[Mr. X]

From the CA today:

"6 September 2006

Welcome to the grass e-route for Wessex, with all the local news, views and events brought to you by Regional Director, Delly Everard
http://www.countryside-alliance.org/...Wessex_Region/


1. Dorset’s Rural Post Offices
...
5. Forthcoming Events in Wessex

1. Sign on to save Dorset’s Rural Post Offices

A campaign has been launched to save Dorset's rural post offices from the axe. Dorset Community Action fears changes in funding will see the demise of many of the county's post offices and village shops over the next two years. The action group is urging people to sign a petition calling on the Government to take urgent steps to prevent the decline in services. It also wants them to write to their local MP expressing their concerns.
Dorset Community Action believes the threat faced by the rural post office network in Dorset as a result of the potential end of the Social Network Payment - a £110m Government subsidy - in March 2008 will have "disastrous consequences".
Post offices and shops are often the hub of community and village life and provide informal support and help to many local residents. This will be lost as well. Closures would affect the most vulnerable members of our community - older people, people with disabilities, those on low incomes and those without access to transport.
Anyone wishing to sign the petition can download a copy from the group's website on www.dorsetcommunityaction.org
...
5. Forthcoming Events in Wessex

· Dorset Shooting Reception – Friday 8 September – 7pm to 9pm
The Dorset Campaign for Shooting Committee is holding a Pre Season Drinks Reception, kindly sponsored by Pearce Seeds Sporting Services. The CA Head of Media, Tim Bonner, will be speaking on “Shooting in the Public Eye”. The reception will be held at Wrackleford House, Wrackleford, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9SN, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Oliver Pope on Friday 8 September from 7pm to 9pm. Entrance to the reception is free of charge. If you would like to attend please contact one of the following:
Russell Lucas-Rowe – russell@lucas-rowe.wanadoo.co.uk – 01258 458623
James FitzHarris (W Dorset) – visfitz@sydct.wanadoo.co.uk – 01300 341503
Chris Tory (E Dorset) – christory@farmersweekly.net - 01258 452452
· Frampton Country Fair – Sunday 10 September
Frampton Court, Frampton on Severn, Glos.
Tel: 01452 740698 Email: Clifford@framptoncourt.wanadoo.co.uk
· Dreweatt Neate Sporting Auction Preview – Thursday 14 September
Countryside Alliance members are invited to a Preview Drinks Party on Thursday 14 September at Dreweatt Neate Salesroom, Marlborough. This event is by invitation. For your FREE ticket please contact John Grant Tel: (01780 720264).
· Palmer Milburn Beagles Auction – Saturday 23 September
The Palmer Milburn Beagles are holding an auction of gifts and promises (auctioneer: Chris Boreham of Dreweatt Neate) on Saturday 23 September at 5.30pm at Brockhurst and Marlston Prep Schools, Hermitage RG18 9UL, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs David Fleming. As well as the auction, there will be a falconry display by Jim Chick, a junior horn blowing competition, a hog roast and real ale cash bar. Lots range from a years’ membership of Kimpton Down Racing Club, llama trekking with Cathanger Llamas to a week in a superb Cornish beachside house for Spring 2007. For further information, please contact Sally Jones on 01980 629584 or email palmermilburn@mail.com
· Tedworth Hunt Supporters Hunter Trial – Sunday 1 October
This will take place at Larkhill on Sunday 1st October. For schedules, please see www.tedworthhunt.co.uk or contact Sally Jones on 01980 629584.
· Mendip Farmers’ Hunt Ride – Sunday 8 October
The Mendip Farmers’ Hunt are holding a Fun Ride departing between 9.30am and 12pm from the Hunt Kennels. The new route of approximately 10 miles will include optional jumps. Entrance costs £15 for adults and £7.50 for accompanied children under 14 years old. Proceeds from the Fun Ride will be donated to the Mendip Farmers Hunt and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. For entries and further enquiries, please call Ruth Glass on 01749 675425.

Thank you for reading the Wessex grass-e-route. Please encourage all your friends and contacts to sign up to our grass e-route email system. The service is free and provides subscribers with the latest news on countryside issues direct to their desktop.
Registration is simple. Send an email news@countryside-alliance.org including ‘register’ in the subject box.

Best wishes,
Delly Everard
Wessex Regional Director"