FROM THE CLERGY                

"We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year"

So we have done and so we do!  Last month I wrote about being merry at Christmas, and I really do hope that you were truly merry in your celebrations of Jesus Christ's Birthday.  But now we begin another year, and although we may have ideas and expectations about the next 12 months, we really don't know precisely what will happen.  I know a lovely old gentleman who always, with a smile, adds this rider to any plans he might have for the future: "if I'm spared".  There I suggest lies a feeling at the very basis of true happiness: that it will not be cut short, that all our hopes will be fulfilled, that nothing will get in the way.  And there is what we will be thinking about those we say "a happy New Year" to, that they will have full health, successful dealings, stability around them, no sadness, and fulfilled plans.  Wow!  What lovely thoughts for others, and what selfless prayers. 

I'm sure we will agree that in reality, life isn't like that.  We were wished a happy 2003, but as we look over it, we will have experienced unhappiness, some more than others.  It will be no different in 2004, and the anxiety we have in the face of such uncertainty contributes greatly to unhappiness.  It doesn't matter how much insurance we take out, what measures for good health we adopt, how thick is the cotton wool we wrap ourselves and our loved ones in, we will not on this reckoning experience perpetual true happiness. 

So can we truly have a happy New Year?  I think so, if we separate our means to happiness from the dependence on the material.  You see, the material by its very existence is open to decay; our bodies, our possessions, our families and friends, are not physically everlasting, and as things go wrong with these, so things go wrong with us.  But the spiritual, by its non-physical nature, can be everlasting.  Our understanding of God is that he is beyond space and time, that God is Spirit.  So it is that if we make connections with God, we begin to lose our dependence on the material, and to gain an understanding of the spiritual.  On our part this could be something of a new beginning, how appropriate at the beginning of a New Year. 

"We wish you........a happy New Year." 

Anthony Ashwell

Hospital Visiting

At the end of November I was reminded twice that many people do not realise that members of the clergy are NOT permitted to inspect the ward lists at hospitals to see who from their flocks are receiving medical care.  This has been the case for about 10 years now. 

The only way we can find out is by word of mouth, and however brilliant we may or may not be perceived to be, clergy do not normally know what they have not been told.  It is of course a great privilege and an essential part of our work to visit the sick or injured, and to pray for them, if that is what they want.  If they do please let me know. 

Anthony Ashwell (482302)

Appointment of a new Team Rector - News Update

Here is the wording of the advertisement which appeared in the Church Times on 28^th November and 5^th December:

'Diocese of Salisbury

Team Rector of the Bride Valley Team

The benefice covers a beautiful coastal valley between Dorchester and Bridport.  The Rectory is in Burton Bradstock, the largest village in the Team. 

We are seeking a priest of central churchmanship who:

¨      has energy, vision, and sympathy for rural ministry, its ways and traditions.

¨      is committed to collaborative ministry and developing lay ministry and leadership.

¨      will build on present patterns of worship and liturgy. 

¨      is an outgoing, sociable, family-minded person, interested in schools and young families. 

Closing date:  9^th January       Interviews:  29^th January

Further details from the Archdeacon of Dorset, etc..'

Visit of Archdeacon of Dorset - 25^th January

How confusing can the Church of England be at times!  The Ven. Alistair Macgowan is the Archdeacon of Dorset, but 'Dorset' here means East Dorset.  Here in West Dorset, we are in Sherborne Archdeaconery, but as there is no Sherborne Archdeacon at present, Alistair is our 'acting' Archdeacon.  Okay?  Anyway our (acting) Archdeacon will be taking the 11.00am Parish Communion Service at Burton Bradstock on Sunday 25^th January, the Feast Day of the Conversion of St Paul.  As usual for a fourth Sunday, there will be no Service in Long Bredy or Swyre, and we are cancelling Litton Cheney's Service on that day also, so we hope those Churches will use the opportunity to meet their Archdeacon.  Shipton Gorge, Puncknowle and Littlebredy will be having their usual Services. 

Vicar's Day-off

From the beginning of 2004, I am changing my day-off from Friday to Monday.  As always, if I do not answer the phone on that day, please do leave a message on my answerphone, but it takes 10 rings to cut in, so please be patient.   

