FROM THE CLERGY

Part of the Christian way of life is to be always on the look out for signs of God at work in the world, or to be aware of parallels between the mundane things of life and God's work.  Christians believe that the world is God's and so it is natural to see holiness around us. 

As usual this morning I cleared out yesterday's fire and laid the new one.  Anna and I bank up the fire before we go to bed because the cat sleeps in front of it (not in it) and elderly cats like ours need warmth.  The fire was still hot and red, and sweeping the ash off the embers was a painful process for brush and brushman.  But this was accomplished, the ash box emptied, and after a cooling-off period, fresh dry sticks were put in place together with a firelighter, and the coal skuttle and log basket replenished.  All was ready for a new fire. 

Rector John's last Service in the valley was on 28^th September last year, and he and Pam retired to their new home in Ledbury a few weeks later.  Before he left, I had, in my dual capacity of Vicar and Rural Dean, endeavoured to bank-up (prepare) the Bride Valley Churches, particularly Sunday worship, for the interregnum, which would include both Christmas and Easter.  This was never going to be an easy process and I have been aware that although the fire has kept going well, some of us and especially our churchwardens have become a little listless with an accompanying loss of energy in our Churches.  There has been a slight ashing over. 

But now we have a new Rector to welcome amongst us, a new man and a lovely new family, to help bring a new impetus to our Christian journey.  He and Jean are doing so much to enliven their Rectory with new colour schemes, a new kitchen (with an old Aga), and imaginative decorative ideas and practices.  Certainly in the Rectory they are sweeping out the interregnum dust and laying the foundation of their new base from which they will reach out and minister to their new people.  Now we, the people of the valley and its Churches must join with them, and dust ourselves down.  We must prepare ourselves, not only to give Bob and Jean the warmest welcome imaginable with expressions of joy, love, peace, and generosity, and with prayers, but also to join anew in being, with them, the Church in the Bride Valley. 

How we look forward, with hearts and minds ready to fire up, to Bob's Institution on 7^th May, and to Pentecost on 30^th May when the Holy Spirit came on the disciples like tongues of flame.   

Anthony Ashwell

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We all extend a very warm welcome into the Bride Valley to our Rector and his wife. We look forward to getting to know Bob and Jean and their family and would like to assure them of our prayerful support as they start their ministry amongst us. We hope, too, that they will experience a happy and fulfilling time in the Valley.

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Institution and Induction

Our new Team Rector, the Reverend Bob Thorn, will be instituted in a Service at St Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock on Friday 7^th May 2004 at 7.30pm.  The Bishop of Salisbury hopes to conduct the Service but has asked the Bishop of Sherborne to stand by 'just in case'.  Refreshments will be served afterwards in the W.I. Hall. 

Institutions are wonderful occasions and everyone is invited to this public Service.  Be warned, however, a lot of pews have to be reserved for those taking a formal part in the Service: Bob's family, visiting clergy, plus Council, Church and Deanery representatives.  Then there is a coach-load of Bob's existing parishioners from Bristol, and those we won't be expecting.  And there you are!  The church can hold more than 200 literally at a squeeze, and then, guess what, it's standing room only - but there isn't much room to stand.  Don't say you haven't been warned ... or invited! 

Bride Valley Team Council

This meets at 7.30pm on Thursday 13^th May in Puncknowle Hall as usual.  We look forward to meeting in quite a formal way our new Rector, but then there is the certain custom afterwards to adjourn to a local hostelry. 

United Valley Service - 30^th May

May 30^th this year is Pentecost : Whitsunday and a major festival in the Church.  It's also a 5^th Sunday and in line with the practice we are trying to establish, there will be a United Valley Service for the whole Christian Family in Burton Bradstock at 11.00am.  For a change, however, this will be a Eucharistic Service, that is, it will be built around Holy Communion.  Now, please don't let this put you off.  On the contrary Holy Communion is the proper celebration of the Church, and all Christians are most welcome to come to the Altar Rail at this Service to receive either a Blessing or the Bread and Wine itself.  The Thursday Fellowship Group will, as usual, be contributing to the Service but being Holy Communion the leader will have to be a priest. 

Afterwards we are going to have a picnic lunch (as we did last year in Littlebredy) and will go straight from church to the Rectory garden.  Here, make yourselves at home, bring out your rugs, your chairs, your food and your drink, relax and celebrate for this is the Day that the Spirit came. 

Our Rector Bob and his wife Jean are really looking forward to 'opening' their garden and house to us, and meeting us all on this holiday weekend.  They have most generously suggested that we may picnic inside their house if the weather is inclement. 

Holy Baptism

Olivia Emily Daubeney on 21^st March 2004 at St Mary's Church, Litton Cheney.  A beautiful and placid daughter and first child for Ralph and Samantha, and first grandchild for Jackie. 

