FROM THE CLERGY             

From the Clergy

"Sticks and stones may break my bones,

But words will never hurt me."

If I were an expert Internet searcher, I would have been able to locate the source of this cliché, but I'm not and so apologise to the originator.  I wonder if any reader might take the hint and let me know!

It seems to me that the cliché is rarely if ever used nowadays, and for one simple reason:  words CAN hurt people.  50 years ago when I was growing up, keeping a stiff upper lip and not letting on when one felt belittled or insulted was the norm.  I remember regularly holding my head high in front of my school friends, immediately after extremely public (and hurtful) dressings-down by a teacher.  When I inquired, before writing this article, how teachers of the time felt about administering such terrible tickings-off, I received the reply "sticks and stones .."  Such was the perceived understanding then.

Things are very different now, and there is a tendency to look for offence, even if none was ever intended.  So it is that extreme political correctness has reared its head and everything written or spoken and intended for public consumption must be examined with a fine toothcomb to check if anybody at all might take offence.  I was listening to an item on the radio the other day concerning the difference between "handicap" and "disability", with strong opinions being expressed for and against each word.  There is a problem too concerning the remake of the film "Dambusters" because the main character's (Guy Gibson) dog (a black Labrador) was called "Niger" (the Latin word for black), but spelt with 2 "g"s, (there we are, I don't even feel I can use that word here). At the beginning of February there was an international row over religious cartoons, and there is an increasing tendency to abolish "Christmas" because, you never know, a non-Christian might take offence!  We are meant to live in a free society, but how very careful we must be over what we say or write.

In all such matters there is a happy medium.  On the one hand it seems to me very demeaning to spend a lot of time looking to take offence.  On the other, it is very unloving deliberately to set out to give offence.  Our society is based on the Christian ideal to love our neighbours, that is to want the best for them and work for that end, and to hurt people in any way, physically or emotionally is not to love.  May we all be aware of God's many blessings, as the world around us wakes up after winter.

                                                                                                                        Anthony Ashwell

Events in Lent:

The very first of March is Ash Wednesday, bearing with it the memory of the aroma of yesterday's pancakes, and the longing regret that they will not be smelt again for some time. Along with our usual Wednesday morning service of Holy Communion at St Mary's, Burton Bradstock, there will be an evening Communion at 7.00 pm with the imposition of ashes.

A sermon series has been running at services of Evening Prayer in Burton Bradstock Church since the middle of January on the story of people of prayer in the Old Testament. How did they learn to do what they did, and how their life of prayer developed helps us to see our progress. Our Lent series this year continues the theme, looking at some of the people of prayer in the New Testament - the ones who asked Jesus for something, and what happened to them. How they managed in their encounter with God helps us in ours. The series begins on Wednesday evenings, 7.00 pm in St Mary's Burton Bradstock, on Wednesday the 8^th of March, and runs through, Wednesday by Wednesday up to and including the 5^th of April.

Thereafter we are heading towards Holy Week. There are plans for evening prayers to be said daily in Holy Week in St Martin's Shipton Gorge, and in St Mary's, Burton Bradstock (7.30 for prayers and compline). On Thursday evening, Maundy Thursday, there will be an agape meal followed by a watch in Burton Bradstock Church.

On Good Friday there will be prayers of the Litany at 10.00 am both at Littlebredy and at Shipton Gorge. Swyre will be having a service at 10.30 am. There are to be two different services of 3 hours in the valley. The one at St Mary's, Burton Bradstock will be a traditional 3 hours meditation marking the time from midday until 3.00 pm when Jesus was being crucified. At the same time another 3 hours will be split between Litton Cheney and Puncknowle, following the Stations of the Cross. The service will begin at Midday at St Mary's Litton Cheney, remembering for three quarters of an hour, the beginning of Jesus' sufferings. The fit and willing will then take to the roads, the highways and hedges, to walk to St Mary's, Puncknowle, carrying a cross and marking the way with prayers remembering our Lord on the Via Dolorosa. The last part of the 3 hours, remembering the crucifixion, will be at Puncknowle. Those who don't want to undertake the walk can drive from one to the other by car. As always with the three hours service, people who cannot stay the whole time are welcome to come and go as they please - and come back again as they wish.

There will be a vigil service at St Mary's, Burton Bradstock, on Saturday the 15^th April, Easter Eve. This lasts about an hour, and is a very dramatic service of darkness and light, being the first celebration of Easter day.

Those early risers with a feel for the great outdoors will be pleased to learn that we will again be holding a 6.00 am Earlybird service of Holy Communion on Easter Day at the Chapel in the woods at Ashley Chase. The rest of us will dutifully drag ourselves along only to be delighted beyond all expectation by the beauty and holiness of a candlelit service at the break of dawn.  

Bob Thorn

MILK TANKERS, TRACTORS AND OTHER WIDE LOADS

Most of our Churches were built way before the era of motorised transport, and are often situated by narrow lanes with minimal parking facilities.  Murphy's Law now dictates that when people do park "badly" for a Church event, and particularly for a major event which puts extra pressure on what parking is available, then a milk tanker or a large farm vehicle or even, and most importantly, a fire engine, will be held up, or prevented from coming through ....

