CATTISTOCK WI will hold its next book group meeting on Monday, January 9, when ‘Birthday’ by Alan Sillitoe will be discussed.

Thanks go to Liz Warren, who has worked so hard to provide the group with such a wide range of books of varying standards and genres.

The next play reading session takes place on Thursday, January 12, when members are asked to discuss a favourite poem (or simply choose any poem, if you do not have a favourite).

New members are always welcome at WI meetings. To find out more, please contact Cathy Metcalfe (01300 320379) or Pauline Purdy (01300 320233) FROME Valley History Society meets in Rampisham Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday, January 9.

The speaker will be Ann Hinchcliffe and she will be talking about ‘Historic Dances in England, 1500 – 1900’. The talk will be illustrated with live music.

The fee is £3.50 and new members are always welcome. Further details can be obtained from John Darneley on 01935 83347 Maiden Newton Art Group begins its Spring Term on Wednesday, January 11. The term continues until Wednesday, March 28 and sessions last from 2 until 4.30pm (with occasional workshop sessions from 10.30am until 4.30pm).

Subscription for members costs £25 per term, but guests can attend workshops for a total of £30.

Workshop dates for the coming term are Wednesday, January 25 Mary Anne Featherstone on ‘Animals’). Wednesday, February 22 (Nicola Dennis on ‘Let’s have a go at art’) and Wednesday, March 14 (Debbie Vetch on ‘Cubanism’) Please contact Cindy Chant on 01300 321010 for further details.

THERE will be a jumble sale in Maiden Newton Village Hall on Saturday, January 14.

The doors will open at 2pm. There will be refreshments and a raffle. Any items for sale (not large or electrical items) can be brought to the hall at 1pm.

Do come along and find yourself a bargain or two!

THERE will be a Cheer-up January Lunch at 12.30 at Rectory House, 2 Fore Street, Evershot on Monday, January 16.

You are asked for a £2 donation towards the lunch. Everyone is welcome, but please let one of the following know, if you plan to attend: Meg on 01935 83619, Barbara on 01935 83369 or Sheelagh on 01935 83003.

COMPTON Valence is well worth a visit at any time, but is particularly beautiful in early February, when the snowdrops are in flower.

Why not drive or walk through to see the stunning white drifts of snowdrops and call in to the village hall for lunch or tea (please ring Pippa James on 01305 889338 or Tessa Russell on 01308 482227 for details of times and to make a booking).

Pre-booked guests will take priority, as the hall is small.