Bride Valley News
October 2001 |
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| Shipton Gorge | |
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| Puncknowle & West Bexington | |
| Litton Cheney | |
| Long Bredy | |
| Littlebredy | |
| Thought for the Month | |
| Diary of Events for all Parishes - This month - check it out |
Open the centre-page fold this month and what strikes you? HARVEST.
Yes, every Bride Valley Church has its Harvest Thanksgiving in October, and the bigger parishes enjoy Harvest Suppers, albeit in Puncknowle's case at midday. As far as we are concerned, by October 21st "all is safely gathered in, 'ere the winter's storms begin". But of course this is not the case. Maize, one of the biggest crops locally, may not be "all in" by the middle of the month. After a Harvest Thanksgiving Service in mid-Devon in late September about six years ago, I was marched into a very rural churchyard and ordered to look over the wall onto a ripening field of maize. "What about this then?" barked the farmer, and I hope there was a twinkle in his eye.
Some years earlier, before I was ordained, I spent one extremely wet and cold early November Sunday picking grapes from a vineyard in another part of Devon, and returned home bedraggled to look over my next door neighbour's vegetable garden, to see growing rows of sprouts, parsnips, celery and leeks. Happily he was generous to his neighbours, and Anna and I benefited from this local harvest to well after Christmas.
From these reminiscences two points arise for me.
First that Harvest Festivals, whether Christian or secular, should be regarded as symbolic. They roughly coincide with the time when most of the harvest locally has been gathered, but they should also carry the message that God's bounty is continuous, worldwide and everlasting: "while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease". In thanking God for the Harvest, we are going further than our backyards, further than the E.U., we are going to the ends of the earth.
Second that the Harvest exemplifies the partnership in creation. God provides the basics: life, fertility, the physical universe. We provide the labour: pickers, machinery, food processing and distribution. Without God, we wouldn't be; without labour, food wouldn't be (on our tables). Harvest Thanksgivings then become Festivals not only of God's bounty, but also of people's generosity, skills and labour. But then again, isn't this what life is all about? Partnership, community, the giving and receiving of love, God with His Creation.
Anthony Ashwell
The Bride Valley Team Council next meets on Thursday 8th November 2001 at 7.30 pm in Puncknowle Church Hall.
Please remember in your prayers Timothy Thornton, who is to be consecrated Bishop at Southwark Cathedral on Thursday 18th October, to serve the Diocese of Salisbury as Bishop of Sherborne.
The Bride Valley (Wednesday) Bible Study Group
Here are the final arrangements for our autumn course entitled:
JOB : Old Testament - New Theology
Session 1 Introduction and Job's first test (Chapter 1)
26th September at Westfield, Shipton Lane, Burton Bradstock
3rd October at The Rectory, Litton Cheney
Session 2 Job's second test and his reaction (Chapters 2 & 3)
10th October 7 Norburton, Burton Bradstock
17th October Hillside, West Bexington
Session 3 Job's "Comforters" (Chapters 4 to 31)
24th October Casterbridge, Annings Lane, Burton Bradstock
31st October 8 Coombes Close, Litton Cheney
Session 4 The wisdom of youth? Elihu (Chapters 32 to 37)
7th November 7 Norburton, Burton Bradstock
14th November The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
Session 5 Revelation, Repentance and Restoration (Ch: 38 to 42)
21st November 16 Hive Close, Burton Bradstock
28th November 11 Barges Close, Litton Cheney
All are most welcome to join the group, and each Wednesday evening session begins at 7.30pm and lasts for about 2 hours (including refreshments and prayers).
Each session is repeated (Bride Valley west-end, first week: east-end, second week) so that if anybody cannot make a particular session, they are always welcome at the other end, as-it-were. It is helpful both to bring along a Bible and to have read the relevant chapters for discussion first.
Job is an exciting and exacting book, and gives us much to ponder on and to learn. Do come along. Most sessions will be led by the undersigned.
Anthony Ashwell (482302)
The Bride Valley (Thursday) Bible Study Group
We meet every Thursday at 7.30pm during school term time for coffee, chat, Bible study and lively discussion! This term we continue with our study of The Revelation to John. All are welcome to join us. For further information and details of venues, please telephone either Paul ... (...) or Sally Jevons (897068).
Steve & Cathy - Our C.M.S. Mission Partners in Kenya
Several of us enjoyed an evening at The Burton Rectory when we were able to catch up with Steve and Cathy as they reported on their work in Eldoret. We were fascinated to watch a video and hear about the cheap and ingenious way of using a lemonade bottle, half of which is painted black, to purify their water. The method SODIS ( Solar Disinfection of water ) has been used in many other parts of the world. The water is put in the bottle and left in the sun for five hours. The UV radiation and the heat from the sun kills the bacteria. To improve efficiency, one half of the bottle is painted black and is placed on a black surface in order to absorb more heat. On cloudy days the bottle needs to be left in the open air for as long as two days. Steve and the others in the water project team are helping to build water catchment tanks and to improve shallow wells from which they can take their water to be "Sodisified" for safe drinking. An average family probably needs three or four litre bottles a day.
Next time you see plastic bottles washed up on the beach think of those people in the world to whom this very simple container is literally a life saver!
Our thanks to Terry Rendall for having the family to stay, to the Rector and Pam for hosting a very enjoyable evening, to the Wheeler Family and others who helped to entertain the Burgess family during their visit to the Bride Valley.
We print below an e-mail we received from Steve just before he returned to Kenya.
Dear Friends
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All good things must come to an end , but good things too are on the horizon. So, as we return from our 3 months in England, we feel both sad and yet excited.
