Bride Valley News
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St George
Most folk know St George to be the patron saint of England. Some even know him as patron of the Order of the Garter. His feast day is 23rd April - but not this year! As Easter Day fell on 23rd April, George has been transferred to this month, Tuesday 2nd May.
It's the fight with the dragon that catches the imagination. It's a good story.
It is said that George was a Christian knight, born in Cappadocia in the late 3rd century. One day he was out riding when he came upon a city, near which was a swamp. In the swamp lived a dragon. The people had not been able to kill it, so each day they supplied it with two sheep to keep it at bay. They began to run out of sheep, so human victims had to be found, chosen by lot.
This time the lot had fallen on the king's daughter, so she went to the dragon. Along came George. He attacked the dragon, transfixed it, borrowed the princess's girdle, fastened it around the dragon's neck and led it into the city. The people were terrified. George told them there was no need to be - if they would believe in Jesus Christ and be baptised, he would kill the dragon. They did, and he did. It took four ox-carts to carry the dead dragon out of the city.
Whilst George may have been a real martyr, the story of the dragon doesn't appear before the 12th century. It is uncertain how he came to be chosen as our patron saint, but his fame reached England long before the Norman Conquest. 'St George's arms', a red cross on a white background, became a sort of uniform for soldiers and sailors from the 14th century.
From its towers today the Church of England flies the St George's cross as its own flag, on the Church's special days as well as St George's own day. Do we pander to fable, or do we value the prayers of St George as Protector of the Kingdom of England?
John Atkinson.
Church Calendar - May 2000
| 1 | Philip & James, Apostles. Jn 14, v.1-14. James1,v.1-12. |
| 2 |
George, Martyr, Patron of England c.304 ( transferred from 23rd April)* Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher 373 |
| 3 | Mark the Evangelist ( transferred from 25th April )* Mark 13 v. 5-13 |
| 4 | English Saints & Martyrs of the Reformation Era. |
| 7 | The Third Sunday of Easter |
| 8 | Julian of Norwich, Spiritual Writer c.1417. |
| 14 | The Fourth Sunday of Easter |
| 15 | Matthias the Apostle. Acts 1, v.15-26.(transferred from the 14th)* |
| 16 | Caroline Chisholm, Social Reformer, 1877. |
| 19 | Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, Restorer of Monastic Life, 988. |
| 20 | Alcuin of York, Deacon, Abbot of Tours, 804. |
| 21 |
The Fifth Sunday of Easter Helena, Protector of the Holy Places, 330. |
| 23 | Petroc, Abbot of Padstow, 6th century. |
| 24 |
John and Charles Wesley, Evangelists, Hymn Writers, 1791 and 1788. |
| 25 |
Venerable Bede, Monk at Jarrow, Scholar, Historian,735 Aldhelm, Bishop of Sherborne, 709. |
| 26 |
Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605. John Calvin, Reformer, 1654. |
| 28 |
The Sixth Sunday of Easter Lanfranc, Prior of Le Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury, Scholar, 1089. |
| 30 |
Josephine Butler, Social Reformer, 1906. Joan of Arc, Visionary, 1431. |
| 31 | Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. Luke 1, v.39-49. |
*Transferred because Easter Day fell on 23rd April ( St. George's Day )
Rosemary Earnshaw
"The Life of Christ"
This Open Air Play in Three Acts was first performed last year when Peter Hutley discovered that no one was putting on a similar production to celebrate the millennium. It took him 18 months to write the script which is based on the four Gospels. The setting is his beautiful estate at Wintershall near Godalming where the lake doubles as The Sea of Galilee, a stream becomes the Jordan and surrounding fields Bethlehem and, later on, Golgotha. There is a refreshing emphasis on audience participation. Who will ever forget the scene where the disciples, in a re-inactment of the feeding of the 5000, distribute bread amongst those watching or the one where Simon Hemingway gathers around him the young people from the audience and, with something of the charisma Our Lord obviously had in full measure, holds them spellbound with his stories and parables? Simon's portrayal of Jesus was thought-provoking, sensitive and authentic. On more than one occasion one was moved to tears. He was the only professional in the cast, the other 230 parts being played by locals. The production, on a huge scale, was thoroughly professional, with the sound system being particularly impressive. The performance begins at 10.00am and goes through till 4.00pm with a break for lunch. The day we went it was wet for a proportion of the day but this did not dampen our enthusiasm or our enjoyment and we plan to go again this year. It is advisable to take a picnic, though refreshments are available, and a rug or low chair to sit on. One is inevitably reminded of Oberammergau when one thinks of such an epic production, but unlike the Bavarian play, which ends in the Crucifixion, this one goes on to the Ascension and we felt that this more accurately portrayed the life of the person of Jesus Christ, which did not end with His death but lives on through the presence of His Holy Spirit.
Whether one is motivated by a desire to see unusual drama performed in a unique setting or to find spiritual enrichment, one will not be disappointed. For older children especially it's a must!
If you are interested in going to the "Life of Christ" it takes place from 27th June to 1st July. For details write enclosing an s.a.e.to:-
The Estate Office, Wintershall Estate, Bramley, Surrey. GU5 0LR
Alternatively get in touch with Sandra Brown (423078) who is organising a coach on Thursday 29th June, which will have to leave Bridport at about 6.30am.
John &Susan Paul
The Bride Valley Team Council holds its AGM on Wednesday 10th May at 7.30 pm in Puncknowle Church Hall.
