Bride Valley News
When Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem just over 2000 years ago, all was not well for the people of the land in which he was to grow up. To begin with, the Jewish homeland was occupied by a foreign power - Rome, which could be ruthless in the methods it used to impose its will on local people. The Romans, of course, enjoyed watching in amphitheatres duels to the death, the unfortunate victims normally being local people, but such killings were small fry compared with the odd massacre here and there to maintain a firm rule.
Then the local people had to cope with their puppet king - a Herod - whom the Romans used to placate the people and who had some autonomy. The Herods too tended to be cruel and corrupt, indeed the jealousy of one of them, on hearing that a Saviour (a Christ) had been born, led to his ordering the murder of all babies and infants in the Bethlehem area. Local people could also be persecuted by the religious hierarchy, and those wealthy and powerful men who used the name of 'religion' corruptly to feather their own nests.
Finally, life was not much more than survival for most villagers who scratched a living from a land difficult to cultivate, with hard winters and searing summers. In the cities many others were employed as slaves---, no wonder life expectancy was about 30.
Into all this was born Jesus Christ whose message of hope, justice, peace and eternity based on loving relationships with God and other people, was quickly to spread across the world. 2000 years on, little has changed. Thanks to unbelievably better communications, the 'world' has grown from a small part of the Middle East to be the whole planet. But still wherever we look, there is greed, cruelty, poverty, and the most awful acts of violence carried out in the name of 'religion'. Nor must the glorious message of Christmas change, and we must continue to remember and celebrate the birth of the Son of the God, whose love for his creation, however corrupt this world might have become, continues to be seen in the Christ-child. Yes, this remains wonderfully relevant today, and continues its spread across the world, but is it being heard correctly? Do stop and listen. A joyful Christmas to you all. Anthony Ashwell
From the Treasurer of the Bride Valley Team Council May I thank all the local organisations and individuals who have kindly donated to the Bride Valley News during the past year. The magazine does rely very heavily on these donations as well as on our advertisers to ensure its continued running. Please, during the Christmas season, do consider making a donation, no matter how small, and hand to your Churchwardens or send to:- The Treasurer, 17 Hive Close, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4RQ.
May I wish all our donors and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Mothers' Union There will be a Christmas Lunch Party at the Crown Inn, Uploders on Thursday 13th December, gathering there at 12.30pm
Burton Bradstock School We welcome the One World Band back to Burton Bradstock at the start of this month. My project, aiming to create bridges of understanding between cultures and countries through music and songwriting, continues with 2 evening concerts on the 3rd & 4th December. Rod Condliffe at Freshwater has kindly donated the use of his hall to allow me to put these concerts on, featuring the school choirs that performed last summer, a reprisal of their songs with the band and Billy Bragg. This time the audience will be their parents and any other interested adults. Tickets may be scarce, but if you are interested, call Jean at the school office and she may have some spares at £2 each. 7.00pm start.
The project rolls forward next year with Musa Mboob, our Gambian friend working with another drummer and a dancer at Burton and Thorners schools. We will be releasing an album of songs created next year and all funds raised will go to purchasing equipment for our partner schools.
So, there we are driving back from Weymouth, Wessex F.M. on the radio, my eyes flickering between the road ahead and a glorious sunset over Lyme Bay my mind swimming with images of Turneresque skyscapes while Elgar's Nimrod swells and bursts around me when THAT advert cuts through my reverie. You know the one-it starts 'Everyone is coming to Bloggs great Christmas toilet seat and washbasin sale!' I sense the girls in the back wince-they know what is coming. Hands whiten on the steering wheel, neck stiffens and swells 'Everyone!' I scream' Everyone-The Pope? Prince Charles? The entire Cabinet??
The girls know better than to disturb this diatribe, allowing me slowly to regain my composure while I rant about the ways the media try to persuade us to part with our hard earned cash. Eventually number two daughter quietly interjects, 'But dad, you do the same. You know, I've read adverts that you've placed in the Bride Valley News for events such as your school Christmas Fair.'
'That's different,' I reply cautiously, sensing a trap, 'I'd never dream of using cheap sensationalist tricks to persuade B.V.N. readers to come to our Christmas Fair on Saturday 8th December in the school Hall at 2.00pm, meet Father Christmas, enjoy the music and buy great and inexpensive gifts.'
'I rest my case!' she replied quietly.
Have a great Christmas from all of us at the school
David Powell
Lucky 100 Club winners for October £20 P. Butcher £10 G. Northover £5 N Pinkett
You are all invited to Burton Bradstock School Christmas Fair On Saturday 8th December at the school 2.00 - 4.00 Gifts, Games, Stalls Fun for all!
