Bride Valley News August 2000

I am writing this article in early July sitting in a holiday cottage overlooking farmland not far from Caen in Normandy. My father, brother, wife and I all thought a short foreign break necessary after my daughter's wedding, and never really considered looking in Britain. We ferried over to Cherbourg from Poole on a Sunday afternoon with our car's fuel tank less than a quarter full, to take advantage of cheaper French prices. We went for 50 miles before we came across a roadside garage, and really thought we were going to run out. Next we got badly delayed in a traffic jam at Bayeux, and finally on that Sunday could not find anywhere to eat out because it was too late, and everybody was watching France v Italy (fortunately France won).

The next day we went off exploring, contracted a puncture and ended up replacing both our front tyres. Attempting to do a bit of financial administration, we found that lundi en France is a bad day for business. And today (Tuesday) we have been woken by thunder, the clouds are low and heavy, it is raining steadily and the milk's gone off. Back in Litton Cheney the view would be better, fresh milk a minute away, no doubt it would be sunny, and we could understand the radio. How ironic that in England we thought we would prefer the other side of the Channel, and now vice versa.

A few weeks ago I was privileged to take the funeral of Burton Bradstock farmer, Dennis Hawkins. He had only been to London once, and considered Dorchester almost out of range. He felt no need to look over the fence, and was a contented man. Quite simply he was happy with what he had, whereas we are constantly being exhorted not to be happy with what we have, but always to be replacing, collecting, travelling further, never to be satisfied.

27 Monica, Mother of Augustine of Hippo, 387. 28 Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Teacher, 430.

I've almost missed the deadline for handing in copy to the B.V.N. It's the Thursday of Millennium Week and my feet haven't touched the ground, so apologies, dear reader, if this article appears a little hasty.

You will be reading this in August, in holiday mode hopefully, so a holiday anecdote that I cleverly weave into a current educational story sounds like it may be on the menu.

Hmmm.... Oh yes! A few years ago Barbara and I took the girls to the Dordogne for a holiday. Those of you lucky enough to have visited this lovely area will know that a highlight is to hire a canoe at one town and drift gently downstream, passing limestone grottoes and striking castles as you let your hand trail soothingly in the cool river water blah...blah...

Arriving at Beynac we saw such a base and resolved to let the girls enjoy this idyllic journey. My eye was, however, caught by a sign that proclaimed that you could hire the canoes for half price providing you returned them to Beynac. Never one to look a bargain in the bouche I persuaded my increasingly sceptical family to go for it, using the time-honoured technique of bribery with ice creams.

As the owner pushed us off from the little jetty on the riverbank I waved back at him. He smiled back, sadly I thought, as he stuffed the wad of francs in his pocket and wished us 'Bon Voyage'. We were in two canoes and Barbara and I put our heads down and leant into the paddles as we headed upstream. We resolved to paddle upstream for half an hour then let the current waft us back to Beynac.

Twenty minutes later, my arms bulging with effort and sweat dripping off my nose, I called across to Barbara offering words of encouragement. She had turned a strange shade of red and seemed to look straight through me. Uh oh, I thought, I hope the journey back to Beynac makes it all worth while. I then realised that it wasn't me she was looking at. Swivelling my head around to follow her slightly manic gaze I found myself looking unbelievably at the owner standing on the jetty, still smiling sadly. He shrugged his shoulders and I'm sure I caught the strains of 'The Marseillaise' being whistled softly as he strolled casually away.

A quick tie in with education. Easy! I sit here surrounded by mountains of bureaucratic bumf, paddling against the current of Government initiatives and yet I am being driven forward by the ice cream of challenged and happy children and enormous wages. Do I progress up the river of life? I do believe so or I wouldn't do the job that I do. would I.

Having survived the end of term and all the traditions at Thorner's we can all enjoy the summer break. We have said a very sad farewell to our year 6 pupils, Anna, Becky, Flo, Kayleigh, Laura, Mareisha, Jamie, Joe, John, Tom C, Tom D, Tom P. (Next year I shall only have one Tom to talk to thank goodness! Why did everyone name their boys TOM that year?) I have only known them a year but what an impression they have made..I will not forget them that easily. I would like to thank them for being so helpful and considerate when I first started at Thorner's. We would like to congratulate them all for surviving their SATS, obtaining the levels they did and preparing such an unforgettable leavers' service on the last day of term. Take care, work hard in Sir John Colfox, make the most of your opportunities and may God bless you and keep you safe throughout the future years.

