Bride Valley News

FROM THE CLERGY

A few weeks ago, Anna and I visited an exhibition of modern art at the Royal Academy in Piccadilly. The tickets required us to view about 80 mainly early 20th century European paintings in an hour, and those included some works by artists even I had heard of, and a couple of paintings of international repute (for example Picasso's 'Les Miserables'). What was so good about the exhibition was how near you could get to the paintings themselves. You could easily have touched them (but were asked not to, of course) but could certainly get your eyes so close to the canvasses that the intricacies and techniques of oil painting, as well as the accidental whorls and blodges (or were they deliberate?) could easily be observed. I have never been aware before of how revealing this could be, especially in the works of some of the impressionists on display, amongst them Toulouse-Lautrec.

So what kind of thing did such close inspection reveal? Dobs of paint standing out and not smoothed over; crude brush whorls; some unbelievably simplistic detail; and patches of canvas simply not painted on at all - the colour of the underlying canvas was the colour you saw. Being, as Anna tells me, an often rather exact if not exacting kind of person, I found this all rather challenging. But the artistic amongst you will now be thinking 'he's missed the point'. Absolutely! It was only when you stood back from the painting and viewed the whole that you could appreciate the real genius of the artist. The artist originally had stood back from his subject and received an impression of a wider truth, of light or shape say, rather than the precise angle of mouth to cheekbone, and this is what he put to canvas. We in our turn are meant to stand back and receive this impression : minute examination is just a distraction.

All this rather reminds me of Harvest Thanksgiving in the Church, when we bring our sincerest gratitude to God for all the gifts of creation, with more than enough for everybody to live fully and to be truly happy : and there is the overall picture. We all know however that in the detail there are many, many parts of the world where there is nowhere near enough and other parts of the world where there is just too much. This is the case, internationally, nationally, and in the Bride Valley. We do well to address the detail locally and at the other side of the world, for when we do so, the poverty gaps begin to be taken seriously and the blessings God so wishes to all, begin to be shared.

Anthony Ashwell

Return to Index

Valley Notes

The Bride Valley Team Council next meets on Thursday 7th November 2002 at 7.30 pm in Puncknowle Church Hall.

THE BRIDE VALLEY (WEDNESDAY) BIBLE STUDY GROUP

We have started our study of St Mark's Gospel and fuller details will be found on church notice boards. Below is the programme for October to December, all are most welcome to our 7.30pm meetings, and don't forget to bring your Bible.

Session II St Mark - Chapter 1

Sept 25th 7 Norburton, Burton Bradstock

Oct 2nd Pitcombe, Littlebredy

Session III St Mark - Chapter 2

Oct 9th St Catherine's Cross, Shipton Gorge

Oct 16th 11 Barges Close, Litton Cheney

Session IV St Mark - Chapter 3

Oct 23rd Fir Tree Cottage, Shipton Gorge

Oct 30th Hillside, West Bexington

Session V St Mark - Chapter 4

Nov 6th 7 Norburton, Burton Bradstock

Nov 13th The Rectory, Litton Cheney

Session VI St Mark - Chapter 5

Nov 20th Cairnhill, Shipton Gorge

Nov 27th Puncknowle Church Hall

Session VII St Mark - Chapter 6

Dec 4th Windy Gap, Shipton Lane, B.B.

Dec 11th The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney

Any queries or further information?....please contact Mike Read (897445) or me.

Anthony Ashwell (482302)

LITTON CHENEY LUNCH IN AID OF SOUTHERN AFRICA FAMINE VICTIMS

The Sunday lunch on 25th August at the Rectory was wonderfully supported and a cheque for £520 has been sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee. A big thank you to all who helped or donated in any way. Anthony Ashwell

ST. LUKE'S-TIDE HEALING SERVICE

This will be at Puncknowle as usual, and will be at 11.00 a.m. on October 20th. It will be based on the "Puncknowle Prayer" Service for the 3rd Sunday of the month and will be led by The Revd. Christopher Johnson.

The Bible

With the approach of the 27th October, when the Bride Valley and others observe Bible Sunday, there are one or two matters to draw to your attention.