Anthony Ashwell

Tiny Tots/ Pram Service

The next service will be on Friday 6^th February at St. Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock. There will be no service in January. Thank you to all who have helped and supported this service.         Yvette Smith ( 898219 )

Mothers' Union       

Thursday 22^nd January 2.30 A.G.M - to be held at Rosevine, Swyre Road, Puncknowle.

Bride Valley ( Wednesday ) Bible Study Group

This month we continue our course of studies on Philippians. All sessions begin at 7.30pm and last up to two hours. We meet fortnightly but each session is repeated at the other end of the valley.

Session VIII   Pressing on                             Phil. Ch.3  v.12- 4: v.1

Jan   7              Pitcombe, Littlebredy

Jan 14             Windy Gap, Shipton La., Burton Bradstock

Session IX      How to survive in a local church      Phil. Ch.4  vv. 2- 9

Jan 21              Hillside, West Bexington

Jan 28              Cairnhill, Shipton Gorge

THE BRIDE VALLEY (THURSDAY) FELLOWSHIP GROUP

The group meets on Thursday evenings and alternates between Prayer and Bible Study.  Arriving from 7.30pm we begin at 8.00pm aiming to finish by about 9.30pm.  All are most welcome. For further details contact Paul ..., Tel ...

Bible Notes

If anyone would like to take the Bible Reading Fellowship Notes this year, please let Hilary Mousley know ( The Red House, Middle Street, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, DT6 4QR 01308 897849 ). The year runs from the 1^st May till the end of April but orders have to be placed well in advance; Hilary Mousley needs to know by mid-February. There are two sets of Notes, Guidelines and New Daylight, and the special group annual subscription for each is £9.45, payment being made on delivery of the May-August 2004 issue. Samples of these Notes are available on request. (Copies for those already on the list will be covered automatically unless notification is received to the contrary).

Bride Valley Team Council - Treasurer's Report

The Bride Valley News just managed to break-even in 2003 despite a disappointing fall in the level of donations.

In the coming year please consider a gift to the Bride Valley News, no matter how small.

Please give your donations to the Churchwardens or the Treasurer, 17 Hive Close, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4RQ. Please make cheques payable to "Bride Valley Team Council".

Many thanks once again to all individuals and organisations that contributed last year.

The Treasurer - B.V.T.C.

Burton Bradstock CE VC School

Welcome to a new year.  At time of writing it is the 'lull before the storm' for our Christmas Fair.  I have been struck this morning by the fantastic teamwork in all the preparations.  Any worries we might have about "Will it go alright?" and "Do we have enough stuff?" are being dispelled.  Since I arrived this morning, amidst all the activity I have also received a phone call from my extremely upset daughter. Having taken her guinea pig to the vet this morning believing that a dose of medicine would be the remedy discovered that there was no cure for the condition.  The kindest thing to do was to put him down. Last night she put him to bed for the last time without realising it.  It doesn't matter to her that there are far worse tragedies happening in the world - it's relative. 

Do you ever wonder what lies in store for you in the coming months?  In school some things we are sure about - like planned curriculum or other school developments; some are expected though we don't know exactly when; and there are bound to be further events or happenings that we cannot possibly foresee at the present time.  The challenge for us all, in whatever walk of life we find ourselves, is how to manage change.  I ponder again the teamwork I have experienced today and am encouraged and thankful that it is this that gets us through.  The same kind of teamwork and support that the PTA displays in organising its events; that staff and children show throughout the year (culminating in the Christmas production); can see us safely and positively through times of change. 

I'm not sure who wrote this simple prayer but it seems to me to be a pretty good one to take with us into the coming year:

'God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change

things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.' 

Mark Stratta.