During our last half-term class 4 visited Leeson House, yet another adventure for me. What a beautiful spot it is situated in, the weather was kind, activities varied and the staff so welcoming. The whole of the class enjoyed the trip. I have included some thoughts from the pupils.

'..We had room inspections and there were points out of ten. The wake up bell was at 7.30am and room inspections at 8.00am, so there was only half an hour to get ready. Sam (one of the staff), examined our room and checked for every detail. Sam said he hasn't yet given 10 out of 10... and he didn't!' wrote Flo and Kayleigh.

'On the second day we had to find out where we were on our walk to Langton Matravers. We had to keep our map the right way up by using a compass. We took a long walk back via The Priests Way.' reported Oliver and Robert.

Mariesha and Rebecca enjoyed the Fossils of the Future activity '..We looked at fossils, one fossil in particular was a fish. There were different types of fossils, dinosaur footprints, fossilized wood and an ammonite. We had to think of five things that would not rot and could become a fossil in the future..' I wonder what you would have chosen?

Fundraising continues towards our new premises, with over £180 raised in Bucky Doo Square in June. We have received a pledge of financial help from The Brit Valley Rotary Club, with the money to be passed over as soon as building work commences. Our thanks to all the members. We were also fortunate to be given an anonymous donation of £100 recently.

The latest initiative in our fundraising campaign is a sponsored walk by the Venn family (Dave, Karen, Paul and Rebecca), who plan to walk up to 163 miles of the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Padstow. We wish them lots of luck and no blisters! If you would like to sponsor them, please sign one of the forms, which are available in the Anchor Pub or the Post Office. Details of the walk are also on the village website.

At the time of writing this, our week of Millennium celebrations and events is just beginning here in Burton Bradstock, and we are very grateful to have been promised financial support from several groups and individuals taking part, details to follow next month.

Don't forget to come along to the 'Garden Party' at John and Veda Bull's home in Grove Road, Burton Bradstock at 2pm on Sunday 20th August, details below.

Finally, you will be pleased to know that most of the items given for our various bric-a-brac stalls have now been sold, so please call 897695 if you have any unwanted items you could give to us and arrangements will be made to collect them, thank you.

Thank you to everyone in the Bride Valley for your continuing support, to date you have helped our group to raise nearly £10,000 towards our new premises, which is wonderful!

John and Veda Bull are holding a 'Garden Party' at their home in Grove Road, Burton Bradstock at 2.00pm on Sunday 20th August. There will be stalls selling cakes, books, plants and bric-a-brac as well as children's games, a cake raffle, a general raffle, name the doll and refreshments available. Entrance will be 20p for adults and children free. John and Veda are very kindly donating all proceeds from this afternoon to the 'Bride Valley Scout Group New Hut Appeal'. Please try and support this event.

Directions to the garden are: From St Mary's Church, take the short walk down Darby Lane until you reach the junction with Grove Road. The garden gate will then be straight ahead of you.

The West Dorset Mencap 'BITS' shop has recently re-located to East Street, into the shop formerly known as Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Due to the success of Bridport's only 'local charity' shop, over the last 15 years, we have moved to larger premises. Customers old and new are visiting our new premises on the look out for the many bargains on sale. Donations of goods for sale are always welcomed and can be left at the shop during opening hours, or alternatively collections can be arranged by telephoning the manager on 01308-421616. Shop opening hours have been extended and are: - Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, closed all day Thursday and open on Saturday 9.30am-3.30pm.

Ann and Mike Read invite you to a PIANO RECITAL which will take place in the WI Hall. Burton Bradstock. on Thursday 10th August at 7.30pm. A young Romanian pianist, Ionut Ulita, who is in this country to attend the Dartington Summer School will play works by Mozart, Bach, Chopin, Enescu. Liszt and Rachmaninov. Admission £3 payable at the door.

This year's ride is on Saturday 9th September and anyone on a bicycle, on foot or on a horse is welcome to join in and raise funds for the Trust and their chosen church through sponsorship and visiting local churches. Half the money raised goes to the Trust and half to the nominated church for spending as needed on the building. A list of churches to visit and sponsorship forms can be collected from the St.Mary's and St.Peter's Churches. Patrick Frost had been planning to join Freddie Spicer and Ian Slark to better last year's total of 35 churches visited. In Patrick's memory Freddie and Ian intend to pedal for this target and the parish share of money raised will be divided equally between St Mary's Litton Cheney and St Peter's Long Bredy. Please respond generously to a request for sponsorship.