Thorner's School, Litton Cheney As you read this I shall most probably be busy thinking about Christmas Cards and writing them to friends and relatives. Who invented the Christmas card? Years ago families lived close by and did not need to send cards to wish one another a Happy Christmas. It is a well known fact that Prince Albert brought the idea of the Christmas Tree and all its decorations to Britain when he married Queen Victoria, so I asked myself, was he also responsible for the cards? The fact that I did not know how the sending of Christmas cards started annoyed me. So I researched this and understand that we can attribute the first card to a Cuthbert Bede. Mr Bede had a card printed from his own design for circulation in 1845, and then two years later his printers, a Newcastle firm, put a number of cards on the market. At about the same time, in 1846 J.C. Horsley designed a card for Sir Harry Cobe of Summerley's Printing House, Old Bond Street. The subject of these early cards was 'a typical scene of feasting and jollity,' but it was not until 1862 that the custom of sending Christmas cards became popular. Nowadays the postal service is put under strain to get them all delivered in time! Our forests are being depleted and shops are overflowing with them. In school we have been selling designs from our pupils and hopefully this has meant that pupils have given some thought as to why we celebrate Christmas. We also run our own postal service to children in school and this will be starting this week. Pupils will make the post box, do the collections and deliveries as best as they can, though there are always a few which never reach their intended destination as there is no surname on the envelope. I think that it is a good opportunity to look in the address book and catch up on all those people who have been neglected in the previous months or who are lonely. During the term we have also been collecting items to place in shoe boxes to send to children who are suffering in one way or another, whether caused by war or homelessness. It has been touching to see that pupils are bringing in such a variety of toys and useful items, we will be adding a few pencils and compliment slips in the hope that the children who receive them will be able to contact us if they so wish. HELP WANTED: Recently we have been rehanging the 'old' school photographs (thanks ever so much, John) and enjoying some reminiscing. I have even discovered some surprises, like the one of Mrs Hooper from the time of Miss Sheldrick/Mr Bailey. The reason for bringing this up is to ask if anyone out there has any whole school photographs which would fill the gaps? We are very short of photographs before the 1980s, so if you were at Thorner's or one of the amalgamated schools, have some spare time to look through your albums, and find any reference to school life, we would very much appreciate a copy. I am prepared to scan a copy and leave you with the original, so do please get in touch. 100 Club Winners £15.00 Mrs Mandy Quincey (hurray, just shows it is worth keeping up the payments even if the children have left school) £10.00 Mrs Julie Pike Alison Johnstone Headteacher. Eastern End Bride Valley Christmas Party The Christmas party for children aged 0 - 12 years who live at the eastern end of the Bride Valley and all children who attend Thorner's School will take place on Saturday 8th December* from 3.00 pm until 5.30 pm at Thorner's School, Litton Cheney. * Please note the date which was printed incorrectly in November B.V.N.
Thank You A message to all kind friends in Litton Cheney, Puncknowle, Swyre and Shipton who sent good wishes, cards and most beautiful flowers for my birthday. They helped to make it a really great day! Thank you all. Deborah Wordsworth
Bride Valley Scout Group New Hut Appeal - Summer Quiz 2001 Thank you to everyone who bought a quiz sheet this year and to those who sold them, especially Burton Bradstock Post Office and The Crown at Puncknowle. There were over 70 completed entries returned and a draw from the correct entries was made at our Bonfire Party on Monday 5th November. The winner of the £20 first prize is Mr Hedgecott from Newmarket. The answers are displayed on our web page (go to What's On at www.burtonbradstock.org.uk ) or they are available from Pat Tucker or Ruth Brierley. Fundraising has been helped by the proceeds of a concert kindly organised by Dr and Mrs Lane, and a donation from the Shipton Gorge Village Society's Street Fair in August. Many thanks to everyone for supporting our New Hut Appeal. Congratulations to the Bride Valley Cubs who won the recent Cubs District Swimming Gala. Ruth Brierley - Secretary
Blue Peter Appeal - Bring and Buy Sale My name is Jake Dove, I am 11 years old and live in Burton Bradstock. I watch Blue Peter on TV and every year I try to support their Christmas Appeal. This year the money raised will buy minibuses and other forms of transport for the elderly all over the UK to help them get to day centres, social events and shopping trips. To raise some money to help the appeal I am holding a Bring and Buy Sale (with some help from mum and dad) in the W.I. Hall, Burton Bradstock on Saturday 15th December from 10am - 12 noon. Please come along and support me by bringing along something to sell (cakes, biscuits, sweets, tins, plants, books, toys, etc.) and then buy something else to take home with you. Refreshments will also be on sale. If you cannot make it on the 15th but would like to donate something to sell, please contact me or my mum or dad on 897695 and we shall arrange to collect it. Thank you for your help. Hope to see you on the 15th. Jake Dove
Ladybirds The next meeting is an American Supper on Wednesday, 12th December at 8.00 pm in the home of Ursula Bayer, Summerhill, Litton Cheney.
Bride Valley Area DORSET COUNTRY CARS DRIVERS WE NEED YOU!
