2 May 2023 - So, what's happening?
We ended April on a lively note with a very successful Quiz last Saturday. The hall was packed to the gunnels! Thanks to everyone who added to the fun and the competition and all who rallied round setting up before and clearing up afterwards!
But what next?
Yes, there will be a Coffee Morning on Friday (May 5th) - to celebrate Maisie's first birthday? Unfortunately she can't be there - enjoy the (birthday?) cake as usual! By the way, we'd like to encourage a few more of you to show off your prowess in cake-making. Prowess = something edible; we're not asking for showstoppers! If you can help, please talk to Sue Smith on Friday or contact her via 07813 267788 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
And, if you've not yet paid your 2023/4 subscriptions (£5/household, half-price for singles) the Coffee Morning is an ideal opportunity to do so and hence to remove that guilty feeling and help you sleep at night.
Saturday, our King gets to try on his new hat. We'll all be raising a glass of something fizzy around the Beacon at dusk (8.45pm) to celebrate - don't miss out!
Sunday is party day - the bunting and flags are up! Lunch will be outside the Mission Hall (inside if wet) - bring your own picnic, but another glass of bubbles and cake will be provided. Phew! Might be a few tickets left from Maureen at 835533 if you're quick.
J & S
ps - I've been asked if there's a skyscraper being erected where Duncan's house currently stands, at the junction of Sutton Road and Puddledock Lane. The scaffolding would also be sufficient for the launch of Elon Musk's next space rocket. Apparently it's neither - one of my informants says that Duncan is organising a Sutton Poyntz "birdman" competition into a paddling pool below...
24 April 2023 - Final Coronation plans
Here are the final Coronation plans - for the village, not for the King, he's got a bit more to organise than we have...
Lighting the Beacon
Saturday 6th May, starting at dusk (20.45) at the Beacon.
Yes, we know the whole country won't be lighting their beacons but we love ours and want to celebrate the coronation in our way!
The original idea was "let's light the beacon, with prosecco" but due to a fat-finger-error* the comma was omitted. Some smartass suggested paraffin would work better.
Anyway there will be some prosecco (or 0% alternative) and what's more, there'll be no charge!
"Street Party"
Sunday 7th May, starting 12 noon at the Mission Hall.
Bring your own lunch and drinks, but a starting drink will be provided, along with a choice of puddings and a Coronation Cake.
We hope of course for a lovely sunny day, but if it's wet there will be plenty of room inside and/or under cover.
Last few tickets (£5, or £2 for under 16's) still available - phone Maureen Morris on 01305 835533.
J & S
* officially known as "typographical errors"
19 April 2023 - Open Gardens update
Hello all you green-fingered people.
Just a reminder to come to the Open Gardens meeting on Wednesday 26th at 7.00pm in the Mission Hall.
We would especially welcome anybody who could help with parking, refreshments and the plant stall.
It is all for Cancer Research and Dementia UK so please support us - and also don't forget your scarecrows to liven up our lovely village!!!
We do need help so can you make it lively and fun?
Thank you.
Hilary
17 April 2023 - Interesting bits and pieces
Following on from the AGM, with a record attendance of 59* people, it's our pleasure to announce the addition of two new members to the Committee: Charles Collins (who's already been 'observing' for a few months) and Maureen Cribb. Congratulations! We have some big jobs lined up for you now that you've "volunteered".
I can also confirm that a slight increase to the annual Society subscriptions was agreed. They've been at £2 (individual) / £4 (household) for the last 16 years so the increase to £2.50 / £5 was considered reasonable. You can pay at any Society event or to any member of the committee. Contact details of the Committee are on the website at https://suttonpoyntz.org.uk/index.php/sutton-poyntz-society/meetings/committee
Two other unrelated events to mention, now that I have your attention:
1 - I need to give you a reminder about the Village Quiz at the end of the month (7.30pm 29th April) - a few places still available...
2 - Coronation Celebrations: it seems a fitting time to light the beacon and raise a glass to Charles III. However, on that weekend, we have a distinct lack of able-bodied pyromaniacs to help set the fire. Surprisingly we have no shortage of prosecco drinkers stepping forward, but if you feel you could help on Saturday 6th May it will ensure the event can take place. Please call Hilary and she'll fill you in: tel 07707830846 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
J & S
* It's still to be established if it was Richard's talk on Nepal or the mouth-watering drinks and nibbles that brought you out in droves?
14 April 2023 - Sutton Poyntz racetrack
If you were at the AGM on Wednesday evening (who wasn’t? Oh yes, me…) you will have heard the animated discussion about the possibility of a 20mph speed limit through the village.
Well, people have been speedily arranging things and councillor Louie O’Leary has organised a meeting to review the topic. He has booked the Misson Hall and arranged his council colleague Maria from the Road Safety team for the 24th May at 6pm.
Please pencil it in now - details will follow nearer the time.
J & S
11 April 2023 - Nepal talk by Richard Backwell and Sutton Poyntz Society AGM (document pack enclosed)
Here are the final details in preparation for the Society AGM, including the Chairperson's Report and the Treasurer's Report attached for you to study - ready in case there's a surprise test on Wednesday evening. (12th April, 7pm, doors open at 6.30 so if you want a good seat...)
But before the business part of the evening, we will enjoy Richard's reminiscences and anecdotes about his many visits to Nepal. There will be drinks and nibbles for your pleasure.
Come with your annual subs (£2.50 single, £5 household) - cash or contactless.
I've been reminded that you have to agree to this modest increase in the subscription rate at the AGM - it's been £2 single, £4 household for the last 16 years - so we'll collect your subs at the agreed rate as you leave. (Someone suggested that if you don't pay we won't let you leave. We don't need suggestions like that, thank you very much!)
J & S
8 April 2023 - Finger post
As previously announced the Greenhill Fingerpost is back in operation following its repair and restoration after an altercation with a misguided lorry,
The following dignitaries have been invited to the Greenhill Fingerpost site [junction of Plaisters Lane and Coombe Valley Road] at 15.00 hrs on Thursday 20th April 2023. I believe us ordinary folk are also welcome to observe...
- The Honorable Town Mayoress of Weymouth, Ann Weaving
- Helen Legg, Civic & Admin Officer, Weymouth Council
- Jan Bergman, Preston & Sutton Poyntz Councillor
- Andy Hohne, Sutton Poyntz Society
- Roger Bond, Normtec
- Sue Dampney or AONB fingerpost team representative
As ever, our thanks go to Peter Jones for his work organising the maintenance of the post.
4 April 2023 - Mission Hall reminders
Just a reminder that on Good Friday a Soup & Roll Lunch will be held at the Mission Hall, 12 to 2 p.m. £5.
There will also be a "seed swap" and a raffle!
And another reminder that tickets are now available for the village's Coronation Lunch on Sunday 7th May, from Maureen Morris on 01305 835533. £5, £2 for under-16s.
Bill