FROM THE CLERGY            

From The Rector

Today I am bamboozled and cross. There are clouds over the Rectory and most of them are me being grumpy.

For once in my life I am taking Politics (with a big P, you will note) personally, and it is intensely annoy­ing. I will be told quite rightly that a Parish newsletter is no place for the Rector to vent his politic vent, but I am so wound up about this particular thing that I cannot do the "Isn't it lovely to live here by the coast, and let's be especially nice to the visitors this summer" type of letter.

Instead I am sounding off about the Butler report, which by the time you read this will have been forgotten weeks ago, but which as I write has just been published. It was, you may recall, to do with intelligence assessments about weapons of mass destruction, which assessments were a big part of the justification for our invasion of Iraq.

I can well understand how it is that we went to war with Iraq on the basis of information that was mistak­en. There is nothing new in countries going to war accidentally or by mistake. What I cannot understand in this report is how, in the making of this mistaken information, nobody anywhere made a mistake.

The information was as untrue as it was possible for it to be, but everybody, we are told, was dutifully telling the truth all the time.

The information was wrong, but nobody got it wrong, far from it; everybody is whiter than white; spectac­ularly innocent, and triumphantly in the right. And nobody seems to be in the least bit ashamed of this bare faced embarrassment, apart from everybody I have spoken to about it this morning, and they are all as bamboozled as I am.

I am embarrassed for my country, which by now must be a laughing stock. We couldn't find the truth about W.M.D. and we now can't find the truth about how we couldn't find the truth. "Ils sont fous, ces Anglais" as Obelix so pungently observed, if the cartoon records of the time are to be trusted, when Asterix the Gaul visited England some time after the Roman invasion.

And I am really annoyed at the barest hint of a suspicion that I am so uncaring about my good name, and what is done on its behalf, that I will let this go as one of those things that just happens in the land of Politics (and aren't they all the same, and why should I bother to vote?)

And what really, really annoys me in my very own born again ardour for the truth, is that I would be much better off spending my time turning my outrage and confusion upon the way I live; the deliberate igno­rance, and the mealy mouthed self justification with which I declare myself to be exonerated of all blame.

God is truth. He has given us his Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. And here am I with a log stuck in my eye, squinting through the tears at the shadows of faults that look disturbingly like my own. No wonder I am feeling confused, and grumpy on what is otherwise, allegedly, a lovely day.

Yours in green ink.

Bob.

Holy Baptism

Hannah Kay Sale on 2^nd July 2004 at St Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock.  A beautiful daughter for Philip and Louise. 

Jacob Patrick Maltby on 8^th July 2004 at St Peter's Church, Long Bredy.

Jacob didn't even cry when big brother Gabriel 'dried' his head. 

Holy Matrimony

Andrew Wallis and Joanna Franklin on 12^th June 2004 at St Mary's Church, Litton Cheney. 

Thomas Fooks and Tracey Buckland on 10^th July 2004 also at St Mary's Church, Litton Cheney. 

Our congratulations and warmest thoughts to both couples. 

Burial of Ashes

Charles Brian McShane on 8^th July 2004 in the superbly renovated Garden of Remembrance at Litton Cheney. 

United Family Service Littlebredy Sunday 29^th August

One of the pictures used to describe the Church in the New Testament of our Bibles is a body, a body which is coordinated and working well. In the Bride Valley we have seven churches, or congregations, each with its part to play in making up the body of the Church on earth.

To press the picture a little further it is helpful when congregations come together in worship together and work in unity like a body. We have a wonderful opportunity for this in the Bride Valley on Sunday 29th August. It is a 5th Sunday and as has been agreed by Anthony the Thursday Fellowship Group is to lead a united service for the churches of the Bride Valley. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to work and worship together.

The service will be at 11.00am in St Michael & All Angels, Littlebredy, and will be followed by a picnic (please bring your own!) by the lake.

You might like to take a part or find out more. If so please phone Paul . Most of all we hope that lots will be there joining our congregations together in worship.

From the Holiday Club Team:-

The team is having a holiday this summer, but we will be back next summer, 2005. See you there!

The Bride Valley (Thursday) Fellowship Group

There will be no meetings in August; the next one will be on 9th September 2004

Bride Valley (Wednesday) Bible Study Group

There will be no meetings in August, the next one will be on 8th September 2004

Thanks

Each month over 1,500 copies, packed in suitably labelled boxes, are collected from Creeds the Printers in Broad Oak and delivered to seven venues throughout the Bride Valley. After over ten years of being involved with this important task Geoff and Betty Shepherd of Shipton Gorge are now retiring through ill health. We would like to thank them on behalf of all readers of the B.V.N for their willing help.                                                                                             Sheila and Geoff Spencer-Smith

..and our huge thanks to Sheila and Geoff for the faithful, dedicated and efficient work they do to enable the distribution of the BVN to run as smoothly as it does.                                                                           Ed.