Amazing how rumours stick, isn't it? Way back in the mists of time, the nudist label was attached to the Othona Community ... and although it was never true, we still occasionally hear it! So what is Othona in fact?

You probably know where we are. On the coast road, half way between Bufton Bradstock and Swyre, there's a big stone house and some timber cottages in wooded surroundings. Since 1965 this has been the second centre of the Othona Community. Right after the Second World War, Othona was established as a network of people who tried to meet together each summer - originally under canvas - as an experiment in Christian Community. In wartime conditions they'd experienced a depth of fellowship that they wanted to preserve. So Othona had two founding passions. It worked for ecumenism - that is, people from different churches getting together, which was very unusual at the time. It also promoted international reconciliation, including German members from day one. Our first centre was (and is) at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex.

By 1965 we were looking for a 'second home'. We heard of a community settlement in Dorset .... minus a community! The Community of Christian Contemplatives, set up in the 20s, had died out in 1960, leaving buildings and land at the mercy of the brambles. Known locally as the 'white ladies' (because of their hand-woven white habits) they were stoutly independent women. They lived a regime based on self-sufficiency and silent prayer. With no gas, electricity, mains water or flush toilets, they had left a very 'basic' property.

We've installed various 'mod cons' over the years, but we aim to keep a spirit of simplicity. Our emphasis has changed too: hundreds of visitors join us each year. In a follow-up article I'll tell you more. But why not see for yourself'? We have an Open Day on August Bank Holiday Monday. All ages welcome. Clothing optional (no, I'm just joking!)

As their part in a national event, the four Dorset Area Groups invite you to join them in a special programme of guided walks and dispel the idea that only very long and difficult walks are offered. 1 August has been chosen as it is a holiday month and we hope for better weather! This is an ideal way to try walking with an organised group and see the secret places of Dorset. The programme starts with a Family Walk on Sunday, 20 August. Meet at 2.00 pm at Manor Farm Godmanstone on the A352 between Charminster and Cerne Abbas for a 3 mile walk from an organic farm. Bring all the family but dogs on leads. Snack and drink needed for mid-walk break. Contact for further information 01305 834575.

A further eight walks are offered during the period. For a copy of the special leaflet giving details of each walk and which also incorporates a 20% membership discount form please contact 01305 263759 (after 7.00 pm) or write to RA, 19 Shaston Crescent, Dorchester DT1 2EB, preferably with a stamped addressed envelope.

Pilsdon Community

THANK YOU Midsummer's Day in June witnessed the completion of our 5 year Development Programme, here at Pilsdon. We celebrated the raising and spending £700,000 on restoring, refurbishing and re-ordering the Church and Manor House by inviting the Bishop of Salisbury to come and re-dedicate the church and its new altar, floor and roof (it has been unused for the last 12 months after a fire) and bless the Manor, with its new roof, windows, floors, wiring and plumbing. The Church was anointed with oil and sprinkled with water and incense, as was the house. We celebrated with the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and eating and drinking (no alcohol, as we are a dry house) throughout the day, as well as making music of all kinds, including dancing in the evening and ending with the reflective stillness of a candlelight service in the round in the church, where we started. Eucharist means giving thanks, and that is what we did in different ways all day. Thank you to all the people of the Bride Valley, with all its villages, who have generously supported us, whether directly or indirectly, as we received two-thirds of our funding through the Lottery Charities and Heritage Funds.

LIFESTYLE At Easter this year, I was invited to an international workshop in Sri Lanka, where people from churches and communities from all 6 continents of the world discussed and reflected on the relationships between the affluent North and poor South of our world. I came away with the message that the world cannot sustain the growing affluence of the North, both in environmental terms and at the cost of great suffering in the South. I admired the self-sufficiency of poor communities in Sri Lanka,especially the small fishing communities near where I stayed, but our huge appetite for prawns all the year round was even threatening those fishermens' livelihoods, because of the factory ships and farms that provide our luxury food. Maybe we need to 'live more simply so that all may simply live' and communities like Pilsdon can demonstrate alternative more self-sufficient lifestyles.

INVITATION Do come and visit us, to see how your money has been spent on our newly refurbished church and house. You are welcome anytime, but a good time to come is for tea on Sunday at 4.30pm followed by our sung evening service at 6.30pm with supper afterwards.

This is how I visited Pilsdon for the first time, when on holiday in Charmouth over 20 years ago!