After reading last month's piece about Dorset Country Cars, we hope you may wish to become a volunteer driver, and would like to ask: Q HOW OFTEN will I be called upon? A Two or maybe three times a month. Q What about INSURANCE? A Dorset County Council have an insurance scheme in place to cover Country Cars drivers. Q Will I be REIMBURSED in any way? A As a voluntary driver in the scheme you will receive a mileage allowance plus any expenditure on car parking tickets. Q How do I VOLUNTEER? A Please apply to Frank Whillock 482457 for application forms and further information. Thank you. This is a valuable community service, and you will be doing a very useful thing for the Bride Valley Area.
Bride Valley Gardening Club At the time of the press deadline for the Bride Valley news, we have not had our November meeting, so I cannot report back on the month's meeting when Mr. Mark Ching is speaking on Dorset Weather. We have continued to have an extremely mild autumn and early winter which seems to have confused our plants, so we have Spring flowers already trying to bud, and unfortunately our lawns are still growing well, so mowing is still a weekly task, which is the only downside of the lovely sunny days we have been experiencing. We have therefore been able to garden without that damp chilly feel that sends us indoors often in November.
Our Speaker for the December meeting will be Mr. Nigel Hewish on 'Conservation of Historical Gardens', and as this is our Christmas meeting there will be Wine and Cheese afterwards. As usual we meet at Thorner's School, Litton Cheney at 7.30.p.m. We hope to see members old and new at this festive meeting. Don't forget to bring your entry for the monthly competition of your garden's personal best (vegetables, fruit or flowers) or houseplant - there is a small prize for the winner. Although it does not feel right at this time in early November, we do wish members who can't get to the December meeting a very happy Christmas. Norma Millard Club Secretary, 897774.
Village Correspondent Mr Basil Dent 2, Norburton, Burton Bradstock. Tel:- (01308) 897125 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.
* There will be no celebration of Holy Communion on Wednesday 26th December. Gift Sunday 16th December St Luke's Hospital for the Clergy
The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 7th December at 11.00 am.
The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be held on Mondays 10th December and 7th January, each at 7.00 pm.
The Ordination of Liz Campling as Deacon will take place at Salisbury Cathedral on Sunday 9th December at 5.30 pm. You may remember Liz doing a placement with us at St Mary's as part of her training. Please pray for her at this time, and for her future ministry in Bridport. All are welcome to attend the ordination service.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Funeral 9th November Norman R. Legg
Burial of Ashes 27th October Barbara F. C. Wyatt
Decorating the church for Christmas. We shall be decorating the church on Saturday 22nd December from 10.00 am for Carols by Candlelight. Everyone is welcome to help. Holly and greenery would be much appreciated.
Carols and Christmas Services We shall be singing carols around the village in aid of The Children's Society on the evening of Monday 17th December. Anyone will be most welcome to join the singers. Meet at The Rectory at 6.30 pm.
Carols by Candlelight - Sunday 23rd December in church at 6.30 pm.
Crib Service - Christmas Eve, Monday 24th December at 5.00pm. Children of all ages, and adults of all ages, will be welcome at this short service. We shall be hearing the Christmas story, blessing the crib and singing carols. If anyone wishes to make a gift of exercise books, notebooks, pens, pencils or rulers please bring it to the service. Mike Read will be pleased to deliver such gifts in due course to help some children in Romania, who are in great need of such items.
Please see the middle pages of this magazine for details of all services at Christmas.
IN MEMORIAM Norman Legg spent his entire working life at Bredy Farm. He played a major role in 52 of our harvests, and received in recognition a Long Service Award at the Bath & West Show from the Minister of Agriculture. He was mechanic, welder and craftsman; at his best in emergencies, adept at improvements and improvisations. His dedication to the farm earned him respect in many quarters. Many, including our family, have lost a friend. Above all he was as proud of his family as they were of him. A jovial friendly man and a true Bride Valley countryman. All condolences to Jean, John, Helen and David. Justin & Juliana Mallinson, Bredy.
Burton Bradstock Players are pleased to announce that their next pantomime "Aladdin" will take place from Monday Feb. 25th. to Saturday March 2nd., including Saturday matinee, at the W.I. Hall, Burton Bradstock. The Box Office opens on Tuesday Jan.15th. 2002 at the Burton Bradstock Post Office, Tel.897243. ( Office hours only.) Mary Bailey
Burton Bradstock W.l. Invite you to a CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING On Tuesday, December 4th At 10.30 a.m. in the W.l. Hall Stalls include Gifts in baskets, cakes, raffles etc Entrance 50p to include coffee and mince pie.
Burton Bradstock Friends of the Red Cross held a most successful coffee morning on October 25th in aid of the Wheelchair Sponsorship Campaign & raised approximately £1,100.00, including donations. Grateful thanks to all who contributed in any way raising enough money to buy 7 wheelchairs, including a child's.
