Bride Valley News

FROM THE CLERGY

One hot summer's evening in the late sixties Anna and I stopped off for a bowl of spaghetti in West London on our way home to Wiltshire. Exceptionally in the capital at this time, there were tables out on the pavement, and we sat out enjoying our increasingly polluted pasta and watching the world go by. And it did go by! This was a Sunday evening, yet people were out en masse, and none too quiet about it either. A policeman walked by and commented "It's the hot nights when the boys and girls come out to play." How wise, and obvious when you think about it, but we'd never thought about it.

In the news on the hot nights of this summer have been Oldham, Accrington, Burnley, Bradford, and sadly probably more before this article gets into your living rooms (I hope it gets that far!). But no, these apparently racist riots are not confined to the north; they are recurring all over the country, but not to such a newsworthy extent. London, Bristol, with disturbances even in Axminster and Bridport, all brought on by a combination of many factors, particularly heat, cultural differences, and ignorance, with hearty helpings of alcohol, poverty and politics.

It seems to me that perhaps the biggest problem is being different in some way from others, and people cannot help noticing differences. Have you noticed that if somebody has a particularly large spot on his or her face, you can't help staring at it? And have you noticed that when you have a particularly large spot on your face, others stare at it? People notice too different skin colour, or a physical disability, or odd clothes, or an unusual personality, or a different language, and so on. Unfortunately our animal origins tend to make us suspicious of differences at best, and rejecting of it at worst. Noticing turns comment into teasing, even into abuse and violence and murder. This is what can happen when boys and girls come out to play because they have followed basic instincts, and have not been able to stop and think about their actions.

We, though, are not animal, we are human. God has given us minds to think with; most of the time we don't have to do what we feel compelled to. Perhaps you feel compelled to reject this article! You don't have to: think about it!

Anthony Ashwell

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Valley Notes

Blood Donors

Thinking about being stared at (see "From the Clergy" article) I go to give blood in Dorchester every four months or so. This really is a painless (but slightly time consuming) way of loving one's neighbour, who in this case will never be known. If I appear at their sessions in my clerical collar I'm really stared at (I'm used to this now), which is odd because aren't clergy about helping to save lives anyway? Do think about being a donor.

Anthony Ashwell

REPORT ON OPEN QUIET DAY at OTHONA on JULY 5TH

The Revd. Helena McKinnon, a chaplin to Bristol University students, led our Guild of Health's Meditation and Prayer Group's annual Quiet Day with gentleness and inspiration.

There were forty of us, and we felt bathed in God's love. He loves us with passion, and we receive this at all levels of feeling: in our hearts, our guts, our souls, our minds. We need to recover the knowledge of our own uniqueness, our likeness to God; we need to recapture the nature of the sacred in this busy and muddled world, to 'stand and stare', to be and not only to do; we need to make sacred the meeting between people.

With our minds we need to seek wisdom and not just be clever, and we are blessed to want to thirst after the spiritual in all things. We are, in fact, on a journey, and it is this journey which is the place of discovery. We are at all times in touch with the eternal: the past is the past, the future is dreams - but we are given the NOW, and the gift of living fully with heart, soul, mind and strength right now.

Thank you, Helena. And thank you everyone at Othona for the welcome, the soup, the beauty of the place and the space to be truly quiet. What a jewel we have in the Bride Valley!

Burton Bradstock School

"There but for the Grace of God"

Eighteen years ago, whilst on a residential visit to Cornwall, I was one of a group of Staff and children exploring coastal rock pools on a calm day when I gradually became aware of a rumbling sound. Turning towards the sea I was literally frozen to the spot by the sight of a huge breaking wave bearing down on us. The wave swept up the beach to within inches of a group of children and their teacher. It was totally unexpected and no one could adequately explain where it had come from. Had we been a little further down the beach the results could have been tragic.

Over the Summer Term all of our children from 6 years old upwards have been on residential visits. Every year our Y.2's have a gentle introduction to the experience by spending two nights at the well-organised and secure Hooke Court residential centre. Our younger juniors use Leeson House in East Dorset to explore environmental studies, and our older juniors alternate annually between a four night Dartmoor residential and two nights in central London.

To enable this to happen all of my teaching and many non-teaching staff and other volunteers are prepared to accept the responsibility of caring for the single most precious thing that my parents own, something that it is simply impossible to put a price on, their child.

This responsibility is simply awesome and can only be accepted with the full trust of the parents. We strive to achieve that through the rigorous checks and balances we put into these residentials.

