Oamington’s White Horse Restoration Project will receive recognition at the highest level with a Royal visit this spring. There has been official confirmation that the Princess Royal will visit the site on Monday, March 12 to “unveil” the restored monument. Most of the details of the visit have yet to be worked out, but it will probably take place between 9.45 and 10.30am. This will be a well-deserved tribute to all the local people who have worked so hard over the last two years and more to bring the monument back to its original condition in time for the Olympics year, and it seems fitting that King George III’s resuscitation should be greeted by one of his direct descendents with her own distinguished equestrian background.

Come and dance the winter blues away at a Barn Dance in the Village Hall on Saturday, February 4 from 7.15 until 11pm. The music and calling will be by the well-known local group Jump to the Sun. A ploughman’s supper is included, but bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children (though the event is not suitable for very young children), with all profits going towards St. Osmund’s Church funds. To book your tickets contact June Reed on (01305) 814472 or Hilary Ballard at Beech Cottage on (01305) 832168.

You should already have got your tickets for this year’s concert by the amazing Sunset Café Stompers when they return for what is becoming their traditional Spring visit. For those who have not met them before, they are a highly talented group of musicians playing blues, ragtime and foot-tapping traditional jazz in the New Orleans style, with a great following from all over the county and beyond.

So make a date for Saturday 10 March at Osmington Village Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8.50 from Keith Pratt, Buttress Cottage Church Lane, Osmington, Tel: 01305 833847. There will, of course, be a licensed bar, and hot snacks will be available. All proceeds go towards the maintenance of Osmington Village Hall. Don’t delay – it’s always a sell-out!