A SPECIAL WEDDING took place at St. Peter’s Church, Portesham on 7th August of Hayley Jolliffe and David Richardson with many villagers there to support the happy couple and wish them well.

Hayley is the daughter of Sue and Graham Jolliffe and generations of the Jolliffe family have lived in Portesham village for over 400 years.

Graham, his brother Martin and sister Linda and families still live in the village, also Hayley’s grandmother Beryl, and they are all very much part of the village community.

Hayley was born and grew up in the village and attended Portesham Primary School and was also a member of various organisations.

The reception was held in a marquee in the beautiful setting of Abbey House in Abbotsbury, which was a dream come true as Hayley had worked at Abbey House during her college years and vowed that when she married she would have her reception there.

David and Hayley have now made their home in St. Albans, Hertfordshire where Hayley teaches and David works for the Post Office.

It is always a joy to have a wedding celebration in our church but an extra special delight when it includes a young person who has grown up in the village.

Everyone in Portesham wishes the happy couple, Hayley and David much love and many years of happiness in their future life together.

  • CHESIL BANK PARISH COUNCIL meeting will be held on Monday, September 6 in the village hall, Portesham at 7.30pm.

If you wish to shape the future of the village please be there to put forward your views.

  • THE NEXT Village Café is being held on Saturday, September 11 from 10-12noon in the village hall, this time hosted by the Diamond Club with the usual format, also library and good company.
  • DORSET HISTORIC CHURCH TRUST Ride and Stride takes place on Saturday, September 11 and involves 160 parishes in Dorset.

Those taking part help to raise money for the Dorset Historic Church Trust, and can also raise money for a church of their choice.

  • PORTESHAM WI return for the autumn and winter season on Tuesday, September 14 at 7.15pm meeting in the village hall.

The talk on that evening will be by Mike Lambirth on “Napkin Folding” - do come along, new members are always welcome.

  • THE HARVEST SUPPER tickets are selling fast so if you don’t want to miss out this year get in touch with Liz Draper (871316) Debbie Johnson (871180 or Denise Sinclair (871032) or at the village hall Post Office, only £5 each for a two course meal, licensed bar, entertainment and wonderful prizes in the raffle - great value.

Offers of prizes from local businesses will be very welcome, please, especially as the money all goes to the “Help the Heroes” charity.

The date of this splendid evening is Saturday, October 9 - 6.30 for 7.00pm.

  • ALL THE CLUBS return for the new season this week commencing with The Bridge Club who meet at 1.30pm in the Ron Doble Room in the village hall on Monday afternoons.

Pilates commences on Tuesday mornings from 10-11am in the village hall - a slow exercise regime building up core muscles for improvement in movement and deportment.

Whist Club meets in the Methodist Hall on Wednesdays at 2.00pm (871672).

Badminton Club plays in the village hall on Wednesdays 5-7pm Short Mat Bowls Club runs two sessions on Thursdays in the village hall 2.30pm and 8.00pm.

Chesil Scouts meet on Friday in the village hall 5-9pm.

Walking Group meet up twice a month, long walk on the first Thursday of the month and a shorter walk on the 3rd Thursday of the month, meeting at 10am in Winters Close.

All the clubs would welcome new members so for further information ring 871892 (my number) and I will pass on details.