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Bride Valley News - March 2004

Diary of events for all Parishes March 2004
Church Services March 2004

 

 

          FROM THE CLERGY                

 

"Who is my neighbour?"  So the rich man asked Jesus, to receive in reply the parable of the Good Samaritan.  We might understand the Good Samaritan today as the nice man who, seeing a stranger in pain, comforts him and sees that he will be okay.  Jesus, we further understand, calls his followers and those who want to be his followers, to be like the good Samaritan, wanting the best for those around them

 

But the parable is actually much deeper, much more challenging than this.  The parable was given to the extreme Jews of Jesus' time whose sworn enemies were the Samaritans.  The last person the Jew would have thought of as being a good neighbour would have been a Samaritan.  In much the same way, the help the Samaritan gave to the wounded man was so much more than a lift, a pie and a pint, it was equivalent to two days wages, and more if necessary.  Also the wounded man was not, in today's understanding, the neighbour of the Samaritan, he was a complete stranger, in fact a mugged and blooded stranger, and a traditional enemy, somebody about as distant from the Samaritan as one could possibly get.  An exact parallel today would not be difficult to find for most of us: maybe a member of Al Qaeda dying from a drugs overdose!  The teaching of the parable is that even in this extreme case, we should show real compassion and mercy: more generally, that all humankind is our neighbour, whoever, wherever, whenever.  This applies both in the present and in the future. 

 

Our neighbour then is also the unborn baby of the hungry child on the brink of starvation in Eritrea.  She is also the grandchild of the little boy whose photo was in the 'Bridport News' last week.  Our neighbours both do exist and will exist, and if we say we love our neighbour, if we really love our neighbour, we will work for a better world today and tomorrow, here and at the other end of the world, now and in the next century. 

 

I think we will all be aware of what is needed to be a good neighbour now, but what is needed to neighbour those who will live after we die?  What a question, and we can only scratch the surface in our reply.  Surely however we must begin by ensuring that there can be future generations, the members of which can live fully, experiencing the blessings of physical life, as God's creatures.  But we realise, however, that if we continue to live as we are now, 21st century consumers demanding more and more, consuming way beyond what is sustainable, polluting and laying waste the land on which all future generations defend, then there will be no future generations, and we have failed to be good neighbours. 

 

Might this article be the basis of a Lent resolution to become a permanent part of our way of life?  Only the reader knows. 

Anthony Ashwell

 

 

Valley Notes

 

Our New Team Rector

The formal announcement that so many of us were waiting for, was made on 1st February, five days after the interviews.  Here it is again:

Appointment of Team Rector

Following interviews held on 27th January 2004, the Bride Valley Team Ministry Patronage Board is very pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev'd Bob Thorn, at present Vicar of Whitchurch in the Diocese of Bristol, as Team Rector.  Bob has confirmed his acceptance and he, with his wife Jean, hopes to move to Burton Bradstock in May. 

 

Behind this lies an exciting story, but here we are, and we wish Bob, Jean and family every blessing as they begin planning for their move.  Who they are we leave them to tell, but as I write they are looking forward to frequent visits to the valley to get a real feel of the area, and to arrange the details of their move.  We await a date for Bob's Institution, probably towards the end of May. 

 

HOUSE GROUP LENT COURSE 2004

The Lent Course this year will be the Churches Together Course 'Face to Face'.  The course is based on Luke's Gospel chapters 3 and 4 and will be used by many churches in the country.

 

We will meet on five Wednesdays at 7.30pm for coffee and biscuits and will finish by 9.00pm.  The evening will include study of the text, discussion and prayer.

 

All are welcome.

 

Mar    3            In whose image?           Pitcombe, Littlebredy

Mar 10             Belonging to what?       The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

Mar 17             Who is Jesus?               The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

 

Mar 24    Facing our own future            Pitcombe, Littlebredy

Mar 31    Hope - living the image      The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

                                                                                             Hugh Lindsay

 

Lent Course 2004 at Burton Bradstock

'Station Conversations on March Wednesdays'. 

The 'Stations of the Cross' is an ancient liturgy based on the remembrance of Jesus Christ's last journey before his death.  Many see this most touching way of remembering the last few hours of the first Good Friday as primarily a Roman Catholic devotion, but it is intended for all Christians.  Through it we can be helped to understand and more deeply to sympathise with all that Jesus went through on Good Friday, and so to express our solidarity with him. 

 

The course, not yet put together as I write, will use considerable material from:

a)      'A Walk in Jerusalem' by John Peterson (Secretary General of the Anglican Communion).

b)      'A more Perfect Way' by Richard Hobbs (a religious). 

 

Through the five Wednesdays of the course, we will hear about the significance and relevance of the 'Stations of the Cross', take part in the liturgy (which involves gentle movement around the church), and reflect on each of the fourteen Stations and their importance today. 

 

The five March Wednesday evenings of the course will all begin in Burton Bradstock church at 7.30pm with coffee and biscuits, and should be over well before 9.00pm.  All are invited, do come along, and appreciate profoundly that there cannot be an Easter Sunday without a Good Friday. 

 

'Station Conversations on March Wednesdays'.

3rd March:        Introduction and a shorter 'Stations'.

10th March:      Stations 1 - 5 (Jesus is judged, to Simon of Cyrene), reflections and discussion. 

17th March:      Stations 6 - 10 (Veronica to Golgotha), reflections and discussion. 

24th March:      Stations 11 - 14 (Jesus' crucifiction, death and burial), reflections and discussion. 

31st March:       Summary and a fuller 'Stations'.  

