Puddletown

  • THE Betjeman Society concert in the church was a most enjoyable evening.

The Sherborne branch of the society presented a light hearted evening of music and readings interspersed with pieces of beautiful organ music played by Dr Richard Hall.

Several people remarked to me how much they had enjoyed the programme, and how they wished it could have continued longer.

A delicious selection of nibbles was provided with a glass of wine in the church room, giving everyone a chance to mingle and chat to friends and to the members of the Betjeman Society.

Bere Regis

  • THE Scout group committee has been working for two years on plans to extend the scout hut, thus offering a safer environment for its activities, Assisted by a local volunteer, Richard Bates, the group now has all the necessary planning and building regulations in place.

Design drawings have been completed, and the building is currently being costed. Assistance is now needed with the fund-raising and with building work.

The group is greatly indebted to Richard for his continuing assistance.

Meanwhile, all three sections of the scout group continue to enjoy a full and exciting programme.

The scout group is full, and both the cubs and beavers are nearing capacity.

Members are looking forward to the family camp in June, a beaver sleep-over, and a day out in the summer, and a scout camp in July.

The group's thanks and congratulations are extended to three of its leaders - Christine Whitfield, Greta Richardson and Mike Whitfield - all who completed their training in the last couple of months.

They are now fully warranted leaders with their wood-beads.

Kim Benjafield is looking forward to completing 15 years as a leader next January.

Well done, and thank you to all, and indeed to all the scout group's hardworking leaders.

Christine Whitfield finished as Akela of the cub pack at Easter, but she will be continuing to work with the group as group scout leader Chris Gall's assistant. Thanks go to her for all her work with the cubs.

The group is fortunate to have recruited Ingrid Gilbertson to take over as Akela.

Also, since Easter, two regular beaver helpers, Paula Miller and Susie Hamilton have started training as assistant beaver scout leaders.

Another good piece of news is that Ian Ventham has volunteered to become the group's chairman, starting in May. Ian has a long association with the scout group, lives locally and is well-known in the community. The scouts are extremely lucky to have secured his services.

Despite recent recruitment, the scout group needs more help - both as leaders and helpers. Get in contact with group scout leader Chris Gall if you think you can help. You can telephone her on 01305 772634, or email chrisgall60@yahoo.co.uk