Thank you The Lavender Trust Breast Cancer Care wishes to thank friends and supporters who came to the garage sale on October 20th. We were able to send them £100. Thank you all. Mary Rawles
Calligraphy Classes Would anyone be interested in regular classes in calligraphy, one evening weekly or fortnightly in the Reading Room, please contact me. Beginners are welcome, as well as those wishing to improve - perhaps six of us in all. The tutor would be Eileen Dearden from Bridport. Jon-Rod Jones 897684
Children's Society The amount raised this year from the box holders came to £337.99. Many thanks to all the regular box holders for their continued support of this organisation; it is much appreciated. Greta Heal What a Surprise! I was told to report to the Reading Room on the 16th October and was completely overwhelmed to find the room packed with friends from the village, who had come to say farewell to me on my retirement as Clerk to the Parish Council. The drinks flowed and I hope I managed to chat to everyone there. Not often at a loss for words, I was then really choked to be presented with a most generous cheque, and I hope I remembered to thank you all. It won't hurt to repeat myself, so, my heartfelt thanks to everyone there and also to those friends and parishioners who were unable to attend and who so generously donated to my retirement gift. Also for your kind letters. A special word of thanks to Andrea Wilkinson, who instigated it and managed to keep it a secret from me (no mean feat!). I should like to add that I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Clerk, which helped me get to meet and know most of the people in Burton Bradstock. Many, many thanks. Peter Colbert
Andrea Wilkinson writes: 'I was delighted with the response to my note, and thank all of you who so kindly made a donation, both in name and anonymously, to Peter's Retirement Fund. Thank you to everyone who came down to the Reading Room for the Presentation and helped make it such a happy occasion for Peter and Elaine. My apologies to those who made anonymous donations and could not therefore be invited. Be assured you were thanked in your absence. Finally, thanks to you all for helping to keep it a secret from Peter - a village first, I believe! A 'TAME' MESSAGE My grateful thanks to all the dear members of the congregation who came to my aid at Evensong on 4th November. (Sorry I collapsed before your sermon, John !). Freddy T
May I add my thanks, too, not only to our friends in Burton Bradstock who have been so caring, but also to the Ambulance Paramedics, the Doctors and Nursing Staff of Maud Alexander and Ilchester Wards at Dorset County Hospital. Elaine T ( We were sorry to hear,as we went to press, that Freddy is back in hospital. We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Ed.) Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White Eastcote 3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge Tel(01308)897974 FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Funerals 25th October Dolores P. Outon-Powell 31st October Frederick J. Spiller
Burial of Ashes 19th October John G. (Jack) Willy
The Christmas Carol Service - Tuesday 18th December at 7.30 pm.
On Christmas Day - A traditional order Family Communion with carols at 9.30 am. CHRISTMAS AT ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH The annual Carol Service, at which the collection will be for The Children's Society, will be held on TUESDAY, 18th December, at 7.30 pm. There will be the usual Punch 'n Pie Social in the Village Hall afterwards, for which any mince pie contributions would be most welcome. CHRISTMAS DAY 9.30 Family Communion (Common Worship -Traditional language) SUNDAY DECEMBER 30th 9.30 Matins
THE HARVEST SEASON The Church was beautifully decorated for the Harvest Festival, taken this year by Mr.Mike Read. We were pleased to welcome a congregation of 55 to share the thanksgiving service and we thank all who gave time to decorate and provide the flowers and seasonal produce, led by our chief flower arranger, who also happens to be the mainstay for the Harvest Supper: I was unable to go to the Harvest Supper but, from all accounts, it was an exceptional one with food - and entertainment - at its best. Thank you for all the apple pies and other contributions - and to all who worked, waited and washed up. Thank you, too, to the Rector who, once again, gladly filled the laughter spot. Molly Roast
2002 CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BRIDPORT As part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, it has been arranged for a service to be held at St.Martin's on Monday, 21st January, 2002, at 2.30 p.m. It would be good to have a sizeable congregation from Shipton Gorge on this special occasion, particularly in consequence of world events. Refreshments will be served in the Village Hall after the service. MR & CCG, Churchwardens SHIPTON GORGE VILLAGE BONFIRE I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO:- KEITH & DEN SORRELL FOR THE USE OF THE FIELD AND KITCHEN, PAUL SORRELL FOR PUTTING UP THE LIGHTS AND GENERATOR, M. J. FRY ENGINEERS FOR THE USE OF THEIR DIGGER, GRAHAM PARKER FOR MOVING ALL THE BONFIRE RUBBISH, BUILDING THE BONFIRE, JOHN PARSONS & NEIL BARNSLEY FOR LIGHTING THE BONFIRE, STEVE LARCOMBE FOR THE GRAND FIREWORK DISPLAY, DEN SORRELL, LOUISE CHANT, PAM JENKINS FOR COOKING ALL THE FOOD, MARTIN MURREY FOR ALL THE RUNNING AROUND HE DID FOR ME ON THE NIGHT. MAY I ALSO SAY THANK YOU TO THE VILLAGE PEOPLE FOR THEIR SUPPORT. IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT AND I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED YOURSELVES. WITH MANY THANKS, SALLY PARKER
FROM THE SHIPTON GORGE VILLAGE SOCIETY FOR SHIPTON RESIDENTS ONLY: THE SENIOR CITIZENS' CHRISTMAS LUNCH WILL BE ON THURSDAY 13TH DECEMBER AT THE NEW INN STARTING AT 12.30pm... SOUP, TURKEY ROAST & CHRISTMAS PUDDING FOR £3-50. PLEASE BOOK BY SATURDAY 8th DECEMBER. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT EITHER JOHN OR JEAN AT THE NEW INN 897302, SALLY PARKER 897168 OR JILL PARSONS 897324
Refuse Collection Arrangements Christmas & New Year 2001/2 Tuesday 25th December will be collected Thursday 27th. Tuesday 1st January will be collected Wednesday 2nd. Normal collections will resume from Monday 7th January 2002. Please do not leave rubbish out on other days - Thank you. John Bredemear Clerk to the Parish Council
VACANCIES? We have two! As previously advertised, the village is without someone to accept delivery of the Bride Valley News from the printers each month, and to divide up the copies into specific rounds. The bulk copies are collected from the printers by volunteers; the rounds are manned by a band of volunteers; everyone would agree on the importance of this little magazine for news and advertisements, and it is FREE! Please consider whether you could take on this job.