Please, everybody, do your best always to park considerately and if the worst comes to the worst, be prepared to move those parked cars causing a problem immediately.  As has been inferred to me recently:  inconsiderate parking is not really 'loving your neighbour'.

                                                                                                                        Anthony Ashwell - Rural Dean

Funerals and burials:

Holy Baptism

Ruby Scarlett Coombes on 29^th January 2006 at St. Mary's Church, Puncknowle.  Another beautiful grand-niece for David Jenkins.

Tiny Tots/Pram Service

The next service will be in St. Mary's Burton Bradstock at 11.00am on Friday 10th  February 2006. 

All welcome.               

First Steps Toddler Group

We meet every Wednesday morning (10.00 till 12.00) at Long Bredy Village Hall.  There are toys and larger play equipment for all pre-school children.  The sessions also give parents and carers the opportunity to meet and chat.  Refreshments provided.  Further details from Sam (482315) or Debbie (898506).

The Health Visitor joins us on the first Wednesday of each month (1st March) to weigh babies or give advice.

Hope to see you there!

Kirsty Wills

Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup

This term we are looking at Traditional stories such as Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, The Gingerbread Man and lots more - basing some activities around these.

 We have welcomed a new little boy who started playgroup in January - Oliver Wills, who has settled in really well, and we also now have two new members of staff - Maureen Lockett and Sabrina Barnes -  to help with the fun!   Reception children join us on a regular basis for Free Play activities as part of their school day - and we already know them well from last year.  We are hoping to visit Gabriel's farm to see new lambs this month.

Nestlings' sessions for little ones on Friday afternoons are going well - experiencing Physical Play equipment as well as toys in February, with Music & Movement activities plus Textures / Messy Play in March. If you are interested and have not been along - please ring Joy Laver for information on 897055.

Sue's Winter Fun Quiz is still available until the end of March from the usual places for just £1. She says it is an easy one!!

Finally if you have any Ride On toys no longer being used (for 2 - 3 year olds), please contact us as we could give them a good home.

Carol Bennett (Playleader) 01308 897771

THE BRIDE VALLEY (THURSDAY) FELLOWSHIP GROUP

We are studying what the Bible teaches about the Person and work of the Holy Spirit.    The group meets on Thursday evenings and alternates between Bible Study and Prayer.  Arriving from 7.30pm we begin at 8.00pm aiming to finish by about 9.30pm.  For further details contact:

Paul

  Burton Bradstock ONLINE

DIGITAL PHOTO COMPETITION

                Send in your photos!   Everyone can have a go!

 Some entries for the digital photo competition have already been received by Burton Bradstock ONLINE* and now's your chance to send in yours too!   The competition is open to everyone anywhere in the world, not just villagers, so why not send in an entry or two....or even more? fine e you many more!lace those items that were removed due to safety considewrations.   nificant but will not put us into an  Have fun and possibly win a prize!

You don't need to do anything too technical - just set your camera to high or fine resolution and send us the resulting photos

As a reminder of the rules:

·        Photos can be on any subject/topic, but they must 'evoke a sense of Burton Bradstock' (10 photos per person max).

·        Two prizes: one for adults and one for under 16s.

·        Deadline for applications - 30^th September, 2006

·        Open to anyone anywhere in the world

·        Digital photos only - must be e-mailed to Burton Bradstock ONLINE (photocompetition@burtonbradstockonline.org)

·        All photos submitted to be in JPEG format ideally with a maximum resolution of  3 megapixels (max dimensions of 2000 x 1500 pixels) - can be in black & white or colour

·        A selection of the best pictures will be on our PHOTO GALLERY at (www.burtonbradstockonline.org) as the competition progresses.   Full competition rules are also there.

Send in your entries and discover your hidden talent!    

*Burton Bradstock Online is the name for the organisation responsible for Burton Bradstock's website, computer training etc.

Karen Venn 01308 897 094

Thorner's CE VA Primary School

Since I last wrote we have been knocked out of the Kenway Cup by Parrott and Axe Primary School. It was a great disappointment to us all as we had a strong team and we were very positive that we could progress further through the tournament . even getting to the final, but it was not to be.  The actual game was exciting to watch and it could have gone either way.  Both teams played hard, made a few mistakes and were really engaged in trying to win; if only the whistle had gone a little later we might have scored that elusive goal to equalise.   The game was played at home during the afternoon school session so a number of the younger pupils, much to their delight, were able to stand and support from the sidelines along with a number of parents.  Thank you for this support, not only for this game, but for Tuesday after school sessions too, I am sure your enthusiasm 'rubs off' on to the children.  We have yet to play the Cluster Football Final against Loders so watch this space.

