Abbotsbury

SADLY a recent email has informed us of the death of Patricia Leslie Holmes, nee Siddons after a peaceful end in a Canadian hospital on 9 January at the age of 77 years.

Who could forget that convivial statuesque lady riding her horse around the village accompanied by her little Jack Russell, Harry?

Pat moved to the village, close to her cousins and back to her English roots in 1997 after a sad family time in Canada.

She settled in with us all in the village for five happy years and her little cottage door was always open.

Eventually Pat returned to be with her family in Sydney, Canada.

An Englishwoman, Pat met her Canadian husband who was serving in the Royal Engineers while she was serving in the WRNS in 1947.

They travelled the world with the military before retiring to Victoria and establishing their farm and riding stables.

A large family survives Pat and we send our condolences to them all.

BUILD a tepee in the playground!

This is the next fundraising event for the Abbotsbury Playground group.

You can learn how to build an 8ft diameter dry willow play tepee on Saturday, 19 February at the playground from 9.30am – 4pm.

There is a £10 charge for the course – which is highly subsidised – so call Lucy on 01305 871820 to book a place.

Abbotsbury and Portesham Royal British Legion Women’s section’s next meeting is on Monday, February 14 in Strangways Hall

The meeting begins at 7.30pm and the talk is entitled ‘My Trip to Peru’.

ST Catherine’s Candles -Advanced notice

I know that many people like to attend this special service and mark their diaries accordingly.

This year the service will take place on Saturday, September 10 not in May as in previous years to take advantage of the shorter days.

I will give more details later in the year.

FUN with flowers – The flower-arranging group begins classes again on Tuesday, February 15.

Classes are held in the Swan Inn at 7.30pm.

The subjects for arrangement are, any style of arrangement incorporating a cup and saucer or Highland Fling.

Contact Peggy on 01305 871269 for more details.

THERE are two changes to service times at St Nicholas church from this month

On the second Sunday of the month the 8.00am service moves to 9.00am.

All the better for those who don't like very early mornings!

On the fourth Sunday of the month Evensong will be at the earlier time of 4.00pm until the clocks spring forward at the end of March.

It is hoped that the earlier time in the winter months will be a help to those who don’t like the dark and cold evenings.

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