Advance Notice of Holy Week Services

5th April            Long Bredy                  7.00pm   Compline

6th April            Shipton Gorge              7.00pm   Compline

7th April            Litton Cheney               7.00pm   Compline

8th April            Burton Bradstock         7.00pm   Maundy Thursday Eucharist

9th April            Littlebredy                 10.00am  The Litany

                        Swyre                       12 noon   Good Friday Service

                        Burton Bradstock     1.45pm    Good Friday Service

10th April          NO SERVICE in any of the Bride Valley Churches

 

The Maundy Thursday Eucharist at Burton Bradstock will include the ancient custom of 'The Washing of Feet'.  I shall be pleased to receive the names, as soon as possible, of all who would like to take part in this.                                                                                        Anthony Ashwell

 

 

 

 

 

All Saints Church

Sidmouth

Mornings: 10.45am

Evenings: 7.30pm

Speaker:Rev'd Dr. Steve Brady

 

Further details from Mike Read

Tiny Tots / Pram Service
The next service will be at 11.00am on Friday 5th March at St. Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock.                                        Yvette Smith ( 898219)

 Mothers' Union

Saturday 13th March 10.00am - 2.30pm   Spring Council Meeting

East Stour Village Hall

 

Wednesday 17th March 10.30am

Prayers for Ireland at St. Martin's Church, Shipton Gorge - with coffee afterwards at St. Catherine's Cross.

 

Thursday 25th March Lady Day Diocesan Festival at Salisbury Cathedral

Banner Bearers to meet at 1.00pm in the Cathedral. Service starts at 2.00pm. Coach leaves Bridport Bus Station at 9.30am and leaves Salisbury at approx. 4.30pm.

 

The Bride Valley (Thursday) Fellowship Group

The group meets on Thursday evenings and alternates between Prayer and Bible Study.  Arriving from 7.30pm we begin at 8.00pm aiming to finish by about 9.30pm.  All are most welcome. For further details contact Paul ..., Tel ...

March 4           Prayer              2 Myrtle Close, Puncknowle

March 11         Bible Study       Matthew 6.5-14          How to pray

                                                                6 Baglake, Litton Cheney

March 18         Prayer              West Lodge, Littlebredy

 

March 25         Bible Study       Matthew 6.16-18         How to fast                                                                         12  Napier Close, Puncknowle

 

 

Burton Bradstock CE VC School

The main news this month is that Mrs Ruby Stevens retires at the end of this term.  Ruby has worked as Caretaker at the school for the past 28 years and her commitment and hard work has been much appreciated by us all.  We wish her well in her richly deserved retirement.

 

Congratulations go to Frankie Jones who once again organised our Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale.  This event raised £97 for the charity MENCAP.  Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this success.

 

Ofsted is now behind us and the Easter break suddenly appears very attractive!  At this stage we have nothing definite to report but will let you know next month how we got on.  We very much appreciated the support and encouragement of so many parents, friends and colleagues from other schools during and in the run up to our inspection.  On occasions we were asked, "How's it going - are you ready?"  In truth, no matter how much notice we had, we would never have been completely 'ready' because there is always more to do.  Preparing for Ofsted is like trying to dry ice!  Unfortunately it seems that the nature of schools today is that when we begin to get close to our aspired goals someone moves the posts. 

 

Whatever the outcome, I get the feeling that the next time we are inspected, whenever that may be, it is likely to be very different.  If what we hear in the news is anything to go by, a spot visit at very short notice makes a lot of sense.  It would take away stress there might be from the anticipation of the event and, more importantly, schools would be seen 'in the flesh' as it were.  It is remarkable how the educational pendulum continues to swing.  Are we now going back to the old days of the 'School Inspector'?  I do not know of anyone who disagreed with the principle of Ofsted and the need for schools to be accountable.  Perhaps it is the realisation by government that they have been using a sledgehammer to crack a nut that has brought about the latest announcement - it has certainly been a very expensive hammer.

 

Mark Stratta.

 

100 Club

January winners were:

£20 - C. Harrington    

£10 - J. Wyatt

  £5 - Mrs. Hope

 

 

Thorner's CE VA Primary School

During this month the staff and Governors will be looking towards reviewing our School Improvement Plan; every school is required to produce a plan of how they aim to develop the school in the near future.  It is an annual review and gives us the opportunity to look back on those things we have done well and those areas that still need to be addressed.  Last year we highlighted that parents were not included in this process, so we have addressed this by sending out a questionnaire at the start of each term asking for the opinions of our parents.  Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you and well done to all those parents who took the time and effort to complete and return them.  As Governors we read each comment and have been delighted that so many parents wanted to know more about what their children were learning and how the methods of teaching, numeracy in particular, have changed since they were at school and, possibly, wanting to help their own children to achieve more than they did.  It has therefore been decided to arrange sessions where parents can come in and learn more, so please do watch for final details and come along to find out more, ask questions and be impressed by current methods.  Each and every school is different and we would not want to be the same as others, we are Thorner's, according to our parents a school which provides a happy and caring environment for our children to grow and thrive in all areas of life, not just the academic. I am proud to be part of Thorner's and enjoy showing the school to visitors during the working day when the buzz of the school is so obvious. The introduction of Golden Time at the beginning of the year has been a big success, pupils feel rewarded and valued, not just termly, but weekly, it has also enabled members of staff, past and present, to share some of their interests with the children.  Thank you, to all those who give of their time and energy to help make this a positive time for the children; it is very much appreciated.

