Hello all. Sorry for my enforced absence in the last few weeks, I have had some computer issues which are now hopefully resolved. So my apologies if you have tried to contact me online with your news.

I hope everyone enjoyed the festivities of the Jubilee weekend. I have been asked by several residents of Abbotsbury who attended the jubilee party at Melbury House, as guests of Mrs Charlotte Townshend, to extend their grateful thanks. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the summer party and many guests were delighted with the fun and generosity shown by Mrs Townshend. The evening went all too quickly, but was rounded off by a wonderful fireworks display.

On Monday many events took place in Abbotsbury including a tea dance and children’s party at the hall. In the evening we went to the Ilchester Arms and enjoyed music in the garden by the J-cats and DJ Big Geoff with a barbeque. Finally, the lighting of the beacon at Wears hill took place at 10.15pm; many beacons could be seen from the hill, one of 4200 beacons lit across the U.K., a fitting end to the celebrations and many thanks to all the people who made it possible.

Here are some reminders of upcoming events.

Here are the details about the Flower arranging festival and art exhibition which will take place at the Abbotsbury gardens. Anyone in the Chesil bank area can take part and this year there is an Olympic theme. The exhibition runs from 23rd to 24th June with the set up taking place on Friday 22nd June from 11am.

The classes are as follows:- 1) A Decathlon Event, choice of any of the 10 events, (24inches allowed).

2) The Olympic Torch (18inches allowed).

3) Her Majesty’s Jewels (petit) (9 inches overall).

4) Boxing clever (20 inches allowed) A Novice class (For anyone who hasn’t won a class previously) Finally, a children’s class for ages 5 to 11 5) Weymouth Water (a boat made from vegetables, fruit or plant material or a combination of all) (12 inches allowed) For further information and to enter please contact Peggy Ford on 01305 871269 Abbotsbury will be holding an open gardens event on the 17th June from 2pm until 5.30pm, signs have been erected showing which gardens are going to be open to the public. All the proceeds from the event will go to the Friends of St. Nicholas’ Tickets cost £3 for adults (children free) and allow entry to all seven gardens. They may be purchased from any of the gardens on the day or in advance from Tricia Houlberg – Church View, 13 Rodden Row, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JT (01305 871085) or Peter Evans – 7 West Street, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JT (01305 871527). Tickets purchased in advance will allow free parking in the village car park, but if applying by post please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

Refreshments, plants and produce sales will be available at The Old Gate House. Please allow time to enjoy all the gardens open that day.