Our local branch gives a welfare service to some 30 sufferers in the area, many of whom are homebound and lonely. We believe there are another 50/60 out there who don't know or don't want to know how we can help them. We are not asking for money as our welfare generates donations and 'in memoriam' payments from grateful kin. This funding is vital for our service which includes visits, outings, supply of equipment and, most importantly, recognising a problem which we might solve with help from our excellent local authorities. What we do need is 'volunteer helpers' - a dying breed it seems. The work is interesting and satisfying, if you are under-stretched. All out of pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Mid Week Worship - Holy Communion Wednesdays at 10.00 a.m. followed by coffee in the Rectory

Choir Practices Fridays at 6.00 p.m.

Gift Sunday 20th August Church Mission Society

There will be no Tiny Tots / Pram Service this month. The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 15th September.

The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be in church on Wednesdays 9th August, 27th September and 18th October ( St Luke's Day ), each at 7.00 pm..

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS

Funeral 5th July Vera M. Harris ( at Weymouth Crematorium; and on 7th July at St Mary's Church a Thanksgiving Service for her life)

St. Mary's Church Fete

A warm welcome awaits our readers and holidaymakers to the Rectory Garden on Thursday 3rd August at 2.00 p.m. There will be the usual variety of stalls and numerous sideshows, including Bouncy Castle and Punch & Judy.

Birthday 2000 Sunday 9th July was a memorable day, with hundreds of people joining in the various events in the marquee celebrating Jesus' birth and 2000 years of Christianity, and visiting the exhibition and flowers in church.

The Family Communion in the marquee was attended by over 220 people. There was a good lunch, and crowds came to see the Burton Bradstock School's JC 2000 performance and afterwards Wilbur the Grate, sharing a magnificent birthday cake at the following tea. In the evening Lance Pierson presented to a large audience his penetratingly amusing one-man show, with Paul Cheater at the keyboard.

It was a great day, into which much effort had been put by many, many people. Warmest thanks go to everyone involved in the planning and preparation, in running and attending the day, and to those who made substantial donations towards the cost of flowers and the events of Sunday.

John Atkinson

BURTON BRADSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL : 18th and 19th AUGUST

I am delighted to announce that there will be a Music Festival this year, albeit in shortened form, on 18th and 19th August in St Mary's church.

The celebrated clarinetist Thea King O.B.E. will perform the Mozart Clarinet Quintet on Friday 18th August and David Juritz will be with us again to play the Bach A minor Violin Concerto on Saturday 19th August. Many of the players from previous years will also be taking part.

Tickets will be on sale at the Burton Bradstock Post Office from Monday 24th July. Mary Ryan

Report on the Burton Bradstock Village Society Flower & Produce Show

8th July 2000

By 9:00am the Women's Institute Hall was in full flow as all the exhibits were being placed in their various categories. Unfortunately, the lack of certain categories like tomatoes were a sad reflection of this year's weather. However, this was more than made up by the quality of the other produce on show. After the judging everybody took a short break to congregate at the church for the Burton Bradstock Millennium Village photograph.

2.15pm It was back to the serious business as the above re-opened and everyone arrived to see whether their efforts had been rewarded.

The children once again contributed with their art display including a colourful butterfly by pre-school children.

The President, Mrs Nancy Bushall, congratulated everyone and thanked Mrs Jane Stubbs and her helpers for all their hard work.

Nancy then proceeded to present the trophies to the following:

Mr John Ball - Louis/May Brown Cup for the most outstanding vegetable entry.

Mrs Kathy Sadd - The Bugler Cup for the best rose exhibit.

Mrs Julie Cole for the Cracroft Challenge Cup for the best flower other than roses.

Mrs Daphne Hewlett - The Gordon Knight Cup for the best pot plant.

Mrs Susan Paul - The Flower Arranger Trophy.

Mrs Rachel Haley - The Cookery & Home Produce Trophy.

Class 3 Burton Bradstock School - The Grove House Cup for the most outstanding year entry.

Mrs Joan Allen - The Knightsmith Trophy for preserves.

Mrs Kathy Sadd - -rhe Mallinson Cup for handicraft.

Mrs Sheila Spencer-Smith - for the Photography Cup.

Mrs Joan Dady - The Millennium Trophy for the best art exhibit.

