Bride Valley News
Has The Church of England a Future? The Church of England in the Diocese of Salisbury is about to launch the biggest financial challenge to its parishes, ever. Together with all other parishes in Wiltshire and Dorset those of The Bride Valley have been asked to respond to the challenge of properly funding the Church's presence and ministry into the years ahead.
The challenge for the Salisbury Diocese: For all its work in 2003 it estimates it will need (in round figures) £8 million of income. The majority of that is the budgeted cost of 227 stipendiary clergy (including Anthony and me!), their training, stipends, National Insurance, housing and pension contributions.
The challenge for Lyme Bay Deanery: Its share of the Diocesan costs is expected to increase by 32% over 2002, to £469,000.
The challenge for the seven Bride Valley parishes: Our share of the Deanery costs is expected to be £73,000 (£55,000 in 2002). In addition, each parish has the running costs of its church - insurance, lighting, heating, repairs, and so on.
Why the big increase? Largely, because 1) Diocesan reserves have been used in the past to cushion parishes from paying the full cost of ministry. They are dwindling, from £5.3 million at the end of 1999 to an estimated £2.2 million at the end of 2002. In 2003 there will be no further use of these reserves to support parishes in this way; 2) increased contributions are needed to fund clergy pensions; 3) the Diocesan budget includes all foreseeable extra demands which the national church will place upon it.
The response: The Diocese has prepared a comprehensive plan of action - a Financial Awareness and Giving Campaign. Its main element is the showing of a professionally produced diocesan video to groups in people's houses this autumn. The video answers many of the questions about church funding and issues about ministry and mission. Parishes have been invited to produce their own literature to complement the diocesan literature.
In The Bride Valley our seven parishes have each separately decided how they will organise this. For example, Burton Bradstock is initially including in each copy of this edition of the Bride Valley News a leaflet which it hopes will be of interest and concern to all Burton Bradstock parishioners; Long Bredy has recently completed a Stewardship Programme, so will not be joining in this diocesan initiative.
We hope to heighten awareness of church finance and to encourage a positive response from all who have a care that their parish church remains available to present and future generations, and that they continue to have the spiritual and pastoral oversight of a priest. For this we can no longer rely on money from previous generations. It is almost used up. Now we have to pay our own way. The Church of England's finances are complex; if anyone would like to have more detailed information, then do please ask me.
We launch the programme this month and end it with Thanksgiving Services on Sunday 24th November.
What if it doesn't work? the sceptic will surely ask. Quite simply, if the parishes of the Diocese do not contribute the amount needed then the number of stipendiary clergy in the Diocese will be cut to a number which can be afforded.
But it will work! Of the 43 Church of England dioceses, in 2000 Salisbury had the 13th highest level of average personal income, at £10,860, but was 41st in giving to the Church. Shame on us! We can substantially improve on that.
Why? Because God has created us and given us everything we have; and as we have shared in God's overflowing generosity, so we shall want to respond with generosity. Of course, our giving as Christian people involves far more than money. It involves giving the whole of ourselves to God and for other people - our time, our strengths and weaknesses. Christianity costs! Whilst the focus of this programme is money, we don't forget the wider challenges and joys.
I want the Church to be here in the Valley, and the Valley's people served by priests, way into the future. Do you? If so ... John Atkinson
HELICOPTER TRIP At the third time of asking, the Vicar did eventually get his 60th birthday present and a helicopter trip, which turned out to be a 'driving lesson in the sky'. During August most of the Valley Churches heard what I made of the experience, which was as they say 'in your face', but gave much food for thought. Anthony Ashwell
VALLEY CONFIRMATION After some problems and rearrangement, there will be a Confirmation at St Mary's Church, Puncknowle on Thursday 14th November at 7.00pm. The Service will be presided over by Bishop Tim (of Sherborne) and we look forward to a memorable evening.
The Confirmation Preparation Course starts up again on Wednesday 12th September at the usual time.
THE BRIDE VALLEY (WEDNESDAY) BIBLE STUDY GROUP We start up again this month, and as agreed, we shall be studying St Mark's Gospel. Full details (up to Christmas) are given below. All sessions begin at 7.30pm, last up to two hours, and each session is repeated at the 'other end' of the valley, if you are unable to get to the one at your end. Naturally all are welcome, and do please bring along your Bible.
Session I Introduction to St Mark's Gospel
Session II St Mark - Chapter 1
Session III St Mark - Chapter 2
Session IV St Mark - Chapter 3
Session V St Mark - Chapter 4
Session VI St Mark - Chapter 5
Session VII St Mark - Chapter 6
Any queries or further information?.....please contact Mike Read (897445) or me. Anthony Ashwell (482302)
The Bride Valley Team Council next meets on Thursday 7th November 2002 at 7.30 pm in Puncknowle Church Hall.
Special Activities Thank you very much for the lovely hats and cards. We still need more fancy and plain hats if possible. If you can spare any for Alzheimer sufferers' activities please ring Anna Ashwell on 482302.
Corrymeela - Committed to Reconciliation Corrymeela is building peace in Northern Ireland today. For 35 years Corrymeela has been a place where people from opposing backgrounds have found common ground, a place of safety where they can meet and learn about one another. Every year over 7,000 people from a wide range of backgrounds, with vastly different experiences, from all over the North and South of Ireland and from further afield, take part in Corrymeela programmes at the Ballycastle Centre on the beautiful Antrim coast.