Alison Johnstone

Headteacher

 

BRIDE VALLEY FLEDGLINGS PLAYGROUP

We have a new WINTER QUIZ out and on sale (£1) around and about - in The Crown, The White Horse, Burton Bradstock Post Office, Bridport and Dorchester TIC's - even in the Hall from Playgroup in Puncknowle - so buy one and have fun testing your general knowledge.

 

In March we are having a full OFSTED Inspection so wish us luck - we are confident we will do well.  In May there will be an OPEN Morning for parents and children to come and visit - see what goes on in  Playgroup, if you haven't been already!  MAY 6th to be exact. Then in June, we hope to have our Sponsored TRIKE RIDE again - more on this later. 

 

I will be inviting more visitors to come and entertain our group after Half Term - and we will be welcoming George Larcombe from West Bexington who is joining us.

 

Any queries/information  please ring me on 01308 897771

                                                          Carol Bennett  (Playleader

 

First Step Parent and Toddler Group meet on Wednesdays between 10.00am and 12 noon.  We had a nice surprise before Christmas a grant from Dorset Community Action and are busy buying new resources for the group.  We are also grateful to Ed and Ann Miles and Russell Randall for beautifully repairing some of our well loved toys.  We are very appreciative of their help.

 

We welcome children from 0-4 years and the first session is free.  We have toys and activities for all pre-school children, coffee and chat for parents and carers.  The group meets at Long Bredy Village Hall on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of the month.  On the second Wednesday we meet in Little Bredy Hall and on the fourth Wednesday we meet in either Little Bredy or Puncknowle.  For further details contact:  Bridget (Burton Bradstock) 898600 or Jo (Litton Cheney) ... or Julie (Puncknowle) 897178 or Rachel (Kingston Russell and Long Bredy) 482246

 

Litton Cheney Youth Club meets on Tuesday evenings for those between 8 and 17 years in Litton Cheney and the surrounding villages.  For further details of the sessions read the Litton notes or contact Paul Kingston 482384.

 

Litton Cheney Social Committee invite all recipients of the BVN to join us for a walk on the 3rd Saturday of each month (weather permitting).  We aim to walk about five miles with a stop for lunch at a pub.  Please check the Litton page for details and to confirm the event each month.  The first walk will be on Saturday 17th April to Puncknowle via Chilcombe.  We will meet at the Litton Bus Shelter at 10.00am and aim to finish by 3.00pm.  We hope you can join us.                                                                                 Kathy Kourik Secretary 482552

The Village Singers are looking for new talent! 

We are a small group of singers who will provide an anthem or songs for special Church services (Christmas, Easter, Harvest, etc.), weddings, baptisms, funerals or any other occasion, on request.

 

At the moment we are struggling to keep going - we need more singers, a conductor and an accompanist for our rehearsals.  If you feel that your talent is just what we need, then we should love to hear from you.

 

To find out more, please contact Carol Lee on 482368

 

 

Bride Valley Gardening Club

Our next meeting will be on Monday March 8th as usual at 7.30p.m in Thorner's School Litton Cheney when the Speaker will be Val Hurlston-Gardiner who will talk on the Painswick Rococo Gardens. I can very much recommend a visit to these Gardens which are still undergoing restoration in this beautiful part of the country (near Gloucester), but if that is not possible come along and hear all about them from Ms. Hurlston-Gardiner.

 

Our Chairwoman has asked me to remind you all that it would be helpful to funds if you could bring along a raffle prize occasionally. It seems that the same few do this every month.     Dorothy also asks that you may consider joining the Committee and offering your hand in any way - there will be a Treasurer vacancy from April AGM when Brenda wishes to step down. Even if you just volunteer to set out tables and chairs, that would be very useful        - again it is the same few who do this every time. The more you do in the Club the more you get out of it. Thanks - sermon over!!

 

We look forward to seeing you, old or new faces, in March.

(Date for diary - Plant Sale May 8th)

Norma Millard     Club Secretary  897774.

 

 

Dates for your diary:-

The National Gardens Scheme - Gardens Open in The Bride Valley in 2004

Sunday 11th April The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney 2.00 - 5.00 pm

Sunday 9th May    The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

Tuesday's during June and July The Scented Garden, Little Bredy 2.30 - 8.00 pm

Tuesday 15th June The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney 2.00 - 6.00 pm

Sunday 20th June   Tithe Barn House, Litton Cheney 2.00 - 6.00 pm

Langebride House, Long Bredy also opens for The National Gardens Scheme but for private visits by appointment.

 

 

Institute of Advanced Motorists ( Dorset Group )

Wednesday 3rd,10th & 17th March 2004

7.00 - 9.00pm

Room 1 County Hall, Dorchester

 

 

 

Writing in the West

Nicola Thorne and Margaret Graham

 

Tuesday March 23rd at

Burton Bradstock W.I. Hall, 7.00pm.

Tickets £3.

 

 

 

 

The Romsey Male Voice Choir

The Choir will be holding a Concert in the United Church, East Street, Bridport on 27th March. Tickets £6.00 ( to include light refreshments ) can be obtained from Goadsby & Harding Estate Agents or at the door. Proceeds to the Bridport Branch of the Alzheimer's Society.                    Sue Everitt  B.B.A.S.

 

 

Royal British Legion

This month's Social will be held at the New Inn, Shipton Gorge on Monday 29th March at 7.30pm.

 

R.B.L.Women's Section

We will be holding our Easter Monday ( 12th April ) Sale in the W.I. Hall at 2.30pm. There will be the usual stalls - Cakes, Bric-a-brac, Plants, Tombola, Books, Raffle etc. Any donations for these stalls would be gratefully accepted at No. 25 Annings Lane or 9 Barr Lane, Burton Bradstock. Items may also be left at the Hall on the day, but please not before 1.00pm.