Other first prize winners were:

Children Age four to six - Francesca Baker

Age seven to eight - Charlotte Sutton Age nine to eleven - James Brown

Wine Bottle of home-made wine (dry) - Mrs J Wotherspoon Bottle of home-made wine (sweet) - Mrs J Wotherspoon

Cookery & Home Produce:

Jar of jam - Mrs M Holmes

Jar of jelly - Mrs J Allen

Jar of marmalade - Mrs J Allen

Jar of chutney or pickle - Mrs J Allen

Loaf of bread - Mrs J Allen

Chocolate cake - Mrs L M Brown

Victoria Sandwich - Mrs A Rees

Lemon Cake - Mrs R. Haley

Shortbread pieces - Miss G.Redford

Cheese Scones - Mrs L Dove

Apple Pie - Mrs L M Brown

Quiche - Mrs M Frost

Rock Cakes - Mrs R Haley

Open Floral Arrangements:

Celebration of the new Millennium - Mrs S Paul

An arrangement of herbs & grasses - Mrs F Dales

A miniature arrangement - Miss H Mousley

0pen Classes

Courgettes - Mr D J Cole

Carrots - Mr J H Bull

Beetroot - Mr D J Cole

Broad Beans - Miss G Redford

Potatoes - Mr J H Bull

Onions - Mr W J Hunt

Peas - Mr J D Cole

Cabbage - Mrs J Watherspoon

Rhubarb - Mr J H Bull

Lettuce - Mr D Maude

Spring Onions - Mr J H Bull

Any vegetable not named above - Mr K Pett

Strawberries - Mrs J Wotherspoon

Raspberries - Miss H Mousley

Gooseberries - Mr R West

Redcurrants - Mr G Spencer-Smith

Blackcurrants - Mr R Sexton

Any exhibit of any fruit not named above - Mr R Seebohm

Pot plant (flowering) - Mrs D Hewlett

Pot plant (foliage) - Mrs J Sexton

Bloom of HT rose - Mrs K Sadd

Five blooms of roses - Mr G Spencer-Smith

Floribunda roses - Mrs J Tillman

Pansy blooms - Mrs S Spencer-Smith

Clematis bloom - Miss G Redford

Sweet Peas - Mrs A Maude

Hydrangea - Mrs J Cole

Vase of perennial flowers - Miss G Redford

Vase/Bowl of annual/biennial flowers - Mrs S Gilbert

Vase/Bowl of flowers grown from bulb, tubers etc - Mr R. Sexton

Vase/Bowl flowering shrubs - Mrs A Read

Hanging Basket - Miss G Redford

Handicrafts:

Painting or drawing in any medium - Mrs J Dady

Tapestry/cross stitch/embroidery picture - Mrs K Sadd

Home-crafted (soft item) - Mrs A Read

Home-crafted (hardware item) - Mr G Cook

Photography

Colour print of tree/trees - Mrs S Spencer-Smith

As the show neared its close some of the produce which had not got a NOT FOR SALE sign came under the skilful hammer of Chairman Peter Colbert. It was felt that this year's Millennium Flower & Produce Show was a great success rewarded by an excellent turn out, which even the excitement of Wimbledon couldn't deter.

Graham Hallewell Press Officer

Burton Bradstock Women's Institute

To our great sorrow we have just lost a loyal, dedicated and much loved friend, Vera Harris. Members paid silent tribute to her at the start of the July meeting, reflecting on the significant contribution Vera made to our village and our Institute, particularly with her love of words, poetry, pantomime and cookery. She was held in great affection and will be sadly missed by her many friends. It is entirely appropriate that floral tributes from the Burton Bradstock Players and her own family feature in the Birthday 2000 display in St. Mary's Church during this week's Millennium Festival.

Back in the last Century, the idea of holding a W.I. meeting in a large tent, followed by a Millennium Picnic to which Group members and other guests would be invited, seemed a little ambitious. However, with the Burton Bradstock Millennium Festival in full swing, 56 members and 9 guests made a dash across the playing field to escape the near tropical downpour just before the meeting, putting paid to our hopes for a picnic on the grass. President Wendy Green promised to keep the meeting brief before another 20 or so guests arrived. Tempting treats were served in compact lunch boxes and we were entertained by the delightful West Dorset Accordion Band, dressed in pretty Laura Ashley-type dresses with matching pink mobcaps.

Our W.I. wanted to arrange something special for this week and what a coup for the organising committee! The Marquee, Burton Bradstock's own Millennium Dome, with elegant billowing drapes and chandeliers, provided the perfect setting for A Dorset Evening with The Yetties. Bonny Sartin, Pete Shutler and Mac McCulloch formed the group back in 1967 and this talented trio proved they were good as new, keeping us laughing, tapping and singing along with their jokes, stories, songs and music. Appealing to all ages and tastes with their unique style of entertainment, it is small wonder that they play to packed houses all over the world.