Men's Hats!

Do you have a deerstalker and/or other men's hats, e.g. top hat, bowler, flat cap, that you might lend us for 'Celebrity' disguises at Sidney Gale House?  We would take great care of them.  If so, please telephone Anna Ashwell on 01308 482302. 

Bride Valley Scout Hut Appeal

At an Extraordinary Committee Meeting a decision was taken not to proceed with the lottery application for a new hut.  Alternative rented premises have been secured for the time being.  We plan to use the money raised for the new scout hut to secure the future of the Bride Valley Scout Group in general. 

If you would like further information about this decision please write to the group secretary at the address below by the 31^st October 2004.  

Bride Valley Scout Group

c/o Myrtle Cottage, Looke Lane, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BD

Burton Bradstock CE VC School

August is an appropriate time to reflect upon the past academic year and take a breather before starting all over again.  We've said fond farewells to Year 6 children who will hopefully take with them happy memories of school.  These will no doubt include thoughts of Sports Day brought to an early finish by rain, the fun time we had on the Dartmoor trip and their final leavers' service in church, full of its usual mix of emotions.  We also said goodbye to Louise Brine who is moving to be near her 'roots' back in Surrey.  We are grateful for all that she has contributed to the school in the past year.

There is one particular group of people who I feel really sorry for at this time of the summer - all those youngsters who have taken GCSE and A-Level exams.  Why?  Well, have you noticed the way in which the media latch onto the examination results and 'interpret' them?  If they are lower than last year there is the inevitable, "Standards are slipping!"  On the other hand, if results rise then we are told, "The exams are getting easier."  It's about time they gave us all a break and accepted the fact that some years will be better than others, but above all give the youngsters of today some credit for the hard work they manage to sustain throughout the two years of the courses.  The modern blend of course work and examinations means that consistent effort is needed rather than simply cramming in information at the last minute before an exam.  There, I've said my piece and feel a lot better now. 

Having negotiated Ofsted in the spring it's nice to feel that the future looks brighter, that every cloud has a silver lining, and as one reasonably famous literacy-not-a-strong-point footballer once said, "There's a carrot at the end of the tunnel."  As for the future I wonder what lay in store for schools? Is it 'light' at the end of the tunnel, or perhaps a 'carrot'?  No one mentioned carrots at the meeting I attended about Job Evaluation the other day.  It often feels that it's the Ofsted sticks that dominate.  It's intriguing to think that someone, somewhere in Department for Education and Skills, is probably plotting the Baldrick model of school improvement at this very moment.  "Minister, I have another cunning plan!"  Possibly a conversation something like this:

"Do you realise Humphrey that it's over three weeks since we last sent a glossy red video information pack out to schools?"

"Is it really that long ago?  We'd better think of something else quick.  Got any ideas?  We don't want the Minister to think we're slacking."

"Well, I hear that some of our most illustrious musicians are rather concerned at the state of music in schools.  Perhaps we could encourage as many children as possible to learn a musical instrument?"

"Great idea!  But surely it will cost money and how will it work?"

"Don't know exactly, but don't worry, the schools can sort out the details.  I'll just nip along to the Treasury while you organise a slightly different press release for each newspaper.  You know, the usual ambiguous stuff.  With any luck it'll be out in time to spoil their holidays but if that fails we'll fall back on the 'Let's get back to tradition' line."

One would hope that the education system is somewhat more refined than this, yet with the range of 'initiatives' that come our way we could be forgiven for erring on the side of cynical. 

As for the coming year whether it's sticks or carrots, we shall do our best to make sense of it all and as a church school we'll try to walk 'in the light'.

Mark Stratta.

100 Club

June Winners were:

            £20      M. Barrett

            £10      H. Thomson

             £5       J. Bowles

Thorner's CE VA Primary School

There is no report this month.

Litton Cheney Youth Club meets on Tuesday evenings, during term time, for those between 8 and 17 years in Litton Cheney and the surrounding villages.  The Club will have a break during August before restarting in September.  For information contact Paul Kingston 482384.

First Steps Parent and Toddler Group:  With the holidays coming up, our final session of the term will be at Long Bredy Village Hall on Wednesday 21^st July, therefore no session on 28^th July.  The Autumn Term will begin on Wednesday 1^st September at Long Bredy Village Hall, 10am till 12noon. Terry Harrison the Health Visitor will be coming to the first session of each month for baby-weighing, advice etc. 