The other "vacancy" is for some-one to organise the Plant Sale arranged for Saturday, 27th April 2002. This is always very popular and the proceeds this year will be divided between a local charity and the church. Please think about this one, too, and ring 421654 or 898334 if you can help. The Village Hall Trust The Christmas Bingo will be held in the Village Hall on Monday 3rd December. It will be eyes down at 7.30pm. There will be good prizes to be won, including a Christmas Cake and a raffle; so do come and try your luck.
Welcome to Shelly & Mike Watts to Home Farm. We hope they will be happy in Shipton Village. We also extend our congratulations to Mrs Watts for her collection of £71.00 in aid of Dorset Historic Churches Trust Sponsored Cycle Ride ( September 2001 ), and give grateful thanks for the generosity of those sponsoring her pony ride around the churches.
Shipton Gorge 100 Club £20 No. 53 Gerald Benselin £10 No. 3 Pam Bates
The Baptism of Maxwell Hubbard will take place at Chilcombe Church on Sunday 2nd December at 4.00pm.
A Christmas Carol Service will be held at Chilcombe Church on Saturday 22nd December at 6.30 pm. It is hoped that as many of the village families as possible will take part in the service. We shall welcome to the service any who would like to join us then.
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Julie Lewis 4 Green Barton, Swyre
Harvest Thanksgiving As usual the church was superbly decorated for the Service on the evening of 7th October. A good congregation 'raised the song of harvest done', and the gifts, combined with Puncknowle's could just about be fitted into the Vicar's car. The Pilsdon Community was extremely grateful to be on the receiving end of such generosity. Thank you everybody!
Christmas Services Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) at 9.30pm 'early' Midnight Christmas Communion.
The Carol Service this year is being shared with Puncknowle, and will be in their church on Sunday 16th December at 6.00pm. Anthony Ashwell
HOME WATCH SNIPPET - CHRISTMAS CRIME
Keep those presents out of sight; don't display them under the tree or in your car when shopping or travelling; put them in the boot instead. Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas. From all Home watch Contacts
SWYRE BOWLS CLUB - BRIDE VALLEY BOWLS CLUB The Club is renaming itself the 'Bride Valley Short Mat Bowls Club' to make it clear that it is open to all in the Valley and not just to those living in Swyre.
We operate from the Skittle Alley behind the White Horse Inn at Litton Cheney on Thursdays after 7.30 pm. If anyone would like to try his or her hand or just watch, please come along.
We have spare sets of bowls for gentlemen and ladies and we shall be pleased to see you and help you start. Val Martin
LOCAL RESIDENTS' ART EXHIBITION One of our villagers, artist Cece Mills, is taking part in a Christmas Art Exhibition at Askerswell Workshops on Saturday and Sunday 8/9 December from 10 am to 5 pm.
Why not go along and give Cece some support. You might pick up some beautiful Christmas presents too. Other local artists are taking part and if you want further information give Cece a call on 897073 or the Workshops on 485544.
ARCHAEOLOGY IN GREEN BARTON Some of you may have noticed archaeologist Dr Peter Northover digging in my garden at the beginning of November. At present he is trying to find the position of a house and barn that are shown on a 1765 map somewhere where Green Barton is now.
Peter is still in the process of excavation, hence the large hole still present in my front garden, I will keep you posted of his progress. You can refer to the Puncknowle website for more information on Peter.
THE WELLY-BOOT NATIVITY PLAY Good Luck to the young people of the valley involved in the above production to be held in the Manor Farm Barn in Swyre this month.
Avril Yeates was inspired to produce the play and together with the members of Oasis Café has put in many hours of hard work.
