FROM THE CLERGY             

Happy Easter everyone, and every blessing on the feast of Jesus risen from the dead. Joy to you in celebrating the good news of our life renewed.

I know that when this is first read we will still be some time before the day itself. In fact it will even be some time before Palm Sunday with the high, tragic drama of Holy week to follow. As it will be presumptuous of me to suppose that anyone is going to bother to read this over again in order to be bidden a blessing on Easter day, I will have to content myself with being out of time and previous.

And content I am resolved to be; untroubled by the social ineptitude betrayed in being so unfashionably early for the party. And Easter is just the start. The Sunday after there will be a performance of an Easter play devised by Heather Rogers. It will be part of the evening worship at St Mary's Burton Bradstock, and in its way almost as late as this letter is early. 

But the cast and helpers are no more worried about their being stylishly on time a week after, than I am at being beforehand. None of us could care the smallest bit. The season of Easter goes right on up to Pentecost, so a week here and there is not much to go on about in any case. More than that the day of Christ risen is known by millions to last a lifetime and beyond. After all, indeed before all, always and for ever: the good news has no sell-by date, the Kingdom of God is not a schedule, Christ is not time sensitive and hope springs eternal.                                                                                                                                              Bob Thorn

Holy Baptism : 

5^th March 2006

At St Mary's Church, Litton Cheney, Oliver Jack Wallis, a strong little brother for Callum.

At St. Peter's Church, Long Bredy, Phoebe Charlotte Smith, a placid little sister for May.

Sunday, 12^th February at St Mary's, Burton Bradstock William Edward Caplen        

Saturday, 11^th March at St Mary's, Puncknowle Amos Jeavons

Funerals

On Saturday the 11^th March the ashes of Violet Mabel Gwendoline Knott Elliott were interred in the Churchyard of St Martin's, Shipton Gorge.

On Monday, the 20^th March at St Mary's, Puncknowle, the funeral was held of Arthur George Alec Eveleigh.

May they rest in peace, and rise in glory. Amen

Tiny Tots / Pram Service The next Service will be held at 11.00am on Friday  12^th May 2006. There is no service during April.

Bride Valley Family Service

The next Bride Valley Family Service (5^th Sunday) will take place on Sunday 30^th April in St Mary's Church, Puncknowle, at 11.00am.  There will be a "bring your own" picnic in the church grounds afterward.  Soft drinks will be provided

Plant Sale

A Plant Sale, bedding and perennial plants available - some unusual ones - will be held at The Red House, Middle Street, Burton Bradstock, on Friday 12^th May from 10.00am till 1.00pm. The proceeds will be split equally between the Church Mission Society with particular reference to Burton's Mission Partners, Andy & Susie Hart working in Tanzania, and the Bible Society. Here is an opportunity to replace plants which have not survived the winter. Everyone is welcome to come and clear the stock!                                                                                         Hilary Mousley

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

April 6              Bible Study       6 Baglake, Litton Cheney                     

April 13           No Meeting

April 20            No Meeting

April 27           Prayer              The Threshing Barn, Higher Kingston Russell    

Thorner's CE VA Primary School

By the time you read this we will most probably be enjoying our Easter holidays.  Last term was a short term but we certainly ended on a high note with all the children taking part in the Easter Concert, many of them playing and performing solo items for the first time.  The year 3 and 4 class took the opportunity to perform their Indian Dance for the parents. This dance was the one which the class shared with the other schools in the pyramid earlier in March at Freshwater. I was lucky enough to go along and catch Thorner's performance, the children went up to the huge stage with a little bit of trepidation.  At first they stood looking very nervous but as soon as the music started they got into the dance and gave a magnificent performance which was unique to the event, giving a very polished version.  Mrs Marshall and I were very pleased and proud of them so well done Bredy.

Alison Johnstone

Headteacher                            

Thorner's School 100 Club winners: 

March              £15      Mrs  Washbourn (Pupil's Gran)

                        £10      Mrs Kerslake

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 (we have dads and child minders so don't be shy!).  A healthy snack for the children and welcome hot drink for the adults is provided.  Further details from Sam (482315) or Debbie (898506).

The Health Visitor joins us on the first Wednesday of each month (5th April) to weigh babies or give advice.

Hope to see you there!

Burton Bradstock CE VC School

I fear that I may have sparked some confusion with my references to Broadband when I said that it was not available to us yet in the village.  Thank you to those of you who pointed out that it is indeed available and being used by a number of villagers.  Further discussions with the Local Authority have revealed that schools are being required to be part of an intranet linked to the South West Grid for Learning and therefore the 'broadband' needs to be a separate entity to existing landlines.  As one of those individuals who uses technology from a necessary rather than inclination I confess to being none the wiser as to how it all works but I am assured that we should be on line by the end of April.   

I am pleased to say that the final total from last month's sponsored bounce for the new village play equipment raised nearly £1000.  Many thanks again to everyone who organised and supported the event.

