FROM THE CLERGY
Politics and religion don't mix, so people believe; certainly
it is not the done thing to "bring up" either of them at a polite
party, nor for that matter should one mention that 3-letter word ending in x.
Oddly enough, some of the most fervent believers in the incompatibility of politics
and religion are churchgoers who will be well aware of how Jesus Christ answered
the loaded question on paying taxes. "Do your duty to both God and the
state" was effectively his response, thus reminding us that the two exist
side-by-side and we can't escape either! They co-exist, and rather than supporting
them, Christians especially should work to integrate them: bringing God into
politics, and yes, politics into religion. This last may sound controversial,
but if people are to take their religion seriously, they will want everyone
to know God's blessings, and this must best be achieved politically.
So we face local elections and (probably) a general election.
How are we going to vote? - there's another loaded question, with an answer
that most of us would regard as our business. Clergy are becoming freer to admit
political sympathies, even to have political affiliations, but don't worry,
I shall take my own advice, and keep my party politics to myself, for the time-being!
As it was with the Pharisees who tried to trap Jesus with their
trick question, so it is with us: money and especially its loss to the taxman,
comes very high in our priorities. Thus juicy financial incentives become the
tools of the trade of the vote-seeking political parties. Like competing supermarket
adverts, we can scour each manifesto to determine which tax offer most benefits
us individually. At the same time we may understand that special offers can
be paid for by increasing "efficiency", which normally amounts to
decreasing public service, all of which is a wonderful excuse for us to carry
out our favourite pastime: grumbling.
Jesus Christ taught his followers to love their neighbours
as they love themselves, all as equal parts of God's creation. Even today in
our mainly secular society, neighbourly support is something we are all encouraged
to practise: "I may not go to church, Vicar, but I do love my neighbour".
Bearing this in mind, how might we vote?
Anthony Ashwell
Church Calender
June 2001
1 Justin, Martyr c.165. When finally ordered
to sacrifice to the gods in Rome, Justin replied, "No right-minded man
forsakes truth for falsehood." He was beheaded together with
five other men and a woman.
3 Pentecost
Whit Sunday. Acts 2, v.1-21
4 Petroc. Abbot, 6thC. The large number of relevant
ancient church dedications and place names in Devon & Cornwall,
and traces in Wales, suggest that St. Petroc (Pedrog) was of outstanding
importance among the British Celtic Saints.
5 Boniface of Crediton. Bishop & Martyr.
754 or 755.
6 Ina Kopuria, Founder of the Melanesian Brotherhood,
1958.
8 Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath & Wells, non-juror,
hymn writer, 1711.
9 Columba, Abbot of Iona, Missionary, 597.
10 Trinity Sunday (Romans 8, v.12-17)
11 Barnabas the Apostle. Acts 11, v.19-30.
14 Day of Thanksgiving for the institution of Holy
Communion (Corpus Christi). John 6, v.51-58. 15 Evelyn Underhill,
Spiritual writer, 1941.
16 Richard of Chichester, Bishop.1253. Joseph
Butler, Bishop of Durham, Philosopher, 1752.
17 First Sunday after Trinity.
18 Bernard Mizeki, Martyr.
19 Sundar Singh, Teacher, 1929.
22 Alban, First Martyr of Britain.c.250. 23 Ethelreda,
Abbess of Ely, c.678.
24 Second Sunday after Trinity
Birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1, v.57-66,
80.
27 Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop & Teacher. 444.
28 Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, Teacher, c.200.
29 Peter & Paul, Apostles.
Acts 12, v.1-11; 2.Timothy 4, v.6-8, 17-18.
Rosemary Earnshaw
Return to Index
Valley Notes
"Crumbs from a rich man's table?". The Vicar called
in on a parishioner who was tidying out his loft prior to moving house. "There's
a lot of junk here for the Church Fete" he said, "but I'll hold a
garage sale with the better stuff, and the proceeds can go to..... (confidential)".
The Vicar left with much on his mind, especially that old crumbs cannot easily
be made into a fresh cake!
Anthony Ashwell
Open Day at Salisbury Cathedral Saturday 23rd June.
Explore behind the scenes and have a go at some of the jobs
undertaken daily by staff and volunteers. Between 12.30 pm and 5.30 pm it will
be 'open house' with lots of extra and unusual activities. You can visit the
medieval Song Room and library, not normally open to the public, together with
the roof spaces and tower. There will be plenty for students (young and old)
as the Cathedral's Wren Hall educational team provide some real 'hands on' activities.
Find out what it's really like to be a verger, stone mason, embroiderer, chorister
etc - or even face the congregation with a sermon from the pulpit - as you try
your hand at these jobs. During the afternoon there will be a barbecue and refreshment
tent. The day ends with a lively service during which those who 'trained' with
the choir that afternoon will be able to put their new found skills to the test.
John Atkinson
Mothers' Union
There will be an outing to Stapehill Abbey on Friday,
22nd June. Cars will leave Burton Bradstock and Puncknowle at 11.00am.
Spring Harvest 2002
Spring Harvest is a Christian gathering which is held at Butlins,
Minehead each Easter holiday. The Butlins site is completely taken over
by Christians of all denominations, and there is a programme of many different
things to do for all ages. These include excellent seminars on various subjects
such as marriage, life over 50, parenting (all age groups covered, including
teenagers), singleness, single parenting, leadership, Bible studies - and many
more! All of these are challenging and are designed to equip us for everyday
life as Christians.
