Abbotsbury

HOW good it was to receive an invitation to coffee the other day from former Abbotsbury resident and author Joy Reid aged 94.

Joy had lived down on the Beach since the 1950’s and moved to Portesham 3 years ago near the doctor’s surgery.

For some years I have been reporting as her books have rolled off the press.

It was always a pleasure to sit in her garden listening to the waves catching up on her life and that of her globetrotting family.

Her latest in the Annie series, Annie’s Casebook is about to hit the shelves.

Combined with the previous book Annie Tries not to (two books for the price of one) this book is an easy read and quite topical after our recent terrible weather.

Heroine Annie, a teacher, ends up in hospital with a broken leg, a casualty of the icy winter.

A bit of an amateur sleuth she ends up solving mystery goings on in the hospital.

The book will be on sale in the village post office, on Amazon and from bookshops.

Trafford Publishing - ISBN 978-1-4269-4751-3, are the publishers.

Joy was a biology teacher, had travelled widely before retiring to Dorset.

Under her pen name Joy Viney, Joy has written two travel books and a pictorial children’s book and is now working on what she refers to as her last book.

It was lovely to see her settled in her new village and looking so well despite a very nasty tumble a couple of months ago.

ABBOTSBURY and Portesham Diamond Club will be holding their next Bingo session in Strangways Hall

On Friday, February 25 the doors will open at 7.00pm ready for eyes down at 7.30pm.

CHESIL Bank Pre School and Abbotsbury Community Space are to hold an Auction of Promises on Friday, March 18 in Strangways Hall

Our MP Oliver Letwin will host the auction.

I will give you more details nearer the time but Michelle will be glad to accept donations for the auction or give you any information.

Please ring her on 01305 871 293.