• A LARGE crowd of friends, family and supporters of Preston playgroup gathered at the Bridge Inn one lunch time to watch Jason Emery have his hair cut. Now a hair cut is not usually a public event, but this one was special because it was Jason's first hair cut since deciding, on his 15th birthday, that he would let his usual crew cut grow naturally without the benefit of scissors.

Jason is now 30, so you can well imagine how much his hair had grown in the following 15 years, and as you can see, it almost needed a lawn mower to deal with it! As the Preston Playgroup wants to provide new equipment for the children, and Jason has a young lad at the playgroup, he volunteered - or perhaps more accurately, was volunteered - to have his hair cut if sufficient people sponsored him.

Luckily professional help was at hand for this mammoth task in the form of Carly from local hair dressers Chic on the Preston Road, but Jason still looked very nervous on the day. From his expression as Carly made the first snip you would have thought that he was in great pain, although I am assured the only hurt was to his pride. But well done to Jason and all those who sponsored him, for through their efforts over £300 was raised for the playgroup.

They have other events planned in the near future. The Summer Fete will be taking place at the Village Hall on Saturday 21 June between 11am and 4pm. There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, ice creams, a barbeque, cream teas, cakes and teas. Any local business that would like a stall - £5 each - or to donate prizes for raffle would be most welcome. And finally the Children's Disco will take place on Friday 11th July at the Scutt Hall. Tickets are £3.50 each and there will be food, games and a disco. Anyone who would like any more information call or text Liz on 07791869858.

  • Margaret Sibley reports that at the last meeting of Overcombe WI, President Barbara Camlin welcomed two new members and two visitors, then introduced Tim West who spoke about the proposed St. Andrew's Angels Help and Care Scheme. The members then voted on the proposed resolutions to be supported at the AGM in Liverpool. Over coffee the members voted for the winners of three different competitions by using a system of pennies, and almost £16 was added to the friendship fund. Members were reminded of the Birthday Meal at Abbey House in June.

The winner of the best scenic photograph was Ruth Egerton; best decorated fairy cake was Sue Embley and best small floral arrangement was Shirley Saunders. The next meeting will be on Monday, 2nd June at 7.45pm in the Village Hall, when Mrs. Julia Snellock will talk on the topic of Decorating Eggs and there will be a craft competition to choose exhibits for the Bovington Crafts Exhibition. Visitors are always very welcome.