Our run in the Kenway Cup finally came to an end when we lost in the semi-final 2-1 away to Parrett & Axe School, Mosterton.  It was an exciting game to watch and could have gone either way.  Well done to Callum, Daisy, Dominic, George, James, Matt and Will.  I was very proud of you all!

The Pyramid Dance Festival proved to be a great success with a wide range of styles being displayed by the contributing schools.  A hugely enjoyable time was had by all.  Our children had the added bonus of receiving the vote for best dance - a hip hop street jazz style.  Well done to Class 3 and Miss Breach.

We are in need of a lunchtime supervisor after Easter.  This is for an hour at lunchtimes and if anyone is interested please do contact the office for further details.

Finally, events to look out for this month are the P.T.A. Duck Race on Easter Sunday 16^th April, and David Powell's book launch at the village hall on Saturday 29^th.  It promises to be a memorable evening.

Mark Stratta                                                                                                                                 

100 Club February:

£20 -    Mr & Mrs West           £10 -    B & D Small         £5 -    I. Barton

Bride Valley  Fledglings  Playgroup  News

Another new boy has joined us - Connor, from Compton Valence - welcome to Connor who is four. He is settling in very well and joining in all our activities to do with more traditional stories - Goldilocks & Three Bears, Elves and the Shoemaker, The Gingerbread Man  - to name a few. Reception children join in some activities such as today when we mixed up porridge and tasted it in different size bowls - in fact all the porridge was eaten up!

All our staff are attending a First Aid course (for children) which started in March - Sue and I to renew our certificates, Maureen and Sabrina to obtain one. This course is held at St.Andrew's Road Pre-School in Bridport so not too far to go.

Visitors in March were Dave our bread maker to show us how it is done, and Sue Brown (Hattie the Clown) who came to tell us a special story. On 27th March we should have been able to see some new lambs on a visit to Gabriel's Farm - more next time.

Nestlings sessions on Friday afternoons have continued to go well - I am told that everyone has enjoyed coming along to play, and chat!  For any information about Fledglings or Nestlings please ring  our Chair, Joy Laver on 897055 or ring me on 897771 - or on 01308 482410 at Thorner's School, where we are now based. Nestlings sessions for babies and toddlers will continue after Easter on Friday afternoons from 1.45 - 3.15pm in Fledglings Playgroup Room at Thorner's School. Do come along and see what is on offer for your child - meet other parents too.                                                                            Carol Bennett  (Playleader)

Litton Cheney Youth Club - Thank you to Litton Cheney Parish Council, Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council, Crown Father Christmas Group and Long Bredy and Litton Cheney Women's Institute who have all made donations to support the work of the 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 482384 or read the Litton Cheney notes.

Community Butterfly and Moth Festival 2006

The Dorset branch of Butterfly Conservation has set up a project to celebrate Butterflies (and Moths) in six villages in Dorset in 2006 using a generous award from the Dorset AONB Sustainable Development Fund. Litton Cheney is to be one of them,

It has been chosen partly because there are many areas around the village where we are short of records and would like to encourage people to send in their observations to help us build up better distribution maps for the county.  Of course the village also has an enthusiastic school which we hope will benefit from a field visit in June to a nearby wildlife site and a moth trapping session in the school grounds, all of which the project will provide.

The village festival will include moth trapping, an introduction to butterfly identification and recording, guided walks around the village, activities for children, and, we hope, the involvement of local groups like the Garden Society, WI, Cubs, Scouts etc. The festival will take place in the school on Saturday June 24^th. An evening meeting with a speaker and slide show will be held in the school on Friday April 21^st (7.30pm) as an appetiser. Everyone is welcome! By late April, the weather should have warmed up and we should be able to well and truly celebrate these beautiful insects.

Further information can be obtained from:-

Nigel Spring  tel: 07981776767

Email: nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk .Or visit www.dorsetbutterflies.com .

Producers' Market - Saturday 15 April - The White Horse Inn

The market is back and raring to go! On Saturday 15 April (Easter Saturday) the first Producers' Market of the year gets underway at The White Horse Inn, Litton Cheney.

There will now be a Producers' Market, 9.30am until 12.30pm, on every third Saturday of the month until our last market in 2006 in November.

We look forward very much to welcoming you back, and with John and Cassie now firmly settled in at The White Horse everything is primed for, hopefully, another successful season of markets.

If you would like to know more about the markets either as a customer or producer please call John Firrell on 482313 or Wendy Taylor 482532.

Happy Days are here again!

Burton Bradstock Players

A word of thanks from the Players' Committee to all our kind and faithful helpers and supporters.   We are very aware that without all of you the show would not go on, whether you are parents bringing children to and from rehearsals, front of house helpers, DIY-ers or simply putting up posters for us - we are extremely grateful to each and every one of you.   All the players are needed in a team otherwise the game is lost!   Thank you all very much for your continuing support.

We were delighted to have almost full houses all week for "Wizard" recently, and hope you will support our play on 8^th, 9^th and 10^th June.   Box Office opens at the Post Office on 9^th May.

                                                                Daphne Ekins (Hon. Sec.)