The Corrymeela Community works in partnership with a wide range of school, youth, church, community and family groups, bringing people together from across the sectarian divide to build new relationships and discover new possibilities for living together in peace. A network has been set up in South West England to support the work of Corrymeela by publicising what it does, fundraising and, most important of all, prayer. If your church, MU or any of your prayer or social groups would like further information or maybe a speaker, or to hold a service or a fundraising event for Corrymeela, please let us know.
Craig Cameron, a former member of the Corrymeela Community, will be speaking about how the Community's work is developing at our first Dorset meeting during the Week of Prayer for World Peace. The date is Thursday 17th October, 7.00pm in the Cerne Abbas Room of the United Church, 51 Charles Street, Dorchester. All comers welcome!Jo O'Farrell 01308 427851, jo@jovian.co.uk
Mothers' Union The meeting will be held at Hunters Moon, Swyre Road, Puncknowle on Thursday 26th September at 2.30pm. We are delighted to welcome back Veronica Zeiglar as our speaker. Following a recent visit, her talk is entitled "Journey to Jerusalem."
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.
THE GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND ASSOCIATION NATIONAL COFFEE MORNING - ADVANCE NOTICE. This is being held on Saturday 5th October in the Village Hall Shipton Gorge from 10.30pm - 12 noon. The Mayor of Bridport has kindly agreed to support this event, and will also be welcoming Richard Lane with his guide dog, Simpson. During the morning Richard will give an informal talk about the work of the G.D.A, describing his own experiences of training to be a guide dog owner. He will welcome your questions and he tells us that Simpson is really looking forward to meeting everybody, especially children !
Come and enjoy home-made biscuits and other goodies with your coffee and enter our Champagne Draw- you could win a bottle of Moet and Chandon for just 50p. There will also be a Bring-and Buy Cake Stall ( all contributions will be gratefully received on the day ), and a Plant Tombola - please bring plants to us at Penfold, Icen Lane, before 5th October or we can collect- phone Brian or Janet Lane 897241.
You could also enter the competition to win a Douwe Egberts Coffee at Home Kit, so do come and support this very worthy charity - it should be a memorable morning. Brian & Janet Lane
Burton Bradstock School We welcome 12 new children to the school this term. At this point I may be tempted to wax lyrical about these youngsters taking their first tentative steps on the path of education that will terminate when they leave the system proudly clutching documents proclaiming their success in their chosen subjects, but this would be to misrepresent the world we now inhabit.
For starters the children have already taken huge steps along the learning path before they arrive on our doorstep. Proud and loving parents will have celebrated huge milestones in their children's lives such as beginning to talk, walk, and hit the potty accurately. They have witnessed children marking paper (and walls) with pencil and making the first tentative sketches and hieroglyphs that will eventually be fine tuned to drawing and writing, communicating fact and fantasy from their heads to wider audiences. At the other end of the school spectrum we will have seriously failed our students if they do not come out with all the skills, and hunger, to continue to want to learn for the rest of their lives.
I believe that the most significant change in education since my childhood is that teachers do not solely look upon themselves as 'learned', imparters of knowledge and skills they have acquired themselves, but see themselves and, significantly, allow others to see them as learners. It is recognised by most folk in education now that children will learn better in a classroom where they witness the teacher being a learner also. More and more teachers are taking the opportunity to visit other classrooms in their own and other schools, to observe good practice and discuss with their colleagues elements of success in their teaching and their children's learning.
For the first time since I started in my chosen career, pay is directly linked to performance. All teachers move up the main pay spine until they reach the top point. They can then choose to go beyond the pay threshold but their performance will be evaluated to ensure it meets certain criteria. Our school has evaluated performance annually for some time now, and in many ways the system will not need to be changed, just fine tuned. All staff will be creating portfolios of evidence that demonstrate they are good teachers and learners.
Our children accumulate just such a portfolio as they travel on the learning road, often lovingly preserved by parents who dust off that first poem every now and then and insist on their embarrassed offspring reading it to Aunt Lil. It is only right that teachers do the same. This will lead to an improving profession and a healthy cross pollination of ideas and strategies.
The school welcomes Sonja Breach, a newly qualified teacher to Class 3 this term. Sonja comes with so much energy and enthusiasm. She will be guided in her first year of teaching by Sue Rattenbury who has a wealth of experience to draw from, but I can tell you now that we will be learning as much from Sonja as she learns from us! Best Wishes David Powell
Thorner's School, Litton Cheney Summer is over and September brings a fresh start to all those returning to school as well as those who will be embarking on their education. We welcome a group of 9 reception pupils and Mr O'Farrell to school, making this a term of changes. With an addition to the teaching staff and movement within the current people it means that all pupils will have a new teacher to get used to and all teachers have a new class of pupils. it must be quite a few years since that happened, would anyone like to guess when? It is an ideal opportunity for everyone to make a new start. There are also some exciting plans being put into action with the cluster, different opportunities for all Key Stage 2 pupils which may culminate in a concert towards Christmas; be aware of developments. Alison Johnstone Headteacher.