Earlier this term the children in Eggardon, years 5 and 6, were studying 'The Lady of Shalott' poem by Lord Tennyson with Mrs Gundry and were asked to write a further verse.  I thought it was a difficult task in that they had to keep the style, metre and rhyme the same as in the published verses.  We were extremely pleased with Hannah's verse and thought you might appreciate it too:

                        With a face that's deathly white

                        A coffin moving through the night

                        And incense caskets burning bright

                        The procession was a sorry sight

                        Thro' tower'd Camelot

                        Then every single noise did cease

Even the tiresome honking geese

                        The sombre party cried "rest in peace"

                        To the Lady of Shalott

We have in recent years been restricted in what we can teach, having to follow the laid down curriculum and often not been able to allow the time for those creative moments where children are given the opportunity to express themselves.  I am so glad to report that we are still producing the budding writers and poets for the next generation.   We are always delighted when we receive results such as this verse and this is what makes teaching such a worthwhile and rewarding career.

Alison Johnstone - Headteacher

Thorner's School 100 Club winners:  February

£15      Mrs Jill Neill

£10      Mrs Marion Foot

Burton Bradstock CE VC School

I began last month's entry with a description of a crane which remarkably negotiated a narrow gateway to occupy the playground.  Unfortunately the engineers were unable to establish a wireless Broadband signal so for the time being we are back to square one.  By the time you read this we should have our new network installed - ready to receive Broadband as soon as it becomes available. 

Fundraising has been prominent this term.  At the end of January we joined in the 'Save Our Soles' day for the RNLI.  Trainers were worn in return for a donation and special SOS trainer laces were on sale.  Our thanks to Mrs. Claire Procter for organising the day - £105 was raised for this very worthwhile cause.  Last month the P.T.A. supported a sponsored 'bounce' at Bridport Leisure Centre to raise money towards the refurbishment of the village playground.  Thank you to all who contributed to this event, and particularly to Judy Kanellaki for organising it.  (Figure not available at time of going to press.)

Items to note this month are as follows.  The football team have a difficult Kenway Cup semi-final away to Parrett & Axe School, Mosterton.  A week later the netball team play their first tournament for a while.  At the end of the month Kev 'the comic artist' is visiting us.  He has joined us once before when we all enjoyed learning about cartoon drawing and comics.  We are looking forward to further improving our skills and enjoying the caricatures he draws of us!

Following on from last year's success, the P.T.A. are holding another Duck Race.  This will take place on Easter Sunday 16^th April.  Further details of times etc. will be available in the next BVN.

You will have noted from last month's BVN that David Powell is launching his book of BVN articles over the years on Saturday 29^th April.  The choir are very pleased to have been invited to contribute to the evening and have already begun practising.  This will be their debut 'performance' in an out-of-school event.

Mark Stratta

100 Club January:

                        £20      - D.J. Cole

                        £10      - Mr & Mrs Holmes

                        £  5      - Mr & Mrs West

Women's World Day of Prayer from South Africa.

This year the special annual service will he held at St. Swithun's Church on Friday March 3rd at 10.30 am. This is an important service of unity with more than 180 countries across the globe as we all come together in prayer. Last year it was devised by the women of Poland; this year it is from the women of South Africa.

The people of South Africa are known as the "Rainbow Nation" - a sign of hope when things seem dark. This service will offer you an opportunity, in some small way, to share in the plight of the various situations in which the people of South Africa experience life, to offer prayers and to share in the strong faith coming out of Africa today. Please come and join in on March 3rd and make this a service worthy of this great African nation.

Royal British Legion - Bride Valley Branch

The Social Evening this month will be held at the Bull Inn, Swyre on Monday, 27^th March at 7.00pm for 7.30pm.

J. Reeves (Hon.Sec.)

Litton Cheney Youth Club

The Youth Club is open to everyone between the ages of 8 and 17 years who live in the Bride Valley.  For further details please contact Paul Kingston 482 384.

THE  WIZARD  OF  OZ (MGM)

MON 27^TH FEB TO SAT 4^TH MARCH

Burton Bradstock Village Hall

Classical Concert in memory of Theodora Craucher

A unique classical concert for all the family with Bach, Correlli, Rebel and Bloch.   On 20^th April, Elizabeth Thornburn and Bridget Pearse will be putting on a classical concert at Litton Cheney Church 7.00 to 9.00pm.  This concert is in memory of Theodora Craucher and all proceeds will go to the Special Care Baby Unit, Dorchester.

Bridget Pearse

Bride Valley Gardening Club

We have had such a cold patch up to the time of writing this entry - first week in February - that Spring still seems a long way off, despite cutting our lawns this week!  There are buds appearing on the Salix, and a few peeps from bulbs, but apart from some dwarf Iris nothing is stirring.   I'm sure that within the month we will all be seeing crocuses, daffodils and hellebores responding to the early Spring call.   Let's hope so!

Our Speaker for March, and the final indoor meeting of the Gardening  Club year  - is this possible - will be a slight change to the former advertised speaker, when we were to have the honour of Anna Pavord, the former Puncknowle and well-known Garden writer.  She will be publicising her book in America in March, and therefore has postponed until October.  We have been fortunate enough to have Mr. Alan Eason now talking of "Parisian Gardens and Parks" - which evokes romance and passion possibly in us all!!

We look forward to seeing you on March l3th at 7.30 p.m. in the usual venue of Thorners School, Litton Cheney.