Funerals

Janet Gertrude Holmes, aged 89, on 17^th March 2004 at St Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock. 

Janet was a strong and competitive lady, a teacher, explorer, golfer and bowler who will be lovingly remembered by her friends. 

Leslie Crutchley, aged 76, on 23^rd March 2004 at St Martin's Church, Shipton Gorge.  A full church came to say goodbye to a gentleman who gave so much to his work, his family, youth, community and bowling.  We extend our deepest sympathy to Mark, Leslie's son, and his family. 

Births

These do not appear in the Parish Church Registers but it is a joy to announce the safe arrival of two babies born on Mothering Sunday: Rebecca Larcombe (West Bexington) and Jacob Maltby (Long Bredy).  Congratulations to parents Hilary and Peter, and Rachel and Bruce respectively. 

Ascension Day

This falls on 20^th May and there will be Services at Puncknowle and Burton Bradstock.  Please see in the relevant village sections for further details.   

Anthony Ashwell

Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held at 11.00am on Friday 30^th April at St. Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock. Due to the Institution of our new Team Rector, the Rev'd Bob Thorn, this Service has been brought forward one week - we hope you will be able to come.                                                                                                     Yvette Smith ( 898219 )

Mothers' Union      

Thursday May 27^th at 2.30pm

The Cursillo Movement by Brenda Pitfield

To be held at 5 West Court, West Allington, Bridport

May 4^th - 6^th  Tuesday - Thursday   Glastonbury Retreat

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 ...

May 6              Prayer                                       6 Baglake, Litton Cheney

May 13            Bible Study       Matthew 6.16-18         12 Napier Close,                                                  (How to fast)                      Puncknowle

May 20            Prayer                                    2 Myrtle Close, Puncknowle

May 27            Bible Study       Matthew 6.19-24        6 Baglake, Litton                                         (How to handle money)                      Cheney

Bride Valley (Wednesday) Bible Study Group

For the next three months we will be studying a selection of Psalms. As usual we will be meeting at 7.30pm on alternate Wednesdays and repeating the study at each end of the Valley.

Introduction to Psalms

May   5                  The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

May 12                  Windy Gap, Burton Bradstock

Psalms of Praise to God, 147 and 148

May 19                  The Rectory, Litton Cheney

May 26                  St Catherine's Cross, Shipton Gorge

Hugh Lindsay 482383

Quiet Day organised by the Bible Reading Fellowship     

Canon David Winter is conducting a Quiet Day on the theme of "Hope in the Wilderness" on Thursday, 15^th July (9.45 am - 4.00pm) in a C17th farmhouse near Taunton (exact location unknown). The cost is £16. Anyone interested please be in touch with me as soon as possible and not later than 10^th June.

Hilary Mousley, B.R.F. Group Secretary for the Bride Valley

The Red House, Middle St,, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, DT6 4QR  01308 897849                    

Bride Valley Scout Group

On behalf of the Bride Valley Scout Group, I would like to say a huge thank you to the person (who wishes to remain anonymous) who gave the Group a very generous donation of £500 at the end of March.  We really appreciate the continuing support of local people.  Many thanks. 

Steve Dove   (Chairman BVSG)

Thorner's CE VA Primary School

Firstly, can I thank everyone who dropped off a dictionary after my appeal last month, there was a good response but if you haven't yet dropped yours in we would still like it.  Thank you.

This month we will be holding a sponsored swim/splash to raise funds for the swimming pool, last year saw the first event of its kind, enjoyed by parents and pupils alike.  It was so successful that there were sufficient funds to run a heated pool for the whole of the summer.  It is hoped that we can repeat that yet again.  Thanks to the Swimming Pool Committee for all their hard work .. and please don't forget to sponsor someone.  By special request one lane is to be devoted to the adults who were unable to swim last year.  Our Swimming team, trained by Mrs Bowen-Ashwin, will be competing in a National competition, many of the schools being larger than Thorner's.   We wish them well and hope that all the hard work and training will be worthwhile, good luck.  We need also to thank all those parents who regularly take their children swimming or enrol them in classes either at Bridport or Dorchester, only through their commitment in the early stages do children gain an interest and enthusiasm for swimming and/or sport of any sort.  A lot of pleasure can be gained from taking part in sport and as a certain level of fitness is required this may well help to ensure that pupils do take regular exercise giving them a good grounding for life.  Many sports include an element of self discipline which is no bad thing, many require team work which again is a useful skill.  During the school week we are limited as to how much time can be spent on sport and the type of activity we undertake, during the term we will have a number of specialist visitors taking specific training in Key Stage 2.  I wonder if there is anyone who would like to run/organise a club to extend further the children who show an interest?  We do have a reasonable size field and grounds to cater for most sporting needs.