The President and her team are now taking a well earned rest until September, when we hope new members will be tempted to join. 100 Club winners for July were Anne Rees, Nancy Bushell, Brian Pursey and Janet Holmes. Carol Lumley

Vera Harris

Vera's family would like to thank all those who gave them such warm support and sympathy before and after her death. 'We know how much she loved her 22 years with you in Burton Bradstock.'

A letter of thanks from Lynn Lingley

To my very dear friends,

What a wonderful 98th birthday you gave me on 13th June! The postman, when delivering the post, remarked that it would keep me employed all the morning to read and register the names of all who sent me greetings. And what lovely cards they are! Quite breathtaking. I shall treasure all 53 cards and show them off with pride and thanksgiving for so many friends - nay, more than friends: brothers and sisters!

Thank you all for your love and kindness to me. I pray God's blessing to you all. Yours very sincerely...............

Coffee Morning at the Rectory

This will be on 17th August 10 - 12 noon. Albanian Crafts will be on sale and you will have a chance to find out about Albania from Heather & Ryder Rogers.

Royal British Legion Women's Section - Summer Sale

This will take place on Thursday 17th August at 2.00 p.m. in the W.I.Hall. Stalls, Raffle, Refreshments. Jean Still

Burton Bradstock Players

As several key members of the production team are retiring or will not be available for a production next year the society is seeking replacements from the Bride Valley to undertake the jobs of Musical Director, Set Designer/Constructor, Costume Designer and Wardrobe Mistress as these posts will need to be filled before any consideration can be given to next year's production. Anyone interested in working in any of these vital roles for the Players next show, or joining in any capacity, is invited to contact the Chairman Mike Southgate on 897487 or any other member of the committee ( Andrea Wilkinson, John Tillman, Mike Read, Mary Bailey or Brenda Dubrey.)

Congratulations to all those involved in the Burton Bradstock Festival Week...to the Parish Council for master-minding this unique event and to all the individual concerns for their hard work and enthusiasm. From Birthday 2000 ( and were it not for the momentous event 2000 years ago we would not have had the excuse to celebrate! ) to the spectacular firework display on Saturday night we all had a wonderful week. Thank you, too, to everyone in the Valley who gave their support.

Return to Index

SWYRE Holy Trinity Swyre

Village Correspondent: Mrs.Gilly Doar

Paddock Lodge Swyre

From the Registers

Funeral 3rd July 2000 Sheila Jane A. Ross

Dorset Historic Churches Trust Sponsored Cycle Ride

Please see entry in Valley Notes page 7

LITTON CHENEY PARISH COUNCIL - CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 1999/2000

Since the uncontested elections in May 1999 we believe we have completely reformed the Council and are on our way to achieving a good "best value" status. On a precept of only £ 1,500 our activities in the last year have briefly been as follows: -

1. Adopted Council Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.

2. Negotiated with Dorset County Council to introduce traffic calming measures, and road safety improvements, resulting in the Village name and pedestrians in road signs.

3. Initiated the removal of a derelict vehicle.

4. Initiated road repairs.

5. Commenced the revitalisation of the children's playing field, including making application for a Millennium Grant.

6. Assessed village need and support for a viable Village Shop, and social housing. Unfortunately West Dorset District Planning Authority and English Heritage have obstructed this project, inspite of an appeal to our MP Dr Oliver Letwin who personally attended a site meeting.

7. Raised the profile of the Council in the village, installing an extra notice board at the south end of the village, and replacing the old village notice board that had suffered badly from neglect.

8. Contributed to the Local District Plan Review.

9. Commented on the Dorset Policing Policy, and West Dorset District Council "best value report".

10. Considered nine local planning applications and returned comments on four.

I hope you will agree that this justifies the existence of at least Litton Cheney Parish Council, and that it is very good value for money. In claiming this credit we give many thanks for all the advice and assistance give by our Dorset County Councillor, West Dorset District Councillor, and the County Director of the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC).

The Millennium Committee met on 19 May 2000 to review the Millennium Party and to consider its future role.

It was unanimously agreed that the evening had been an outstanding success, due not least to the generosity of Eddy and Sheila Fry in allowing us to use their garden. As at the date of the meeting, the Committee's funds totalled £670 and the 120 unsold mugs should in due course raise a further £420, making a total of approximately £1,100. If anyone wants to buy more mugs, please ask Eddy Fry or Gerald Cuzens.

