So thanks to the "four Js" - Jon, Jon, Jez and Jim.  And thanks again to Graeme who couldn't be present for the celebratory photo.

 

 

 

J & S

 

Maureen asks me to remind you... that if you are a lady who just loves to lunch, then you are invited to join other like-minded ladies at The Springhead, every 3rd Thursday of the month, at 12.30pm.  The next one will be this week on September 19th and just a quick phone call to Maureen (835533) will secure your place for a pleasant socialising - and something nice to eat that you won't have to prepare yourself.  Rumour has it that The Springhead has a special offer running from which you may be able to benefit!

 

J & S on behalf of Maureen

 

We are pleased to announce that the proceeds from our upcoming Murder Mystery Dinner and the following Coffee Morning (October 4th) will be donated to our local Air Ambulance Service. 

The Coffee Morning promises all the usual socialising delight with the additional attraction of a splendid raffle* and A-A staff available to answer your questions.  We all hope we won't need their services, but isn't it reassuring to know they're there?  Join us in generously supporting this cause – it's like buying insurance, with cake!  See you there.

* if you want to donate a raffle prize please let us know - unfortunately we couldn't get an offer of a fun ride in the helicopter but maybe you can donate something similar? 

 

J & S

 

We have set a date for the pond cleanup of Saturday October 12th, starting at 09.30-ish. 

 

To my untrained eyes it looks like it really needs it, but according to advice from our biodiversity experts it's exactly how the wildlife like it!  Anyway we want it to look cared-for so we should be able to make it pretty while avoiding any disturbance to the ducks, moorhens, dragonflies, newts etc.   

 

It's taken a bit of time to arrange but we have now organised the clearance of the to-be-removed vegetation (temporarily on the day, and the collection a few days later) and the pub has generously offered the usual coffee and bacon rolls (yum-yum).  Now all we need is willing hands (and feet - in waders) and for anyone who's done it before you'll know it's a fun morning!  If you haven't been here to help before, come and meet everyone - it's a very social occasion!

As well as those waders or wellies, it's suggested you bring suitable tools such as a rake, secateurs, wheelbarrow - but no power tools please!

 

And what's this about roadworks?  Our beloved councillor Louie is on the case and has been trying to sort out what's going on at the Sutton Road / Preston Road junction.  He's chased Dorset Council officers and this is the response he received:

 

"Unfortunately, these works are one of four across the County in the same situation. Roughly four weeks ago, BT [Openreach] submitted immediate urgent permits for temporary traffic signals due to loose covers, these are usually dealt with in a matter of days, however, BT are having issues with retaining contractors to complete the repairs.

I have been in daily contact with BT pushing for updates and urgent attention to these sites. I will be completely honest with you, the updates I have been receiving are simply stating there is no update, which is completely unacceptable and frustrating as they have not been managing their permits to occupy the highway. Our Street Works Inspectors are visiting the sites each day and issuing occupancy fines to BT.

This morning’s update states that all should be repaired by the end of tomorrow. I do not like to sound cynical, but we have been given this update many times before so until I hear from my Inspectors who witness activity at these sites, I am not confident in what BT are telling me.

I am sorry this is not very helpful but as far as giving updates to any residents/businesses contacting you, please inform them that it should be repaired by tomorrow.”

Well tomorrow came and went (it's at least yesterday by now) and although there were white vans parked there, I think "parking" is the only relevant activity they achieved.

Meanwhile, if you subscribe to the Dorset Echo you'll have seen that Louie is also still working hard on our behalf to get a bus service re-instated for us.  Watch this space.

Finally, there are a few (very few) tickets left for the Murder Mystery Dinner - make contact quickly if you want to join our evening of fun!

Thanks

J & S

 

The Sutton Poyntz Society, in aid of our local Air Ambulance service, invites you to another Murder Mystery Dinner - this time entitled "Death by Wine"!

 

This dinner/theatre event will be held at the Mission Hall on Saturday September 28th at 6.45pm.  The performance will start promptly at 7pm, when the first clues will be slipped in unnoticed, so make sure you're settled in your seats with your detective brains in gear and your first glass of "Wine" to hand - yes, BYOB as usual.

The murder plot is set in post-WW2 times, and appropriate dress is encouraged!  Captain Mainwaring has said he'll try to be there too, so don't panic!

This will be a ticket-only event for the princely sum of £15 – but we need to close ticket sales on 23rd Sept for catering purposes.  Veggie option available of course.

 

Tickets are available now from:
Sue: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 07813 267788
or Jackie: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 07771 416086

(You may have to leave text or voice messages due to it being peak holiday time.)

 

J & S

 

Three things to bring to your attention today:

 

Firstly, many congratulations to the Sleightholme family for winning the 2024 Scarecrow Competition!  I say 'family' so that Mum and Dad aren't forgotten because we know that Ivy, Violet and Mabel did all the hard work.  (Pictures below.)

 

Secondly, the St Andrew's Flower Festival - on the wedding theme "With this ring..." - was an enormous success, raising close to £1000 towards the cost of repairing the lychgate.  Many thanks are due to the raft of unsung-hero volunteers!

 

And thirdly, there have been some concerns raised about how overgrown the pond is becoming.  The spring clean-up was unexpectedly cancelled as a precocious moorhen decided to hatch a clutch of eggs - and she and her mates have been doing it ever since.  You'll have noticed several adolescent chicks are enjoying that overgrown-ness.  Once they have (literally) flown the nest we'll announce a clean-up date.

 

And don't forget: Cream Tea (Game of Scones) next Saturday, August 10th at 2.30pm.

 

J & S