Alison Johnstone

Headteacher

Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup

It happened !!  Two Ofsted inspectors came to Playgroup on 8/9th March - they observed, inspected and asked lots of questions of staff and parents - we are now awaiting their written report after verbal feedback on 11th March (in the Pub) which seemed to go OK.  We have welcomed George Larcombe from West Bexington into the group - his older brother Jason was with us before Thorners school - and now he has a new baby sister, Rebecca!   Next??  We have also had some little visitors, Jordan and Gabriel coming to play with their Mums, Jill and Rachel.  Rachel has also had a new baby, Jacob. Next???

Looking forward, our Open Morning is on Thursday May 6th so do come along if you want to know more about this playgroup. Our pre-school Lunch Club started on Tuesday 19th April for those children starting school in September - they stay on as a separate group for activities and lunch together. Our Theme for the summer term is "I SPY with my little eye" which should give us all lots of scope for learning through play.  Visitors have been booked such as Dave the Policeman, Debbie the Dental Health lady with her giant toothbrush and puppet, and Hattie the Clown, and we will be going out and about on some visits too - e.g. to Modbury Farm.

More Dates to remember : Sponsored Trike Ride  JUNE   15th or 17th

                                                Fun Night  & BBQ        JULY   24th  

Carol Bennett (Playleader)   01308 897771

Burton Bradstock CE VC School

As I ponder this month's brief for the BVN, outside the sun is shining and the tulips are radiant amidst a ground cover of blue grape hyacinths.  It is indeed a wonderful sight and in its own way incredibly inspirational.  My thoughts wander to what the rest of the staff might be doing at this time and I earnestly hope that they are enjoying a proper rest - they certainly deserve it and I am very grateful for all their hard work over the past few months.  Yet I feel strangely numb.  Many readers are familiar with the phenomenon that seems to occur after about a week of any holiday as the body winds down - deep fatigue and the minor panic that accompanies the realisation that half the holiday has gone.  However, this is all part of the recharging process and we've been there before.  So what does the month of May hold in store for us? 

Firstly, Key Stage 1 children are benefiting from a cluster initiative that is designed to help expand upon our range of playground games.  This also fits in well with our own development of the outside play areas as part of the improvement plan.  Meanwhile, Class 4 are involved in some exciting creative and expressive arts workshops in association with the forthcoming production of 'Don Giovanni' in June.  Activities for this will include voice/singing, music making, story telling and mask making.  Also this month, our School Improvement Plan will be revised and this will embrace the various recommendations made in our Ofsted report.

All in all there is much to look forward to, not least, the opportunity of getting to know our new rector, the Reverend Bob Thorn and his wife.  Bob will be part of the Governing Body and his input from the Diocese viewpoint will form an important part of the school's development.  At this point I would like to state publicly how much we have much appreciated the support of Mike Read during the interregnum and wish to thank him for all the assemblies and visits to church that he has helped us with.  Thank you Mike!

Having felt numb earlier I now feel reassuringly positive about the term ahead.  The clouds of tiredness and apprehension are clearing and though my grass still needs cutting I shall return to view the tulips in a new light.  Guess what - I haven't mentioned SATs once! 

Mark Stratta.

First Step Parent and Toddler Group meets on Wednesdays between 10.00am and 12 noon.  We have toys and activities for all pre-school children, coffee and chat for parents and carers.  The group has new resources and toys.  We were very pleased and grateful to receive £50 from the Litton Cheney Social Committee towards a lovely new carpet for the group.  We meet 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 meet on Tuesday evenings, during term time, 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 3^rd 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.  We hope you can join us. Please note that for this month only the walk will take place on the 4^th Saturday in May - the 22^nd.

Bride Valley Gardening Club

At the time of going to press we have not had the AGM which is in April, so I am unable to report back on new Committee members etc. etc.

Our monthly indoor meetings have now finished until October, but we do have the Plant Sale on the 8th May at Thorner's School, Litton. Please bring your plants after 9 -10. The Sale starts at 10.30.am. - come along and help if you are able.

Norma Millard     Club Secretary   897774.

The National Gardens Scheme - Gardens Open in The Bride Valley

This month -

Sunday 9^th May    The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

Dates for your diary:-

Tuesdays during June and July The Scented Garden, Little Bredy 2.30 - 8.00 pm

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

Sunday 20^th 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.

Plant Sale

There will be a Plant Sale (perennials and bedding plants, some unusual ones) at The Red House, Middle Street, Burton Bradstock, on Friday, 14^th May, 10.00am - 12.30pm in aid of the Church Mission Society. All welcome to exhaust the stock!

Hilary Mousley

Royal British Legion

This month's Social Evening will be on Monday 17^th May at The Bull, Swyre at 7.30pm

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A series of concerts by:-

"Russicum" the renowned St.Petersburg Ensemble

Othona  Burton Bradstock Friday 14^th May at 8.00pm

Tickets £5 & donations

Commrades' Hall Broadwindsor Saturday 15^th May

Russian Liturgical music at the Evening Service at Pilsdon

Sunday 16^th May at 6.30pm

Russicum, consisting of five professional musicians all trained atSt. Petersburg or Moscow Conservatoires, was formed to raise money for the St. Petersburg Choir Community; they sing Russian liturgical and folk music. The St. Petersburg Choir is funded neither by the cathedral nor the state.