First, warmest thanks are given to those who support the Bible Society in various ways throughout the year. In the past twelve months the Bridport and District Bible Society Action Group has been enabled with your local help to raise funds for the donation of "The Miracle Maker" video to primary schools in our area and, much further afield, to supply printing paper for China to print Bibles, the demand for which far outstrips supply.

The next event arranged by the local Action Group of the Bible Society is the Bible Society Annual Lecture, entitled "God Save The Queen - the Spiritual Dimension of the Monarchy," which will be delivered by the Rev. Dr. Ian Bradley ( Reader in Practical Theology and Church History, School of Divinity, University of St. Andrews) in St. Mary's Church, South Street, Bridport on Monday, 4th November, at 7.30 p.m. All will be welcome.

Anyone not already taking Bible notes for the daily reading of the Bible and interested to do so is invited to contact Mrs. Ann Read ( Westfield, Shipton Lane, Burton Bradstock - tel. 897445 ) for Scripture Union notes or Miss Hilary Mousley ( The Red House, Middle Street, Burton Bradstock - tel. 897849 ) for Bible Reading Fellowship notes.

Men's Breakfast

Every third Saturday of each month, the Bride Valley Churches are holding a men's breakfast at Puncknowle Village Hall from 8 am to 10 am. There'll be a cooked breakfast, of course, and a chance to chat. For more information phone Paul ... on ... or Jonathan Jevons on 897068.

Mothers' Union

This month we meet on Thursday 24th October at Westfield, Shipton Lane, Burton Bradstock. This will be a "Members Meeting," so would members bring subjects/objects/readings etc. which will lead to a discussion.

Burton Bradstock School

By the time that you read this article, if all has gone well, my successor will have been appointed. Many villagers have asked me about the process and who is responsible for the appointment and so I thought I'd use this opportunity to explain and to pay tribute to the hard work undertaken by a few dedicated people.

Firstly it is worth noting that I am not involved in any way in the appointment. This is standard protocol and the rationale is that those responsible need firstly to draw up a person specification, a blueprint, outlining the qualities they wish the new Head to have. They may well wish not to repeat the mistake made 12 years ago of appointing a bearded, melodeon wielding lunatic with a penchant for wailing folk songs and weaving hapless dancers into impossible knots at ceilidhs.

The key person in the process, you may be surprised to know, is the Chair of the school Governors. School Governors are dedicated folk who have become involved in this unpaid, highly complicated and time consuming role through a desire to support their local school and community. The Chair is elected from within and our school has been blessed with a succession of excellent Chairs, the current incumbent, Hil Bosworth, being no exception.

Hil was the first person to know of my appointment to Puddletown and her first reaction was to congratulate me. After prising her fingers from my throat we both sat down and I outlined the first steps she'd need to take to find a new Head. In the intervening three months she has thrown herself and the Governing Body into the task with great dedication and professionalism. Every step they have taken they have consulted with L.E.A. advisors, but basically it is down to Hil and the Governors to shoulder the responsibility for the appointment.

They created the person spec., consulting widely, including the children. They shaped and placed the advert nationally, and created the pack that was sent to all that responded to it. They shortlisted the applicants and designed the two-day interviews, again ensuring that as many stakeholders had a voice as practically possible. The interview panel included a teacher, a parent, a church representative, an L.E.A. advisor and governors and the children played their part as each candidate had to conduct an assembly with them!

The process was excellent. Hopefully as I said at the start, the outcome has been to appoint my successor, but whatever happened on the interview day the decision will have been made in the best interests of the school by those best placed to make it.

Best wishes

David Powell

Lucky 100 Club winners for August

£20 - M. & T. Holmes

£10 - A. Smith

£5 - Mr. & Mrs. K. Butcher

Thorner's School, Litton Cheney

The most important date for your diaries is October 1st. This is the annual Governors' Report to parents and School Association Annual General Meeting. Do please try to come along; it is your chance to find out in detail what is going on. I often forget that what I take for granted, because I am repeatedly going over it, is interesting to someone else. This is an opportunity to ask questions in a friendly and hopefully non threatening way and to meet the governors who are responsible for making decisions about the school which will make an impact on your child. We are also open to suggestions and new ideas as to how you would like to see the school develop.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Harvest service and provided gifts. Harvest is one of the times when sharing and giving without any obvious reward can be part of our lives. There are too many times when people only do something if there is a reward for themselves, so thank you for helping us. Alison Johnstone Headteacher.