This next two years in Eldoret have already started with challenges as 2 new water projects have been approved and funded and have started in my absence- in fact I got an invitation today to attend a training workshop the day after I get back to Kenya!
Cathy and the children safely arrived in Kenya last week and the kids are back at school; so Cathy will be busy with the new TEE term which is starting now.
I, Steve, return to Kenya on Friday via Germany where I am attending an International Rain Water Conference and presenting a paper; I actually arrive home in Eldoret on 16th Sept.
It has been a good time in England being with family, friends and supporting churches. So many people who made us feel welcome and part of one big family. Thanks to everyone for your hospitality and kindness as we seemed to zooooooooom around this country.
God Bless and Best Wishes
Steve Burgess
sburgess@africaonline.co.ke
THE BIBLE
With our keeping of Bible Sunday in the Bride Valley this month (on the 28th October) when we think particularly of the Book, there are one or two matters to mention:
Bible Notes Anyone not already taking Bible Notes for the daily reading of the Bible and interested to do so is invited to contact Mrs. Ann Read ( Westfield Shipton Lane, Burton Bradstock - tel. 897445 ) for Scripture Union notes or Miss Hilary Mousley ( The Red House, Middle Street, Burton Bradstock - tel. 897849 ) for Bible Reading Fellowship notes. ( Those on the list to have them regularly will continue to be supplied with each issue automatically ).
The Bible Society Annual Lectures
Professor Sir Ghillean Prance, F.R.S. ( former Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Scientific Director of the Eden Project ) has taken the title "Creation under Threat" for his lectures on Thursdays, lst, 8th and 15th November at 7.30 p.m., in the United Church, East Street, Bridport, jointly sponsored by the Bridport and District Bible Society Action Group and Bridport Churches Together.
All most welcome
Mothers' Union
This month's meeting will be held on Thursday 25th October at Hunter's Moon, Puncknowle. Mrs. Pat Hobday will tell us of two visits she made to Rwanda.
Burton Bradstock School
As young teenagers my friend and I used to take great delight in roaring over the fields behind the farm I lived on in Devon on an old Lambretta motor scooter. It was a scary, exhilarating experience punctuated regularly by slides and spills and it was very tough on the old engine. My friend showed me how to get more 'poke' out of the engine by decoking it. This gave it a new lease of life, it felt positively rejuvenated and it allowed me to speed even faster into trees, cowpats and the family cesspit!
As you read this article I have just returned to school after a week long decoke. All Headteachers are being placed on a 'Leadership' programme designed to be challenging and developmental, both to the Headteacher and the school. The programme has been running for four years and they have finally caught up with old lags like me stuck out in the backwaters of rural Dorset.
This has coincided with a full scale review of the efficiency of our school by all school governors and staff, aided by children and parents. The review is of our choosing. It is extremely helpful to any institution for it to take a long hard look at itself in a positive and structured way, both to celebrate the good and to identify areas for development. The review will take us most of this year and is based on the principle of asking ourselves searching questions set and evaluated by external experts.
It would be very helpful as an element of this review to hear from any villagers who may wish to contribute their opinion of us. I get many positive oral comments from you about the involvement of the school in its local community but if any of you feel inspired to put pen to paper I will build your views into the school review. I am looking for constructive criticism as well as positive comments and you can post them through our letterbox or drop them in to Jean in the office.
As I've penned this before the decoke I am unable yet to comment on the success of the programme. Suffice it to say that if you notice me, pupils dilated (eyes not children, silly), accelerating crazily around the village and gabbling volumes of Government Eduspeak I'll let you draw your own conclusion.
This school has benefited enormously through the years from the friendship and support that Jonathon has shown us as a parent and as Postmaster. Thank you and good luck with your new job, Jon.
Pip, pip
David Powell
The team from the "Oasis Cafe" bring you "The Light Party" On Wednesday 31st October 6.00-8.00pm in Puncknowle Church Hall: for children at school. There will be games, singing and dancing, sweets and treats but no tricks as this is not a Hallowe'en Party.
There will be posters and invitations nearer the time but if you don't receive an invitation or would like more details please 'phone Paul ... (...) or Sally Jevons (897068).
First Steps Toddler Group
This group meets every Wednesday during term time. We meet in Long Bredy Village Hall from 10.00am-12noon. All pre-school children and their parents/carers are welcome to join us for activities, toys, coffee and chat. Please contact Julie 897178 for any further details.
Thorner's School, Litton Cheney
This month all the parents from school are invited to attend the Annual report from the Governors. We, here at Thorner's, combine it with the Annual School Association meeting. As is usual with these events the minority or 'normal' or 'regular' group of people will turn out regardless of the weather, members of the Governors and School Association committee. I ask myself why? We are all interested in our children and should be concerned with their education as they spend a good proportion of their young lives in school. It is very easy to moan about the way things are but there are few people in Society who are willing to give voluntarily of their time, energy and expertise over a period of time. We are very lucky, or fortunate, in that a number of people are willing to take on this challenge very successfully. Some schools do find it difficult to obtain a full complement of Governors, but we, up until now, have always succeeded in replacing those who leave. Just recently a number of Governors have completed their term of office, or moved on or decided to stand down to make room for others so the current group of Governors are quite different from those who appointed me two years ago, with a few stalwarts. I want to say a personal thank you to all those who have made a contribution as Governor. I am very grateful to them because without you and your knowledge of the school, Salisbury Diocese and the area, we would not have managed to achieve all we have. There is a limit to the amount of time and energy which I can place in these extra projects as well as dealing with all the paperwork which comes through the post. During this time we have certainly moved forward in our way of working and developing the school and I am hoping that this will continue. Thank you.
