1 May 2019 - BMS Action Team in Thailand
Dear All,
Fiona and Keith Johnson, on behalf of Anna and Team Thai, say
"Many of you kindly supported Anna as part of her gap year project with Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) Action teams The team - Anna, Jonny, Paul and Keziah - are in Weymouth this week as part of an eight week UK tour. If you would like to find out how their 6 months in Thailand went, do come and join them for coffee at our house Whitestone’s, Plaisters Lane, tomorrow, Thursday 2 May between 10am and 12 noon. They are helping out at various activities in Weymouth this week and speaking at Weymouth Baptist Church on Sunday 5 May at 10am, if you are free do come along. Jonny has done a vlog while they are away. This one, called Meet the Locals, gives you some insight into where they have been living and the people they have met https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esgXw9Glyvk"
Fiona and Keith Johnson look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Regards
Chris
29 April 2019 - SP Art Group Exhibition reminder
Dear all,
A reminder about the Sutton Poyntz Friday Art Group Annual Exhibition this coming Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May between 11 am and 4.30 pm each day in the Mission Hall and, weather permitting, in the courtyard outside. This talented group work to a very high standard and their annual show is always a delight. Admission is free and tea/coffee and cakes will be available, so do drop in to see the artwork on display.
Regards
Chris
28 April 2019 - Things happened and about to happen
Dear all,
The recent Weymouth East Scout & Guide Spring Jumble Sale raised the marvellous sum of £415 to help maintain the Scutt Hall for the benefit of all the local youngsters who use it. Mo and Dave Martin asked me to thank everyone who helped on the Friday and Saturday and those who contributed things for the sale. I think we should also be very grateful for Mo and Dave's sterling efforts, for they work extremely hard, and without their dedication the jumble sales just would not take place. They deserve a huge 'thank you' for all that they do.
Don't forget the Summer Coffee Morning on Friday, 3 May between 10.30am and noon in the Mission Hall. There will be teas, coffee, homemade cake and of course Jeans famous cheese scones on offer, all for a very reasonable entry charge which I should know by now, as I attended last month, but I've forgotten what it was! It will be good value anyway, and as an added bonus, at 11am Paul Delves, Southern Projects Manager for Wessex Water, will formally present the village with a bench to replace the broken one at the beacon. Proceeds from the morning will go to the Water Aid charity. See you there.
Maureen Bond reminds me that the Scutt Hall Plant Sale will be taking place on Saturday 4 May (guess where) between 10am and noon. There will be a wide variety of plants on sale from various growers, and delicious refreshments will also be available. Entry is free, but donations to Julia's House would be gratefully received.
Regards
Chris
19 April 2019 - Unveiling of replacement bench at next coffee morning
Dear all,
We all know - and appreciate - the outstanding view from the beacon over Weymouth Bay and Portland, and for years the bench under the beacon provided a welcome place to sit and enjoy that view. Sadly over time this fell into disrepair, but now a new one has been provided, thanks to a Watermark Award.
The Wessex Watermark Awards provide funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area. Organised by The Conservation Foundation who judge all the projects, the scheme is now in its 25th year and has supported nearly one thousand environmental initiatives. The beacon replacement bench has now become one of these initiatives. Jez tells me that the replacement is extremely durable and environmentally friendly as it is made from recycled plastic milk bottles (only those of my vintage can remember milk in reusable glass bottles).
Paul Delves, Southern Projects Manager for Wessex Water, will formally present the award at the Summer Coffee Morning on Friday, 3 May at 11am. It is hoped that the bench will also be in attendance, and appropriately the profits from the coffee morning will go to Water Aid.
Do make every effort to attend to show our gratitude for this marvellous gift and to swell the proceeds for the Water Aid charity.
Regards
Chris
16 April 2019 - The Sutton Poyntz Friday Art Group Annual Exhibition
Dear all,
The Sutton Poyntz Friday Art Group will be holding their 7th Annual Exhibition on Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May between 11 am and 4.30 pm each day in the Mission Hall and, weather permitting, in the courtyard outside. If you haven't already seen the work of this talented group then you are in for a treat. Based on past experience the work on show will be of a very high standard and demonstrate mastery of different subjects and art media. The presentation of the material is also excellent; a truly professional show in every respect. The artists themselves will be available to provide a detailed explanation of the artwork and to answer any questions you might have. Admission is free and tea/coffee and cakes will be available, so do drop in and enjoy the artwork on display.