Burton Bradstock School
It is 7.30 in the morning and I am sitting at my desk, my gaze shifting between the uncompromising laptop and the early sun catching the school's hamstone wall and Ian and Colleen's beautiful house. I am contemplating the week ahead, sifting priorities and plans in my head and trying so, so hard not to become distracted by the anticipation of this afternoon's, this year's big event…
Class 4 are running another Victorian Day on Wednesday. John Surry is to reprise his role as The Rev. Chasuble, chastising the children through his sermon on the evils of scrumping his apples! Marion will join us in the afternoon for a music hall. This year the children have written, and will perform a melodrama based on the true events surrounding the village floods of 1886. I will need to rehearse this, this afternoon, before we all become distracted by our preparations for…NO! I mustn't let my mind wander…now where was I… Oh yes, Victorian Day. I must get in touch with Mike and Ann Read. They have kindly agreed to step into John and Susan Pauls' shoes as the fearsome 'School Inspectors'. Unfortunately John and Susan are on holiday. We will miss their withering gaze and thinly veiled Victorian sarcasm, but I know that Mike and Ann will bring their considerable acting talents to bear.
I glance at my watch. 7.52. Only eight and a half hours to go. What else to plan this week? Oh of course, the Easter Service in Church this Friday morning. All classes contribute to it. Class 4 have sketched out their plans. They are to present the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection in a series of frozen tableaux around the church, each of which will come to life as the narrator reaches it. It is an imaginative idea born out of our recent R.E. work on Easter. Preparing for the service in this way allows the children to explore the true meaning of Easter in some depth, but I must allow them some time to rehearse.
I check my diary and pencil in a rehearsal slot on Tuesday afternoon. As I replace my diary amongst the detritus slowly accumulating on my desk it flips open to today's page. Once again my mind is drawn to the afternoon's, the year's big event… Oh. OK I'll let you in on it then.
We play in the final of the West Dorset football cup competition, the Kenway Cup tonight. It is deadline day for the B.V.N. and so, dear reader, I will not be able to let you know how Wilkinson's Babes got on. My thanks, whatever the result, to Chris Wilkinson who has done a great job coaching the team.
Well. It's 8.20 and the school is coming to life around me. Time to sign off for another month.
Pip, pip.
David Powell
Lucky 100 Club Winners for March.
£20 C. Clifford
£10 Liz Mackay
£5 J. Wills
S TOP PRESS
Congratulations to our Kenway Cup Winners who won 1 - 0 against Broadwindsor. Well done Chris and the boys! .... and to Charlie Wheeler who earned "Man of the Match Award".
(Just shows, David, that sticking to the B.V.N. deadline can reap its own reward! Ed. )
Report on the match appears in Thorner's School report on page12
BURTON BRADSTOCK SCHOOL P.T.A. 100 CLUB
On behalf of the school, I would like to thank all of the Parents and Friends who have purchased a '100 Club' ticket and to remind you that you now have an amazing 38 chances to win!
Thank you for supporting the school, and I wish you all good luck!
Nicola Herbert ('100 Club' Secretary)
BRIDE VALLEY BROWNIES : S.O.S.! The Bride Valley Brownies are in need of your help. The present Brown Owl is standing down after 4 years' service and the Bridport District are currently seeking a replacement, to begin in September 2000. No qualifications or experience are necessary.
Perhaps you have happy memories of being a Brownie or Guide and would care to give something back to Guiding? The pack presently meets on Wednesday evenings, but the day and time could change to suit the new leader.
If you, or anyone else you know of, are interested and would like to know more, please contact the District Commissioner, Mrs. H. Purse, on 01308 423220 or the present Brown Owl, Mrs. H. Fox, on 01308 482501.
THE NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME
CHARITABLE TRUST
The garden openings support nursing and gardening charities including
Macmillan Cancer Relief, Marie Curie Cancer Care,
Bursaries for the training of gardeners by the National Trust and other nominated charities.
Litton Cheney Gardens are open on
Sunday 21st May
Teas in aid of Arthritis Care
Further information available in the yellow leaflets obtainable from the Library
or directly from the County Organiser at
The Old Rectory Litton Cheney DT2 9AIL
Please enclose s.a.e.
Enjoy a Country and Seaside Walk in the Bride Valley, taking a route not normally accessible to the public ( a choice of a four- or six-mile walk ) and at the same time, by finding sponsors or making a donation, support the Bible Society's "Literacy for Life" Millennium project. The Walk takes place on Saturday, 27th May, between 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., starting and ending at St. Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock. Walkers are invited to bring a picnic lunch and join others in the churchyard on completion of the Walk. For details of the millennium project being supported, sponsorship forms, maps, etc. please telephone one of the following:-
01297-489408 John McDougal
01297-560077 Fred Titmus
01308 897849 Hilary Mousley
A Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, 6th May, 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon, in the garden of Courtfield, The Street, Charmouth ( if wet in the Church Hall, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth ). The proceeds will be divided between Christian Aid and the Bible Society.
Hilary Mousley
Secretary, Bridport & District Bible Society Action Group
Chideock Aid for Romania Fund
Ann and Mike Read invite you to a coffee morning 'Extravaganza' from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday 4th May in the W.I. Hall, Burton Bradstock to help finance medicines for our two doctors in Romania. Please come and support. Ten years after the Revolution the needs of the Romanian people are as great as ever. All money received will be spent on medicines, which will be personally delivered to the doctors.