The School Association has also changed in personalities, with a few who continue to support the school in the best way they know and providing a number of extra special items for school. Do come along to the meeting and you will be able to view some of them. These people, often nameless, give of their time and energy to encourage the whole community to take part in the life of the school as and when they can, often making it fun, enjoyable and entertaining.
This year we have a 'new' group of parents who are experiencing education, in the new role of parent for the first time! Do come along to the meeting, you will be welcomed and able to meet and talk to these people in a non-threatening way. I promise you, your arm will not be twisted to encourage you to volunteer to do anything you do not want to. We are a friendly bunch, who want the best education for our children, in a pleasant environment, with the most up-to-date facilities possible. It is an ideal way of meeting those connected with the school in a very informal way.
I look forward to seeing all our parents, old and new, at the Annual Meeting of School Association and Governors.
Alison Johnstone Headteacher.
Bride Valley Scout Group 'New Hut Appeal'
The popular annual Quiz is on sale to raise money for our "New Hut Appeal". There is a chance to win £20 - copies are just £1 each and are available from:
Burton Bradstock Post Office
The Crown Inn, Puncknowle
Steve Dove, 7 Norburton, Burton Bradstock
Pat Tucker (Tel: 897197)
Ruth Brierley (Tel: 898283)
Entries must be returned by 6.00pm on 31st October 2001 to Pat Tucker or Ruth Brierley.
Ruth Brierley, Secretary BVSG
Recitals
Our grateful thanks to all those who supported the recitals given by Madalina, Ionut and Ioana. The proceeds, amounting to £342 for Madalina and £277 for Ionut and Ioana, have been passed to them to assist with their studies.
Ann and Mike Read
CHIDEOCK AID FOR ROMANIA
A TEA DANCE-CUM-SINGALONG is being held from 3.00pm to 5.00pm on Saturday 27th October 2001 in the W.I. Hall, Burton Bradstock. Proceeds will go towards our target of £3900 with which to purchase an endoscopic camera and monitor for the operating theatre in an hospital in Arad, Romania.
Nigel Capon, a rambling organist and pianist, will be accompanied by John Cave on the percussion. John Cave was principal percussionist of the BBC Concert Orchestra before he retired.
The Tea Dance will start off with a few well-known songs, followed by a wide selection of twenties and thirties dance music, which most people will know.
Tickets will be £3 for adults, £1 for children, and will include a cup of tea or fruit juice, a slice of cake and a scone. Any further refreshments will cost 25p per item. There will also be a raffle.
So please put the date in your diaries and come along for some really good fun and enjoyment. Tickets, limited to 80, are on sale at Burton Bradstock Post Office or from Ann and Mike Read, telephone 897445.
Ann and Mike Read
Burton Bradstock 'Friends of the Red Cross' are holding a Coffee morning in aid of the Bridport Red Cross Wheelchair Fund, on Thurs. Oct. 25th in the W.l. Hall, Burton Bradstock from 10.30 am -12.00 noon. Gifts very welcome for the Cake Stall, Bring and Buy, Books, etc.. Please come and support this very worthwhile cause.
Mary Bailey, 897288.
BRIDE VALLEY GARDENING CLUB
Hopefully you have all reaped the rewards of your planting and have had spectacular displays of flowers in your gardens and are also gathering the harvest of your vegetable plot and orchard. Many in the valley report an excellent year for flowers and shrubs despite the very slow start to summer and fruit trees are laden with apples, plums and pears - a very beautiful and satisfying sight if not a messenger of Autumn. However Autumn does mean that the Club has its first meeting of the 2001/2002 year on October 8th when Michael Michaud of the Chilli Farm, West Bexington will give us a talk on Vegetables for the Bride Valley - varieties and growing tips. This will be at Thorner's School, Litton Cheney, and will commence at 7.30pm. Each month there is a competition of your personal best of flowers, fruit, vegetable or houseplant. New members are cordially invited to join - there are over 200 members already in the Valley with an average attendance at meetings of about 70 - membership is the princely sum of £1.00 a year. As well as the monthly meetings there are events during the year including the very successful Plant Sale and, this year, the very well supported Mini Show. There are outings to notable gardens; Cheese and Wine follow some of the meetings.
We look forward to seeing members old and new in October.
Norma Millard Club Secretary.
Ladybirds
The next meeting is on 10th October at 8.00 pm when Anne Rickard who featured in the series "The Iron Age" will speak at the home of Margaret Milree, Foxstones, Swyre. New members always welcome.
Thank You
A sincere thank you to all the people of the Bride Valley for their prayers, cards, flowers and help over the past couple of months. I have had my operation and I am making a good recovery. A special thank-you to John, our Rector, who, despite a busy schedule, managed to find time to visit. Thank you.
Yvette Smith, St. Catherine's Cross
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 28th October The Bible Society
The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 5th October at 11.00 am.
The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be held on Mondays 1st October and 12th November at 7.00 pm.
The Parochial Church Council meets on Monday 15th October at 7.00 pm in church.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Baptism 2nd September Jasmine G. Parsons
St Mary's Harvest Festival Again, this year the Harvest Thanksgiving will take the form of an All-age Harvest Service (not a Holy Communion), on Sunday 7th October at 9.30 am. Adults, children, families, EVERYONE, will be welcome.
Harvest Festival - Church Decorating Everyone is most welcome to come along on Saturday 6th October from 10 am to help decorate the church for the festival. Gifts of flowers, fruit and vegetables will be very welcome.
Pam Atkinson.
All Saints' Day Thu 1st November 7.00 pm Holy Communion (Order 1).
