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Bride Valley News

December 2002	Index
	Church Service Times
	From The Clergy
Main BVN menu
	Valley Notes - all the other 'whats on' bits
	Burton Bradstock - The Church + other village organisations
	Shipton Gorge
	Chilcombe
	Swyre
	Puncknowle & West Bexington
	Litton Cheney
	Long Bredy
	Littlebredy
	Thought for the Month
	Diary of Events for all Parishes - This month - check it out

FROM THE CLERGY

 

'Are you the one ...?'

John the Baptist was in prison. He had heard about Jesus and his ministry, but was unsure who Jesus was. He sent messengers to him with the question, 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to expect some other?'

For years the Jewish people had expected a Messiah, someone to lead them to freedom, to make them truly God's people, a great, upright, powerful nation. This expectation had crystallised into a belief that this Messiah would be a freedom-fighter, a great political leader.

Then, Jesus was born, baptised, and began his ministry. And eyes opened, ears flapped, tongues wagged and people were shocked. A strange political leader! John the Baptist was puzzled. Hence his question. Jesus gave John's messengers a clear answer, 'Go and tell John what you have seen and heard. The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them'.

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, John's question remains. 'Are you the one...?' Most people do not grasp who this Jesus is, and what we do in church may not help them to do so. A model stable, a manger, a doll, toy animals. We sing some pretty poor, though well-known, songs; poor because they can give the wrong impression.

Who is this Jesus? You may believe him to be a baby in a stable, later a good man, a teacher and healer, an example of how to live. But is that all Jesus is, an example?

No! He was God come into his world as a human being, in order that people should know the truth of things and be happy, in order to love people into real life, bursting to give himself to every man, woman and child.

And what is the Church? Something to attend, to support, to work for; a place to be christened, married, buried; a club whose activities you share if you are so inclined? Hardly a recipe for ecstasy!

If you believe the greater truth, that the Church is a body of people, always imperfect, but to whom Jesus is not a has-been of the first century, but is bursting to fill that community and all life, with his living warmth, power and love... then it becomes infinitely worth being part of.

Churchgoing is not everything. There is a Monday to Saturday life to be lived, too. But all of life is changed when one has hold of the truth, deep inside, the answer to that question, 'Jesus, are you the one...?'. Or should we continue to seek someone or something else for our real happiness?

Christmas is a good time to ponder the question. With warmest greetings for a happy Christmas from Anthony and Anna, Pam and me.

John Atkinson

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Valley Notes

 

A very special day

On Tuesday, 5^th November, a large party of parishioners journeyed to Salisbury by car and coach to attend Evensong at our Cathedral, the highlight of which was to witness the installation of our Rector as a Non-Residentiary Canon of Salisbury Cathedral. It was a very special occasion thoroughly enjoyed by those privileged to be there as this honour was bestowed upon our Rector. We extend our sincere congratulations on what is a well deserved recognition of his many years of ministry, dedication and witness.

The Bride Valley (Wednesday) Bible Study Group

For full information on our continuing study of St Mark's Gospel, please see the church notice boards. This month's dates are:

Session VII St Mark - Chapter 6

Dec 4^th Windy Gap, Shipton Lane, Burton Bradstock

Dec 11^th The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

Anthony Ashwell (482302)

Mothers' Union

Our Christmas Lunch Party will be held at "O Crumbs", Allington, Bridport on Wednesday, 4^th December at 12.30pm. Husbands are invited.

Thorner's School Association

MUMMER'S PLAY: 14th December. The oldest playscript in England with a medieval/historical theme will be performed at Thorner's Primary School. Suitable for families. Book now - tickets £1 - on sale at the school office (includes mince pies and mulled wine).

 

Thorner's Parent and Teachers Association

Six weeks away from Christmas! If anyone has any unwanted Christmas decorations they can donate to the school it would be very much appreciated. Last years decorations have taken their toll. We will also need a Christmas tree if anyone has any suggestions.

Thank you to all the people who took up PTA committee positions at the last meeting.

The 'School pool' to which we are very privileged to have in a village has been a controversial subject; so much so that a separate committee has been formed to support this valued asset. Anyone wishing to know more about the pool please contact Ross Jones or Janet Letherby.

Our Village representatives in the event of emergencies are:

Noreen Mc Claren - Litton Cheney

Liza Adams-Smith - Long Bredy

Siobhan Baxter - Littlebredy

Maria Bowen-Ashwin - Puncknowle & Swyre

Hilary Larcombe - West Bexington

May I also gently remind parents to use the School's one-way system during school pick up and drop off times? The off road adjoining the school is a private drive, which needs access to the bungalows and Fire, Ambulance & Bus access. Please be considerate when parking as it can cause stress to local members and may be a danger to our children. Many thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness.

