RESIDENTS turned up in force to Osmington’s energy day to learn more about practical ways to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint.

A mass of both written and verbal information was on hand, as well as stalls demonstrating actual equipment in operation and practical advice from experts. This included useful talks from the Energy Saving Trust, on energy saving by home insulation, and from Dorset County Council, on the potential and comparative costs for renewable energy technologies.

Practical application was demonstrated by village residents Peter and Terry Candy, who went to a lot of trouble to dismantle key parts of their own solar-powered system and re-erect it in the village hall on a working basis.

Mary Kempe, Peter Wyman and the Osmington Renewable Energy Working Group are to be congratulated on a very worthwhile initiative.

  • WHILE on the subject of carbon footprints, Hilary Ballard would like to thank everyone who helped to make her coffee morning a success, particularly those people who provided raffle prizes and cakes.

The event raised £110 pounds towards providing low energy bulbs for the lighting of St. Osmund’s Church.

A special bonus for the church’s congregation next day was the appearance of a tray of delicious left-over cakes at the close of the morning service.

  • AS the Recorded Music Society approaches the end of its first season, Brian Bishop is delighted with the way things have gone to date, with attendances exceeding expectations - in his own words “we must be doing something right.”

The society’s annual general meeting is on Monday, May 11, after which Brian Bishop will close the season, presenting a selection of music with nothing too profound and maybe a few surprises.

The 2009-10 season starts on Monday, October 5, with a visit from the Society’s President, John Davis, who will be recounting his travels in pursuit of his beloved music. Several other programmes have also been signed up already, with some new recitalists, and others making a return appearance.

Anyone seeking further information about the Osmington Recorded Music Society can ring Brian Bishop on 833225, or e.mail him at blbishop@waitrose.com.

  • THE Osmington Society has arranged a convivial Wine Appreciation Evening on Saturday, May 16, starting at 7.30pm.

The event will be hosted by local master of wine Jacques de Carteret, and is described as “a dialogue with participants - not a lecture on wine”.

Six wines will be tasted and discussed, followed by a selection of cheeses, bread, pâté and olives (and a little more wine). Bottles of the selected wines will also be on sale.

Tickets cost £7 (£8 for non-members), and can be bought from Liz Bird (836401), Geoff or Christine Codd (832247), Kate Hallett (833250), Sylvia Riley (832412) or Teresa Seall (833830).

  • CAN you spare an hour or two to help keep our lovely parish church and its surroundings looking their best? If so, please turn up between 9.30am and noon on Saturday, May 23 to give a hand in the annual spring clean of St. Osmund’s church and churchyard.

No special skill or experience is necessary, and equipment will be on hand (though gloves are advisable in the churchyard, and extra secateurs are always useful). Refreshments will be available, and a sociable atmosphere always prevails.

Come and join us - all ages welcome!