All Souls' Day Fri 2nd November 6.30 pm Holy Communion (Order2).
Rural White Paper - Vital Villages Programme
The VITAL VILLAGES programme is one of the key initiatives that has emerged from the Government's white paper 'A Fair Deal for Rural England', published last November. Amongst other things, this particular programme aims to give Parish Councils a bigger role and have more responsibility in shaping the development of their area and in running its services. However before being given such additional powers, villages are expected to make an appraisal of their village and consider such issues as the impact of housing developments, services and amenities, social and recreational facilities, transport, green spaces and countryside access and from this to draw up a village plan. It is intended that such plans should then become official guidance to District Councils and be used in the hierarchy of area planning. We in Burton Bradstock, under the leadership of the Parish Council, need to consider how we should react to this initiative. It is important that we do take action and take advantage of this opportunity to have a greater say in the control of our affairs.
To provide more information and give us in Burton Bradstock further guidance on this Vital Villages programme, Simon Thompson of Dorset Community Action will be giving a talk and answering questions in the W.I.Hall at 7.30 pm Tuesday 23rd October.
Mike Southgate, Chairman BB Parish Council Consultative Working Group.
21st Burton Bradstock Festival
The three concerts in the 21st BURTON BRADSTOCK FESTIVAL, once again organised by Mary Ryan, were outstanding. We were so lucky to be able to enjoy music of such a high professional standard and such memorable solo performances.
David Mason opened all three concerts with trumpet solos and at Thursday lunchtime he started with the Prelude by Charpontier, played with great clarity of tone and precision. Hilary Kenway sang beautifully two arias by Handel and a modern work by Lord entitled "The Lamb" from Blake's Songs of Innocence. Her voice and David Mason's trumpet were together marvellous as the church echoed with "Let the Bright Seraphim". David Juritz gave a virtuoso performance of the Chaconne from Bach's Partita in D minor and we much enjoyed in other items the playing of Mary Ryan, Petronella Dittmer and Hubert Dawkes. The concert ended on a fun note as all the instruments came together for a special arrangement of "Annie's March", put together by Hubert Dawkes; this sent away the audience laughing and humming.
In the Friday concert, the LONDON FESTIVAL PLAYERS were joined by COUNTERPOINT, conducted by Malcolm Knowles. Regina Coeli by Mozart, with Hilary Kenway singing the soprano solos, and the Monteverdi Beatus Vir were both lovely and it was such a pity that the acoustics did not do the choir full justice. Mary Ryan, accompanied by Hubert Dawkes, gave us a beautiful performance of the Suite for flute by Gaubert. The finale was a superb interpretation of the Bach Concerto in for D minor for oboe and violin, played by the celebrated oboeist Neil Black and David Juritz. The second movement was especially moving.
On Saturday Colin Bradbury joined the quartet of David Juritz, Petronella Dittmer, Martin Kegelmann and Muriel Daniels for a lyrical rendition of the Quintet in Bb, Op 34, for clarinet and strings by Weber. Neil Black's playing in the Mozart Oboe Quartet in F, K 370, was so finely judged and subtle; and his beautiful tone and exquisite phrasing had the audience spellbound. It was a performance that will linger in our memories for a long time. The concert ended with all the FESTIVAL PLAYERS squeezed together in the chancel to play, with splendid ensemble work and lovely tone, the Holberg Suite by Grieg.
As ever, the Burton Bradstock Festival has provided us, who had the good fortune to be able to attend, with marvellous music in a lovely setting and once again many, many thanks are due to Mary Ryan, her family and all the participants for providing the Bride Valley with such an enjoyable event.
Anne Southgate.
Wine & Nibbles at an Open Meeting on Wednesday, 21st. November!
The village web site committee invites villagers to a meeting at the school commencing at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, 21st. November. Wine & nibbles will be provided.
As the school now has fourteen networked computers and the means to project onto a large screen, the village now has a super facility for training, presentations etc..
The evening will cover several aspects:
a) An update/demonstration on the school facilities and its potential
b) Brief progress report on the web site, and the village PC facility in the Reading Room
c) Time for everyone to use the computers to view particular aspects of the web site or to 'surf the net'
d) Wine & nibbles while we discuss your reaction to progress so far and your needs overall - in particular any demand for adult training in the evenings at the school. The plan would be to use professional trainers.
I hope you will come along to what should be an interesting evening.
Ken Pett
The Barn Dance held at Burton Bradstock W.l. Hall on 21st August, although not well supported, raised a total, including donations, of £109:11 for the Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester. Thanks to those who supported the event.
Jenny Taylor
Allotments
If anyone is interested in having an allotment for the future, could they please contact the Parish Clerk, Fel Moore, on 01308 459001, for details, as we feel that some vacancies will be available shortly.
Fel Moore, Clerk to the Parish Council, Burton Bradstock
Historical Table
As you know, the Dove Inn ceased trading in April this year and Graham and Janet Hallewell have very kindly donated the historical table to the Village. This was made from the hatch of the schooner "The Flirt", which sank off Burton in November 1898 with only one survivor, and it has stood in the Dove Inn ever since. The table has now been installed in the Reading Room, Burton Bradstock.
Peter Colbert
Lavender Trust
There will be a Garage Sale in aid of the Trust at 24, Norburton, Burton Bradstock on Saturday October 20th 10.30am - 3.30pm
Kitten Crisis in Burton Bradstock
During the month of August a number of kittens were found roaming around the village. In spite of putting notices around the village, to try and find their owners, no one has yet come forward. If anyone knows from where they may have come please telephone Cats' protection member Valerie Lovesey 01308 897281 or Doreen Newton 01308 897121. It is essential to find these kittens homes and have them neutered before they are old enough to produce further unwanted kittens.