Good News The 24th Burton Bradstock Festival will be held this year on Friday 20th & Saturday 21st August

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Long Bredy &Litton Cheney W.I.     Open Meeting

There will be an open meeting on Tuesday 4^th May in the Church Hall, Litton Cheney at 7.30pm to which all are invited. The speaker will be Litton resident Air Vice-Marshal Sir Christopher Coville whose talk is entitled "From Scouse to Grouse".

Non-members £1.00 to include refreshments.

Dorset Arts Week

 The Bride Valley News is always keen to support the ever growing artistic populace of this wonderful part of West Dorset.  This year's Dorset Arts Week starts on 29^th May - always a fun time for locals, and a good lure for visitors to the area.  This year the Bride Valley artists exhibiting are Petter Southall at Chilcombe; Cece Mills, Patrick Mills and Barbara MacKay in Swyre; Brian Cocks in West Bexington; Mary Court and Paul Adams in Litton Cheney; Jane Ashdown, Tim Sage and Gail Sagman in Long Bredy.  We wish them all success for the fortnight with plenty of visitors and sunshine.

Free guides to the event are widely available from libraries, Tourist Information Centres and the Bridport Arts Centre, or you can contact the artists mentioned.

 My apologies in advance if readers receive their copies of this month's BVN later than usual. The clash of Easter with the deadline led to inevitable delays.  May I take this opportunity to thank John Ivall for proof reading over the last 6 months and to Elaine Tame as she takes over for the summer.                                                           Ed.

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                            30^th May Under Tree Schools in the Sudan

The next Service of Prayer for Healing at St Mary's  will be held on Monday 10^th May at 7.00pm.

Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held/was held at 11.00am on Friday 30^th April at St. Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock. Due to the Institution of our new Team Rector, the Rev'd Bob Thorn, this Service has been brought forward one week - we hope you will be/were able to come. The next Service will be in June as usual.

                                                                                     Yvette Smith ( 898219 )

Ascension Day

The Ascension Day Service of Holy Communion on 20^th May for the west-end of the valley will be at St. Mary's Church. 

Anthony Ashwell

Daphne Dean

At last we have a date for Daphne's Memorial Service (which of course will be a Thanksgiving) in St Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock. 

Ascension Day, 20^th May, at 2.00pm. 

Anthony Ashwell

We would like to thank most sincerely all those who took part in giving our church such a thorough spring clean; it really does look well. A first class effort! Thanks also to those who cleaned up outside, especially to Graham Rees and Ray West for painting and re-felting the storage shed.

Churchwardens

Charity Lunch

Thank you so very much to everyone in the village and beyond who attended the Charity Lunch held during Lent in the W.I. Hall, also thanks to those people who were unable to attend but still gave a donation to one of the charities being supported.  There was a wonderful turn out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  Special thanks to the excellent team of helpers: Ann Read, Margaret Holmes, Pauline Woodford, Hilary Mousley, Rachel Haley, Pat Lepine, Mary Bailey, Margaret Ackland and Gill Redford. 

The total raised for charity was £502.05p divided as follows:

£242.05p to CMS 'Clean Water Appeal' in Kenya

£68 to The Red Cross

£191 to Dorset Air Ambulance                                                            Lesley Dove

Member of St Mary's PCC

Well done and thank-you to Lesley, Rachael and the behind-the-scenes Kitchen Team for this year's Lent Lunch. The Waitress service was such a lovely touch - we look forward to next year.

Margaret & Maurice Ackland.

Red Cross Knit-In

Thank you to all the knitters and sponsors who gave their time and money to raise funds for the Red Cross. We made the superb sum of £335.00, and will also make at least three blankets for the homeless hostel in Bournemouth, with all the knitted strips. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way.                                                                        Mary Bailey

Day Trip to Wareham -20^th May

There will be a pick-up in Burton Bradstock for this outing - see under Puncknowle & Swyre section (page 22) for details. Bookings, please, to the driver, Rod Jones, on 897684.

Mrs Ada Coe

We offer our apologies to Mrs. Coe for mis-spelling her name in last month's issue. We hope she had a very special and enjoyable 100^th birthday.

Burton Bradstock- Meeting of Co-ordinators

On Tuesday, 11th May at 7.30 p.m. at Hive Close there will be a meeting of all co­ordinators at which Sgt Colin Matthias, P.C. Nat Cameron and Mrs. Karen Taylor (Ringmaster Manager) will be present.

