VOLUNTEERS WANTED

C2000P is planning several exciting new initiatives for the benefit of groups and individuals of all ages in the Portland community whose needs are not being fully met at present. We are looking for volunteers with a few hours to spare to assist the Community Coordinator in a variety of ways from admin tasks, research and organisation to practical help with events and activities. To find out more please contact Viv on 824102.

NEW INITIATIVE

Connecting Dorset - We have arranged to be part of the Connecting Dorset initiative to put computers in village halls and are expecting the delivery of the computer in April. This is an innovative countywide project delivered by Dorset Community Action and the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils, in partnership with Citizens Online. It aims to connect many of Dorset's village halls and all Dorset Parish and Town Councils to broadband, provide a "package" of hardware, software and training and encourage halls and local councils to work jointly for the benefit of their communities. It will also be available for use by groups using the Centre.

In order to make this work we need volunteers to act as mentors when the computer is available for public access a few hours per week. So if you are interested in helping out with this project we would love to hear from you.

NEW REGULAR GROUPS

Portland Weight Watchers will be meeting in the Main Hall weekly every Monday evening from 31 March from 6 - 7 pm. Mags Almond, who recently took over as leader, looks forward to welcoming all existing and new members to the new venue. If anyone would like further information about the meetings please contact Mags on 07977 459390.

We are also looking forward to Muntsy's joining us weekly on Fridays from 11 July. Muntsy's is a new provision that is specifically aimed at mature adults with additional needs who wish to further their independence by taking part in social and leisure activities in their local community.

Participants can follow a range of activities to include community awareness and community training, social & leisure activities, independent living skills, crafts/expressive arts, community projects, health awareness, work skills and housing options. For more information please contact Hazel Goddard on 833679, email hazelgoddard@btinternet.com or Sue Munts on 826011, email suemunts@hotmail.com

REGULAR GROUPS/EVENTS

Yoga - Anna Eveleigh is running 6 week Yoga courses for mixed abilities on Tuesdays from 7 - 8.30 pm. The next course starts on 22 April 2008. For further information contact Anna on 01305 820116.

The Portland Carers Support Group meets on the last Monday of each month from 10.30-12.30 (the May meeting will be held on 19 May). New members are very welcome. For more information contact Gill Penwell 01305 778208 or Carenza Hayhoe 01305 824302.

The Royal Manor Rag Ruggers have expanded and now meet in the Main Hall on the second Saturday of each month from 2-4 pm. Enquiries to: 821629 or 264753.

Breastfriends meet weekly on Thursdays in the Main Hall from 1300 to 1430 for a breast feeding café. All breast feeding mothers are welcome, so come along for a laugh, a cuppa and if you have any questions or problems with feeding, we will help. You are welcome to bring your lunch. Support and advice from other mums, midwives and health visitors is also available. Just come along or contact the Portland Health Visitors Team on 860596 for further information. FREE but donations requested for tea/coffee.

Crafty Pals meet on Tuesday mornings from 10-12 (except when Crafty Coffee demonstrations take place) where like-minded people can discuss craft ideas and share their favourite craft with others. Bring along your own craft, take the opportunity to learn something new or just come along and have a chat over a coffee. £2 per week. Please contact Monica Young on 783539 if you would like to put your name on the waiting list to join.

The St John Ambulance Good Companions Group meets fortnightly on Friday afternoons in the Main Hall from 2-4pm. Further information on joining the group can be obtained from Joyce Talbot on 821604.

The Gardening Club now meets from 2.30-3.30 on the second Wednesday of each month in the Meeting Room. £1 per session plus £3 membership.

The Portland Healers meet every Wednesday evening between 7.15 and 9pm in the Main Hall and offer spiritual healing by registered Healers. For more information please call 860611 or 820038.

The Christian Fellowship meets weekly on Thursday evenings from 7-8pm in the Meeting Room. Please contact Rev'd Fionn McKinty on 861285 for more information.

Crafty Coffee Mornings with various craft demonstrations are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 10.00-12.30. Contact Viv on 824102 for the latest information. The next one will be held on Tuesday 8 April when Monica Young will be making cards with more masculine toppers for the men in your life. Come along and have a go. Gail Price will be demonstrating how to make "waterfall" cards on 13 May and Anne Stone will be demonstrating Encaustic Art on 10 June.

Monthly Rotary Table Top Sales in aid of various charitable groups from 10-1pm (Saturdays) are scheduled for 19 April (Association of Portland Archaeology), 17 May (Portland Women's Institute), 21 June (Little Dragons Pre School) and 26 July (Grove Infants School). The one on 23 August will be used to raise funds so that Rotary can continue supporting these tabletop sales. Further ones are planned for 20 September, 18 October, 15 November and 6 December. Tables available for hire to sell crafts or bric-a-brac - £6 (6') or £4 (4') but please book early as we are usually fully booked a month in advance. Please contact Viv on 824102 for further information or if you are a group/charity which would like to benefit from one of these opportunities in 2009.

Easton Christmas Promise on Friday 12 December from 5 - 9 pm. A little way ahead but it is planned to run a Craft Fair in the Community Centre as part of the Late Night Shopping Event. If you would like to book a table (£6 for a 6' or £4 for a 4' one) please contact Viv on 824102. During this evening All Saints Church will be candlelit with carols.