Following the seemingly inevitable headlines again this year about tragedy and loss on school visits, many of you may ask WHY? We are not required to run these trips. In fact we are not required to do much more than teach the prescribed curriculum from 9.00 a.m. - 3.20 p.m., but most teachers have a burning desire to develop to the best of their ability the full potential of each child. This includes nurturing and guiding the children's need to gain greater independence as they grow older and their ability to co-exist collaboratively with each other.

Good parents understand their role in this process but it is emotionally difficult to push your own child away. Burton Bradstock School residential trips provide a safe structure within which children can explore these issues whilst also having wonderful and stimulating learning opportunities. I shall continue to promote and support the running of residential visits within the strict safety guidelines laid down by my school governors, the L.E.A. and the government. There will always be the potential for an accident, just as there is at home or in school, but we cannot sterilise our children against this by surrounding them in cotton wool. Calculated risk taking is part of life.

When each class returns from their visit we offer a prayer of thanks for their safe return.

Best Wishes

David Powell

Lucky 100 Club Winners

£ 5 Mrs G Heal

Thorner's School, Litton Cheney

The summer holidays are here with us again, but that also means that we have said goodbye to a number of our pupils. This year we have had to say cheerio to one of the biggest, if not the biggest cohort to go through Thorner's in recent times: 22 year 6 children, (too many to name individually), all of whom are going to Sir John Colfox School in September. A number of these children have been at Thorner's since they started school, so they know one another well. In the past seven years they have become familiar with their surroundings and gained in confidence both academically and socially. Others, seven in fact, have joined the school as I arrived, or since I started two years ago. It is not always easy to fit in with new people and new ways, sometimes having moved home, leaving friends behind. They will now be moving on to a much larger school and experiencing new areas of the curriculum, coming into contact with more teachers and possibly meeting up with 'old friends'. We wish you all the best as you embark on the next educational steps towards your future. Don't forget us! To those of you who have already made the transition, remember what it felt like and be sympathetic.

There are others who will be leaving us too, some to move to other schools or take up different challenges, wherever you go, good luck!

This term sees us saying farewell, but not goodbye, to Daphne Hawkins as she retires to spend more time with her family. We have persuaded her to keep in touch and hopefully we will have many visits from her and possibly her 'Pat' dogs in the coming years. It is an end of an era as she has been part of Thorner's for some considerable time, encouraging and cajoling pupils to achieve the best that they can, with a sympathetic yet firm manner. Her calmness and quiet efficiency will be missed.

To everyone we hope that you have a pleasant summer and come back refreshed and ready to start anew.

Alison Johnstone

Headteacher

Cream Teas will be served in the "Garden by the Sea " - Bethany, 7 Hammonds Mead, Charmouth, on Wednesday 8th August ( Not 1st August as printed in last month's B.V.N. ) from 3.00 - 5.00 pm. There will also be a craft stall. Everyone welcome. The proceeds will go to the Bible Society.

Bridport & District Bible Society Action Group

The Dorset Historic Churches Trust Annual Sponsored Cycle Ride

Saturday 8th September 2001

If you enjoy cycling and would like to help raise some money for your own church as well as helping to preserve many other churches, why not take part in this Sponsored Cycle Ride?

Although hundreds of cyclists take part in this Ride, it is a very individual event. You can visit as many (or as few) churches as you wish, any time between 10.00am and 6.00pm on Saturday 8th September, 2001. Half of your sponsorship money is raised for your own nominated church and the other half goes to the Dorset Historic Churches Trust which provides financial support to churches in need.

Contact your local Parish Organiser for more details.

Burton Bradstock and Chilcombe: Mr. Howard Bongers 01308 898029

Little Bredy: Sir Philip Williams 01308 482232

Puncknowle: Miss A Roberts 01308 897716

Swyre & Long Bredy: The Rev'd A Ashwell 01308 482302

Litton Cheney: Mr F Spicer 01308 482617

Shipton Gorge: Mr A Smith

Reminder

The Wessex Chamber Ensemble, will be giving a string quartet concert in St. Martin's Church, Shipton Gorge on Saturday, August 4th at 7.30 p.m. All the proceeds from this event will go towards the 'New Scout Hut' Appeal. The programme includes the popular Adagio for Organ & Strings by Albinoni, an aria from a Handel opera & two string quartets - Quartet in D Major Op.76 No. 5 by Joseph Haydn and Quartet in F Major Op. 96 by Antonin Dvorák.

Admission is by programmes, price £4 (including a glass of wine). These are available from Brian & Janet Lane (897241 ), or at the door. Brian & Janet Lane

PIANO RECITAL - MISS MADALINA RUSU

The young Romanian pianist, who visited us in 1999, will give a recital in the WI Hall, Burton Bradstock, at 7.30pm on Thursday 9th August. Programme will include works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Liszt, Rachmaninov and Enescu. Tickets and programme £4 at the door. All proceeds will go towards Maddie's studies.

