News from both sides of the world!

11:42am Friday 3rd October 2008

WE ARE still very busy in Fiji, carrying out charity work across the islands. Last week we were helping out at the hospital on the island of Taveuni and visiting schools on Ovalau and Moturiki Islands. Earlier this week we were on the island of Beqa to deliver much needed basic resources to schools. Then our presence was requested at the official opening of our recent sanitation and fresh water project in Rakiraki on the main island of Viti Levu - lots of ceremony, garlanding, speeches and a huge feast of fish! Nevertheless, we have not forgotten the people of Dorset and are continuing to keep you informed of events in our area.

• PLEASE remember the village breakfast in Maiden Newton Village Hall from 9 until 11am on Saturday, October 11.

• THE HARVEST Festival and Lunch will take place in Cattistock on Sunday, October 12. The service begins at 11am and will be followed by an auction of produce. Lunch will be served in the Savill Hall at 1pm. The cost for lunch is £5 for adults and £2 for children. Please bring your own cutlery and drink.

• RAMPISHAM Harvest Supper will take place on Saturday, October 11 or Saturday, October 18. You will need to check to find out which date has been chosen!

• THE TENNIS Club will be holding a quiz on Friday, October 17 in the Savill Hall, Cattistock. The event starts at 7.30pm and teams of up to 6 people are invited to take part. To book a table or to find out more information, please contact Kath Litchfield on 01308 862540.

• THERE will be a Barn Dance in the Savill Hall, Cattistock on Saturday, October 18. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children and there will be a licensed bar. All proceeds will be in aid of the church tower. Tickets are available from Peter and Rosemary Atkins on 01300 320471.

• DON'T FORGET the Coffee House - open every Saturday in St Mary's Church, Maiden Newton, from 10am until 11.30am.

• THERE will be fireworks at Melbury House on Saturday, November 1, when a Bonfire and Fireworks Party will be held in aid of Melbury Osmond and Evershot churches. Lighting up time will be 6.30pm. Tickets will be available from the Estate Office, Evershot Bakery and from Muriel at Rock Cottage, Melbury Osmond. Tickets on the gate will cost £7 for adults and £4.50 for children. However, if you buy them in advance you will only have to pay £5 for an adult ticket and £3.50 for children. Under 5's go free.

• WE WOULD like to remind people about the Arts and Craft Exhibition and Sale in Maiden Newton Village Hall on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18. On the Friday there will be a cheese and wine reception from 6pm until 9pm. On the Saturday the exhibition is open from 10am until 4pm. There will be coffee, lunches and teas (including cream teas) available. There will be paintings by Maiden Newton Art Group on show and for sale. There will also be local crafts for sale. Everyone is very welcome. Admission is free and there will be a tombola.

• WE ARE giving advance notice of the next Maiden Newton poetry evening on Tuesday, November 11, starting as usual at 7pm. The subject this time will be First World War poets and their poems. Corned beef hash and tinned peaches with Carnation milk will be served, reflecting the kind of food that would probably have been served in the trenches. For more details, please contact Annie or Gordie at Davola, Higher Frome Vauchurch or phone them on 01300 320240.

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