4 April 2023 - Finger post
You will recall that a huge lorry trying to make a left-turn from Plaisters Lane into Coombe Valley Road (yes, really) broke an arm off the finger post. (Or did it break a finger off the arm post?)
It's taken some time to get it repaired properly by the Dorset expert (Roger Bond of Normtec), and apply for grants (from CPRE and Weymouth Town Council), but Peter Jones's unstinting work has succeeded and it was reinstated to its former glory last week. A gathering of the contributors and others involved will be held later this month.
Thanks to everyone involved in the project. Our lasting thanks go to Peter! Now we can find our way to Dorchester without the sat-nav.
J & S
1 April 2023 - Dave Caddy's funeral arrangements
It was sad to hear of Dave's recent passing away. He was a kind, generous and friendly guy who touched many lives with his warmth and his story-telling about his long life in the village. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and neighbours.
Many of you are waiting to hear about the arrangements for his funeral.
His son Paul has informed me that the funeral will take place at Weymouth Crematorium on April 21st 2023 at 1.30pm.
There will be a get-together at The Springhead (in the Blue Duck Bar) at 2.30pm.
All are welcome. Dress code: "country casual - to reflect Dad - walking boots, flat caps, walking sticks..."
No flowers please, but your donations to Alzheimer's Society UK, either via Cottons Undertakers or in the donation box on the day, will be very welcome.
J & S
31 March 2023 - Quiz night - a fun challenge for those grey cells!
Those of you who actually read what we write in these newsbites (both of you) will already know about the forthcoming Village Quiz Night.
And some of you more eagle-eyed will have seen the posters.
That means that we already have a couple of dozen people registered for the evening, so be quick, let us know you want to come and we'll save you a place.
Teams of up to 6 - or come and join a team
Saturday 29th April 2023
7.30pm at the Mission Hall
Nibbles provided! (Bring your own drinks)
£4 per person
Book your place with:
Hilary 07707830846 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sue 07813267788 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
J & S
Newsletter 230330 Mission Hall
The Mission Hall's Beetle Drive on 24th March was well attended by a good mix of people, and seems to have been hugely enjoyed by everyone, with people particularly appreciating the opportunity it gives for mixing and meeting other people. A really delicious and very substantial Ploughman's Supper was provided, and there was a raffle. Including the raffle, the event brought in a profit of just over £240 for the Mission Hall, which is a great start for a fresh round of fund-raising that the Mission Hall Trust and its helpers are intending to organise. Our thanks especially to Sue Davis whose idea this was, Caroline Crisp who organised the raffle, and Yvonne Emery and helpers who did the catering. We are also very grateful to all the people who came along to the event and helped to make it really good fun.
31 Mar 2023 - Coronation Weekend EventsVarious things will be happening - of which more details to come! (Exciting isn't it?)
But some need to be organised now.
27 March 2023 - Village Market
Maureen Bond asks me to advise that Preston Village Market bi-monthly market is on Saturday 1st April, 10a.m. - 12.30p.m. in St. Andrew's Church Rooms.
This time funds are being raised for St. Andrew's Church Fund and Peresylav Khmelnytskyi Centre for the protection of disabled children in Ukraine. This charity is supported by one of our local Ukrainian families. Delicious refreshments available. Free Entry and a warm welcome.
And a reminder that the Village Coffee Morning for April will be on Friday 31st March. Bizarre, I know, blame Easter.
A little bird has whispered in my ear that there will be a guest appearance of cheese scones and hot-cross buns.
I have my name on one of each!
J & S
26 March 2023 - Merci! Gracias! Danke! Obrigado! Dank u! Grazie!
It's time for some thank yous and celebrations!
I expect you have all noticed how amazing the village is looking with the snowdrops and daffodils you all helped to plant last year - remember we planted a thousand bulbs and some hundreds of clumps of snowdrops. It's made a huge difference and the verges are splendid - and every year they're going to spread and look even better!
You may have also noticed the nice new Dog Litter bin at the end of Puddledock Lane. Many thanks to Bill Davidson and Graeme Morrison for their work repairing and rebuilding, and to Jon Waterman for convincing the nice binmen to empty it on Wednesdays. However I need to give a warning: if you take Food Bank items to the phonebox in the dark on Sunday evening (probably quite late, now the clocks have changed) then please be careful to use the right collection box...
And those of you who pay particular attention to such things will have seen that Jon planted a new tree on the village green - carefully positioned so that the Fayre Info tent can still be installed! It was recently planted to celebrate the accession / coronation of King Charles III - a plaque is on order. Before you ask, it's a Medlar. I've been accused of being that but I can assure you that although I am slow-growing, I will not reach 12' at maturity. Nor do I have small brown fruit (not up for discussion) with white flowers in spring and red leaves in autumn.
The Sutton Poyntz Society hope that you feel these are all good things on which to spend your contributions. Your continuing suggestions and support are welcome at any time, perhaps nowhere better than at the forthcoming AGM (on April 12th) where you can pay your 2023 fiver and have a drink and a nibble! And as previously mentioned Richard Backwell will also be appearing to tell us about his recent exciting adventures in Nepal.
See you all there,
J & S
20 March 2023 - AGM stuff
As promised (threatened?) here are more details about the Society AGM.
Last year's Minutes are here for your delectation and delight, and the Agenda for this year will give you a taste of the good things to come.
It's on Wednesday April 12th and we'll start the evening at 7pm with Richard Backwell giving a talk on his last visit to Nepal.
Come with your annual subs (£2.50 single, £5 household) - cash or contactless.
If you have any topics for the AGM, please raise them to a committee member (or by replying to this very email) before March 29th.
J & S