There are Rock bands, Folk bands, Theatre companies, Barn dances
and many more fantastic entertainments to suit all tastes. In addition there
are sports activities, a funfair, swimming pool, and excellent children &
teenage groups with very gifted and enthusiastic leaders.
I am hoping to organise a group from the Bride Valley to go
to Spring Harvest 2002. It is a great way to get to know other Christians in
the area and it has something to offer for all ages and tastes. The dates I
am hoping to book are 23 - 28 March 2002. If these dates are unavailable,
the alternatives are 28 March - 2 April. Spring Harvest is so popular that it
is booked to full capacity within a very short time of the booking lines being
opened. It is therefore very important that I know numbers by Tuesday,
12th June at the latest.
If you would like to know more or would like to come along,
please contact me on 01308 482501.
Helen Fox
Win a Holiday Abroad!
Fabulous prizes are on offer for the price of a raffle ticket,
just 25p each or £1 per book of four tickets. First prize is a "One week
holiday in the Spanish Mountains of Andalucia for four people". Second
prize is "£250 towards a holiday of your choice". Raffle tickets are
available from Burton Bradstock Post Office or from Lesley Dove at 7 Norburton,
Burton Bradstock or from the West Dorset Mencap charity shop at 54 East Street,
Bridport. Don't miss the chance to win a wonderful prize from the many on offer.
The draw takes place at the West Dorset Mencap Summer Fete
to be held in Flood Lane, Bridport (next to Safeway) from 2pm on Sunday 24th
June 2001. Please support our local charity that in turn supports all people
with learning disabilities in our local area. Thank you.
Lesley Dove (Hon
Secretary for West Dorset Mencap)
Help Required
On Sunday 24th June 2001 West Dorset Mencap will be
holding their annual Summer Fete in the grounds of the Social and Education
Centre, Flood Lane, Bridport (next to Safeway) from 2.00 pm. We urgently require
some extra helping hands on the day. Could anyone spare a couple of hours to
help with setting up, manning a stall or clearing up at the end? We would be
most grateful. Please contact me on 01308 897695 if you would
like to help in any way.
We are a local charity based at 54 East Street, Bridport where
we have a successful charity shop, BITS, as well as our office and meeting room.
Although affiliated to Royal Society Mencap in London, we raise and spend all
of our funds locally, to support all people in our local area with a learning
disability, their families and carers.
Lesley Dove
Hon Secretary West Dorset
Mencap
Recital of Music - Advance Warning!
A return visit of the young Romanian pianist, Madalina
Rusu, (here in 1999). Recital on 10th August in the W.I.Hall,
Burton Bradstock at 7.30 p.m. More details later. Watch out for possible return
of Ionut Ulita from last year - recital with a cellist in mid
July - maybe!
Ann & Mike Read
BURTON BRADSTOCK
MUSIC FESTIVAL
FUND RAISING CONCERT
If you enjoy the Burton Bradstock
Music Festival, which this year will be held from August 9th - August 11th,
do come along and support a fund raising concert on June 2nd at 7.30pm
in the W.I Hall. It will be performed by David Juritz, Hubert Dawkes and Hilary
Kenway. Tickets can be obtained from the Burton Bradstock Post Office or at
the door on the night of the concert.
Bride Valley Scout Group
Following their recent meeting, the Crown Puncknowle Fundraisers
presented a cheque to the Bride Valley Scout Group for £1,750. This follows
a very successful "Race Night," held at Portesham Village Hall in aid of our
"New Hut Appeal". On behalf of everyone in the Bride Valley Scout Group I would
like to say a huge 'thank you' to the Crown Puncknowle Fundraisers for their
support, and to everyone who attended on the night and had a great time!
Steve Dove BVSG
Chairman
Tea in the Garden
Enjoy Tea in the garden of Burton Mill Cottage, at the end of
Grove Road, Burton Bradstock (under cover if wet). This will be provided by
the Bridport & District Bible Society Action Group on Saturday,
16th June, 3-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults £2.50, children 50p - in aid of the Bible Society.
Burton Bradstock School
Many thanks to those of you that sponsored Colin Haley on his
London Marathon efforts. The school was overwhelmed with the support that you
showed. The money raised is going to pay for a new computer server, an expensive
box of tricks that basically provides as a central bank of computer programs
that it dollops out to our classroom computers. This frees up the memory of
these computers and the whole system becomes faster. The school is aiming to
have 16 classroom based computers, so that all children have regular access
to them, and this would simply not be possible without the server. So thanks,
Colin, for all your efforts!
The school, along with all other Bridport schools is preparing
for the return visit of the One World Band. The band is visiting each school
for ½ a day for the first three days of the week beginning 4th June. The band
will rehearse the songs that the schools have written, and they will be recorded
and performed. The band is to visit our school on the afternoon of Wednesday
6th June and we will perform our songs to our parents, accompanied by the band
at 2.30 that afternoon as part of our Good Work Assembly. Come and listen if
you wish, but be warned - it'll be standing room only!
