experience.

Ann thanked all those who have helped over the years in any way whatsoever. However, the biggest 'thank you' of all must surely be due to Ann Salmon herself, for she has been responsible for raising £2,482 for the village hall funds.

The next show is due on Saturday, March 26 at 7.30pm when Publick Transport present ‘The Department of Smelling Pistakes’. If you enjoy the Goons then this is for you.

Tickets from Kate Ellis on 01305 889535, adult £8, child £6, family £25, (maximum two adults).

JOHN and Alison Crawford would like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who recently came along to their house on Saturday, February 26 in order to support the five runners who will be taking part in the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday, March 6.

The fundraising supplied not only good food for the body but also music for the soul with recitals on flute and piano by Susan and Jonathan Archer.

The gallant runners were Charlotte Cooke, Harry Crawford, Kate Corbett-Winder, Liz Crawford and Chloe Surowiec, and if you have been unable to attend the event donations will be most welcome for the good causes of Cystic Fibrosis, Cancer Research, CLIC and the National Autistic Society.

LENT Lunches will be held in the village hall at 12.30pm on the following Fridays – March 11, 18 and 25, April 1, 8 and 15.

The modest sum of £3.50 will guarantee a delicious lunch of homemade soup and a cheese ploughmans, plus convivial company.

All proceeds will be donated to charity.

THE next meeting of the Martinstown WI will be at 6.45pm in the village hall on Wednesday, March 9.

The speaker will be a member of the Dorset Fire Service who will make us aware of the many hazards that could lurk in our homes.

Visitors always welcome.