Bride Valley News
July 2000 |
Index |
| Church Service Times | |
| From The Clergy | |
| Main BVN menu | Church Calender - This month |
| Valley Notes - all the other 'whats on' bits | |
| Burton Bradstock - The Church + other village organisations | |
| Swyre | |
| Puncknowle & West Bexington | |
| Litton Cheney | |
| Long Bredy | |
| Littlebredy | |
| Shipton Gorge | |
| Chilcombe | |
| Diary of Events for all Parishes - This month - check it out |
The Lyme Bay Deanery Strategic Plan for Ministry
In October 1998 the Diocesan Synod asked the Deaneries each to draw up a Strategic Plan for Ministry in the year 2005. Though Lyme Bay Deanery was asked to plan for a reduction in the number of stipendiary clergy from twelve to ten by 2005, the task for the Deaneries included planning the whole development of mission and ministry shared by clergy and lay people.
Last month our Deanery Synod completed its task, 62 out of the 65 members present agreeing its draft plan, which is submitted to the Archdeaconry Pastoral Committee and thence via the Diocesan Pastoral Committee to the Bishop's Council, which advises the Bishop on such matters.
There may well be amendments to our plan, but insofar as it affects the Bride Valley all our residents and church members should be aware of what is immediately in mind.
On the retirement next year of its present incumbent, the United Benefice of Askerswell, Loders and Powerstock wishes to remain as a distinct entity with its own priest. If that is not possible, it might join with the Bride Valley to make a group of ten parishes with thirteen churches, under my and Anthony Ashwell's pastoral care, with Anthony moving to reside at Loders Vicarage. That would be very much second best for Askerswell, Loders and Powerstock, the Bride Valley, Anthony and me. There are many anxieties.
There would be only 1 and 4/5ths stipendiary priests in such a group as one fifth of my time is already deemed to be spent as Rural Dean. Very soon we should need to start planning for the necessary changes, if that is the way forward. There is no plan to close any churches, but there would be an inevitable reduction of the present number of Sunday services. Anthony and I would have increased responsibilities over a wider area, and be less available to each individual parish. There is a limit to what we can do. Greater responsibility would fall upon churchwardens and other leaders in our present Bride Valley parishes as well as those of Askerswell, Loders and Powerstock.
For the present, please be aware of the situation, consider it thoughtfully and prayerfully, but don't be downhearted! There are also many exciting prospects for the future ministry in this part of Dorset.
John Atkinson
Church Calendar - July 2000
1 John & Henry Venn, Priests, Evangelical Divines, 1813 & 1873.
2 The Second Sunday after Trinity.
3 Thomas the Apostle. John 20, v.24-29.
6 Thomas More, Scholar, and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, Reformation Martyrs, 1535.
9 The Third Sunday after Trinity.
11 Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, Father of Western Monasticism, c.550. "Single-minded, composed and upright, a man of peace and moderation, a loving father who combined insistence on good discipline with respect for human personality and individual capabilities; thoroughly practical".
14 John Keble, Priest, Tractarian, Poet, 1866.
15 Swithun, Bishop of Winchester, c.862.
16 The Fourth Sunday after Trinity.
Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury, 1099.
18 Elizabeth Ferard, first Deaconess of the Church of England, Founder of the Community of St. Andrew, 1883.
19 Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, and his sister Macrina, Deaconess, Teachers, c.394 and c.379.
20 Margaret of Antioch, Martyr, 4th Century.
Bartolome de las Casas, Apostle to the Indies, 1566.
22 Mary Magdalene. John 20, v.1-2, 11-18.
23 The Fifth Sunday after Trinity.
Bridget of Sweden, Abbess of Vadstena, 1373.
25 James the Apostle. Acts 11, v.27-12, v.2.
26 Anne and Joachim, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
27 Brooke Foss Westcott, Bishop of Durham, Teacher, 1901
29 Mary, Martha and Lazarus, Companions of our Lord. John 12, v.1-8
30 William Wilberforce, Social Reformer, 1833.
31 The Sixth Sunday after Trinity.
Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus, 1556.
Rosemary Earnshaw
The Ecclesiastical Insurance Group insures the churches of the Valley. Ecclesiastical Direct has a voucher scheme. When a new household policy is taken out your church qualifies for a £50 donation. In subsequent years a £10 voucher will be issued when the policy is renewed. Ecclesiastical has now donated £77,100 nationally to participating parishes and aims to increase this to £200,000 by the end of 2000. For a quotation telephone (0800) 336622, quoting reference PV5.
Burton Bradstock School
I take the slightly unusual step this month of writing in anticipation of, rather than after an event.
In a little over a week's time our village will be embarking on its Millennium celebrations. This is a bold and imaginative initiative that I'm not aware is happening anywhere else in Dorset on such a scale. That it is taking place at all is down to the hard work of the village Millennium Committee, headed by Justin Mallinson and backed by Peter Colbert, who have shaped and planned the programme.
Like any such enterprise, it has had its occasional cynical sniping, but cynicism is purely destructive and I believe that we should all take our hats off to everyone involved in creating the week.
