NWR: Enjoyed an afternoon ramble last weekend when they met up with former village friends Gail and John Bannister, who now live in the New Forest.

Gill said: "We had a splendid afternoon with gorgeous weather. We met in Beaulieu, had lunch and then did the riverside walk from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard. We found that very interesting and then we enjoyed a boat trip along the Beaulieu River."

The next NWR meeting is on October 16. Details from Gill on 882106.

AUCTIONEER'S lot: Philip Serrell (from TV's Bargain Hunt and Flog It! entertained villagers and their friends last Sunday afternoon when he visited the village hall.

Auctioneer and antiques expert Mr Serrell talked to everyone for about 45 minutes and it was a witty, informative talk.

He said how he had not intended to be a professional auctioneer and talked of his early life and also took questions. There was time for some informal valuations.

Liz Buckland said: "He was very entertaining and had a very relaxed style. His talk was very much appreciated by those present."

The next fundraising event in the village hall is the beer festival on Saturday.

HELICOPTERS: Low-flying helicopters and noise disturbance was the subject of a meeting in the village hall at the beginning of September.

RAF boss Wing Commander Jock Brown explained why the training is necessary and what measures are taken to minimise disruption to residents.

Charles Lewis, from the Bramley branch of the British Legion, said credit has to go to the parish council for organising the meeting for residents.