I have arranged for a special concert performance by the One
World Band in the W.I. Hall on the evening of Wednesday 6th June, at which you
are all welcomed. Tickets are on sale on the door on the night at £4 each, £3
for students under 16.
A choir made up of all local schools will then record all songs
on the Thursday, and all songs will be performed at a special open-air concert
on the Friday afternoon. Sadly, due to health and safety issues, this concert,
at Bridport Leisure Centre, is only open to the schools; but I am considering
a public concert in the autumn.
Billy Bragg has done a great job encouraging students from
Colfox School to write songs, and they will be recorded and performed at a separate
concert on the same evening with Billy and his band backing them. What a great
experience for our children!
Our partner schools abroad are recording their songs, and these
will be added to the CD that we create which will go on sale at Christmas, with
all profits going to support education in our partner schools.
I'll give you an update on progress in July, but don't forget
you can keep an eye on the project by clicking onto our website on:
www.dorset-lea.org.uk/clusters/bridport/wmmusicproj
Best Wishes
David Powell
100 Club Winners for April
£ 20 S. Sutton
£10 L. Pettit
£5 L. Wilson
Thorner's School, Litton Cheney
There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm being put into 'making
music' with the World Music at Thorner's currently. You may wonder why? ...What
relevance to our lives? ...At first it may appear to be just music but the initiative
first thought up by David Powell, has grown with time. All of the children have
had some experience of what music in other cultures means; listening to 'live'
musicians, some are beginning to communicate, both electronic and 'normal' methods
with pupils from schools in the different continents. One of the areas of learning
for pupils and staff has been in the composing of songs. A variety of methods
were used, taking well known tunes and rewriting words, as well as finding a
rhythm to put with words. Each method has proved to be very effective, so much
so that we, as a staff, opted out of choosing the two songs which are going
forward to represent our school in the cluster ... the children voted for their
favourite so they have real ownership of the items and we have been practising
these songs along with all the other songs, it made light relief from the strict
regime of taking SATS for the year 6 pupils. Now we are looking towards Friday,
when we, along with all the other schools, will be performing together with
the 'professional band' who originally came to each of the schools. This has
been an enormous project for the schools but most of the ground work has been
taken on by a few characters, mainly David, who has been our inspiration, taking
us into areas which were unchartered. Thank you for giving us the opportunity
to be part of this project; both pupils and staff have increased their knowledge
and broadened their experience. It has made me reflect on why I am here as a
teacher. I would like to think that any experience the children in my care have,
could lead to something more, and benefit others in their community ( however
small or large ). Children do not have to restrict themselves to the lessons
within the National Curriculum. There are some lessons which cannot be taught
... how to work together as a team, to give and take, to listen to others and
take suggestions without putting themselves first all the time. All are valuable
lessons for life and hopefully through the World Music project they will have
experienced these first hand and will take it into their daily lives.
100 Club Winners
Mrs Underhill £15
Mrs Wakely £10
Alison Johnstone Headteacher.
Bring & Buy Sale
The 1st Bride Valley Brownies are holding a Bring
& Buy Sale on Wednesday 4th July 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. at the Church Hall,
Litton Cheney. The money raised will be donated to the charity "Hope HIV"
which supports Aids Orphans in Africa. Please come along and support the girls
in their fundraising effort. All donations towards the sale will be gratefully
received. If you need anything collected, call 482501.
THE COTTAGE GARDEN SOCIETY
Dorset Branch
The National Society was formed in 1982 for the benefit of
garden owners who want to keep alive the tradition of gardening in cottage style
and to encourage an interest in old - fashioned flowers of merit. It has a world-wide
membership of 7000.
The Dorset Group ( currently 80 members) is now 5 years old
and will be celebrating by holding an OPEN DAY on SATURDAY
JUNE 30th at WELCOME THATCH, WITCHAMPTON,(near Wimborne)
from 12 - 5 p.m.
The Cottage Garden Society aims to be a friendly and informal
Society, bringing together amateurs and experts who share an enthusiasm for
this type of gardening. Members receive four excellent informative magazines
per year and free seed via a wonderful seed exchange. At a
local level, there are two speaker meetings a year and garden visits.
The Open Day will give Dorset folk the chance to relax,
and explore the gardens of Welcome Thatch (described by Gardening
Which as 'a cottage garden for the 21stCentury'), and meet members of the
local group. Admission will be only 50p(free to members)
Refreshments will be available, or visitors may like to bring
a picnic.
Diana Guy 01258 840894
Dorset Group Organiser
Ladybirds
The next meeting is a barbeque on June 13th at 7.30pm at the
home of Mrs Jenny Prentice, Steddings, Chalk Pit Lane, Litton Cheney. New members
are always welcome.
Abbotsbury
Art Weeks & Music
Festival
Offices:
9a (Music) or 16 (Arts) West Street, Abbotsbury DT3 4JT
26th
May - 10th June
Return to Index
BURTON BRADSTOCK
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.
Gift Sunday 17th June The Berdoe Memorial
Trust.
The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on
Friday 8th June at 11.00 am.
The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be held
on Mondays 18th June and 16th July at 7 pm.