The school will play as full a part as we can, bearing in mind that it is a working week for us. I am organising the races on the Wednesday afternoon and all our children will be taking part. It will take the form of a traditional sports day, including the egg & spoon and sack race. You are welcome to come and spectate and, of course, participate if you wish, as there will be adult versions of some of the races also.
On the Sunday afternoon our older children combine with Mountjoy in the Marquee to put on our J.C.2000 production, retelling the parable of the Feeding of the 5000. We have used our R.E. lessons this term to consider the parable in the wider context of giving and sharing in the year 2000, and our production includes dance, drama and artwork. Do come along and share the afternoon with us.
We conclude our involvement in the festival on Thursday evening when, from 6.30 - 8.00 p.m. all children at the school take part in our Millennium Musical Extravaganza. We are proud of our musical reputation in the area and this evening will showcase the talent and enthusiasm of our wonderful children. You are welcome to come, but it may be standing room only as our parents will be there as well. We are not charging entry to our concert, but our P.T.A. will run a raffle, and there will be a retiring collection for the school after the concert.
If you've received this copy of the B.V.N. before Saturday 1st July do come along to our Summer Fair around the school, starting at 2.00pm. There will be live music, Maypole dancing in the back playground and much, much, more.
Pip, pip.
David Powell
Lucky 100 Club Winners for May
£20 W.J. Hunt
£10 Y. Peter
£5 M. Hewett
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Bride Valley Churches invite you to Holiday Club 2000 'Down the Drain'.
For 3 afternoons in July you can go 'down the drain' to drain central and join the think tank. See what's in the fish and meet Dwain and Wayne the drain cleaners! If you are between 5 and 11 years old you can join us each day for 2 hours of fun, games, singing and learning about Jesus.
Be assured of an exciting 3 days you'll never forget! So book Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 26th - 28th July from 1.30 -3.30p.m. at Thorner's School. Look out for posters and application forms which will be sent to schools, or you can phone Paul and Jo on 01308 ....
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Thorner's School, Litton Cheney
This is a time of the year which I really enjoy. We have trips, Sports Day and residential visits; the pupils always seem to be happy, and it is great to see them out on the field during the lunch breaks, playing lots of different games and not complaining that the boys are taking up too much room with the football! My life is easier when the footballers are able to use the field, but I quite often ask myself, 'why do they take up twice as much space on the field compared to the rest of the school?' It seems that a high number of children everywhere, (the majority of them boys), spend every waking moment thinking about football if they are not actually playing it, immaterial of where they are in the country. It is the cause of disagreements and upsets throughout the school and a lot of staff time is used trying to get to the root of the problem. Now lots of you might think that summer is not the time to play football. Sorry to tell you, but you are wrong. Give the children an open space and they will find a ball. Euro 2000 has been the talk of the playground. Who invented football? Can someone invent a replacement?
You might wonder why I am writing about football. Well, just recently Class 4 stayed at Leeson House and on one of the walks we passed the local school with its very attractive front garden. Later on in the stay we were told that this was where the boys spent their playtimes, waiting for their mothers to pass lunch through the railings. I wonder what they did during the breaks, because 100 boys in that playground meant that nobody could play football. Did this make the schoolmasters' task after lunch easier? Should I learn a lesson here?
The residential visit to Leeson House gave me an opportunity of seeing a lot more new territory at first hand. Some of the views are spectacular as well as dangerous. The staff at the centre are very knowledgeable and are the perfect hosts. I saw some of the children in a different light: it is surprising who gets homesick, who knows how to make a bed, who has used a sweeping brush before or laid a table with cutlery. All of the children learnt a lot from the experience. You do not need to travel far to extend your knowledge, both academically or socially. They were very tired for the last few days of the week but were full of the things which they had experienced and I feel it was one of the highlights of their school life. A big thank you must go Linda Gundry who organised it all, as well as Jenny Prentice and Patrick Letherby for accompanying the class.
As mentioned before, this is a great time of the year, various walks are organised and being a newcomer to the area I take every opportunity I can to get out and about to see different places and meet new faces. During one walk in May around Burton Bradstock I met a lovely group of people and learnt a lot about local places and characters and realised that there is a lot of talent and experienced people out there. I am sure that we are not fully aware of all the knowledge and we certainly take our countryside and coastline for granted. Please stop and look around you, enjoy what you see and look after it for the generations to come because once it is ruined we will miss it.
100 club winners: £15 Mrs Ives and £10 Mrs Izzard
Alison Johnstone Headteacher.
Ladybirds
We are visiting the beautiful 'Scented Garden' at the home of Chris and Judy Yates, Littlebredy on July 12th - 8.00 p.m.
Margaret Elliott
Bride Valley Scout Group
In April our Beavers joined other Colonies from across Dorset for a County Fun day at Braggers Wood, Bournemouth.
Nationally, the Scout Association asked all Scouts to be at a camp fire at 8.00 p.m. on Spring Bank Holiday Saturday to celebrate the Millennium. Over thirty of our Group, consisting of Leaders, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Beaver parents, attended the West Dorset District camp at Boarsbarrow Farm, Loders. Everybody enjoyed themselves but because of the rain overnight on Saturday, the camp had to finish early at midday on Sunday after a Church Service in the marquee.