LOST - in the Swyre area. A friendly slender tabby cat with splashes of white on paws and under chin. If seen please telephone 898247.
Congratulations to Avril Yeates and James Hewlett who have recently been appointed as the new head students of the Sir John Colfox school.
TRUMPETING IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
As part of the Millennium Celebrations West Dorset Council, Bridport Town Council and Awards for All are supporting a week of musical events between 20th May and 28th. On Saturday 27th May there will be be a Concert by the Millennium Orchestra formed around players from the Bridport Chamber Orchestra and the Allington Strings led by Janet Lane and conducted by Ronald Easey. The programme is as follows:-
March Crown Imperial - William Walton
Symphony No 9 from The New World - Dvorak
Trumpet Concerto - Hummel
The Blue Danube - J. Strauss
Overture Die Fledermaus - J. Strauss
The Radetsky March - J. Strauss
The Trumpet Soloist will be our own Ross Brown from Shipton Gorge. Please come and support him and over fifty local musicians in the Orchestra. This special celebration Concert starts at 7.15 pm in St. Mary's Church, Bridport. Tickets cost £4.00 each (students and Children £2.00) and may be obtained from the Bridport Arts Centre (Tues - Sat 10.30 - 1.30) or by telephoning 01308 424204 or direct from Orchestral members.
K. Martin, Swyre
Bride Valley Gardening Club
The Spring Plant Sale will be held on Sunday 14th May at Thorner's School, Litton Cheney, the doors opening at 3.00pm. The entrance fee of 20p includes tea or coffee and biscuits. Would members with spare plants please bring them to the School on the morning of the sale between 10.00 a.m. and noon, or give them to their village representatives on Saturday 13th May. We hope you will support this event, on which the club depends to finance the Annual Show and the Winter Programme.
John Rowlands
DORSET KIDNEY FUND CHEESE & WINE EVENING
Highlands End Holiday Centre, Eype.
Thursday 11th May 7.30pm
Greetings cards from original paintings by local artists
Paintings on display and for sale.
Admission £1.00
Ladybirds
Our next meeting will be on May 10th at 8.0 pm at the home of Betty Champkins, Pins Knoll, Chalk Pit Lane, Litton Cheney. Our Speaker will be Jillian Bentley, Qualified Practising Counsellor with her own private practice and a Lecturer in counselling skills at Weymouth College.
Margaret Elliott
Mothers' Union
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 25th May at 2.30 pm at The Rectory, Burton Bradstock. Mrs. Jean Gillespie will give a slide show of paintings in the National Gallery to illustrate her talk on "The Life of Christ".
Millennium Wildlife Special
Colin Varndell will give a colour slide presentation on Thursday, 25th May at 7.30 pm in Bridport United Church Hall, East Street entitled "Millennium Wildlife Special". Admission £2.50 in aid of NCH Action for Children.
Mrs. B. Morris-Wilson
The Children's Society
We would like to express our gratitude to the loyal band of Box Holders in the East end of the Valley. Thanks to your generous giving over the year, £115.21 has been sent to assist the Society's work.
Bride Valley Scout Group
Recently the Cubs have visited Bridport Fire Station, the Scouts have had a "sleepover" at the hut and the whole group, including parents and siblings, enjoyed a "Splash Party" at Bridport Leisure Centre. Coming up soon will be a sailing day at Sutton Bingham for Scouts and the older Cubs, and all groups in the country will be under canvas at the end of May for the Scouting Millennium Camp.
Fund raising for our new building continues. Pat and Bob Tucker, along with some other leaders, parents and children manned a stall and created a "Smile of Pennies" recently in Bucky Doo Square, raising £250. Parents and friends held a coffee morning at Puncknowle raising a magnificent £500. Thank you to Ruth Brierley, our Secretary, for organising and to everyone who helped.
Our next car boot sale is on 3rd June from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm in Burton Bradstock (opposite the garage), so we look forward to seeing you there. We would be grateful for anything that could be sold at the car boot sale. Please 'phone 897695 if you would like anything collected.
Steve Dove, Chairman B.V.S.G.
Bride Valley Scout Group Coffee Morning
"Many thanks to everyone who supported our Coffee Morning on Saturday, 25th March. We raised £500 for our New Hut Appeal."
Ruth Brierley
Advance Notice for your Diaries
Shelter Lunch
On Sunday, 5th November at 12.30 pm Susan Clowes, Manager of Shelter Housing Advice Centre for Somerset and Dorset, will be coming to Litton Cheney Hall to talk to us about the work of Shelter, locally and nationally. Afterwards there will be soup and sandwiches. Do please come and support this valuable work. For further details please ring Anna Ashwell on 01308 482302.
Thorner's School, Litton Cheney
At last we have reached the summer term, and hopefully the weather will also know that it is summer. We ended the spring term on quite a high note. Joining with Burton Bradstock we were victorious in the Kenway cup final. The actual match was really tense and the result doubtful up until the final whistle. Our combined team played extremely well together and had numerous chances to score…if only the goalkeeper hadn't been in the way! I was very surprised and relieved that the boys took to the full size pitch so naturally, and a little concerned when Tom D. looked like a dwarf in the goal mouth. He did not see much of the action as the whole team seemed so determined not to let the opposition get the better of them. Our thanks must go to Chris who did all the training and is the guiding light. The previous win by the schools was 10 years ago and they won it two years running, so we will have to start training to try and maintain the tradition.