Advance Notice

There will be an Exhibition of photographs by Ian Brooks LBIPP, LRPS in the Reading Room Burton Bradstock from Easter Saturday (April 10th) to Easter Monday. Proceeds in aid of R.B.L. funds.

Greta Heal   Hon. Secretary

 

BURTON BRADSTOCK                                           

 

Village Correspondent  Mr Basil Dent

2, Norburton, Burton Bradstock. Tel:- (01308) 897125

 

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Mid Week Worship -                                                                    

Holy Communion                  Wednesdays at 10.00 a.m.

 

Choir Practices                       Fridays at 6.00 p.m.

 

Bell Ringing Practices           Thursdays at 7.00pm

 

Gift Sunday                            28th March    Church Mission Society

 

The next Healing Service at St Mary's  will be held on Monday 8th March

 

The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held at 11.00am on Friday 5th March at St. Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock.                                                                                                                   Yvette Smith ( 898219 )

 

 

From the Registers

Funeral and Burial

Harold Dockrill, on Friday 23rd January 2004, a wonderful neighbour and gifted musician. 

 

Mothering Sunday - 21st March

Our usual 11.00am Matins will, for Mothering Sunday this year, be replaced by a special Family Service.  Do come along and give thanks to God for mothers everywhere, for the joy of mothering and parenting, for the happiness that should be found in families. 

St Mary's Church APCM

Please note that the date of the Annual Parochial Church meeting is on Monday 22nd March at 7.30pm in church.  This is an important occasion in the life of St Mary's Church and everyone on our Church Electoral Roll should give it high priority.   

 

At the meeting, elections are held for membership of the PCC.  Out of nine places on the Council, the current six elected members are all available for re-election.  Anyone wishing to submit for election should complete a nomination form, which will be available in church. 

 

Nominations for Churchwardens must be received - in writing - prior to the meeting. 

 

At the conclusion of the meeting a short video - Restoring Hope in our Church - will be shown. 

The Churchwardens

 

Lent Lunch

This year St Mary's PCC have agreed to hold only ONE Lent Lunch.  This will take place on Thursday 25th March in the W.I. Hall between 12 noon and 2.00pm.  All villagers are welcome to attend.  Lunch will include home-made soups, bread and cheese, followed by tea or coffee and biscuits.  There will be no set charge, but donations will be invited for three charities, and you may choose which of the charities you wish to support or indeed all of them!  The PCC nominated the following charities to be supported:

Our Church Missionaries Steve and Kathy Burgess, for their 'Clean Water Appeal' in Kenya.

Dorset Air Ambulance.

The Red Cross.  

 

Please do come along if you possibly can, enjoy some lunch and friendly chat with friends and neighbours, and at the same time support these worthwhile causes.  We look forward to seeing you there. 

Lesley Dove - PCC member

 

 

The Big Spring Clean

As previously announced, we are intending to give our beloved St. Mary's a thorough clean inside and out, including the church yard. This will take place this month and whilst we have names of some volunteers, we do need some more ( many hands make light work ). If you missed the original notice but would like to volunteer, please give your name to either Basil or Howard.

                                                                                                       Churchwardens                                                           

 

Burton Bradstock W.I.

 

Future of the W.I. Hall

Over 100 people were present on 20th January 2004 when a resolution was passed "for a new village charity to be set up as a Village Hall Trust''. A committee was formed comprising of a representative from each of the 5 regular users of the hall plus one representing the Parish Council also 6 independent members from the village.

This committee has now met to discuss forming a charity under the guidance of Lois Rose (Dorset Community Action Village Organiser). Archie Mackie was elected Chairman, Treasurer Bernard Chennells and Secretary Andrea Wilkinson, who will report on progress in a later issue of the BVN.

The W.I. wishes the new charity and all its members every success and would like tothank all who attended the meeting in January and those who have supported us through the years.

                                               Chris Clarke & Pat Raven

 

Bridge Group will continue to meet in the W.I. Hall everyTuesday at 2.00pm. New members welcome - further information from Chris Clarke Tel. 898117.

 

The 45 members present at the February meeting heard a very interesting talk by Clive Groves on his specialist subject of Violets. The talk was illustrated by beautiful slides of this lovely little flower and we were amazed at the many different varieties.

 

The New Year party was a great success and future events include ,a whist drive, a skittles evening at Freshwater, a bead weaving course, walks, reading group and badminton which restarts on the 23rd February. The outing to "Cats" in Southampton on Thursday 6th May still has seats available on the coach for shoppers.  If anyone would like to take advantage of this please contact Audrey Hayward (898528) The annual meeting will be in April when the judging will take place for the Watercolour Challenge Cup, which is for a painting completed during the year.

 

The next meeting is on Tuesday 9th March at 7.15pm and the speaker will be Jim White talking on the work of English Nature in Dorset.  New Members are always welcome.                                   Agnes Barham

 

Text Box:   Badminton & Table Tennis

Are you interested in playing either of these games: both are good healthy sports. Equipment is available to play them in the W.I. Hall, Burton Bradstock.

We need at least ten people per sport to make it a viable proposition. All welcome, male and female. Please telephone Peter Colbert 897922 for more details.

 

 

Tuesday March 23rd

Burton Bradstock W.I. Hall, 7.00pm. Tickets £3.

Writing in the West

Nicola Thorne and Margaret Graham

 

For further information, please contact Heather Thomson, Assistant-in-Charge, Burton Bradstock Library on 01308 897563.