First Steps Parent and Toddler Group meet on Wednesdays from 10.00am till 12 noon and are based at Long Bredy Village Hall. We offer toys and activities for all pre-school children, coffee and chat for parents and carers. For further details contact: Jo (Litton Cheney) ... or Julie (Puncknowle) 897178 or Lavinia (Long Bredy) 482397

Litton Cheney Youth Club

The Youth Club continues to meet. There is a change of venue to Long Bredy Hall on October 1st. See Litton Notes for further details.

Ladybirds

The Ladybirds meeting takes place on Wednesday 9th October when Peter Northover and Julie Lewis will speak about the Archaeological Digs in the Bride Valley this summer. The meeting starts at 8 pm in Julie Lewis's home 4 Green Barton, Swyre.

THE GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL COFFEE MORNING

Don't forget to come along to the Village Hall, Shipton Gorge on Saturday 5th October from 10.30am-12 noon, and meet Richard Lane with his guide dog, Simpson. Details of this event can be found in the Valley Notes Section, in the September issue of the Bride Valley News

Brian & Janet Lane

BRIDE VALLEY GARDENING CLUB

As we know by the cool mornings and evenings, not to mention the gradual changing leaf colour and fruitful hedgerows, we are again in Autumn. Hopefully you have enjoyed a blooming and fruitful Summer in your garden and are now ready to start preparing for the next years planting and cutting back!

The Club has enjoyed 2 outings during the summer - one a full day and a shorter local outing but now we meet again on a monthly basis for our regular meetings and speakers. The first will be on October 14th at Thorner School, Litton Chency at 7.30. p.m when Juliet Greener will be speaking on "Greener Cooking". Do come along and join our Club - we have members from all over the valley and you would be most welcome.

There is to be to be a further outing this year to Westonbirt, near Tetbury, on the 24th October - details in the membership newsletter or from Pam Jukes on 897267.

R.B.L. Women's Section - Bride Valley Branch

The Committee wish to thank members and friends for their help and support at the Summer Fair when £646 was raised for the B.L.

We are always looking for new members to join us.

Forthcoming events: -

A Coffee Morning will be held on Thursday, November 7th and a Concert by St. Swithun's Band on 22nd November in aid of the British Legion Poppy Appeal Details to follow.

The A.G.M. of the Bride Valley Branch will be held at the Reading Room, Burton Bradstock on 12th October.

QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE

Come and celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee at a special Concert which will take place at St Mary's Church, Bridport on Saturday 19th October at 7.30 pm.

The 50 strong Allington Jubilee Orchestra led by Janet Lane and conducted by Ronald Easey will play the popular guitar concerto by Rodrigo with local musician Sam Chapman as soloist.

There will also be a performance of Schubert's beautiful Unfinished Symphony, Walton's Coronation March Crown Imperial, Eric Coates Three Elizabeths Suite, Ronald Binge's Elizabethan Serenade and Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 in which everyone will be invited to join in singing Land of Hope and Glory.

Tickets costing £6 (students and children £3) may be purchased from The Bookshop in South Street from members or on the door.

Ken Martin - Swyre

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG - TV PROGRAMME 3 OCTOBER AT 7.30 PM

Those of you who witnessed the filming at the digs in July will be pleased to know that you can see the programme 'Past Finders' on which the digs feature, on Thursday 3 October at 7.30 pm on Meridian.

A video of the programme will be made by myself should anyone unable to receive Meridian wish to see it.

Julie Lewis - Swyre 897003

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.

Bell Ringing Practices Thursdays at 7.00pm

Gift Sunday 27th October The Bible Society

The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 4th October at 11.00 am.

The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be held on Wednesday 23rd October and Monday 25th November, each at 7.00 pm.

The Parochial Church Council next meets on Monday 21st October at 7.00 pm in church.

