Tolpuddle

  • ORCHARD Meadow, Tolpuddle’s new open space is making good progress.

Grants of over £70,000 have now been received to establish the site.

This includes £27,300 from Community Spaces (part of the national lottery funding), £15,000 from Viridor Credits (including matched funding from Dorset county council of £1,500), (£20,000 section 106 monies as well as a £5,000 grant from West Dorset district council, £800 from 02, £2,500 from Wessex Rivers and Salmon Trust, and £100 from Puddletown carnival committee.

In addition, villagers have made donations amounting to over £1,000.

Further small grants are being sought, and it is hoped tog ain the support of the TUC for fundraising during the Martyrs’ Rally on July 18 and 19.

Dorset Works has been appointed contractor for the first phase of the work, and is due to start now.

Work will include clearance, grading the site, creating paths, fencing and seeding, and should be completed by the end of June.

It is hoped to get some play equipment on the open space before the summer holidays start in July.

However, access to various areas will be restricted until the Autumn when the grass has become established.

Lots of new trees and shrubs will be planted then, and the bus shelter replaced.

Thirty-two children came along to the workshop organised by Jo Bates in April, and they made it clear what play equipment they wanted on the site.

Andy Frost is now designing and costing equipment.

Subject to accepting his quotation, the play equipment will be installed from late June.

Some grants have been received for the play equipment, but not enough to build it all, particularly for equipment for under sevens where fewer grants are available.

Well done to Helen Weir who worked with Jo Bates to complete the Dorset Youth Capital Fund grant application which resulted in £8,700 for play equipment focused on ages 13-19.

It is hoped to have at least three benches and one large semi-circular seat on the open space.

Donations are needed, particularly for play equipment and seating.

Significant donations can be recognised on site, including those already made.

To donate, please contact John Bacon on 01305 848083.

Volunteers are needed to help out with a range of practical tasks planned, including planting trees and shrubs. Contact Rob Brunt on 848383.

Fundraising events include a duck race down the Piddle on Sunday, May 24 at noon, followed by a barbecue.

Contact Sally Slocock on 01305 848460 to offer help with this or the Martyrs’ rally events.

If you would like to become a member of TOSCA (Tolpuddle Open Space Community Association), telephone John Bacon on 848083.

If you have any questions about the project, look at the website www.tolpuddle-open-space.org.uk or contact Martin Cooke on 848156 or martycooke@aol.com Puddletown

  • SAY It With Flowers is the title of this year’s flower festival at Athelhampton House which opens on Sunday, June 7 and runs until Thursday June 11.

This will be the 15th year that Owermoigne Flower Club has organised the festival at Athelhampton, and this year it draws its theme from books and poetry.

Many of our well-known Dorset writers’ work will be interpreted, as well as many other authors who have inspired the team of enthusiastic arrangers.

Normal house entry charges apply, and a collection will be made for the Alzheimer’s Disease Society throughout the festival.

Bere Regis

  • MAGIC of the Musicals is the title of a feast of music for all the family presented by the Pop in Place Performers on Saturday, May 30 at the Drax Hall.

There are two performances, at 2pm and at 7pm.

Songs from all your favourite musicals will be featured – Cats, Evita, Joseph, Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Poppins and many more.

Tickets cost only £3.50 each, and are available from Alison Bennett on 01929 472023.

Mamma Mia – how can we resist it?!

  • THE scout group is taking part in Sainsbury’s Active Kids Time, and also collecting Tesco vouchers for schools and clubs.

This is an excellent opportunity for the scouts to acquire extra equipment that could include art and craft supplies, orienteering kits, tents, sports equipment, etc at no cost to the group or to parents.

Please save your vouchers for the scouts.

Contact Mike Whitfield on 01929 472159.

Bet Moss and her wonderful team continue to organise fortnightly bingo at the scout hut.

This is a good evening out, and everyone is made to feel very welcome.

Refreshments are available in the break.

If you would like to know more, contact Bet on 01929 471186.

  • BERE Regis Toddler Music Group is a voluntary group offering fun music sessions for preschool children..

The group meets every Friday at 10am at the scout hut in Elder Road.

If you would like more information, contact Liz Teather on 01929 471216.