Thorner's CE VA Primary School

Happy New Year, we hope that everyone has enjoyed the festive season.  As a school we are looking forward to a new term, new challenges and new experiences, these are the things which makes school a place of great interest  . you can never predict exactly what is going to happen or when.  One of the great joys of teaching and one of the reasons I entered the profession a few (!!!!!) years ago was to see the delight and disbelief on children's faces as they discovered new skills and knowledge.   Children today are so lucky, technology has made such advances, making it easier to understand concepts when you watch a video clip or animation on the computer for instance; there are so many advances being made in the world of education that we are all learning together at times.  The one thing that has not changed is the need for a positive attitude towards learning, the wanting to improve their knowledge or presentation of their work.  I have been thrilled recently, when I set the year 6 pupils the task of researching an aspect of the Tudor period and presenting their research to the rest of the class through Powerpoint.  For those of you who are not familiar with Powerpoint it is a piece of software that very simply allows text and images to be presented in an interesting manner through what could be called an automatic slideshow. A number of parents and elder siblings worked alongside the children to produce quite sophisticated results increasing their own knowledge and understanding of how Powerpoint works.  The skills involved traditional methods of acquiring relevant facts, writing and preparing text in their own words as well as the more modern approaches of scanning and surfing the internet, this was all combined to inform the  remainder of the class;  an excellent example of how everyone, whatever their age, can learn with and from each other.  This working together at home reinforces the positive aspects of learning and sets a good role model for our children to follow.  Thank you to all of those parents who spent time acquiring information at the library or via the internet as well as working alongside them on their presentations, it certainly made the facts more interesting for us all.

Alison Johnstone

Headteacher

Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup

 Half Term week is already over and we are continuing with the Theme of COUNTING RHYMES, learning a different one each week. Many thanks to all parents and children who donated fruit and/or vegetables for our Harvest Box which went to Puncknowle Church for the Harvest Festival service there. In September and October we celebrated birthdays for Lewis, Wilf, Daniel and Kieran. By the time you read this, our Fundraising BINGO night will have taken place on 21st November. 

We have been invited as usual to take the children to see Thorner's school Christmas Concert (rehearsal) on Monday December 15th. Our own Christmas Party will be on Tuesday 16th December, when Father Christmas will be visiting Playgroup.   Toddler group children are all invited so do come along. Last day of term is on Thursday 18th December. Looking forward to next year, we will be having our friendly Photographer coming on Saturday, February 14th during our Coffee Morning - everyone is welcome to bring all the family along for a photo together (whether connected to Playgroup or not). We look forward to seeing you after a Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear.

Feel free to ring me for any information on 01308 897771 - Carol Bennett (Playleader)  

Organist Wanted!

St. Mary's Church, Litton Cheney needs an organist to play for Sunday Services three times a month, mainly hymns but hopefully a sung Matins on one Sunday in the month.  No choir, but a lovely organ with help and support from a sympathetic congregation.

For further information speak to Malcolm Munro (482618) or Wendy Taylor (482532)

First Steps Parent and Toddler Group meets on Wednesdays between 10.00am and 12 noon.  Your first session is free and we offer toys and activities for all pre-school children, coffee and chat for parents and carers.  The group meets at Long Bredy Village Hall on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of the month.  On the second Wednesday we meet in Littlebredy Hall and on the fourth Wednesday we meet in either Littlebredy or Puncknowle.  For further details contact:  Bridget (Burton Bradstock) 898600 or Jo (Litton Cheney) ... or Julie (Puncknowle) 897178 or Rachel (Kingston Russell and Long Bredy) 482246

Litton Cheney Youth Club meets on Tuesday evenings for those between 8 and 17 years in Litton Cheney and the surrounding villages.  For further details of the sessions read the Litton notes or contact Paul Kingston 482384.

Ladybirds will meet on Wednesday 14^th January when Steve Kourik a Wildlife Liaison Officer will talk about Badgers.

Bride Valley Gardening Club

Our Chairman/woman (if you are p.c), Dorothy Randell, of Litton Cheney would like to wish all members a Very Happy and Peaceful New Year and of course a good Gardening Year. She and the Committee welcome new members to come along and join us on the second Monday of each month at Litton Cheney Primary School at 7.30. p.m. Our speaker for January 12th will be Chris Hunter who will talk on "Growing Fruit". Remember you do not have to have vast knowledge or a huge garden to enjoy these friendly meetings -just an interest - past or present in things that grow !!!! ( Botanical of course! )                                                                   Norma Millard   Club Secretary

Attendance Allowance * Council Tax Benefit * Disability Living Allowance * Pensions Credits

Do you know what these benefits are or how to claim them? Have you heard of them but think you are not eligible to claim them? Are you worried about enquiring because of all the questions you may be asked? Maybe you have enquired but were put off claiming because of the forms you were sent?

