If you had been up at 6.30am one recent Sunday morning you might have spotted the Weymouth East Scouts starting on their journey to Cheltenham for the Regional Scout Cooking Competition.

With fourteen teams from across the South and South West occupying two large rooms the atmosphere was tense as the competitors set up their equipment ready for the 10.30am start. Weymouth East were positioned next to the other Dorset team, which was ideal as the teams get on well and were a support to each other.

After much unseen hard work, the Scout leaders were allowed back just prior to the judging to see the wonderful spread that their teams had produced. Weymouth East stuck to their original menu of Leek and Potato Soup, Moussaka and Eton Mess and received very complimentary remarks from the judges.

At the presentation ceremony it was discovered that both the Dorset teams had received identical scores meaning they were guaranteed equal placing, and at the end of the afternoon it was announced that they had taken joint eighth place, a marvellous result for two teams at their first regional event.

As the cars were packed up for the long journey home Weymouth East left the building with huge smiles on their faces knowing they had done their County proud, and taking note of all they had learned – and hoping to be back next year.

Shortly after mentioning the holding pond alongside the path linking Elm Close and the Heron Close car park, I spotted two workmen dragging a large pipe from the pond to the outflow of the Preston Brook onto Lodmoor and pumping out most of the water, leaving just a small puddle behind!

They told me that they thought the pond was actually at a lower level than the marsh, so water was not flowing away from the pond! What would happen next they did not know.

However, passing a few days later it is clear to see that the ‘empty’ pond is filling with water again – and this after a fortnight of very dry weather. Very puzzling – watch this space for more information!

Forty members attended March meeting of the Preston ladies Circle.

They enjoyed a happy afternoon with Mrs Fitzpatrick giving her "nine to five" talk, explaining that she has travelled all over England and Europe taking any available job, moving house twenty times in the process.

The next meeting at 2pm on Wednesday 28 April is their fifth birthday, when they will be entertained by Mr Peter Price. Visitors are very welcome.