• THIRTEEN year old Jacob Stroud from Westham, a year nine pupil from All Saints School, repeated his courageous 2009 Christmas Day harbour swim in even icier conditions this Christmas in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. He raised over £450 during the festive season, a total which includes £153 raised through packing bags for busy shoppers at Asda’s as well as the sponsor money for his heroic swim.

By the time he was helped out of the water Jake was completely numb but thrilled he had managed to summon up the courage to go ahead and take part in the harbour swim despite the freezing weather and ice covered pontoons.

His proud father Ken swam with him as he did last year, and reckons he has never been so cold before in his life. Well done both!

  • LATER this month Weymouth Family Church are running the three session course with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) which had to be cancelled last autumn. The course begins on Thursday, January 27, and will be held from 7.30pm to 9pm, at Conifers Primary School, Radipole Lane.

It is run by qualified money coaches Mike and Morag Evans and teaches how to budget, reduce debt, save and plan for the future.

CAP also offer free counselling and advice for anyone battling with unmanageable debt.

This CAP course is free of charge and open to anyone, whether seeking guidance for specific financial issues or just wanting to be generally better organised when it comes to money.

Places are limited so you are advised to book in advance.

For more information or to book a place telephone 07912 890744 or visit www.capmoney.org

  • LONG service certificates were presented at the Wyke Regis Sisterhood’s carol service for which members chose favourite readings and carols. Visitors included members of All Saints’ Mother Union as well as the Sisterhood Movement’s National President Mrs Irene Duff and the National Treasurer Mr David Tickner who had travelled up from the Isle of Wight to present the awards.

The non-denominational group meets every Thursday in Wyke Methodist Church Hall at 2.30pm and always welcomes new members.

  • ALL SAINTS Church Christmas Bazaar in Wyke was a huge success and raised the magnificent sum of £1,097.69. Father Christmas took time out from his busy schedule to visit and there were many stalls, raffles and tombolas. Reverend Deb Smith and the organisers of the Bazaar "Gary and his Angels" would like to thank everyone who supported this event. For more information about services and events at All Saints Church, check out www.parishofwykeregis.org.uk or visit the church entry on Facebook.
  • A FUN way to lose those extra pounds put on during the Christmas period is to dance into the new year with the Scottish Country Dancing beginners group which meets at Wyke Regis Infants School on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.45pm. Sessions cost £2.50 per evening or £12 for half a term (6 weeks).

Suitable soft shoes are available to borrow and no previous experience is necessary. This friendly group always has a warm welcome for newcomers.

Telephone Judy on 01305 833660 or just turn up, have a go and see if this is for you.