An Organ Recital at St Mary's Our organist, Duncan Honeybourne, is to give a recital at St Mary's on the evening of Wednesday 2nd October at 7.00 pm. Everyone is welcome. No tickets are required. There will be a retiring collection for St Mary's Church funds.

St Mary's Harvest Festival Again, this year, the Harvest Thanksgiving will take the form of an All-age Harvest Service (not a Holy Communion), on Sunday 6th October at 9.30 am. Adults, children, families, EVERYONE, will be welcome.

The Harvest Supper this year is planned for Saturday 5th October, 6.30 for 7.00 pm in the W. I. Hall - a Barn Dance (with a live band and Caller David Powell, plus a tiny entertainment).

Harvest Festival - Church Decorating Everyone is most welcome to come along on Saturday 5th October from 10.00 am to help decorate the church for the festival. Gifts of flowers, fruit and vegetables will be very welcome.

Pam Atkinson

Lyme Bay Deanery Synod meets at the W.I. Hall on Wednesday 9th October at 7.00 pm.

All Saints' Day Friday 1st November 7.00 pm Holy Communion (Order 1).

All Souls' Day Sat 2nd November 10.00 am Holy Communion (Order 2) - a Requiem Mass (Commemoration of the Faithful Departed). Near the date please note on the list on the table in the south aisle the names of those you would like to have remembered at the altar then.

Pantomime 2003

Burton Bradstock Players are pleased to announce their next Pantomime will be Hickory , Dickory, Dock by Norman Robbins ( 10th - 15th February 2003 ). Male performers and back-stage helpers urgently required, especially someone willing to take on the position of wardrobe mistress. For further information call 01308 897209

BURTON BRADSTOCK W.l.

The September meeting was well attended. With a curtsy, the speaker, Mrs P. Murray, wearing period costume of the 1850's, introduced herself as Mistress Murray. She gave a history of Candle-making showing original artefacts with amusing detail of comparison 'of the life then' and our life now - how times have changed! But we can still learn to make beautiful candles to adorn our tables and give as gifts with this colourful, creative craft. June Fox gave the vote of thanks.

The Walk on the 17th September was around Stoke Abbott and up to Leweston Hill, quite a climb; lunch afterwards was at The New Inn. In the Autumn Heather Thomson will lead a reading group and Bridge Classes began on 12th September. A 60's Evening is planned for 25th October. Our next meeting is on 8th October at 7.15pm when Mrs M. Etherington will talk about The Save the Children Fund - guests welcome.

Jill Spinney.

JUBILATION

A show not to be missed in the W.I. Hall, 7.30pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 31st October to 2nd November. The show depicts entertainment from the last five decades.

A REMINDER that tickets go on sale from 9 a.m. Tuesday 8th October at Burton Bradstock Post Office. Tickets £3 each, which are numbered. First come first served.

Elaine Colbert

Burton Bradstock Village Society: Change of Speaker

Please note we have a change of speaker for our meeting on 18th October. In place of the advertised topic, Mr. Michael Shepherd will give a colour slide presentation entitled "Mountain Days". If you like mountains, he will be sharing his travels with you, from the Canadian Rockies via the Alps and onward to the Green Mountains of Australia. Come and be transported on Friday, 18th October at 7.30 pm in the W.I. Hall. New Members, Visitors and Guests are very welcome.

Carol Lumley

Lavender Trust Breast Cancer Care are holding a Coffee Morning with stalls & raffle on Tuesday 15th October 10.00am - 12noon in the Strangways Hall, Abbotsbury.

The Children's Society

We have reached that time of the year when home boxes need to be returned in order for the proceeds to be sent on to the Society. Boxes can be left at the Post Office or handed to Greta Heal or Basil Dent. Collection can be arranged by 'phoning 897125. Grateful thanks are given to the kind people who hold these boxes. Should anyone else consider helping The Society in this way, please contact the undersigned on 897539. Greta Heal

Rosemary Sinfield writes from Twickenham

"Dear Friends of Burton Bradstock,

Thank you for all the good times, also for helping me over the sad period when John died. I know I won't forget your warmth. Leaving the Bride Valley behind was more painful than I thought it would be. I am going to miss you all, but the memories won't fade, both for me and the family.