                                                                on behalf of Burton Bradstock Players Committee

Royal British Legion

The Social Evening this month will be held at The Three Horseshoes Burton Bradstock on Monday 24^th April at 7.30pm.

J. Reeves ( Hon. Sec.)

Dorset Police Community Contact Unit

The monthly rota for the above van can be found on:-                      

http://www.dorsetpolice.org/yourarea/western/communityvan.shtml

Fiona Rose  (Community Intelligence Disseminator)

Thurs 6 April Langebride House, Long Bredy (2-4pm)

Sun 16 April (Easter Day) The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney, (2-5.30pm)

Thurs 20 April Langebride House

Sun 21 May The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney, (2-5.30pm)

Tuesdays in June and July The Scented Garden, Littlebredy (2.30-8pm)

Tues 13 June The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney, (2-5.30pm)

Sun 18 June Tithe Barn House, Litton Cheney (2-6pm)

Bride Valley Gardening Club

We have now finished our indoor meetings with Speakers/ Slides etc. for the year, apart from our AGM  which for various reasons this year is to be held on May 8th rather than the end of April.    This will be as  usual at Thorner's School   Litton Cheney    - so come along and volunteer to help in some way.  We have an urgent vacancy for Programme Secretary. Ann Miles who has done this for 5 years is retiring from this role and we do need someone to step into her shoes and find us interesting speakers.

The Plant Sale will be held in early May, so please get those seeds sown and plants divided ready to bring along.  More about this in the Newsletter and of our outing in June and of the Mini Show in July.

 Norma Millard  Club Secretary  897774.

A note from the Chair

I would like to thank all members for all their continued support and help, whatever their job or role may be.              

Is there anyone in the valley with a garden related skill who would like to do a talk for the club in the future?

Jobs to be done:   Prune roses

                             Plant late flowering herbs & plants

                             Control weeds

                               Sow hardy annuals.                            Dianne ffoulkes

Dorset Mobile Library Service

With those holiday plans in mind perhaps you would like some information on the places you plan to visit. Why not order from the library's extensive range of travel publications. Visit your mobile library for more information.

Don't forget you can hire a video, DVD or audio tape from the mobile. We even sell stamps!

Please note that with the introduction of a new timetable in April there are some slight changes to the times at some stops.

Visiting times for April:-

Tuesdays 4th and 18th

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 - 11.25

Thursdays 6th and 20th

Long Bredy Telephone Box                              2.25 - 3.10

Litton Cheney Bus Shelter                                 3.20 - 4.15

Fridays 7th and 21st

Shipton Gorge Quarry Close                             3.20 - 3.50

Unusual Bargain!

A second home owner who is leaving the Bride Valley for family reasons, would like to give away a double bed. It is in excellent condition , having been bought for a guest room and used only six times in two years.  Please contact Gillian Maxfield on 897 346

BVN March Edition

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ken Pett for very kindly undertaking the editorship of the March edition for me during my absence abroad.                                                                                   S.P. 

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.

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Bell Ringing Practices Thursdays at 7.00pm

Gift Sunday                   16^th April   Church Mission Society

The next Service of Prayer for Healing at St Mary's will be held on Monday May 8th at 7.00pm. There is no Service in April.

Tiny Tots / Pram Service The next Service will be held at 11.00am on Friday  12^th May 2006. There is no service during April.

The AGM of the Burton Bradstock PCC will take place on Monday April 24th at 7.00 p.m. in St. Mary's church. Elections will be held for the appointment of two Church Wardens, nine members of the PCC and one representative on the Deanery Synod. All church members on the Electoral Roll are eligible to vote. Nomination forms will be available in St Mary's from Sunday 16th. April. Completed nomination forms for the Church Warden appointments need to be sent to the Secretary of the PCC (Bob Hynds, Summer Hill, Shipton Lane) before the meeting. Nominations for the PCC and Deanery Synod can be sent to
the Secretary before the meeting or handed to him at the start of the
meeting.                                                                                       R.J. Hynds

Charity Lunch - Thank you

Many thanks to all who supported this lunch on 11^th March - to all those who contributed items of food, to those who helped in any way on the actual day itself (Steve Dove, Geoff and Sheila Spencer-Smith, Betty Champkins, Anne Rees, Gill Redford, Mary Bailey, Heather Rogers, Hilary Mousley, Ann and Mike Read, Rachel, Lucy and Jess Haley) and especially to those who attended the lunch and gave donations for St Mary's Medi-link Project, the total of which amounted to £320.                                                                                                  St Mary's PCC

EASTER SPECIAL

Remember the Christmas Dramatic Evensong?

There will be a special Easter Evensong on April 23^rd at St Mary's Burton Bradstock starting at 6.00pm when we will be presenting Luke's Story part 2.

Please put a note in your diary to come and bring a friend.

News of our Mission Partners, Andy & Susie Hart

The Hart family fly back to England this month in order that their younger child, Rosie aged 1½, has medical attention (she has Down's Syndrome). As the family's return is specifically for this reason, it is imagined that the visit will be short and it is not expected that we shall see them here.