If you are unable to attend on 9th August, her recital will be repeated at St. Mary's Church, Beaminster, on Friday 10th August at 7.30pm.

And another note for your diary ....... on Friday 31st August, 7.30pm, WI Hall Burton Bradstock, a recital given by Ionut Ulita (piano) and Ioana Peteu (cello) - watch out for the posters!

21st Burton Bradstock Festival

The festival this year will be on 9th to 11th August and as usual in St Mary's church. The concerts will be given on Thursday 9th August at 12-45 p.m., Friday 10th August at 7-30 p.m. and Saturday 11th August at 7-30 p.m. There will be no concert on Thursday evening as the Romanian pianist Madalina Rusu will be giving a recital in the W.I.Hall.

Performing at the festival concerts will be the London Festival Players and Counterpoint with soloists David Juritz (violin), Neil Black (oboe), Colin Bradbury (clarinet), Hilary Kenway (soprano), Mary Ryan (flute), David Mason (trumpet) and Hubert Dawkes (keyboard). The programmes will include music by Bach, Charpentier, Grieg, Handel, Mozart, Monteverdi and Weber.

Tickets are on sale from the Post Office, Burton Bradstock; The Book Shop, South Street, Bridport or from Mary Ryan, The Rookery, Burton Bradstock. Applications for tickets to The Rookery should include a stamped addressed envelope. Ticket prices for the evening concerts are £7-50 and £5-00, for the lunchtime concert £5-00 and season tickets are £18-00.

Ann and Mike Read

There are further details of the Burton Bradstock Festival in STOP PRESS on Page 27

BARN DANCE

A Barn Dance will be held at the Burton Bradstock WI Hall on Tuesday 21st August from 8-11 p.m. Families welcome. Admission £3 adults and £2 children. All proceeds to go to the Joseph Weld Hospice. For more details tel.01308 897650 or 07956 180258.

Jenny Taylor

Thank you to everyone who supported the Bride Valley Brownies Bring-and-Buy Sale on 4th July. £122.27 was raised for A.I.O.S Orphans in Africa.

H.Fox. Tel.482501

There will be another chance to visit the gardens at Manor Farm on Thursday 16th August, when Cream Teas will be served during the afternoon in aid of Cancer Research.

Tel. Burton Bradstock 897196

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY STREET FAIR at BURTON BRADSTOCK

Monday 27th August from 2.00pm on The Green by the church. Cream teas, stalls & games, new - to - you fashions, produce, fun for ALL ages.

Ladybirds

The Ladybirds are having their summer break so their next meeting is in September.

Alzheimer's Society - Bridport Branch

The Branch would like to thank all those who helped on the day, donated items for the various stalls or supported the event on the occasion of the Annual Garden Party held on July 5th. The total raised, including donations, was £833.36, which, after deducting expenses, came to £790.12 for the Society. Special thanks to our Rector and Pam for the use of their garden. Basil Dent

Askerswell Church Flower Festival Saturday & Sunday 1st & 2nd September 11.00 am - 6.00 pm

In aid of Church Funds

R.B.L. Women's Section

R.B.L.Women's Section will be holding their Summer Sale on Thursday 16th August in the W.I. Hall, Burton Bradstock from 2.00 - 4.00pm. There will be cakes for sale, stalls, a raffle and refreshments. Admission is free; items for sale will be gratefully received.

Mrs.Elizabeth Gale will conduct a 'Village Walk' on Tuesday 21st August, commencing at 2.00pm. The walk will last approximately 2 hours.

BRIDPORT OPEN STUDIOS 2001 25, 26, 27 August 2001

Includes artists living and working in the Bride Valley.

Over 50 venues to visit, including the Open Art Exhibition at Bridport Arts Centre and 'Art on the Walls' of Bridport Community Hospital and 60 artists and craftspeople, who live and work in Bridport and the surrounding villages, invite visitors into their studios, workshops and homes to view the outstanding range and quality of art and crafts being produced in this small area of West Dorset.

Free guide booklets are available from local arts centres, libraries and tourist information centres. There will be displays showing details and photos of work by all the artists taking part in Bridport Arts Centre and Bridport Town library the week before the Bank Holiday Weekend.

In the Bride Valley, John Hubbard will be opening his studio at Chilcombe to view prints and drawings made over the last 25 years; in Litton Cheney, Mary Court will be showing her vibrant Expressionist Paintings. Jasper Shackleton of Top Parts, Little Bredy is opening his workshop to show his remarkable furniture with decorative inlays. Brian Cocks at West Bexington will be showing his powerful paintings of the sea and skies over Chesil Beach. Tim Sage, who lives in Long Bredy, will be sharing a venue in Bridport this year to show his lively pastel life drawings.