 

Burton Bradstock Village Society - Change of Speaker 19th March

Unfortunately our speaker for March has had to cancel for medical reasons.  However, once again we are most fortunate to find a replacement at short notice and I am sure you will be delighted to welcome back Richard Edmonds, who will speak to us on "Chesil Beach and its place in the World Heritage Site".  Richard has given us several excellent presentations over the years and you are guaranteed an interesting, informative and stimulating evening.   Friday, 19th March at 7.30 pm in the W.I. Hall.  Guests and new members are always welcome, just come along on the night.                                  Carol Lumley

 

Burton Bradstock Village Society - January Meeting

To many of us, the very name 'Mustang' conjures up images of a native American horse or fast sports car, but following a talk given by David Barnikel to the society on 16th January entitled 'Travels in the Himalayan Kingdom of Mustang', we all came to realize that it is a very special part of Nepal.

 

Mustang has been a very isolated part of the world for centuries but has now been opened up through various expeditions. David started his trek at Katmandu and then traveled north through lush green valleys to reach the Kha Li Gan Dhaki Gorge- one of the deepest gorges in the world. Traveling through the gorge for days he eventually reached the ancient city of Lo Man Tang. Here he had an audience with the king in his royal palace- the king was dressed in jeans, trainers and a woolly hat!

 

During the journey, David was accompanied by other Expedition members and a team of porters and Sherpars who carried enormous loads of food and equipment. Fortunately, he took many pictures on the way and in the city and we were treated to a selection of wonderful slides showing his experiences and ending with some very amusing pictures of local signs- one in particular outside a cafe read 'Eat dessert first-life is uncertain'.

 

 

 

Burton Bradstock Parish Council

Housing Needs Survey.

Enclosed with this edition for Burton Bradstock residents is a survey on the need for affordable housing in the village. Please take time to complete this questionnaire, especially if you or members of your family have housing needs now or in the near future. The completed form should be returned in the envelope provided direct to West Dorset District Council, Housing Enabler Officer. The Parish Council will be given the detailed results of the survey.

Waste Transfer Site

A planning application for the Waste Transfer Site at Wych farm on the Burton Road is being considered by Dorset County Council on the 5th March 2004. If you feel strongly about this issue you should write immediately to:- The Planning Officer, Dorset County Council, County Hall; Dorchester DT1 1XJ. The Parish Council has made a strong objection to this application but individual representations are essential to influence the decision making process.

Fel Moore   Clerk to the Parish Council.

 

 

Burton Bradstock Village

Web Site Address

www.burtonbradstock.org.uk

Did you know that the Bride Valley News

is published on this web site every month?

In addition, did you know that old copies of the magazine

can also be viewed on the web site?

And, it is in colour too!

 

 

SHIPTON GORGE                                                            

Village Correspondent: Mrs. Joy White

Eastcote  3 Gullivers Orchard  Shipton Gorge

Tel: ( 01308 )897974

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Shipton Gorge Village Hall  

The final Artsreach event of the season will take place on Wednesday 24th March 2004. We are delighted to welcome back to Shipton Gorge Richard Derrington who will be performing 'Shakespeare's Other Ann.'

 

Tickets are likely to sell quickly and can be obtained from Doris Benselin (16 Rockway, tel. 897562) or, in person, from the New Inn.                                                               Richard Hewlett   Secretary

 

Mothering Sunday Family Service- 21st. March at 3.00p.m.

Everyone is welcome to our lovely service of thanksgiving in which our young people will present posies to their mothers.

After the service simnel cake will be distributed.

 

National Cystic Fibrosis Week -Coffee Morning, Saturday 27th March - 10.30a.m.-12 noon.

This will take place in the Village Hall. Contributions to the cake stall and raffle will be greatly appreciated. We also hope to run an arts and crafts stall with children in mind.

Please contact me on: 897241 if you can help in any way.

Cystic Fibrosis.

This is one of the U.K.'s most common life-threatening inherited diseases. 1 in every 2,500 babies is born with it and there are over 7,500 sufferers in this country. Cystic Fibrosis affects vital organs in the body, especially the lungs and the digestive system, and sufferers are very susceptibleto chest infections that can cause serious lung damage. The C.F. Trust is the only national charity solely concerned with the well-being of people with C.F., and funds medical and scientific research aimed at understanding, treating and curing the condition. The C.F.Trust is aiming to raise £15 million to fund a five year gene therapy programme, which will enable an effective therapy for C.F. to be developed. This will dramatically increase life expectancy and should eventually lead to a cure being found.

Please come along and support this worthy cause.       Janet Lane

 

Shipton Gorge Village Hall 100 Club

Winners for the February Draw

£20 No 68 Gra ham Rosamund

£10 No 18 Leslie Crutchley

SWYRE

Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall

3 Green Barton, Swyre Tel: 897318

s.marshall@which.net

 

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A warm welcome to Kes and Mark who have moved into Berwick Cottages.

 

 

SWYRE WEBSITE

Temporary address:- http://www.geocities.com/swyre1/

 

 

 

   PUNCKNOWLE  SWYRE  WEST BEXINGTON    

 

Correspondents: Elizabeth Slater & Sid Marshall

 

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PUN FUN - Asian Supper Evening

For all the people of Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington.

Friday 26th March 7.30 - 10.00pm Puncknowle Hall

Any props you may have to give the evening an Asian feel would be appreciated, also if you can contribute to the food in any way - curry, popadoms, chutney, or rice please let us know in advance.  Everyone welcome - come and get to know more people from the villages - plenty of chance to chat.

