• Osmington Archers is a small friendly archery club that meets in the Osmington Village Hall on Wednesday afternoons between 2 and 4 pm. They presently have space for two or three new members of any standard, including beginners, with tuition on a Friday afternoon and all necessary equipment supplied. You only compete against yourself - it is an archery tradition that you do not ask anyone else their score - but be warned, it is addictive! The photograph shows some of the members at a recent shoot. If you would like to have a go at this fascinating and inexpensive sport send me an email and I'll put you in touch.

• I know that a lot of people have suffered since First withdrew the service along Oakbury Drive. What makes that decision so strange is the fact that the buses on the 'direct' route along Preston Road can often be seen waiting at bus stops because they are ahead of schedule! Regional Customer Services Manager Natacha Tagholm says that they have no plans to restore the Oakbury Drive route, but that they are logging all communications received on the matter for their network team to consider at the next review. So if you would like to see buses reinstated along Oakbury Drive you must write to Natacha at First, 283 Empress Road, Southampton SO14 0JW expressing your views. For instance, perhaps the service could be just in the winter months when traffic is lighter and the weather worse for a long walk to the bus stops on the main road? Perhaps one bus an hour could take the detour? Unless you let First know what you think there will be no service, and send a copy to our local councillors Ian Bruce and David Mannings as well, so they know what you think.

• One of our local talented artists, Caroline Nairn, is currently holding an exhibition of her colourful paintings, prints and mixed media in the Octagon cafe on Poundbury. The exhibition runs until Friday 10 January 2014, and having had a preview I can tell you that it is well worth a visit.

• And last but not least, a reminder about the Snowball at the Riviera Hotel on Saturday 11 January 2014. A great way to start the New Year, tickets cost £25 which includes a buffet and dancing to live music from 7pm. All profits go to St Andrew’s Angels. Phone 832620 for your tickets.