• The Sutton Poyntz Society held a meeting in the Mission Hall to discuss applications to upgrade bridleways BR1 Bincombe to Came Down Golf Course, BRs11, 24 and 5 across the top of the White Horse via Pixon Barn to the A353 just south of Poxwell and BR26 from the bottom of Osmington to the top of White Horse Hill to Byways Open to all Traffic (BOAT) for use by off-road vehicles including motorcycles. There was an excellent turnout on a very cold night to hear Bill Egerton outline the proposed changes, which if approved would open up a long length of track to motorised transport. He made it clear that objections on H&S grounds, damage to the environment, noise etc were not valid. The application would stand or fall on whether it was established that the track had been used by motor vehicles between 1985 and 2005 without hinderance. By a show of hands the meeting demonstrated that it was unanimously against the applications and wished to preserve the tracks as bridleways. Anyone who had evidence that the tracks had little or no motorised use in the 25 year period was urged to write to the DCC Rights of Way Officer before Friday 1 February giving details, including if any motor vehicles or locked gates had been encountered. Bill has produced a very informative leaflet entitled ‘Conversion of Ridgeway track to BOAT’ and he can be contacted on 832872, or go to the Osmington Village website at www.osmington.info,

• DCC - I presume it is they – have done a good job of cutting back the hedge alongside the pedestrian walkway between Wyke Oliver Road and Chalbury Close. For years this hedge has encroached on the footpath and occasional efforts had been made to keep it clear, but now the job has been done properly and should not need to be done again for some time. There are a couple of areas where a little more could have been pruned back, but well done to the Council for getting to grips with the problem.

• The Team Walk on Saturday 9 February will start at 1.30pm from Throop, which is between Turners Puddle and Briantspuddle. The walk will be about 3½ miles and, with any luck, there should be some snowdrops to enjoy en route. Please wear sensible footwear (clues as to the likely state of the ground is in the names!) and if you have any queries, ring Dawn on 834226