Don't forget your favourite tipple and a donation towards the cost of hall hire and heating would be appreciated.

                                                                                           Contact Nos.898492/897751        

Fund raising events for the Air Ambulance to be held at Bull Inn, Swyre:-

6th     March - Pete's Sensation Nite (Competition).

13th  March - Stars in Your Eyes. Who do you do?

20th March - Quiz Nite.

27th March -  Bulls Eye.  Aim to win an easy question.

For further details please ring Chris or Sue at the Bull on 897250.

 

Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council 3rd February 2004

The Parish Council will meet at 7.30 on the 2nd March at Puncknowle Church Hall.

Puncknowle Swyre and West Bexington Homewatch

Community Vehicle - The community vehicle will be at Puncknowle Bottom between 12.30 and 13.30 on Thursday 25th March. If you have never visited the vehicle why not go and see Anne who runs the vehicle with any security queries.

Andy Marshall - 897732 

 

PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON                

 

Village Correspondent:  Elizabeth Slater

1, Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH

Telephone: ( 01308 ) 897751

 

 

Mothering Sunday - 21st March

Our usual 11.00am Puncknowle Praise Service will for Mothering Sunday this year be replaced by a Family Service in praise and thanks to God for Mothers and Mothering.  Weather permitting, posies will be given to all our ladies! 

 

Annual Church Meeting - 28th March

This  is  a vital occasion in the life of  St  Mary's  Church, and  should be given  high  priority  by  everyone  on  our  Church  Electoral  Roll. It will take place immediately after our Holy Communion Service at 11.00am. 

                                                                                                                 Anthony Ashwell

 

 

Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup - ( See page 8 of Valley Notes for this month's report )

 

 

LENT FRUGAL LUNCH in the Church Hall, Wednesday 10 March from 12.30pm.  Come and join us for home made soup and bread.  The collection will be for Fair Trade whose aim, is to provide a living wage for producers of food in the Third World.  March 1 - 14 is Fair Trade Fortnight.

 

 

SOCIAL EVENING Thursday 18th March 7.30 pm in the Church Hall.  Jasper Shackleton will be showing slides and telling of his journey IN THE WAKE OF WILLIAM BLIGH in a replica of the Bounty's launch.  Don't miss this special evening.  There will be tea/coffee and biscuits and a collection to cover the speaker's and our expenses

Ann Roberts

 

Puncknowle Art Group

The AGM was very productive with many ideas for this year's programme which has now been printed. Our first drawing session was a still life set by Doreen Print. Dates for March are - 5th A visit to Bridport Arts Centre - 19th A workshop on Seurat. 

 Christine Molony

 

 

Don't forget to check the village website

www.puncknowle.org.uk

to keep in touch with village events and find useful information

 

 

LITTON CHENEY                                                          

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close

news4litton@bridevalley.net

 

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Annual Church Meeting - 30th March

Our APCM will take place at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, and it should be given high priority by everyone on our Church Electoral Roll.  Do please attend if you possibly can. 

Anthony Ashwell

 

Dates for your Diary - The Church Fete!

The Church Fete will be held on Monday 31st May at The Old Rectory.

A preliminary planning meeting will be held in the Church Hall on Thursday 4th March at 7.30 pm.  If you would like to be involved in any way by running a stall, selling raffle tickets, collecting goods for the stalls, helping on the day with setting up etc., do come along and give us your ideas and offers of help.

 

Litton Cheney Social Committee

Saturday 6th March - join us for a litter pick.  Meet at 10.00am at the bus shelter weather permitting.  Please ring if in doubt.  Wear gloves - everything else provided.  Children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult.

For your diaries:-

-        The Annual Duck Race - Easter Sunday 11th April - more details next month

Saturday 17th April - join us for a 5 mile walk via a pub for lunch.  This is a new venture which will take place (weather permitting) every third Saturday of the month - check BVN for details of the walk each month.  We will meet at the bus shelter at 10.00am and aim to walk about 5 miles with a stop for lunch a a pub finishing about 3.00pm.  April's walk will be to Puncknowle via Chilcombe.  We hope you will be able to make it.                                                                                                           Kathy Kourik Secretary 482552

 

Litton Cheney Village Assembly

The Annual Village Assembly will be held on Tuesday 9th March at Thorner's School at 7.00pm.  The speaker will be Mr Andy Lloyd from Dorset Community Action on the subject of affordable rural housing.  His talk will be followed by the usual Annual Assembly which has no fixed agenda at which anyone can raise items of concern or problems in the village.  All village residents are invited to attend and join the discussion.

 

The Litton Cheney Vital Villages Steering Group invite you to the School Hall from 6.30pm prior to the Assembly for coffee, tea and biscuits.  The draft questionnaire compiled after the Open Meetings in February will be on display for your comments.

 

We hope that as many of you as possible who attended the Open Meetings will come along to view the draft, comment and take part in the Annual Parish Assembly.  If you want more information about Vital Villages in Litton Cheney either view the village web site www.littoncheney.org.uk or email news4litton@bridevalley.net

 

The Mobile Library will be in Litton Cheney by the Bus Shelter on Thursday 11th March and Thursday 25th March between 3.25 and 4.10pm.

 

Litton Cheney Playing Field Association

The association were very grateful and pleased to receive £100 from the Bridport Police Ball.  We are holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday 13th March at 11 o'clock in the Church Hall, Bring and Buy, Cakes, Raffle and Fence Post Appeal!  If you are unable to come but would like to buy a fence post contact Elizabeth Kingston 482384

 

Advance date for your diary:-

The Fifth Playing Field Fun Day Sunday 12th September

Did you know?  In 1304 the village was granted an Annual Fair to be held in  September.  As it is now the 700th anniversary are there any groups or individuals who would like to help reinstate this historic event.                                                                                Katharine Jones 482589

 

Litton Cheney Youth Club

The junior session is from 6.30 - 8.00 pm and from 8.00-9.30 pm for seniors.  They meet on Tuesday evenings.  For further details contact Paul Kingston 482384.