Cubs and Scouts have enjoyed sailing at Sutton Bingham reservoir. Our fund-raising continues with the very successful Quiz being won by John and Ryan Kingston. Entries were received from all over the country, Scotland to Cornwall. Many thanks to Ruth Brierley for all her hard work, and the answers can be seen on the board outside the Scout Hut, Shipton Lane. Thank you to the Wheeler family for your super Skittles Marathon.
We have had stalls and smiles of pennies at Bucky Doo Square, Bridport. Three events in the Millennium marquee at Burton Bradstock are in aid of our Hut Fund, and we are taking part in the Puncknowle Fun day on 20th July. We are extremely grateful to all the community for their support.
The Hut plans have been finalised for Building Regulations and the Lottery Grant application is being put together.Pat Tucker Group Scout Leader
Apologies to all those people looking forward to our car-boot sales, which were planned for April and June. Unfortunately both dates had to be cancelled due to the field being waterlogged. The next car-boot sale is planned for Saturday 26th August.
A Scout Jamboree!! or is it a Jam-bor-tea??
John & Veda Bull have kindly offered to hold a "Garden Party" in aid of the Bride Valley Scout Group 'New Hut Fund' on Sunday 20th August from 2.00 p.m. Look out for more details in next month's BVN.
Steve Dove, Chairman BVSG
STOP PRESS
Help Needed.....Can you help?
Chancery House, which serves our valley in making provision for the elderly, is in dire need of additional drivers. This is not an onerous task, but does involve commitment. You can volunteer the time that you have available; you do not have to have a 4-door saloon, though it is preferable. The duties involve collecting clients from their homes, taking them to Chancery House after 9.00 a.m., and then taking them home again in the middle of the afternoon. There is no problem with insurance, though you do need to inform your insurers.A mileage allowance of 40p. per mile will be paid. This service to the community is run by volunteers and is in need of additional help.. At the moment it is restricted from assisting as many people as need help simply through lack of drivers. If you feel you might be able to help, would you please ring 01308 424357, or call to talk to them about what is involved. Thank you. Anna Lovell
BOOK REVIEW
The Parson Knows
Bishop Street Press: ISBN 0-9531802-1- 2: 258pp
This book is taken from the parish notes 1953-1968 by the Rev'd Oliver Willmott. It is the sequel to Yours Reverently, which covered the years 1948-1953. Oliver Willmott was for many years the vicar of Loders, Askerswell and Dottery.
Each month he wrote his parish notes which took the place of a parish magazine. He recorded the events of the parishes and gradually built up a following from around the world, not just of former parishioners, but of those who revelled in the quality of his writing and perception of English village life. His quirks of style and expression seem to fit with his singing of 'who is this with garments gory?' to encourage Primula his cow to let down her milk. Or his capacity to notice that the furrows on Boarsbarrow Hill seemed to be running right up to heaven. This book, like the first in the series, is a pleasure to read and will be enjoyed by many. Writing in The Grapevine, the diocesan magazine for Bath and Wells, Celia Andrews, said of the former book "Rev. Willmott creates a world of church fetes, carol singing, outings and shared joy and sadness you can almost touch and smell."
To give a flavour of this book we reprint here two extracts about Mrs W. and her parrot. ( Might this help solve a current Burton Bradstock ornithological mystery?! Ed.)
From March 1956 Notes
Why he stayed at home
Mrs. W., one of the octogenarians of Uploders, has been for some weeks at Montacute with relations who have nursed her back to health. The relations offered to have her lodger, old Mr. H., as well, but he declined to leave the parrot which is the ornament of the W....'s menage. This parrot occupies a very big cage in the middle of the kitchen, and the cage is now heavily draped with sacks against the cold. Mrs. W. inherited the parrot, together with a hundredweight of seed, from an old neighbour in Burton Bradstock thirty years ago, and the parrot was no chicken then. It has a large vocabulary, and does not mince words. When the Vicar called the other day Mr.H. was a-tremble lest the parrot should mention the weather. There was no knowing what a product of Burton Bradstock might say.
From December 1959 Notes
Unholy words
Our oldest inhabitant is Mrs.W's parrot, who can be proved to be at least 100. Mrs. W. has to confess, with sorrow, that as the parrot gets older she does not grow in grace (she was always reckoned a he until she produced a few eggs in her late nineties). Long years ago, when the parrot lived at Burton, the men who carted sand from Burton beach tried their hardest to teach her a few nautical terms of dubious taste. She resisted, and instead learnt the Lord's Prayer, which she could say right through to the end. But nowadays, when she attempts the Lord's Prayer, which is not as often as it might be, she does not get very far, and it is a bit less every time. But what distresses Mrs. W. beyond words is that when the parrot sees a titbit on Mrs. W.'s plate, and asks for it, and does not get it, she screams, 'Go to hell, Mother'. As Mrs. W. is sure the neighbours must have heard, there is no harm in our mentioning it here.
Yours Reverently and The Parson Knows are available from book- shops or Bishop Street Press, 8 Bishop Street, Shrewsbury SY2 5HA; tel.. 01 743 343 718. £11 each incl p&p.