The Parochial Church Council meets on Monday 25th
June at 7 pm in church.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Funeral 20th April E. Rose Adams
Thanksgiving 30th April for the life of Johannes
M. G. D. van Slingelandt
Whit Sunday
The Holy Spirit is the very life of God, revealed in Jesus
Christ, and newly regenerated in all believers. Before all else it is LIFE,
which, if we possess it not, we are dead, even though we live! There will
be a special Service for Pentecost on Sunday, 3rd June at 9. 30 a.m. Please
come and celebrate this important festival.
Mike Read
Trudy Hodgson would like to thank all those kind friends
who visited her during her recent stay in hospital. When 'unstable' is the
doctor's word it is very reassuring to have a recognisable friendly face bending
over one to smile and help collect scattered wits. Thank you also those who
telephoned so that I could have a friendly chat to keep me in touch with events.
Parish Council
There will be a Parish Council Meeting in the Reading Room
at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 6th June.
Burton Bradstock Gardens Open Day
On Sunday June 24th at least 8 village gardens will
be open from 2-6 p.m. in aid of Dorset CancerCare and the British
Heart Foundation. Admission - £2.50 adults, 50p children.
There will be parking, teas, plants and tickets at Manor
Farm, plus music, courtesy of Burton Bradstock School - weather permitting.
At 40 Grove Road there will be bric-a-brac and St. Mary's handbell
ringers, and you will find more plants at Little Orchard. Offers of
plants/garden paraphenalia for sale will be gratefully received.
Veda Bull & Heather
Thomson
Village Computer Launch Evening
The Open Evening for villagers at the Committee/Reading Room
on Wednesday, 9th. May, 2001 was well attended. About 60 people came to celebrate
the launch of the new computer and many took the opportunity to try out 'surfing
the net' and sampling the contents of the village web site. Norman Thompson,
Chairman of the Parish Council, and Tim Linford, Chairman of the Village Web
Site Committee, both said a few words to open formally the facility.
There were a few who had come some way especially for the
event, including one gentleman who was an evacuee here in the war. He left
the village some 40 years ago, but obviously likes to keep in touch! He also
had some wonderful old photos that we hope to borrow for our 'book'.
The "Millennium Book" has recently been extended
and the site is now a true multimedia facility with video and sound clips.
The History Section, though we say it ourselves, is now pretty impressive
as its contents now cover a wide range of subjects including Chris Wilkinson's
collection of over 250 old photographs with related historical data. There
are articles on shipwrecks off the coast and local floods, photos of the village
football teams (The Canaries) over the years, history of the church, farming,
rope & net making, fishing and an account of the Roberts' Trail. Georgie
Northover's contribution includes a collection of old photographs, documents,
and a copy of the full dictionary of the Old Burton Language created by Douglas
Northover some years ago. We think the 'book' is becoming something really
quite special.
And, would you believe, material is still coming in. While
many photos and documents have been received from locals, others in distant
places who have heard of the quest for further information on Burton's history,
have also come up trumps (from as far away as Australia!).
The PC is now installed upstairs in the Reading Room and
can be booked for half hour sessions on selected days by villagers, using
the booking diary held at the Post Office - (see separate note). And don't
forget, using the PC either stand alone or on the Internet is FREE! The only
charge (10p per sheet) is for any printed pages you have - just to cover the
cost.
Village web address:- www.burtonbradstock.org.uk
Ken Pett
CLANG!!!!!
Change to booking arrangements of village computer.
Due to an error on my part, the item in last month's BVN
omitted the fact that bookings are NOT possible on the FIRST
Wednesday or Thursday of the month. However, depending upon demand, we presently
plan to be open for HALF HOUR sessions on the other Wednesday afternoons
(2:30 to 4:30) and Thursday evenings (7:00 to 9:00) throughout the
year.
The only other exclusion is the month of August
when no sessions are planned.
In order for individuals to have the opportunity to have
the PC to themselves, it is important to book a half hour slot for yourself
in advance.
Booking is very simple, just go along to the Post Office
and write your name in for one of the half hour slots on the above days/times
in the diary held there for that purpose. A committee member will note who
has booked in, and will open the Reading Room for you and also be there to
help set up/use the computer. If you find you are unable to attend on the
booked time/day, please do make sure the booking is removed from the diary
in the Post Office so that others can make use of the facility.
Apart from wishing Jonathan and his son a speedy recovery,
we would like to thank him both for the donation of the diary, and for allowing
us to use the Post Office for the bookings.
Happy surfing!
Ken Pett
BURTON BRADSTOCK W.l.
The President, Joan Dady, welcomed 40 members to the May
meeting, which was our annual Resolutions. Two subjects were discussed: firstly
a Schools Nursing Service, to be updated, with a nurse in attendance in each
school, therefore being able to pin-point any problems that occur. The members
voted for the Resolution. The second concerned Abuse of the Elderly in Nursing
Homes. After much discussion it was decided that the expense would outweigh
the cost. We also felt that it would be of no benefit, as no matter how much
training there was, there would still be some abuse as the carers are put
under so much stress. The members' decisions will he taken to the annual conference
in Cardiff.
After the Coffee break the members enjoyed a Beetle Drive.
In fact it was a very pleasant evening.
Flowers for the Table were arranged by Mary Bailey.
Flower of the month was won by Joan Allan with a beautiful
White Clematis.