 

Farewell to Susie, Keith and Caroline Smart who will shortly be leaving the village after nearly 20 years.  We wish them all the best for the future.

 

 

www.littoncheney.org.uk

Visit the web site for the latest news.

The group meets at The White Horse Inn

at 8.30pm  on the first Monday of each month.

All welcome.

 

 

LONG BREDY                                                         

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elinor Frost, Bridelands ( 482269 )

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Mothering Sunday - 21st March

Our usual 9.30am Family Service on this third Sunday of the month will take the theme of Mothering.  Do come along to this Service of great thanks and joy, for Mothers and Mothering everywhere.  Posies will be given to all our ladies, weather permitting. 

 

Annual Church Meeting - 23rd March

This meeting will take place at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, and is a most important occasion in the life of our church.  It really should be given top priority by everyone on our Church Electoral Roll, so please do come along.                                                                                      Anthony Ashwell

Long Bredy and Kingston Russell Parish Council

The Long Bredy and Kingston Russell Parish Council work hard on behalf of the village in a wide variety of ways, often only appreciated by us when things need putting right.  By now the youngsters in the village will be enjoying the new goalposts and nets in the playing field, inspiring a new Beckham perhaps!!  The council would ask that children treat the play equipment with care, and parents, if you see something broken or dangerous please let someone associated with the Council know as soon as possible.  Also let us know if you would like other play equipment in the field, we will see what can be done.

 

Speeding traffic through the village has become a worry recently and we ask that everyone drives and encourages others to drive carefully.  Also take particular care by the entrance to the playing field and The Rookery where children are often playing. 

 

Council Meetings are advertised with a minimum of one week's notice on the Village Noticeboard and everyone is welcome to attend.  Do not be afraid of bringing your concerns to the attention of the Parish Council; this can be done easily by contacting the Parish Clerk on 01208 482270.

 

Two reports of Kingfisher sightings in the village recently and with the spring flowers well on the way, the season is moving forward.  It was good to see Rosemary Dewhurst and her family out in the village recently.  Rosemary's leg will, hopefully, be in a shorter plaster cast soon.  (Rosemary broke her leg Christmas morning.)  We wish the family well.

 

Dick and Margaret Elliott have a grandchild, Oliver: a son for Lisa and Mark.

 

Trevor and Elizabeth Toogood also have a grandson, Ben, a son for Stephanie and Martin. Congratulations to Trevor and Elizabeth on their Silver Wedding this month.

LITTLEBREDY                                                                  

 

 

The Social Club is going from strength to strength.  Congratulations to the Wilkinsons and Quizmaster John March for the excellent Quiz Night in January (marred only for the locals by the fact that the winners were a visiting team from Litton Cheney...!), and thanks too to all those who organised the relaxed social evening at the beginning of February.

 

Not resting on their laurels, the committee invites everyone to another      Social Evening in the Village Hall on Saturday 6th March.  A light supper will be provided, and a video for youngsters to watch will be screened at 8.00 p.m.  Once it has finished, the DVD "Who wants to be a Millionaire" Challenge will begin: 50p a go, with the first to "£1,000,000" scooping the pool.  No conferring, and fines will be levied to add to the pool from any non-competitor watching and calling out the answer!  There was a dummy run or two last month, and it promises to be good fun.  All are welcome.

 

Sheila Prideaux has asked that her grateful thanks for all the cards, flowers, good wishes and offers of practical help she has received as a result of her short stay in hospital at the end of January should be passed on in these notes.  Sheila is now making a good recovery - get well soon.

 

Ash Wednesday, on 26th February, began the Lenten season of self-denial. Tessa Jackson invites everyone in the village at lunchtime on Wednesday 10th March to a Frugal Lunch at the Old Parsonage.  Basic fare will be provided, with voluntary cash donations going to a charity of Tessa's choice.  As always, all are welcome.

 

Finally, two pieces of very good news - 2 engagements within the village to record.  Congratulations to Emma Byrne and Daniel Barrett, whose wedding will be in Church in September, and also to Rachel Hallett, who became engaged to James Vann during their recent trip doing relief work in the Ecuadorian rainforest.  All very best wishes for the future to all four of them.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                 

 

 

 

Text Box: Church House, Crane Street, Salisbury. SP1 2QB

Communications: 01722 339447
Diocesan Office: 01722 411922
Mobile: 07770 961629
Fax: 01722 411990
E-mail: comms@salisbury.anglican.org



LATEST CHURCH ATTENDANCE STATISTICS REVEAL GOOD NEWS FOR SALISBURY DIOCESE

 

Churches in Wiltshire and Dorset are amongst the most successful at meeting the spiritual needs of young Christians, according to the latest church attendance statistics.

 

Provisional figures for national attendance in 2002, published by Church House Westminster, show that the average number of children and young people attending church each month increased by 1% over 2001, to 421,000.  Yet of the Church of England's 44 dioceses, Salisbury is one of only 26 to see considerable signs of growth in attendance levels for 11 to 25 year olds. 

 

The average weekly youth attendance for 2002 in our Diocese was recorded at 6,200 (up 9% on 2001).  The numbers of 11 to 15 year olds engaged in non-worship church activities was 2,600, whilst 700 16 to 25 year olds were involved with their local church during the year.  And there were 900 adult volunteers working with young people aged 11 or above.