Wednesday 9th August 2000
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
GRAND ORGAN TRIP
by
Elizabeth Thornburn
Premier Prix and Diplome Superieur
Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles
Visiting the organs of Swyre - Puncknowle - Litton Cheney - Long Bredy Littlebredy- Shipton Gorge - Burton Bradstock
Elizabeth Thornburn was brought up in West Dorset and educated at Colfox School, before winning an Organ Scholarship to Girton College, Cambridge. At the age of sixteen she became organist of the parish of Symondsbury, near Bridport. Having taken her degree, she won a British Council Scholarship to the Conservatoire Royal de Musique de Bruxelles, where she gained a Diplome Superieur with distinction in Organ. Elizabeth has been teaching organ in Belgium for over twenty years, and was organist of the Eglise St-Nicolas Bourse (Brussels) for twenty four years.
The little organs of the Bride Valley are probably typical of the English village. All but two have just one manual and about half a dozen stops. Although they all boast pedalboards of one sort or another, only Burton Bradstock has an independent pedal department. It also has the only Mixture stop in the valley! No Cornets and no Trumpets, but there are still plenty of pieces in the English Organ repertoire which can bring out the best in our village organs.
Plan of the Day
The coach will leave Burton Bradstock at 10.00a.m. It will visit successively the villages of Swyre, Puncknowle, Litton Cheney, Long Bredy, Littlebredy and Shipton Gorge, returning to Burton Bradstock for the final concert just before 6 p.m. At every church there will be a brief tour, followed by a short recital on the organ, exploring its full tonal resources. All the music will be by English composers. The booklet will contain full details . Morning coffee will be at Puncknowle, a buffet lunch at Long Bredy and tea at Shipton Gorge.
Only by advance booking £15
recitals, booklet, refreshments, lunch & coach fare included
Enquiries & Bookings: Tel. or fax. 01308 897784 Josephine Pearse
e-mail: mark.pearse@skynet.be
Proceeds in support of Organ Music in the Bride Valley
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 16th July The Mission to Seafarers
We shall have a guest preacher at Matins at 11.00 am on that Sunday - Mr Peter Woods from The Mission to Seafarers.
The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 7th July.
The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be in church on Wednesdays 5th July, 9th August and 27th September.
The PCC next meets on Monday 24th July in church.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Funerals 24th May F.T. Percy Baldry
13th June Dennis C. Hawkins
Burial of Ashes 3rd June Rachel A. R. Covington
14th June Dennis C. Hawkins
St Mary's Church Fète - Thursday 3rd August
This will be held in the Rectory garden from 2.00 to 4.30 p.m.
Plants - cakes - books - bottle tombola - crafts - cards - white elephant - toys/jigsaws/games - children's lucky dip - raffle - side shows - bouncy castle - Punch and Judy - cream teas in the W.I. Hall - and much more!
We need soft toys for the toy stall, bottles of wine for 'Water into Wine' and bottles for the bottle stall. If you can give items for these stalls it would be very much appreciated. Wool can be supplied for the knitted toys.
See the Burton Bradstock insert for more details. Come along and have some fun in the Rectory garden!
If you would like to give anything to the above stalls, items can be collected and stored at the Rectory. Please 'phone Pam Atkinson (897359). Thank you.
STILL LIFE
1850 - 1999
Burton Bradstock through the
Camera's Eye over 150 years
A presentation of over 250 historic photographs of the
village and associated documents
on
Tuesday July 11th to Saturday 15th
in the
W.I. Hall Burton Bradstock
Hall open from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, and from 10.00am to 8.00pm on Thursday 13th.
Admission £1.00 including programme guide
British Red Cross May House - to - House Collection
Well done and a big "thank you" to everyone who gave so generously to our village total of £285.92.Our special thanks to the collectors. Jill Spinney
Garden Party in aid of Alzheimer's Society
This will be in the Rectory Garden at 2 p.m. on July 6th, with Cream Teas in the W.I.Hall. Proceeds will go to the Bridport branch of the Alzheimer's Society. There will be bric-a-brac, cake, plant and various other stalls, raffle & tombola. Any items for the stalls or prizes for the raffle will be greatly appreciated. Please phone 897125. Basil Dent
Report on the Burton Bradstock Village Society A.G.M.
The President, Mrs Nancy Bushell, welcomed over 80 members to the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Village Society, reporting that the Society had enjoyed a good year and thanking the committee for their help. She recalled her amazement, while on holiday recently with her family in Hong Kong, when, encouraged to "surf the net", she found the Burton Bradstock web site with pictures of up-to-date events in the village. Nancy wondered whether this was a good thing or whether Big Brother was getting even closer!
Peter Colbert then gave the Chairman's report, reminding members of some of the highlights enjoyed by the Society during the last year, including a good variety of talks and a memorable outing to Up Park.
The Treasurer, John Tillman, reported another successful year and thanked David Cole for auditing the accounts. During the past year the Society has given £250 to the Berdoe Memorial Trust and purchased a laser pointer and Christmas tree decorations for the Village Green.
Carol Lumley, the Secretary, thanked all distributors for their help during the year, and said she was urgently looking for a volunteer to take over the vacancy as distributor for Shipton Lane.
Peter Colbert said how greatly the Society appreciated the contribution made by the two retiring Committee members, John Tillman and Freddie Tame, during their seven years of office.
