BARTONS Mill: Changes afoot at this popular restaurant when Sven Godeson's lease expires on September 29.

The brewery will continue to run the existing operation with the current staff until January 1, when everything will be closed for four weeks to undergo some minor refurbishment.

Sven has been a kind and generous host, especially to The Friends of St Mary's Church, and he has our very good wishes for the future.

BOLTON Arms: No date for the grand opening as yet because the structure of this listed building has been rather unforgiving with regard to kitchen alterations.

New owners Duncan and Jake look impatiently forward to early October when they hope to welcome us all to their beautifully restored venue. Expect a few surprises!

WHILE picking blackberries up at Huish Lane: I met local keeper Brian Trimmer, who tells me that there are still thoughtless people allowing their dogs to run loose in the fields, scaring off the pheasants and partridges.

THE Hook Eagle Morris Men (including one lady): Gave an exuberant performance at The Crown last Saturday - very thirsty work in the sunshine. However, the spectators were thin on the ground.