Dates coming up: 7 February 03 - Cheese and Wine Evening

Dianne Ffoulkes (Chair)

 

 

First Steps Parent and Toddler Group

Meets on Wednesdays from 10.00am till 12 noon and is based at Long Bredy Village Hall. We offer toys and activities for all pre-school children, coffee and chat for parents and carers. For further details contact: Jo (Litton Cheney) ... or Julie (Puncknowle) 897178 or Lavinia (Long Bredy) 482397

 

 

 

Litton Cheney Youth Club

The Youth Club continues to meet for those in Litton Cheney and the surrounding area aged 8 - 17 years. Read the Litton notes for December's dates and for further details contact Paul Kingston 482384.

Well, December is here already, the season of good cheer.

First of all I would like to welcome another two new members to the playgroup, Francesca and Harriet , we hope your time with us will be a most happy one.

The children's Christmas party will be taking place on the last day of term, following Father Christmas's arrival at 11.3Oam. Whilst the children are tucking in to their party fare, the parents will be having mulled wine and mince pies. Please note: on the last day of term, the playgroup will be opened from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm. Last of all I would like to wish my fellow staff, the Committee, parents and children a very Happy Christmas and this also goes to everyone that has helped us over the year, especially to those who donated so much to our Bingo Evening on the 22^nd. November. Thank you.

Sue Talbot - Administrator

The Eastern End Bride Valley Children's Christmas Party

This will be held at Thorners School on Saturday 7th December 2002 from 3 pm - 5.30 pm. All children aged 0 - 12 years from the Eastern end, and all children who attend Thorners School are welcome. There will be a disco, tea party, colouring competition and a visit from

Father Christmas. For further details phone Mandy Wakely 482272

Men's Breakfast

Every third Saturday of each month, the Bride Valley Churches are holding a men's breakfast at Puncknowle Village Hall from 8.00 am to 10.00 am. There'll be a cooked breakfast of course, and a chance to chat. For more information phone Paul ... on ... or Jonathan Jevons on 897068.

Ladybirds

This month's meeting is on Wednesday 11th December - an American Supper in the home of Evelyn Toogood, Long Bredy

The New Elizabethan Singers - & Advance notice for January

Burton Bradstock Library

On Tuesday, 17^th December the Library will be holding a Christmas coffee morning from 10.30am to 12 noon when everybody is invited to come along and view the new Peoples' Network facilities now on offer to residents and visitors.

There are two computers for public use with free access to the Internet including Dorset County Council online services. One machine, with a scanner, can be booked for half or one hour sessions. You do not need to be a member to use this service, although under fourteens will require parental consent.

There are plans to provide a mediated service on one afternoon a week in the New Year when a member of staff will be on hand to help customers with any problems they may have. The installation has also provided an opportunity to revamp the children's section, so do come along and see what is now on offer for all. For more details contact:

Heather Thomson - assistant in Charge Tel: 01308 897 563

Thorner's School, Litton Cheney

Thank you to everyone who attended the November Fayre, both those who spent money and those who worked hard on putting it all together. We hope you enjoyed yourselves.

During November some pupils took part in the Cluster Cross Country run at Symondsbury. The days leading up to it were cold and wet and made the going muddy in places! Well as I am writing this before it takes place, I would assume this! But when you think about it, that is what cross country running is all about, just like football and rugby, most of the fun comes from getting as muddy as possible without being told off by parents. These days, we are more aware of health and how to care for ourselves so generally, we are kept healthier because we take care over washing hands before touching food etc.. Gone are the days when children played in fields making mud pies, exploring their environment, without adults telling them to take care. In many ways by trying to keep our children clean and being more aware of the damage which can be inflicted, we are depriving them of finding out about animal habitats, and so when they come to school we have to try and show them in as natural way as possible.

At Thorner's we are extremely lucky, as we do have a large conservation area and during the last year Mrs. Barry has worked hard to make it accessible for our pupils. With the help of Kingston Maurward students, donations of trees and the School Association purchasing resources, we now have a path around the grounds, so we no longer feel we are in a jungle when the weeds grow to shoulder height. We are keeping our eyes open to see if there are new inhabitants during the winter and are looking forward to the spring in the hope that our pond will become a home to some wildlife. There is a regular green woodpecker who visits, usually when the children have gone home or are unable to play on the grass - obviously it does not like noise! This winter will see the conservation area mature even more and we are hoping to make full use of this resource in our science lessons making them more hands on where pupils will see nature in action. It is so much easier to learn from the practical rather than the theoretical.

Alison Johnstone Headteacher.

P.S. Just to say congratulations to our girls who won the cross-country team event (getting quite a habit!), Laura Bowen-Ashwin our first girl second overall, and Ben Griffiths for being the first boy home overall. We are all proud of you.

Burton Bradstock School

For twelve years I have been using this article to open windows for you onto the life of our village primary school. For those of you that have stayed the course, you have had many insights into my school and home life as well as occasional glimpses at my views on the troubled interface between educators and politicians - (oh no, don't start on that again!).

The BVN has been one of the ways that I have attempted to blur the boundaries between our school and its wider community and I know that Mark will continue to provide you with news and views on village school life.

For me new challenges beckon. As I complete my preparation to take over the leadership of a school with over 400 children I have been looking back on my 12 years at this most precious of school communities, reflecting on my successes and failures. Many of you have been kind enough to wish me well in my new challenge and thank me for what I have done for the school in my time here. Well, to put the record straight, let me thank the village of Burton Bradstock for what it's done for me.