100 Club Winners 1st Jean Craddock 2nd Jeanne
Hill
3rd Margaret Oldridge 4th Marg Banks
28th May Spring Bank Holiday Monday will be the day of our
annual Fair which will be opened by our well known local resident, Billy Bragg.
Margaret Frost
Garden Party in the Rectory Garden
This will be on Thursday 5th July at 2.00 p.m. and all proceeds
will go to the Bridport Branch of the Alzheimer's Disease Society.
There will be various stalls, and cream teas in the W.I.Hall.
Lavender Trust Breast Cancer Care
I would like to say 'thank you' to all our friends who supported
the Coffee Morning held on April 21st. We were able to send the Lavender Trust
a cheque for £428.
Mary Rawle
Burton Bradstock Guided Walk
Elizabeth Gale will be taking a Guided Walk
lasting approximately one and a half hours on Thursday June 21st. It
will start at 2 pm at the Playing Fields, with emphasis on Village Industries
(long gone) and the Properties. £2 per head, to include a light tea. All proceeds
to go to the work of the Royal British Legion.
The Women's Section of the Bride Valley Branch of the
Royal British Legion wish to thank residents and visitors for their
support at the Easter Sale and for the contributions of items for sale. The
event was very successful, raising £445.
Berdoe Memorial Trust
Coffee Morning - Thursday 21st June
10.30 a.m. - 12 noon
The Rectory, Burton Bradstock.
Bring & Buy - Cake Stall - Raffle.
For those of you new to the village this is our very own
Registered Charity, formed in 1990 in memory of Joy and Bertie Berdoe and
in recognition of their caring and spiritual work in the Bride Valley. The
Trust provides much needed holidays at Freshwater Holiday Park for deprived
children from our cities.
This year we are giving a week's holiday at the time of our
Church Fete at the beginning of August to a group of children and their carers
from the Bromley by Bow Centre in London's East End.
The Trust relies totally on your generosity; so do come along
and enjoy a summer morning at the Rectory. You never know - if the weather's
fine, we could be in the garden!
John Ivall, Secretary
London Marathon - Thank You
Thank you for all the support you gave me during my preparations
for and the final running of the London Marathon. I completed the course in
3 hours 43 minutes and enjoyed all bar the last 2 miles of the 26 run! The
response from everyone was excellent and the final total raised was £1463
which has now been presented to David Powell. Once again thank you all very
much.
Colin Haley
Congratulations from us all, Colin, for a magnificent
total and amazingly fast time.
Return to Index
SHIPTON GORGE

Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White
Eastcote
3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge
Tel(01308)897974
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Baptism 5th May Joby A. Symes
The Parochial Church Council meets on Wednesday 6th
June at 7.30 pm at Bonscombe Farm.
St. Martin's Church
We had a Christening on May 5th. Joby Anthony Symes
was baptised by the Rector, and Joby was extremely good throughout the half
hour service.
Village Society
9th June Pot Plant Sale
4th August Flower & Veg. Show
18thAugust Street Fair
Shipton Gorge Village Society - Annual General Meeting
The AGM, held on 9th May, was well attended. At the meeting
the Treasurer resigned for personal reasons. Therefore the Society now requires
a Treasurer able to give a detailed account at the end of the year.
For further details please contact the Chairman Peter Bowditch on 897364.
The Society is hoping to organise a Flower and Vegetable
Show on the 4th August in the Village Hall and area surrounding. A co-ordinator
to oversee this event is urgently needed, and also a team of four. Please
help this popular event. Peter Bowditch (
897364 )
St. Martin's Summer Fair
Saturday, 21st July at 2.00 p.m.
Please bear this date in mind. All the usual
stalls - all goods for them and all offers of help would be much appreciated.
Please contact the Churchwardens, Molly Roast
or Colin Green, or any member of the PCC.
Plant Swap Coffee Morning
Shipton Gorge Village Society invites you to take 'pot luck'
at a coffee morning on Saturday, 9th June, 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon. Just
bring along a well-rooted pot plant (indoor or outdoor) which will be numbered
and entered in a draw around 11.30 a.m. Everyone will pick a number from the
drum and become the new owner of the correspondingly numbered plant. Why not
come along with a plant, enjoy a coffee and a chat and leave with a different
plant? You could of course draw your own plant! Coffee and biscuits will be
20p.
Geoff Shepherd (
01308 897490 )
Spring Plant Sale
A big 'thank you' to all
who helped to make the Plant Sale such an enjoyable and successful event.
We were very grateful to those who contributed such a variety of good quality
plants, and everyone who helped in different ways on the day. We were fortunate
in having a rare sunny morning, and it was good to see so many people there,
especially from surrounding villages. A total of £400 was raised for the Bride
Valley News.
Vic & Jean Canterbury
A huge thank-you from us, too... to the Canterburys
for all their hard work in arranging the Sale and to all those who gave their
support. We are so grateful to all those individuals and Valley societies
who give financial support to the B.V.N., of which every page costs in the
region of £15 to print.
J.H.P. & S.P.
Shipton Gorge Parish Council
Clerk to the Parish Council Required
The job consists of :- ( i ) attending and taking the minutes of six Parish
meetings and the annual meeting
( ii ) dealing with the correspondence and accounts.