Freddy Tame Tel: 897957

Burton Bradstock Women's Institute

At the April meeting Mr. Bob Hall gave an amusing account of his time as a rural Meter Reader. This was followed by the A.G.M. when Chris Clarke & Pat Raven agreed to continue as joint Presidents and Carol Beeton remains as Treasurer. Margaret Holmes & Sheila Spencer-Smith are together taking over the Secretarial duties from Agnes Barham who was thanked for all her hard work. Sheila Pett, Hall treasurer, reported on the Hall finances. The main committee and the Hall committee were thanked for their help and support. There are still 2 seats available for the outing to see "Cats" at Southampton on May 6th Cost £26 Tel. Audrey Hayward 898528. Members are invited to a Safari Supper on Tues. 22nd June at 6.30 - tickets on sale at May meeting.

Future event: BBQ at Joan Allan's on Sat. 17th July.

Next meeting May 11th at 7.15pm "Resolutions" followed by Cheese & Wine.

BRIDGE GROUP will not meet again until September

Chris Clarke

Good News The 24th Burton Bradstock Festival will be held this year on Friday 20th & Saturday 21st August

Burton Bradstock Village Society

There are five Natural World Heritage sites in the UK, and we are one of them. This was the message from Richard Edmonds, an Earth Science Manager, when he gave a talk to the society on 19^th March entitled 'Chesil Beach and the Fleet'.

Our West Dorset/ East Devon site is 95 miles long, includes many SSSI's, and covers a span of 185 million years in rock formations, fossils, landforms and landscapes which makes it even more interesting than the Grand Canyon!

East Devon was once a desert with a running river during the Triassic period whilst West Dorset, with its fossilized fish and ammonites, covers the Jurassic period and Portland through to Purbeck was a Cretaceous swamp with Dinosaurs as seen by the footprints and fossilized trees.

Within the last few hundred years there have been major coastal landslides caused by heavy rain along the western part of our area and theory indicates that the Chesil bank, which is the finest barrier beach in the world, was formed from this release of landslip shingle depositing in beach form further East along the coast during violent storms and changing sea levels. Chesil Beach is basically a mud bank covered with pebbles which get bigger towards the East. It will not withstand the ravages of sea and time forever but we hope none of us will be here to see it. What a fascinating evening!

Peter Dutton

Burton Bradstock Village Society - Coffee Morning Change of Date

Owing to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to change the date of our annual Coffee Morning.   Please note this will now be held in Burton Bradstock W.I. Hall on Saturday morning, 15^th May,  from 10.30 am to 12 noon.  (The morning after our AGM, which we hope you will also attend).  We would greatly appreciate any contributions of cakes and home baked produce, plants and "Bring and Buy".  If you made new friends the night before, why not meet up again for coffee!  Everyone is welcome and all proceeds go towards the Flower & Produce Show in July.

Carol Lumley, 897365

SHIPTON GORGE

Village Correspondent: Mrs. Joy White

Eastcote  3 Gullivers Orchard  Shipton Gorge

Tel: ( 01308 )897974

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Family Service

There will be no service at St. Martin's church this month, as Burton Bradstock will be hosting a United Family Communion in St. Mary's Church on Sunday, May 30th at 11.00 a.m. Everyone in the Bride Valley is welcome to this special occasion, when we will have the opportunity to meet our new Rector, the Rev. Bob Thorn and his wifeJean.

The Churchwardens.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust Coffee Morning

This took place in the Village Hall last month, as part of the special week commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Trust. The total money raised was £207-83, and I have received a letter from the Trust thanking everyone for their efforts in raising this splendid amount.

I would like to add my own thanks to all who contributed to a most successful and enjoyable morning.                                         Janet Lane

Village Plant Sale     Saturday 22nd. May   l0a.m.-12noon.

This event will take place in and around the Village Hall, weather permitting, by kind permission of Dennis and Ann Jones. The organizers will be happy to receive contributions of plants, seedlings, cuttings cut flowers etc., on Friday 21st. May in the Hall between 2.00p.m. and 3.00p.m., or on Saturday, from 9a.m. onwards. This year the proceeds willbe divided between the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society and St. Martin's church.

There will also be a raffle; and prizes for this will be very much appreciated.

Refreshments will be available as usual, so come along and pick up some good bargains, have a cup of Doue Egberts and a good chat, and enjoy the morning!

You can 'phone Jennifer Webb: 898664, or Janet Lane: 897241 for more information.

Shipton Gorge Village Hall Trust

The AGM of the Village Hall Trust will take place in the hall on Tuesday 11th May 2004, starting at 7.30pm.

Please support the Trust and its Management Committee by attending this meeting.                                                        Richard Hewlett (Secretary)

Shipton Gorge Village Society 2004 Summer Show

In addition to the much loved traditional classes, this year's show highlights climbers/twiners and the photography subject is Dorset Chimneys.