British Gas and Help The Aged are launching a pilot project across the country aimed at helping older people to find out about and claim benefits they may be entitled to. This project is run in the Dorset area in conjunction with Age Concern Dorchester.

Initially the idea of the project is to visit local groups, clubs, fellowships etc. giving talks about how the service will operate and raising awareness of it. It is our aim to recruit volunteers who will be trained in giving benefits advice with a view to assisting older people complete claim forms.

We would like to hear from anybody who is either :­-

.             a member of a group which would be interested in hearing about the service (service aimed at the over 55s)

.             would like to consider volunteering and is interested in finding out more about what is involved.

Please contact Helen Macey, the Welfare Benefits Co-ordinator, at Age Concern Dorchester 01305 269444 for more information.

The Heart Support Group

This group, otherwise known as "The Hearties," exists to give support and friendship to people with heart problems, their family and friends, and anyone else who cares to take part.

Meetings are held at St Swithun's House (next to the Medical Centre) in Bridport every third Tuesday of the month from 7.30pm. The atmosphere is very relaxed with a balance of Medical and General Interest Speakers, Walks (Spring and Summer) and many other varied activities suggested by members.

Membership Fee :- a devastating £2.00 (yes, two pounds) per annum!

Come along and join us at the AGM on Tuesday 20th January, followed by an auction of surplus gifts, the proceeds going towards Group funds.

Your Local Contact :- David Barnikel on (01308) 897375

Get Fit & Healthy

Overindulged over the holiday? Feeling bloated and unfit?

If "yes", why not join the friendly Supple, Strength classes taken by Alex, a qualified instructor from London who also takes classes in Bridport Leisure Centre.

The class is a mixture of Yoga, Pilates and Callanetics, allowing you to do what you are able. After 8 weeks of tuition I feel stronger, fitter and have lost weight with no painful side effects.

If this is too tame for you then join the aerobics class with Alex for a fun workout to strengthen the heart and lungs.

Day       Tuesday morning    9.30 - 10.45        Strength & Suppleness

                                            11.00 - 12 noon    Aerobics 

Place      W.I. Hall Burton Bradstock

Cost        £3.50 one session    £3.00 each for 4 booked classes

Starting   6^th January 2004

Wear light clothing...Bring a towel...Mats provided

Wendy Green

Burton Bradstock Players

The box office for our pantomime "Snow White" opens at Burton Bradstock Post Office on Tuesday 6^th January.  Performances will take place 9^th - 14^th February at the W.I. Hall. See page 14 for other details.                                                                     D.Ekins

Institute of Advanced Motorists ( Dorset Group )

Dates for your new diary

Wednesday 3^rd,10^th & 17^th March 2004     7.00 - 9.00pm

Room 1 County Hall, Dorchester

Drivers, whatever your age, this is the course for you! Just three free illustrated lectures from a superb police driving instructor will make you a safer driver. If you wish to develop your skills even further, details of the I.A.M. training scheme and test will be available at the meetings.

Royal British Legion

This month's Social Evening will be held at the Bull Inn, Swyre at 7.30pm on Monday 26^th January.                                   J.Reeves - Secretary

Ring and Ride Bus Service It seems likely that from the Spring we in the valley, and the villages immediately to the north of the A35, will at last benefit from an extension of this service for the less able and those wheelchair bound. To implement the scheme we need to have knowledge of people likely to use it. Please make contact with your own parish clerks, or ring 897322                                                     Anna Lovell 

Are you a Carer?????????  

On February 6^th between 10 and 12 at Bridport Hospital there will be the first of monthly meetings, for support of those that are caring, in an informal capacity. The aim is to offer information and mutual support to a group of people who act, unpaid to look after friends, family and partners, thereby saving much public monies.

For details, or if you need transport, please ring 897322.         Anna Lovell.

BURTON BRADSTOCK                                           

Village Correspondent  Mr Basil Dent

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

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Mid Week Worship -                                                                    

Holy Communion                  Wednesdays at 10.00 a.m.

Choir Practices                       Fridays at 6.00 p.m.

Bell Ringing Practices           Thursdays at 7.00pm

Gift Sunday                            25^th January      Leprosy Mission

The next Healing Service at St Mary's  12^th January at 7.00pm

The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 6^th February.  There is no service in January.