During the last week of term the pupils of Thorner's put on a concert for our parents. There was a wide variety of performances from line dancing to a multi-lingual café with everything musical in between. Whole classes presented items but the real concert was to celebrate individual pupil's achievements and aspirations. It was evident from the evening that we do have a lot of talent throughout the school so this could become a regular concert.
There seems to be a revival of interest in Netball at school and not only with pupils; a group of parents have been meeting on Thursdays after school to 'relive' their youth and take up a little gentle exercise. If you would like to join us, feel free to come along at 3.45 to 4.30 on Thursdays or phone school and ask for Miss Comben for more information. There did not seem to be much tradition or interest in netball at Thorner's but thanks to Mrs Roberts our sights are set higher. For the first time (?) a cluster tournament took place at Symondsbury and most pupils who attended were a little shaken by the home squad who went on to win the Pyramid tournament too. I think the bride at Symondsbury wished she had chosen another day to get married or at least another time or place. Imagine having almost a hundred people watching you as you get out of the car elegantly!
Thorner's School Association's next meeting is Tuesday May 16th at 7.30pm. Our thanks go to everyone who donated prizes or supported our very successful Bingo Evening. We raised £478, so well done to all who organised; thank you from the school. Keep Saturday July 8th free when we have a barn dance arranged, details of which will follow next month
100 club winners: £15 Mr E. Andrews and
£10 Mrs H. Green
Alison Johnstone Headteacher.
From the Treasurer of the Bride Valley Team Council
I am pleased to report that for 1999 the Bride Valley News made a small surplus. This was due entirely to the very kind donations from Organisations and individuals. Our thanks are also due to the Advertisers for their support. We do rely very much on these donations, however small, to ensure the continued publication of the News, and are always extremely grateful to receive them. We hope you will continue to support us in 2000. Any donations please hand to your Churchwardens or send them to The Treasurer, 17 Hive Close, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4RQ. Please make cheques payable to the Bride Valley Team Council.
Michael Burr
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
We believe in life before death
M
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 21st May The Berdoe Memorial Trust
The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 12th May (not the 5th).
The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be in church on Wednesdays 3 rd May, 31st May (not 14th June), and 5th July.
The PCC next meets on Monday 15th May in church.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Funerals
10th April J.D. (Des) Clifford
14th April Kathleen M. Chilcott
The new Parochial Church Council St Mary's Annual Meeting in March chose Mr Basil Dent and Mrs Lesley Dove as Churchwardens, and Mrs Sue Diment as Honorary Churchwarden of Chilcombe; Capt Peter Oldridge to fill a casual vacancy in our seats on the Deanery Synod; and to represent us on The Bride Valley Team Council Mr Dent, Capt Oldridge and Mr Graham Rees. Seven people were chosen as elected members of the PCC to serve for the coming year - Mr Maurice Ackland, Mr Howard Bongers, Miss Hilary Mousley, Capt Peter Oldridge, Mr Michael Read, Mr Graham Rees and Mrs Sheila Spencer-Smith. Two vacancies remain.
Mrs Wendy Froy, Mrs Barbara Ivall and Mr John Paul retired as members of the PCC, and we thank them for all their contributions to the work of the Council over the years, and especially to Barbara for all her hard work in the post of Honorary Secretary, and her attempts to keep the Rector up to speed.
The PCC subsequently appointed its officers - Vice-chairman, Mr Dent; Secretary, Mr Bongers; Treasurer, Mr Rees; Electoral Roll Officer, Mr Ackland; Covenant Secretary, Wng Cdr Tame.
Good wishes to all our elected members and appointed officers; and thanks and prayers for their work on our behalf. Do discuss St Mary's affairs with members of the Church Council, and help them to help you have your views made known.
Report on the March meeting of the Burton Bradstock Village Society
"Canals of England & Wales" was the subject of the guest speaker, Mr. Gerald Hollington, when members of the Burton Bradstock Village Society met for their March meeting.
Gerald gave a very interesting and informative talk covering the history of the canals from their earliest known construction in Roman times, through the 'canal age' of the Industrial Revolution, to modern times. The canal system in this country really started in 1759 with the the opening of the Bridgewater Canal. During the next few decades, a whole network was created as people quickly realised this was a relatively easy way to penetrate the land. Businesses relocated to be close to the canals for ease of transport: Cadbury moved their factory from the centre of Birmingham and created Bourneville on the edge of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. Amazing engineering structures were built to enable the canals to pass through hills, over rivers and other canals and to go "up hill". In 1875 the giant Anderton lift was built to hoist boats 50 feet from the Trent and Mersey Canal to the River Weaver. With the introduction of high speed competition from the railways, the use of canals for business transport saw a huge decline. Nowadays there is very little commercial use - just a handful of boats, typically carrying coal. However, the 2000 miles of canals created through our country do provide an excellent leisure facility for people who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life to enjoy an environment where time has almost stood still.
Certainly,encouraged by Gerald's enthusiasm, at least two of the members at the meeting were heard to be contemplating cancelling their cruise on a luxury liner this year and opting for a 'trip up the canal'!
The next meeting will be the Annual General Meeting on 12th May, when Sir James Spicer will tell us some 'Parliamentary Tales'.