The new Committee was then elected: Peter Colbert (Chairman), Betty Drewery, Graham Hallewell, Margaret Holmes, John Ivall, Carol Lumley (Secretary), Sheila Pett (Treasurer), Graham Rees, Jane Stubbs.
After members had enjoyed a delicious buffet supper, beautifully prepared by Margaret Holmes and her team of helpers - not forgetting Dennis Lumley serving the wine - Peter Colbert introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Sir James Spicer. Sir James recounted how, in 1956, as a disillusioned member of the Armed Forces following the Suez crisis, he opted for the "quiet life" as a farmer. Some years later, having discovered that farming was not the easy life he had previously believed, Sir James decided to enter the world of politics. In 1963 he began the long climb up the political ladder with his appointment as Secretary to the Beaminster Branch of the Conservative Association. In 1974 he was elected as M.P. and spent 5 years in Opposition. During the period 1979 - 1997 Sir James undertook various roles in the Party, culminating with his position as Vice Chairman in charge of overseas affairs for Margaret Thatcher. Members were given many amusing and thought provoking glimpses of "behind the scenes" politics. Sir James confirmed that the world of politics has changed greatly from the one he joined in the sixties. While content with taking a "back seat" in that world nowadays, Sir James' commitment to Great Britain was obvious as he gave an impassioned response to a question about modern government and the role of our Armed Forces. The President thanked Sir James for giving members a most interesting insight of "Parliamentary Tales". Peter Colbert then closed the meeting, wishing everyone a good summer and reminding members of the date for the Annual Flower and Produce Show on Saturday, 8th July.
Sheila Pett
The Village Society will be holding its annual Flower & Produce Show on Saturday 8th July. The show will open at 2.15 p.m. in the W.I.Hall. This promises to be an exceptional show in this our millennium year. Entry forms for residents of the village are available from the Post Office. Don't forget, the auction of garden & home-baked produce will commence at 4.00 p.m. Graham Hallewell
Millennium Walk
A Millennium Walk round Burton Bradstock will take place on Thursday 13th July entitled "Time, Tide, the People & Places" by Elizabeth Buckler Gale. Start at 2.15 p.m. opposite the Reading Room and adjacent to the Three Horse Shoes. Duration: approx. one and a half hours. Cost: £2.00 to include a light tea at the finish.
Jean Still Royal British Legion Women's Section
Millennium Festival Week
WANTED: Persons willing to give an hour or so of their time to help the rota for the security of the marquee. Please contact Peter Colbert 897922.
DON'T FORGET OUR BIRTHDAY 2000 CELEBRATIONS IN THE MARQUEE ON 9TH JULY
CELEBRATION SERVICE AT 10.30am
JC 2000 AT 2.00pm
WILBUR THE GRATE AT 3.00pm
ENDING WITH
THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE WITH LANCE PIERSON AT 7.00pm
DON'T MISS THIS UNIQUE MILLENNIAL EXPERIENCE
MILLENNIUM EXHIBITION IN CHURCH THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL WEEK
Burton Bradstock Village Web Site News.
www.burtonbradstock.org.uk
e-mail address: burton.bradstock@virgin.net
The web site continues to develop with a number of recent updates and additions including the final Village Millennium Festival Programme for the week of 8th. to 15th. July, details of the church fete on 3rd. August, a description of the recently launched Roberts' Trail and notes on the current bid by Dorset and Devon for World Heritage Site status. We have even added the local bus timetable, and if you haven't looked at it yet, the "General Information" section contains a very wide ranging list of useful (and some 'fun') contact numbers and web sites (automatically linked) that you might find useful, or of interest!
Our most recent analysis shows that we have now had, as at 5th. June 2000 (the time of writing), 6,659 visitors to the site. Apart from a large number from the UK and USA, other visits to the site were from:
Netherlands - 248 Saudi Arabia - 86 Canada - 46 Germany - 32
Australia - 17 France - 4 Cyprus - 1 China - 1
The recent Web Page design Course, which was attended by 10 villagers and one from Litton Cheney, was very well received; everyone is hopefully now practising their new-found skills. Already, we have had a number of requests to organise a repeat of this basic starter course and Weymouth College have confirmed they will provide it for us on an exclusive basis, provided we can fill 8 to 10 places. If anyone is interested, please call Ken Pett on 897 550 or e-mail on the web site.
In order to raise funds to cover the costs of running the web site, the committee has now agreed that it must allow some advertising on the site for local commercial undertakings/businesses that operate primarily within the area of Burton Bradstock. Anyone interested should contact Mike Southgate (897 487) or Jim Reeves ( 897 091).
Next village Open Meeting - we plan a further open meeting in the autumn. In the meantime, your feedback on what you would like to see, do, discuss or learn about at this meeting would be most welcome.