We continue to pray for Andy, Susie, Grace (about two years older than Rosie) and particularly for little Rosie at this time. We know through the media how parts of Africa are suffering so grievously from drought, very many people starving, and we continue to pray that the rainy season is good in Tanzania.

Burton Bradstock PTA Present:
The Great Duck Race
on Easter Sunday, April 16th.
Ducks off at 2.00 pm

Join us on the recreation field for the race, Easter food and stalls 
from 1.30 pm.
Buy your ducks in advance from the school office, Post Office, Shop 
and Pubs. For details contact the school 897369

My name is David Powell and for twelve wonderful years I was the headmistress of the small but vibrant village school that nurtures the young people of Burton Bradstock and surrounding hamlets and villages.

Hang on a minute, I hear you say.headmistress?? Some mistake surely. Well, possibly, but let me explain.

More will be revealed in the book of my BVN articles that went to print this month. I am very grateful to advertisers for covering much of the cost of production. All profits from the sale will be split between the Burton Bradstock Playground Appeal and, in memory of Burton mum Jane Wyatt, Joseph Weld Hospice.

A reminder that I shall be launching the book on the evening of Saturday 29^th April in the Village Hall. I will be reading extracts from the book and sharing a few anecdotes and insights on the wonderful world of education! I am delighted that I shall be joined by Mark Stratta and children from the school who will be singing songs that were written by Burton children in my time at the school, including some from 'This Gentle Place', Douglas Northover's book of Bride Valley poems.

The book will be on sale at £5 a copy on this evening and from various village locations to be announced. Tickets for the evening will be available from early April from the school or by calling me on 01308 897389 and will cost £3.00 to include a glass of wine & nibbles, again with all profits going to the two named charities.

I look forward to seeing you there.   

Best wishes  

David Powell

Burton Bradstock Village Society

We were all honoured and delighted to listen to a talk given by Paul Atterbury of Antiques Roadshow fame when he gave us a presentation on Victorian China and Porcelain, on 10th Feb.

Basically, pottery became popular because we all had to have something to eat and drink from- everyone needed a plate and a cup and saucer. We were guided through the great era of the 19th century British Ceramics Industry and the changing technology of the Victorian times. We were taken through the invention of bone china and porcelain, early printing techniques using copper plates, the introduction of Lustre and so on. It was important in those times that the correct tableware was used for each food type.

We were all amazed at Mr. Atterbury's huge depth of knowledge of the subject but the most poignant aspect came at the end when he explained that on the Antiques Roadshow, it wasn't so much the value of a particular piece but the often very moving and historical stories linked to the item.                                                                                Peter Dutton

Additional Talk for Village Society members:

We are delighted to say that Nancy Bushell's daughter and husband will give a fully illustrated talk on their work in Thailand, with great pictures of trekking and outdoor life. Their description is:

A change of life -"'Thai Style" - 7.30pm Fri 5th May

Having lived and taught in Hong Kong for 20 years, Bryan and Rosie Massingham moved to the far north of Thailand in 2002. Here they took over the running of a small resort and established South East Asia's first proper outdoor education centre - focusing on physical challenges, academic field studies and community projects. They will talk about how this 'change of life' came about; a little on the geography, culture and history of Northern Thailand; how their new venture has developed; and the challenges (and fun) of 'starting over' at the ages of ??????? (the e-mail stopped at "of"!)

Burton Bradstock Annual Parish Meeting

Village Hall   8.00pm Tuesday 25^th April

In addition to a speaker (yet to be arranged) there will be a review of current and future projects and a presentation of last year's accounts. All parishioners are most welcome to attend to discuss issues of local importance.

Burton Bradstock Home Watch - Coordinators' Meeting

Further to the entry on page 17 of March Bride Valley News, the date for the meeting of coordinators is Wednesday, 12^th  April at 7.30 p.m. at 16 Hive Close. It would be of great help if those who are unable to attend would advise me.

During February 2006 the following incidents were recorded by Dorset Police for Burton Bradstock:

• Break in to a barn at Bredy Farm, used as an engineering workshop. Industrial vacuum cleaner missing, assumed stolen.
• Hive Beach Cafe - chain securing outside fridge at rear of building cut.
• Lower Townsend - rear nearside door of blue car scratched.

Freddy Tame 897957

National Childrens' Home Collection

Once again, I would like to thank the residents of Grove Orchard and Grove Road, on behalf of all the children they help. The collection raised £45.50. Many thanks to all.                  Joyce Roberts  3 Grove Orchard

Burton Bradstock Bridge Group

Tuesdays at 2.00pm in the Village Hall. Every Tuesday 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th April. Everyone welcome but a little experience necessary. For further information telephone Chris Clarke 898117

Bridge with tea on 7th March - a fund raising event in aid of Playground Appeal.

It was a successful afternoon when we raised £336 for the Appeal. Thank you to all who supported us - donations, raffle prizes, Bridge prizes, cakes etc. Without these gifts the amount raised would have been considerably lower - and of course thank you to all who came on the afternoon and hope you enjoyed the Bridge and tea.       Chris Clarke

National Trust Volunteers

The National Trust asks for volunteers to help with various tasks in Burton Bradstock.