 Norma Millard- Club Secretary: 897774

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.

Burton Bradstock PCC AGM

The AGM of the Burton Bradstock PCC will be held on April 24th. at

7.00 p.m. in St. Mary's Church.                                                Bob Hynds

Bell Ringing Practices: Thursdays at 7.00pm

Gift Sunday:                    19^th March Church Mission Society

The next Service of Prayer for Healing at St Mary's will be held on Monday 10th March at 7.00pm.

Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held at 11.00am on Friday 13th March 2006

Easter Family Evensong

 On Low Sunday, April 23rd, when all the Easter eggs have been eaten, come and enjoy Easter a little longer.

 At 6.00pm in St Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock, Luke and Theophilus (alias Steve and Jake Dove), along with a full cast, will be presenting the Easter story in drama, as part of Evensong.

All will be very welcome. 

                                                                            Heather Rogers

Charity Lunch

St Mary's Church is hosting a lunch in the Village Hall on Saturday 11^th March from 12 noon until 2.00pm to which all villagers and visitors are most welcome. 

The lunch will include a choice of soup, with bread and cheese, followed by coffee and biscuits.  There will be no set charge for the lunch, however, donations are invited for St Mary's Medi-Link Project which is continuing in 2006 to raise funds to purchase equipment to equip a new medical clinic in the Sudan. 

Do come along and support us if you can, and bring along a friend too, we look forward to seeing you there. 

St Mary's PCC

Church Electoral Roll - Revision

The Church Electoral Roll is revised each year (except when a new roll is prepared every sixth year) in time for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. If your name is already included in the current roll no further action is required of you.

The revision period leading up to the annual meeting provides an ideal opportunity for those who wish to have their names added to the electoral roll to apply for enrolment, the requirements for which are very simple. You must be baptised (christened), a member of the Church of England or of a church in communion with it, be aged 16 or over and either resident in the parish or have regularly attended church there for at least six months.

Being on the electoral roll of the parish means you can attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (to be held this year on Monday 24th April in church at 7.00 p.m.) and vote in the elections to the Parochial Church Council or stand for election yourself if you are a communicant member of the Church of England. It enables you to have your voice heard at Deanery and Diocesan level as well as in your own parish.

Application forms for enrolment on the Church Electoral Roll will be available in church in the weeks leading up to the annual meeting or if you wish to contact me direct on Te1.897316 to discuss any aspect of enrolment I will be pleased to help.

Wendy Froy - Electoral Roll Officer.

Burton Bradstock Playgroup

Prospective parents/carers please feel free to drop in and visit our friendly playgroup.   We are in Burton Bradstock's bright & spacious Village Hall with access to the large vicarage garden on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 12 noon during school term-time.   All children welcome from age 2½ - unaccompanied from age 2¾.  Numbers are rising so get your child's name down early!  For more information please call playleader Anne-Marie Pitman on 01305 788221 or 07814 318963.

Burton Bradstock Village Hall

200 Club - Congratulations to:

1st Prize:                      No.  73            Mrs Marilyn Wicks                  £34.40

2nd Prize:                     No.  81            Mrs Gillian Knight                    £17.20

3rd Prize:                      No.170            Wg Cdr Freddy Tame £  8.60

Anyone wanting to become a member in time for the March-December draws should telephone Alan Clarke on 01308 897051 and let him have £10 - one pound for each of the remaining 10 draws in the year. There are double prizes in the December draw.

The Village Hall Trust is a trust registered with the local authority, the West Dorset District Council - Lotteries Licence No. LA005

Village Events Diary for 2006

Would anyone planning an event in the village (not just in the Village Hall) please enter brief details in the Village Events Diary which is in the Post Office.  This worked very well last year as it prevented too many similar events being put on in quick succession.  People from outside the village often look at this book and it does help to promote local activities and raise attendance levels at events.

Susan Moores - Secretary, Burton Bradstock Village Hall Committee

Artsreach

Saturday and Sunday, 18^th and 19^th March 2006 (10.30 am to 4.00 pm) 'Body Talk' - A Visual Arts Event

The visual arts exhibition called 'Body Talk' will include prints, photographs, painted and stitched textiles, conceptual clothing, jewellery, mixed media and installations.  This will be an opportunity to see the work of 12 national professional artists, several of whom live and work in Dorset.  It is an exciting and unusual exhibition of contemporary art, which attempts to "reflect the complexities surrounding our bodies and body images, our sexuality, dress, memory and identity".

Entry to exhibition is FREE.

Artsreach - Saturday 22^nd April 2006 (7.30 pm) - String Quartet

A String Quartet from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be playing 'Modern Classical' music in the Village Hall on Saturday Evening 22^nd April.  Further details follow in next month's BVN.

Norman Saunders-White - 01308 897214

Playground Appeal Event - Saturday 25 March 2006 (7.30 pm)

The Village Hall Committee is organising an event to support the Playground Appeal.  This will be an evening of Live Music with dancing to 'Hector's Box'.  There will be a cash bar and raffle and all proceeds will go to the Appeal Fund.  Tickets will be £5 and will be on sale at the Post Office at the beginning of March.  Look out for further details on the Notice Boards around the Village.

