THIS report is being sent from the Fiji Islands, where we are continuing with our work to help disadvantaged children. We’re pleased to say that there have been no natural disasters on this trip so far. We trust that this will remain the case for the rest of our visit, so that we can make best use of our time and help as many children as possible.

So far we have delivered much needed resources to many schools on two of the smaller islands and visited our latest kindergarten in the village of Rukuruku on the island of Ovalau.

We have other visits planned, including a return visit to the kindergarten on Kadavu that opened last year in memory of 3-year old Iva and her Fijian grandmother, both of whom tragically lost their lives in a traffic accident in New Zealand.

We shall also be going to the Fiji School for the Blind to deliver children’s books that have been transcribed into Braille by inmates at Wakefield Prison and to the John Wesley College with more Rugby shirts from Dorchester Rugby Club.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters in Dorset who have helped to enable us to improve the lives of so many children throughout Fiji. Meanwhile, back in our Dorset neighbourhood ….

THE NEXT Village Breakfast in Maiden Newton takes place on Saturday, October 15 in the Village Hall.

Do come along to this regular popular event between 9 and 11am. The cost is £4 for cereals, juice, a delicious full English, toast, tea or coffee (£2 without the cooked breakfast). A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) costs £10.

There will be newspapers for the grown-ups and a play area for the children. There will also be a raffle.

ARTSREACH presents Alison Neil in Living in the Light at Melbury Osmond Village Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 13, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £6 for children. A family ticket costs £22. There will be a bar.

To make a booking, please contact Teresa Oaksford on 01935 83410. Alison Neil specializes in one-woman shows (previously Katherine Parr and Mrs Beeton). This particular show features Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century poet, musician, theologian and healer. She gave advice to the Emperor and the Pope, and preached in cathedrals. Her music topped the charts of Classic FM 850 years after it was written.

This is an enthralling story that really should not be missed.

THERE WILL be an art and craft exhibition by Maiden Newton Art Group in Maiden Newton Village Hall on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22. Admission is free.

On the Friday, the exhibition will be open from 6 until 9pm and there will be refreshments available.

The exhibition is open from 10am until 4pm on the Saturday, and you will be able to buy coffee or tea, a light lunch or cakes. There will also be a sale of paintings and local crafts, as well as a tombola and a 50-50 stall.

STRATTON and Bradford Peverell WI has its next meeting on Thursday, October 20, when Mr R Snook from Bridport will be covering the subject of hat making.

MEMBERS of the Melbury Men’s Breakfast Club and their partners are invited to a skittles evening with a curry meal on Friday, October 21 at the Fox and Hounds, Cattistock BINGO at Frampton Village Hall takes place at Frampton Village Hall on Saturday, October 22.

Eyes down is at 7.30pm and proceeds on this occasion will go to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.