Puddletown

  • COUNTY officers of the Royal British Legion, Branch Standards and County Standards from Dorset joined members of the Puddletown branch and women's section of the Royal British Legion to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the formation of the branch and the 60th anniversary of the women's section on April 26.

It was a truly moving sight as the parade marched through the village led by the Stour Valley Band.

The inspirational service in St Mary's church was conducted by Rev'd Benny Hazlehurst and Rev'd Norman Beggs. After the service, tea was served in the village hall for around 100 guests.

County chairman Mrs Wendy Bartlett presented the women's section with a certificate from headquarters for 60 years of loyal service.

Mrs Harries was also presented with a certificate of appreciation from the men's branch.

  • HOT STEPS Dance School is to hold two 90-minute workshops concurrently in Puddletown village hall on Wednesday, May 27 starting at 1pm.

The workshops are for children aged seven to ten years old, and there are two to choose from.

There is a workshop for any budding magicians or sorcerer's apprentices who would like to learn magic tricks with Glyn from Magical Mayhem, and this will be held in the small meeting room.

The other workshop will take place in the main hall. Dance tutor Abbie James will be teaching a dance routine with pom-poms.

Included is a mini performance by the children taking part to entertain parents.

The cost of each workshop is £6, and there are only 12 places available on each.

Contact Abbie or Glyn on 01305 788422 to book your place.

Both tutors are CRB checked.

Bere Regis

  • THERE is to be a grand duck race and barbecue in aid of church funds on Friday, June 5 from 7pm until 9pm at the scout hut in Elder Road.

Races are at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.Ducks cost £1, and there are prizes of £10 and £5 for first and second places, and a bottle of wine for the third place.

There will be a raffle and stalls, so do come along and enjoy the evening.

  • JOHN England is continuing to receive messages about the existence or past existence of wells and pumps in the parish.

People have been so kind in letting me wander around their gardens and houses, John adds. He has been taking pictures to record what was there, and is considering printing a small booklet with the agreement of the people who have given him information.

If you have any local information about wells and pumps that existed in the parish, you can contact John on 01929 471469.

  • COCKTAILS and canapes will be served at a party organised by the Twinning Association on Saturday, June 13 at 7pm at number 31 West Street, Bere Regis.

Tickets cost £8 and are available from Debbie Scott on 01929 471657.

Cocktail dress.

  • THE Twinning Association is arranging a coach trip to its twin village of Cerences from Friday, September 18 until Sunday, September 20.

The cost is £60 per adult, with concessions for families with children under 12 years of age.

Activities over the weekend are generously provided by the association's French hosts, and includes at least one social event for the whole group as well as sightseeing visits with your family.

You do not need to speak French. A sheet of useful phrases will be provided.

If you are learning the language, this is the best way to improve in a friendly atmosphere.

If you would like to reserve a place on the coach, please telephone Roger Angel on 01929 472163.

If you are not at present a member of the twinning association, please enclose £7 per household to cover your subscription.

Affpuddle

  • BRIANTSPUDDLE Singers and Dorchester Choral Society is to present Music with Jazz and a Swing for the Summer at Charlton Down village hall on Saturday, June 13 at 7.30pm.

The programme will include opera highlights, Cole Porter Kings of Swing, Gershwin classics, Elgar's Bavarian Highlands, gospel songs, and American folk.

The directors of music are Richard Hall and Christine Page.

Tickets are available at £12 from Harmony Music, the Londis shop at Charlton Down or choir members.

Disabled access is available at the hall.

  • GARDENS throughout Affpuddle, Briantspuddle and Throop will be open on Sunday, June 7 from 10.30am until 6pm.

A new addition to the day this year is a chance to view the work of eight local artists.

Admission is £4, and over 20 gardens will be open.

A vintage bus will transport you between widespread gardens, and there are plant stalls and refreshments.

Morning coffee, lunches and teas will be served, and there will be a lunchtime bar.

Ample parking is available to view this amazing range of gardens of incredible diversity of size and style.

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