Bride Valley News
Last month two people offered me their views on the state of the world. They were rather different from the usual, ‘I don’t know what the world is coming to!’.
One said, ‘The world is getting better and better, and look now at the wonderful prospect of peace and co-operation in Northern Ireland’. The other said, ‘There are so many troubled people in the world. We must help wherever we can, and always have the troubled in our prayers’.
The first comment was an echo of one I heard from a priest many years ago. He said, ‘It’s not, "Whatever is the world coming to?", but rather, "Look what the world is coming from"’.
As we enter the year 2000 we are aware of the progress of the human race. We have come a long way from the Dark Ages. We have passed through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and have long entered the ‘Age of Enlightenment’. Yet there are living today many millions people without those simplest requirements of food, clean water, shelter and education, and a peaceful existence, never mind ‘enlightenment’.
Christianity has been with us for 2000 years. Its history is chequered. It has an enormous amount of which to be proud, and much for which to be penitent. In spite of the bad things in the practice of the faith, there is nothing wrong with God, Jesus Christ or Christianity. Christians, like people of all faiths and none, are basically fallible human beings. We all have a built-in failure factor. Thankfully we all have a built-in optimism factor, too.
As we enter this new millennium, among the jollifications pause to consider. Give thanks for the coming of God as Man into the world he created; for 2000 years of Christianity; for God’s achievement in men and women over the centuries. Then consider how things might be improved. What can you do to further the growth and happiness of individuals and nations? Perhaps somewhere in all that there may be a personal very special New Year’s resolution for a very special year.
In the name of Jesus Christ, whose birthday we continue to celebrate, I send greetings and very best wishes to all our readers.
John Atkinson
Church Calendar - January 2000
1 The Naming & Circumcision of Jesus. Luke 2, v.15-21.
2 The Second Sunday of Christmas.
Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishops, Teachers, 379 & 389.
6 The Epiphany. Matthew 2, v.1-12.
9 The Baptism of Christ.(First Sunday of Epiphany). Mark 1, v.4-11.
10 William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645.
11 Mary Slessor, Missionary in West Africa, 1915.
12 Aelred of Hexham, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167.
13 Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Teacher, 367.
16 The Second Sunday of Epiphany.
17 Antony of Egypt, Hermit, Abbot, 356.
18 The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - until 25th.
19 Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095.
20 Richard Rolle of Hampole, Spiritual Writer, 1349.
21 Agnes, Child-Martyr at Rome, 304.
22 Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon,First Martyr of Spain, 304.
23 The Third Sunday of Epiphany.
24 Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, Teacher, 1622.
25 The Conversion of Paul. Acts 9, v.1-22.
26 Timothy and Titus, Companions of Paul.Timothy 2, v.1-8.
28 Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Philosopher, Teacher, 1274.
30 The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany.
Charles 1, King and Martyr, 1649.
The Millennium and the Bells (East End of the Valley) The Millennium Celebrations at and around Litton Cheney, in which our bellringers are playing (ringing?) such a vital part run something like this:
New Year's Eve: The Old Year rung out and the Millennial Year in (circa 11.30p.m....)
New Year's Day: The Litton Cheney bells will be rung from 11.45 a.m. for between 15 and 30 minutes, in line with many churches throughout the world. There then will be a short Service in Church to which all are most welcome, and this will follow the order entitled "Celebration 2000", put together by The Open Churches Trust. To confirm:
THE 2000 SERVICE --- 12 NOON (APPROX) --- LITTON CHENEY --- JAN. 1st!
THE 2000 SERVICE --- 12 NOON (APPROX) --- PUNCKNOWLE --- JAN. 1st! Anthony Ashwell
FURTHER CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS a Pre-Lent Discussion Series. The stories surrounding the Nativity charm, even bring us to our knees, Christmas after Christmas. But they are so much more than just stories; within them lie truths and challenges for every Millennium. The following is the programme we are proposing. Everyone is most welcome to join us:
1.Angels - then and now.