Cheerio for now- will be back soon.

Rosemary "

Thank You for the prayers, visits and cards during my recent illness.

Bill Attrill

Return to Index

SHIPTON GORGE

Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White

Eastcote

3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge

Tel(01308)897974

The Parochial Church Council meets on Friday 11th October at 7.00pm at Virginia House.

St Martin's Harvest Festival will again take the form of an All-Age Harvest Service (not a Holy Communion) on Sunday 6th October at 11.00 am. Adults, children, families, EVERYONE, will be welcome. We shall also then be dedicating the Queen's Jubilee kneelers and the Bishop's Scroll commemorating Jack Willy's 60 years as Churchwarden and Treasurer.

The Harvest Supper, with entertainment, is planned for Monday 7th October at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.

A Quarter Peal will be attempted from St Martin's tower by visiting ringers from Dorchester on the evening of Tuesday 29th October.

"Thankyou to all who supported the tea party at Cairnhill on 5th September and gave so generously. £240 has been passed to the Treasurer of St. Martins to help towards the cost of repairing the tower steps."

Bob and Anne White

ST. MARTIN'S HARVEST FESTIVAL

This will again take the form of an All-Age Harvest Service, and will include the dedication of four Golden Jubilee Kneelers. The service will take place on Sunday 6th October at 11.00am. Adults, children and families, EVERYONE, will be welcome.

THE HARVEST SUPPER

This will take place on Monday 7th October at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. Tickets are available from the churchwardens, Mrs Jo Warren and Mrs Doris Benselin.

SHIPTON GORGE VILLAGE SOCIETY

On behalf of the Village Society may I say thank you for your support at the Village Fair; to Jean & John at the New Inn for all their support and help; to Ashley Cooper Turf for their donation to the tombola stall; to all those who gave cakes and items for various stalls and to all those who worked hard all day. We raised £300.00 to go back in the funds for future events, so may I say a big Thank You to you all for your support

Sally Parker

Special Parish Council Meeting

A special meeting was held by the Parish Council on August 7th to discuss the transport requirements between Shipton Gorge and Bridport. Despite publicising this meeting only two parishioners attended.

Main points raised: through lack of use we could lose the Dorset Council subsidised E Bus Service which runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays: the road to Bridport is extremely dangerous and is not suitable for school children to walk or cycle to school.

A copy of the minutes of this meeting have been submitted to Stephanie Sutton, Bridport Town Coordinator.

John Bredemear - Parish Clerk

On 31st August Shipton Gorge Village Hall was home to local wildlife caught on film for the Village Society's 50th Annual Show. Model dinosaurs towered over mighty onions, potatoes, cakes and funny vegetables amid the lush vegetation of foliage, pot plants and cut flowers - a total of 119 entries filled the hall.

Organisers of Shipton Gorge village society have issued a big thank you to all the helpers and residents for their enthusiastic support and to Wildlife Garden judge, Marion Gadsby, who presented the awards in the afternoon.

WINNERS:

ANNUALS, Holus Bowl: Linda Buck

PERENNIALS, J.G. cup: Gerald Benselin

SWEET PEAS, Championship shield: Gerald Benselin

SINGLE ROSE, Petrel cup: Pam Bates

FOLIAGE POT PLANT, Flora cup: Janet Lane

POTATOES, Spud cup: Bettie Darby

TOMATOES, Tommy cup: Geoff Adderley

ONIONS, Allium cup: John Epplestone

RUNNER BEANS, Beano cup: Jenny Burt

FUNNY VEGETABLE, Gary Parsons shield: Chris Hewlett

FRUIT CAKE, Lilley cup: Janet Lane

FRUIT FLAN, Chairman's Salver: Chris Cornish

SAUCER FLOWER ARRANGEMENT, Pope cup: Jo Warren CENTREPIECE FOR SMALL DINNER TABLE, Greenleaves shield: Jan Shaw ARRANGEMENT OF HERBS/GRASSES, Dorwest cup Jan Shaw

SOFT FRUIT, Baccus cup: Janet Lane

PHOTOGRAPHY: Wildlife in my garden, Handicraft trophy:

Brian Crabtree

DINOSAUR, Young Person 11 yrs and under Cup: Sam Chant DINOSAUR, Young Person over 11 yrs Cup: Natasha Chant

GARDENS, Kindness to Wildlife, Victor Ludorum cup:

Barbara & Dick West

TRULY YOURS, C.B. THE STORY OF CHARLOTTE BRONTE

We are pleased to present this new play written and acted by ALISON NEIL at Shipton Gorge Village Hall on Wednesday 23rd October at 7.30 p.m. Alison has become one of the most popular performers in the village Artsreach programme and "Bella, The story of Mrs Beeton" and "The Sixth Wife" were staged to full houses. Her one woman plays have been called "spellbinding", "rivetting" and "witty". She brings her own brilliant set and costumes which guarantees a highly professional performance from this well known London actress.

Charlotte Bronte tells her story of passion and duty, of triumph and tragedy and above all, love. Although devoted to her strange and unworldly family, Charlotte was wildly ambitious for herself and managed the incredible feat of becoming a hugely famous novelist and "Jane Eyre", "Shirley" and "Villette" found her mixing with the literary giants of the Victorian age.

Using many of Charlotte's own words, Alison recreates a life as remarkable as any novel and sets right a few of the wilder myths of the Brontes. The story and the story telling provide an exceptional theatrical experience.

Tickets are priced at £5 and are available in advance by telephoning 01308 897547 or visiting The New Inn, Shipton Gorge, or from any Hall committee member.

Jo and Gary Warren would like to thank all those who donated so generously, and often anonymously, to the Bottle Bola at the St. Martin's Church Fair. It can be quite a task to gather in over 100 bottles, so your generosity and willingness was greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

Shipton Hall 100 Club

Winners for the September Draw:-

£20 No.26 Alex Johnson

£10 No.49 Fred Stanton

Return to Index

CHILCOMBE

Harvest Thanksgiving Service will take place at 6.30 pm on Sunday 6th October. We shall be delighted to welcome anyone from the Valley and beyond who would like to join us for our celebration.

This will be the last service at Chilcombe before the Christmas Carol Service on Saturday 21st December at 6.30 pm.

Return to Index

SWYRE

Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall

3 Green Barton, Swyre

s.marshall@which.net

WINTERTIME EVENSONGS

Our Parochial Church Council has agreed that for this coming wintertime ( November to March ), first Sunday Evening Prayer Services should be at 3.00p.m. and not at the usual time of 6.30p.m. Thus our November 3rd Evensong will now be at 3.00p.m.

Songs of Praise

Our holiday Songs of Praise season which began rather feebly on 28th July ended gloriously on 25th August with a pretty well full church and the most enthusiastic singing. Our thanks to our organists for their skill and speed (8 hymns in just over 30 minutes is distinctly testing), and these were Brian Lane, Jonathon Jevons, Paul Cheater, John Nye and Paul Cheater again. We look forward to next summer and some more first-class choices from local folk.

Anthony Ashwell

WEST DORSET ME SUPPORT GROUP

A fund raising Coffee Morning and 'Bring and Buy' is being held at 1 Green Barton, Swyre, on November 9th 10.30 - 12.30 All Welcome

Hazel Stirgess

Our thanks to Julie Lewis for carrying out the duties of Swyre Correspondent and to Sid Marshall for being willing to take over from her. The work undertaken by all our Valley Correspondents is always much appreciated. Thank you. Ed.

Return to Index

PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON

Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow

Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle

Telephone: (01308) 897761

From the Registers

Holy Baptism 8th September 2002 Jordan Jack Neill

Getting on for 50 people prayed for Jordan at his 3.00pm Baptism, a warm and joyful occasion.

Anthony Ashwell

ST. LUKE'S-TIDE ANNUAL HEALING SERVICE

Our regular 3rd Sunday 11.00 a.m. "Puncknowle Prayer" Service will this month take the theme of "Healing", and will be led by our old friend, the Revd. Christopher Johnson. This will be on 20th October.

