Puddletown

  • DON'T forget to visit to visit Athelhampton House to see the flower festival to be held there from Sunday June 8 until Thursday June 12, from 10.30am until 5pm each day (last entry to the house will be at 4.30pm each day).

The festival is to be staged by Owermoigne Flower Club and friends, and its title is Tudor Pageantry.

This year the flower festival reflects the period of this lovely house with arrangements in Tudor style.

Normal House admission prices apply, with group packages being available.

There will be a collection in aid of a local charity made throughout the festival.

Coffees, teas and lunches are available in the restaurant, so this is a splendid opportunity for a day out.

For further information, telephone 01305 848363, or visit www.athelhampton.co.uk

Affpuddle

  • THIS is just a reminder that there is to be a performance of The Land by Vita Sackville West with Tim Laycock and Sonia Ritter in Briantspuddle village hall on Thursday, June 12 at 7.30pm.

Tim Laycock's performances have been very popular in the past, and this should be yet another excellent evening's entertainment.

If you would like tickets, these are priced £7, and are available from Nancy on 01929 472207.

It may also be possible to pay at the door if space allows.

  • THE next book swap meeting will be on Saturday, June 14 from 10am until 11am, and this month it will include a plant swap for you to swap or sell all those extra plants that you discover you just won't have the room for in your garden - tomato plants, bedding plants, annual perennials or house plants - bring them along.
  • Following the meeting with the architects in April with regard to the village hall improvement project, the process of completing the detailed specification has commenced so that tenders can be sought from the contractors and the selection of the best tender completed by the end of the year.

Since the planning approval was granted, building regulations have been changed, and thus there are now legislative aspects to be covered, meaning additional professional services to be engaged.

However, having started the process of engaging with these professionals well in advance means that the objective of commencing the building work by April 2009 is unaffected.

The main issue remains completing the process of obtaining the remaining funding during the next ten months, something that is underway.

Bere Regis

  • THE Pop in Place has an open gardens day coming up on Sunday, July 13 from 10am until 5pm.

This is an opportunity to view some of the beautiful gardens of the villagers of Bere Regis.

Programmes cost £3.50 each person, with accompanied children free of charge, and these are available from the Drax Hall in North Street.

Refreshments and homemade cakes are also at the Drax Hall.

There will be a grand draw at 4pm.

Car parking is available opposite the church on the Wool road.