January 12th at Westfield, Shipton La., B.Bradstock (897445)
January l9th at 5 Malters Cottages, Litton Cheney ( 482483 )
2. The supportive family.
January 26th at 3, Charles Rd., B. Bradstock (897215)
February 2nd at 8 Coombes Close, Litton Cheney ( 482315 )
3. The significance of the shepherds.
February 9th at Fir Tree Cottage, Shipton Gorge (897610)
February 16th at 11 Barges Close, Litton Cheney ( 482598 )
4. Astrologers in the Gospel
February 23rd at Casterbridge, Annings La., B.Bradstock (897408) March lst at The Rectory, Litton Cheney ( 482302 )
All these discussion groups commence at 7.30 pm with coffee and should finish in time for "home" at 9.15 pm.
Anthony Ashwell
Burton Bradstock School
Struggling with a Tizer overdose and picking through the wreckage of my lounge following the family New Year party, I kick over a tin of fortune cookies. Lurching over to the kitchen table I down three Alka Seltzers, and break the first cookie.
In February 2000 'Turn Towards (a better future), the school Millennium song reaches No. 1 in the charts only to be knocked off the top spot the following week by Cliff Richard's new single, 'The Prayer of St Francis' sung to the tune of Rolf Harris' 'Tie me Kangaroo Down'. Intrigued by this revelation I break another with mounting excitement.
In June the Government announces the logical extension of the school league tables. Heads are to be replaced by Managers and schools can be promoted or relegated at the end of the season according to their position. Staff shall henceforth be known as trainers and sponsors clamour to get their brand name on school sweatshirts. Snap! Crumbs fly, another paper twist unrolls..
July sees the official opening of the villages' own (canvas) Millennium Dome. Visitors pour in to marvel at the… er… chairs…walls…stage… spirit zone (The Dove's mobile bar). Burton Academicals (as the school is now known) choir perform their latest song 'I'm a little teapot' to the tune of 'Glory, Glory, Man. United.' September brings another imaginative Government initiative that provides thousands of extra pounds for its cash starved schools. The plan is devastatingly simple. All school buildings are sold to companies such as Smiths Crisps, Times Newspaper Group, K.P. and McVities who use the premises to manufacture squillions of bags of crisps, newspapers etc… with tokens. Parents collect the tokens to exchange for computers, books, pencils, paper and other luxuries. A small hiccup in the plan is discovered when staff, sorry - trainers, realise that they have nowhere to educate the children. Burton's Millennium Tent suddenly finds a 'raison d' etre.'
In November the Government, hard on the heels of Literacy and Numeracy hour is forced to introduce 'Consumeracy Hour' as parents fail to respond to September's 'token' initiative. Families are encouraged to spend an hour after school each day stuffing their faces with cheerios, crisps and hula hoops while reading 'The Express' from cover to cover. Many thousand die of new disease 'Consumerus Overloadus'.
December sees Burton Academicals promoted to Division 1 of the Tesco League. Celebrations are tempered by the news that the school will have to relocate to the Millennium Dome in London, along with all other schools in a bold Government attempt to cut costs and 'rationalise' the Education System.
Oh, fortune cookies are a load of nonsense….aren't they?
A warm welcome to Jack Bragg who joins us in Class 1 after the New Year.
A happy New Year to you all.
David Powell
100 club winners November
£20 Mrs J. Wyatt
£10 Mrs Bolt
£5 Mrs Follett
( Thank you, David, for your Millennial predictions. We look forward to your review, in December, of the year 2000 with great anticipation. Ed.!)
Please see STOP PRESS for the report from Thorner's School
BRIDE VALLEY SCOUT GROUP
It's been a very successful year. We have won four District events, two football competitions, a swimming gala and the West Bay Challenge and have increased our numbers. We now have enrolled some girls in our Scout section and there are a few vacancies for six and seven year olds in the Beaver section and a waiting-list for those not yet old enough. The Butlins trip was enjoyed by over sixty people, our bonfire evening was well attended and we are having a Christmas party in the WI hall in December. On 23rd January we shall be attending the 11.00 a.m. service at Burton Bradstock church, in uniform. By the time you read this we shall know whether our planning application has been successful. Finally, many thanks to all the Leaders for their magnificent efforts over the past year and also to all those parents who helped at our events.
Pat Tucker. Group Scout Leader.