First and foremost, Barbara and I have been able to bring our daughters up in a loving community that places traditional values at its heart, but that does not spend all its time looking back and bemoaning a lost past. The village fights to keep itself vibrant against encroaching urbanisation. This battle is far from won, and like all of you I'll fight to keep the facilities open and viable.

The partnership between the many village organisations and the school has been a huge help to me. The shop, pubs, library, the Parish Council and societies such as the Pantomime Players have all played their part in actively supporting the school.

The school has been provided with great Christian support through the Church, and its Rectors, most recently Father John who the children love to see both at our weekly assemblies with him and also at our frequent visits to Church. Lose this at your peril, folks. I believe that a fresh look needs to be taken at the role of the Church in its community in order to guarantee a sustainable future. My grateful thanks to all members of the Church community for your active support over the years. And you, the villagers of Burton Bradstock and Shipton Gorge who, by supporting the school at our fairs, concerts, and financially through participation in our 100 club, have restored my faith in the word 'community'.

I must leave my final words to those that have occupied the centre of my life in the village, the children, staff, governors and parents past and present of Burton Bradstock School. You have dominated my professional life for the past 12 years. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work amongst the finest people, young and old I have met. Every one of you has enriched me and I thank you for it and wish you all the very best for the future - Don't forget, 'unless you are a seeker you'll never be a finder'.

Au revoir David Powell

Lucky 100 Club winners for October

£20 Mrs Mills

£10 Mrs Maude

£5 Mrs Collins

 

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Burton Bradstock School Christmas Fair

In and around the school

Saturday 7^th December 2.00 pm

Gifts, Stalls, Santa, Live music!

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Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2002

There will be a Social Evening at the Three Horseshoes, Burton Bradstock on Monday, 2^nd December at 7.30pm.

 

Bride Valley Gardening Club

We have enjoyed two interesting and contrasting evenings this Autumn with the Cooking Demonstration and the talk by the winning Gardener of the Year - our thanks to both speakers for a lively and entertaining evening. The next meeting is on December 9^th. when there will be a talk on "Organics and Chemicals" - followed by a Wine and Cheese party. A plate of food would be welcomed for this, as would a small raffle prize for this or any other meeting. There will be the usual competition - this month it will be a Christmas Decoration using mainly materials from your garden - do come along and join our mini festivities whether you are a member or would like to join. The meetings are held in Thorner's School, Litton Cheney at 7.30p.m. and a welcome awaits you.

Norma Millard Secretary (897774)

		WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH OUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBOURS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS & SEND OUR BEST WISHES FOR 2003 FROM:
		John & Pam Atkinson
		Howard & Linda Bongers
		Michael & Mary Burr
		Tony & Anne Combe
		John & Doreen Crawford
		Celia Cummins
		Leslie, Steve, Gemma & Jake Dove
		Rob & June Fox
		John & Barbara Ivall
		Gillian & Chris Knight
		Patricia Lepine
		Tim & Sue Linford
		Carol & Dennis Lumley
		Margaret & Peter Oldridge
		Val & Derek Parsons
		Susan Paul
		Sheila & Ken Pett
		Mike & Ann Read
		Terry Rendell
		Mike & Anne Southgate
		Betty Starkey
		Norman & Peggy Thompson
		Karen, David, Paul & Rebecca Venn
		Clare Viney
		Chris & Andrea Wilkinson
	In support of St. Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock

 

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BURTON BRADSTOCK

Village Correspondent Mr Basil Dent

2, Norburton, Burton Bradstock. Tel:- (01308) 897125

 

Christingle

This lovely Service in aid of the Children's' Society will take place at St Peter's Church on Sunday 15^th December at 9.30am. It's a good way to begin the Christmas season because it reminds us strongly of giving : God gave His Son to us at Christmas, we give what is precious to us to those in need.

Carol Service Monday 23^rd December at 6:30pm

Do come along to our special Carol Service on the Monday before Christmas at 6.30pm. At the time of writing the details are not finalised, but the emphasis will be on the joyful singing of Christmas Carols followed by mulled wine and refreshments. This is a united Service with Littlebredy, and we look forward to a brilliant eve of Christmas Eve!

Christmas Day Service

As usual this will be a short and exciting 'Family Service' followed by a shortened Holy Communion. All ages are really welcome, and the Service begins at 11.00am.

Anthony Ashwell

Welcome to Sarah Thompson and Tom Woodhouse who have come to live at Honeyland, The Old Rectory. We hope they enjoy their time in Long Bredy.

Congratulations to Frank and Jackie Skipwith on becoming grandparents for the first time.

 

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Thought for the Month

BVN FOR JANUARY 2003 In order to meet the Printer's Christmas deadline ALL copy for the January Edition needs to be in the hands of the Editor by Thursday 5th December. Contributors are asked to get all copy to their village correspondents in good time. Many thanks.

 

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Editor: (Ken Pett for) Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