The initial task is to take part in the Dorset Beach Clean on Sunday 9th April 2006. Participants should meet at 10.00am in the Hive Beach Car Park with Robert Rhodes, Head Warden who will be co-ordinating this event.

Thereafter volunteers will meet once a month on the first Tuesday of the month, e.g. 2nd May, 6th June and so on, at 10.00am in the Hive Beach Car Park with Michael Clarke, the local National Trust Warden. The tasks to include beach cleaning, dry stone walling, path maintenance, scrub clearance, hedgerow restoration, ragwort clearance and other maintenance and conservation tasks when required. You only need bring your gardening gloves.

It is not necessary to be a member of the National Trust to take part. This is a chance for everyone to help with the maintenance of the local environment and to learn new country skills.

Would as many volunteers as possible please contact Richard Overend on 01308 897350.

Burton Bradstock Village Hall

200 Club - Congratulations to:

1st Prize:          No.   73           Mrs Marilyn Wicks                   £35.20

2nd Prize:         No. 176           Mrs Pam Record                      £17.60

3rd Prize:          No.   91           Mr Tom James             £  8.80

Anyone wanting to become a member in time for the April-December draws should telephone Alan Clarke on 01308 897051 and let him have £9 - one pound for each of the remaining 9 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.

Artsreach

"KORKORO" Saturday 1^st July

In last month's Bride Valley News it was announced that the quartet from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) would be performing on Saturday 22^nd April. This has had to be postponed, so please erase this date from your diaries and insert a new date, which will be SATURDAY 1^st JULY. Many apologies. 

The name of the group from the BSO is KORKORO which comes from a Japanese word meaning 'heart'. "The philosophy behind the ensemble is to take contemporary music to audiences across the South and Southwest ..." The music, while contemporary is accessible and highly recommended.

I was unable to book an event in the space vacated by The Rejects Revenge Theatre Company on the 1^st April who found our Hall too small for their show "The Steppe Brothers", but you can catch up with them at Sturminster Newton School on 30^th March or at Thornford on the 1^st April.

More news later for events in the Autumn.  Many thanks to all of you for supporting Artsreach events and to all the volunteers who help to make them such a success.

Norman Saunders-White - Promoter for Artsreach - 01308 897214

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^th 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 from Monday 3^rd April at 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^th 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.

There will be many stalls and games with plenty for children to do; they can enter for supervised races, take part in a Fancy Dress Competition and be entertained by Mr Custard.

In order to make this event a success we need volunteers to help with the stalls and games and we need donations for the stalls, the General Raffle and Bottle Tombola.   If you can help in any way the people to contact are:

Fancy Goods - Joan Gillett - Tel: 897656               

Joan would be grateful for any pieces of material, soaps, small pieces of china, costume jewellery etc.

Scarves and Soft Toys - Mary Bailey - Tel: 897288

Mary will be grateful for any donations.  The soft toys must be clean, in good condition and safe for young children.

Books - Celia Cummins - Tel: 898196

Celia will be coordinating this stall which needs books, CDs, DVDs and Videos.  There will be a box in the Library in the week before the Fayre where you may leave any of the above items.

Bottle Tombola - Rosemary Daniels - Tel: 898049

Rosemary would like donations of any bottles or cans of alcoholic or soft drinks.  She is willing to collect.

White Elephant - Pauline Woodford - Tel: 898327

People willing to offer any items for the White Elephant Stall should contact Pauline who will let them know time and place for delivery.

Plants and Produce - Pat Broomhead - Tel: 897408

Pat will be pleased to receive any plants or produce in the Rectory Gardens on the morning of the Fayre between 10.00am and midday.

Filled Jars - Joan Allan - Tel 897511 or Joyce Tillman - Tel 897040

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. 

Cake and Preserves - Maureen Miller

Maureen is organising this stall on behalf of the WI and she would be grateful for any donations and these can be brought to the Village Hall on the morning of the Fayre.

General Raffle - Susan Moores - Tel: 897673

Susan is organising the General Raffle and, along with needing stand alone items, it is hoped to put together hampers of food and fruit so even tins of food, packets of tea, coffee etc; will be much appreciated. 

A lot of help will be needed on the day and if you wish to volunteer please contact Susan Moores - Tel: 897673.

Note: The Village Hall will be open from 4.00 to 6.00pm on Friday 26^th May and 10.00am to midday on Saturday 27^th May to receive items for any of the stalls.

Susan Moores - Secretary, Burton Bradstock Village Hall Committee.

1^St Bride Valley Scout Group will be holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday 1^st April 2006, 10am - 12.00 noon at the Village Hall, Burton Bradstock. 

All proceeds to the Burton Bradstock Playground Appeal

Please keep these dates free...

A spectacular "Burton Bradstock Music and Art Festival" will take place this year as follows:

Music Wed 16th Aug to Sat 19th Aug, and Art from Thurs 17th to Sun 20th. The event breaks new ground this year - read about it in the May issue of BVN.............