 

Jonathan Whiter, Diocesan Youth Adviser, is not surprised to learn of our success in engaging with young Christians.  He believes the key to this achievement lies in changing attitudes towards youth ministry. 

 

"More churches are waking up to the fact that they need to change in order to be relevant to young people," he says.  "This means experimenting with different worship models, including all-age worship.  Services by young people, for young people are increasing in popularity, such as the Hot Chocolate youth group which meets in Salisbury, and The Far Side based in Marlborough and Poole.  And at Buckhorn Weston, near Gillingham, a toddlers' club, youth club and mid-week club were all set up within six months!" 

 

He adds, "Another key issue is the increase in ministry work during the week.  Many churches are recognising that it's not about getting more children and young people to attend the Sunday morning service, but about reaching out to them at their point of need. 

 

"During my travels throughout the Diocese I have seen just how busy the youth and children's clubs are.  The youth attendance statistics for Salisbury are very encouraging and a tribute to all the hard work put in by our dedicated youth and children's workers, both paid and voluntary.  They rarely get recognition for the challenging work they do, but there is lots of good news!"

 

For further information
Please contact Kate Pardy on 01722 339447 or 07770961629

 

Origins of the Bride Valley!

In Pagan times, the beginning of  February saw the celebration of the fire festival of Imbolc.  A time of rebirth, fertility and nurturing;.  the very beginning of spring and the first flowers, heralded by the purity of the snowdrop and the faintest glimmering of buds on bushes and trees; a month still wintry, yet full of promise.  The days are lengthening in northern latitudes, and candles are lit to celebrate and encourage the return of the Sun and the renewel of creation. Imbolc in the Christian tradition became known as Candlemas, a festival of light and celebrated on the 2nd February.  The festival also recognises the Purification of the Virgin Mary, when she went to the temple for 40 days after giving birth to Jesus, to be cleansed.  The Romans named the month of February after a word signifying purification.

Traditionally, the Crone of winter is reborn as the virgin at Imbolc, known to the Celts as Brigid, or Bride, a fire goddess and one of her main aspects was as a healer.  The Celtic image was of a virgin full of potential for nurturing on all levels.  Out with winter, went the old negative thoughts and actions, making way for the healing of the new.  Bride's Day is also a part of Candlemas.

Bride is a goddess connected not only with fire, but sacred wells, beauty and arts and crafts.  One of Bride's main symbols is the swan, a creature of the water.  Many sacred wells throughout Britain are actually called Bridewell, after the Virgin Goddess.  Bride, was the Goddess of Healing, and people would go to her wells to drink and dip, and be cured of their physical and emotional ailments.

Perhaps the River Bride owes its name, and hence the Bride Valley, to this goddess of Spring.                                                                                                                                                                          Valerie Jeffery

 

FRIDGE DOOR

(One half of the World is overweight. The other half starves!)

 

Snick............... the fridge door

Heard through the floor

As greedy fingers snap

At un-needed Supper snack.

 

Snick .............. every half-hour

Wide lips devour

And in the Far East

One more life has ceased.

 

Snick............... while the late film

Drones in the front room

Crust overlaps the plate

In Ethiopia it's getting late!

 

Snick .............. while Mr. Well-Fed

Getting ready for bed

Indulges his whim

Beseeching eyes grow dim!

 

Snick .............. while Mr. Obese

Wipes chicken-leg grease

From his fingers, serene,

An Asian child grows lean!

 

Snick ............. "I was an-hungered!"

Oh how those words thundered

"I was your Brother

In the face of Another!"

 

Snick .............. Lucifer's door

Heard through Heaven's floor

The rich glutton is fasting

His poor brothers?.......

With the Saviour repasting!                                                                     Bride Valley Resident

Thought for the Month

CHURCH GROWTH

I read in my newspaper the other day, an article about the deliberations of General Synod. The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke about a report called 'Mission-Shaped Church' that said our society was now second, or even third, generation pagan'.

 

Presumably this is the national picture, but we must ask ourselves if that picture is reflected in the Bride Valley. Are our churches growing? In the thirty odd years that I have lived here, St. Mary's Burton Bradstock has been sustained largely by 'transfer growth' - committed Christians who have retired here from parishes in other places. Our gain has been their loss. Of course we are pleased to have them, and may this long continue! But should that be the end of the story? I think not.

 

St. Matthew spells out for us, that we should all be co-operating with God in helping people to discover and respond to the good news about Jesus, through prayer, lifestyle, conversation and concern.

 

No one would deny that we need to reach young families, and through them to the children. Fortunately, we have in the Bride Valley a few young families who are committed Christians. They need all the prayer, support and encouragement that we can give them; they are the best ambassadors we've got. It is not just for our PCC's to ask themselves whether we are providing that prayer, support and encouragement.

 

We can of course, maintain the status quo, not do anything controversial, not rock the boat by trying out too many new ideas. We can kill very quickly new initiatives and opt for the quiet life. My guess is that Jesus would prefer us to be a group of 'mission-shaped' churches in the Bride Valley.

 

A new page is about to be presented to the Bride Valley with the appointment of the Rev'd. Bob Thorn as Rector. What will we write upon it? It is certain that Bob will have his own vision of how best to take our churches forward, but I would hazard a guess that 'growth' will be on the agenda. Whatever that agenda turns out to be, us pew-dwellers need to ask ourselves whether we are going to be a help or hindrance.                                                                                                                    Mike Read