A big thank-you to Jim and Sarah Wilde for allowing us to use the games room at Puncknowle Manor once a month - your kindness was very much appreciated.  Weather permitting, we may have one to two informal meetings in the holidays, eg. the beach or Poundbury playground. For further details, please contact:  Bridget (Burton Bradstock) 898600, or Jo (Litton Cheney) 482346, or Julie (Puncknowle) 897178, or Rachel (Long Bredy & Kingston Russell) 482246.

Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup

July was another busy month with our visits to school for pre-schoolers, who we said good bye to at the end of term during our Picnic in the Park. They were Wilf, Kieran, Jack, Hattie and Francesca who are going to Thorners, as well as Edmund who is going to Winterbourne Abbas school and Daniel who is moving house to Bradford Peverell with his family - they received presents and scrapbooks of their time at Fledglings. Before that we all went on an outing to Kingston Maurward, again taking a picnic with us for lunch. Other visitors came to see us in the hall - thanks to Debbie our dental health lady with her Hilary the Hippo puppet, and to Hattie the Clown (otherwise known as Sue Brown) who produced the most enormous bubbles we have ever seen and did some MAGIC!!  It was fun.

Our big Fun Night fundraiser will have happened by the time you read this. Stalls included Face Painting, Pick-a-lolly, Lucky Dip, Spinner, Toy Tombola as well as Raffle Draw, Whisky Draw, and Guess the Weight of the Horseshoe! Two guest stalls were children's clothing by Sam E. from Weymouth and Body Shop by Kelly Golding, who gave mini hand treatments. Thanks again to all who helped in any way.  More about this next time.  Our Summer Quiz of general knowledge questions is now on sale at the CROWN, Puncknowle, the White Horse in Litton Cheney, Burton Post Office, Dorchester and Bridport T.I.C.'s and cost £1 each. First prize is £20 - these quizzes are getting very popular so have a go - all profits go towards the running of the playgroup.     

In September we will be saying "Hello" to Gabriel Maltby who will be officially joining playgroup plus a few more new little faces, who will help us start all over again.

Our sponsored Trike Ride raised £149.05 - absolutely marvellous - many thanks to all who paid up!!

 Carol Bennett  (Playleader)  01308   897771

Burton Bradstock Players

We will once again be holding a series of informal PLAYREADING evenings in the autumn.   These evenings are great fun and you will not be asked to 'do' anything, except read a part if you want to - and you can come just to listen if you wish!   If you have not been before, do come along - everyone is welcome.  These are not being held with a view to production!   Dates will be:   Wednesdays - 15^th, 22^nd & 29^th September, Tuesday 5^th & Wednesday 13^th October - at 7.30 p.m. in the Reading Room, Burton Bradstock.                                       D.Ekins

24^th BURTON BRADSTOCK FESTIVAL

St MARY'S CHURCH

Thursday 19^th August at 12-30pm

        ORGAN RECITAL by Simon Lindley

Programme to be announced

Friday 20^th August at 7-30 pm

          The London Festival Players

                   Leader David Juritz

          Programme includes:  Quartet in C "The Dissonance"- Mozart,

Rondo for cello and piano - Dvorak and Oboe quartet in F - Mozart.

Saturday 21^st August at 7-30pm

                The London Festival Players

                   with Hilary Kenway (soprano)

          Programme includes: Concerto for two oboes - Albinoni, Adagio and Rondo for piano and ensemble - Mozart and Concerto for two violins - Bach.

TICKETS

          EVENING CONCERTS       20^th and 21^st August

                        Tickets (numbered) for each concert

                                    Unrestricted view   £9

                                    Restricted view       £6

                   Season ticket for both concerts   £16

            ORGAN RECITAL                19^th August

                   Tickets (un-numbered)       £5

Available from BURTON BRADSTOCK POST OFFICE

or at door for all concerts.

GREAT SPONSORED CYCLE RIDE

10.00 am - 6.00 pm

Saturday 11th September, 2004

Cycle or walk around some of Dorset's churches and chapels to raise money for the church of your choice and for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust.

Charity Commission Registered Number 282790

Over £35,500 was raised by the Cycle Ride last year and half of this was returned to parishes immediately. The Trust has been able to help churches (of all denominations) in Dorset with grants and loans for repairs and it is essential that this work can continue. Rarely is a request turned down.

Those who take part, on a bicycle, on foot, in a wheelchair or indeed on a horse, will be helping to raise money not only for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust, but also the church of their choice. The great thing about this sponsored ride is that it is very flexible - you can visit as many (or as few) churches and chapels as you wish and start and finish at your choice of times. Those unable to take part in the actual ride can help out by staffing their local church to welcome visiting cyclists and if that is impossible, anyone can be a sponsor! So there really is a part for the whole community to play.

