• The Sutton Poyntz Society Coffee Morning in the Mission Hall was well attended as ever. An attraction on this time was not just the usual opportunity to catch up on Village news, but to taste, on a scone and cream, the entries in a Jam and Preserves competition. There were over 10 samples to try, and the winners were selected by public vote in two categories – Best Taste and Best Presented. The winner for Best Taste was Manor Farm Blackberry Jam made in October 2012 brought along by Pat Bellis. However, with typical journalistic thoroughness, I discovered that this jam had in fact been made by her daughter Ann Louise Bellis, so Pat collected the wooden spoon for Jam of the Year on her daughter’s behalf! A Blackberry and Redcurrant offering was adjudged the Best Presented Jam, which turned out to have been produced by Bill Egerton, President of the Society. Where does he find the time? The next, and last of the season, Coffee Morning, at which there will be an exhibition on the work of the National Trust presented by John Newbould, is on Friday 1 March, when I for one will be celebrating St David’s Day by wearing a suitable floral display!

• The February draw of the St Andrew’s School 200 club took place in Mrs Gough's year 3 class. Jamie Slade drew the £50 prize for Sandra Ridyard, Sean Tatchell helped June Chapple to £30 and Francesco Lewis selected Janelle Prowse for the £50 prize. All the money from the monthly draw goes towards facilities for the children, so contact Helen Webb at helencwebb@fsmail.net if you would like to help.

• Recently I reported the good job that DCC had done in cutting the hedge alongside the pedestrian walkway between Wyke Oliver Road and Chalbury Close, but mentioned that perhaps a little more could have been pruned back. Well no sooner said than done, and the walkway is now completely clear! It is amazing how wide it seems now, and how much easier and safer to walk along, especially in the dark, as the streetlights can now illuminate the whole path. A first class job by the Council.

• As I sat writing this a deer walked down Oakbury Drive, paused at the corner and looked up Enkworth Road. It then turned around and trotted back the way it had come towards Wyke Oliver Road! It was a lovely sight.