I am sure the production will be a great success and I know it will be well supported - don't forget to wear your wellies! See the advertisement for details or contact Avril on 897235. Julie Lewis 'The Welly-Boot production of The Nativity'Would you like to see a funny and upbeat production of the wonderful story of Jesus' birth? Do you think it would be a novel and fun idea for this to happen in a barn? Well it's happening.... At 6pm, on the 22nd December, in the barn at Manor Farm Swyre, 35 children from the eastern end of the valley are putting on 'The Welly-Boot production'. Rehearsals are well under way and it looks set to be a great evening. Carol singing, amusing characters and refreshments are all part of the plan. All are welcome, please come along and support this event and the children who are working so hard to put it on. Any queries 'phone Avril on 897235. P.S. Please note this is taking place on a working farm and so Wellington boots or other suitable footwear and warm clothing are essential (it will be muddy)! A peaceful and happy Christmas to you all.
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle Telephone: (01308) 897761 Christmas Services Our Carol Service will be on Sunday 16th December at 6.00pm and will be led by Sally Jevons' father, Rev'd Peter Saunt. We wish Sally's parents every blessing on their retirement to Portesham.
The Christmas Day Service will be a Parish Communion at 9.30am.
Harvest Gifts As a result of our Harvest Service, a huge amount of produce was taken to the Pilsdon Community who were extremely thankful. Anthony Ashwell
Puncknowle Art Group Those in the group who went to Yetminster on November 2nd will remember the experience. We are very grateful to Frances Hatch for welcoming us to her home and her studio. She shared with us her close encounters with expressionism on Chesil Beach and other places around the world. We were given a tactile task of our own and came away with a very real sense of how Frances expresses life vividly through her art. December 14th will be Christmas lunch and January 11th the AGM. Christine Molony
First of all I would like to welcome two new members to the playgroup, Jessica Goodall and Oliver Ward, we hope your time with us will be a most happy one. Please note: The last day of term, the playgroup will be opened from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm. The children's Christmas party will be taking place on the last day of term, following Father Christmas's arrival at 11.30 am. We have asked new members of the playgroup and the people who kindly came in during the year to talk to the children to join us this year. The parents will be having mulled wine and mince pies.
As some of you know, we are losing Maria Bowen-Ashwin as our Playgroup Assisant at the end of term, and as I am writing this, we will be in the process of employing someone else. Last of all I would like to wish our staff, parents and children a very happy Christmas and this also goes to anybody that has helped us over the year, especially to those who donated so much to our Bingo Evening on the 23rd November. Thank you. Sue Talbot [ Chair] 01308 482204
HOME WATCH SNIPPET - CHRISTMAS CRIME
Keep those presents out of sight; don't display them under the tree or in your car when shopping or travelling; put them in the boot instead. Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas. From all Home watch Contacts
CAROL SINGING round the village. This will be on Wednesday December 19th. Meet at the hall at 6.00 p.m. with torches. Mick Lawless has kindly offered soup and mince pies in the Crown at the end of the evening.
MILLENNIUM SEAT. The long awaited Millennium Seat is finally in place at the Lookout on the Knoll. Made of Purbeck stone it looks as if it could still be in place the next time round. The Millennium Committee of Puncknowle and West Bexington
Village Correspondents: Mrs. Gaynor Jones, 10 Manor Farm Close Tel.482517 Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close Tel.482384
Shirley Laird Shirley has given St Mary's Church, in memory of her husband John, the book 'War Prevention Works' written by Dylan Matthews and published by the Oxford Research Group in September 2001. The Church is extremely grateful for this gift which will be kept for reference on the little bookshelf in the children's reading area.
Harvest Thanksgiving We enjoyed a dignified Service and a gloriously decorated church on the morning of 21st October. The vast majority of the gifts were apples, and next year we might suggest that gifts be more 'targeted' at the recipients, who as usual this year, were the Pilsdon Community.
Christmas Services Our Carol Service will be on Sunday 16th December at 6.30pm and will as in recent years be put together by Patricia and Malcolm Munro. Paul Cheater will be playing the organ and the Village Singers, based on Long Bredy, will be singing two choir carols. We look forward to a wonderful evening.
The Crib Service, especially for little children, will be on Christmas Eve at 4.00pm.
Midnight Holy Communion, with carols of course, will begin at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve. Anthony Ashwell
CAROL SERVICE: Litton Cheney's Carol Service will he held in St. Mary's Church on Sunday December 16th at 6.30pm. Lessons, Readings, Carols, Candies, the Village Singers and Paul Cheater. Mulled wine and mince pies to follow.
Litton Cheney Relief in Need Trust Don't forget that the closing date for submitting applications to the above trust is on or before 7th December 2001. See November B.V.N. for details.
St Mary's Church We are looking for more people to help with altar and festival flowers for 2002. If you are interested could you please contact Sheila Fry. 482260
Litton Cheney Playing Field Association A Coffee Morning is being held on Saturday 1st December at 10.30am in the Church Hall. A fund raising walk is taking place on Sunday 2nd December. Children, young people and not so young are all very welcome, further details from Anne Brewster 482593 or Michelle Williams 482779.