Also, there's an opportunity for Shipton's male chefs to show off their mouth-watering talents in a class of their own.

More details later.                                                                        Sue Brown

A warm welcome home after their stays in hospital to:­-

Mrs Nesta Symes at White Posts & Mrs Jane Evans at Lower Lynch

Shipton Gorge Village Hall 100 Club

Winners for the April Draw

PUNCKNOWLE      SWYRE      WEST BEXINGTON

Correspondents: Elizabeth Slater & Sid Marshall

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Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council 4^th May 2004

 The Parish Council will meet on 4^th May in Puncknowle Church Hall to hold the usual Parish Council Meeting and the Parish Council Annual General Meeting starting at 7.30pm. 

The Annual General Meeting, amongst other items of business, appoints members to sub-committees. The sub-committees are open to non Parish Councillors. The Council would warmly welcome volunteers for the Playing Field Committee, which is on-going, and the Vital Villages Committee which we hope to continue.  If you are interested in serving on either of these committees please contact Madeline Marshall on 897318 for further information on what is involved or attend the Annual General Meeting.

Community Vehicle - The community vehicle will be at Puncknowle Bottom between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Thursday 27^th May. All are welcome to visit and hopefully learn something to their advantage.

Andy Marshall - 897732 

Shopping Trip

After a short break the next shopping trip has been arranged for:-

Thursday 20 May 2004 to Wareham (this is market day in Wareham)

Pick up at    Puncknowle Village Hall           9.30am

Pick up at    Swyre Church                             9.40am

Pick up at    West Bexington Manor Hotel    9.45am

Cost is £5 per person for the journey there and back - payable when getting on the bus.

Pick up for the return journey will be 2.00pm at the same place as drop off.

(If you miss the return pick up you will have to make your own arrangements to get home). 

Please phone 897684 Rod (bus driver) and leave your name and the number of seats required. Please book early. If for any reason you are unable to travel please let us know on 897684 in case others wish to take your place. 

If anyone would like to go to Lulworth Castle or Lulworth Bay instead of Wareham - please speak to Rod who will arrange pick up time with you. 

The above is an initiative organised by your local Parish Council so please offer your support otherwise it will be a case if it doesn't get used it won't happen again

PUN FUN - Cheese, Wine and Ideas Evening

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

Friday 25 June 7.30 - 10.00pm in the Hall

Come along and enjoy a drink and savoury snacks while sharing ideas for future meetings.  Don't forget to bring your choice of drink, and donations towards costs would be appreciated.

Please put this date in your diary now.

March saw a very happy group of villagers sharing food from Asia and much good humoured talk.  There will be no Pun Fun in July as this would be the eve of the Fete, but watch this space for future plans.

Contact Nos.898492/897751

PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON                

Village Correspondent:  Elizabeth Slater

1, Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH

Telephone: ( 01308 ) 897751

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Ascension Day

The Ascension Day Service of Holy Communion on 20^th May for the east-end of the valley will be at 12 noon at St Mary's Church. 

Anthony Ashwell

Puncknowle Art Group

In March we had a visit to Bridport Arts Centre. Over coffee we had a very interesting talk from Arts Centre director Chris Huxley on the history of the building and the variety of events held there throughout the year. This was followed by a look at the pictures in the gallery and the foyer. Our meeting on the 19th was a look at the work of George Seurat and a workshop on pointillism (or in our case more splodgillism, actually). The fruit still life was colourful - it also tasted quite good. Dates for May are - 14th Our Annual Exhibition at The Crown and - 28th Painting with counted strokes.

Christine Molony

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

Puncknowle and Swyre Church Fete  -  Saturday 31st July 2004

People are already working hard to make this another wonderful event.  Please help us and turn out any unwanted gifts, books, toys, bric-a-brac and 'white elephants' you may have for the various stalls.  New ideas, too, are always welcome.  Also, if you can help in any way with any of the stalls or with sewing, knitting or selling draw tickets, please let us know as soon as possible.  Please contact David Jenkins 897225, Ann Roberts 897716 or Jan Dixon 897301.  Many thanks.

Ann Roberts

LITTON CHENEY                                                          

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close

news4litton@bridevalley.net

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St Mary's Church Fete - Monday 31^st May in the grounds of the Old Rectory at 2.00 pm. Not long to go now!  We should be very grateful to receive items for the stalls listed below:

Handicrafts and Gifts - Ann Miles (482301) would like any unwanted gifts(new)  as well as handicraft items.

Cakes - Betty Champkins (482421)  Please bring on the day.

Books - Ron & Alison Davidson (482661)  Please deliver in advance to

The Old Rectory.

D.I.Y -   Ian Colbrook (482621)   All sorts of D.I.Y. goods.

Plants - Pauline Jones (482588)  Please label.  Bring on the day, or collection can be arranged.

White Elephant - Jennie Prentice (482535)  No electrical items, please.