THE BRIDE VALLEY POPPY APPEAL
I am pleased to report another record breaking year. The latest figure for House to House, Church collections and static points around our Valley is £1,954.63, up 4.5% on last year. Well done all of you who gave so generously and special thanks to my dedicated band of Collectors who worked so hard. This figure does not include the cheque I received from the Women's Section of £510.51 as a result of the St. Swithin's Band Concert and Coffee morning at the Burton Bradstock W.l. Hall. Your efforts, ladies, are deeply appreciated by the Legion, thank you so much.
The Poppy Appeal is the main source of revenue for the Legion's Benevolent Fund. All the money you have given, less the cost of the Appeal, goes in this Fund and is used for the purpose it is donated, to help others! Each year more and more people come to the Legion for help and each year that help costs more to provide. Daily we see and read of young Service men and women employed upon world peace keeping duties, and this means that there will always be a need to provide help for them and their dependants, when they themselves no longer can. Thanks again to all of you for your support.
John Ivall Bride Valley Poppy Appeal Organiser
Bride Valley Gardening Club
The next meeting will take place on Monday, 10th January at 7.30 p.m. It will consist of an illustrated slide show prepared by Colin Varndell to commemorate the new millennium, and is entitled 'Old Favourites Spanning 25 Years'. The venue, as usual, will be Thorner's School, Litton Cheney. We also propose celebrating with a few bubbles!
John Rowlands
Village Correspondent Mr Basil Dent
2, Norburton, Burton Bradstock. Tel:- (01308) 897125
Mid Week Worship -
Holy Communion Wednesdays at 10.00 a.m. followed by coffee in the Rectory
Choir Practices Fridays at 6.00 p.m.
Gift Sunday January 23rd Bride Valley Scout Group
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Funeral 15th November Bryan E. G. Chapman
Burial of Ashes 20th November Bryan E. G. Chapman
The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 4th February. Please note that there will be no Tiny Tots service in January.
The next Healing Services at St Mary’s will be held on Wednesdays 5th January and 9th February at 7 pm. The Lent Course will be taking place on the Wednesdays in Lent, so Healing Services will be on Mondays 13th March and 10th April, then Wednesday 3rd May.
New Year’s Eve. On 31st December 1999 St Mary’s Church will be open from 11.15 to 11.45 pm for a half-hour New Year’s Eve Service - very informal, a time largely for quiet reflection.
JANUARY 1st 2000 After the ringing of St Mary’s bells at 12 noon, there will be a short New Millennium Service starting around 12.10 pm.
The Parochial Church Council next meets on Monday 17th January in church at 7.00 pm.
Organist / Choirmaster/mistress We still seek a successor to Jim Wilmot. If any reader can put us in touch with a suitable person, or if you have recently moved to the Valley or nearby and may be interested, please let me know.
In the meantime, we are taking up some local organists’ and pianists’ kind offers to help us out temporarily. We are very grateful to them.
John Atkinson
THE CHURCH BOOKSTALL St Mary's, Burton Bradstock
If you browse among the books and cards on the newly replenished bookstall you will find the following ...
The Case Against God by Gerald Priestland (£2.75). Maybe you think there isn't one? Read this book and you'll soon see what the author is getting at ... a moving account of the way which many different people approach God.
The Path of Peace by Norman Warren (99p) These reflections on one of the best loved psalms explore the Twenty Third afresh and bring a message of hope and new life to today's reader.
Broken Windows Broken Lives by Adrian Plass (Special price of £2.99). This story tells of the gulf between dream and reality when an out of work actor becomes a housemaster in a residential school for "maladjusted" boys. His happy expectation of a starring roll as a modern Dr Barnardo surrounded by beautiful and grateful children is well out of line. Told with Adrian Plass' usual brand of humour this story is a gripping read.
The Lion Concise Bible Handbook (£7.99).This excellent paperback is crammed with information presented in a simple and interesting way. Part One sets the Bible in context, while parts Two and Three go through the Old and New Testaments, section by section. As you flip through you will see that the information is presented in an accessible way for easy reading.