Eastern End Bride Valley Christmas Party The Christmas party for children aged 0-12 years who live at the eastern end of the Bride Valley and all children who attend Thorner's School will take place on Saturday 8th December from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm at Thorner's School, Litton Cheney.
Litton Cheney Social Committee The Harvest Supper on 20th October was held in Thorner's School hall and a delicious traditional meal greatly enjoyed by about 100 residents. Especial thanks to Mr and Mrs David Bayer who kindly donated the ham and turkey and to Ashley Chase Management for the donation of a variety of cheeses. Many thanks too to all who gave and/or helped to make the evening a success. After supper there was much fun with Barn Dancing to the excellent Fiddlestix band. Our next events: December 19th - Carol singing around the village, all proceeds to Naomi House Hospice, and December 22nd - Seasonal music and readings around a log fire at The White Horse. For full details of these events please see the posters on village notice boards nearer to the date or log onto Litton Cheney web site at www.littoncheney.org.uk Mary Anderson, Secretary LCSC
P.S. For those who read last month's resume: The Litton Cheney Social Committee in Millennium year also provided the large stone near the bus shelter recording "Litton Cheney AD2000"; and gave all children resident in the village a China Mug to commemorate the turn of the century. M.A.
Litton Cheney Parish Council Village Hall Survey, September 2001 Last month we set out the 5 item "wish list" in the BVN. Work is in progress on these. I can report that discussions have taken place with Palmer's who regret that the White Horse premises do not lend themselves to the dual use as a shop-cum-post office. Indeed Palmer's have experimented with this idea elsewhere and it has not proved to be a great success. We are looking further into two additional possibilities, both centred on the Youth Hostel. 1. the web group are investigating use of the hostel as a possible Community Computer Site. 2. the use of the hostel during the winter months as a location for a Youth Group. Anyone interested, both young people and adults willing to help, please contact Paul Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close. Telephone 482384. We will continue to keep you informed of developments as they occur. Ian L Slark, Chairman
Welcome to Litton Cheney's youngest new resident, Maxim Ezra Watson Jones who was born on 11th October, a brother for Eliot, Felix and Theo. Congratulations to Coo and Ross.
Congratulations to Debbie Wordsworth who celebrated her 90th birthday on 14th October.
We welcome David and Jill Dadamar who have moved into Waterside. Pete and Sue have moved into Number 10 The Paddocks. We hope they will be very happy in their new homes.
www.littoncheney.org.uk Visit the web site for the latest news. The group meets at The White Horse Inn at 8 o'clock on the first Monday of each month. All welcome.
Harvest Thanksgiving A Special Service, for Long Bredy use only, was put together for this traditional event, and the church was well filled on 7th October with people of all ages (from a couple of months to a thousand months) who thanked God for the harvest, who experienced a beautifully and generously decorated church, and who gave gratefully to the Pilsdon Community's new house in Dorchester.
From The Registers Burial of Cremated Remains: 4th November 2001 Barbara Mary Perdue Wintle, who died on 10th June 2001, who with her husband Geoffrey served village and Church faithfully between 1970 and 1985, and whose ashes have been placed with those of her beloved husband. St Peter's Church is extremely thankful to Barbara and Geoffrey's family for the gift of a most generous cheque in their memory.
Christmas Day Service This will be at 11.00am and will be our usual Family Service which will be followed by a shortened traditional Holy Communion for those who wish to stay.
The Carol Service, shared with Littlebredy, will be in their church this year - at 6.30pm on Sunday 23rd December.
Christingle Service This enchanting occasion in aid of The Children's Society will be on Sunday 16th December at 9.30am. Do come along and support their most important work. December Baptisms Gabriel Maltby in the 11.00am Holy Communion Service on 2nd December. Benedict Schwinge on 16th December at 12.30pm. Anthony Ashwell
Congratulations to Hannah Pitcher on passing her driving test at the first attempt.
Our farewells have been said to the Coe family and we welcome Chris, Tracy and Sophie Linwood to the School House. We hope they enjoy living in Long Bredy.
Welcome to Jack Bailey after his operation: he has made a splendid recovery. Jack thanks everyone for their cards and good wishes.
Our thoughts are also with those people in the village who have suffered unfortunate accidents recently: we hope they are making good progress in their recoveries.
Village Hall There is now a cooker fitted and ready for use in the hall kitchen: thank you very much Mike and Valerie Shepherd.
Jubilee Flower Festival (advance warning) To celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee a Flower Festival is being planned for the holiday weekend of June 1st - 4th 2002 at St Peter's Church. A share of the proceeds will go to Joseph Weld Hospice. As these dates coincide with Dorset Art Week we hope for plenty of visitors.
I am looking for someone to take over as Bride Valley News Correspondent. Would you do it! Please let me know.
