IT came as no surprise to find that it was almost a case of 'standing room only' at St Martin's Church for the service held to celebrate the life of the late Dennis Legg.

To the Rev John Good's amazement the coffin bore no conventional flowering wreathes but an assortment of every vegetable that would have flourished in Dennis's garden. In years gone by Dennis won countless prizes at the local shows whilst many a bagful soon found its way to someone else’s dinner table, for Dennis loved to share the fruits of his labours.

Fittingly the final hymn was 'We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land' & the congregation left the church to the tune of 'Sheep may safely graze'. As requested donations were generously given to the Weldmar Hospice Care Trust and his family would like to thank all who paid tribute to Dennis in such a practical way.

Dennis will be long remembered not just in our own community but in a wider area which he covered when working for a West Dorset agricultural contractor. He was also a skilful bowls and skittles player, not to mention a square dancing enthusiast.

So very many memories of a good friend and neighbour will be of great comfort to his family. It will not be an easy task for anyone to match his qualities, for truly when they cast Dennis 'they broke the mould'. We are indeed most privileged to have known you.

THOSE who attend the Lent Lunches have truly found that there is nothing at all penitential about the meal.

For a modest £3.50 provides one with a bowl of most delicious home-made soup and a tasty cheese ploughmans with tea or coffee to round off this excellent repast. All profits go to charity. Next dates are April 8 & 15 at 12.30pm in Martinstown Village Hall.

THE Valley Club will meet at the Poundbury Garden Centre at 6.45pm on Monday, April 18 for their 25 per cent discount evening off any purchases they may make.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Winterbourne Valley CEVA First School who received an outstanding OFSTED report, for it was judged to be 'outstanding across the board'.

Naturally this praise also reflects well on head teacher Rachel Horne and staff and of course to the support of the parents themselves. Most importantly it is a 'happy school'.

THE Martinstown Village Hall AGM will be held in the hall on Monday, April 18 at 8pm.

At this meeting Ann Matthews will be standing down as the chairman so it will be a good opportunity to turn up in force to thank her for her stalwart work over many years.

THIS year will see the Open Gardens Weekend on July 9 and 10.

Please phone 889248 if you are willing to open your garden to the public. An attraction this year will be the Casterbridge Male Voice Choir. I wonder if Don practises his notes when out walking with the Martinstown Mileaters?

MARTINSTOWN WI Summer Outing on Wednesday, June 8 is to Sidmouth and Beer.

All are welcome.