I think that this promises to be a very exciting event this year, with almost twice as many artists as last year, with something for everyone's taste and an attraction for local people and visitors alike.

Caroline Ireland (458942 )

SERVICES FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE

Special services are being held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 3.30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, Walditch for people who have a hearing loss. The services are taken by the Chaplain for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, the Reverend Peter Aves.

Full communication support is given including a loop system, so nobody should miss anything that is going on.

Please feel free to join us on any of these Sundays where you will be assured of a warm welcome.

For more information please give me a ring on 01308 897543 Mags Chue

Not hearing the T.V. as well as you used to?

Feeling left out in social gatherings?

Maybe you have joined the 1 in 5 people who have some degree of hearing loss.

Don't wait until it gets worse; come along and join the lip-reading class and learn how to cope in these sort of situations. Meet new friends, learn a new skill and, more importantly, have fun.

Classes are held at the The Adult Education Centre, St. Andrews Road, Bridport on Tuesday afternoons from 2.00p.m. - 4.00p.m., starting Tuesday 18th September.

The course runs for 33 weeks and the cost is £5.00

For more information please ring Mags Chue on 01308 897543 or the Adult Education Centre on 01305 251400

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BURTON BRADSTOCK

Village Correspondent Mr Basil Dent

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

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Thought for the Month

NEWS OF THE MONTH FROM "GOOD BOOKS"

By the time this issue is published we will have taken part in the "Great Dorset Churches Roadshow", with many, many other people and groups concerned with the life of Churches Together in Dorset. Pilsdon was invited, Mediation Dorset was invited, and we felt honoured to have been asked also. Although we always have to be concerned about being professional, we have great trust that we fulfil a real need in the Christian, and local community.

We feel privileged, too, to be recommending a book this month which will surely ring a bell with many readers. Edna Hunneyset, a mother of 8, and a grandmother, has written a personal account of her "year of hell" in helping her teenage daughter face serious mental illness. The book, "Carers in the Community: Why have you forsaken me?" shows what she describes as the gap in help for carers like herself from both the State and even the Churches. This book is £12.95; we feel that in supplying books like this we are fulfilling our vocation in the community.

More happily, another side to our mission in the community, we are giving for the first time in recent years, a Children's Holiday Morning on Wednesday, 8th August, from 10am to 12 noon. We do hope that many Mums and Grannies will pop in with children of all age groups that day, for squash and biscuits. There will be colouring books around to be used, many activity and small gift books at sale prices, sparky music to dance to, and quiet music to sit with. You are always warmly welcome at Good Books, St Mary's Old School, Gundry Lane, Bridport.

Do note our telephone number which, despite special notice, is incorrect in the Telephone Directory: 01308 420 483.

Come and discover Hardy Country!

If, like me, you have lived in Dorset for all, or most of your life, then you may be unaware of some of the fantastic history which lies beneath your fingertips. Since working in a Tourist Information Centre, it has been vital not only to know present day facts but also to have a basic knowledge of the past: when working in Dorchester, Thomas Hardy is a strong feature.

I'm not one for reading books, I need practical information, so I decided one Monday morning to head off on Alistair Chisholm's Thomas Hardy Explorer. It's fun, friendly and you learn so much about Dorchester, or Casterbridge as it was called in Hardy times. Along the journey, there are readings from a selection of Hardy's poems and stories, which add a real atmosphere. Alistair provides a valuable and humorous commentary along the way, pointing out all the not-to-be-missed sights.

The first visit is to Thomas Hardy's Cottage set in the idyllic location of Higher Bockhampton. For a small fee of £2.60 you can venture inside the cottage, steeped in history, to see where he and his family lived. After leaving Hardy's Cottage, you travel around in Alistair's fantastic bus through small villages to discover more of Hardy Country.

There is a coffee stop in the village of West Stafford and after this it is off to Stinsford Church where the Hardy family is buried. This is where Thomas Hardy's heart was laid to rest.

You get a glimpse of Max Gate - another of Hardy's residences. Then it's back to Dorchester.

I hope what I have written has whetted your appetite to discover Hardy Country for yourself. Remember, there was not just one Thomas Hardy, there were three. To discover who they were I strongly advise you to book a place on Alistair's tour. Alistair is a registered Blue Badge Guide and it is an experience not to be missed.

For further information and more details contact Dorchester Tourist Information Office.

Jennie Talbot

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Editors: John & Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