19 March 2020 - Street Fayre postponement
Dear all,
You probably already know, but see below another postponement announcement, this time by David Langridge. He and his committee will already have carried out a great deal of work, now wasted, but the decision is unavoidable. I am sure everyone will get behind them next year to make the Fayre even bigger and better.
Stay well
Chris
Sutton Poyntz Victorian Street Fayre - Announcement
Given the current Government advice and after great thought and consideration by all the committee of the Victorian Street Fayre it is with regret that we need to cancel the Fayre for this year which was due to be held on the 28th June. It is especially sad given this has always been an excellent community event run by a dedicated committee and helped by over 200 villagers in order to raise a lot of money for local charities.
It is regrettable, but we feel it is the right thing to do and believe that the villagers, visitors and traders support us in making this decision, in order to safeguard all members of our community.
We'd like to thank all those people who have supported us so far and look forward to being able to hold the event next year on 27th June 2021.
We look forward to your continued support next year and we hope many more years in the future.
David Langridge – Chairman Sutton Poyntz Victorian Street Fayre
19 March 2020 - Getting help to those who need it
Dear all,
The recent SP Committee Meeting discussed the need for neighbourly communication and community spirit at this worrying time, with a Newsbite to further this aim. Everywhere it is the old, the sick and those already struggling who will be affected the worst when isolated. The St Andrew’s Church Community Angels have years of experience in helping people in their own homes, so I contacted co-ordinator Brian. He told me that they are leaving it up to their individual volunteers as to the degree of contact they have with the people they are assisting. In addition to their normal workload they have now been contacted by the local surgery asking if they can assist in delivering much needed medicines to people at home. Then Tamzin Hyde contacted me and forwarded the attached flyer which she hopes to put through as many doors as possible, especially to reach those not Internet connected. A number of other concerned and thoughtful villagers have also offered assistance, so I have put them in touch with Tamzin. After reading the attachment, can I suggest that if you need help, suspect someone else does or can provide help yourself that you contact Tamzin or Carolyn.
It’s worth repeating the list of local businesses who can offer a small-scale delivery service and are able to take payment over the telephone:
· Spar Preston Road – 01305 832035
· Craig’s Dairy – 01305 834591
· Dorset’s Kiwi Butcher – 01305 250800
I will keep you up to date as things progress.
If we all pull together, we WILL get through this.
Chris
18 March 2020 - Mission Hall closure and your daily bread
Dear all,
Firstly and sadly, Maureen tells me that, for obvious reasons, the Mission Hall will be closed for all bookings from 20th March until further notice.
I don’t know about you, but my diary is now completely empty of forthcoming events. Perhaps I should give ‘War and Peace’ another try. All those Russian names have defeated me in the past.
Secondly some better news. Do have a look at the attachment with a great idea from our very own Balfey the Baker, offering some light relief and generous offers of equipment and advice to help you make your own bread
I have already taken one of his courses so I consider myself an expert – yeah, right – but will use this to re-hone my skills.
As Balfey says, some of the essential ingredients are missing from the supermarket shelves at the moment, but are sure to be restocked soon.
However, if you have all you need and like me have become a little rusty in the bakery department, give it a go. The smell alone of new baked bread is worth the effort.
Thanks Balfey for this great initiative.
Stay safe
Chris
17 March 2020 - Event cancellations
Dear all,
Quite a bit of sad but not unexpected news of event postponements/cancellations due to the virus crisis. Firstly the SP Society AGM planned for Wednesday 8 April has been postponed to a later date; secondly, Balfey the Baker, Chris Balfe, has cancelled the bakery classes that he had set up to support of the Village Fayre bread stall; and thirdly, the Summer Coffee mornings have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. I also gather that a decision on whether to postpone the Village Fayre is to be taken shortly. There will be further Newsbites to inform you of any developments.
