DESPITE the cold March winds it is comforting to know that the days are getting longer and the sunshine warmer, which means that the roadside verges throughout Martinstown will soon be covered with daffodils.

The parish council can give themselves a pat on the back for providing the bags of bulbs needed for all roadsides leading into and through the village.

WITH such joys to lift the spirits it was time to give a thought to those less fortunate in our world today.

This is no doubt accounted for the fact that many villagers found their way to the Robertson home where Bruce and Maggie were holding a coffee morning.

In such a comfortable and friendly atmosphere it proved difficult to visualise the deprivations which still exist in the world today, especially such as India.

Bruce and Maggie raised around £160.

THE afternoon saw the long awaited jumble sale in aid of the Martinstown Cricket Club.

There were some high quality goods, and the books stall would have filled the mobile library with an amazing selection of books.

Grateful thanks from the MCC to everyone who supported the event and the invitation for all to come to the future cricket matches held in the lovely setting near Maiden Castle on the Monkton road.

TED Ingram’s 90th birthday party raised around £330 for CancerCare.

A truly excellent result for a good cause.

THE REV John Good is still on the look out for a donkey for Palm Sunday.

He may find one of the Weymouth ones who fancies an exciting outing!

MARTINSTOWN WI members enjoyed an illustrated talk on the Manor Houses of Dorset, given by Mrs Una Russell and Mrs Audrey Grinrod.

It was no surprise to learn that their labours over many years had resulted in the follow up publication of a beautifully illustrated book.

THE Valley Club will be holding an AGM on Monday, March 15, 7.45pm in the village hall.

Richard Collier, a photographer, will be giving a two-screen slide production on the Lake District.

Many other future events are planned including a visit to the RNLI Lifeboat College at Poole, followed by an annual visit to the Poundbury Garden Centre, and a chance in May to visit Salisbury Cathedral for a guided tour of Chapter House, or the nerve wracking climb up the tower.

LOCAL Revue will take place in the village hall on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13.

Entertainment will be given by local heroes and heroines.

Meanwhile William and Jonathan are hard at work learning their lines.