West Dorset Cats Protection have only 10 pens to cope with all the stray and unwanted cats in West Dorset and these are always full to capacity. We cannot stress too much the necessity of having cats neutered by the time they are six months old. People receiving Income Support Benefit will be entitled to vouchers to help with neutering their cats. Information about this can be obtained from either Valerie or Doreen.
Valerie Lovesey and Doreen Newton
A Message from Peg Thompson
I would just like to thank all my friends in Burton Bradstock for the cards and good wishes I received after my operation in Bristol. Unfortunately I am not getting any betteer so I don't get out to see people and do the things I used to do in this lovely and friendly village. Peg Thompson.
The Children's Society
Would all those who kindly hold one of the Society's donation boxes please note that these boxes are now due for handing in so that the contents may be forwarded to the Society. Boxes can be left at the Post Office or handed to Greta Heal (897539) or Basil Dent (897125). Collection can be arranged if required
Greta Heal
Burton Bradstock Players
The Burton Bradstock Players regret that they have to postpone the production of the play " Relative Values" until the spring. However plans for the presentation of the pantomine " Aladdin" late February are getting underway, with the first reading on Thursday 11th October and auditions on Thursday 18th October, both at 7.30pm in the W.I.Hall. Please come along if you wish to take part.
We also need help with the preparation and production activities off-stage so if you can assist with these in any way would you please contact Mike Read, the pantomine director, on 897445.
Mike Southgate, Chrmn BB Players. 897487
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White
Eastcote
3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge
Tel(01308)897974
From the Parish Registers
Thanksgiving Service for the life of John G. (Jack) Willy 13th September
St Martin's Harvest Festival will again take the form of an All-Age Harvest Service ( not a Holy Communion ) on Sunday 7th October at 11.00 am. Adults, children, families, EVERYONE, will be welcome.
Jack Willy We record the death on 31st August 2001 of a long-standing resident of Shipton Gorge, Mr Jack Willy. Jack, the eldest of six children, came to Manor Farm with his parents in 1931. Shipton was to remain his home until his death seventy years later. Jack farmed with his brother Clifford, taking responsibility for the dairy herd. 'Fairings', his bungalow in Chapel Street, was built in the farmhouse garden on his retirement. Sadly, his wife Ena died soon after their retirement, but Jack continued his many interests in and beyond the village.
He had cruised twice round the world. He loved gardening. Even in hospital his greatest concern was that his Brussels sprouts should be properly planted out! He showed dahlias and chrysanthemums. Jack enjoyed music, and swimming, too, was a great relaxation for him; even in his late eighties he was swimming weekly at Weymouth.
For sixty years Jack was both Churchwarden and Treasurer of St Martin's Church, and a faithful worshipper and communicant - a quite astonishing record of care and devotion. He was a bell ringer, too, and sang with The Briddy Choir. We give thanks for Jack's life, and for all he contributed to village and church over so many years.
VILLAGE HARVEST SUPPER
This will be held on Wednesday, 10th October at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. Tickets for this popular social occasion at £3.50 each will be available from the Churchwardens, Mrs. Jo Warren and Mrs. Doris Benselin from mid-September. Of course numbers are limited so do apply early. Potato bakers, apple pie makers and general help to prepare, serve ( & wash up! ) would be much appreciated.
M.R & C.C.G, Churchwardens
THE BRIDE VALLEY NEWS IN SHIPTON
For many years, the late Mr. Jack Willy accepted and sorted into distributors' packs the BVN. More recently Mrs. Anne Thompson has been entirely responsible. Anne now wishes to retire from this work and we are most thankful to her for her assistance. However, it leaves us in the position of seeking out a successor to take on accepting delivery of the magazines from the printers, splitting them up into packs for the various 'deliverers' to collect and then distribute to the individual houses on their respective rounds. The process of counting out the magazines takes less than half-an-hour at the end of each month, but if they are delivered to each distributor, more time enters into it unless those involved are prepared to collect their own packs - even perhaps from the church.
Please let the Churchwardens know if you could take over from Anne.
Whilst on this topic, two of our long-term distributors are retiring/have retired so we are in need of replacements, please. Thank you to Alice Giles-Townsend and Brian Crabtree for all their help in this connection.
Molly Roast 421654 Colin Green 898334
A Thank-you Note
I would like to thank all my friends and neighbours for their kindness during my recent stay in hospital, for the lovely cards, flowers and visits, and also for contributing to the pot now standing very proudly on my patio. Thank you once again.
Ivy Platt ( Rockway )
Shipton Gorge Village Society
As Chairman of Shipton Gorge Village Society I would like to thank John and Jean of the "New Inn" and Sally and her many helpers for such an excellent Street Fair held on Monday 27th August which, because of the weather, was quickly re-scheduled from Saturday 18th August. Thank you to all who helped and villagers who supported a very popular event. Proceeds are to be split between the Bride Valley Scout Hut Appeal and Dorset Air Ambulance. Thank you, all.
Pete Bowditch ( Chairman )
Shipton Gorge Hall 100 Club
Winners for the September Draw
£20 No. 5 Sylvia Wrigley
£10 No.50 Denis Payne
The Harvest Thanksgiving Service will take place at 6.30 pm on Sunday 7th October. We shall be delighted to welcome anyone from the Valley and beyond who would like to join us for our celebration.
This will be the last service at Chilcombe before the Christmas Carol Service on Saturday 22nd December at 6.30 pm.