First Steps Parent and Toddler Group meet on Wednesdays from 10.00am till 12 noon in Long Bredy Village Hall. We will be meeting weekly from Wednesday 4th September, in the newly painted 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 will recommence meeting in September. The club is for those aged 8 - 17 years who live in Litton Cheney and the surrounding area. The club meets on Tuesdays running two sessions from 6.30 to 8.00 pm for juniors and from 8.00 to 9.30pm for seniors. For further information contact: Paul Kingston 482384 or James Williams 482779 (Chairman) DON'T FORGET THE DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST Sponsored Cycle Ride Saturday 14th September 2002 See last month's B.V.N. for details
Ladybirds The Ladybirds meeting takes place on Wednesday 11th September when Liza Adams will talk about her work as an osteopath with victims of torture. The meeting starts at 8 pm at the home of Betty Champkins, Pins Knoll, Chalk Pit Lane, Litton Cheney. DO YOU WANT FASTER INTERNET CONNECTIONS? Do you have an 01308 number? - Then we need to register with BT. The Burton exchange is capable of high speeds - Broadband, but BT will not do the work necessary until at least 20% of subscribers request it. All you need to do is register with BT at: http://www.bt.com/broadband_information/index.html v Then click on Broadband Availability Checker. v You will then be asked to enter your phone number and it will respond by informing you that there are no plans. v Click on next and choose who you use to access the Internet (your ISP) - Freeserve, AOL etc and register. You can also register through your Internet access provider's home page. Ivor Lewis - Swyre
The Bridport Choral Group is in need of a 4-drawer filing cabinet. Would anyone who can help with this please telephone the undersigned on 897020? Irene Smith
Bride Valley R.B.L. The social programme for the remainder of the year is as follows:- Monday 30th September The Three Horseshoes Burton Bradstock Monday 28th October New Inn Shipton Gorge Monday 2nd December The Three Horseshoes Burton Bradstock
Bride Valley Gardening Club On Thursday 24th October, by special request, an outing has been arranged to Westonbirt, the National Arboretum in the Cotswolds, to see the glorious autumn colours. Full details and booking forms to follow. Pamela Dukes ( Outings Secretary ) N.B. Our first meeting of the season is on Monday 14th October; full programme next month.
A Message from Deborah Wordsworth " Very many thanks to all kind friends in the Bride Valley who visited me in hospital and sent lovely flowers and cards. They all helped to cheer me up and get me on my feet. I hope to be out and about again fairly soon."
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 15th September The Pilsdon Community
The next Tiny Tots / Pram Services will be held on Fridays 13th September and 4th October at 11.00 am.
The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be held on Monday 30th September and Wednesday 23rd October, each at 7.00 pm.
The Parochial Church Council next meets on Monday 16th September at 7.00 pm.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Holy Baptism 3rd August Benedict A. Floyd
Funeral 19th July Joan E. Smith
St Mary's Church Fete I offer a very personal 'Thank you' to everyone who put so much effort into the preparation of our annual Church Fete, and to everyone who gave unstintingly on the day, whether in running a sideshow or stall, or helping with the Grand Draw or the preparation and serving of teas. Thank you also for all the various items and financial help given before the day, and to the members of our Fete Committee who worked over many months to ensure the success of the day. A crowd of people visited our garden; it was a most enjoyable time. The final figure was £3996, a strong and vital contribution to your parish church's finances for the year.
Thank you again everyone for making the day such a success. Your contributions of time, energy and money are greatly valued.
Soon we shall begin planning next year's fete! We urgently need volunteers to complete a fete committee! Particularly we need a Chairman, a Secretary and a sponsorship co-ordinator. If you think you might help in any of these roles please have a word with me sometime. John Atkinson St Michael and All Angels Sunday 29th September. There will be two services that day: 11.00am A celebration of Book of Common Prayer (Common Worship, Order 2, traditional language) Holy Communion with hymns 6.30 pm Songs of Praise. Hymn requests are invited; please add them to the list in church, on the table in the south aisle.
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). Details will be available nearer the time.
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 Burton Bradstock W.I Our first meeting after the Summer break will be on September 10th at 7.15pm. with a talk on the "History and Art of Candlemaking." We have a full and varied programme planned for the Autumn with the usual Badminton (now back to Monday afternoons), a Monthly walk and Pub. lunch, Tapestry, Knitting and Art groups. A 60's Night is planned for 25th October and the new Beginners' Bridge Class commences on Thursday 12th September at 9.30am in the W.I. Hall. This is open to all - not just W.I. members- and there are still a few places left.
If you would like to know more about us, or make some new friends, do come along to one of our meetings or ring 898084 for further information. Joan Dady (President).
There was no meeting in August. The monthly walk was planned for the 20th August to walk along East Fleet with lunch afterwards at The Elm Tree, Langton Herring.
Yoga Classes continue in September, non members are welcome to ring June Fox 897919. The 10 - week course Bridge for Beginners starts on 12th September 9.30 - 11.30am. If you are interested in joining us please ring Chris Clarke on 898117 for more details.
There is an Outing to Sidmouth on 12th September in the afternoon, cost £5.50. There are still some seats left - let's fill that bus - ring Pat Raven 897605 if you would like to come. Jill Spinney
Local Computer Courses Another session of beginners' computer courses have been arranged to start on Wednesday 11th September in Burton Bradstock Primary School. The course programme will consist of 4 Wednesday evening sessions from 6.00 to 7.30pm.
