Tolpuddle

  • FUNDRAISING for St John's church is done throughout the year, and ten per cent of this is donated to three chosen charities each year.

This year, the charities chosen to benefit were Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, The Leprosy Mission and Water Aid.

At the May meeting of the regular monthly soup and sweet lunch in the village hall, representatives of the three charities were asked along as guests to receive cheques for £575 each.

Annette Plaistow-Trapaud came along on behalf of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The air ambulance is funded largely by donations, and needs £1.2 million to keep it flying each year. Since its formation in 2000, it has already flown over 3850 missions.

Natalie Husk represented the Leprosy Mission.

She said that 3,000 people each year in 30 of the poorest countries of the world were diagnosed with leprosy, and the society's work included diagnosing, treating, providing surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

A representative of Water Aid was unable to attend the lunch to receive this charity's cheque.

  • CREAM teas served in the village hall to launch the coming horticultural show on Saturday, August 8 got the show off to an extremely good start.

The afternoon was very well supported, and made a profit of £750. A big thank you goes to all the people who worked so hard and supported it.

Eighty schedules were distributed, and it is hoped that plenty of entries will be made.

There are classes for fruit and vegetables, grown flowers, flower arranging, cookery (recipes supplied), homecraft, produce, photography, novelty classes and children's classes.

The show is open. If you would like to enter, or would like to receive a schedule and details, please telephone show secretary Clare Angus on 01305 848286.

Puddletown

  • CARNIVAL time will be up on us soon, and the date for the big day is Saturday, July 11.

This year the organisers are encouraging participants to enter into the carnival spirit with costumes and floats with a film and television theme, be it a children’s TV programme or a blockbuster film character. The First event on the carnival calendar is the carnival princess and prince competition.

The princess attendants and prince selection will be made at the carnival princess disco on Saturday, June 13 at 7pm in the Village Hall.

The competition is open to boys and girls aged between seven and 13 years who live in the parish of Puddletown.

The Princesses and attendants will have dresses made by Tiaras and Crowns of Weymouth They will be able to keep their dresses.

Carnival Week starts on July 4 with the coffee morning in the village hall from 10am until noon.

On Sunday, July 5 is the sponsored walk organised by DORSAR. Meet at the village hall at 1pm.

Also on Sunday, July 5 is a songs of praise at the Rodhill Centre at 6pm.

On Tuesday, July 7 is the carnival bingo in the village hall.

Doors open at 7pm. Eyes down at 7.30pm.

On Thursday, July 9 is the famous duck race is at the Backwater, opposite the Blue Vinny pub at 6pm.

Saturday, July 11 is carnival day, and events at the recreation ground start at 2pm.

The grand procession starts at 6pm.

Don't forget that the committee hopes that participants will come dressed as characters from film and television.

To take part in the procession you don’t have to be from the village or surrounding area -all are welcome.

Last year Puddletown Carnival Donated over £5,000 to local groups and we hope to beat that in 2009.

Any organisations who would like to run a stall at the duck race or on carnival day, application are now being taken.

Spaces are limited so book early to save disappointment.

For further details on anything to do with the carnival please contact the carnival chairman, Damian Lockie on 07889 172555 or email puddletowncarnival09 @googlemail.com

  • ST MARY'S Middle school has a summer fair on Friday, June 26 from 6pm until 8pm.

This will be on the playing field at the back of the school is the weather is fine, or indoors if it is a wet evening.

Entry is free, and there is entertainment for all the family including St Mary's school samba band and cheerleaders, games, craft stalls, cakes, local produce and a raffle.

Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from the barbecue and licensed bar.

All the money raised will be used to support the education of the pupils at St Mary's school.

  • PRIDE has funding in place for taster sessions and coaching at the multi-use games area.

Details will be announced soon, but in the meantime, it would be helpful to assess the expected response.

Please record your interest by telephoning Gerald Barrett on 01305 849588 or Phil Drake on 848560.