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Julie Lewis
4 Green Barton, Swyre
Songs of Praise
Our Five Sunday Season ended with a bang on August 26th. Fifty of us gathered to sing praises to God and to witness the Dedication of our brilliant Millennium Parish Map which now hangs in the church porch. Thank you, again, Madeline Marshall and your most expert team of historians, artists, designers, calligraphers, framers, researchers, encouragers and fund-providers. The village has something of which to be immensely proud.
Harvest Thanksgiving
This will take place at 6.30pm on Sunday 7th October in church. There are many productive gardens and some most efficient farms in the Parish, and we give thanks to God for providing the raw materials of Harvest and to men and women the world over for bringing the harvest in.
Anthony Ashwell
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow
Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle
Telephone: (01308) 897761
From the Registers
Funeral 29th August John Malcolm Keeley
A full church said goodbyes to a fascinating and highly intelligent character who for almost 25 years helped to make "The Crown" the huge success it is today. We send our condolences to John's brother Raymond, and his family.
Harvest Thanksgiving This will take place in the Family Service on 7th October at the different (first Sunday) time of 11.00am, please note this most important change of time. Afterwards we will adjourn to the Hall for our Harvest Lunch - see separate notice.
Anthony Ashwell
Puncknowle Art Group
We are sorry to report that John Keely died in his garden in Puncknowle during the summer. John was a founder member of the group and gave talks to the group from tirne to time.
Meetings this month at The Crown are Friday 5th & 19th October.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Gifts of fruit and vegetables to decorate the Church will be most welcome and please come and help us decorate on Saturday 6th October at 10.00 a.m.
Following tne Family Service at 11 a.m. on Sunday 7th October is HARVEST LUNCH in the Church Hall at 12 noon. Please sign the list in the shop or at Burwell Cottage (Ann Roberts) if you would like to come and indicate whether you will give a plate of food - quiche, salad sandwiches etc, or something sweet, or a donation. There will also be a barbecue. Refreshments will be provided.
Puncknowle & Swyre Social Evening
This will be held on Thursday 11th October at 7.30pm in the Church Hall. The subject will be Reynolds Stone, the celebrated wood engraver who lived at The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney from 1952 -79. We are very privileged to have Roger Peers ( the former curator of Dorchester Museum ) to talk to us. Don't miss this special event. All are welcome.
Ann Roberts
This annual bike ride and picnic was held on Saturday 8th September which eventually turned out to be a breezy, sunny day. Only four children and the usual dedicated helpers enjoyed the picnic and ride. Thank you to those who sponsored us. Ann Roberts
Website Launch
All residents of Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington received invitations to the launch of the village website which took place on Saturday 25th August in conjunction with the Crown, Puncknowle Fundraisers Fun Weekend. The website, www.puncknowle.org.uk was successfully launched and demonstrated to a large number of residents who attended the presentation.
The award for the design of the Young Persons Page was won by Patrick Moore with further commendable entries from Bethan Burson, Alistair and Caroline Miltree who were awarded runner up prizes. The set top box was won by Doreen Newton, both this prize and the young persons awards being generously donated by Peter Bunyan on behalf of JB's of West Bay.
Contributions to the website are welcome at any time, the more input to the site the more relevant it becomes to the village.
email address: puncknowle@beeb.net
Parish Council
The October Meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday the 2nd will commence with an address by Mr Davenport of the Traffic Division of the Dorset Police who will give a presentation on the control of traffic speed, focusing on the Coast road, and recent problems. He will also answer questions of interest. All are welcome whether locals or from neighbouring areas..
Playing Field Grass Cutting Contract.
The contract to cut the grass within the playing field at Puncknowle, is due for renewal in Spring 2002. Would everyone interested in considering undertaking this work please contact 897322 or 897726
Welcome to:-
Mark and Joy Laver to 27, Springfield. Mark must be pleased to be back in Puncknowle
and also to Annie and Bethan Burson in Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle
Village Correspondents:
Mrs. Gaynor Jones, 10 Manor Farm Close Tel.482517
Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close Tel.482384
From the Registers
Holy Baptism 12th August Tess Grace Alice Lindsay
Tess smiled as the (cold) water of Baptism was poured over her, and gurgled as she was lifted high from the font to her new life as a member of the Church.
The Sundial Our superb Millennium Sundial was dedicated to the glory of God and in commemoration of 2000 years of Christianity, on the morning of 12th August. In my introduction to the Service, I should have said that the design, creation and erection were all the work of Geoffrey Teychenne who also researched the precise layout and provided the materials for its sculpting. This was a most considerable and generous undertaking, and both Church and village are immensely thankful.
Do, everybody, climb up to the church and have a look at this wonderful gift which sits over the church porch. If the sun is out and the shadow indicates a time, don't forget to allow for B.S.T. and the weeks away from the solstice!
Harvest Thanksgiving This will be in church on Sunday 21st October at 11.00am and will be a traditional country "Harvest Festival". Please note the change of time for this 3rd Sunday Service which replaces our normal 9.30am Holy Communion.
October 7th Parish Communion This will be at 9.30am and not the normal 11.00am first Sunday time.
65th Wedding Anniversary Ray and Doris Richards celebrate on 17th October a wonderful achievement. Our heartfelt congratulations to them.
Anthony Ashwell
St Mary's Church
Every five years the Church building is required to be inspected by an architect who reports on the condition of the fabric. The latest inspection showed considerable remedial work to be necessary. Competitive tenders have been obtained and Saint Blaise Ltd of Evershot are to carry out the works which should be completed by the end of October. The cost is about £17,500 and the Church is appealing for donations. Gift Aid enables the Church to obtain a £2.82 tax refund for every £10 donated by a taxpayer - the Treasurer can provide details of this scheme. If you would like to contribute please make your cheque payable to "PCC St Mary's, Litton Cheney" and pass it to either of the undersigned. All contributions will be most gratefully received and acknowledged.
