Sydling St. Nicholas

  • SHARP stands short for Sydling’s Outreach Fund.

This fund has just reached a real landmark, having raised £ 20,000 since being founded nearly 20 years ago.

Interestingly it was originally established out of the sheer good fortune villagers felt being able to live in such a pretty village.

They wanted to help Third World Communities as part of contributing to the wider world.

This has since been changed to helping an overseas as well as a local charity with their fundraising, different charities being selected each year.

Examples are Sightsavers International, Wateraid or Practical Action’s Zambian Project.

More locally they have supported Hilfield Priory, the Dorset branch of the Samaritans or Dorchester Poverty Action Group.

Another one of SHARP’s contributions has been the production of a book called “Sydling St. Nicholas – a year in the life of a Dorset Village”.

This book is now in profit and all proceeds are, of course, added to each year’s fundraising.

If you would like a copy for the price of £ 7.00 please contact SHARP’s Chairman Graham Millard on 01300 341778.

The remainder of this year sees two more fundraising activities: A Safari Supper Evening, to be run jointly by SHARP and HAGS on Saturday, October 9 and a Christmas Coffee Morning in the Village Hall in December.

Please do come and support these events of which you will find more details in one of my next columns.

I think SHARP is setting a great example – perhaps you could start such a fund in your village?

Cerne Abbas

  • POLICE Community Officer Sarah will be available in Abbots Tearooms on Tuesday, August 17.

Come and have a coffee and a chat with her between 10:30am – 11:30am.

Meet Sarah in person to discuss any safety or community issues concerning you or the wider public, she will do her best to help and offer practical advice.

Don’t worry if you miss her on this occasion, future dates include Tuesday, September 21 and Tuesday, October 19.

Alternatively she can be contacted via 01305 222222 or 07500 816292 or e-mailed on Dorchester-rural-snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

  • VILLAGE Hall: A new Booking Secretary is needed, starting on Wednesday, September 1.

This responsible but rewarding role involves dealing with telephone queries and showing prospective users around the hall.

Liaising with local groups is also important and, of course, taking charge of all the bookings!

Full training will be given as well as a dedicated phone line with all expenses met.

A remuneration is currently considered for this post.

If it could be filled by you don’t hesitate to contact Angela Palmer on 01300 341164 or Jo Humphreys on 01300 342110 for more information.

  • ORGAN Appeal: Cerne’s organ is currently being restored with the work being completed shortly.

Amongst other work two stops are being installed which will allow everyone to enjoy the organ as originally designed.

A special evensong will be held on Sunday, August 22 to re-dedicate the organ.

It starts at 6pm and is followed by a recital by the Ven Paul Taylor, Archdeacon of Sherborne and Dr Richard Godfrey, Diocesan Organ Advisor, to show off the new sound!

Everyone is very welcome to enjoy this event, refreshments will be on offer.

Minterne Magna

  • A REMINDER for you of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition taking place in St. Andrew’s Church.

It runs until Tuesday, August 17 and is an excellent opportunity to admire local talent within the wonderful atmosphere of a picturesque, rural church.