These are worrying times that we are in, and a number of concerned villagers have contacted me asking if there is anything they can do to help those who are house isolating. I hope to have another Newsbite out shortly on this subject, but in the meantime do keep an eye out for any of your neighbours who might need help.
Stay safe and well
Chris
15 March 2020 - Race Night postponed
Dear all,
Given the extraordinary and disturbing circumstances that prevail at the moment, the decision has been taken to postpone the Sutton Poyntz Race Night until further notice. This had been planned for Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm in the Mission Hall, but I am sure you agree that it would be in everyone’s best interests to delay the event. It is hoped that it won’t be too long before the thud of horses hooves on the greensward is heard again in the Mission Hall, but in the meantime, if you have paid for your tickets then contact Sue on 07813267788 or email her at
Regards
Chris
15 March 2020 - Village rumour
Dear all,
The village grapevine is alive with the news that at the SP Society AGM in April, Chris Hubbard will be relinquishing his role as editor of the village Newsbites and Newsletters. With more knowledge of Chris than anyone else, I was asked to provide – well, not exactly asked, but nobody said no, or to be more exact, the subject wasn’t even mentioned – I have chosen to put together a few words to cover the history of the last twelve years or so of village communications.
Prior to this time Chris was famous for his factual, hard hitting and occasionally humorous articles in the premier publications of the day, notably the Dorset Evening Echo. Well, to be more exact, only the Dorset Evening Echo. In turning his carefully honed skills to the service of the village he did not let the power and authority of the role go to his head. He reported even-handedly on all village matters, never looking for a ‘bung’ for a spot of bias or false information. Just as well, for these turned out to be non-existent because, as everyone in Weymouth believes, Sutton Poyntz is a deprived area inhabited by impoverished folk.
During his dedicated service there have been over 700 Newsbites, thirty or so Newsletters and an unlimited number of spelling and grammatical mistakes. Quotes from village readers of the Newsbites demonstrate the high esteem in which his literary efforts are held. These quotes range from “Chris who?” through “Never read the things myself” and “Thought they were spam” to “Waste of time if you ask me”. What higher praise could a writer expect?
When I approached him for words on his own swansong, he was characteristically modest in his usual brief, witty and informative manner (his words, not mine). He said that it had been a pleasure and a privilege to serve those who had the village of Sutton Poyntz in their hearts and a concern for their neighbours, and he wished everyone all the best for the future, including of course his successor.
So it’s goodbye from me (soon)
11 March 2020 - Race night
Dear all,
Everyone who attended the first Sutton Poyntz Society ‘Night at the Races’ back in February last year enjoyed themselves immensely. Except, that is, one member, who allegedly lost so much that he had to downsize and is now rumoured to be camping on Bowleaze Coveway. This was no mean feat as, of course, you only get to bet with Sutton Poyntz Bitcoins which are not legal tender south of the pond. Anyway, enough libel and more news. Such was the success of the event that another Race Night is being planned for Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm in the Mission Hall. After you have had a chance to place your bets with the expert bookmakers using the funny money, a huge laser display screen will show each race. After which you collect your winnings – or not. At half time, to relieve the tension, there will be a fish and chip supper (vegetarian option available), followed by dessert, and you are invited to bring along your own favourite liquid refreshment. The cost is only £10 per person, so contact Sue Smith on 07813267788 or email
Regards
Chris
3 March 2020 - Friday Coffee Morning
Dear all,
A reminder about the Coffee Morning this coming Friday, 6 March, in the Mission Hall between 10.30 and 12.00 at the very reasonable cost of £3/person for coffee and a slice of home-made cake. All the usual suspects will be there, which is probably why the SP Neighbourhood Police Team will also be in attendance. This will be a good opportunity to chat to them, for they are not often seen in law-abiding Sutton Poyntz, except when staking out the telephone box, hoping to catch anyone fly-tipping encyclopaedias in it. See you there – the Mission Hall, not the Telephone Box - but I may be in disguise.
Regards
Chris