Organisers  ( from whom Sponsorship forms may be obtained ) are as follows:- 
            Burton Bradstock  Howard Bongers 898029

                          Littlebredy            Sir Philip Williams

                        Puncknowle             Ann Roberts   897716

Litton Cheney Social Committee's monthly walk usually takes place on the 3^rd Saturday of each month (weather permitting).  For further details please read the Litton notes.  Everyone very welcome.

Open Day - 22 August

An opportunity for local people to visit both Tamarisk Farm and 'Peppers by Post' at West Bexington.  Everybody welcome.  For full details see the full page advert in this month's BVN.

Litton Cheney Social Committee's monthly walk usually takes place on the 3^rd Saturday of each month (weather permitting).  For further details please read the Litton notes.  Everyone very welcome.

Bride Valley Gardening Club

As I write this we are still 6 days away from our Annual Mini Show (to be held on July^- 11th) so I am obviously unable to publish winners. I'm sure they know who they are by now and are proudly displaying their new cups and having great fun spending the money prizes! Winning is not important really - entering and enjoying the day is!

Third and final reminder of another outing Pam is arranging for September 9th - as before to Stanbridge Mill, Nr. Wimborne;  this was mentioned in BVN  last month and members have already received a letter re this. Please ring Pam on 01308 897267 for more details.

Norma Millard     Club Secretary 897774.

 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.

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Choir Practices                       Fridays at 6.00 p.m.

Bell Ringing Practices           Thursdays at 7.00pm

Gift Sunday                            8^th August      Visible Communications

The next Service of Prayer for Healing at St Mary's will be held on Monday  9^th August at 7.00pm.

Tiny Tots / Pram Service      There is no service in August.          

Sunday Services for September

Discussions and negotiations between representatives of all the Bride Valley Churches will have taken place on 16^th July, too late to be reported on here. 

Because my new duties as Rural Dean will be taking me out of the Valley for two Sundays (mornings) per month, a new Sunday pattern of Services for the Valley will need to be put in place from this September. 

At this stage, it looks as though Burton Bradstock will retain all its Services but the time of the Family Service may change.  Next month's BVN will make all clear.                                                     Anthony Ashwell

Church Fete

Items for the following stalls may be left with the following persons:-

Filled Jars (value 50p) - contact Joyce Tillman - 897040

Baby Goods - contact Margaret Ackland - 897872

Bottle Tombola - contact Kate & Bernard Chennells - 897066

Fancy Goods - contact Joan Gillet - 897656

Cards & Crafts - contact Jane Stubbs - 898002

Plants - contact Wynne Hughes

Garden Produce - contact Tom Holmes - 897046

Cakes & Preserves - contact Shirley Gilbert - 897385

Grand Draw prizes and donations for the Food & Drink Hamper - contact Lesley Dove - 897695

Any other donations - contact Peter Colbert - 897922

If you could help with the setting up (on Wednesday evening) and the clearing up (Thursday from 5.00pm) then please contact Tom Holmes on 897046.  Thank you. 

GREAT SPONSORED CYCLE RIDE

10.00 am - 6.00 pm

Saturday 11th September 2004

Sponsorship forms may be obtained from Howard Bongers  898029.

See Page 10 for further details

Burton Bradstock Women's Institute

Despite a rare and delightful sunny evening, the July meeting was well attended and members heard an interesting talk on stress relief through exercise given by Mrs. P Grier. At the end of the talk Mrs. Grier asked the whole group to close their eyes and relax every bit of themselves while listening to soothing music....... Luckily a cup of tea woke us all up!

Mrs. Cook from West Bay WI reported on her trip to the WI AGM in Sheffield, on June 9th, of the three resolutions discussed, charities Fairtrade and Child line were endorsed but Air Ambulance was not.

A Safari supper organised on June 22nd was declared a big success and another will be arranged in the future. On July 8th thirteen members braved a long coach journey to go to Hampton Court Flower Show. The show had closed early the day before due to appalling weather; our group were more fortunate and only encountered the odd shower.

Looking ahead, there will be a members' coffee morning at the Hall on September 9^th, a coach outing to Sidmouth on September 15th, an art day on October 27th and a theatre trip to see "Blood Brothers" in November.

Flower of the month was won by Mary Bailey who exhibited a beautiful passion flower.

There is no meeting in August, the next is on September 14th with a talk entitled "China - ­not just a wall" given by Mrs. C Shaw.