Ken Pett - Secretary
Burton Bradstock Women's Institute
At the June meeting, President Wendy Green welcomed 48 members and 2 guests and extended a warm greeting to Mrs. Elizabeth Gale who came to speak to us about organising the Melplash Show. This very knowledgeable and talented lady gave us a fascinating insight into the history of the famous Show. How the Melplash Agricultural Society was formed in 1847 following a wager between 2 farmers at the Half Moon Inn at Melplash, who placed a £5 bet on whose men could plough better. She showed us catalogues, posters and photographs of the Show throughout the years, with facts and figures on the running costs, and emphasised the vital importance of sponsors and above all a sunny day, which can make or break the budget. With a healthy gate of £40,000 almost half goes towards the tentage. It is the 12th year Mrs. Gale has run the Show, admitting it takes 85% of her time, and she modestly paid tribute to her fantastic team of helpers. Her secret, she ventured, was the ability to delegate. This year's Show takes place on Thursday, 24th August.
By contrast, our Spring Fair, paled in significance, "a piece of cake" in fact, with no animals, no judges, no little girls on ponies, rosettes, prizes or trophies. However, Chris Clarke, who had organised it jointly with Pat Raven and a small sub-committee, reported a handsome profit of £2,096 for the W.I. Hall fund. She thanked everyone who had supported us, in particular the valiant band of husbands, partners and friends who had lent a hand. Margaret Frost gave an account from the horse's mouth of her day at that Conference in Wembley and I shall not labour the point further. Every cloud has a silver lining and suffice to say that, as a result of the handbagging and heckling, there has been a huge W.I. membership boost throughout the country. Girl Power is not restricted to Posh Spice and her group.
Forthcoming activities include a Group outing to Breamar House and Salisbury, our Millennium Picnic, the Dorset Evening with the Yetties at the Burton Bradstock Millennium Festival and croquet at Cogden, courtesy of Mary and Frank Bailey. Daphne and Ben Dean were warmly congratulated on their forthcoming 65th wedding anniversary. Members admired the beautiful flower arrangement by Eileen Amiss who was unfortunately not well enough to attend the meeting, but had nevertheless insisted on playing her part. Sheila Pett won Flower of the Month with a fragrant pink rose and 100 Club winners were Jeanne Hill, Peter Oldridge, Cleeve Arscott and Diana Edwards.
Carol Lumley
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Gilly Doar
Paddock Lodge Swyre
From the Registers
Funeral 16th March 2000 Harold Gordon Bennett
Harold Bennett
It was towards the end of his life found such a lovely second wife in Joan. Joan and he had been neighbours for many years in West Bexington, she nursing her father whilst he was nursing his first wife. Mutual support whilst their loved ones were alive turned in due course to love, and we continue to remember Joan in her bereavement.
Songs of Praise
Our Season begins in Church at 7.30pm on Sunday July 30th, with our eight rousing hymns being accompanied by the Briddy Choir. The four Sundays of August will also have a Songs of Praise; same time, same place, same format, but different hymns of course. Do come along.
Anthony Ashwell
Red Cross Week
Thank you to the people in Swyre who contributed £18.19 to the British Red Cross week.
Champion Dog
Congratulations to Mrs Sheila Body. Her Buhund bitch "Chesil" carried off Best of Breed prize at the Devon County Show.
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow
Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle
Telephone: (01308) 897761
Millennium Fete
Saturday 29th July from 1.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Puncknowle Manor Gardens, main street and the Crown Inn.
Punch & Judy, Bouncy Castle, Brass bands, Morris Dancers, Street Entertainers, Farm Animals, Children's Dancing Display, Irish Dancing/Music, Pony rides, Donkey Rides, Face Painting, Ferret Racing, Balloon Race, Art Exhibition, Archery, Skittles.
WIN £100, tickets for the London Eye, a ride in a Hot Air Balloon and other prizes. Plenty to eat and drink! - barbecue, teas, ice creams, cheese and wine.
Crafts, local produce, competitions and a large variety of stalls.
A great afternoon for all the family!
All profits to local (Village/Bride Valley) Charities.
Donations for the following stalls gratefully received:
Books - 897734 Bottles - 897727 Bric- a - Brac - 897726
Cakes- 897692 Clothing - 897711 Fancy Goods - 897736
Plants - 897907 Produce - 897779 Toys - 897711 Sweets - 897711 White Elephant - 897707.
If you usually help with a stall or would like to offer assistance on the day and have not yet been approached, please phone either 897901 or 897711 - we need you!!
From 7.30 p.m. on Saturday evening there will be a barbecue, music and stalls at the Crown Inn. Festivities continue on Sunday morning with brunch from 10.30 a.m., the Andy Dickens Jazz Band from noon, and stalls and competitions throughout the day until 3.00 p.m.
The Crown Puncknowle Fundraisers
Following this year's AGM, held on February 22nd, I have great pleasure in announcing the donations for March 1999 - February 2000.
Bride Valley Fledglings £ 525.63
Bride Valley Scouts £ 160
Bridport Lions Easter Draw £ 170
Bridport Lions Swimathon £ 25
British Lung Foundation £4230
Dorchester Childrens Ward £ 268.08
Rainbow Trust £ 65.84
Thorner's School Swimming Pool £ 454.46
TOTAL £5899.01
This has been a most successful year and I wish to say a big Thank You to all involved for your continued support of these worthy causes. We have already begun our fundraising for this year. A Race Night was held on February 19th in aid of the JOSEPH WELD HOSPICE. A fantastic night was had by all, with a grand total of £1500 being donated. We have also been able to sponsor two seven-a-side football teams at Thorner's School by providing them with new shirts. This brings our total donations since we began in 1996 to £14,026.03. Details of all donations & fundraising are available to view in the Crown.