The beginners course will be delivered by experienced trainers from Weymouth College and will include e-mailing and using the Internet. Places will be operated on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of the course will be £10 for the 4-session programme. You can request a place by e-mailing Karen Venn on venn@cwcom.net or by telephoning Rob & June Fox on (01308) 897919.
There are also free computer taster sessions available from LymeNet that can be held in your home if you can form a group of 4 people. They may also be held in other locations such as the Reading Room. If you are interested in a taster session, please contact LymeNet on 01297 444570 or e-mail trevor@lymenet.co.uk
Free use of computers The computer in the Reading Room continues to be available free of charge on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday evenings and can be booked for hourly sessions via the Post Office. This computer has a wide range of software to enable you to produce items such as posters, cards and invitations as well as being connected to the Internet, for those who wish to 'surf the net' or send e-mails with the additional benefit of being available free of charge. During the session someone from the web site committee will be available to assist you so there will always be experienced help at hand for tasks such as letters, reports, word processing, photographic work or spreadsheets.
Burton Bradstock Players Readers are reminded that Daphne Ekins will begin a series of play readings every Tuesday from 10th September to 8th October inclusive, in the Reading Room, Burton Bradstock at 7.30pm. Come and join us, even if you only enjoy reading plays and don't wish to perform on stage. Further details from Daphne Ekins 897415.
Burton Bradstock Players will hold the first reading for their next pantomime production on Thursday 19th September, followed by the auditions on Thursday 26th September, in the W.I. Hall at 7.30pm. The pantomime will be staged from 10th to 15th February 2003. Anyone interested, please come along. Mary Bailey ( 897288 ) Burton Bradstock Village Society: Flower & Produce Show After weeks of inclement weather, Richard Seebohm and the Committee waited with bated breath for the entry forms to be submitted. People were gently persuaded, coaxed and cajoled into having a go, with the happy result that the empty W.I. Hall was soon filled with the 370 or so exhibits picked, dug or drummed up from somewhere. Trestle tables groaned with mouth-watering cakes, scones, shortbread and quiches, bottles of home-made wine, jams, marmalade and preserves, and tables running the length of the hall displayed a magnificent array of blooms of all colours and fragrances, roses, annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs. The stage was an elegant backdrop with two rows of cascading hanging baskets, and the fruit and vegetables were bursting with vitamins and succulence. A gallery of photographs, paintings, handicrafts, garments and tapestries caught the eye immediately, along with Golden Jubilee, herbs and grasses and petite floral arrangements. Children from the Village School had been invited to make a moss garden and the idea had obviously caught their imagination, with tiny figures, jungle animals, washing lines, hammocks, streams and bridges. This was one of the most difficult classes to judge, with so much care and attention to detail having been applied.
There were many prize winners and it would be wrong to name names. However, the Haley Family and Jill Wotherspoon excelled themselves in the fruit and vegetable classes and both received Certificates of the Dorset Federation of Horticultural Societies. It was hardly surprising that they were also joint winners of the Louis/May Brown Cup, having scored the same number of points. After President Nancy Bushell had presented the cups and congratulated the winners, the auction was skilfully conducted by Chairman Peter Colbert. The most sought after items were a bunch of glorious dahlias and a lemon drizzle cake "to die for!"
Congratulations to the prize winners in all classes. 1st Prize winners were: Children's Entries: Jessica Mears, Aiden Dean & Helen Rehbein. Wine and Jam: Jill Wotherspoon. Lemon curd: Lilian Brown. Marmalade: Helen Wilde. Chutney: Yvonne Peter. Bread: Anne Rees. Chocolate Cake and Victoria Sandwich: Elaine Tame. Lemon Drizzle Cake: Jenny Payne. Shortbread: Lesley Dove. Scones: Greta Heal. Apple Pie & Quiche: Jean Sexton. Dorset Apple Cake: Daphne Ekins.Floral Arrangements: Margaret Harding, Susan Paul & Audrey Foster. Courgettes: Heather Seadon. Carrots & Spring Onions: David Cole. Beetroot: Shirley Gilbert. Broad Beans: John Bull. Potatoes: Derek Spinney. Onions: Bill Hunt. Peas & Blackcurrants: Greta Heal. Cabbage & Raspberries: Jill Wotherspoon. Rhubarb & Lettuce: Haley Family. Miscellaneous Vegetable: Jim Harding. Tomatoes: Ken Pett. Gooseberries: Ray West. Redcurrants and Miscellaneous Fruit: Richard Seebohm.Pot Plants (Flowering & Foliage): Margaret Harding & Anne Southgate. Rose H.T.: John Reid. 5 Blooms Roses: Deryn Pakenham-Walsh. Floribunda & Hydrangea: Sheila Pett. Pansies: Ralph Sexton. Clematis & Perennials: Gillian Redford. Sweet Peas: Veda Bull. Annuals or Biennials: Shirley Gilbert. Flowers from bulb: Julie Cole. Flowering Shrubs: Wynne Hughes. Hanging Basket: Coleen Ringrose.Art: Margaret Harding. Handicrafts: Ann Read, Barbara Pursey & Margaret Harding. Photography: Jill Spinney.Finally, congratulations to the worthy Cup Winners: Louis/May Brown Cup: Haley Family & Jill Wotherspoon (Joint Winners) Bugler Cup: Sheila Pett Cracroft Challenge Cup: Gillian Redford Gordon Knight Cup: Anne Southgate Flower Arranger Trophy: Margaret Harding Cookery & Home Produce: Lesley Dove Grove House Cup: Class 2, Burton Bradstock School Knightsmith Trophy: Lilian Brown Mallinson Cup: Barbara Pursey Photography Cup: Jill Spinney Millennium Trophy: Margaret HardingThank you to everyone who took part and came along to support us. Subscriptions are now due for renewal (£2.00 per member) and our new season starts on 20th September, when Colin Varndell will give his "Seasons of Colour" presentation. Sadly our October speaker has had to cancel, so there will be a different topic on 18th October. Carol Lumley NOT TO BE MISSED 'Jubilation' a show produced by Elaine Colbert to be held in the W.I. Hall, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 31st October - 2nd November. It depicts five decades of entertainment celebrating the Queen's Jubilee. Tickets £3 each will go on sale from 9am Tuesday 8th October at Burton Bradstock Post Office.