It was agreed to use approximately £5/600 of this sum to replace the trestle tables in the Church Hall and to put the balance of about £500 aside to use as a float for future village functions.

It was agreed to wind up the committee and reconstitute the Litton Cheney Social Committee with the same membership. The Social Committee will manage the Harvest Supper on Saturday, September 7th; a planning meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 August at The Cottage at 7.30pm There was provisional agreement to hold another evening party at the Bank Holiday weekend in May 2001.

Hugh Lindsay

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Disappointingly, in July an evening of instruction in the garden of Litton potter, Mollie Gardener, had to be abandoned having already been postponed the previous week due to bad weather. President Elinor Frost instead hosted a meeting at her home to discuss a number of matters before the summer break.

The June outing was to Compton Acres, where members spent a most enjoyable afternoon admiring the plants and gardens. The visit culminated with a cream tea and a visit to the plant shop, where many members took the opportunity to purchase additions to their own gardens.

The Carol Service will this year be held at St. Mary's, Litton Cheney, which will be organised by the Institute. A number of members offered to undertake various duties, with one volunteering her husband as organist.

In October the outing will be to see Sweet Chariot at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil and names were taken for this.

The Branch has been asked to supply lunch for those taking part in the tour of church organs in the Bride Valley for recitals by Elizabeth Thornburn. With around eighty-five lunches to prepare, this discussion took up a large part of the meeting but the menu was finally decided, hopefully providing an enjoyable meal for the participants.

The next meeting will be on September 5th at 7.30 p.m. in Litton Cheney, when members look forward to hearing Barbara Whillock telling "Tales of Dorset". Mrs. B.Champkins

Pins Knoll

Coffee Morning in aid of Joseph Weld Hospice

Our sincere thanks to Nancy Vicars and Rachel Greysfield for organising an extremely successful Coffee Morning on 29th June in aid of the Joseph Weld Hospice. Their garden, on what turned out to be a glorious sunny day proved ideal for a successful and relaxed event which raised £450. We are deeply grateful to Nancy and Rachel and to the many who contributed to the success of the morning, especially the cakes & preserves makers and all those who donated items for sale and the Raffle. Finally we would like to thank all who attended for their generous support. The efforts of all were greatly rewarded and much appreciated.

Lavinia Barbour & Reggie Edwards

We wish Jim Izzard a full and speedy recovery after his stay in hospital.

Mr. Ian Colbrook has moved into '3. Litton Hill' and we hope he will be very happy here.

Congratulations to Richard Edwards on gaining his Ph.D after 3 years of Research at the Long Ashton Research Centre. Also to Natash Roots on gaining a 2.1 degree at Cardiff University. We wish her every success in the future.

Village Society

For your diaries 2000 - 2001:

17th Oct. Mr. W.Putnam 'Roman Roads'

21st Nov. Inspector Mason 'Police'

25th Feb. Mr. Stephen Wallis

25th Mar. Mr. Tom Goss 'B.T.C.V.'

All meetings take place on Thursdays at 8.00 p.m. in Thorner's School.

Further details in due course.

Fred Curran How sad that 2 days after Patrick Frost, our churchyard gardener until last March, was laid to rest, his predecessor for many years, Fred Curran, was also laid to rest. We extend to Fanny, his widow, our deepest sympathy.

Patrick Frost About 500 people came to Patrick's funeral on 14th June. Need I say more?

A Country Wedding "Four Weddings and a Funeral" would be an understatement for the five days commencing 14th June. We had Patrick's Funeral on Wednesday, then Fred's on Friday, Joanne and Ian's glorious Wedding on Saturday, Anna's Baptism on Sunday morning, the Flower Festival in the afternoon, all ending with Vespers in the early evening. As somebody said, "This is why we need our village Church". The building was beautifully decorated, and many people worked extremely hard to enable the Joseph Weld Hospice and the Church to benefit by at least £500 shared between them. Special thanks to the Flower Ladies and the Village Singers, the junior section of which performed for the first time at Anna's Baptism and Family Service.

Churchyard Gardeners It was with great sadness and also pride that we escorted Patrick's and later Fred's coffin to the northern boundary of the churchyard on their funeral days. The churchyard looked lovely: thank you, Mike and Steve, for carrying on the tradition.

This edition goes to press shortly before the Fete on the 15th July. By now the outcome - and whether the wintry weather of the preceding days cleared up in time - will be known. Further news and thanks next month.