Freddie Spicer, Churchwarden Ian Slark, Treasurer
Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting takes place in the Church Hall at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 9th October.
Litton Cheney Village Society: October Meeting - due to unavoidable absences by some members of the committee and the seeming preference of speakers for dates later in the year, it has been decided to hold this meeting over until next Spring, when it may be possible to organise a Society outing for a change.
The first meeting will now therefore be that of November 20th with Sir James Spicer, a reminder of which will be given in that month's B.V.N News.
Anyone who is interested is very welcome at any of the Society's meetings and activities, although a small charge may be made to help defray expenses.
Litton Cheney Social Committee
The Village Harvest Supper will be held on Saturday 20th October at Thorner's School. Starting at 6.30 pm for supper at 7.00 pm.
After supper there will be dancing to 'Fiddlesticks' and there will be a Caller to guide us through the country dancing steps. A good evening full of food and fun is guaranteed! Watch out for the ticket sellers, they will be knocking on your door.
M.A.. Secretary
The Dorset Historic Churches Trust Ride
Well done to Freddie Spicer who visited 38 churches this year and eight year old Eliot Jones who cycled to 3.
Litton Cheney Oil Exploration
Most of you will have heard that Dorset County Council has approved the proposed oil exploration drilling near the Eggardon Radio Station. The Parish Council expressed deep concern over some aspects of the operation. Regrettably the DCC did not endorse our concerns on the access to the site being via Whiteway Lane from the A35 which we considered dangerous due to the fog hazard and the fast moving traffic. They have, however, imposed a long list of conditions relating to pollution, archaeology and road cleanliness which were issues taken up by the Parish Council. The full Grant of Planning Permission will be available for inspection at the Parish Council Meeting commencing 7.30 pm on Tuesday 9h October in the Church Hall.
John Rowlands - Parish Clerk
Litton Cheney Playing Field Association
The Family Fun Day on September 9th raised about £700 towards the hard standing area for a basketball goal. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event to make it such a success. The winners of the Family/Fun football tournament were the Russell Rovers. In an exciting final they beat the Futon team with a golden goal in extra time. The winners of the junior tournament were a side called England! THANK YOU to everyone for their donations and support. We also thank John Perrin and Ian Cuff for fencing the far end of the playing field.
THE BRIDE VALLEY FLEDGLINGS
With the new term just started and I am trying to think a month in advance, there is not much to mention this month. Because we had to change our AGM to another date, we have made the draw for the Summer Quiz on the first day of term. Ten people returned their sheets and only five people made it into the draw. The winners are as follows:- 1st Mrs E. Toogood of Long Bredy, 2nd Mrs P. Brothwell of Portland, 3rd Mrs J. Dixon of Puncknowle. We made around £80.00 profit. My thanks again goes to Harmony Music in Dorchester, who kindly donated the £20.00 first prize. Also to The Crown, The White Horse, the Village Shop at Puncknowle and to the Blue Anchor Cafe at West Bexington. Thank you for your time in trying to sell the Quiz Sheets.
We would also like to welcome Eden and Tess Taylor, the twins from Long Bredy.
Our CHRISTMAS BINGO WIILL BE ON FRIDAY 23rd NOVEMBER, more to follow.
Sue Talbot ( Chair ) 01308 482204
Ref: BVN September. Comings, goings and stayings.
Surely the departure of Mildred Trenchard from Litton Cheney on June 19th requires a few extra words - her leaving was mentioned in the W I notes for August of course.
Miss Trenchard lived in the village for well over 60 years, and was very much part of its' activities until a few years ago when she became less mobile. As well as joining the W.I. she looked after the Church Hall, and gave her time to polish and clean in the church. She could be relied upon to support village activities, and later when she didn't get around so much a generous donation was discretely forthcoming. Many enjoyed the eggs from her chicken and the delicious "fancies" she made to grace cake stalls.
"Waterside" at last became too much for Miss Trenchard, and she quietly left for Portesham, where she has links with the past, but is already joining in with new activities there. Mildred received several messages wishing her well, also gifts including a birdbath from some of her old friends in Litton. B.J.W.
Congratulations to Dorothy and John Randall who celebrated their golden wedding. We wish Andrew (Joe) and Helen Peach every happiness after their marriage in Dorchester.
Murphy and Judy have won more certificates after successes at shows in Devon and Builth Wells.
Well done to those who have received their GCSE and A level results. A reminder to those with good news and celebrating special birthdays and anniversaries that we can share your good news. If the event has passed this year we are considering doing a round up for the end of the year.
We welcome Chris and Irene Coville to the Old Granary and hope they will be very happy in their new home. We are happy to say that Mildred Trenchard is very settled and enjoying life in Portesham.
We also welcome Paul and Lisa to Manor Farm Close.
Visit the web site for the latest news.
The group meets at The White Horse Inn
at 8 o'clock on the first Monday of each month.
All welcome.
From the Registers
Holy Matrimony 11th August David Smith and Kate Dening
A full church, a lovely day, a glamorous couple, and a marquee in the fields to make the livestock, also, aware of the rejoicing.
Harvest Thanksgiving
This will be the theme of the Family Service at 9.30am on Sunday 21st October.
Please note that the clocks go back on 28th October!
Another Farmer's Son And Robert and Jill Maltby begat Bruce and Giles. And Bruce and Rachel Maltby begat Gabriel Issac on 28th August 2001. Congratulations, Rachel and Bruce, when does the cricket coaching begin? Anthony Ashwell
Well done to all the pupils who have done so well in their exams and best wishes to Elizabeth Cain who is going to Bristol University to study Medicine.