R.L.N.I. The recent house-to-house collection in Burton Bradstock raised £169 for which we sincerely thank all who contributed. Sadly, because there were only three collectors, the whole village could not be covered. Could you help us next year, please? Chris & Thelma Skues ( 898032 )
Burton Bradstock Village Web Site Address www.burton bradstock.org.uk Did you know that the Bride Valley News is published on this web site every month? In addition, did you know that old copies of the magazine can also be viewed on the web site? Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White Eastcote 3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge Tel(01308)897974 FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Burial of Ashes 26th July Albert E. T. Hansford
The Parochial Church Council meets at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 4th September at St Catherine's Cross.
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. Details will be available nearer the time.
St Michael and All Angels Sunday 29th September. At 9.30 am there will be a Common Worship (Order 1) celebration of Parish Communion in contemporary language.
Tea Party Thursday 5th September A tea party will be held in the garden of Cairnhill ( or in the Village Hall if the weather is inclement ) at 3.00pm on Thursday 5th September. All are welcome. Free entrance, but donations to be put towards the cost of repairing the steps in the tower of St. Martins Church would be appreciated. Bob and Anne White.
Light Up the Church for Winter A big thank you to all who booked their week at the Church Fete, this has already raised £160.00. The church will be lit from 1st September through to 30th March. All the weeks are now spoken for but should anyone wish to make a donation this would go towards any maintenance costs. If you require any further information please contact Robert or Christine Cornish on 897833.
SAVE WHISKEY BRAVO PETITION Thank you all for your signatures and support for the above appeal. As of yet - no governnent decision. Lesleyann Mansell ( Petition Co-Ordinator - Shipton Gorge ) ST. MARTINS SUMMER FAIR The weather was perfect for this event, which raised £892-27 for church funds ( this total includes £35.35 from Linda and Ed Buck who held a car boot sale with the left over bric-a brac ). Christine Cornish also raised £150 for the Church Tower Winter Lighting Scheme; so a very big thank you to everyone for making this such a successful and enjoyable afternoon - to those who manned stalls and games, rang the church bells, provided teas and generally worked very hard before, during and after the event. Many thanks also to our villagers and visitors who gladly bought and gave generously. The Churchwardens
ST.MARTINS 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 popular social event is planned for Monday 7th October at 7.30pm in the Village Hall Tickets will be available from the churchwardens, Mrs Jo Warren and Mrs Doris Benselin, from mid September. Do apply early as numbers are limited. We would much appreciate offers of food i.e baked potatoes, salads, apple pies and general help to prepare and serve the meal ( and wash up afterwards ). Janet Lane & Geoffrey Howlett GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND ASSOCIATION NATIONAL COFFEE MORNING ADVANCE NOTICE This event will take place on Saturday 5th October in the Village Hall Shipton Gorge from 10.30am- 12 noon see Valley Notes for full details. WORLD'S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF MACMILLAN CANCER RELIEF. There will be a Coffee Morning on Friday 27th September from 10am - 11.30am at Penfold Icen Lane. Please come and support this event which will include a bring- and- buy stall, plant stall and a quiz - you could win a Peugeot 206 SW! All enquiries to Janet Lane Tel: 897241.
DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST CYCLE RIDE This is planned for Saturday 14th September. Anyone interested in taking part should contact the Parish Organizer on 897241 for sponsorship forms etc. J.E.L.
Help wanted Dog walker wanted for November-December. Twice daily £20 per week. Bonnie is a friendly, well behaved Springer Spaniel whose normal dog minder will be on holiday for two months. If you can help and love animals please contact Jan Nicklin - 898122.
Kit and Linda wish to thank all the people who kindly donated items of Bric-a-Brac for St. Martin's Church Fete
Welcome to Sheena, James & Charlotte now resident at Peashill Cottage.
Shipton Hall 100 Club Winners for the August Draw:- £20 No.56 Sue Porter £10 No.77 Peter & Dawn Symes
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.
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Julie Lewis 4 Green Barton, Swyre
DORSET AIR AMBULANCE The Bull Inn would once again, like to thank everyone who supported our coffee morning in May. We raised a magnificent sum of £830. We have recently given a cheque for £1,135 to the Dorset Air Ambulance. The sale of books and DAA merchandise made up the remainder. Since February, with your support we have raised a total of £2,335.00.
We will be holding another COFFEE MORNING on SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER AT 10.00 A.M. We would be most grateful for any donations of books, puzzles, plants, and bric-a-brac and most important of all CAKES.