Congratulations to Nicki and Damian Patterson on the arrival of baby Benjamin at the end of May - a family again at Lattice Cottage.

Best wishes to Joanne Pitcher and Ian Parker on their marriage. The sun shone, and the bride and groom travelled through the village to the Reception in a carriage pulled by two black ponies. We wish Ian and Joanne all happiness in their married life together.

All sympathy (and congratulations too on their great courage and fortitude) to Elinor, Rachel and Sally, who faced Patrick's funeral at St. Peter's in front of what must have been Longbredy's biggest congregation for years. It is estimated that over 500 people came to support them in a last farewell to Patrick, from the worlds in which he had made such a mark: farming, the hunt, cricket, skittles, Rotary, among many others. The Revs. Robin Hungerford from Corscombe, and our own Anthony Ashwell, led a moving service, and interment followed in what must be the most beautiful churchyard resting place for miles around. R.I.P.

Sympathy too to the Curran family, whose funeral for Fred a few days later was quieter, but whose sense of loss is the same. Within a matter of days the churchyard received into its peaceful earth its two most faithful servants over the past many years. Si monumentum requiris, circumspice.* - indeed.

(* = Inscription in St. Paul's Cathedral, with reference to its Architect, Sir Christopher Wren: "To see his memorial, look around you.")

FLOWER FESTIVAL. The cool scent of summer flowers in St. Peter's gave peace and comfort to many families during the week before the Festival, when we bade fond farewells to Patrick Frost and Fred Curran. Extensive planning by Rosemarie Pitcher and Margaret Elliott created a wonderful setting for the marriage of Joanne Pitcher to Ian Parker on the Saturday, and the glorious sunshine continued on Sunday, when Anna Schwinge was given a great welcome at her baptism during the Family Service. She was surrounded by flowers, and serenaded by the Village Singers with Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus" - deemed too daunting for an Abbey choir in the past!

The Festival itself started at 2.00 p.m., with a constant stream of visitors enjoying the beauty within the Church and the glory of the surrounding hills, as well as the home-made teas and the choice of bargains on the stall.

Vespers at 5.30 p.m. continued the theme of Love and Marriage, with readings from "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran, accompanied by the Village Singers. It was a peaceful conclusion to a week of intense emotions, including pleasure at the news of the birth of Benjamin Patterson on Tuesday 12th, and his return home to Lattice Cottage. His record as the youngest visitor to our Flower Festival sets a challenge which will take some beating in future years!

Thanks are due to so many people for their help and support in so many ways. Our Church can never have known such a week in its long history, and proves again that it will always play a central, appreciated and important role in the fundamental aspects of family and community life. We are reminded again, too, that if we all do a bit of what we can, miraculous transformations happen.

Well over £500.00 was raised on the Sunday, and has been shared with the Joseph Weld Hospice. Thank you to all of you who gave so much of your precious time and talents to make the day so happy and successful. J.G.

SHIPTON GORGE STREET FAIR 2000

There will be a Cream Tea on Thursday 17th August at 3.30 p.m. to celebrate H.M.'s 100th Birthday. It will be based on the Village Hall and the garden of Mr. & Mrs. Jones Apart from scones, jam & cream there will be a slice of the 'Queen Mum's' favourite cake available, plus the recipe! The cost will be £2. Please come and celebrate an event which is dear to the hearts of many of us.

The Dedication of the new lights will take place at Evensong on Sunday 20th August.

Now that Euro 2000, Henley Regatta and Wimbledon are distant memories, the next big event to look forward to is our Flower and Vegetable Show on 12th August. Please bring your Entries/Exhibits to the Village Hall between 8.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m.. Then at any time between 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. cast your vote for class winners. Results will be announced at 3.00 p.m. approx. with the prizegiving at around 4.00 p.m.

The Village Society have produced a Calendar for 2001 with scenes of the village in bygone years. It would make an ideal Christmas gift and is obtainable from: New Inn

This will be at the Village Hall, starting at 2.00 p.m. There will be Punch & Judy, Bouncy Castle, Music with keyboard player Dave Morley. A glass goblet will be available for each dwelling and an engraved squash glass for each child of sixteen and under. Please donate a plate of food -cakes, sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, etc. Come and have an enjoyable afternoon. Families and friends of Shipton residents are most welcome. For more information contact Sally Parker (897168) or Jill Parsons (897324).

The Leonard Cheshire Trust We are very grateful to all in the village who contributed to the house-to-house collection which raised £125.64. Geoffrey Howlett