A varied selection ... come and see for yourself
Sheila Spencer-Smith (898012)
MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS
REMINDER NEW YEAR'S EVE: bonfire ( beacon ) will be lit at 5.00 pm and extinguished at 7.00 pm at the top of Cliff Road, Burton Bradstock. Please bring your children and come and try and spot other bonfires along the coast or inland. At 11.30 pm the W.I. Hall will be open and a welcoming glass of punch waiting for you. Music will be provided by George Hirst on his accordion. Towards midnight we will go onto The Green when at midnight the Beacon will be lit to the background of St Mary's bells.
The Bells of St. Mary's
When you hear the bells ringing have you ever paused to consider, not the sound, but the bells themselves? How many are there? Are they very large? How old are they?
At St. Mary's we have six bells. Our two heaviest bells are the oldest and were cast in 1615 and 1616 by the Purdue family at Closworth, which is a small village just into Somerset and not very far from Yeovil. Though repairs were carried out in 1928 and again in 1994 these two bells are still very much as they were originally cast, and have been rung for worship, and on occasions of rejoicing and sorrow, for the best part of 400 years. They weigh 8 cwt. and 10 cwt. respectively, measure approx 3 ft. across the mouth of the bow, and stand about the same high. That's quite a lot of metal.
The 4th was also made by the Purdues, in 1651, but in a subsequent overhaul it was found to be untunable and had to be recast. The next to be added was the 2nd, but not until over a hundred years later, in 1762. By then the Closworth foundry was being worked by James Smith, whose name appears on the bell, and Thomas Roskelly. This bell also had to be recast in 1928. The 3rd was made in 1800 by another famous bell founding family, the Bilbies of Cullompton. And the final addition was made in 1928 when the treble was cast by Mears & Stainbank, now known as The Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd.
All in all we have quite a historic ring, the youngest bells already having given 70 years' service. It stretches the imagination to try to picture the ringers through the centuries up there in that same ringing chamber that we stand in today. Of course they were not able to ring and control the bells in quite the same way as we can now, but that is another story.
Though the weights of the bells may sound impressive, great strength is not a requirement for ringing. It is more of a knack than an exercise of strength. Should anyone be interested in trying their hand they should contact Basil Dent for further information.
Jane Stubbs
BURTON BRADSTOCK WI
Who would think that such a happy Christmas atmosphere could be generated in mid-November? We've proved it can. This year our Christmas Lunch at Highland End took place on 18th November and members and guests enjoyed themselves in the traditional way. Also in November we broke with tradition and held a Victorian Afternoon on the twenty seventh of the month instead of the usual Christmas Fair. The WI Hall, decked with greenery and tastefully decorated in the style of the last century, drew enthusiastic crowds. Everyone was welcomed by President Wendy Green and other Victorian ladies all dressed in their best costumes complete with fetching lacy headgear. Decorated baskets of goodies were for sale, as were Christmas decorations, cakes and produce and plenty of other items. Christmas hampers were raffled. For refreshment there were mincepies and mulled wine. A truly successful afternoon.
After the Group Carol Service at Walditch on the 9th our December meeting on the 14th continues the seasonal theme with a talk and demonstration on table decorations.
Sheila Spencer-Smith
Unveiling of the Burton Bradstock Millennium Tapestry
The Burton Bradstock Millennium Tapestry is now securely in position on the Library wall, shrouded from view until the official unveiling. This will take place on Wednesday 12th January at 3.00 p.m. when it will be handed over to the Parish Council in front of the Millennium Committee, local Councillors and some of the helpers.
Due to limited space, it has not been possible to invite all those involved in producing the tapestry and so representatives have been chosen by ballot. After the ceremony the Library will be open from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. when everyone is welcome to come and view the work over a cup of tea.
CHARITY JAZZ NIGHT
On Saturday December 4th we all enjoyed a fabulous early Christmas Party night dancing to the Granada Jazz Band. A big " thank you" to all those who supported us so generously and a very special "thank you" to those of you who donated some splendid tombola prizes. We raised with your help a very worthwhile £440.00 for the Marie Curie Nursing Service.
For your Year 2000 Diary please make a note of a big event we are planning on Saturday July 8th, a Masked Ball in the Millennium Marquee. Full details later in the year.
