• The November coffee morning in the Mission Hall was very well attended, and over 50 people enjoyed the coffee, excellent homemade cakes and interesting conversation. It was nice to see a number of 'new' faces present - new to me that is, although with my memory these days it could be people I know well but have temporarily forgotten! In addition Peter Jones, the Sutton Poyntz Village Homewatch Co-ordinator had prepared an exhibition of the various measures suggested by Homewatch for making our homes more secure. Some of these, although simple and inexpensive, can make a big difference to our peace of mind. He also had an important and pleasant duty to perform. Every year the Association of Dorset Watches invites nominations for those considered to have contributed most to the community over the previous 12 months in addressing local concerns and the judging panel felt that PCSO Clive Joyner's contribution was worthy of a highly commended award. To considerable acclaim Peter presented the certificate to PCSO Joyner. The next coffee morning is on Friday 5 December, in the Mission Hall of course, between 10.30 am and noon. It's a great way to shrug off those wet weather blues, so mark the date in your diary now.

• A number of people have contacted me asking about work on land at Greenhill Barton, which is on the right up Coombe Valley Road just before the junction with Plaisters Lane. Work stopped a while ago with just the shell of a building completed, but recently there has been some activity on the site, with a parked caravan, clearance work and the burning of foliage. Mr Williams, a DCC Planning Enforcement Officer responded to my enquiry very promptly and told me that six years ago planning permission was granted in perpetuity for a Residential Interpretation Centre on the site. He was aware of the recent occupation of the land, which, while not permitted, is understood to be only of short term nature.

• Abbeyfield are holding a Coffee Morning at Macpherson House in Wyke Oliver Road on Saturday 22 November between 10 am and noon. There will be lots of stalls including cakes, bric-a-brac and books, and a raffle. It costs just 50p to get in, and this includes coffee & biscuits. Proceeds will go towards the Residents Amenities Fund and everyone is welcome.