2 July 2023 - Ticket to Ride
Those of you with a good memory and who have lived here quite a while might remember that there used to be a bus service for Sutton Poyntz.
The pandemic gave the First Bus company an excuse to withdraw the service., but despite numerous requests they tell us there is not enough demand to justify reinstating it.
Our hard-working councillors continue to press on our behalf to get the bus services improved. For the next instalment of the debate, we've been asked by Louie O'Leary (Dorset Councillor, Littlemoor & Preston ward) to inform/remind you that there will be a public meeting on Wednesday 5th July about bus provision in the area. It's at 6pm at Preston Village Hall and a good turnout will demonstrate that there is a demand!
J & S
26 June 2023 - Dog walkers - look out for adders
They're about, hiding in long grass waiting for your dog's nose to poke around.
If you think your dog's been bitten get it to the vet asap.
More or less the only local vets who carry the anti-venom are:
Southfield Vets, South Walks, Dorchester DT1 1DU, tel: 01305 262913 (24/7)
Take care out there!
J & S
More info here.
What are the signs of an adder bite on dogs?
The most common place for an adder to bite a dog is the face or the legs. If your dog is bitten, you will usually notice an immediate swelling. If you look carefully, you may be able to spot two small puncture wounds at the centre of the bite.
The swelling can quickly become severe, especially if the dog has an allergic reaction to the venom, this can result in breathing issues.
Other signs could include:
- Lameness
- Bleeding and bruising
- Howling (in pain)
- Your dog may suddenly appear very nervous
A small dog may be affected more than a larger dog. The amount that the dog has moved after being bitten will also make a difference, as will the location of the bite. Speed is of the essence.
23 June 2023 - Upcoming events (and a correction)
Just a short note to advise of stuff to put in your diaries.
Saturday 1st July - the Mission Hall Fundraising group are holding a Table-top sale. It opens (to buyers) at 10:30 and runs until 12:30. (Sorry about previously announcing 10:00 opening)
Friday 7th July - Coffee Morning as usual
Later in the month (details to follow):
Saturday 29th July - Veg show
J & S
21 June 2023 - "Someone ought to give you a medal"
We knew we had a great Biodiversity team in our village. Now it's been recognised by no less than the King himself! Well, to be precise, John Newbould has been awarded the British Empire Medal for voluntary services in Ecological Surveying and Reporting in HM King Charles III's Birthday Honours List! One of his National Trust volunteer colleagues, Helen, organised it all, but a number of other people were asked to provide testimonials. In due course the Dorset Lord Lieutenant will present him with the medal.
If you haven't already signed-up to receive John's monthly Biodiversity Newsletter then drop him an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
J & S
20 June 2023 - Mission Hall - AGM and Table-Top Sale
Firstly, a quick reminder that the MH AGM is tomorrow evening at 7pm!
Secondly, now that Open Gardens and other distractions have finished, the Mission Hall fundraising committee will be holding a Table-Top Sale on Saturday July 1st, 10:00-12:30 in the Mission Hall.
All sorts of arts, crafts, bric-a-brac and stuff will be on sale.
Tables will cost £10 and participants keep all sales money. There will be a limit of 10 tables.
Tea, coffee & cake will be available for £3. All proceeds to Mission Hall Trust.
Phone Yvonne to book your table 07815 121959
19 June 2023 - Wow - what a day!
Did I threaten another Newsbite - to thank all the people involved in the amazing Open Gardens event? Of course I did! You can't escape - read on...
The organisers, led by Hilary Davidson, are thrilled to announce the incredible result of £4075, which will be divided equally between the vital causes of Cancer Research UK and Dementia UK.
She says:
"We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has contributed - and just mention that it is still possible to add a donation to this remarkable total!
"In addition to expressing our thanks, we would like to highlight some outstanding individuals and groups who have played a significant role in making this event a success:
"The gardeners deserve special recognition for creating such a diverse and stunning array of gardens, which garnered numerous compliments from visitors. The owners' warm and friendly demeanour, and the welcoming atmosphere around the village also contributed to the overall positive experience. [Ed: I think I can confidently say that our house prices just leapt a good 10%.]
"We would like to extend our appreciation to Mike Haine for designing the highly professional, informative and much-admired programmes. Thanks also to The Springhead Pub for generously sponsoring all the publicity for this event.
"The dedication and hard work of the caterers, led by Caroline Crisp, Sue Smith and Shirley Davies who tirelessly provided their services, are also deserving of recognition.
"Since we're talking about tireless dedication, it would be dreadful to overlook John Bellis who sat taking money and operating the contactless payment machine from start to finish on both days.
"Furthermore, we extend our thanks to Jackie Greet and Sue Locke for their efforts in organizing the delightful plant stall.
"Also to Roger Greet and his team of car parking helpers. The first cars were here not much after 11am and the last didn't leave until well after we'd all retired exhausted.
"A tremendous thank you goes to Jon Waterman and Jane Young, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for months to ensure the resounding success of this weekend. Their commitment and hard work have been truly invaluable. Jane looked after Publicity and it was a pleasant surprise to hear Alan Titchmarsh announce our event on his Classic FM radio show on Saturday morning. Visitors certainly came from far and wide!
"Finally we are immensely grateful to everyone involved, as each contribution has made a significant difference. Together, we have achieved something truly special, and we invite you to continue supporting Open Gardens in a future year.
Hilary is too modest to thank herself but without her unstinting efforts for the last two years we would not have been nagged into action with such a great result. Is it too late to get her on you-know-who's honours list?
J & S
18 June 2023 - Anne Kemp
We have been informed by Anne Kemp's son Andrew that Anne's funeral/interment will take place on Friday 23rd June 12noon at St Andrew's cemetery - there will be no service inside the church .
At 12.30 pm refreshments etc will be served in the Springhead Blue Duck bar.
Everyone welcome.
J & S
17 June 2023 - Wow - what a day!
If you didn't get out today to see your neighbours' gardens then you really missed something!
Approx 300 programmes sold today, on-track to meet the success of the last event in 2015.
And the egg and mayonnaise sandwiches were a runaway hit, all being sold within 30 minutes!
But you get a second chance tomorrow! Don't throw this opportunity away...
The overwhelming reaction of visitors is "Wow - I didn't expect to find anything like this!"
Every garden is so different. The gardeners and visitors are all so nice and friendly.
So get out there tomorrow, 12pm-5pm
Cancer Research UK and Dementia UK are in for a nice windfall!
Special thanks will be coming out of this keyboard to the Open Gardens organisers, gardeners, helpers and sponsors in a future Newsbite...
J & S