Sheila Pett
Lent Lunches
A total of £1,187.50 was raised as follows:-
March 10th: Bride Valley Scout Group £140
17th: Berdoe Memorial Trust 253
24th: Alzheimer's Disease Society 108.50
31th: British Diabetic Society 320
April 7th: CancerCare, Dorset 238
14th: Church Mission Society 128
Thank you very much indeed to everyone who arranged and supported the lunches.
Pam Atkinson
Lent Lunch at St. Catherine's Cross A big Thank-you to all who supported the lunch, and to those who sent donations. We raised £108.50 for the Alzheimers society. Thank-you to all who helped on the day.
Burton Bradstock Women's Institute
President Wendy Green was welcomed back with open arms after her long debilitating illness. She thanked Chris Clarke for performing her role as Vice President so efficiently and greeted a healthy audience of 53 members and 2 guests to the April meeting. The guest speakers, Julie Cornwell and Lyn Scott, from our local Safeway store brought along a table groaning with organic goodies and an equally tempting one loaded with hot cross buns, butter, biscuits and chopped assorted cheeses for the coffee break. We were treated to a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes in a large supermarket. Julie described her role as Customer Services Controller and all that that implied. Giving the customers high quality products at affordable prices and good service. She explained the role of the all important Customer Care Service, offering recipes and helpful advice regarding dietary needs, in addition to a sympathetic ear, instant replacement or a double refund should our purchases fail to satisfy. Lyn, a Management Trainee, gave us more technical details about stock rotation and freshness control reports, together with facts and figures about seasonal highs and lows and the present "Easter Madness" campaign of offering top selling lines at give-away prices. They asked us for our comments which we freely gave and both ladies showed their skills in fielding awkward questions and direct criticisms. A very interesting and revealing presentation and Julie and Lyn were warmly thanked for coming along to speak to us.
After nearly demolishing the pile of buns, the business meeting started. Wendy Green announced the winner of the recent "Quotations Quiz", John Surry and runner-up, Pam Atkinson. Congratulations to both. Jill Spinney gave a very descriptive report on the recent Spring Council Meeting in Poole when the County Chairman, Diana Perry, had encouraged us to broaden our understanding of the initials W.I. and see them as Women of Importance, Intelligence and Integrity. We shall all get big-headed at this rate. The guest speaker, James Mitchell, a highly personable and suave singer, musician and performer charmed the ladies by singing familiar songs from the shows and concluded with an encore and ever popular sing-a-long. He didn't even remotely resemble Richard Gere to me, but then Jill was sitting much closer to the stage as our trusty delegate, so take her word for it.
Jill Spinney won Flower of the Month with a gold lace primula and 100 Club winners were Margaret Ackland, Dennis Lumley, Joan Gillett and June Fox. Carol Lumley
Burton Bradstock W.I. Spring Fair -
Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May
Please come along and support our popular annual Spring Fair on and around Burton Bradstock Village Green starting at 2.00 pm. There will be cream teas, cake stall, paintings, handicrafts, gifts, raffles, children's stalls with special teddy bear theme, the whisky raffle, bottle tombola, books, plants, white elephant, new to you clothes and ice cream. Something for everyone. Also maypole and country dancing courtesy of Bernard Gale. Come and enjoy yourself and help support the W.I. Hall Fund at the same time.
Chris Clarke & Pat Raven
Roberts' Trail
This was launched on Monday, 17th April. There are two display boards, one on Mill Street wall (opposite the Post Office) and the other at the Beach Cafe. Leaflets on this historic walk can now be bought from the Post Office at £1.00 each. This project has taken nearly three years to prepare and is certainly an asset to the village.
A Plant Sale (perennial and bedding plants, some quite unusual) will be held at The Red House, Middle Street, Burton Bradstock, on Friday 19th May from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm in aid of the Church Mission Society. Please call in.
Hilary Mousley
Millennium Festival 8th -15th July
Please put these dates in your diary, it will be a week to remember. Tickets for various events are available from the village Post Office. Buy early so that you are not disappointed. The large marquee measures 90 ft x 39 ft, and has an inner lining, full matting floor, 5 chandeliers, a stage 20 ft x 10 ft and a dance floor approx. 30 ft x 20 ft. Can seat 150-200. Also two 12 ft x 12 ft tents for changing, food preparation, etc.
Saturday 8th July - Mass village photograph at 1.00 pm from the Church tower. Please assemble around the Church and in Church Street.
Evening to be arranged.
Sunday 9th St. Mary's Celebrates BIRTHDAY 2000
10.30 am-11.45 am Family Communion Service with Burton Bradstock School.
12 noon-2.00 pm Simply Delicious Fork Buffet Lunch. Tickets 4.50
2.00 pm-3.00 pm JC 2000 by Burton Bradstock School
3.00 pm-5.00pm Birthday 2000 Tea Party with "Wilbur the Grate" Professional Clown
7.00pm "The Time of Your Life" - Lance Pierson
Monday 10th A Jazz Evening with the Sunset Cafe Stompers starting at 8.00 pm. Tickets £3.00. Bring your own food and drink.
Tuesday 11th 11.45 am Burton Bradstock W.I. meeting followed by Picnic Lunch for members and guests.
7.30 pm : A Dorset Evening with The Yetties. Tickets £5.00. Bring your own food and drink.