Dates For Your Diary: Sunday Brunches from 10.30am & The Wessex Military Band from Noon on 9th July and 13th August.
Saturday 29th July - We will be running stalls at the Millennium Fete in Puncknowle along with Music & BBQ at the Crown from 7.30pm.
Sunday 30th July - Brunch from 10.30am & The Andy Dickens Jazz Band from Noon.
Saturday 12th August - Music & BBQ from 7.30pm
Saturday 26th August - Bride Valley Fledglings Fun Night & BBQ from 7.30pm with music by All Shook Up.
Friday 1st September- Big Band Night & BBQ from 7.30pm
If you feel the Crown Puncknowle Fundraisers could be of any assistance to you or a local organisation you are involved with, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Mick or Emma at the Crown on 897711 for consideration.
Thank you once again for your support, Emma Foster (treasurer)
Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup- News
This year we have welcomed several new children to playgroup - Georgia Fournier, and Sarah Bird from Puncknowle, and Annabel Armstrong from Little Bredy - and we have room for more!
Last term we had visits from our Dental Health lady - Debbie, a policeman dad - Nigel Arak-Newman, a nurse in A & E at Yeovil Hospital - another dad, Patrick Letherby, and a local firefighter, Charlie Pack from Long Bredy- all of whom the children enjoyed hugely! Not to mention a visit from Debbie Stead from Social Services - which also went very well. Soon - in June - we are having a sponsored bike-ride by the children at the Crown car park (thanks, Mick), stalls at the Millennium Fete on Saturday 29th July, and Fledglings Fun Night, which is on Saturday August 26th this year. We will also be having a Display of items produced by our playgroup in the Hall during the Millennium Fete - so come and have a look! Watch out for Posters with more information of events - we look forward to your support and seeing you there. The plan for the end of summer term outing for children and families is to visit Kingston Maurward.
We are going to say a very sad farewell to Jan Cogan, who is leaving us at the end of term to go to a new Playleader's post with St. Ann's Pre-school in Radipole, Weymouth. Jan has worked here at Fledglings for 6 years, first as play assistant, then as Play Leader, during which time she led the playgroup through all the new OFSTED admin. and planning which came into effect, with excellent results. She will be much missed by children, parents and especially by me - but we will all wish her the very best of luck for her future, and hope she will come back to visit us - or talk to us in the park! Best wishes also to Emma Bentley, who has already left us, in her new student placement.
Some of our children will also be leaving to start school in September - Megan Proctor, Molly Kerslake, Troy Smith, Matthew Fry, Bethany Letherby, Charlotte Derryman and Jack Arak-Newman - they will be greatly missed too, but their progress will be followed with interest.
Please call in to visit if you have a child whom you are thinking of bringing to playgroup or give me a ring on 01308 897771 anytime. Playgroup is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings during term time - my thanks to all parents for their on-going support - your involvement is much appreciated. Carol Bennett, Playleader.
Puncknowle Art Group
The Meetings for July are Friday 7th starting with coffee at The Crown then painting at the Knoll, and Friday 21st at the Crown Inn. There will be no meetings in August. Christine Molony
Parish Council
The Puncknowle Parish Council Meeting on July 4th at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall will commence with a talk about Housing by W.D.D.C. Housing Officers. On its agenda will also be further discussions of the planning application for housing development on Greystones Farm. Anna Lovell
Village Correspondents: Mr & Mrs. N.Gardener
1 Rose Cottages, Litton Cheney
Tel: ( 01308 ) 482323
From the Registers
Holy Matrimony
20th May 2000 Lucy-Ann Bayer to Ashley Chant
10th June 2000 Ralph Daubeney to Samantha Barron
Funerals
15th March 2000 Charles William Young (at Weymouth)
24th May 2000 George B.Blyth
George Blyth
The Parish Church was full for the funeral of George on 24th May, and there were happy memories of George's initiatives, enterprises, and hard work over many years in the community. Not the least of his achievements was his role as founding Editor of the B.V.N. Anthony Ashwell
Barn Dance at Thorner's School
There will be a Barn Dance on Saturday 8th July from 6.00 p.m. onwards. Family Tickets at £6, Individual Tickets at £2. Bring your own picnics. There will be dancing to the Bride Valley Band and this will commence at 7.00 p.m. Everyone will be welcome.
White Horse Inn
A warm welcome is extended to John & Debbie Blacker who have taken over the tenancy of the White Horse. You will be pleased to hear that there will be a full menu 7 days a week. We wish them every success in their venture. Thanks also to Dave Dye who has held the fort so well for the last 13 weeks. Good luck for the future.
Village Correspondents: Mr & Mrs Patrick Frost
Bridelands
Tel ( 01308 ) 482269
From the Registers Funeral 14th June 2000 Patrick Arthur Frost
Patrick Frost
These few notes are being written prior to Patrick's funeral. Many people will have known of Patrick's illness and his final decline was sudden and quick: he died peacefully, early on Monday evening 5th June. Earlier today (9th June) I completed Patrick's Funeral Address. In my twelve years of ministry in four parts of the West Country, it has been my longest ever, and that was only a fraction of what could be said!