Visit of Archdeacon - 25^th January

The Archdeacon of Dorset, the Ven. Alistair Macgowan, will be leading our 11.00am Parish Communion on 25^th January, and of course preaching.  As there is no Archdeacon of Sherborne at present, Alistair is covering both Archdeaconaries, and I know from present experience that doing two full-time jobs at the same time is, to say the least, hard work!  Please do make a special effort on this Feast Day of the Conversion of St Paul, truly to celebrate a great Saint and to welcome warmly our (acting) Archdeacon.                                       Anthony Ashwell

Christmas Greetings Donations

Our grateful thanks to everyone who supported the Christmas Greetings page in the December issue of the Bride Valley News last month.    We raised a commendable £546.00 for Church funds, rather more than in the previous year.                                                                             Ken Pett

............ and our thanks to Ken for organising the scheme.

Burton Bradstock Players

The box office for our pantomime "Snow White" opens at Burton Bradstock Post Office on Tuesday 6^th January.  Performances will take place 9^th - 14^th February at the W.I. Hall.    Book early to avoid disappointment! All enquiries to John Ivall, tel:  897470 - no refunds available.

Will Players members please note:   there will be a special play-reading of Alan Bennett's "Talking heads" on Tuesday 13^th January at 7.30 pm in the Reading Room, Burton Bradstock.   Anyone interested in these monologues, with a view to possible performance, please come along.   Non-members also very welcome.                                      D.Ekins

Burton Bradstock W.I.

The coffee morning raised £528 . Warm thanks to all who supported this event, this amount, and £100 donated from the Bridport Carnival Committee, will go towards the Hall Maintenance Fund.

Mrs. Joan Gillett will be retiring from the W.I. committee after 23 years during which time she also ran the kitchen and more recently was Hall manager.  In recognition for her outstanding service to the W.I she was presented with gifts and flowers from the members who wished her well on her retirement.

Come and join us for our New Year party on Friday 23rd January at 7.30pm.  

The speaker at the January meeting will be John Surry who titles his talk "Words, words, words."

The popular Bridge Club continues to meet on Tuesdays. The dates for January are 6^th, 20th and 27^th.  Everyone is welcome.

 Agnes Barham

Burton Bradstock Village Society

If you fancy living in a country with a population of only 300,000 mostly friendly people, with a booming economy, constant hot water and no heating bills, Iceland is the place!  Land of Ice & Fire, with waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, rivers, crevasses, mountains and every type of volcano, many still active, Jonathan Carrivick began his presentation with a fascinating geography lesson.

In November, Burton Bradstock W.I. Hall was packed with members, Jonathan's family, friends and supporters, many of whom had sponsored him on a dangerous charity trek in June 2003 across Europe's largest ice-cap, Vatnajökull.   Jonathan accompanied Staffordshire University student Hugh Deeming, who had decided to dedicate the expedition to his sister Joanna, who died 21 years ago from a cancer-related brain tumour.   The third member of their team was Dr. Matthew Roberts, a glaciologist working with the Icelandic Meteorological Office, who closely monitored them and tracked their progress by satellite navigation, warning them of any approaching storms or hazards.  The challenge involved ski-trekking from south to north, dragging sledges with food and equipment weighing 75 kg, and these did not become any lighter, as they had to gather and measure snow samples for scientific purposes and then take them home.  They endured 11 days on the ice cap, 3 of which were spent under shelter (tent or hut) due to bad weather.  Jonathan described his lowest point early on in the trek, when he felt he was trudging along in a giant ping pong ball for 6 hours at a time, with whiteness all around him and no hint of a blue sky (unlike the photos in the guide books).

None of this would have been possible without help and sponsorship from many organisations who supplied return flights, ski equipment, clothing, etc. and Jonathan thanked and paid tribute to everyone who had contributed to the huge success of this expedition.  Grandma Eileen from Burton and Grandma Terry from Bridport were bursting with pride at Jonathan's achievement, which to date has raised over £10,000 for The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, the largest comprehensive cancer treatment centre in Europe and the second largest in the world.  As they left the hall, our generous audience donated a further £30 towards this worthy cause.  Well done, Jonathan, and thank you for giving us such an excellent presentation.

Next destination the Himalayas, when David Barnikel will take us on his travels in the Himalayan Kingdom of Mustang.  Friday, 16^th January in the W.I. Hall at 7.30 pm.