Wednesday 12th - Fair and Fun Day commencing at 12 noon. Hog Roast all day, £2.50 for hog bap. School sports during afternoon followed by fun sports. Bouncy castle and roundabout for children. Mechanical organ playing throughout.
7.30 pm Quiz Night. Tickets £1.50.
Thursday 13th - Burton Bradstock School. Afternoon rehearsal followed by Concert in evening commencing 6.30 pm.
Friday 14th - 8.00 pm Billy Bragg & the Blokes Live at The Marquee Tickets £5.00 (Profits to Bride Valley Scouts New Hut)
Saturday 15th - 2.30 pm Bride Valley Band
4.00 pm Time Capsule will be buried on The Green. Any further suggestions as to what we should put in it? Size 12 inches square x 20 inches deep.
7.30 pm Barn Dance with The Jovial Beggars. Also demonstration of 17th Century Court and Victorian Dances. Tickets £4.50 and include supper. Please bring your own drink.
10.00 pm Congregate on The Green to purchase processional torches (not flame) for walk to the playing field for Grand Fireworks display at 10.30 pm.
Peter Colbert, 897922
Thanks
Mary Rawles wishes to thank all neighbours and friends who sent messages of sympathy on the death of her dear husband, Harold, whose cremation took place on March 8th at Weymouth Crematorium.
Alzheimer's Society - Advance Notice
The Bridport Branch of the Alzheimer's Society will be holding their annual Garden Party and Cream Tea on Thursday, July 6th in Burton Bradstock Rectory Garden and W.I. Hall.
On Saturday, July 1st there is to be a Flag Day in Bridport. Anyone willing to give an hour to help on the day, please ring 897125 or 897218 for details. Any help given will be greatly appreciated.
Basil Dent
Who is Lance Pierson?
Lance is a performer specialising in one-man shows and poetry performances. He uses the spoken word to put forward the truth and excitement of the Christian faith. He does this with the double aim of cheering up believers and debating with doubters. Rather than give a talk, Lance blends sketches, monologues, poems and stories into an entertainment that manages to be humorous and moving and challenging, all at the same time. He is at home on both the church and the secular 'stage'. During 1998 - 1999 he performed at St. Paul's Cathedral, the Scarborough Cricket Festival, the Christian Resources Exhibition, branches of Christian Viewpoint and in churches of all denominations.
So whatever you believe, wherever you worship or whether you worship at all don't miss this opportunity of his visit to the Bride Valley.
When????? Where????? Find out next month ( the more observant of our readers and those who read the B.V.N. from cover to cover will already know the answer! )
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Gilly Doar
Paddock Lodge Swyre
FROM THE REGISTERS
Funeral Harold Bennett, with the Burial at Holy Trinity Church on 16th March 2000.
Welcome to Barbara and Michael Brennan who have moved into Number 4, Swyre after having been visitors to Swyre for many years.
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow
Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle
Telephone: (01308) 897761
MOTHERING SUNDAY:
Our Family Service on April 2nd was a lovely occasion, and all the posies so carefully prepared (the vicar thought there would be far too many) were distributed either directly to ladies in the congregation or indirectly via members of the congregation to other family members or neighbours at home.
MAY 7th FAMILY SERVICE
This will be a kind of late Easter Service for all ages. Do come if you can, and bring along something which will help us to spruce up our Easter Garden.
Anthony Ashwell
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 160.00
Bridport Lions Easter Draw 170.00
Bridport Lions Swimathon 25.00
British Lung Foundation 4230.00
Dorchester Childrens Ward 268.08
Rainbow Trust 65.84
Thorners 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 fund raising 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 Thorners 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 the 28th May, 11th June, 9th July and the 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 you support.
Emma Foster ( Treasurer )
The Frugal Lunch held in the Church Hall on March 17th was a very happy occasion and £118.00 was donated for Water Aid Overseas.
Puncknowle Art Group
What an interesting trip we had to the Blue Lias Gallery at Lyme Regis. Many thanks to Julie Oldfield for her talk about the work of the artists. The meetings for May are: Friday 12th - 'Beginning Cartoons' (Jennifer Bembridge) and Tuesday 23rd - Exhibition at The Crown 10.45 a.m. - 12.00 noon.
C.Molony
We apologise to the Art Group for failing to include the April Report in last month's B.V.N. Entirely the Editors' mistake and not that of the Secretary. Ed.
Puncknowle Parish Council
Tuesday May 2nd : Annual Parish Meeting, to be followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council. The annual meeting is meant to be an opportunity for all members of the community to have a chance to ask questions, air their views, give a presentation, state their case, question decisions and practices, or just generally tell the assembly that a grand job is , or is not, being done. The meeting is only as good as those who attend! Please make every effort to attend. We want your views and opinions, and we are not afraid of brick bats.
Thank you, in anticipation, to those who turned out for the Beach Spring Clean and the Village work party. It is an indication of the regard people have for the area in which we all live. It is not too much to ask of people; so much is done by so few, and a few more would mean less to be done by a greater number. Otherwise the few will become the even fewer.
Anna Lovell
Millennium Footpath Project - Working Weekend 13/14 May
Further to the work done last September on footpath 26, which runs due south off Church Street up through Knackers Hole, a second working weekend has been arranged with the Dorset Countryside Volunteers for Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May.
As before it is hoped that as many volunteers from the village will assist with this project, for either or both of the days for whatever time they have available. The help given in September was much appreciated and the next phase of work includes ditching, stone-walling and brush removal.