Thank you again for your support in our Fund Raising events held in the 90's.
Andrea Wilkinson and Barbara Ivall Co-Organisers.
Burton Bradstock Village Society.
On one of the coldest evenings of the approaching winter, 60 members attended the November meeting of the Burton Bradstock Village Society, at which Mr. Colin Barham gave an entertaining talk about the Kentish Hop Gardens. He illustrated his talk with slides, and anecdotes drawn from his mother's memories of being taken 'hopping", along with thousands of other London families, in the early years of this century.
The January Meeting will be held on Friday 14th, when MP Colin Varndell will give a slide show entitled "Personal Favourites to Celebrate the Millennium".
Jane Stubbs
Bryan Chapman
We would like to express our thanks to all Dorn and Bryan's friends in Burton Bradstock who provided so much help and support through Bryan's final illness, and whose care and concern have helped us in the days and weeks since his death in early November.
We shall always remember how packed the church was for his funeral, and how John Atkinson along with friends from the village helped make the service a true celebration of Bryan's life. It was an occasion that Bryan himself would have thoroughly enjoyed.
Our thanks go as well to all those who contributed to our appeal for a Datascope to help the nursing staff at Langdon Ward of Bridport Community Hospital who looked after Bryan with such dedication.
I know that Dorn will continue to appreciate over the coming months the friendship of all the many kind people who have made her feel so much a part of life in Burton Bradstock.
Dorn and Ian Chapman and family
The Children's Society
Sincere thanks to all the box holders for handing these in. This enabled us to send a total of £312.02 to the Society. Thank you too for holding the boxes for the coming year. The Gift Day in church on Sunday 21st November raised a further £69.43 for the Society. Many thanks to all those who helped to raise this total.
Greta Heal
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Gilly Doar
Paddock Lodge Swyre
Church Service Times. Starting this month, the normal pattern of Church Services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays will be reversed, and we hope this will remain the pattern for at least 2 years.
1st Sunday of the month 6.30 p.m. Evensong
3rd " " " 11.00 a.m. Parish Communion
Please note, however, that we begin by immediately making an exception! (see below)
Songs Of Praise. Instead of the 6.30 p.m. Evensong which should be happening on January 2nd, we will be having a Songs of Praise Service at 3.00 p.m. At this, we will be singing in (again?) the Millennium with some traditional, but now not so often sung, Christmas Carols. These include "God rest ye merry gentlemen" and "Good King Wenceslas". What a good way to remove any millennial celebration cobwebs! To confirm: SUNDAY 2ND JANUARY---CAROLS OF PRAISE---3.00 O’CLOCK
Anthony Ashwell
We wish everyone in the Bride Valley a Happy New Year.
Welcome to Wendy and Paul Pritchard who have come to live at Swyre Cross.
Holy Trinity Swyre
A beautiful red altar frontal with matching lectern cloth and offertory bag were dedicated at Evensong on Sunday 21 November. The frontal and lectern cloth were rnade by Mrs Vera Hirst, Mrs Anna Lovell helped with the design. The offertory bag was made by Mrs Deborah Wordsworth. The funding was from the Trinity weekend held in May. The blue tower curtains, a gift to the church nine years ago, were also dedicated at the service.
Mrs Vera Howard
Swyre Parish Meeting
The Millennium map: It was decided by the Parish meeting that a high definition transparency would be taken of the completed map and all reproductive work will be produced from this transparency. The original map will be stored at the Public Records Office at Dorchester where it will be available for viewing. The map will remain in the ownership of the village.
Millennium Spoons: A survey of the children in the village has been undertaken and a silver plated spoon will be given to each child to mark the Millennium. The village is grateful to an anonymous donor for the funds to purchase the spoons. When the Parish Map is unveiled after the winter, when hopefully the weather will be more clement, the spoons will be presented to the children. It was thought that the children would have many gifts at Christmas time and that the spoon would be a more special gift later in the year.