Please support us once again for this extremely worthy cause. Carol - Bull Inn NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY WEEKEND UPDATE I wish to express my sincere thanks to all those in Swyre and Puncknowle who helped make the archaeological weekend such a success - to those who helped with accommodation, catering and transport and those who volunteered to get a first experience of archaeology.
All our thanks go also to Mr Mallinson, Mr & Mrs Garry and Mr & Mrs Welfare for making the sites excavated available and accessible. My thanks also to Ciorstaidh Hayward-Trevarthen and Lorraine Mepham for their assistance with identifying finds.
For my own research the sites were all highly informative but, more importantly, they made a very good demonstration of how archaeology can add to our history.
In summary we discovered:- At Modbury: part of the foundations of one house with pottery from the 12th to the 15th century. The house may be of a little higher status than first thought because of the quality of the pottery and the discovery of stone roof tiles. At Green Barton: we missed the 17th-19th century house foundations but found demolition rubble and a lot of early 19th century pottery. Beneath that were footings of an earlier house associated with pottery no later than the 16th century. At Puncknowle: we demonstrated that the row of three cottages dated to the early 19th century with, probably, nothing earlier on the site.
I very much hope to excavate again next year but which site(s) and how to dig them requires some thought. Peter Northover
I would also like to add my sincerest thanks to the cavalry that came and saved me over the weekend, you all know who you are! I also hope the 400+ people who visited our finds centre and digs over the weekend enjoyed the experience. A web site is being compiled with pictures; hopefully we will be able to give you the address next month. Once again, thank you for helping make the whole event such a success. Julie Lewis
POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT The Police Community Support Unit will visit Puncknowle Bottom on Thursday 19th September between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm. Staff on the vehicle can provide FREE postcode marking of mobile telephones and horse saddles on the vehicle so pop along and visit this month if you haven't already been. Julie Lewis - Home watch
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle Telephone: (01308) 897761 From the Registers
Holy Matrimony 20th July 2002 Michael Hannam and Sarah Samways 31st July 2002 Mathew Burt and Rebecca Watson
Harvest Thanksgiving This will be on Sunday 15th September at 11 o'clock and we look forward to a glorious county occasion when we praise and thank God for his goodness.
The Annual Fete This year I felt my prayers for good fete weather would be popular, especially after all the earlier rain. We needed it not too hot and not too cold, not too cloudy and not too sunny, nice enough to go out but not nice enough for the beach, and all in still conditions. And this is what we got! Alleluia.
Thanks to Ann Roberts and many, many stallholders, helpers, dogs-bodies (some up-front on the day, many behind the scenes for months) plus almost 1000 adult visitors and lots of children. The day made about £6300 to be divided in agreed ratios between Puncknowle and Swyre Churches, and the Church Hall in Puncknowle. It was a magnificent result and the hall component will have helped to pay off some of the cost of recent reslating.
Again, profoundest thanks to everybody and especially to the new owners of Puncknowle Manor for giving us generous permission to use their grounds. Anthony Ashwell
HARVEST FESTIVAL Gifts of fruit and vegetables to decorate the Church will be most welcome and please come and help us decorate on Saturday 14 September at 10.00 am.
Following Puncknowle Prayer at 11.00 am on Sunday 15th September is HARVEST LUNCH in the Church Hall at 12 noon. Please sign the list in the shop or at Burwell Cottage (Ann Roberts) if you would like to come and indicate whether you will give a plate of food - quiche, salad, sandwiches etc, or something sweet, or a donation. There will also be a barbecue. Liquid refreshments will be provided. FETE LOST PROPERTY Left behind at the Puncknowle Fete, one red woollen cardigan and a pair of sunglasses. They may be claimed from Ann Roberts, Burwell Cottage - phone 01308 897716 The Puncknowle and Swyre Church Fete Committee would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who helped make our 2002 fete a huge success, whether you helped organise, served on a stall, donated produce to sell, washed up or just came along and spent your money. We raised an amazing £6300 this year, which goes towards the necessary expenses for the churches and the hall of which we spent £7500 for roof repairs. Once again we thank you for your continued support and look forward to maintaining this event, not only as a fund raiser, but also as a fun day for the benefit of the villagers of Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington Don't forget we always need help; if you would like to run a stall or help, please let us know. We are already thinking about next year!
POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT The Police Community Support Unit will visit Puncknowle Bottom on Thursday 19th September between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm.
Staff on the vehicle can provide FREE postcode marking of mobile telephones and horse saddles on the vehicle so pop along and visit this month if you haven't already been. Andy Marshall - Home Watch Puncknowle Art Group We are very grateful to Maureen for inviting us once again to her home in Netherbury to paint and have lunch [home-made feast]. At the last meeting a new and interesting programme was put together for the coming year. We begin on September 6th with a look at our holiday sketching and painting. On September 20th we hope to go to Mangerton Mill. Christine Molony
BRIDE VALLEY FLEDGLINGS As I said last month, I will up date you all with what went on at the end of term. Starting with the end of term outing, which was at the Sea-life Centre, the weather was kind to us this year and all the children enjoyed them-selves looking at the many kinds of fish and mammals. The morning concluded with a picnic lunch at the paddling pool. My thanks go to Mandy Wilkinson who arranged the visit for us.