Carol Lumley

Lavender Trust Breast Cancer Care

Thank you to all the friends who supported the Lavender Trust's Mince Pie & Mulled Wine Morning on Saturday 22^nd November. We raised £340.00 and a letter of appreciation is in the Burton Bradstock Library for everyone to read.

Mary Rawle

SHIPTON GORGE

Village Correspondent: Mrs. Joy White

Eastcote  3 Gullivers Orchard  Shipton Gorge

Tel: ( 01308 )897974

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Christingle Service.

On Sunday 25th January we are having a Christingle Service at St. Martin's at 4.00 pm.

This is a special service of hymns, readings and prayers to celebrate Jesus Christ as Light of the World, during which children will receive Christingle oranges. The collection will be for the Children's Society and there will be tea and treats in the Village Hall afterwards. This is a service of light and joy, to which everyone is cordially invited.

Shipton Gorge Village Hall   

A note for your diary.

A film will be shown in the village hall on Wednesday 28th January 2004. Please look out for posters on the notice boards nearer the date. The early print deadline means we can't confirm the film title - but we hope to screen a blockbuster!

Richard Hewlett     Secretary

Shipton Gorge Village Hall 100 Club    

Winners of December Draw

£50      No. 30             Doris Benselin

£20      No. 27             Christine Green

£10      No. 23             Betty Darby

£10      No. 49             Fred Stanton

£10      No. 12             Linda Buck

SWYRE

Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall

3 Green Barton, Swyre Tel: 897318

s.marshall@which.net

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Epiphany Carols of Praise

Instead of our usual first Sunday wintertime Evensong at 3.00pm on 4^th January, we shall be having a 'Carols of Praise' in the style of our summer 'Songs of Praise'. 

Tea and mince pies afterwards, do come along. 

Anthony Ashwell

British Legion Poppy Collection November 2003

I am very pleased to report that the Poppy Collection in Swyre raised £79-62. This is double the amount collected last year. My thanks to all those who contributed so generously.

Sheila Body

Pun Fun - Pudding Evening

For all the people of Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington.

Friday 30 January 7.30 - 10.00 pm Puncknowle Hall

Have your main course at home and bring your favourite pudding to share.  Don't forget your tipple, and a donation towards the cost of the hall hire and heating.

Come and get to know more people from the villages - plenty of chance to chat.

Contact Nos. 898492/897751

Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council

There will be no Parish Council meeting in January unless an urgent issue arises.

January shopping trip

Due to the success of the December trip to Poole the next shopping trip is:-

Monday 12 January 2004  to Exeter

Pick up at    Puncknowle Village Hall              9.30am

Pick up at    Swyre Church                               9.40am

Pick up at    West Bexington Manor Hotel      9.45am

Cost is £6.50 per person  for the journey there and back - payable when getting on the bus.

Pick up for the return journey will be 1.45pm at the same place as drop off (central Exeter) (if you miss the return pick up you will have to make your own arrangements to get home)

Please phone Rod (the driver) on 897684 and leave your name and the number of seats required (suggest you book early as the trip to Poole was fully booked very quickly).

If for any reason you are unable to travel please let us know on 897684 in case others wish to take your place.

If you have any suggestion for destinations for future trips - please let us know on 897684.

The above is an initiative organised by your local Parish Council so please offer your support otherwise it will be a case if it doesn't get used it won't happen again.

Puncknowle Swyre and West Bexington Homewatch

POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT - HOME WATCH

 Just a reminder that the Community Vehicle will be at Puncknowle Bottom on Thursday 22^nd January 2004 between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

 Andrew Marshall 897732

 PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON              

Village Correspondent:  Elizabeth Slater

1, Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH

Remembrance Sunday

It was our turn to host the Royal British Legion's (Bride Valley Branch) Annual Service of Remembrance for those who died for our country especially during the two World Wars. 

The church was all but full, and the standard and wreath bearers ably negotiated the chancel arch, people spilling from the pews, and a building in which there is generally minimal room to move, with dignity. 

Our thanks to all who took part or who contributed in any way to the Service or Poppy Appeal, and especially to organist Tony Williams from Burton Bradstock, and our own Derek Heaver who led the Act of Remembrance. 