We extend our deepest sympathy to Elinor, Rachel and Sally, and to the whole Long Bredy community who have lost a supremely loving, caring and faithful man.
Anthony Ashwell
One of the snags of preparing news for a "monthly" is that some events seem ages away in the future when one comes to mention them, and others seem lost in the mists of antiquity when the time comes to make a report! One such is the London Marathon at the end of April, which involved two runners with Littlebredy connections.
Several residents will have been contacted by Fred or Sheila Prideaux, with a request to sponsor her son, Hamish Clark, running in aid of Parkinson's Disease research and relief. Sheila now sends a big thank-you to all concerned, with the news that Hamish completed the course in a creditable 3 hours 41 minutes. This was a little faster than our other participant, our newest resident Austin Slade, whose time was 3 hours 56 minutes in aid of the Wessex Heartbeat charity. Congratulations to both runners, and if anyone would like to contribute some retrospective sponsorship to one of the good causes, Sheila can be contacted on 482460, and Austin on 01305 889680.
Also on the charitable front, thanks to the hard work of Jennifer Longstaff and the generosity of the village, the proceeds of the recent house-to-house collection for Marie Curie Cancer Care amounted to over £60.00. On behalf of the charity, Jennifer sends grateful thanks to all concerned.
Chris and Judy's Open Days in the Scented Garden this month are the four Tuesday afternoons: July 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Littlebredy residents are especially welcome to see what is going on behind those big walls.
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White
Eastcote
3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge
Tel(01308)897974
Shipton Gorge Village Society
The Village Society have produced a Calendar for 2001 with scenes of the village in bygone years. It is on sale at £3.50 each. An ideal Christmas gift!
We are having a Millennium Party for all the residents of Shipton Gorge and Chilcombe on 5th August at the Village Hall, starting at 2.00 p.m. There will be Punch and Judy and Bouncy Castle for the children, plus music with keyboard player Dave Morley. There will also be an engraved glass goblet for each dwelling and an engraved squash glass for each child sixteen and under. It would be appreciated if residents could help by donating a plate of food such as cakes, sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps etc. Please come and help make this an enjoyable afternoon. Family and friends of residents staying in the village are more than welcome. For more info. please contact Sally Parker on 897168 or Jill Parsons on 897324.
St. Martin's Summer Fair - Saturday, 22nd July - 2.00 p.m.
We hope to have a fine day again for the annual fund raising event for St. Martin's Church, with cream teas, trips up the church tower to view the village, an opportunity (for a small charge) to request the church to be floodlit for a special anniversary or birthday, and, of course, all the usual stalls. Do come and bring some of your friends. The following are some of the contacts for stalls:-
Plants, Preserves & Produce Geoff & Betty Shepherd 897490
Sweets Elizabeth & Jo Fulford 897513
Cakes Nesta Symes 897386
Bottle Tombola John & Bee Epplestone 897391
John & Molly Roast 421654
Raffle Jack Willy 897372
Books Ambrose Smith 897446
Gerald Benselin 897562
Bric-a-Brac Jo Harrison 897948
Fancy Goods, Gifts, etc Various helpers 421654
Early items for sale particularly welcome, also raffle prizes and, specifically bottles for the tombola - which are requested by or on Fri. 21st July, please.
Molly Roast (421654)
Bell Ringing
Do you know that we have six bells in St. Martin's Church and that to ring all six we need six ringers? Listen next time and count the bells ringing; sometimes we only have five or even four. If you are interested in learning this ancient skill our captain, Brian Crabtree, would like to hear from you. Alternatively, come along to our practise at 7.00 p.m. on a Monday evening. We shall be pleased to show you the ropes. Tel. 897585.
Shipton Gorge Hall 100 Club
Winners for the June draw:
£50 No. 39 Brian & Brenda Lavelle
£20 No. 45 Jack Willy
£10 No. 82 Betty Shepherd
£10 No. 95 Chris Morgan
£10 No. 41 Peter Bowditch
There has been an unfortunate spate of wilful vandalism in the playing field in the last few weeks - the shed has been broken into, the gate pulled away from the pillar and stones knocked off the wall into the roadway. The most recent incident has resulted in a number of the tiles on the shed roof being smashed. It is many, many years since so many acts of vandalism have occurred in such a short space of time and it therefore causes the parish council great concern. "Children will be children" we all know, but this level of abuse of the facility is quite unacceptable. I therefore would on behalf of the Parish Council like to make two points to residents: firstly our playing field is financed entirely through the parish rate, which is part of your Council tax. Therefore the considerable repair costs that this vandalism has incurred is a heavy burden on a small parish and will be paid by everyone in the village. Therefore, please, if you see anything untoward taking place in the field, let me or another parish councillor know about it. To parents, can I ask that you speak to your children and make sure that they understand how lucky we all are to have a playing field in our village. It is well equipped and maintained to a high standard through the hard work of a lot of people, so that all our children can enjoy it.
Please ask them to respect it at the same time as enjoying it. Thank you.
Mary Boughton
Parish Council, Playing Field Chairman
Evensong on Sunday 7th May at 6.30 pm, and each 1st Sunday of the month through the summer.