• BARBARA and Mike Clements at the Spa shop on Preston Road recently held an open day, when they invited customers to meet a whole range of local suppliers.

Even though we live in one of the more rural parts of England, it is still surprising – and very pleasing – to learn how many small businesses are supplying locally sourced food and drink. I t is even more impressive when you see all their wares laid out, and even have a chance to sample them all!

The shop is always busy, but when I dropped in it was even more crowded than usual, and it was easy to see why.

There were some delicious new flapjacks from the Moores biscuit lady and even some different Dorset Knobs, always a favourite of mine.

Then the gentleman from Genesis Farmers – five local farmers formed into a consortium - whose proud boast was that all their produce was bred, slaughtered, butchered and sold in Dorset.

The ham and turkey he was offering had been cooked by Mike, and I can vouch for the fact that they were delicious!

Bridport Smokery offered smoked salmon and a taste of lots of pates, and to wash it all down the Dorset Brewing Company, based in Hope Square, had their beers – Chesil, Jurassic, Durdle Door and Silent Knight – on offer.

Barbara and Mike, very active in the Preston community, are to be commended for offering such a wide choice of produce, and it is easy to see why so many people, locals and from further afield, use their shop.

  • THE February draw of the St Andrew’s School 200 Club took place in Miss Charlton’s Year 4 class. Billy Mitchell drew the first prize of £50 which went to Mr. Laurie Eaton with ticket number 180.

The second prize of £30 was drawn by Natasha Kurn and went to Sandra Ridyard (No. 176) and the third prize, £15, was drawn by Thomas Jeffrey and went to Sue Stevens (No.137).

All the proceeds generated by the 200 Club go towards providing St Andrew’s school with items for the children, so if you would like to help – it only costs £1 a month, and you could win a prize – then give Melanie Dive a ring on 832467.

She will be delighted to hear from you.

  • THERE is only one more Sutton Poyntz village coffee morning planned, so you’ll have to get along to this next and last if you are to experience one of these marvellous village events.

If, of course, you have been before then the date should already be firmly fixed in your diary, for you will know how pleasant a morning it is.

This last of the season will take place on Friday, 6 March in the Mission Hall between 10.30am and noon; at just £1.50 for coffee and a delicious home made cake it is extremely good value and you are sure to meet friends old and new and learn something from the exhibitions which are a regular feature of the events.