Spring is sprung with SADS flower show

The Sherborne and District Gardeners’ Association held its Spring Flower Show, where members voted for each other’s exhibits to find their winners.

Helen Pugh, who had judged many shows for them over the years, turned up unexpectedly and judged the overall Best in Show.

It was felt this was the best set of exhibits for several years , with the daffodils, tulips, spring cut flowers and the miniature floral arrangements being particularly good. A total of 130 exhibits were entered and classes won by 14 different individuals.

The Polly Shield for the exhibitor with the highest total number of first places was shared by Glenda Shave, Sue Pickering and Anne Rutter.

The Minterne Cup for best exhibit in the show was won by Peter Neal. Castle Gardens Vouchers for winners of the Grownon Daffodils were awarded to Elaine Edmonds and Marie Hulme.

The association, founded in its current form in

1942, welcomes new members to its meetings held on the second Thursday of each month in the Digby Hall, Hound Street. For further information contact secretary Richard Newcombe on 01935 389375

Pictures: Linda Woods

Class winners

1: Jane Taylor. 2: Margaret Cook

3: Peter Neal. 4: Stephanie Durham

5: Jane Taylor. 6: Linda Woods

7: Anne Rutter. 8: Joint Winners; Mary Banks, Glenda Shave. 9: Sue Pickering. 10: Anne Pugsley. 11: Barbara Elsmore. 13: Peter Neal. 14: Joint Winners; Anne Rutter, Glenda Shave. 15: Elaine Edmonds. 16: Sue Pickering. 17: Sue Pickering. 18: Glenda Shave. 19: Linda Woods

20: Anne Rutter. 21: Barbara Elsmore. 22: Elaine Edmonds. 23: Marie Hulme

End of an era as hall doors are closed

After almost 100 years of serving the community, Melplash Village Hall has closed its doors for the final time.

The hall’s trustees confirmed they have decided to close the hall and dispose of the building and site.

Alan Moss told The West Dorset Magazine: “In brief, the hall was built in 1927 mainly by volunteer labour and using the materials that could be afforded. It experienced damp and subsidence from the outset. Successive trustees and local volunteers have tried to deal with these issues but without ever being able to tackle the root causes of the problems.

“As the building deteriorated it became less attractive to potential users, thus reducing income.”

Mr Moss added: “The current trustees set about trying to raise grants to complete a full rebuilding programme but were unable to raise anything like the £350,000 that would be required.

“After the situation was explained to the community in two wellattended public meeting those present agreed almost unanimously the sale of the hall was the best option.” He added that proceeds from the sale of the hall will go towards village projects proposed by members of the community.

The hall’s trustees are currently in consultation with the Charity Commission to make arrangements for the sale. Most of the contents of the hall must also now be disposed of including furniture, stainless steel kitchen floor units and sundry kitchen equipment. Any village hall or community group in the area which might be interested in any of these items should contact Mr Moss on mos34524@ gmail.com or 01308 488789 for further information. A donation to the continuing charity will be required.