Regards
Chris
14 April 2019 - Village Vegetable Show
Dear all,
Always keenly contested, the annual Village Vegetable Show is scheduled to take place this year on Saturday 3 August at the Mission Hall This is organised under the firm and impartial hand of Jez Cunningham, who will restrain any unseemly public brawls between supporters of the rival growers which have plagued the awards ceremony in past years.
No doubt all the traditional categories will be in evidence, Longest runner bean; Longest cucumber; Heaviest marrow; Selection of herbs; 3 carrots; 3 tomatoes; Single lettuce; 3 courgettes; 3 beans (any kind); 5 soft fruit (same or mixed); Anything grown in the greenhouse; Any vegetable not already listed; A bunch of flowers; A bunch of different leaves.
Not forgetting the legendary “spud in a tub” competition for the Des Evans trophy, which is awarded for the heaviest quantity of spuds grown in a tub. Lifelong fame and admiration result from winning this class.
So if you want to take part, NOW is the time to think about when to start off that prize winning plant.
There are also rumours of additional classes being added for jams, chutneys, conserves and relishes - I will bring you more news of these exciting developments when my whistle blower informs me.
In the meantime, good growing.
Regards
Chris
11 April 2019 - Scout Jumble Sale & Chatty Crafty Group
Dear all
The Weymouth East Scout & Guide Autumn Jumble Sale will be taking place this Saturday, 13 April at 2pm in the Scutt Hall. I have mentioned this before when asking for donations of saleable items - clothes, bric-a-brac, books, toys, household goods etc. It's still not to late if you have anything suitable, and can deliver it to Mo and Dave Martin and their helpers sorting at the hall on Friday afternoon between 2pm until 4pm. All the money raised goes to help maintain the Hall for the use by our local youngsters, so if you have anything they can use, take it along. I might see you there as I have numerous items to deliver, along with my In-house Adviser (not to sell, but to help sort).
A reminder also about the regular Chatty Craft Group meetings every Monday morning in the Mission Hall between 10am and noon. The next is on Monday 15 April, and now the warmer weather is approaching this is the ideal way to start the week. Drop in for just a chat and cup of tea, or to enjoy watching the arts and crafts being worked or even, dare I say it, to have a go yourself. They will be very pleased to see you and make you feel very much at home.
Regards
Chris
4 April 2019 - Message from Dorset Police Rural Crime Team
Dear all,
Notification has been received from Dorset Police Rural Crime Team about Livestock Worrying, as follows
Livestock Worrying
During 2018 Dorset Police had 40 reported attacks on livestock by dogs. 40 times a dog owner failed to have their dog under their close control near livestock and did not consider what their dog may do. ‘My dog has never done anything like that before' is repeatedly seen on police incident logs.
In 11 of these cases the dog owners were identified and dealt with, including Dog Behaviour Contracts and compensation was paid to the farmer and a recent court prosecution. 3 more cases are ongoing.
Did you know that livestock worrying is a criminal offence?
If you’re out walking the dog this weekend on agricultural land and it worries livestock you are committing the offence of livestock worrying.
We’re asking dog owners to be responsible when out enjoying our countryside.
- Keep all dogs on a lead around any livestock and remember to always release the lead if chased by cattle and get yourself to safety.
Worrying is traditionally thought of as a dog biting/attacking livestock but it also means:
- Chasing livestock in such a way as may be reasonably expected to cause injury or suffering; in the case of ewes, this includes abortion or loss or reduction in the number of offspring she has.
- Not having a dog on a lead or under close control when close by, or in a field or enclosure with livestock.
- The penalty for livestock worrying can be 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1000.
If you see anything suspicious call 101 or if you see a dog worrying or attacking livestock please call Dorset Police on 999
Please could you share this post to make as many people as possible aware of the importance of putting their dog on a lead around livestock!
Many Thanks
Dorset Police Rural Crime Team
Regards
Chris