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L.B. & L.C. W.I. The next meeting will be the Christmas Party on 4th December at Long Bredy. A report on the November meeting will appear in next month's B.V.N.
Harvest Thanksgiving This year the Vicar was privileged to lead our Family Harvest Thanksgiving on 14th October, and in his address speculated on how the people of a Greek island might decorate their church for a similar occasion : fish ready for the grill do not make the easiest of decorations! Both Greek and British Harvests have onions, and Littlebredy's this year were prize-winning. A most generous selection of gifts, including onions, was taken to the Pilsdon Community's Dorchester House afterwards. They were most thankful.
Christmas Services Sunday 23rd December at 6.30pm : Carol Service (shared with Long Bredy) with the Village Singers.
Christmas Day at 11.00am : Christmas Communion with traditional carols.
(Please note that there will be no 9.30am Communion Service on 23rd December.) Anthony Ashwell LITTLEBREDY NOTES.
Those who watched the Remembrance Ceremony at the Cenotaph on BBC1 on the 11th November will have seen Littlebredy's latest film star - about 15 seconds full face of Dick Hargreaves, as he marched past with his fellow veterans of the Parachute Regiment, which led the parade. Sadly, he was unable to revisit the village a few days later for the dedication of the memorial to the late Judge Giles Best on the 22nd November, but he sent greetings to all his old friends and neighbours who recall his time with Kay in Church Walk.
The arrangements for Christmas celebrations in the village are:-
- Arrangements for a carol singing party (one evening in the week leading up to Christmas Day) will be notified separately in due course.
Early as it seems (this proof is being written in the first half of November...) this is the opportunity to wish all residents - past and present - of Littlebredy, and all wellwishers, a very happy and fulfilling Christmas and 2002.
An American Experience. September - October 2001 It was pure co-incidence that took me on September 21 (just 10 days after the Terrorist attacks in New York and Washington) on a long-arranged visit to American friends in the United Church of Christ in New England. It was an unforgettable experience, and a great privilege to share with them in the aftermath of the disasters, and to hear the reactions of my friends and of the churches I visited. To individuals and to the churches I visited in Maine, Connecticut and New York I took the concern, sympathy, love and the assurance of prayers of British people, of the churches here, and in particular of the church of which I am a member in Bridport. These greetings were plainly greatly appreciated, sometimes received with tears in the eye, always with warmth and gratitude, and I pass on their thanks.
I found the American people that I met shocked, traumatised, grieving, and some fearful; there was a feeling that, since America had been shown to be vulnerable, the world had changed. While I heard stories of people full of hatred and revenge, amongst those I met the mood was rather that America itself must change, emerge from isolationism, recognise the wider world's perceptions of the injustices underlying American capitalism, wealth, attitudes and policies, and be ready to work with people of all faiths.
Some Americans are waking up to the fact that America is no longer a great Christian country; it is not only a multicultural society, but also a mulfi-faith society. The events of September 11 had led many Ministers and Churches to reach out with other faiths to their Muslem neighbours. I heard that, when in Ohio one of the largest Mosques in the USA had all its windows shot out in a revenge attack, all the other faiths shared in a Vigil of solidarity, people joining hands and encircling the Mosque, but facing outward. I found this a very powerful image, and one that was somehow a symbol of hope.
In the Sermons I heard at Scarborough First Congregational Church in Maine, at Riverside Church, N.Y., and in Lectures during the Vale Divinity School Tercentenary Convocation, there were calls for political caution and moderation in response to terrorism; for the need to seek out the root causes that lead to fanatic terrorism; for a greater awareness of the tragic disasters caused by poverty, famine, violence, injustice, etc. around the world., for an assessment of where Christ's teaching should lead us in response in the coming weeks and months. These themes were repeated in many conversations. At Riverside Church the class of 35 new members reserved on September 30 chose for themselves the title "the Peacemakers'. At Stamford First Congregational Church I heard a talk by a U.C.C. Minister who had been involved in the aftermath of the Oklahoma bombing: "The church must not just be "Chaplain to the nation" to bring hope and hearing, but also "read the signs of the times."
Readers will have heard and read many stories of bereavement and bravery; I will not add to these. But let me tell you of one 16 year old American boy who demanded of his teacher, who was sticking to the set curriculum., "Why are we studying old history? We need to be studying our own history - what is happening today". Can we all learn the lessons of September 11? My return to Britain before the discovery of cases of anthrax and just after the commencement of the bombing of Afghanistan precludes any informed comment on these events. But my insights lead me to believe that there will be many gripped with fear again by the former, and doubting the wisdom of the latter. (Rev'd) Susan M Nuttall, Litton Cheney, Dorset DT2 9EX Wanted - Used Postage Stamps
Reminder Notice for January 2002 BVN
In order to meet the Printer's Christmas deadline ALL copy for the January Edition needs to be in the hands of the Editors by Tuesday 4th December. Contributors are asked to get all copy to their village correspondents in good time. Thank you!
Editors: John & Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ
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