SHIPTON GORGE                                                          

Village Correspondent: Mrs. Joy White

Eastcote  3 Gullivers Orchard  Shipton Gorge

Tel: ( 01308 )897974

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Holy Week Services

Evening Prayer will be said daily in St. Martin's church at 6.30pm, with readings from St. John's gospel, and on Good Friday there will be prayers of the Litany at 10.00am.

Shipton Gorge Ramblers

This month we shall be meeting on Friday 21st - the walk will start in Brook street by the telephone kiosk at 10.30am, and we will be hoping for some good rambling weather this time,so do come and join our friendly group for a leisurely exploration of  our local footpaths - it's one of the nicest ways to keep fit!

New Inn Support Group - Update March 2006

We are now able to announce that final negotiations are taking place and are happy to report that a final offer has been received from Palmers. This offer positively addresses our previous concerns regarding the lease. Our solicitors are now agreeing the details of the lease with Palmers' legal people.

The company New Inn Support Limited has been formed. The four directors are David Smith, Eddy Buck, Sally Parker and Ann Hunt. The company secretary is Nichola Ross Martin.

We have selected licensees to take over the running of the New Inn, Gary and Sandra, who we are confident will meet with your approval. They are determined to make the pub work for the village and will be living on the premises. Between them they have over 25 years experience in the licensing trade in Dorset and are very keen to hear of any ideas for incorporating into the running of the pub. Suggestions to date are quiz nights, cribbage evenings, theme nights, barbecues, coffee mornings, take-aways upon request, internet cafe, sale of basic food items, repeat prescription service, newspaper sales and re-introduction of the fortnightly lunches for pensioners.

We have raised over £11,000 towards the refurbishment of the pub and are continuing our fund-raising efforts until the New Inn re-opens which we anticipate should be around end June 2006. We are, however, seeking extra funding and details of this hopefully will be revealed imminently.

Building work and necessary alterations to the New Inn are about to commence and we shall be contacting all those of you who offered their services with regard to decorating etc. We have not forgotten you!

New Inn Support Limited

Welcome to Hazel & Dennis Stanton who have moved into No.6 Rockway, we hope they will be happy here. Now, better late than never - welcome also to Jean & Fred Filby at No. 14 and also to Mrs. Joan Pettit at No. 15 who are now well established.

A warm welcome to Sandra and Andrew Warnes who have recently moved into No 2 Rosamond Avenue.

Pete and Sue Bowditch of "Peashill" have great pleasure in announcing the safe arrival of their granddaughter, Caitlin Ann Coombs to Mike and Emma. Caitlin was born on 13th February at Andover War Memorial Hospital. Congratulations from all the family and friends.

We would like to take this opportunity to say 'Goodbye' to everyone as we leave Shipton Gorge to move into Bridport. Thank you for everything, especially after the fire - 3 years ago now! We will miss you all. Finally, we wish Pam every happiness in Rose Cottage.                                                                                               The Cobb Family (1999-2006)

Shipton Gorge Village Hall 100 Club

March Draw Winners

SWYRE                                                                                   

Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall

3 Green Barton, Swyre Tel: 897318

s.marshall@which.net

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Holy Trinity Church, Swyre

Proposed changes to the interior of the church.

Following the village consultation on 5th March we are consulting with the Archdeacon's office and other relevant bodies regarding the suggested improvements. These include the removal of old pews from the "Tower Room", to be replaced by storage cupboards with a work surface over. Also removal of 8 pews (4 each side) at the back of the church, 2 of which could be replaced against the side walls; levelling of the floor at the back of the church; and provision of approx. 20 suitable chairs. These changes would provide a more flexible space with provision for disabled access and space for wheelchairs; seating for services with high attendance; ability to face font for Baptisms; social activities; fundraising events; meetings; groups and children's activities. Further details may be obtained from the churchwardens. This space would be available for use by Swyre Church, The Bride Valley Team of Churches and Swyre Community. In order to achieve these improvements the support of the community will be needed by way of finance and support at fundraising events; expertise in planning, building and DIY; and practical help with all of the above. We hope that your Parish Church means enough to you that you will support this venture in any way you can. We look forward to hearing from you.

Services for April.

Sunday   2nd, 6.30pm Evening Prayer followed by AGM

Sunday   9th, 11am     Morning Prayer

Sunday 16th, 11am     Easter Day Holy Communion

Sunday 23rd, 11am     Holy Communion

 ( Sunday 30th 11am United Valley Service at Puncknowle)

Saturday 8th April, 10am - 12 noon, Churchyard Working Party.

There is much to be done again this year, so please give what time you can to help.                             Churchwardens, Yvonne Buckland and Vera Hirst.

PUNCKNOWLE      SWYRE      WEST BEXINGTON

Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council

Parish Council Meeting

The next meeting will be held in Puncknowle Church Hall on the 4^th April 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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Church Decorating for Easter

This will take place on Saturday 15 April from 10.30 am onwards.  As much help as possible would be greatly appreciated as would any flowers and greenery and small tied bunches of primroses for the chancel arch.

