13th October 2011

PORTLAND: Portand news in brief

A MAN who threatened a Portland taxi driver with a handgun before tying him up and stealing money was found guilty of armed robbery following a three day trial at Dorchester Crown Court.

Colin Paul Douglas, of no fixed abode, has been convicted of a total of 18 offences during recent court cases.

These crimes, which all took place in the Weymouth and Dorchester areas, include two armed robberies, using a firearm with intent, arson, burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.

Douglas will be sentenced at Dorchester Crown Court on Friday, December 9th.

A TEA dance is to be held in the Peter Trim hall at St George’s Centre, Reforne, on Portland on Monday October 17th.from 2-4pm.

The tea dances have been running now for a number of years and have a regular attendance of 25-30 people attended by island residents but also by people coming over from Weymouth and Dorchester.

Organised by local volunteers Myrna Flew and Terry Lewis, the Portland Tea Dances are held every other Monday in the hall.

They cost £2 per person with dancing to live music as well as refreshments including delicious cakes with tea and coffee in a great way to meet new friends and enjoy a dance or just have a chat.

PEOPLE are being invited to a sing-song and cream tea at Portland’s Community 2000 centre.

Sing-a-Long-a-Scone will be held on Monday, October 24th from 2-4pm. It costs £2.50 in advance or £3 on the door.

FREE courses on dry stone walling are to be held on Portland at the Old Engine Shed at The Grove.

There will be a qualified waller leading the training on October 19th-21st and from November 16th-18th.

For further details and to register those interested should call Rachel at Portland Gas on 01305 824144.