Produce & Provisions - Diana Spicer (482617)  Any homemade goodies welcome.

Bottle Tombola - Wendy Taylor (482532)  Collection around the village 24-28 May.

We shall also need lots of cakes for the Teas - tray bakes would be          particularly welcome.

If you would like to help on any of the sideshows, please give Freddie Spicer a call (482617)

Finally, look out for the beautiful Dolls House which will be on display for the two weeks before the Fete in the window of the Old Shop.  You could win it, if you pick the lucky number.

Lent Lunch

The proceeds from the lunch on 1^st April amounted to £160 which sum has been donated to Hope and Homes for Children.  Many thanks to those who gave.

The Mobile Library stops in Litton Cheney by the Bus Shelter between 3.25 and 4.10 pm.  The dates in May are Thursday 6^th and Thursday 20^th

Sunday 9^th May - The Old Rectory Garden will be open.

Litton Cheney Parish Council

The Parish Council will meet on Tuesday 11^th May at 7.30 pm in The Church Hall.

The Police Community Support Vehicle will be in Litton Cheney close to the bus stop on Wednesday 12^th May from 2.00 - 3.30 pm.

Litton Cheney Youth Club

The dates for May have yet to be confirmed but an archery and sports session will take place on Thursday 13^th May.   For further details contact Paul Kingston 482384

Litton Cheney Social Committee

500 ducks bobbed down the stream on Easter Sunday, and what a sight they were, thank you to everyone who bought one and helped raise funds for good causes and Sociable Events in the village.  The children were kept busy for about an hour afterwards during the Egg Hunt.

Thank you to Chris and Rachel who continued the fun by providing a bouncy castle and pig roast at The White Horse.

This month's events:

Saturday 15^th May 7.30 pm at Thorner's School - Annual get-together.  You are invited to join the Committee for cheese and wine, listen to a speaker, reflect on what we've done over the past year and to share your ideas for events and outings that you would be keen for us to arrange.

Saturday 22^nd May 10 am - meet at the Bus Shelter for a circular walk of about 5 miles.

Future events:

Thursday 17^th June 7 pm - visit to Palmer's Brewery - details next month.

Please note the date of the Summer BBQ has been changed to Saturday 3^rd July

                                                                 Kathy Kourik LCSC Secretary 482552

Litton Cheney Playing Field Association

Grateful thanks to everyone who donated to and supported the Coffee Morning in March for the fence post appeal.  The final total was nearly £300.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 20^th May in The Church Hall at 7.30pm.

Advance date for your diary - Playing Field Fun Day Sunday 12^th September

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

The Village Lunch will take place on Thursday 27^th May at The White Horse Inn.

Litton Cheney Vital Villages Steering Group

The group is presently awaiting the result of their funding application.  If you would like more information about Vital Villages in Litton Cheney either view the village web site www.littoncheny.org.uk or email news4litton@bridevalley.net

A thank you from the Smart family

Very belatedly, Keith, Caroline and Susie would like to thank all their friends for such a wonderful send-off from the village.  The month of March seemed to pass by in such a whirl and April wasn't much better!

Still - we are settling into our new home and offices and beginning to find our way around the local area.  Rolvenden seems to be a very pleasant village (although nothing to compare with the Bride Valley!) and now spring is coming, it's looking very pretty.

We thank all our friends in Litton Cheney, Long Bredy and Little Bredy for their very kind gift and their good wishes.  We will be back!!

Congratulations to Edwin and Ruby Kingston who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 29^th April.

We hope all the new residents in Litton Cheney are made to feel welcome and enjoy village life.  A special welcome back to Tasha Roots who has returned to live in the village in 1 Sunnyside Cottage, and a warm welcome to Jason and Tony Pitcher.

LONG BREDY                                                         

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elinor Frost, Bridelands  ( 482269 )

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The date for the Fete this year is the 10^th July, to be held in the grounds of Kingston Russell House by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Carter. Ideas and offers of help are very much needed and we hope to make it as excellent a day as last year.

Church Mowing

We are really desperate for more help to keep most of the Churchyard mown and strimmed.  If anyone can help for an hour or two once a fortnight, or at anytime, please phone 482269.  Thank you.

Long Bredy and Litton Cheney W.I. meet at Litton on May 4^th.  Air Vice Marshal Sir Christopher Colville will be speaking.  All are welcome.

Congratulations to Bruce and Rachel Maltby on the arrival of Jacob Patrick born on the 21^st March, a brother for Gabriel.

Albert Pitcher has had his knee replacement at Dorchester Hospital and after a few hiccups is due home after Easter.  Our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Good wishes to Maurice Toogood who has recently celebrated a special birthday

LITTLEBREDY                                                        

LITTLEBREDY NOTES.

