This year is going to be a very exciting one for Dorset. Weymouth and Portland are providing the backdrop of the fantastic Jurassic Coast for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing events between july and September, but there is far more than that happening. From the begiining of May, the Cultural Olympiad  'Maritme Mix' encompasses theatre, dance, visual ats, festivals, music and celebrations for a wonderful calendar of events and some of them will be held very near Dippers, so we look forward to seeing you here. Travelling to Weymouth for the Sailing and other events will be best acheived by going to Dorchester on the A35 and using the Park and Ride located at Monkeys Jump (just before the Poundbury development). For information on all the events please look at www.dorsetforyou.com/london2012. Meanwhile, Spring is arriving in Uploders and the crocuses and warmish days have encouraged the bees to fly after their Winter rest. The chickens too are feeling good with their new companion, the very gorgeous bantam cockerel Peter the Great, and egg production is on the up. Best wishes Liz and Don

Those of you who have enjoyed the meals and hospitality at the Crown in Uploders will be sad to hear that Gail and Ralph are leaving tomorrow (25th Oct). We enjoyed a lovely farewell party at the pub last evening and this morning, Gail, Ralph and their daughter Karen with her three lovely children and some friends from the village came to Dippers for breakfast. It was a lovely occasion even though rather sad. We wish them all the best for their retirement.

 For all lovers of a 'Full English' and in line with our policy to source our food locally where possible, we are delighted to be able to offer bacon and sausages from Uploders. Our 'Large Black' lovely pig was reared within 750 meters of Dippers and was butchered at Burton Bradstock which is only 3 miles from us. The Large Black is a rare breed, so we were specially delighted to have this opportunity. Please come along and give it a try.

Another piece of news is that sadly Gail and Ralph are leaving the Crown (due to Ralph's ill health). Hopefully the new landlord and landlady will continue the excellent service there - we haven't met them yet. In the meantime, we are always happy to do an evening meal at Dippers by arrangement.