The end of term party actually took place in the Church Hall, because the weather was rather overcast. We inflated the bouncy castle in the hall and the children enjoyed their picnic lunch gathered around, on the floor. The leavers all received a wooden pencil box, with pencils, etc and a Certificate. Not wanting to miss anyone out, the remaining children received a gift of a pencil set each, with the very young ones receiving sweets. Though this was a farewell to all the children who are leaving us this year, it is also a time to say thank you to all those who have helped the play-group over the last year, Carol and Georgy were presented with flowers, Dianne and Robin each received gifts from the Committee for their hard work as serving officers over the last year, and I received a lovely card from all the committee, staff and parents, [thank you].
The fun-night at the Crown, was even better than ever, with the Bride Valley Band supplying us with the music [thank you]. All the children seemed to enjoy themselves and I hope the parents did too. I would like to say thank-you to all the parents who helped in the evening and to Robin, Chris and Gordon who cooked and served the food all night.
Our 'Little Bit of Dorset' Quiz is still on sale for £ 1.00 at the following places: The Crown, The White Horse, Burton Bradstock Post Office, the Tourist Infbrmation Offices at Dorchester, Bridport and Weymouth. Our AGM will be held on the 11th September at the Church Hall, Puncknowle at 7.30 pm. Please remember our BINGO EVENING on 23rd NOVEMBER Sue Talbot Puncknowle Parish Council The September Puncknowle Parish Council on the 3rd September, will be preceded by an address from Sue Mitchell from Dorset Community Action on investigating the transport needs of the Villages. This is part of the consultation on Transport needs that your council has been a part of for the past six months. However it is important to have input from others than ourselves, to ensure that we are fully acquainted with potential needs, and suggestions that anyone might have.
Coast Road Speeding. Further to the recent court case into the death last year of motor cyclists on this road, I understand that we can anticipate the speed restrictions will be in place by early September.
Don't forget to check the village website to keep in touch with village events and find useful information
Village Correspondents: Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close Tel.482384
From the Registers Funerals Roy George Tompkins on 31st July 2002 at Weymouth Crematorium. Roy was a younger brother of Peggy Paterson and was brought up in the village. There was standing room only at the Service; Roy was clearly a much-loved man.
Frances Elizabeth Bethell - Betty - on 7th August 2002 at St Mary's Church with the Burial at Symondsbury. Betty was 95 when she died and in some respects was the 'soul' of Litton Cheney. We send our sincere condolences to Maxwell and David and their families.
Kneelers Group Exhibition How some of us enjoyed the exhibitions of work-in-progress in the church in early August. I, for one, had no idea about the intricacies (and expense) of kneeler manufacture, and look forward to the church being enhanced with these early next year. We've already booked the Dedication Service : 30th March 2003, which just happens to be Mothering Sunday.
Harvest Thanksgiving This will be at 9.30am on Sunday 22nd September and we look forward to a colourful and fragrant Service. Anthony Ashwell
St Mary's Altar Kneelers The Exhibition was a great success and we are thankful to all those who came to view it. Thank you, too, for your donations which so far have reached in excess of £175. Those who came, will have seen that the work is "still in progress." A Dedication Service for the kneelers will take place on Sunday 30th March 2003 commencing at 6.30 pm and ending with drinks to celebrate - put this date in your diary now. Mary Slark
Litton Cheney Playing Field Association's Family Fun Day The fun day this year takes place on Sunday 15th September when the action commences at 10.00 am. We are hoping that the basketball area will have been completed and to have an official opening on the same day but anyway there will be a bar, barbeque, boule, football and more! The football tournament will feature competitons for family/fun teams, junior teams and friendly matches for senior teams. For further details and to enter your team contact Paul Kingston 482384 by Friday 13th September. The winner of the lucky programme this year will receive a Paul Adams original, so it's worth coming along to the playing field. This is the final reminder for all those taking part in the tallest sunflower competition to contact Paul if you wish for your sunflower to be measured. Katharine Jones 482589
Litton Cheney Youth Club sessions will commence again this month. For further details contact: Paul Kingston 482384 or James Williams 482779 (Chairman)
The Dorset Police Community Support Unit will be in Litton Cheney by the Bus Shelter on Thursday 19th September from 5.00 pm to 6.30pm.
Dog Fouling There is an increase in the number of dogs leaving "deposits" around the village. I have received complaints from parents about the amount of fouling immediately outside the school gates. Parents have complained over fouling in the playing field. In late July my wife had to clear up ten "deposits" spread over as little as 20 yards! I know many people are responsible dog owners and "scoop the poop" - thank you - but some dog owners seem to lack any sense of public responsibility. DNA has been suggested but seems a bit extreme! If you are a dog owner PLEASE see to it that you go out with your dog and clear up after it. Ian Slark ( Parish Council Chairman )
Litton Cheney Social Committee - Jubilee Supper 20th July Approximately 200 villagers, visitors and holidaymakers came along to the celebrations. It was a glorious evening and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The lamb was cooked for over 5 hours and lots of people said it was the best they had ever tasted - many thanks to the cooks. The music was splendid - many thanks to the musicians. The beer ran out so it must have been a good evening! Many thanks to the barmen. The fireworks went with a terrific bang as those of you who didn't come heard and the colours were amazing - thank you Freddie. A big thank you to everybody who helped make it such a successful evening and to all of you who came. And last but not least thank you to Eddie and Sheila for giving us the use of their garden. Note for your diary: Harvest Supper to be held on 19th October 6.30 pm for 7 o'clock at the School. There will be cold meats, salad, apple pie and live music from the Crooked Furrow. Tickets £5 each, nearer the time. Kathy Kourik LCSC Secretary
John and Catherine Smith would like to thank all who supported their Charity Party on the weekend of 27th/28th July. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as we did, especially as the weather was lovely. We are pleased to be able to send a cheque for £111.00 to the Autistic Society, 'Blue Monday's' supported charity. Thanks to Andy for the use of his field and hay trailer. Catherine and John
Congratulations and well done to all those who have received their GCSE and A level results. Daniel Brewster has achieved distinction for Grade 3 French Horn and Rosanna achieved distinction at Grade 7 Cello. Well done to them both.