April 30 United Family Service 11.00am

Please bring a packed lunch.  Soft drinks will be provided.    Ann Roberts

PUNCKNOWLE FESTIVAL WEEKEND

VILLAGE FETE  

Saturday 29^th July

Contact any of  those named below if you would you like to help us and be involved in making this an exhilarating weekend.

Can you contribute anything towards the occasion - new ideas, produce, or a stall?  Ann Roberts and Chris Gregory would particularly like to hear from you if you wish to run a stall.

David Buckland     Malcolm Bush             Christine Gregory                   J ohn Holker

898492                    897959                                                898596                                  898261

Mick Lawless       Barry & Val Pye                 Ann Roberts                  Elizabeth Slater

897711                  897426                               897716                               897751

Proceeds from the fete go to support the village churches, the village hall, and the charitable works of the Crown Puncknowle Fundraisers.

The Playing Field

The Parish Council is very sorry that the skateboard area has had to be put 'out of bounds'.  This is because at the annual inspection ROSPA deemed the area to be unsafe. The Parish Council is reluctant to demolish the area as has been suggested after all the hard work and effort that went into creating it and is pursuing a new way forward to resolve it - hopefully in the very near future.  If anyone has any ideas regarding the skateboarding area in particular we would be grateful if they would contact us, as your support would be most welcome.

On Saturday 22nd April there will be a working party in the field for the general maintenance and refurbishment of the whole area.  Do please come along and help to make this a safe and attractive area for all our local children.

No Dogs Allowed

It has been noticed that some people are walking their dogs on the Playing Field and allowing them to mess.  This is unacceptable and we would ask them not to do so in the future.

Liz Slater 01408 897751

LITTON CHENEY                                                      

Village Correspondent:Josie Belasco,

11 Manor Farm Close, Litton Cheney

Telephone: (01308) 482484

jo.belasco@tiscali.co.uk

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Annual Parochial Church Meeting

This will be held on Wednesday 26^th April at 7.30 p.m. in St Mary's Church.  It is the most important meeting of the year in the life of the Church and all those on the Church Electoral Roll should do their very best to attend.  If you are not yet on the Church Roll, application forms are available from the PCC Secretary (482532)

Litton and Thorner's Community Hall (LATCH) - Update

By the time you read this we will have held an Open Meeting on Thursday 23rd March to adopt the constitution that is an essential requirement for setting up an organisation able to seek funds, raise funds, build and manage our new community hall in Litton Cheney.

Once a constitution has been adopted, LATCH can seek registration as a charity and once registered will be able to seek and raise funds. Because registration can take up to two months you will understand we wish to get things underway as soon as possible.

To this end we have set up a date of Thursday 4th May, 7.30pm at Thorner's School for a further meeting to present and discuss ways of funding this major project. If you like, this is the fun side of things and a time when anyone who has the slightest interest in seeing a community hall rise up alongside the school in the near future can come along, contribute to the meeting, put forward fund raising ideas and get involved. In fact if you don't there may not be a community hall to get excited about in years to come.

We hope to see you there, and if you wish to see a copy of the constitution, it can be found on the Litton website or one of the LATC committee members, Ron Davidson, David Taylor, Freddie Spicer, John Firrell, Alison Johnstone, Paul Kingston and Eddy Fry can provide you with a copy.                                       John Firrell - Secretary (LATCH) 482313.

Litton Cheney Social Committee

Hopefully by the time you read this you will have noticed the newly planted snowdrops around the village, in future years they will provide an attractive display to welcome in spring.  Thank you to Hugh and Carol Lindsay who gave them to the village and to everyone who helped with the planting.

Richard Edmunds gave a really interesting and extremely well presented talk on the Jurassic Coast last month, which was attended by about 50 people. We all learnt a great deal about this wonderful attraction on our doorstep and could have stayed for hours longer listening to the fascinating facts about the area.

Saturday 8^th April 10.00am - meet at the Bus Shelter for the litter pick, weather permitting.  Please bring gloves.

Sunday 16^th April - meet in Main Street near Fry's yard for the Duck Race.  We will be selling tickets at £1 per duck from noon onwards, hopefully for a 12.30 start.  Cash prizes for the first three home and the last one.  There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt for the Children.

Why not stay for lunch at the White Horse afterwards.

                                                                 Kathy Kourik Secretary LCSC 482552

Litton Cheney Youth Club

If you would like to go canoeing on Sunday 9^th April please contact the Youth Club leader Paul Kingston 482384.  The Youth Club is open to everyone between the ages of 8 and 17 years who lives in Litton Cheney and the surrounding area.  Youth Club sessions will resume after the Easter school holidays on Tuesday 25^th April.  The session will be at the Church Hall in Litton Cheney.  The junior session for those aged 8 - 12 years is from 6.30 pm to 8.00pm, with the senior session 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm.  The Youth Club is very grateful to the support it receives from the local community please read the Thank You in the Valley Notes.

Litton Cheney Fete:   Monday 29^th May at Court House

There will be a planning meeting for this year's Fete on Tuesday 4^th April at 7.30 p.m. in the Church Hall.  If you would like to help in any way with the organisation of the Fete, running a stall, helping with games etc. or have some brilliant new ideas, please do come along!