Dorset Police Community Support Unit

The next visit of the above unit will be on Friday 6^th August from 10.00am to 12 noon and again on Friday  3^rd September.  The vehicle will be located near the gates of the Rectory Garden or if unable to park there, it will be in the bus lay-by opposite The Three Horseshoes car park.                                                                                             Freddy Tame

Adopt a footpath

It is proposed to try and re-introduce in Burton a scheme which operated well, many years ago, whereby individuals or organisations undertake to provide T.L.C. to one of the many footpaths which traverse our village. It is a way of trying to ensure that any identified work is effectively carried out.

The person who will be co-ordinating this will be the footpath officer, Dr. Tony Smith 01308 897020.

The saying that many hands make light work is very relevant here; the Parish Council would be very grateful for your support for any help you can give.

Burton Bradstock Parish Council

Village Clean Up: Saturday 4^th September 10.00am

First of all thanks to everyone who helped at the last "clean up," but we do need another one. Are you able to come to the Reading Room on the 4^th September to help? We start at 10.00am and refreshments will be available at 12 noon. Come along and help; gloves and rubbish bags will be available.

Fly-tipping

Just a reminder to parishioners that garden waste should be taken to the Waste Disposal Site, rather than left for the refuse collectors to pick up.                                           Fel Moore    Clerk to the Parish Council

Gentle Introduction to Computing

This 4 session course is available to any beginners who would like to take their first steps in using a computer or people who would like to build up confidence.  It will cover all basics to get even the most ardent technophobes started and will soon have you creating pictures and posters with flair. 

The sessions will run from Thursday 9^th to Thursday 30^th September 9.30am - 11.00am.  The total cost for the course will be £10 and after booking cheques need to be made payable to 'Burton Bradstock Website Committee'.

Bookings can be made by e-mailing Karen Venn on venn@boltblue.com or phoning 01308 897094 between 5pm and 7pm weekday evenings.

The Royal British Legion Women's Section

The Cream Tea held at Manor Farm on 27^th June was a great success. Many thanks go to all who supported us and sent donations and special thanks to all the non-members who gave so generously of their time. We raised the wonderful sum of £784.                               Greta Heal  Hon. Sec.

Burton Bradstock Village Society Annual Show

Our congratulations go to the organisers of the Show and to all the prize winners, indeed to everyone who entered and who struggled to provide such an impressive display after having battled with such unseasonable weather. We publish below Jenny Payne's prize-winning entry in the Poetry Class.

Rebecca (Becky) Kendall       17/12/16 - 31/05/04

Becky's family would like to thank everyone for all the love and kindness shown to her during the 7 very happy years she spent in Burton Bradstock and especially during the last 6 months.   Thank you for the cards, messages and generous donations, in her memory, to Cancer Research UK.                                                                                 June Fox

Maurice Youngs

Maurice Youngs died on 3^rd June 2004 at Dorchester Hospital. Sue, Kerry, Samantha, Charlie, Vera, Heather and Rosey would all like to thank everyone for sending their sad thoughts and for their kindness. Thank you to the people who came to cut the grass.                  Sue Youngs

SHIPTON GORGE                                                            

Village Correspondent: Mrs. Joy White

Eastcote  3 Gullivers Orchard  Shipton Gorge

Tel: ( 01308 )897974

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Sunday Services for September

Discussions and negotiations between representatives of all the Bride Valley Churches will have taken place on 16^th July, too late to be reported on here. 

Because my new duties as Rural Dean will be taking me out of the Valley for two Sundays (mornings) per month, a new Sunday pattern of Services for the Valley will need to be put in place from this September. 

At this stage, it looks as though Shipton Gorge will continue to have a Service on the four regular Sundays of each month, but the pattern and times will be different from the present arrangements.  Next month's BVN will make all clear. 

Anthony Ashwell

Church Floor Repairs

Two areas of the wood flooring under the pews at the back of the church are collapsing due to wet rot in the supporting beams. When the Victorians rebuilt our church they did not include an effective damp course. The PCC has sought the advice of the Church Architect, John Turnbull and the necessary repairs have been approved by the Archdeacon of Dorset, who is the Chairman of the Salisbury Diocesan Advisory Committee.

Starting in late August the pews in the affected areas will be moved in turn, the flooring taken up and what is left of the beams removed. There is a 14" void under the present flooring, which will be filled with scalpings, a modern damp proof membrane laid, followed by a 3" concrete screed. Tanalised timber bearers will be laid in the new screed and the original flooring fixed onto the bearers. Finally the pews will be put back so that visually there should be no obvious change. There will be some restricted access whilst the repairs proceed but it is hoped this will not cause too much inconvenience.

