Duck race raises cash for cancer

9:22am Monday 9th June 2008

THANKS to Lorna for news on the results of the recent Valley school PTFA duck race followed by a barbecue at the Brewer's Arms.

The whole day raised £250.79, which will go towards extras to enhance the lives of the children at the Winterbourne Valley First School.

• SUPPORT is also needed for the Blanchard Trust 2008 garden party to be held in The Chantry gardens on June 29 from 2pm-4.30pm.

Entrance is 50p, with children free. At least Patrick has avoided St Swithin's Day this time.

• ANDREW Grassby thanks all those who supported his lively village hop, which raised an amazing sum of £1,060 - £640 for the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation and £420 to Martinstown Village Hall.

• THE 1st Martinstown Brownies entertained the residents of Steepleton Manor Retirement Home.

There was some lively audience participation with the enthusiastic use of musical instruments.

Not to be outdone, the Scouts have gained their Astronomers badge and reckon they can navigate their way by the North Star.

Of course it could be cloudy but not to worry as they are experts ay map and compass navigation too.

To have fun potential members need only turn up at the hall on a Monday evening from 5.45-7.15pm or phone Jenny on 01305 889023.

• IN REPLY to a query in a recent Echo the cuckoo has not been heard in this area for a very long time.

I understand the young return to where they have been hatched, so if there has been no visit from adults or shortage of host birds nesting then no cuckoos. The valley of the River Dart was recently full of calling cuckoos so some areas have success.

• BLISS for me was not winning the lottery, but hearing the sound of a tractor and cutting machine at work in the nearby bridleway.

Many thanks to the WDDC for a job well done - I can now take off my orienteering map as an area of 'fight'. What is even better ESS Fern is no longer a soggy doggy after her walks.

• I HAVE been asked to point out that the village walking group is open to anyone who would like to come along and walk in good company.

Walks are advertised on the internet and on the board by the shop and the bus shelter.

All meet on the Green at 10am this Thursday, June 12 for a bluebell walk from Briantspuddle .

All being well the following walk will go further afield in the Lamberts Castle area - hopefully Bertha will still be making her wonderful metal sculptures.

• SOMETHING has been very much missed this year, which I gather is due to there not being enough hours in the day.

I have been trying to persuade Dennis that life is not the same without his wonderfully distinctive Scarecrow Family.

• BINGO will be on Fridays June 13 and 27 at 7.30pm in the village hall.

• SARAH Pilcher, the Police Community Support Officer, will be at the Stevens Farm Shop on Wednesday, June 18 from 10-11.15am.

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