Susan Moores - Secretary, Burton Bradstock Village Hall Committee

Burton Bradstock Home Watch

During January 2006, there have been no burglaries or car crimes recorded for Burton Bradstock by Dorset Police.

Co-ordinators are advised that during April the annual meeting will be held at 16 Hive Close, the date and time to be advised.  It is planned to arrange for Malcolm Davenport (Ringmaster Manager-Western Division) & other Police Officers to be present to report on the current situation.

Freddy Tame 897 957

An Evening with Billy Bragg - Saturday 20 May 2006 (7.30 pm)

Billy has kindly offered to host a fundraising event for the Village Hall on Saturday 20 May.  This will take the form of an 'Audience With' and will incorporate Music, Anecdotes and Questions from the audience.  Tickets will be £10 each and I am sure they will be much sought after.  Tickets will be on sale well in advance from the Post Office.  Look out for further details on the Notice Boards around the Village and in the next BVN. All proceeds from the event will go to support the Village Hall.

Susan Moores - Secretary, Burton Bradstock Village Hall Committee

Village Fayre - Monday 29 May 2006 (2.00 pm to 5.00 pm)

The Village Fayre will once again be held in the Rectory Gardens on Bank Holiday Monday 29 May.  Your support last year made this event a great success and the money raised has allowed the Village Hall Committee to maintain and upgrade the hall and facilities.  Help will again be needed to organise, set up and run stalls; anyone who wishes to volunteer should contact Susan Moores on 01308 897673.  At present we particularly need clean, empty, lidded jars for the 'Filled Jar' stall.  If you wish to fill jars yourself with things for children to the value of 50p e.g. a jar containing wrapped sweets or one containing pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener etc. please do so.  Contacts for jars, filled or unfilled, are Joan Allan (01308 897511) or Joyce Tillman (01308 897040). Entertainment for children will once again be a central feature of the Fayre with supervised Children's Races and a Fancy Dress Competition.   Look out for further details in the next edition of the BVN and on Notice Boards around the Village.

Susan Moores - Secretary, Burton Bradstock Village Hall Committee

Burton Bradstock Village Society

On the 13^th January we were all given an excellent lesson on how to take a perfect picture when David Barnikel, Colin Davies and Garry Mayball gave us a fascinating insight into successful photography in their presentation to the Society entitled "Photography for Pleasure".

These three experts from the Bridport Camera Club showed us some superbly composed shots taken from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, India, Iceland and many other exotic places but, more importantly, with explanation about how the shots were composed and exposed. In contrast we were then shown slides taken around Dorset and Somerset and this illustrated the different techniques of exposure and composition in landscape photography.

Altogether, a scintillating evening.                                             Peter Dutton

 Burton Bradstock Playground Appeal

After visiting the Brownies, Cubs, Beavers, the Playgroup, Mountjoy School and our Village School, and researching opinion at the coffee morning, our consultations on the equipment are now completed.   The decision was overwhelmingly in favour of the combination which included the multi play unit and the rocking Jeep.    The equipment is specially adapted to provide access for children of all abilities.

This is a very exciting project for our village and the Committee would like to thank supporters for their help and very generous donations.   Special thanks to all who helped raise the fantastic sum of £930 at the coffee morning and £100 at Joan Allen's Whist Drive.   The Village School plans a sponsored trampoline jump as their contribution and the Playgroup will be holding an "Easter Toddle".   At the time of going to press, the fund stands at £7,000!   Please keep up the good work.

Don't forget to buy your "Tool Quiz" available for £1 at the Post Office.   If you would like to join in the fund raising activities, or give a direct contribution, please either donate through one of the collection points in the village (Bridge Cottage Stores, Three Horseshoes, The Anchor, Burton Bradstock Cars, the Hive Café and the Post Office), or contact:

Sheila Pett on 897 550 or David Venn on 897 007

Sheila Pett

Burton Bradstock Bridge Group

7^th March - Bridge & afternoon tea at 2.00pm - tickets £4 - see details below.   14^th, 21^st & 28^th March - Bridge as usual 2.00pm in Village Hall - anyone with a little experience is welcome.    Further information from

Chris Clarke - 898 117

SHIPTON GORGE                                                          

Village Correspondent: Mrs. Joy White

Eastcote  3 Gullivers Orchard  Shipton Gorge

Tel: ( 01308 )897974

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Mothering Sunday Family Service

Everyone is invited to our service of thanksgiving in St. Martin's church on Sunday 26th March, at 4pm. Our young people will present gifts of Spring posies to their mothers, and afterwards tea and traditional simnel cake will be distributed in church.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

This will take place in the Village Hall on Monday 27th March, at 7.30p.m., for the election of churchwardens and parochial church councillors, and to receive various annual reports.

Nominations are needed for two churchwardens (which must be received in writing by the Rector before the commencement of the meeting - please ask him for a form).  Nominations for PCC may be made verbally at the meeting.