Colin Green

Playing Field Maintenance Work Day

There are a number of small maintenance jobs that need to be carried out in the Playing Field. None of them are difficult or strenuous and can all be done quickly and at no expense to the parish rate if we can get a group of volunteers to come and help. We will be starting at around 10.00am on Saturday 7th August and the more help we have the quicker we can get this done. Many hands make light work - so if you can give us an hour or two of your time we would be most grateful. It would be especially nice if the parents and grandparents of children who use the field could come and help but anyone who is willing to give a hand will be most welcome. Everything needed will be provided, we just need your help -!!!

Village Website

More pages and information on the village past and present are being added to our website all the time, as well as current news and details of events. Have you logged on to www.shiptongorge.org.uk yet?

Shipton Gorge Village Society

Village fair

Come and enjoy all the fun of the fair on Saturday 21st August, l.00 pm, around Shipton Gorge Village Hall.

There'll be lots of games, bouncy castle, barbeque, bottle tombola and raffles. Stalls will include cakes, bric-a-brac, books, guess-the-weight-of-the-cake and more. Teas.

Donations much appreciated. More details from Sally, 897168. Support your village society and help raise money for village events!

21 August Evening of Country Music

Unwind to the music of John Follett singing Country Music, accompanied by guitar and keyboard at the New Inn, 8.30 pm.     
                                                                                                           Sue Brown

Shipton Gorge Village Hall Trust

Following the purchase of a new stage for the Village Hall the old one has become surplus. The original owners no longer require it and it is available, free of charge, to anyone who can make good use of it. The stage is grey, of strong fibreglass construction, in 6 various shaped parts measuring 12 feet by 8 feet overall and 12" high. It may be ideal for storing materials on. Phone Ed. on 898278.

Shipton Gorge Village Hall 100 Club

Winners for the July Draw

SWYRE                                                                        

Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall

3 Green Barton, Swyre Tel: 897318

s.marshall@which.net

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Songs of Praise

On the five August Sunday evenings we will be holding our usual 'Songs of Praise' Services.  These are always a good sing, and the eight really well-known hymns are broken up with a short reading, prayers and a poem by a local poet.  The whole Service should take just over half an hour and begins at 7.30pm.  Please do come along, you really will be welcome.  (Because of these special Services, August's evensong and Parish Communion are both cancelled.) 

Sunday Services for September

Discussions and negotiations between representatives of all the Bride Valley Churches will have taken place on 16^th July, too late to be reported on here. 

Because my new duties as Rural Dean will be taking me out of the Valley for two Sundays (mornings) per month, a new Sunday pattern of Services for the Valley will need to be put in place from this September. 

At this stage, it looks as though Swyre will retain both its Services (1^st Sunday Evensong, 3^rd Sunday Parish Communion) but the time of the Communion may change.  Next month's BVN will make all clear. 

Anthony Ashwell

PUNCKNOWLE      SWYRE      WEST BEXINGTON

Correspondents: Elizabeth Slater & Sid Marshall

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PUN FUN - Share Your Fun at Pun Fun

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

Friday 27 August 7.30 - 10.00pm in the Hall

Bring something to drink and some nibbles to munch but chiefly bring yourselves.   Please put this date in your diary now.

Lively light hearted conversation and tasty cheese and wine was enjoyed by all in June.

Contact Nos.898492/897751

Open Day - 22nd August

An opportunity for local people to visit both Tamarisk Farm and 'Peppers by Post' at West Bexington.  Everybody welcome.  For full details see the full page advert in this month's BVN.

Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council

The next scheduled meeting of Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council will be held in the Puncknowle Church Hall, at 7.30pm on the 7^th September 2004 as scheduled.

The Council does not usually meet in August, but provision has been made to hold a brief Council Meeting on the 3^rd August 2004 if there is any urgent business to be discussed. Information will be posted on the Villages' notice boards should a meeting be necessary.

Puncknowle Swyre and West Bexington Homewatch

There will be a meeting of all Homewatch representatives on Thursday 9th September at Puncknowle Village Hall, also present will be representatives from the Police. All representatives will have been contacted directly by me. Local residents interested in Homewatch are more than welcome to attend the meeting.

Sadly in July there were two burglaries from vehicles in Swyre and Puncknowle. Please be vigilant and do not leave valuables in vehicles especially if they can be seen.

Andy Marshall - 897732

PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON                           

Village Correspondent:  Elizabeth Slater

1, Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH

Telephone: ( 01308 ) 897751

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Sunday Services for September

Discussions and negotiations between representatives of all the Bride Valley Churches will have taken place on 16^th July, too late to be reported on here. 

Because my new duties as Rural Dean will be taking me out of the Valley for two Sundays (mornings) per month, a new Sunday pattern of Services for the Valley will need to be put in place from this September. 

