Abbotsbury and Langton Herring

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ON Saturday, July 10 Flappers and their partners, gathered in the big marquee erected for the Village Fayre the next day, for an evening of fun and frivolity.

Feet a tapping to the music of the lively Portesham based band The Mill Street Jazz Band, jaws aching from laughing at the antics of the Dorset Nomads – see them soon in a village near you - being amazed by the tricks of the wandering magician the partygoers behaved quite well, on the whole, I’m pleased to report.

The prizes for the best costumes were awarded to Claire Rawlings and to Dr Mark Watson who sat down to his ploughman’s supper in silk dressing gown and PJs. – did he really walk through the village like that?

This ‘bit of a do’ raised over £500 for the St Nicholas Church fabric fund so thanks go to all involved We all enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

WHAT could be better - the sun shone, the crowds gathered and all had a really brilliant day on Sunday, July 11.

Thanks to the tireless preparation by a small group of Abbotsbury folk the large overflow field to the village car park was planned to within inch.

A mass of stalls, charity and commercial, gathered for the day and did a good job in tempting the visitors to part with their pennies.

The afternoon started off with the 2nd Edition Majorettes from Portland, pretty in pink.

How we all enjoyed the tug of war teams, even the vicar cast aside her sandals and hauled for victory.

The elegant Dorset Historic Dancers reminded us of our historical setting and our past and the Police Dog Handlers and their fantastic dogs brought to mind the more unsavoury aspects of our modern society.

Things for children, things for adults, a magician and a lovely band were just some of the offerings that made for a special Abbotsbury Village Fayre.

The success of the day was also due in no small part to the very generous sponsors, without whom there wouldn’t have been such things as the portable necessities for instance – you know what this village is like with public loos miles from the car park.

As yet the final figure raised is unknown but without a doubt the Fayre was a great financial success.

The proceeds will be divided between Strangways Hall and St Nicholas Church.

So thanks to everyone, organisers, stall holders, entertainers, sponsors, those who gave of goods and time, and visitors young and old.

WE welcome new residents to the village, Julie Roberts and Gordon Wenham.

They have taken over the smart new house and shop built on the old potter’s yard on Chapel Lane opposite the village store.

Their ‘Lazy hill Gallery’, named after their old house, holds a range of handmade crafts and silverware.

Julie says that they try to display local crafts whenever possible.

It all looks rather special and is well worth a visit for that little something.

IT’S all go on the horse show circuit for Sam Wood of Woodcoate Stud in the village.

Last weekend July 10/11 with her mounts she won prizes at several West Country shows.

Riding Mrs Vivienne’s horse ‘Rowan’ Sam won silver in the Mountain and Moorland Large breed class at the Wincanton Show.

On Sunday at the Chard Show, riding ‘Knowle Rock Crescendo’, Sam won the Small Breed Riding Class and Crescendo became the Champion Riding horse.

Recently at the South West Connemara Show in Exeter, her stallion Skellorn Prairie Dancer became reserve champion.

Sam would like to thank her sponsors who help make all these completions possible.

She would welcome more sponsorship so please contact her on 01305 871363 if you can help.

Langton Herring

THEIR much looked forward to Village Fete and Dog show takes place next Saturday, July 24 from 11.30am There is free parking and free entry and we hope like in every previous year they have good weather.

There will be a Pet service at St Peter’s Church in the village at 5.00pm.

All are welcome