Remuneration not less than £450 per annum.
Use of wordprocessor /computer is essential.
This is an opportunity to become involved in your local community
and is an interesting and rewarding post. If you are interested, or know of
someone who might be, please contact:-
Robert Langran, Church View, Shipton Gorge, DT6 4NA Tel.
897207
Shipton Gorge Hall 100 Club
Winners for the May Draw:-
£20 No.35 Brian & Heather Puttock
£10 No.31 George Bradbury
Return to Index

CHILCOMBE
Return to Index
SWYRE 
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Gilly Doar
Paddock Lodge Swyre
From the Registers
Joan Elisabeth Yeates died on Easter Eve aged 49, and was
buried on 21st April in Holy Trinity churchyard. Well over 100 people came
to Joan's Funeral (some had to stand outside) and in the address we heard
much about her life of loving service to family, friends, community and school.
We send our sincerest condolences to Peter, Martin, Nigel and Avril, and their
wider family.
Anthony Ashwell
Residents of Swyre said their sad goodbye to Joan Yeates
on 21st April. Joan would have been amazed to see the crowd of neighbours
and friends who joined her family for the moving service.
To those of us privileged to know her, Joan was a quiet steady
friend with a dry sense of humour. She was very brave throughout her illness
and did not lose interest in life around her.
Avril's reading at the service moved many of us to tears.
Our thoughts and best wishes now go to Peter and his three
children Martin, Nigel and Avril.
A Message from the Yeates
Peter, Martin, Nigel, Avril and all the family would like
to take this opportunity to thank all the friends and neighbours who supported
Joan during her illness. Thanks also to all who attended the service and for
the many messages of sympathy that we have received.
Return to Index
PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow
Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle
Telephone: (01308) 897761
WELCOME
We welcome Andrew and Sandy Marshall who have come to live
in Swyre Road, and Andrew and Jo Moore, Vicky and Clare who have
come to Napier Close. It is good to have you with us
Puncknowle & Swyre Fete Saturday July 28th
Plans for the fete are progressing with the usual stalls.
Please turn out any unwanted gifts, books,toys, bric-a-brac or white elephants.
A list of stall holders will be in the July B.V.N. Offers
of help or new ideas welcome Please contact Ann Roberts, Tel. 897716.
Puncknowle Art Group
Dates for June are:-
Friday 8th Paper making at Sally's
Friday 22nd Possibly at The Crown
The Charity we have chosen to support this year, through
our exhibition, is Dorset CancerCare.
Christine Molony
The Crown Puncknowle Fundraisers
A Big Thank-you to you all for a most successful start
to 2001. In February we held a Race Night at Portesham Village Hall which
raised £1750 for the Scout Hut Appeal, which takes our grand total of donations
to over £21,000 (A list of all donations and beneficiaries can be found
at the Crown).
We have already been organising some events for the coming
summer. If you would like to help out at any of these occasions, we would
love to hear from you, or maybe you have some fundraising ideas or a good
cause that you feel we may be able to help, in any case just give me a call
on 01308 897711.
Dates For Your Diary
JUNE
Sunday 3rd Brunch from 10.30am (with a possible
Treasure Hunt around Puncknowle depending on the Foot & Mouth situation).
The Wessex military band from 1.00pm
JULY
Sunday 8th Brunch from 10.30am and The Wessex
Military band from Noon
Saturday 28th Bride Valley Fledglings Fun Night
& BBQ with Music from All Shook Up, from 7.30pm
AUGUST
Sunday 12th Brunch from 10.30am and The Wessex
Military Band from Noon
Saturday 25th BBQ, Music (TBA) and Stalls from
7.30pm
Sunday 26th Brunch from 10.30am and Music (TBA)
from Noon
SEPTEMBER
8th - 16th Big Band Week
Many events taking place in Bridport, Portesham and Puncknowle
over the week.
Watch this space for details as soon as we have them.
Please note only the events taking place at the Crown
during this week will benefit the Crown Puncknowle Fundraisers.
All proceeds from these events go to local organisations
& charities or national charities directly affecting local people. Thank
you for your continued support.
Emma Foster (Treasurer)
BRIDE VALLEY FLEDGLINGS
Our Sponsored Trike Ride will be taking place on the 28th
June at The Crown, Puncknowle. We now have a sign to put outside the church
hall when the playgroup is running.
The new session started on the 2nd May, and I must agree
that all the children really enjoyed themselves and seemed to cope very
well with changing their clothes and with their lunch.
We have also had a couple of visits this month; one from
the community dentist and one from Jason Larcombe's dad, who brought in
some chicks and ducklings- thank you.
The Summer Quiz went on sale on the 21st May and you can
get a copy from The Crown, Puncknowle, The White Horse, Litton
Cheney, The Blue Anchor Cafe, West Bexington; I am trying
to find some more places to sell them. This year the First Prize of £20.00
will be kindly donated by Harmony Music of Dorchester. Thank you.
Finally we all welcome Madeline Adams from Litton Cheney,
who started with the playgroup this term.
Sue Talbot ( Chair )
Puncknowle Home Watch
After a prolonged crime-free period I regret to report
that there have recently been two break-ins and burglaries, one of which
was carried out in the daytime when the householders were out. This alerts
us all to re-consider the security features on our own homes. Are they adequate
to foil an attempt to break in? The police are always willing to call and
give advice. Phone Beaminster Police Station: 01308-862222.