Litton's Lithe Ladies  - diary dates for April 2006.   
Mondays 3rd, 10^th, and 24th, (but not the 17th which is Easter
Monday). Church Hall at 6.00pm.

LONG BREDY                                                         

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elinor Frost, Bridelands  ( 482269 )

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Easter Sunday 16^th April

Our service will be an all-age Family Service at 11:00am.  This will be followed by refreshments, and I expect some little Easter Eggs hidden here and there for the children!

Everyone is welcome to help with the decorating on Saturday 15^th.  Lots of primroses, daffodils, etc. help to make our church such a beautiful sight each Easter.

A date for your Diary

The Village Fete will be on Sunday 9^th July: a change of day.  We hope it will not clash with other events and will bring more people to the lovely grounds of Kingston Russell House.  Thank you to Mr & Mrs Carter.

The fete-planning meeting will be in May.

Frugal Lunch

The frugal lunch was held at Langebride House on 9^th March in aid of the Dorset Cherkassy Paediatric Link.  Over £200 was raised and so a great big thank you is due to everyone who helped in this event to raise this sum.

 Moviola

There will be a showing of the film "Mrs Henderson" on Tuesday 25^th April in the village hall.  It stars Judi Dench in the title role and is the story of the 'theatre that never closed': the Windmill.  There will also be a supporting film plus refreshments. Tickets £4.00 in advance, £5.00 at the door.  These are available from: Mike & Valerie Shepherd 482250; Sara Winter 482637; Elinor Frost 482269; Alan Kinghorn 482270; Robert Maltby 482325 and Giles Maltby 482741.

If this venture is well supported it will be repeated in the future.

Long Bredy Village Hall

An Inaugural Film Show

Tuesday April 25^th 2006 8:00 pm

                                   "Mrs Henderson"

Starring: Judi Dench

Advance tickets £4.00

At door £5.00

Tickets available from:

Mike & Valerie Shepherd 482250, Sara Winter 482637

Elinor Frost 482269, Alan Kinghorn 482270

Robert Maltby 482325, Giles Maltby 482741

This is a trial showing of films and depending upon

sufficient  interest they will continue in the future.

LITTLEBREDY                                                                    

Before the previous edition even appeared, some may already have heard that Annette Hallett's foray into the National Ladies Singles Bowls Final sadly lasted no more than her first match, when she narrowly lost to the reigning National Champion of the past two years.  However, Annette provided that lady with her closest match until the Final, when another competitor denied her a hat-trick of Championships.  Hard luck with the draw, Annette, but well done, as ever.

Easter - like the snowdrops and the daffodils - is late this spring.  The Church marks the Festival with the traditional short said Litany Service at 10.00 a.m. on Good Friday (April 14^th) and then the Easter Communion Service will be at 11.00 on Easter Sunday, 16^th April, when the Rev. Derek Jackson, who made such an impression at Christmas, will again be leading the service and preaching.  Between the two services, the Church will be decorated by a team co-ordinated by Judy Yates, who will always be glad to hear of volunteers on 482307.  The unique Littlebredy feature of the writing in flowers on the windowsills needs about 200 bunches of primroses with about 20 heads in each, and as many youngsters who can help to pick these and gather them into bunches on Good Friday or Saturday morning will be much appreciated.

Following the success of last year's venture, instead of a Lent Frugal Lunch in Littlebredy this year, there will again be a Village Ploughman's-type Supper, in the Village Hall at 7.00 p.m. on Thursday 6^th April.  The cost will be £3.50 for adults and £1.00 for children, with all proceeds (raffle included) going to famine relief.  Anyone kind enough to volunteer some food, assistance or a raffle prize should please contact Patricia Barker in advance on 482371.

The Social Club will also open the Hall twice during the month.  The Club's A.G.M. will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Monday 3^rd April, when the Committee hopes for a good turnout for maximum participation.  Later, on Maundy Thursday, 13^th April, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt in the Bridehead Grounds.  Hunters and adult assistants please meet at the Hall ready to leave in a group at 7.00 p.m.  There will be the usual Social for Club Members after both these events.

"There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot, from that situation, create something that is surprisingly good. He did it at the Creation. He did it at the Cross. He is doing it to-day."                                             Handley C G Moule

Easter Day

We are solitary amblers along our cliffs,

The sun consoling and restoring our winter aching bodies.

We feel at one with the day,

With violets and primroses starring the mossed turf.

We breathe air, heavy with the musk scent of gorse.

We watch a little Resurrection as tired rusting buds give gentle birth

To Spring's new green, and life unfolds

To prick the soft air.

This ending sleep of winter

This silent stirring in the stillness

Promises a juice and a joy to the dry and barren dust of earth.

The scudding clouds laugh and enjoy their view of our fresh world.

The gulls soar heavenwards

Through transparent blue.

And Heavenly Father, our hearts are caught in the same ecstasy.

 H. Barclay ( Polruan, Cornwall: Easter 1976)