Policing in the Valley: Police Constable Jeff Barker who has a special responsibility for our village spoke at the Parish Meeting. He introduced himself and explained that he and two other constables, Dave Bird and Dave Nash were the three officers responsible for our area. He urged villagers to report any suspicious incidents, saying that the officers would rather be called and not find a problem, than not to be alerted to a potential incident. He suggested as an alternative to ringing 999 for an emergency, or if a suspicious incident was taking place, telephone number 01305 251212 could be used, with a request to speak to the control room. The number is manned 24 hours a day.
Precept: The precept for the year 2000/2001 was set at the reduced amount of two hundred pounds.
Mrs M. Marshall
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow
Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle
Telephone: (01308) 897761
Church Service Times. Starting this month, the Church has a new pattern of worship which we hope will stay in place for at least 2 years.
1st Sunday of the month 9.30 a.m. Family Service (All-age Worship)
2nd ditto 9.30 a.m. Parish Communion
3rd ditto 11.00 a.m. Matins
4th ditto 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion (B.C.P.)
5th Sunday Services will remain flexible, and in a relevant month the time can be found either in The B.V.N. or on the previous week’s pewsheet.
( This January’s 5th Sunday Service, on the 30th, will be a Parish Communion at 9.30 a.m.)
The major change is the moving of the Family Service to the first Sunday where it will not clash with the Sunday Club.
"Millennium Services"
A "Millennium Service" will be held on 1st January(!) at 12 noon or soon after, to accommodate the millennial bells. The service will last about 20 minutes and everybody is most welcome.
Our "Sunday Millennium Service" will be a (Family) Service for all ages and will be at 9.30 a.m. on January 2nd. We encourage everybody to bring to Church something which reminds them of the unchanging message of Christmas.
Anthony Ashwell
The Village Social Evening
At our December meeting Richard Edmonds gave an enthralling talk, accompanied by excellent slides, on the Dorset Jurassic Coast from East Devon to beyond Kimmeridge. There will be NO MEETING in January, but do come on 3rd February at 7.30pm in the Hall, when Arthur Pearce, who has just come back from Australia, will talk and show slides on Australian Aboriginal Art and rock paintings. Everyone is welcome.
LITTON
CHENEY Village Correspondents: Mr & Mrs.
N.Gardener 1 Rose Cottages, Litton Cheney Tel: ( 01308 ) 482323
Church Service Times. Starting this month, the Church has a new Pattern of Worship, which we hope will stay in place for at least 2 years.
1st Sunday of the month 11.00 a.m. Parish Communion
2nd " " 11.00 a.m. Matins
3rd " " 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (B.C.P.)
4th " " 9.30 a.m. Family Service (All-age Worship)
5th Sunday Services will remain flexible, and in a relevant month the time can be found either in The B.V.N. or on the previous week’s pewsheet. (This January’s 5th Sunday Service on the 30th will be an Evensong at 6.30 p.m.)
The "Millennium Service" will be held on 1st January(!) at 12 noon or soon after, to accommodate the millennial bells. The service will last about 20 minutes and everybody is most welcome.
The Day After Christmas is both St. Stephen’s Day and a Sunday. We will be having a said traditional Holy Communion Service at 9.30 a.m.-the only Service on this day for the east end of the Valley.
Anthony Ashwell
Due to a very early going-to-press date this month village news is thin on the ground and we have no information or news to pass on to readers of the BVN. However, as your village correspondents, we wish you a very happy Christmas and every good wish for the future millennium celebrations and the year to come.
Norman & Mollie Gardener
***************************STOP PRESS**************************
Thorner’s School, Litton Cheney
Lots of people will have made new year resolutions….. but how many people have kept them? We all tend to have good intentions, but reality is different. My resolution is to unpack and not live out of boxes. During the last term I was never sure where I was and what was mine. Renting a share of a house in Portland and most of my belongings were still in Bristol meant that I had to plan well in advance if I wanted something particular, as my trips to Bristol were not frequent or regular. So this year will be the year when I start putting my roots down and hopefully will really feel part of Bridport and Dorset. It has given me a fresh appreciation of what it must be like for a child coming into school for the first time, or for those parents who are not comfortable when entering school, especially if they had an unhappy experience. It can be quite daunting to tackle something new but with the support of family and friends it can be eased. I hope that we at Thorner’s can give that support to present community members and extend it to the new members of our villages of which there are quite a few. I was surprised to be introduced to a number of people during the run up to Christmas, who have left the area but still feel that they have connections here and are made welcome on their return to see ‘old’ friends. I have certainly been very lucky to have had so many people who were willing to give help and advice….I am sure that the staff are fed up with me asking ‘Where is that? North, south, east or west of here?’ I am pleased to say that they never once resorted to pulling out a map and pointing but were always willing to talk it through. Thank you for that. I also hope that I am now able to find my way around without getting lost too often.