In addition we can all help by keeping an eye open in our immediate locality,
and if you see anything suspicious, phone the police and advise your local
home watch representative.
On a personal note, after a spell of over six years I am
retiring as the co-ordinator for home watch, with effect from 30 June 2001.
We are therefore seeking a volunteer to fill this vacancy. When that good
person comes forward I can register the change with the Police Home Watch
Manager. Please contact me at the address/telephone number below. With thanks
to you all, especially the home watch representatives, for your past co-operation.
Tony Adamson (co-ordinator)
7 Springfield
Puncknowle
01308-897122
Return to Index
LITTON CHENEY
Village Correspondents:
Mrs. Gaynor Jones, 10 Manor Farm Close Tel.482517
Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close Tel.482384
paulkingston@tinyworld.co.uk
WANTED
Volunteers to join the rota to unlock the Church and wind
the clock. This is not a very onerous task involving not more than a couple
of minutes or so each day around 9 a.m. for one week in five (less if there's
a rush of volunteers!) There is a separate rota for locking the Church around
sunset for volunteers who would rather take their exercise in the evening.
For people wanting some more serious exercise why not join
the churchyard mowing rota. The task is easier this year as part of the yard
is being left unmown.
Please contact Freddie Spicer on 482617 for any or all of
these equal opportunity and health promoting jobs!
Litton Cheney Social Committee are pleased to say
that the Easter Duck Race and Children's Easter Egg Hunt were very well supported.
It was a fine day, the Ducks were launched and much fun was had by all. The
first duck home belonged to Mr Moore, closely followed by Mr E Kingston's
duck.
The Social Committee have contributed £773 to the purchase
of 16 tables for the use of the village. A donation of £110 was made to the
Bride Valley Scout Group for the provision of a new Scout hut recognising
that several young people from Litton Cheney attend Scouts, Cubs or Beavers.
The Social Committee is able to consider relevant requests for monies and
any request should be made in writing to the Chairman.
Advance notice of events, for your diary:
A Wine Tasting on Friday 20th July at The Cottage, Litton
Cheney
The Harvest Supper on Saturday 20th October
www.littoncheney.org.uk
The Litton Cheney Website continues to develop and
besides being able to view panoramic views from the triangle and within the
church, features the following pages:
Children - for information about Thorners and their
own chat page
Constitution -
Diary - a monthly calendar so you know what's happening
in Litton Cheney
Directory - providing information on local services
Health - where the doctor is and how you can get there!
Links
News - issues affecting the village, oil rigs, foot
and mouth, church conversion Playing Field - what's happening!
Talk page - if you wish to have your say on issues
you can post a message
Village Walk - - you can be guided around the sites
of Litton Cheney without leaving the computer and it provides information
about the village.
The Webgroup meet on the first Monday of every month at The
White Horse.
Many of the pages are frequently updated and new pages are
being planned. Organisations can forward dates for forthcoming events to diary@littoncheney.org.uk
Caroline Smart had two fourth places in the British
National Championships in Manchester. She has also recently won the Southern
Counties 100m and 200m butterfly titles and will be attending a National Butterfly
training camp in Manchester.
Jane and Juliet Potter helped their club to first
place in the women's National 6-stage road relay.
We welcome the new residents to 8 Manor Farm Close,
Paul, Karin, Georgina and Madeline.
June 2nd is a very special day for Maurice and Evelyn Toogood,
who celebrate their Golden Wedding. Our very best wishes and congratulations
to you both.
It is very good to see Ted Jennings walking in the village
again, and we hope his progress continues.
The Village Fete on the 14th July is well into
the planning stage. Please start looking for toys, games, bottles, etc., for
the stalls, and turn out the attics for the "almost antiques". Nearer the date,
lots of scones, home made cakes, biscuits and produce for the teas, cake stall
and produce stall will be needed - please volunteer to the appropriate organiser(s),
who are:-
Bottle Tombola Peter Palm
Book Stall Juniper Greener
Almost Antiques Robert & Jill Maltby
Plants Harriet Sykes
Raffle Rosemary Pitcher & Margaret Elliott
Produce Helen Fox
Cakes Diane ffoulkes
Children's Stall David & Jane Peretz
Teas Janet Cuff
Any offers of further help will be greatly appreciated. Please
contact Elinor Frost on 01308 482269.
The village Fete will be held on Saturday 14th July,
in the gardens of Kingston Russell House. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Carter
for letting us use their lovely grounds again this year.
LONG BREDY AND LITTON CHENEY INSTITUTE
President Elinor Frost welcomed members and presented birthday
posies to Jenny Cox, Jackie Cain and Rosemary Teychenne.
The Spring Group Meeting held at Long Bredy in April was reported
a great success and a cheese and wine evening incorporating antiques valuations
at Burton Bradstock in September was announced. The £5 ticket fee will go to
charity.
There will be a County trip to the Globe Theatre for a performance
of Macbeth on 20th June.