Shipton Gorge Ramblers

We meet on Friday 17th March, at 10.30 a.m. as before, and the venue this month is the Hive Beach car park, Burton Bradstock.  Lifts are available if required - please contact Janet or Vicky. Do come along for a pleasant morning walk, and lunch in the café afterwards. 

Janet Lane

Shipton Gorge Village Society SGVS SUMMER SHOW

This year's SHOW will be on Saturday, 22^nd July, in the Village Hall
- see list of events. Classes cater for everyone: from potatoes to poems, flowers to fancy cakes, herbs to hanging baskets....    

Sue Brown - Organiser

SHIPTON GORGE VILLAGE SOCIETY

Dates for your Diary:

·        Easter Bingo Weds 5th April starting at 7-30pm at the Village Hall.

·        Plant Swap/ Coffee morning - Saturday 6th May 10.30 till 12.00 in the Village Hall.

·        Coach Trip to Killerton House - Tuesday 23rd May leaving New Inn 9-30am. Leaving Killerton House 4-00pm.  Price of tickets to be arranged.

·        Village Walk - Saturday 10th June.  Times and meeting places to be arranged.

·        Village Flower/Veg Show etc:  22 July in the Village Hall.

·        Village Fete 12^th August in the Village Hall Starting at 2-00 pm.

There will be an update where needed on all these events each Month.
 Sally Parker 897168

New Parish Clerk

 I have recently taken on the post of Clerk to Shipton Gorge Parish Council and can be contacted at Honeysuckle, Cuckoo Lane, Shipton Gorge, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4LX, telephone: 01308 898648, e-mail: clerk@shiptongorge.org.uk.

My wife Vicky and I are no strangers to the Bride Valley as my late mother, Flo Thomas, ran the guest house at Pound House, Burton Bradstock for around 10 years until ill health forced her to move to Buckinghamshire in 1984 to live nearer to us.  We were frequent visitors during that period.  I should like to express grateful thanks to my predecessor, Jeff Fisher, and I look forward to being of service to the parish and all of its parishioners.

Ernie Thomas

Shipton Gorge Village Hall "100" Club February Draw:

£20 No.69 Colin Chambers

£10 No.59 Ann Richards

Parish Council Matters

A vacancy exists for a Parish Councillor. If you have an interest in the future of the village and could give a small amount of your time, please contact Cllr. Richard Hewlett on 01308 897854 (work) or 01308 897278 (home) or speak to any Councillor.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Wednesday 22nd March commencing at 7.30pm.

Mobile Library Service - New Timetable

The mobile library will visit Shipton Gorge on a fortnightly basis at Quarry Close on Fridays between 3.20pm and 3.50pm. The new timetable will be effective from the week beginning 3rd April 2006 and will be displayed on public notices in the village.

SWYRE                                                                                   

Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall

3 Green Barton, Swyre Tel: 897318

s.marshall@which.net

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Holy Trinity Church, Swyre

Church services:-

Thursday 2nd               9.00am             Morning Prayer, said.

Sunday, 5th                  3.30pm            Evensong.

Sunday, 12th                11.00am           Morning Prayer.

Thursday, 16th             9.00am             Morning Prayer, said.

Sunday, 19th                11.00am           Holy Communion.

Sunday, 26th                11.00am           Holy Communion by extension. This will be a special service for Mothering Sunday, which will be followed by Coffee and Simnel cake etc. We would love to see as many families as possible at this special service, especially as we hope that the children and young people will be involved.

Thursday, 30th             9.00am             Morning Prayer, said.

(Advance notice for April 2nd, Sunday, 6.30pm Evensong followed by the church AGM.)

Other Activities:-

Saturday, 11th, 10am-12noon, Churchyard Working Party. Yes, spring is here and it's time to get back out there and continue the work of helping to keep our churchyard tidy. Weather permitting we start again this month, and everyone's talents can be used! Please ring if you would like more details.

Saturday, 25th, 10am-12noon. Children and Young people meet in the churchyard to collect flowers there and make posies for the Mothering Sunday service on Sunday. If you would like more details, or if your family would like to play a part in the Sunday service, please ring.

Yvonne Buckland, Church Warden.

PUNCKNOWLE      SWYRE      WEST BEXINGTON

Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council - Parish Council Meeting

The next meeting will be held in Puncknowle Church Hall on the 7^th March 2006 at 7.30pm.

PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON                           

Village Correspondent:  Elizabeth Slater

1, Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH

Telephone: ( 01308 ) 897751

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PUNCKNOWLE PARISH NOTES

Lent Frugal Lunch

This will be on Wednesday 22 March in the Church Hall from 12.30pm.  Come and join us for home-made soup, bread and cheese.  The collection will be for 'Send a Cow'.  A practical project in Africa, providing training in agriculture and animal farming before giving them the animal which will help them out of poverty.

Ann Roberts

PUNCKNOWLE VILLAGE FETE - Saturday 29^th July

We are pleased to say that we have overcome the problems of preserving our traditional summer fete this year and that the fete will now go ahead as usual.  Jim and Sarah Wild have kindly agreed that the west garden of the Manor can be used.  A fete organising group has been established and held its first planning meeting on Wednesday 8^th February.