This term class 4 are working with Burton Bradstock and Loders schools and an artist on a digital arts project. The children are aiming to make use of camcorders, computers and digital cameras, learning better techniques and hopefully by the end of term we will have a web page to show for all the effort. The children will collaborate at different stages and will pass on knowledge that they have gained to others within school. So keep watching for information on how to access this material.
While practising for our Christmas production we were often at a loss for a musician to accompany us. We do have a member of staff who can play but unfortunately she only works for half the week. Rehearsals at the start of the week were fine, we had Mrs Hooper, we had music; but at the end of the week, we tried hard, we knew the words, we made a noise (not always very tuneful especially with me leading!). I was wondering if there is someone locally who could play the piano or keyboard for us at such times, maybe a retired person who enjoys playing and could volunteer to help us in our hour of need on occasions. We would be very grateful. Please get in touch.
100 club winners: Carol Randall £15 and
Mr Pinkett £10
Alison Johnstone Headteacher.
LONG
BREDY Village Correspondents: Mr & Mrs
Patrick Frost Bridelands
Tel ( 01308 ) 482269
Church Service Times Starting this month, the normal pattern of Church Services will be reversed and the Family Service will move to the earlier time of 9.30 a.m. We hope that this new pattern will remain in place for at least 2 years.
1st Sunday of the month 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion (B.C.P.)
3rd Sunday ................. 9.30 a.m. Family Service (All-age Worship)
All Bride Valley Church Family Services are now at 9.30 a.m.
The Holy Communion Service on 2nd January will as usual follow the traditional rite, and it will be a most appropriate way of bringing the old into the new. Anthony Ashwell
Poppy Appeal. The sale of poppies prior to Remembrance Sunday brought in the sum of £87.30, for which the local Bride Valley organiser has said a very big "thank you".
Neuro-Surgery. The parents and grandparents of Kieran Mulhall, born on the 3rd August, are most grateful for the prayers and messages of good will which they have received during the time that Kieran has spent in Southampton Hospital. His condition was such that a course of neuro-surgery started at the tender age of 10 weeks. It is pleasing to report that he was discharged from Southampton during the first week in December.
Christingle Service. The Church was seasonally decorated for the Christingle Service held on the 5th December. A strong team of helpers had prepared the candles during the previous day, the materials for which had been donated by Mrs. Pamela Coe, in memory of her late husband. The Village Singers were also in attendance, and the Lullaby they sang after the children had lit their candles made a most moving impression. Many thanks to all who had helped in any way. The collection, in aid of the Children's Society, amounted to £120.53.
A Happy New Year to you all!
Church Service Times. Starting this month, the Church Services on the 2nd and 4th Sundays will both now be at 9.30 a.m., and this should remain the pattern for at least the next 2 years.
2nd Sunday of the month 9.30 a.m. Family Service (All-age Worship)
4th Sunday of the month 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion (B.C.P.)
With Long Bredy also moving its Family Service to 9.30 a.m., this means that all Valley Family Services now begin at 9.30 a.m.
Anthony Ashwell
LITTLEBREDY NOTES.
Two welcomes to stress this month: firstly to young Edmund Shackleton, who was born at Top Parts on the 16th November, just too late for inclusion in last month's notes. Belatedly but cordially, therefore, we extend all congratulations to Jasper and Jo, and we wish all three of them great happiness together.
Secondly, welcome also to Simon and Siobhan Baxter, who, with young Nathan and Kieran, are moving into Spring Cottage. The observant will have noticed lights ablaze as decorations get under way, and we wish the family well in their new home.
