Bere Regis

  • VOLUNTEER of the Year awards for services to the community were presented to eleven people across the Purbeck area at a ceremony held at Purbeck district council in Wareham on April 8.

These people had all been nominated by their parish councils, and Bere Regis was represented by our very own Kath Jeeves.

In his acceptance speech, chairman of the parish council, Jim Parsons, said that Kath had worked tirelessly for over 30 years for the good of the village and the district community as a whole.

In the earlier days, he added, she recognised the need to establish a club for older people, so that they could get together and keep in touch with their friends.

The club is still very active and continues to provide a most valuable service to the community.

As a pianist, Kath has formed a choir of ladies who, in many cases, would not have considered themselves performing musicians.

Her enthusiasm brought them together and formed a talented group that performs to audiences young and old. They regularly perform at clubs for senior citizens, nursing homes and sheltered housing.

Kath also accompanies on the piano for the Pop in Place choirs, and has been an enthusiastic chairman for the village hall.

Over the years, Kath has set a very high standard for voluntary work in the village, quietly getting on with things including taking elderly folk on shopping trips, and giving friendship and companionship to all.

Jim concluded by saying that Kath is an outstanding example of a good citizen, and well deserves this award.

In her response, Kath said all the events she had helped to organise could not have been put on without the support of the village.

She expressed her thanks to the people of the village, to the parish council and to her husband Charlie for all the support she had received.

It all started when Charlie used to run the butcher’s shop in the village, she added. It was then that she realised how much a meeting place for older people was needed, and she formed the club Autumn Leaves.

  • PETER Wharf reports for the parish council:

We have asked Dorset County Council (DCC) to review the installation of the zebra crossing as the Belisha beacons can be difficult to see in the sunlight and to see whether DCC can extend the cowling on the top to help people see the crossing more clearly.

PC Craig Tatton attended the parish council meeting and agreed to follow up on enforcing the newly installed yellow lines around the village to ensure they are adhered to.

The parish council requests all people to park considerately particularly around the doctors’ surgery and around towards the car park.

This is particularly important when patients are entering and leaving the surgery.

A Parish Councillor will be joining Peter Wharf our district councillor at the regular surgery he holds.

This is held at Turberville Court on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 10am.

We have decided to combine and hold a joint surgery as many of the issues raised cut across parish, district and county responsibilities and it makes sense for us to work together to address any issues that arise.

Puddletown

  • DIANA Wilson reports for the church events committee:

We are looking forward to the Songs of Praise in St Mary's Church on Sunday, May 10 at 6pm.

This will be led by Hugh Ashley. Hugh was previously on BBC Radio Solent on Sunday mornings.

Please come and enjoy a concert by the Wolfeton Singers at St Mary's Church on Saturday, June 20 at 7.30pm. Ursula Pomeroy, our hardworking PCC Secretary, is one of the singers!

Tickets for the concert will be available at the beginning of June from Jim and Diana Wilson on 01305 848510 and Glad Antell on 848646.

These cost £7 to include a drink and nibbles.

On the following day, Sunday, June 21, about a dozen Puddletown gardens will be open from 11am to 5pm, and this is always a great horticultural treat, organised by the Puddletown & District Horticultural Association in aid of Church Funds. The First School children will have a display of their seed packet designs in the church room and the Middle School is producing something exciting and artistic. There is a ladybird competition for the children, coffee, lunch and tea served in the Village Hall, a plant stall, tombola and church mouse stall.

At 6 pm there will be Songs of Praise in the church, which is to be decorated by the flower team. It will be an action packed weekend - hope to see you there!

Looking to the future, there is to be a parish picnic at Duddle Farm on June 28.

  • THE football club is entering the final weeks of the season, and the teams have contrasting aims.

The men’s team has been struggling of late and is currently second bottom of the Dorset league division Two.

There has recently been a change of management with Leon Cooper taking over the reins after John Dunn’s resignation.

We wish Leon and the team well in their fight against relegation.

In contrast, the young teams have been doing well in their respective divisions.

The under-nines have had a great season under the superb guidance of Andy Taylor with help from Steve Chaldecott.

They have recorded many fine results against strong opposition and are poised to finish the season in a creditable mid-table position with a cup competition to follow.

The under-eights have come on in leaps and bounds in their first season in the Friendly League.

They are a very committed bunch of lads with a lot of ability.

The village boys are Oliver Thompson, Kieran Damon and Craig Knight, with Charlie Gray from Dewlish, Stefan Perry from Chesilbourne, Dale Taylor and Josh Claridge from Crossways.

The Dorchester lads are Joel Hewitt, Brandon Hallett, Owen Taylor and Alex Toms.

We would like to thank Garry Rashleigh and Kieran Gallimore for their invaluable help in coaching the lads.

Mini-football for boys and girls aged between six and 13 years old takes place each Saturday morning from 10am until noon.

For information, contact Barry Knight on 01305 848380 or Rob Brunt on 848383.