At this stage, it looks as though Puncknowle will continue to have a Service on the four regular Sundays of each month, but the pattern and times will be different from the present arrangements.  Next month's BVN will make all clear. 

Anthony Ashwell

Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup

See Page 7 (Valley Notes Section ) for report. 

The Great Cycle Ride

The Dorset Historic Churches Cycle Ride will take place this year on Saturday 11th September.  It is a great day out for young and old alike.  The sponsorship money raised is divided equally between your local church and The Trust.  Sponsor forms may be obtained from Ann Roberts, Burwell Cottage, Puncknowle.  Tel: 897716.

Anne Roberts

See page 10 for further details of the Cycle Ride

Puncknowle Art Group

There are no meetings in August.

LITTON CHENEY                                                          

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close

news4litton@bridevalley.net

**********************************************************

Sunday Services for September

Discussions and negotiations between representatives of all the Bride Valley Churches will have taken place on 16^th July, too late to be reported on here. 

Because my new duties as Rural Dean will be taking me out of the Valley for two Sundays (mornings) per month, a new Sunday pattern of Services for the Valley will need to be put in place from this September. 

At this stage, it looks as though Litton Cheney will continue to have a Service on the four regular Sundays of each month, but the pattern and times will be different from the present arrangements.  Next month's BVN will make all clear.                                                                Anthony Ashwell

Beryl Peach

The dedicated and hard working caretaker of Thorner's School, Beryl Peach, was awarded a box of engraved cut glass tumblers and a certificate to mark '25 years' service with Dorset County Council.  Mandy accompanied Beryl to the ceremony on 1^st July after which they enjoyed afternoon tea.

Litton Cheney at Buckingham Palace

Each year some parishes succeed in a draw and the chairmen of the councils are invited to one of the Queen's Garden Parties.  This year the village was lucky and so on 6^th July your chairman and his lady toddled off in their finest garb and duly presented themselves at the grand gates (Freddie very nearly didn't make it as he forgot his "photo ID"); and so a memorable stroll through the Palace, an unforgettable tour of the garden in the sunshine and a truly lavish tea before the Queen and her party made their entrance.  We did not actually meet HM (in common with the majority of the other 7998 guests) and so it was not possible to present the loyal greetings of the village but having rubbed shoulders with the Archbishop of Canterbury perhaps out best wishes were somehow communicated.  At the conclusion there was another walk through the grand entrance and on to the nearest tube station and reality.

Litton Cheney Social Committee

Most of you will know what a great success the barbeque was last month as 150+ of you joined us.  Special thanks must go to John who sat for over eight hours cooking the beef, you will all agree how succulent it was; to Eddy and Sheila for letting us descend on their garden once again and to everybody who helped prepare for the event and to dismantle everything the next day.

Curious to see how much your antiques might be worth?  Come along to the Antiques Evening on Friday 13^th August, hosted by our very own local expert, at the Church (note change of venue to that advertised in the diary of events).  For an entry fee of £1.00 you can bring three small items for guidance on valuation and join in the competition to win a small prize.  Drinks and nibbles will be available.

Village Walk Saturday 21 August

Join us for a five-mile circular walk from Powerstock and back via South Poorton and West Milton through some of the county's most beautiful countryside.  Meet at 10.00 am at the bus shelter at Litton for car share or outside the church at Powerstock at 10.15. We expect to be back at Powerstock in time for a drink and lunch at The Three Horseshoes.  For further information or to let us know you are coming ring Steve or Kathy on 482552

A date for your diary - Saturday 25^th September, The Harvest Supper

                               Kathy Kourik 482552 Secretary Litton Cheney Social Committee

The Police Community Support Vehicle will stop at the Bus Shelter on Wednesday 11^th August between 2.00 - 3.30pm.

Litton Cheney Vital Villages

The analysis of the questionnaires is presently being undertaken and should be completed by the end of September.  The questionnaires were delivered to the 204 households in the parish.  To date 269 individuals have returned the 'Personal Questionnaire' and 'Household Questionnaires' were returned by 142 households (some households only returned personal questionnaires).  75 volunteer forms with names and interests have been returned.

Those volunteers who wished to find out about 'Adopt a Footpath' were contacted about a meeting in July.  The Parish should have the most cared for footpaths in Dorset, as there are more volunteers than footpaths!  If you missed the meeting and would like to be involved please ring Steve Kourik 482552.

  The Mobile Library will visit on Thursday 12^th and 26^th August and will be at the Bus Shelter between 3.10 and 4.00 pm.  All young readers and children interested in books are invited to join a Dorset library and enjoy a Reading Rollercoaster during the school holidays until September 4^th.  Why not visit the mobile library?

Litton Cheney Youth Club

In July there were a variety of activities including archery, canoeing and trampolining.