The meeting scheduled to discuss the future of the Village Hall will take place in the second half of February, so please look out for an exact date in next month's BVN. As for venue, Chris and Judy Yates have agreed to host it in Gardens Cottage, so we say thank you to them.
We also say congratulations to Chris, who has been elected to the Daffodil and Tulip Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. This is a high honour in the horticultural world, and one which those who know their expertise and work here and elsewhere will know is well deserved.
Congratulations too to Rachel Hallett, whose graduation ceremony as B.Sc.(Hons) in Geography took place at Plymouth University in December.
Finally, of course, it is too late for Christmas greetings in this magazine, but not too late to extend to all readers, within Littlebredy and further afield, all very best wishes for happiness and fulfilment in 2000 and beyond.
SHIPTON GORGE
Village
Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White Eastcote 3 Gullivers Orchard
Shipton Gorge Tel(01308)897974
JANUARY
1st 2000 After the ringing of St Martin’s bells at 12 noon, there
will be a short New Millennium Service starting around 12.15 pm, when the
refurbished churchyard gates will be dedicated.
The Village Notice Board has been re-positioned to its new site near the New Inn by kind permission of Andrew & Margaret Duffy.
R..Langran Parish Council
As in previous years there is to be a PLANT SALE held adjacent to the Village Hall on Saturday 29th April. It is hoped that with plenty of advance notice, those of you with green fingers will pot up stray plants, take cuttings or nurture seeds in your greenhouse ready for this occasion. This year's proceeds will be to our church funds and your support will be greatly appreciated. Jan Shaw 897524
Shipton Gorge 100 Club Winners for the December Draw
£50 No:62 Liz Fulford
£20 No: 26 Lyn Grey
£10 Nos: 23, 67, 32 Bette Danby Joyce Crutchley Gary Warren
Millennium Quiz
Match each character to the correct century from the first two millennia. e.g. (a) William I C11th
(a) He defeated Harold at Hastings
(b) He built a wall as a defence against the Picts and the Scots.
(c) She mourned for her husband on the Isle of Wight.
(d) He reputedly burnt some cakes.
(e) The Magna Carta was signed in his reign.
(f) King of Northumbria killed at Oswestry.
(g) The writer of 34 plays wrote "What a piece of work man is.."
(h) The city of Istanbul was originally named after him.
(i) He roused his troops to an English victory at Agincourt.
(j) A Queen who led a revolt against the Romans.
(k) He became Archbishop of Canterbury; a present day Society for the blind bears the same name.
(l) He wrote a series of Tales named after a city in Kent.
(m) A venerable monk who wrote an Ecclesiastical History of the English People.
(n) A man, not a king, ( with a round head? ) who ruled England as Lord Protector.
(o) H-----t & H---a settled in Kent.
(p) The founder of Methodism
(q) Father of (h)
(r) An Archbishop murdered at Canterbury
(s) He inspired his nation "at their darkest hour."
(t) Pope Gregory the Great sent him on a mission to Kent
Answers in next month's B.V.N.
New Year Closures
Burton Bradstock Library will re-open after the holiday on Tuesday 4th January 2000.
Drs.Pouncey, Baird & Fowler Surgeries
The surgery will be closed:
Friday December 31st
Saturday January 1st
Sunday January 2nd
Appointments can be made for Monday 3rd on that morning when there will be a Portesham surgery from 9.00am - 12 noon
Normal Surgery from January 4th
We hope the eight churches of the Valley will forgive us for the temporary removal of their pictures from the front cover of this edition. We felt it appropriate to celebrate this momentous New Year ( after all it has only happened twice before! ) by appearing in colour. David's photograph reminds us that it is the River Bride that unites the villages of the Valley and from which we take our name. It also serves as a reminder to us of the much loved first psalm which refers to the truly happy man as one whose delight is in the law of the Lord. He is, says the psalmist, "like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, its leaf does not wither... in all that he does he prospers." What a challenge as we face the 3rd millennium and what a relief that we have at hand such a dependable Guide. A challenge, too, to thank God for the fulfilment of His promises and to make his Laws the basis for life in the New Millennium. Let's all be living trees and not dead branches!
A Very Happy New Year to you all !