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.
Frank and Jackie Skipwith It only seems yesterday that we welcomed Frank and Jackie to live permanently among us. What an impact they have made, especially in Church life, and we have so much to thank them for.
But now Frank has accepted a 13-month head-teaching contract at a school in Kent and they have become part-timers again, leaving after their impact a large hole in Long Bredy. We wish them every blessing and look forward to their return in due course to resume their retirement.
Long Bredy Fete Much to our surprise on the day (13th July) it rained a little, but not enough to dampen the spirits of the organisers, gophers and visitors. We are so thankful to Mr and Mrs Harold Carter for allowing us to use the grounds of Kingston Russell House again and it is fascinating to observe how the gardens increase in beauty year by year. There are so many other thank yous to be said, and in naming names, somebody is bound to be missed out. Thank you, then, everybody who helped and supported the Fete in any way, and contributed to the net takings of £2360 from which £330 each has been given to the Playing Field and Village Hall Committees. Anthony Ashwell
A special Harvest Festival service is arranged for 6th October and we hope as many families as possible will come and take part.
Congratulations to Ruth Pitcher on her graduation in July from Southampton University. Ruth has a diploma in Children's Nursing and has also just celebrated a special birthday! Our very best wishes to her.
Sam Pitcher has a first class honours degree from Birmingham College of Food and Creative Studies. The family are looking forward to his graduation in September.
Helen Horsley graduated in July from Bath University with a Post Graduate Certificate of Education. Congratulations to her.
Robert Horsley has passed his driving test and has also celebrated his 18th birthday recently.
Well done to all of them.
Phyllis Collyer, Chris Linwood and Mrs Legg have all had stays in hospital recently. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to all of them.
Michaelmas Day (29th September) and our church's Patronal Festival falls on a Sunday this year and we are planning a glorious Thanksgiving Service. We'll be commemorating St Michael and All Angels, giving God thanks for the Harvest, dedicating our new north aisle floor, and hopefully dedicating our new bells too. All this begins at 5.00pm to be followed by Harvest Supper for parishioners. Our Preacher will be Derek Heaver, a senior Army Chaplain who retired to Puncknowle a year ago. Please find further information under Littlebredy Notes. Anthony Ashwell
LITTLEBREDY NOTES. Visitors to the Church since the end of July will have noticed that, after nearly two years of a crater, then plywood, the North Aisle floor is now completed in splendid new stone flags. The work has been carried out at the expense of the Freemasons of Dorset, to commemorate the work among them in the early 19th century of William Williams, who is buried here. Many thanks to them. Thoughts will now turn to the furnishing of the newly provided space.
With a bit of luck it will soon be full of chairs, all being occupied, at the Evensong to combine our Patronal Festival/Harvest Festival/Bells Re-dedication and Floor Repair thanksgiving, which will be at 5.00p.m. on (appropriately enough) Michaelmas Day exactly, 29th September. This will be the only evening service in the valley on this 5th Sunday in the month, so we hope to welcome a good congregation of locals, Littlebredy residents, and invited guests who have contributed in some way to the events being commemorated. All are especially welcome to the most significant service in Church for many years.
Immediately afterwards, for villagers and the invited guests, there will be a Harvest Supper at Bridehead. Volunteers will soon be sought to provide some of the food for a communal meal, and a bar of some kind (legal!) will provide drinks. The organization of all this will be circulated round the village in good time.
We can include the re-dedication of the bells in the service, because, all being well, the restored ring of six will soon be reinstated in the tower. Phil Hallett is undertaking the preparatory works in August, and Nicholson Engineering, Ltd., of Bridport hope to be at work here in the second week of September. Volunteer assistance might well be welcome, and it should certainly be of interest to photographers to record a scene last seen here a hundred and fifty years ago.
Outside the Church, a newly-formed committee is delighted to announce the re-formation of the Littlebredy Social Club, following the refurbishment and decoration of the Village Hall. For any further information about membership or activities, please call Bryan Hansford (482453) or Su Foot (482329). Early fundraising has come from two days of providing cream teas in connection with the Scented Garden Open Days, but the first real date for your diary is a Rounders Evening and Barbecue at the cricket ground on Friday 6th September from 6.00 p.m. onwards. All ages will be catered for. Please swell the numbers and give the Club a new and rousing send-off.
When John Blanchard was asked "Where was God on September 11th?" he answered "Exactly where he was when religious fanatics killed his Son, Jesus Christ." You might like to read his fuller answer in a booklet "Where was God on September 11th?" ( obtainable through the B.V.N. Editor ).
Editor: Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ
|