Would anybody interested in taking part in this weekend please contact Robin Pither - Parish Rights of Way Officer, on 01308 - 897724. All offers of help will be welcome.
Millennium Fete
The villagers of Puncknowle, West Bexington and Swyre are joining together to hold the Millennium Fete on Saturday 29th July. We plan that this will be an expanded version of our already highly successful and popular fete. It is hoped to have more attractions and stalls than usual and whilst the main site will be in Puncknowle Manor Gardens (by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Lodge), there will also be stalls and entertainment in the main street and the Crown Gardens. We would welcome contributions to the following stalls: Books, Bottles, Bric- a-brac, Cakes and Produce, Clothing, Fancy Goods, Plants and Sweets. Can you assist on the day? Help us to make this a memorable and enjoyable day for everyone! Please contact Carol Tyrrell (897901) or Mick Lawless (The Crown Inn - 897711) All proceeds to Puncknowle and Swyre Churches, Puncknowle Hall and other local charities.
Millennium Walk
To celebrate the Millennium footpath from Knackers Hole to the Knoll, a walk on the path is planned for early evening on Wednesday 21st June. This will be followed by a barbecue and bonfire on the Knoll. We hope that many villagers - of all ages - will be able to join in. For those less able to walk, transport will be provided from Manor Farm. Full details next month.
Village Correspondents: Mr & Mrs. N.Gardener
1 Rose Cottages, Litton Cheney
Tel: ( 01308 ) 482323
FROM THE REGISTERS
Funeral Charles Young of Baglake on 15th March 2000
(at Weymouth Crematorium)
THE CHURCH A.C.M.
The good number of attendees heard of a year of progress in 1999, and much to encourage. Our long-standing warden, Eddie Fry, retired and was thanked by everybody present for many years of committed and diligent service to St Mary's Church. He was replaced by Freddie Spicer whom we know carries on the hard-working tradition.
BVN DELIVERIES Last month I asked for a volunteer to take on Sheila Fry's monthly round, which involves dropping the BVN into every house along Chalk Pit Lane (and Closes), Redway (West end), Main Street (from the bus shelter to White Cross), and School Lane. In all about 75 households. For interest and exercise I did April's round myself, and walking fast but with the occasional stop and chat, it took 80 minutes. Please, can somebody volunteer to give the village, say, an hour and a half once a month, so that everybody can receive their BVN. Names to me, please.
Anthony Ashwell
Litton Cheney Relief in Need Trust
Each year the Trust pays grants to students living in Litton Cheney who are moving on to higher education, training or employment. It is possible that not everyone in the village knows about these awards. The Trustees invite anyone who thinks that he or she might qualify for a grant to apply before the end of July. If you are a resident and are leaving school this summer, or you know someone who is going to do so, please contact Gordon Jenkins on 01308 482559.
Litton Cheney Parish Council.
The Council wish to express their appreciation to all those who responded to the survey on the possibility of retaining a shop in the village. The result of the survey was announced at the Village Assembly meeting on 30th March, attended by 77 electorate. Of the l67 households surveyed, 114 were in favour of the Village Shop project, with 11 objections, 4 spoilt forms, and the remaining 38 either did not wish to express an opinion or were absent and unable to be contacted. With the encouragement of this result the Council is exploring the problems of obtaining planning permission, and will keep you informed of progress.
Litton Cheney Village Society : Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9th at 8.00 pm at Thorner's School. We begin, as always with the business of the meeting, at which we would hope to receive some nominations for the committee. At the end of the formalities there will be cheese and wine. To finish the season on a note of enjoyment, Mr. John Randall has agreed to talk to us on the subject of his choosing ...... I dare say sheep may be mentioned! Do please come, and potential members are also welcome.
Litton Cheney Playing Field
Congratulations and well done to Patrick Bayer, Lucy Dyke, Laura Rollo-Smith and Amy Smith, who swam a total of 4000 metres in an hour and forty minutes to raise £216.10 for the playing field. A big THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored the swimmers and supported the Coffee Morning in March, when £199 was raised. The Playing Field Fund is also being added to by Kayleigh Roots, Amy Smith and friends, who are washing cars for their parents and friends.
Two benches have now been put in the playing field. Ideas and suggestions for the improvement of the playing field are always welcome.
Katharine Jones (482589) & Elizabeth Kingston (482384)
Litton Cheney Playing Field Advisory Committee
Thanks
Chris Young and her family would like to thank all those who sent messages of sympathy and support on the death of her husband, Charles, on March 8th at Dorchester Hospital. The Service of Thanksgiving was held at Weymouth Crematorium on Wednesday, March 15th and was attended by family and friends.
Chris Young
Village Correspondents: Mr & Mrs Patrick Frost
Bridelands
Tel ( 01308 ) 482269
Patrick Frost: Many folk in Long Bredy and way beyond, will know by now that Patrick is really very ill. It is not appropriate for me to discuss the details and progress of his illness, except to say that it has "put him out of action" and will continue to do so for some time yet. Patrick contributes enormously and sacrificially to the local community, and I am particularly keen that the work and initiatives he has undertaken should not cease because he himself cannot do them. Indeed he especially would hate that. Patrick's main responsibility at church is churchyard manager…and gardener… and mower… and 'gopher'. He keeps it beautifully, with minimal help. Patrick is also a bellringer, a building maintenance technician, a Christian Aid collector, a BVN correspondent, and was before his illness, a P.C.C. member, Deanery Synod Representative and Churchwarden designate. So importantly also, he is a faithful Churchmember, and is regularly to be seen at other Bride Valley Churches, when it is not a St Peter's Sunday. His absence from Church life is making a huge hole, and already the churchyard is starting to suffer. For many reasons this is a pity : for the weekend of June 17th sees both the Wedding of the Year (Joanne and Ian) and the Flower Festival.