Paige Wakely has passed her British Canoe Union one star award.  Well done.  There will be no Youth Club sessions during August.                           Paul Kingston 482384

The Village Lunch will take place on Thursday 26^th August at The White Horse Inn.

Litton Cheney Playing Field Association

A date for your diary, The Fifth Playing Field Fun Day will take place on Sunday 12^th September.  Fun for everyone!

LONG BREDY                                                         

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elinor Frost, Bridelands  ( 482269) **************************************************

Sunday Services for September

Discussions and negotiations between representatives of all the Bride Valley Churches will have taken place on 16^th July, too late to be reported on here. 

Because my new duties as Rural Dean will be taking me out of the Valley for two Sundays (mornings) per month, a new Sunday pattern of Services for the Valley will need to be put in place from this September. 

At this stage, it looks as though Long Bredy will retain both its Services (Holy Communion and Family Service) but the times and Sundays of both may change.    Next month's BVN will make all clear. 

                                                                                              Anthony Ashwell

The Village Fete

The venue was beautiful, the stalls were laden and the people arrived (so did the showers), musicians strolled the grounds, the children gave an excellent display of Maypole Dancing, and delicious teas were eaten.

Thank you to Mr and Mrs Carter, to our sponsors, stallholders, Andrew Bailey's PA system, the cooks of the village who supplied the cake stall and the teas, including of course, the teams who organised the teas.

Thank you to all who contributed in any way.

As a provisional figure we have made approximately £2,640.00.

A special thank you to the Maltby family, who did all the hauling and to the helpers setting up and especially packing away in the deluge at the end of the afternoon.

And not forgetting Elinor to whom the village owes a great debt and who had all the very hard work of organising everything to do with the fete.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Jack Bailey who was ninety years young on the 16^th July and celebrated the occasion with a party at the hall.

Congratulations are also in order for the Harrison family; Nicola was presented with Bars for nineteen years of service to the Police Force and is a Specials' Commandant.

Alex Harrison has attained his degree from Birmingham University and is now a Bachelor of Engineering.  He has also passed his driving test.

We are glad to hear that David Reed is home from hospital, also Iris Way, and wish them both a speedy recovery.

LITTLEBREDY                                                         

Sunday Services for September

Discussions and negotiations between representatives of all the Bride Valley Churches will have taken place on 16^th July, too late to be reported on here. 

Because my new duties as Rural Dean will be taking me out of the Valley for two Sundays (mornings) per month, a new Sunday pattern of Services for the Valley will need to be put in place from this September. 

At this stage, it looks as though Littlebredy will retain both its Services (2^nd Sunday Family Service and 4^th Sunday Holy Communion) but the times of both may change.    Next month's BVN will make all clear. 

Anthony Ashwell

LITTLEBREDY NOTES.

How good that the village was chosen by the local Committee of the Bible Society for its celebration of the Society's Bi-Centenary at the end of June.  About 100 supporters enjoyed a picnic beside the lake, were welcomed to the Scented Garden, and ended a lovely summer's day with a short service in Church.

We are about to say farewell to the Jones family at Littlebredy Farmhouse.  Stewart's work as a Judge keeps him in London or Winchester far more than used to be the case, and they now choose to move to Winchester as a result.  All best wishes for the future to Stewart and Jenny, plus Eleanor and Clemmie, for whom the Farmhouse has so far been their only home.

The first few academic results are beginning to trickle in, and we especially congratulate Sebastian Fry on his First Class Degree in Ancient History and Archaeology at Leicester.  David Williams has also now graduated (from Manchester) with a Degree in European Studies.  As school or other examination results become known, can parents please keep the BVN informed?

Turning to the future: the Social Club's next Event will be a Rounders Evening plus Barbecue (weather permitting in both cases) at the cricket ground on Friday 6th August.  No doubt the usual colourful posters will give precise timings, etc., in due course.  Members and visitors (who become temporary members for the evening) are equally welcome to come and join in.

August has five Sundays, and the plan is to hold the Combined Service for the East End Valley Churches here on Sunday 29th August.  It is hoped to be a repeat of the enormously successful and enjoyable Family Service held here (including lakeside picnic) in June 2003.  Further details will follow.

Finally, advance notice of the annual Great Cycle Ride (in aid of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust), to be held this year on Saturday 11th September - though there is nothing to stop participants who can't make that date putting in the pedal-power on another one.  Sponsorship forms will soon be available, and the idea is that people gain sponsorship to ride to as many Dorset Churches as they can, with half of any proceeds going to the Trust, and the other half to the rider's nominated Church.  If anyone is interested, please contact Bridehead for details, as it would be good to have Littlebredy participation again this year.