• Attendance at the Mothers’ Union Table Top Sale in the Church Rooms suffered a little from the atrocious weather, but those who did make the effort were rewarded with a wide range of goods on sale. The hall was packed with stalls ranging from crafts through books, beautiful hand crafted cards, plants, preserves, cakes and much more. Richard on the Scout stall was raising money towards a 2013 expedition to Madagascar by 63 scouts and 17 leaders of which 3 will be from Dorset. They will be working for and with the local population to improve the infrastructure in the country. Beryl, Chairperson of the MU, told me that the proceeds from the sale would be going to MU projects in the third world. She wanted to thank those who attended and those who helped, including, as you can see from the photograph, gentlemen members of the MU.

• In St Andrew’s Church, full of her family and wealth of friends, a service held to celebrate the life of Mrs Betty Joy was an occasion not only of sadness but of much happiness and laughter. Betty herself had a hand in planning the service, and she would have been delighted at the result as son John, grandson Simon and great grandchildren Alicia, Keeley and Emily reflected on what this much loved lady had meant to them. Their recollections brought back so many memories and helped to ease the sense of loss. Always proud of her family, her huge enjoyment at son John’s appearance as a ballerina in an early Preston Pantomime was a delight to witness. In 1945 Betty and husband Bunny moved to live at Chalbury Corner, where Betty ran a small library and stationary shop. In 1957 they took over the newsagents at Overcombe Corner, which they owned jointly for many years until passing over the reins to son Richard and wife Christine. Betty was known to generations of Preston folk not only through the shop but also for her host of activities, especially in the Church and Mothers Union, and she always gave generously of her time and effort. In her latter years it was a delight to receive her cheery wave as you passed her flat on the main road. Betty and Bunny, now reunited, will be remembered with great affection as a couple who brought so much to the community in which they lived and worked.