Four members attended the Spring Council Meeting at Weymouth
and reported an enjoyable day which included talks on Portland Young Offenders
Institution and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
The speaker was Professor Duncan Harris of Dorset Wildlife
Trust which was formed in 1961 to conserve and protect Dorset wildlife. He showed
stunning slides of wildflower meadows, landscapes, mammals, birds and butterflies.
There were many instances of the valuable work of the Trust in keeping the countryside
for the enjoyment of all.
The flower competition was won by Phyllis White.
The next meeting will be the outing on June 5th. B.Champkins
Baptism 6th May Lewis G. Wilkinson
LITTLEBREDY NOTES.
Following up two brief items in recent magazines, both connected
with Lent and Easter charities, it is good to report that the generosity of
those who attended Tessa Jackson's Lent frugal lunch contributed £100 to International
Research into Spinal Injuries, and that the Church collection on Easter Day
was just over £120.00. Following our customary practice of trying to be a
"giving church", this was as usual donated to charity - this time to the fund
jointly organised by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the
National Agricultural Centre's "Addington" Charity, both working for relief
of hardship in the farming industry at this devastating time for some.
As well as the usual services, May's church events encapsulated
the beginning and the end of the Christian life. Sunday 6th May saw the Christening
of Lewis Wilkinson, attended by a big congregation of relations, neighbours,
friends and wellwishers. He was certainly given a warm welcome into the Christian
family, and we wish him, his brother Joshua and their parents Glenn and Mandy
well.
At the other end of the month, May 31st saw the burial here
of the ashes of Susan Williams, in the grave of her late husband Mark. Mark
was Farm Manager and Agent here in the 1940's and 1950's, whilst his father
was an elderly man, and his tombstone rightly describes him as "a man much
loved". After his death in 1969, by which time the family had moved to Frampton,
Susan lived in Rodden then Portesham, where she died in the spring. Now she
returns to be with Mark again in the village where their family mainly grew
up, and sympathy and best wishes are extended to them all.
Although many current residents will have moved to the village
since Elizabeth Lady Williams, Sir Philip's widowed mother, moved away in
1985, there will be some who remember her, and will join in wishing her a
happy 80th birthday, which was celebrated with a party at Bridehead for some
of her older friends at the end of April. Among the guests was Mr. Pat Sutcliffe,
the Land Agent here for many years before his assistant Robin Barbour succeeded
him, and the Sutcliffes sent their greetings to all who remember him from
those days.
Finally, Chris Yates has asked for no publicity for his further
triumphs (and the successful retention of his previous trophy) in the National
Daffodil Competitions held recently in Birmingham, so this item confines itself
to a reminder that The Scented Garden is open to the public (in aid
of the National Gardens Scheme and Littlebredy Church funds) on Tuesdays
this month, from 2.30 - 8.00 p.m., namely on the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
June.
Return to Index
Thought for
the Month
PILSDON COMMUNITY
The Pilsdon Community near Bridport seeks
to provide an environment where people can rebuild their lives after experiencing
a crisis, whether sudden or progressive. The Community also welcomes people
who wish to find a time to reflect on their lives before making a change in
direction, or just want time out to live as part of a Community. It is not necessary
to have a specific reason or illness to come to Pilsdon. There are at present
6 Community Members and their families, who take responsibility for running
the Community. But everyone who stays at Pilsdon, long term guest, short term
visitor, wayfarer, volunteer or community member participates fully in the life
of the Community. Some may find the Christian foundation of the Community, with
its regular daily worship, an assistance, though there is no religious condition
for guests. People of all races, cultures and faiths are welcome.
The Pilsdon Community is preparing to open
a new Community House in Dorchester. The house will accommodate up to 10 residents
together with a resident warden. The house will serve as 'move-on' accommodation
for people who have lived at the Pilsdon Community (or Hilfield Friary) and
know what is involved in living in a Community. Everybody will contribute to
the running of the house with domestic chores, cooking, gardening and the general
upkeep of the house. The daily and weekly routine will enable the residents
to eat regularly together and be mutually supportive. Everyone will be expected
to respect the 'dry' character (no alcohol) of the house. Anyone who has visited
Pilsdon will know that there is an extended family atmosphere about the place.
It is intended that this should extend to the Dorchester house. Residents will
continue to live in a community context, but will be able to seek work (paid
and voluntary), training or education in the local area.
This important development for the Pilsdon
Community has been made possible with financial support from West Dorset District
Council and with the assistance of Bournemouth Churches Housing Association.
The Trustees and Community Members of Pilsdon are very grateful to all those
who have made this development possible.
The Pilsdon Community is a registered charity
and relies on the support of its many neighbours and friends. Any offers of
help in any shape or form, particularly with the new Dorchester House in mind,
will be received gratefully by the Warden, The Revd. Peter Barnett, who writes:
"Many people today experience loneliness,
isolation and exclusion from many aspects of life. This experience can happen
at any point in our lives, very often through no fault of our own. The Pilsdon
Community provides an alternative way of life that can bring self-worth, dignity
and purpose to people's lives. The 'move-on' house in Dorchester will extend
this provision and also enable people to have the benefits of Community Life
and, at the same time, contribute to the wider community. We look forward to
working with the people of Dorchester."
Further information from The Warden The Revd.
Peter Barnett
Pilsdon Manor Pilsdon Bridport DT6 5NZ
Return to Index
Editors: John & Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton
Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ
|