Anthony Ashwell

Puncknowle Art Group

Members have been busy painting and sketching throughout the holidays. On October 4th we will be paper-making at Sally's & on October 18th Doreen Newton has invited us to watch a video on Robert Tatin. C.Moloney

Puncknowle Parish Council

The October Puncknowle Parish Council on the 1st will be considering the proposal for a Village Taxi, and the implications thereof. Also we will look again at the suggestion that we should involve ourselves with a Vital Villages Exercise. This is a survey to ascertain the needs of the community and its potential development. For this we would be looking for volunteers from the community and would like to hear from interested parties.

BRIDE VALLEY FLEDGLINGS

What with the playgroup starting on the 9th September, changes on the staff /Committee and having to write this article a month in advance, there is not much to say.

Our AGM took place on the 11th September, when all serving officers stepped down, more details next month. During the summer, the storage shed had a much needed waterproofing and John Bennett has repaired our very old mobile storage unit in the hall, along with making some splendid new display boards. Thank you John.

The 'A Little Bit Of Dorset' quiz seemed to be another success, final details next month. Finally I would like to welcome all parents and children, either old or new comers, to the Bride Valley Fledglings.

Sue Talbot

Don't forget to check the village website

www.puncknowle.org.uk

to keep in touch with village events and find useful information

Return to Index

LITTON CHENEY

Village Correspondents:

Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close Tel.482384

paulkingston@tinyworld.co.uk

FROM THE RECORDS

Burial of Cremated Remains

24th August 2002 Edith Violet Spittles (Edie)

following Edie's funeral at Weymouth on 18th March this year.

5th September 2002 Raymond Edmund James Richards (Ray)

Ray died in the Hospice on 24th August, and we remember a most loyal and sincere man. We extend our deepest sympathy to his beloved Doris, who now a mere 90 years old, prepares to leave Wessex Lodge for a new life in Dorchester.

Anthony Ashwell

Litton Cheney Social Committee invites you to join them for a Harvest Supper on 19th October at 6.30pm for 7 o'clock at the School. There will be cold meats, salad, apple pie and live music from the Crooked Furrow and hopefully lots of dancing. Tickets £5 each from a Committee member who will be calling on you soon. Tickets are limited but please phone me on 482552 if you would like a ticket and have missed us.

Kathy Kourik LCSC Secretary

The Dorset Police Community Support Unit will be in Litton Cheney by the Bus Shelter on Thursday 17th October from 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm.

Litton Cheney Youth Club

The Youth Club continues to meet on Tuesdays, the confirmed dates are the following:

1st October Youth Club 6.30 - 9.30 pm Long Bredy Village Hall

(6.30-8.00 juniors 8.00-9.30 seniors)

8th October Mountain Boarding 6.00 - 7.00 Coastal Mountain Boarding Centre Burton Bradstock

15th October Youth Club 6.30 - 9.30 Litton Cheney Church Hall

(6.30-8.00 juniors 8.00-9.30 seniors)

For further information contact Paul Kingston 482384 or James Williams 482779

Congratulations to Charlotte Cuzens as she starts her last year at St Antony's - Leweston School, Sherborne, as Deputy Head Girl: also well done for such excellent results in her AS1's and for passing her Driving Test.

A belated welcome to June and Alan at number 5, Baglake.

Advance notices - could the correspondent receive all items for December's BVN by Wednesday 6th November

Litton Cheney Village Society

The Autumn meeting will be on Tuesday 26th November at Thorners School at 8.00pm. Paul Kingston will present another Slide Show and talk, this time about his travels in Central and South America and the areas' fascinating cultures, natural wonders and remains of ancient civilizations.

LONG BREDY & LITTON CHENEY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

The September meeting saw new member, Alison Davidson, join existing members for a cookery demonstration by June Clewlow from Long Bredy.

President Elinor Frost gave details of future events, including the AGM in October.

Mrs. Clewlow not only demonstrated her art but generously accommodated everyone in her own kitchen, when the usual venue became unavailable.

Members were shown the preparation of a complete meal consisting of stuffed peppers, chicken in orange sauce followed by almond biscuits with raspberries. Her appreciative audience much enjoyed the tastings which followed, declaring the food delicious. She was warmly thanked by Elinor Frost.