Please, people of Long Bredy, can you help? We especially need churchyard gardeners, and if several of you can give a couple of hours per fortnight, it should be possible to create a churchyard rota, to keep it in the way we are now, thanks to Patrick, used to.
Do consider this, and pass your name to Janet Cuff (482233), or sign the notice in Church.
Many thanks (for the many hands which make light work).
PATRICK FROST'S LADIES: Elinor, Rachel and Sally are extremely thankful to all those who have given or offered them help and support at this difficult time, and for the many kind messages they have received.
THE CHURCH A.C.M. The few Churchmembers who attended heard of an encouraging 1999, but were unable to elect a Churchwarden to replace Helen Horsley (thank you Helen, for your hard work) and left several vacancies on the P.C.C. Anthony Ashwell
Advance Notice that the chimney sweep will be coming to the village in the middle of May. To co-ordinate his visit, and spread the fixed costs, would anyone requiring the sweep's services please ring Albert Pitcher on 482486. Thank you.
Dog Mess. It has been brought to the attention of the Parish Council that there is an increasing problem of dogs being walked down the lane by the Rookery to "relieve themselves". The Council asks that dog owners please clean up after their pets in the village. Dog owners are also reminded that their animals should be under control when being walked through fields containing farm livestock. To those concerned, thank you for observing both these courtesies to your neighbours.
S.J.JevonsPuncknowle 897068
LITTLEBREDY NOTES
A warm welcome is extended to Austin Slade and Wendy Collinson, with their daughters Honor (3) and Imogen (very nearly 2), who move from Litton Cheney to live at 1, Longlands Cottage during May. Austin will already be familiar to many, both in his capacity as one of our local postmen, and also as having assisted in several village fundraising events over the years. We wish them all happiness in their new home.
Many thanks indeed to Jenny Jones, for hosting the first of our two Lent Frugal Lunches at the end of March. It was well attended, and raised £120.00 for the Joseph Weld Hospice. Thanks to Jenny's and Stewart's generosity, it was an exceptional occasion, and, in the words of one attender: "If this is frugal, what can lavish be like?"
An advertisement for the Opening dates of Chris & Judy Yates' "Scented Garden" this summer appears below. This month's only date is Tuesday 30th May, from 2.30 - 8.00 p.m. Chris and Judy hope that all their visitors will observe the parking arrangements at the top of the village green, and they apologize in advance for any inconvenience to their neighbours of any kind (they hope there will be none, of course...) which may result from the exceptional influx of visitors (they hope!) to the village on Tuesdays between the end of May and the end of July.
Come and visit "THE SCENTED GARDEN"!
The Victorian Walled Gardens in Littlebredy
are Open to the Public
by kind Invitation of Chris & Judy Yates
from 2.30 - 8.00 p.m. on TUESDAYS
MAY 30th ; JUNE 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th
and JULY 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th.
(National Gardens Scheme)
As well as noting the progress of the restoration works in general,
visitors will see in particular some splendid roses and part of the National Lavender Collection.
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White
Eastcote
3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge
Tel(01308)897974
Shipton Gorge Village Society Outing
Enjoy a day out at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol! A large undercover shopping centre. The coach departs the New Inn, Shipton Gorge at 09.00 am on Wednesday, May 3rd, returning approx. 5.30 pm. Price £6.00 per person. Bookings Pat Tucker, 01308 897197.
Shipton Gorge Village Society
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 10th May at 7.00 pm in the Village Hall. All residents of Shipton Gorge are welcome to attend. This is your chance to let the committee know what you would like for future events in the village.
Peter Bowditch, Chairman (897364)
Shipton Gorge Village Hall Trust
The Annual General Meeting of the Shipton Gorge Village Hall Trust will be held on Tuesday, 23rd May at 7.30 pm in the Hall. All are most welcome to attend.
Advance Notice :
St. Martin's Summer Fair (July) & Cream Tea (August)
The annual St. Martin's Summer Fair will be held this year on Saturday, 22nd July. Please make a note of this very important fund-raising event for the Church. It is proposed to hold a Village Cream Tea afternoon on Thursday, 17th August in celebration of the 100th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. For further details or offers of help, please contact the Churchwardens on 897391 or 421654.
Thanks
"I should like to say thank you for all the cards and good wishes I received during my recent stay in hospital. They were much appreciated by myself and Doris."
Gerald Benselin
Harry Darby
"I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the very kind friends and neighbours who gave us such wonderful support during Harry's illness, and for the many cards, letters and messages since his death. The packed church at his funeral was overwhelming and a memory I shall never forget. I find it difficult to convey my gratitude. I thank you all."
Bettie Darby
Shipton Gorge Hall 100 Club
Winners for the April draw:
£20 No. 22 Jo Boughton
£10 No. 42 John Epplestone
Evensong on Sunday 7th May at 6.30 pm, and each 1st Sunday of the month through the summer.