The emerging plan for this year is that the traditional fete would become an integral part of a Puncknowle summer festival weekend - with events happening both in the Manor grounds, in Church street (subject to suitable planning approvals being given) and in the grounds of the Crown public house.

Would you like to help us and be involved in making this an exhilarating weekend for our community?

Can you contribute anything towards the occasion - new ideas, produce, or a stall?  Please let us know what you think and how you could help. Contact either of the under-named. 

Tony Edwards 897435 or Liz Slater 897751

Puncknowle Art Group

Our AGM was very successful and a programme for the following year was put together. The first session was led by Sallie which was a workshop on 'continuous lines'. An interesting collection of Picasso-like pictures emerged and the whole morning was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

Dates for March: 10th - A look at work in progress and on March 24th - A talk by Ann Jones on pastel landscapes with advice on members' pastel pictures.

Christine Molony-01308 897 795

Thank You

Laura Dann would like to thank all her friends and neighbours for their help and support following her accident in Bridport.  Fortunately she is well on the way to recovery and would like to express her appreciation for the great kindness shown to her. 

LITTON CHENEY                                                       

Village Correspondent: Josie Belasco,

11 Manor Farm Close, Litton Cheney

Telephone: (01308) 482484

jo.belasco@tiscali.co.uk

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Lent Charity Lunch

Come and enjoy home made soup with bread and cheese at the Spicer's at 1 Litton Hill on Tuesday 21^st March from 12.30 p.m.    Donations in aid of 'Hope and Homes for Children' (who provide hope, homes and a future for vulnerable children worldwide).

Are you on the role?  Or should that be roll? 

Whatever your role in life you are probably entitled to be on two rolls.   Confused?   Read on.    Just about everyone is entitled to be registered on the Parliamentary Electoral Roll, which entitles you to vote at general and local elections for your MP, District and Parish Councillors.   Each year, by law, you, or the "head of your household", have to complete a declaration to confirm the details of those living in your house so that the adult members can be included on the Roll maintained by the Electoral Registration Officer at West Dorset District Council.  

No such compulsion is involved in your right to be registered on the Electoral Roll of your local church; to be registered on the St Mary's Church Electoral Roll you should be a baptised Christian, and at least 16 years old who lives in the village or regularly worships at St Mary's.  Why bother?   Because it's the only way you can have a say in the running of the Church; only those registered have a vote when it comes to electing the members of the PCC (Parochial Church Council).   It costs you nothing and puts you under no obligation.   However, if you have views on such matters as removing pews from the Church, or the choice of persons to be responsible for running it, or the future of the Church Hall, then exercise your right to vote, at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 26^th April, by ensuring your name appears on the Church Electoral Roll.  Please ask for a form (very short and simple) by contacting either of the existing churchwardens or the PCC secretary (telephone numbers 482617, 482383, 482532).  

Litton Cheney Village Textile coffee morning

Why not come and join us in the Church hall on Saturday, March 18^th? We are holding a coffee morning from 10.30am until noon so that you may come and view our, "work in progress". Maybe you will find that your house has been embroidered. There will be a sales table with gifts and goodies, also a raffle. Everyone is welcome.

Ann Miles

Litton Cheney Village/School Hall - Update

After the Open Meeting on 12 January at Thorner's School, those brave enough to volunteer to start the physical side of achieving a village/school hall have had their first meeting. The meeting was briefed by Lois Rose, Dorset Village Hall Coordinator, regarding funding, charitable trusts and the setting up of fund raising activities.

Ron Davidson was elected chairman, with David Taylor as deputy chairman, and Freddie Spicer and John Firrell agreeing to serve as treasurer and secretary respectively. Other members of the committee are Alison Johnstone, Paul Kingston and Eddy Fry.

An Open Meeting will be held in March to discuss and approve the committee's constitution and inform villagers of fund raising plans. The date of the meeting will be communicated via the parish newsletter and village notice boards. Watch this space for more news!

Thanks

Peggy Croft and her family thank all her friends in the valley for their condolences and kind wishes on the death of Geoffrey.

Anyone for Bridge?

John and Sandra Yates moved to Litton last August, and John is keen to set up a Bridge club. I had no idea how bridge is played so I asked John to just give us an overview in case there was anyone out there who might like to join, but are new to the game. John explained that it's a card game for 4 players, similar to whist.  Played by one pair (partnership) North & South against another pair East & West.   Each pair score points according to their success in winning.   Bridge Clubs normally play Duplicate Bridge or sometimes Rubber Bridge.

I would like to see a club in Litton meeting as follows:

One night per week. Beginners (classes and players) and Social.

Later perhaps depending upon demand, opening another night too.   Tea, coffee, biscuits etc.

The club would need a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and organizer.

It would be predominately a social activity for people who have never handled a deck of cards before, through to those wishing to go on to play competitive tournaments.

John used to work for a large multi-national and has some commercial/negotiating experience which he would like to put to good use in village life. He was also borough councillor and leader of the council for some years in his old patch.   If you would like to find out more about bridge or would like to put John's talents to good use contact him on (01308) 482585.

