Hello everyone, this week plans are continuing with the Olympic Sails Project. I spoke with Sue Melville, who is coordinating the project. At the first meeting on January 18th over fifty individuals expressed an interest in taking part. The hope is that the sails will be on display along the torch route in Abbotsbury from 12th July through the Olympics to the Paralympics which ends on 3rd September.

At present Sue is currently experimenting with different fabrics and media. This is proving to be tricky as the finished “sails” will be on display throughout all types of weather conditions. Many experimental designs have been tested; I hope to keep you updated on the progress.

The sails are going to use a palette of three colours; red, yellow and blue and offer a water/coastal based theme and being designed to link in to the Weymouth and Portland part of the Olympics.

West Dorset District council has awarded a grant to the project from the fund set up to assist villages along the “torch” route.

Sue Melville, who is co-ordinating this sail-making project, said "We want everyone who wants to, to join in so that when the Olympics are here they won't feel left out, but will get the buzz which comes from being part of a community that will turn the village into a two-month outdoor art gallery. These projects are good fun, they are imaginative and exhilarating; and this one is special because we'll be part of something being celebrated across the whole country". Sue can be contacted on 01305 871800 or sue@wheelwrights.co.uk Mary Bridle tells me that the Diamond club will be having bingo at Strangways hall this Friday 10th at 7pm for 7.30pm start and again on 9th March. There will also be an Easter bingo on Good Friday 6th April.

I have dates for flower arranging with Bunty at the Swan Inn on 6th March. The titles for this meeting are 1) An arrangement using an kitchen utensil 2) “Shiver and shimmer” Even if you have no experience anyone can come along to the meeting at the skittle alley at 7pm. Contact Peggy on 01305 871269 if you want more information.

Finally, the Royal British legion Abbotsbury and Portesham ladies beat the gentlemen at skittles (hooray!) and the chairman Mr John Perry announced that the Durnovaria band Christmas concert raised £680 for the legion. The next meeting will be on Monday 13th February at Portesham village hall 7.30pm, where a talk will be given by Chris Wade on “Ghosts”. The following month Irene Donnelly is organising a quiz at Abbotsbury Strangways hall on 12th March again at 7.30pm. Any inquiries to Joyce Pugh 01305 871001.

That’s it for now and don’t forget to tell me of your events taking place in Abbotsbury, Clare James.