• BONNIE Symonds tells me that the recent Save the Children coffee morning was held a little later in the year than usual.

This change of date obviously made no difference, for a great number of local people turned out to support the event, and, as ever, it was very well attended.

They were attracted not only by the high quality preserves, cakes, books, cards, craft and plants on sale, but by the chance to meet friends old and new, and when all the proceeds were collected it was found that nearly £280 had been raised for the charity.

Bonny would like to thank Barbara for the use of her home, all those who provided the items for sale and everyone who attended.

  • LOUISE and Peter Sheaves from Sutton Poyntz were recently wondering what to do with some computer equipment which was outdated but far too good to throw away.

They were recommended to contact the charity ‘IT Schools Africa’, and so impressed were they by the work being carried out that they have agreed to act as the local Weymouth agents for the charity in the Weymouth area.

IT Schools Africa is based in Cheltenham, and they recycle used computers by cleaning them and sending them to benefit children in African schools who otherwise might not have access to such important educational tools.

They can use PCs and laptops (Pentium III and above), monitors (provided they come with a computer) and accessories such as keyboards, mice (or should that be mouses?), speakers, power leads and school IT text books.

Security is paramount, and all donated PCs are completely erased using state of the art software. If you have any of the above to donate, or would like further information then give Louise or Peter a call on 01305 833338.

The charity also needs donations to help with collecting and sending the equipment and they would be very pleased to hear from you.

  • ON BEHALF of the Preston Pantomime Group Lynne says “we would like to thank all those who helped to make our production of 'King Humpty Dumpty' such a success. It takes many people to put a pantomime together and lots of hard work and dedication to make it a good pantomime. From scenery and costume to ticket sales and tea making, everyone is equally as important.

But as important to us is the audience, for without their laughter and praise there would be no point to our endeavours. We would like to thank them for their support this year. We had a wonderful time performing to such delightful people.

It was a very successful week and we have been able to contribute £400 to the Dorset Air Ambulance, £250 to First response FRED fund, £100 to the recently formed Community Angels and we still have enough left to help with the village hall refurbishment.

We hope to have your support at our next production at the end of July, in the village hall, and at the Garden party in the Rectory on 20 June.”