A COMMUNITY project in Cattistock has turned out to be a resounding success.

The Fox and Hounds has made available some land at the rear of the pub for use as allotments and some villagers are now growing their own vegetables. In return for this privilege they have agreed to donate some of their produce for use in the pub kitchen.

During these light evenings people can be seen busy on the allotments, tending their plants or harvesting the vegetables they have grown. There is a wonderful atmosphere with everyone working together and sharing their enthusiasm for the outdoor life.

Apart from the satisfaction of producing good quality, fresh food, they are all finding the activity quite therapeutic. And of course it’s not far to go for a refreshing drink at the end of a tough session of digging and planting!

Liz Flight, landlady at the Fox and Hounds, is delighted with the way in which the project has taken off.

  • FINISHED the book you have been reading and looking for another one? Why not call at the Fox and Hounds to swap your finished book for a different one.

There is a good and varied selection of books to choose from in the Oak Room, so you are sure to find something to suit your taste.

  • THE CATTISTOCK Community Space Committee would like to thank everyone who supported the Taste of Masterchef evening with Mat Follas on Wednesday, April 29.

The evening raised a magnificent £1,000 towards the rejuvenation of playing field equipment.

  • CATTISTOCK WI’s next meeting will be on Thursday, June 11 (instead of June 4, because of the elections).

The speaker will be Michael North, who will be talking about ‘The Olive Oil Trail’ with some tasting. The meeting will be open to other WI’s.

Any ladies wishing to join the WI should contact Cathy Metcalfe (01300 320379) or Pauline Purdy (01300 320233) or come along as a visitor to one of the meetings in the Savill Hall, Cattistock.

There are already several members from Maiden Newton, but more would be welcome.

  • PEOPLE from Maiden Newton had a delicious evening at a recent Chocolate Quiz in the village.

There were 6 teams of four and everyone enjoyed four rounds of testing confectionary-based questions with a chocolate interlude at half time!

The quiz master was Wilf Watts and the quiz was won by the team ‘Soft Centres’, Ian Perry, Barbara Perry, Lesley Elliott and Andy Elliott. All proceeds will go to the Maiden Newton at War event that will take place on June 18, 19 and 20, 2010.

  • THE ROYAL British Legion (Maiden Newton and District Branch) is holding its next meeting at the Chalk & Cheese in Maiden Newton on Thursday, June 11 (Corpus Christi).
  • GREENFORD School Fete takes place from 1pm on Saturday June 20, followed by GREENFORD ROCKS 2 GLAM ROCK , a live outdoor concert with BALLROOM GLITZ supported by SHOOTER.

Gates open at 6.30pm for a 7.45pm start. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door.

You can obtain tickets in advance from Dorchester or Sherborne TIC or by phoning 01300 320644.

  • THE GARDEN at Grove Stall Farm, Chilfrome, will be open on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 between 2 and 6pm in aid of the National Gardens Scheme.

As many readers already know, this is a delightful small garden, immaculately maintained, and you are certain to find some new ideas here.

  • MELBURY Osmond Garden & Show Society will be holding their summer supper at Bridge Farm Cottage (at the kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Birch) on Saturday, June 20.
  • AT A MEETING of the Stratton Parish Council held on Tuesday, May 5, the following were discussed: Mr John Peake gave a short report and account of his past year’s activities as County Councillor. He will not be standing for re-election this year and the Parish thanked him for his years of service and help.

Election of Officers: Cllr A Aylott was proposed as chairman and seconded by Cllr T Every. Cllr T Hughes was proposed by T Every and seconded by Cllr J Grocott.

Specific Duties of Councillors: DAPTC Representative (Cllr T Hughes), Village Hall Representative (Cllr P Hallett), Rubbish Disposal/Litter Officer (Cllr T Hughes), Transport (Cllr A Aylott), Footpaths and Rights of Way (Cllr J Grocott), Trees (Cllr P Bowler), Playground Inspection (Cllr T Hughes), Housing (Cllr R Protheroe), Liaison Officer – Ancient Monuments (Mrs M Putnam – voluntary) and Emergency Homewatch Contact (Mr T Every – unofficial position liaising with Parish Council) Matters arising: Youth Club trees donation – Clerk reported that the trees were to be planted on May 6.

Calor Dorset Best Community Village Competition 2009 – Cllr T Hughes reported that time does not permit an entry for this year’s competition.

Annual Spring Clean – This took place on April 18 and thanks were extended to all who helped.

Dog Fouling on the Green – Clerk produced costings for four signs for the Village Green and one for the playing field, and it was agreed to place an order.

Crime Prevention – Cllr T Every reported that milk money had been stolen from milk bottles outside a few houses in Stratton.

Highways: Speeding Traffic A37 – Dorset County Council has confirmed that positions for the Speed Indicator Devices in Grimstone have been marked. One post will be by the lay-by to the north of the village and the other by Colin Clark Meats. The posts will be erected in the next couple of months and the SID should be positioned shortly after on a twelve weekly rotation.

General Maintenance – A quotation has been accepted for the re-instatement of the white lines on the tennis court in the playing field.

Correspondence – BT has advised that the phone box opposite the Old Bull Inn is being changed from cash to card only facilities.

The date of the next meeting of the Parish Council is Tuesday, July 14 at 7.30pm in the Aylott Room.