Have you a few hours to spare each day?

Are you a capable, enthusiastic person with a sense of humour?   Would you be willing to help an elderly couple with light domestic tasks and some cooking?  4-5 hours daily (not weekends).   If so, you might be just the person we are looking for!   Please contact us on 01308 482 558.

Litton Cheney Social Committee

Richard Edmunds: Friday 3^rd March 7.30pm Thorner's School, meet for the Jurassic Coast talk by Richard Edmunds which, from reports received, is not to be missed.  £1.00 entrance fee, coffee and biscuits provided.

Saturday 11^th March - meet at the Bus Shelter for a circular walk of about five miles.

                                                                 Kathy Kourik  Secretary LCSC482552 

Lithe Litton Ladies will be held every Monday this month in the village hall from 6.00 to 7.30

Producers' Market - Saturday 15 April 2006

Due to considerable demand from both customers and producers, we will now be holding our first Producers' Market of the year on Saturday 15th April at The White Horse Inn from 9.30am until 12.30pm.

More details will be forthcoming in the April edition of the BVN. It will certainly be a busy Easter weekend for The White Horse Inn, with a market on Saturday and the Annual Duck Race on Easter Sunday. Notwithstanding we hope to see you there.

The April market will be followed by markets on the third Saturday of May, June, July, August, September, October and November. Perhaps spring is on its way after all!   For more information please phone John Firrell (482313) or Wendy Taylor (482532).

LONG BREDY                                                         

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elinor Frost, Bridelands ( 482269 )

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Long Bredy Parish News March 2006

Frugal Lunch

A frugal lunch will be held at Langebride House on Thursday 9^th March at 12:30pm in aid of the Dorset Cherkassy Paediatric Link.

This liaison is between the Children's Centre in Dorchester and Cherkassy Regional Hospital in Ukraine where there is a great need for modern medical training and advice on current research around the world.  Exchange visits are taking place and key pieces of medical equipment are being provided.  A neonatal project needing about £10,000 is now being planned, so your kind help would be most gratefully received.

Please come on 9^th March at 12:30pm.

Moviola

Advance notice: a film show in the Village Hall, 25^th April.  More details next BVN.  Make a note in your diary!

Long Bredy and Litton Cheney WI

Long Bredy and Litton Cheney WI meet on 7^th March in Litton Cheney Church Hall at 7:30pm.  Paul Kingston will be showing his travel films followed by refreshments.  Sadly, this will be the final meeting of this WI after eighty-seven years: due to the low membership it is no longer viable.

LITTLEBREDY                                                                    

LITTLEBREDY NOTES

March 25^th sadly marks the end of an era in Littlebredy, when the Fry family departs from Foxholes Farm, after nearly 50 years and 2 generations of the farming family.  The late twentieth century has seen almost a full circle in the agricultural cycle, and David and Doreen, followed by Bernard and Val, with their celebrated pedigree Littlebredy Herd of Friesian cattle, have played a notable part.  Bernard and Val are making their new home on a smaller farm near Axminster, not all that far away, and we hope they take with them as many happy memories as the ones they leave behind.  We wish them both, and Sophie and Sebastian as well, all happiness and fulfilment in the future.

Annette Hallett's bowls career has continued to flourish through the winter.  Having fallen at the last fence, the Dorset, Hants and West Sussex Zone Final, with two Dorchester club mates in the Ladies Triples, she has successfully won the Zone Final as an individual in the Ladies Singles, and competes in the National Finals (the last 16 in the country) in Nottingham on the 23^rd February, and all her neighbours will be willing her on.  The very best of luck, skill and good judgment, Annette. 

Back at home, the Village Hall will be open on the first Friday evening in March, March 3^rd, from 7.30 p.m. onwards, for another of the inimitable Quiz Evenings.  There will be no "weakest link" (sadly no Millionaires either), just a good time to be had by all.  Teams of four at any level of ability are welcome, and no doubt the foreign invasion will turn out again to spur the home teams to ever-greater efforts to try to win the wretched thing for once.

Mothering Sunday (26^th March) would normally see a Communion Service in Church at 9.30 a.m., but plans are afoot (to be notified later) to make it more user-friendly for mothers and children, so that as many as possible of both will be especially welcome. 

Dorset Mobile Library Service

Spring around the corner; a time for planning those projects for the garden and house. If you want some ideas then try the library service. Books on all manner of things.   Visit your mobile library for books, tapes, videos, DVD's and stamps.

Visiting times for March.

Tuesdays 7^th and 21^st

Puncknowle Church                                            9.20 -   9.40

Puncknowle Napier Close                                  9.45 - 10.20

Swyre Manor Farm                                          10.25 - 10.40

West Bexington Telephone Box                        10.50 - 11.35

Thursdays 9th and 23^rd

Long Bredy Telephone Box                                 2.25 - 3.10

Litton Cheney Bus Shelter                                    3.20 - 4.15

Fridays 10th and 24^th

Shipton Gorge Quarry Close                                3.05 - 3.35