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Predictably I made a beeline for Leader Alison and her renowned iced mini Christmas cakes, for without them life would resemble a tasteless Scrooge like wilderness.

I was just in time to bag the very last two on the stall, so tough luck on the Marchant Hotpots for none will go Northwards this year.

Easy to see what a lot of effort had gone into making not only attractive gift tags but also very lovely cards too, whilst the tombola sold out in record time with not only wonderful prizes but the fact that every ticket was a winner.

Another opportunity for chatting over a cup of tea or coffee and admire Leader Elaine who was hobbling around on crutches or did she bring them to keep me in order. Nice to see family support present, especially little Toby Clarke who had come along to see his big sisters and of course make this a real family occasion.

Despite their absence at least twenty-four enjoyed a festive traditional meal of Roast Turkey and all the trimmings together with seasonal vegetables.

This was followed by Christmas pudding with cream or custard or ice cream. What decisions. Naturally there was a glass of wine, which no doubt accounted for the fact that crackers were pulled with added enthusiasm and hats worn at a rakish angle and why else would those old chestnuts of jokes and motto's made everyone laugh.

A word or several of praise to the Barnes family who if possible had made the atmosphere even more welcoming for the farm Coffee Parlour had been transformed with seasonal decorations and of course beautifully prepared tables. Many thanks indeed and all success to their brave diversification that has given the community such a wonderful place to meet up and also somewhere to take their visitors.

If only to watch the latest pig family happily enjoying mud baths. Lunch co-ordinator Ann Singleton, who runs the raffle at this event, told all that the sum of £100 was now available to donate to a good cause. It was unanimously agreed to donate this to cheer up the lives of those in the Dorchester Women's Refuge, who for a variety of sad reasons find themselves and families homeless.

Those of us in Martinstown will no doubt give thanks for our own family lives and hope that we never experience such trauma.

9:15am Saturday 8th December 2007

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