There is just time before going to press to comment on the quite exceptional Church decorations for Easter.  It was the customary wonderful display - set off this year by the Church being freshly cleaned and polished as well.  Thanks and many congratulations as ever to all concerned, who all know who they are.

And thanks too to the Rev. Syd Willcox, from Bridport, who came and led the Easter Holy Communion service.  It was good that Canon Cosmo Pouncey had managed to lead the Litany on Good Friday two days earlier.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Spinal Injuries Fund have benefited by £62 and £75 respectively, as a result of the two Lent Frugal Lunches held in the village during March.  Thanks to the two hostesses, Catherine Williams and Tessa Jackson, and to all those who ate the bread and cheese and apples, enjoyed the occasions, and supported the good causes.

The Bridehead grounds were full of excited children and their parents in the evening of Good Friday, when the Social Club organized an Easter Egg Hunt, followed by a social evening and barbecue - the weather was just right - at the Village Hall.  Another huge success to the credit of the committee.  The next Club event is another Quiz Evening, to begin at 8.00 sharp (though the bar will be open earlier) on Saturday 8th May in the Village Hall, with a free supper to follow.  Assuming that the Litton Cheney brainboxes turn up again, Littlebredy will have to be on its mettle to produce a winning team this time (though that's not really the point...!)  Guest membership of the Club for the evening is on offer to any locals who would like to come and join in.

Finally, we welcome George Treves to Littlebride.  We wish him, and his youngsters, who will regularly be with him, a long and happy residence here.

A contributed article from Veronica Ziegler of Good Books

There was a wonderful response from the Team News readers to my appeal for more volunteers in our work at Good Books in St Mary's Old School, in Gundry Lane. In recent weeks we have met great kindness and support from individuals volunteering to join our team; these are not necessarily for work in the shop every week. Some are to act as extra help in school holidays, when young mothers (and some grandmothers too) cannot be with us, in order to be with their families more. Some help us with interesting outside activities, like Christian Viewpoint evenings, or coffee mornings at local retirement homes, or for their own Christian church or fellowship. Every gift and talent is welcome, very much appreciated - and we have fun too.

We have more thought-provoking items in all the time - have you thought of looking at "Holy Socks" for example, or wondered if you would find a challenge in looking at a completely new Bible translation, like the 'Message' or even the adventurous 'Street Bible?`

We are looking forward to seeing your Faith Tourism brochures and leaflets for our Information Point displays, which are encouraged by Chalk and Cheese funding. Do call us if you would like to know more.

Lion Books promotions are worth checking regularly; biblical and spiritual classics are available at special prices during the ongoing seasons of the year. Easter Promotion titles may be over by the time you read this, but Summer is on the way!

Many people tell us how much they want us to stay present and open here in Bridport. We have a great range of interesting Fund raising ideas, from home made Jam, to small coffee mornings (to big ones!) and all sorts of Art type events. We still run our market stall on Wednesdays in the summer; and do keep your eyes open for interesting events like Summer Arts Days in Stoke Abbott Village Hall. Please consider hard, and pray about, small fund raisers of your own. We would be so grateful, and will support you wholeheartedly in every way we can. Do call us to share ideas, we would be inspired we know.

We hope to share Book Reviews from now on - do not hesitate to call us if you have recently read a book so good you want to share it. And do see our monthly Newsletter.

Thank you all; just call in on us any weekday morning, or call us at 01308 420 483. What a wonderful community this is.

Good Books   St.Mary's Old School  Gundry Lane  Bridport  DT6 3RN

 Our Bride Valley Resident is taking a break this month; the following were brought to my notice the other day. What a good thing most A.G.Ms and spring cleaning have now taken place!

 I Never Wanted to be on This Committee in the First Place!

Oh give me your pityI'm on a Committee

Which means that both morning and night

We attend and amend, contend and defend

Without a conclusion in sight.

We confer and concur, we deferand demur

And reiterate all of our thoughts.

We revise the agenda with frequent addenda

And consider a lot of reports.­

We compose and propose, we support and suppose

And the points of procedure are fun,­

But though various notions are brought up as motions

There's terribly little gets done.

We resolve and absolve but never dissolve

Since that's out of the question for us.

What a shattering pity to end our committee

Where else could we make such a fuss?    Anon

Dust If You Must

Dust if you must,

But wouldn't it be better

To paint a picture, or write a letter, Bake a cake, or plant a seed,

Ponder the difference between want and need.

Dust if you must,

But there is not much time,

With rivers to swim and mountains to climb!

Music to hear, and books to read,

Friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must,

But the world's out there

With the sun in your eyes and thewind in your hair,

Now is the time to make it plain,

This day will not come round again.

Dust if you must,

But bear in mind,

Old age will come and it's not kind.

And when you go, and go you must,

You, yourself, will make more dust.

Remember, a house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture.

Anon

Did You Know..

The greatest female financier in the Bible was Pharaoh's daughter because she went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet..

     ???