• Sue Locke tells me that the Strawberry Tea held in her garden was even bigger and better than last year. Despite some inclement weather, which at one point threatened to blow the tea out of the cups, the event raised the amazing total of over £650 for Breast Cancer Research.

Sue is grateful to all her helpers and those who attended. This is becoming one of those village events that do so much to add to our community spirit and help a good cause.

  • The second Team Walk this month will take place on Saturday, 22 August, starting at 10.45am from the Bishop’s Kiln car park above Abbotsbury on the road to Hardy’s monument.

This circular walk is about 6 miles long, and has some steep inclines and several stiles. I walked over this area myself a few weeks ago, and the rural and sea views are quite magnificent.

A picnic lunch should be carried, with time perhaps for a visit to Abbotsbury at the end for a well earned cup of tea. If you need further information, give Sarah and Michael a ring on 815360.

  • I have been walking the coast path recently to strengthen my recovering Achilles tendon, and have been struck by what a difference a few days can make.

Earlier the fields inland at Ewelease Farm were green and unspoilt, with views as fine as any in rural Dorset. Now they are full of brightly coloured tents of all shapes and sizes as holidaymakers have arrived in great numbers. Apparently the site is completely booked, which news wouldn’t come as a surprise if you have seen it recently, with many hundreds of campers spread across a huge acreage.

Whilst the scene could not be said to improve the unspoilt nature of our Jurassic Coast, the invasion does only last for the month of August, for which we should be grateful.

  • Many people have commented on the beautiful display of flowers on the roundabout at Chalbury Corner, and the theme continues with the recent redecoration of the Spice Ship, which positively sparkles in what little sun we get.

Even the GPO helped out, with the post box at Chalbury Corner sporting a brand new coat of gleaming red paint!

  • Joy Winwood tells me that the ladies of the Sutton Poyntz Village WI were sporting their best hats at their summer garden party meeting, but unfortunately the weather dictated that the delicious tea and cakes had to be taken indoors.

Valerie recounted details of her visit to Hungary, where the Dorset Federation of WIs is supporting initiatives to revitalise the local economy.

It is hoped to achieve this by uniting producers with consumers via the sale of local produce at local markets - just the sort of thing that is happening in Dorset!