Christingle

We are having this lovely Service, in aid of the Children's Society, on Sunday 1^st February at 9.30am.  Please do support this extremely hardworking charity if you possibly can

A Quiet Wedding

We congratulate Nick Faure and Mary Lodge on their recent marriage and wish them continuing happiest days amongst us.   

Anthony Ashwell

Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup

See Valley Notes ( page 8 ) for report

Social Evening

Thursday 15 January 2004 7.30 in the Church Hall

The speaker will be Sir Bernard Knight who will tell us about the work of the Dorset Air Ambulance.  There is a lot of support for this service in the area so do come and learn more about it.  There will be coffee, tea and biscuits and a collection towards expenses.

Thursday 19 February

Steve Griffiths - Abbotsbury Gardens Curator will show slides and talk on the gardens and villas of a Mediterranean region.

Ann Roberts

Punknowle Art Group

We are very grateful to Maureen for helping the whole group to make wax picture cards. A huge thank you must go to David and Mary Cantrille for transporting us out of a wet winter's morning with a wonderful and amazing slide show on nature and travel.

Dates for January are: -    9th  -  A G M,     23^rd - The Crown

Christine Molony

Puncknowle Charity Field

The usual distribution of monies accruing from the rent of the Parish Field may well in future be put to other uses to better benefit all the villagers. This has been occasioned by the relinquishing of the present tenancy and the obligation that there is on the Parish Council as trustees to best use the asset. Decisions will be made in the coming year as to any changes.

LITTON CHENEY                                                          

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close

news4litton@bridevalley.net

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New Year's Eve Service

Before the Old Year is rung out there will be a short 'watch-night' Service beginning at 11.15pm. 

January 25^th Family Service

Our usual 9.30am Service has been cancelled and we are warmly invited to Burton Bradstock for their 11.00am Parish Communion, which will be taken by the Archdeacon of Dorset. 

Anthony Ashwell

Organist Wanted!

St. Mary's Church, Litton Cheney needs an organist to play for Sunday Services three times a month, mainly hymns but hopefully a sung matins on one Sunday in the month.  No choir, but a lovely organ with help and support from a sympathetic congregation.  For further information speak to Malcolm Munro (482618) or Wendy Taylor (482532)

Life in Litton Cheney is as good as it gets!

We have had 11 responses (by 5^th December) to our sheet asking if you had any issues of concern regarding life in the village and/or were prepared to help develop a questionnaire to gather peoples' views, with the idea of using the Vital Villages programme to help us organise/raise funds to make any good ideas happen.  Many thanks to those 11 households; two good ideas have already come to light.

However it seems the rest of the village is not interested . we can't believe it's just apathy . it must be that you were all thinking about Christmas or didn't realize a response was hoped for.  We have decided to extend the deadline to Monday 5^th January, you can use any piece of paper if you've lost the yellow one or collect another form from The White Horse.

If you can offer to be on the steering group to develop a questionnaire (we would particularly like to have someone under 20 years old and more younger people under 35 years), or just have a concern about village life, or an idea that might be helpful . jot it down and pop it through the letter box to Cllr Sally Dyke, Watercombe, Main Street (opp. The Mill) or Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close or email news4litton@bridevalley.net

Proposed Village/School Hall

The Parish Council has entered into a contract to acquire a plot of land, behind the Magna bungalows in School Lane and adjacent to Thorner's, with the ultimate intention that the land be used for a hall.  The contract is conditional upon the grant of planning permission to the Council to build a hall on the plot and to the vendor to build a house on his land between the bungalows and Meadowbank and to the rights of way by the County Council to both parties.  Assuming the contract becomes unconditional and pending further progress being made to fund the building of a hall the plot will be an amenity for the village and could be used as a car park for Thorner's and for other community use such as allotments.

The Mobile Library stops by the Bus Shelter on Thursdays fortnightly between 3.25 and 4.10 pm.  The first visit in the New Year will be Thursday 15^th January.  The library van will also be in Litton Cheney on Thursday 29^th January.

Litton Cheney Youth Club

In December there was a very enjoyable Christmas Disco at Long Bredy Village Hall.  The Youth Club now has use of a full size trampoline, which will be available both for Club nights and additional coaching sessions.  The dates and venues for January have yet to be confirmed.  For further details contact Paul Kingston 482384

Congratulations to Steve, Josie and Louis Belasco on the early arrival of Tristan, Litton's newest young resident.