Carol Lindsay won the flower competition with a superb lily.

The next meeting will be the AGM on 1st October in Litton Cheney at 7.30 pm.

Return to Index

LONG BREDY

Village Correspondents: Mrs Elinor Frost

Bridelands

Tel ( 01308 ) 482269

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS

Wedding

14th September Barnaby J. Skipwith and Arna L. Harris

Holy Baptism

25th August 2002 Toby Charles Pack and Maisie Elizabeth Pack

A lively older brother and his peaceful (at the time) little sister were christened on a lovely afternoon.

Anthony Ashwell

Congratulations to our young people of the village on such excellent exam results: Nicky Toogood, Hannah Pitcher and Robert Horsley are off to university. Best wishes to them.

Kevin and Roxanne start at Weymouth College, younger members of the village move on to Colfox and younger still start their school life at Thorners.

Congratulations go to Nicky Toogood from her family on achieving a place at university and also on passing her driving test.

By the time you read this our newly-decorated village hall will be open for events, meetings, playgroup etc. The Probation Service, Community Service Unit, will have completed the work for us, for which we are most grateful and thank them.

Happy Birthday to Mike Shepherd who celebrates a special one this month.

Dog Fouling

This remains a problem throughout Long Bredy, especially in the playing field and the road below the Rookery.

Please will dog owners clear up after their dogs and respect the wishes of other village residents.

Thank you (Parish Council)

Long Bredy Playing Field - Litter Alert!

Recently, various items have been found in the playing field whilst the grass-cutters are mowing. Usually they manage to see the objects before they run over them. Unfortunately, a piece of carpet was not seen and has damaged the mower, which will now be costly to repair. The playing field and equipment is entirely funded by the villagers of Long Bredy by fund raising and by donations from the fete, so there are no funds for large bills. Please remove any items from the playing field at the end of your visit and encourage the children to look after their playing field. Care of the playing field and the mowing is voluntary and the Parish Council would be grateful to anyone who would be willing to help.

Our thanks to those at the moment who continue to look after it for the children's enjoyment, without any financial reward.

Clerk (Long Bredy and Kingston Russell Parish Council)

Return to Index

LITTLEBREDY

LITTLEBREDY NOTES.

Many congratulations and best wishes to John and Patricia Barker, who were married quietly in Bridport on the 10th September - so quietly indeed that even their witnesses (Jim Armstrong and Stuart Horsley) were taken by surprise! We wish John and Patricia all happiness and fulfilment together in the future.

Congratulations too to the new Social Club, whose rounders and barbecue evening on the cricket ground was so enjoyable for many villagers of all ages. Thanks to all those who did the cooking and/or contributed to the raffle and the feast. The next event will be a fireworks evening on or near the 5th November, and further details will follow next month.

At the time of writing, Calum Armstrong is recovering in hospital from a sudden appendix operation. We hope he will soon be home, and able to recuperate fully among his family and neighbours. Get well soon, Calum.

This is the month where our young scholars get the recognition they deserve. Starting from the bottom of the academic ladder upwards, best wishes to Imogen Slade who has started at Thorner's School, and to Robyn Wakely, who has just left there (with the Joan Yeates Shield for Achievement) and moved to Colfox School. Exam results at Senior School have been very satisfactory for Aimée Foot (GCSE's), Emylie Peck (AS Levels) and Margaret Williams, whose A Level grades have secured her a place at Leicester University to study Medicine in 2003, following a gap year. Well done to them all!

(And if there are any who should have been in one of the above categories, but are accidentally omitted, many apologies to them. Additions and corrections can be included in next month's magazine...)

Well, well - an edition of the BVN without an update on the Church bells so far! But it's too good to last... At the time of writing, four of the new bells are hanging in the tower, and the other two await their imminent reinstatement. In a few days' time, the ringing mechanisms will be in place, and the project (including the new electric clock, the face of which is already mounted and looks very fine) will be more or less complete. A report on the Festival Service, which will have taken place just before distribution of this edition, will appear next month. Thanks again to all who have contributed to the Appeal or the work involved in any way.

Return to Index

Thought for the Month

Return to Index

Editor: Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