Several people from Long Bredy have been in hospital lately and we hope they will all be fit and well soon.
Elizabeth and Bernard Watts wish to thank all those who have shown such concern and sent so many flowers, cards and kind messages during Elizabeth's recent illness. With her new pacemaker she looks forward to resuming her walks in the valley very soon.
The Marie Curie Cancer Care collection made £50. 57: many thanks to all who contributed.
LONG BREDY AND LITTON CHENEY INSTITUTE.
Members were welcomed to the September meeting by President Elinor Frost who presented birthday posies to Ruth Pitcher and Carol Randall.
A number of members wished to attend the Bride Valley Group Cheese and Wine evening in September and three will go to the Autumn Council Meeting at Weymouth in October. Names were taken for the skittles team.
Our President wore her other hat as speaker for the evening, describing a three week holiday to Argentina and Chile. A flight from London to Madrid was followed by a rather uncomfortable eleven and a half hour flight to Buenos Aires. The party visited the pampas and cattle ranches before travelling 800 miles south to the wildlife peninsular where they saw the penguin colonies and fishing communities.
The flower competition was won by Ruth Pitcher with a yellow rose.
The next meeting will be the outing on October 2nd. B. Champkins
Harvest Thanksgiving
This will be within our Family Service on 14th October at 9.30am. Littlebredy is most fortunate to have perhaps the most gifted church decorators in the valley (perhaps even in Dorset!), and we look forward to thanking God for his bounty in glorious surroundings.
Anthony Ashwell
LITTLEBREDY NOTES.
To begin on a sombre note, Littlebredy was well represented at a full Portesham Church for the Funeral of Jean Willcox in September. Jim and Jean spent most of their long married life here, in the Littlebredy Farm Cottages and at Longlands, with a spell at White Hill Lodge in between, and they brought up both their children here, before retirement to Portesham in 1997. Jean remained active to the last, and her passing was unexpected. Her ashes are scattered in the parish, to merge with Littlebredy soil. Our sympathies go to all her family, and may she rest in peace.
Next, two much happier items of news. Pat Cooper's garden party in aid of CancerCare Dorset was well trailed in this magazine, but the result drew the attention of the "Echo," no less, which pictured Pat and her chief colleague after they announced a profit of £2,300.00 to the chosen charity. Congratulations and thanks especially to Pat and Mike, but also to all who helped and supported the event.
Secondly, congratulations, too, to Daniel Barrett, who has now passed all his exams and is a fully qualified farrier - a member of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, in fact. It has taken a great deal of study, work and skill on Daniel's part, and this is a great achievement - well done.
Sadly, despite earlier 'puffs', it was not possible to provide any village entries for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust cycle ride this year - perhaps we can support it better next time.
Apologies to Andrea Worsfold, whose name was accidentally misspelled as Anita in last month's magazine, on her move with her husband Chris into Littlebride. Village correspondent's fault, not that of the editors of the B.V.N. - sorry.
Our Harvest Festival service will be the 9.30 a.m. Family Service on Sunday 14th October, duly modified to give it a Harvest Thanksgiving theme. Judy Yates will be glad of volunteers to help decorate the Church on the previous day, and please could youngsters attending the service bring garden or other produce to lay as the "firstfruits" on the altar during the service as a thanks offering. Despite the difficulties confronting agriculture at present - or perhaps because of them - it is hoped that many will attend and reflect on the message of "harvest home" that day.
Space forbids the usual good wishes by name to those starting or moving schools or colleges this month, but it is hoped to remedy this next time.
Funding Help For Rural Projects
Do you know of a project in your area that aims to help or benefit the members of your community? Could the project itself benefit from a grant to get it off the ground? If so, did you know that communities across rural Dorset can apply to local funds for assistance?
These include Dorset's Community Projects Fund (CPF), and Rural Development Programme (RDP).
The CPF is aimed at small-scale projects across Dorset such as: playgroup equipment, local heritage restoration, social club/group equipment, new group start-up, community information leaflets, voluntary and self-help initiatives. It can also contribute towards training costs in some cases. The RDP is aimed at larger projects within the Rural Priority Area (RPA) - West Dorset, Portland and parts of North Dorset and Purbeck. It has a more economic focus such as rural regeneration studies, ICT training initiatives, and community facility development.
The CPF will provide up to 50% funding of a small project provided it is matched by funds either from the project itself or from other funding sources. In the RPA this could mean a grant of up to £ 1,000, or up to £500 in the rest of rural Dorset. The RDP offers a maximum of 50% project funding within the RPA, up to a maximum of £250,000.
Anyone wishing to apply for either CPF or RDP support, please contact Gareth Jones, Rural Development Officer on 01305 216410 or write to:-Dorset Community Action, The Barracks, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 lYG.
Alternatively email on:- gareth@dorsetcommaction.demon.co.uk
WEST DORSET MAGISTRATES' COURTS
welcome you to a COURT OPEN DAY
at County Hall Dorchester
on Saturday 13th October 10.00 a.m - 4.00 p.m.
MOCK TRIAL SESSIONS illustrating many of the features regularly dealt with by the Courts will take place in the Crown Court throughout the day, with audience participation welcome in question and answer sessions.
There will also be DISPLAYS and EXHIBITIONS with Representatives of many of the Agencies connected with the Courts,
e.g. Police, Probation, Law Society, Victim Support, Witness Support
Justice should he "seen to he done" - so do come and find out more
about our legal system and how it works
Editors: John & Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