LONG BREDY                                                         

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elinor Frost, Bridelands ( 482269 )

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Long Bredy Village Hall

We are fortunate in Long Bredy to have our own Village Hall.  It is one of the very few facilities that we do enjoy.

However, the use over the years since it was built in 1920 has declined severely.  Apart from St Peter's Church, it is the only point of contact for the villagers.

We would like to ask you all for your suggestions and views on how the hall could be utilised more successfully.  It has been the venue for parties and social gatherings, for fund-raising events and as a meeting place for local clubs.  If you have any ideas the Committee would be delighted to hear from you.

Please contact Mike Shepherd at Knowle View (junction to Littlebredy) or by telephone on 482250.

Long Bredy and Litton Cheney W.I.

The White Horse at Litton Cheney was the venue for the W.I. on Tuesday 2^nd December where everyone enjoyed an evening of delicious food and good company.

The next meeting will be at Pins Knoll, Litton Cheney, the home of Betty Champkins.  It will be held in the afternoon at 2:30pm on Tuesday 6^th January 2004.  Please bring a favourite book or poem.

Refuse collection arrangements for the New Year 2003-4

Normal Day                            Rearranged Day

Wednesday 31 December        Friday 2 January

Thursday 1 January                   Saturday 3 January

Friday 2 January                       Monday 5 January

Monday 5 January                    Tuesday 6 January

Tuesday 6 January                    Wednesday 7 January

Wednesday 7 January               Thursday 8 January

Thursday 8 January                   Friday 9 January

Friday 9 January                       Saturday 10 January

The Poppy Appeal collection for Long Bredy raised £100.39.  Thank you all very much.

Congratulations to Karen and Gerry at Long Bredy Farm on the birth of Slade, a brother for Shane and Blaise

A Thank you Message

Just a few lines to thank all who sent cards and get well messages during our recent unexpected joint stay in Dorset County Hospital.  We are both now back at home and well on the way to getting back to normal.

Thanks also to Andrew and all our kind friends and neighbours who looked after the house and the cats during our absence, and for the offers of transport and help with shopping, after our return.

It's wonderful to know we have so many thoughtful friends and neighbours.  All of your offers of help were very much appreciated.

With many thanks from us both.                      Jack Bailey and Joan Sheldrick

LITTLEBREDY                                                           

LITTLEBREDY NOTES.

At the Village Meeting on the 13th November, Glenn Wilkinson was elected Chairman of the Social Club, which he has inherited in a sound financial position.  Su Foot agreed to stay on as secretary, and Bryan Hansford was cordially thanked for all the efforts he has put in to get the revived Club off the ground in its first couple of years. 

The first event of 2004 planned by the new committee is a Quiz Evening in the Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. on Friday 16th January.  There will be questions appropriate for all ages, so adults and youngsters are equally welcome.  The bar will of course be open, and neighbours within the valley are more than welcome to join us as temporary members on the evening and join the fun.

At the end of December, we say farewell to Marie Whitaker and Allan Kavanagh, whose time at Littlebride has been shorter than they might have hoped when they arrived last summer.  Marie's work as a teacher has led her to Swanage in the meanwhile, and they are moving to live nearer to her school.  Our best wishes for the future go with them both.

Many congratulations indeed to Chris Yates, who has been appointed by the Royal Horticultural Society to its Daffodil and Tulip Committe with effect from the 1st January. This is the highest honour that can be bestowed on daffodil experts, such as Chris, and means he will be among the Judges in future years at Chelsea (Flower Show, not Stamford Bridge!).  His great achievements in the gardening world locally have now received their due recognition at national level - well done, Chris.

Finally, all very best wishes for 2004 to everyone resident in, or connected with, Littlebredy (past or present).  May it be for all a fulfilling, prosperous, and above all a Happy New Year.

Answers to last month's quiz:           

1. Silent Night

2. Angels from the Realms of Glory 

3. Away in a Manger 

4. Joy to the World 

5. Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

6. O Little Town of Bethlehem  

7. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

8. O Come, All Ye Faithful       

   9. Do You Hear What I Hear?

 10. Little Drummer Boy

 11.The First Noel         

 12.Hark, the Herald Angels Sing