Puddletown

  • STRANGEFACE Theatre Company came to St Mary’s Middle School with the Artsreach performance entitled The Last Resort.

One hundred and ten parents and pupils came along for this hugely entertaining presentation by a cast of five very talented performers – four actors and a musician.

The dramatic quality of the performance was greatly enhanced by the amazing, Spitting Image-type masks worn by the actors.

A very imaginative and adaptable stage set provided a perfect back-drop for puppets to pop through windows, a tap to pour forth spa water of a very organic nature, and a bed that appeared on demand.

The story unfolded of a soldier-thief who does a deal with the devil and endeavours to enlist the co-operation of three local village dignitaries.

Many twists and turns in the story evolve, but it all ends happily, with everybody’s better natures emerging just in time.

The evening made a net profit of £174 for school funds.

A raffle was held for Red Nose Day, and £102 was made for comic relief.

The first prize was a meal for two people generously donated by The Blue Vinny, and Goulds of Dorchester also donated a prize.

  • THE countrywomen’s club had a very entertaining afternoon with Elizabeth Gale’s talk on Women in Agriculture.

Many members recalled farms where they had lived and worked years ago, and Irene Eady and Joan Hawkins shared some of their memories of their days as land army girls.

Kath and Margaret Bridle, Avril France and Rosemary Hinton organised tea for members at the meeting.

The competion for a farm photograph was won by Barbara Scanlon. Second was Doris Jones and third was Joan Hawkins.

The next meeting of the countrywomen’s club will be on Wednesday, May 13 at 2.30pm in the village hall.

Andy Taylor is the speaker, and the title of his talk is Scrabble Man.

The competition is for My Best Bracelet.

Do come along and join members for a fun and friendly afternoon.

If you would like more information about the club, telephone Wendy Cox on 01305 848360.

Affpuddle

  • SHEILA Kayall has kindly agreed to host a coffee morning at Moor Lane House to raise funds for the church on Saturday, May 16 from 10am until noon.

Donations for the stall would be appreciatively received, and the stalls will be cakes, raffle, plants, crafts and books.

Bere Regis

  • BERE Regis Homewatch has received information from Dorset police about two recent attempted burglaries in the village.

A motor vehicle parked in a driveway was broken into at Green Close between 11pm on April 14 and 7am on April 15.

A hite MP3 player was stolen.

A similar offence was reported at White Lovington at approximately the same time. The nearside window of a vehicle parked in a driveway was smashed.

If anyone has any information about this crime, please telephone 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • A GIANT cake and plant sale is to be held in aid of Bere Regis church funds.

This will be held in Wareham town hall on Saturday, May 2 from 10am until noon.

Everyone is welcome.

  • DON’T forget The Light Cavalry Band concert to be held in the church on Wednesday, May 20 at 7pm.

Tickets cost £5 if booked in advance, or £6 at the door on the night, and this will include light refreshments.

Tickets can be bought from Bob Croom on 01929 471905, the vicar on 471262 or PCC members.

  • THE WI has a super day out to London planned for Wednesday, May 27, leaving from outside the Drax Arms in West Street at 7.30am.

Travel is by luxury coach, and you will visit the Houses of Parliament, have lunch at Covent Garden, take a flight on the London Eye and Cruise up the river Thames.

The cost of this fantastic-sounding day is £35, which does not include meals.

To book, telephone Arlene on 01929 472141.

  • FRIENDS of Bere Regis school are holding a May ball at Athelhamton House on Friday, May 22.

This begins at 7.30pm will a glass of Pimms on the lawn, with dinner served at 8pm.

Dancing will end at 1am.

There will be an Ace of Spades casino and disco.

Dress is black tie, and tickets cost £30 each.

Book early to avoid disappointment by telephoning 01929 471879, or contact the school on 471334.

  • YOUTH leader Terry Vine reports for Bere Regis Youth Lenny’s: The clay modelling craft session in January encouraged members to use their imaginations.

It was great to see a mum and a granddad taking part in the carpet bowls challenge at the youth club.

The members were divided up into pairs for a series of knock-out matches. The pairs included a mother and daughter and a granddad and granddaughter combination.

With the evening running over time a little the final was won by Abbie Fellows and Rowan Findler who defeated Mia Brown and Kelly Whitfield by five points.

Fimo modelling was on the programme in February.

Items made included small toys, badges, jewellery, paperweights, etc.

Badge making, a music night and also a pyrography class were all held in March. .

There has been a change to the canoeing programme for the summer.

Sunday, May 17 and Sunday, August 2 dates are confirmed. However, as many club members are away at the end of July the session planned for Thursday, July 23 has been dropped.

If a suitable replacement date becomes available from Dorset Youth Association it will be taken up.

New members are most welcome, just call in at the youth club on any club night or give Terry a call on 01929 471693.