Bride Valley News
'One damned thing after another' Elbert Hubbard, the American writer, made the comment that 'Life is just one damned thing after another'. He died in 1915. A hundred years later his words are still apt, as 'one damned thing' follows another at an ever-increasing rate. Suddenly we become aware of the proliferation of guns on the streets of Britain. We are experiencing financial and economic collapse. There is terrorism, the unlawful manufacture of the highly toxic poison ricin, illegal immigration, the illicit drug trade, easy access to drugs on the street, child pornography and paedophilia on a vast scale. On the wider scene there is the threat of war against or by Iraq; the United States ever more twitchy about it, and British service families anxious about the safety of their spouses, children and parents as they make their way to the Gulf for possible hostilities. Then, we all have to cope with the growing burden of legislation. Like others, churches have to observe the requirements of laws covering disability discrimination, child protection, data protection, health and safety. I have a printed copy, published I guess sixty or seventy years ago, of a letter supposedly sent to a hospital by a subscriber in answer to their appeal for funds. One paragraph says, 'The Government has governed my business till I don't know who runs it. I am inspected, suspected, examined and re-examined, informed, required and commanded so that I don't know who I am, where I am, or why I am here at all'. It ends, 'The only reason why I am clinging to life at all is to see what the hell is going to happen next'. That letter made its point a long time ago, as did Elbert Hubbard. Times don't change? Older people certainly think they do. We cannot shut our eyes to the bad things in the world that affect us, nor to the bad things which thankfully don't, but do affect millions of the world's people who have neither homes, nor food, nor clean water, nor doctors, nor schools, nor votes. Through it all we have to get on with life. The Bible has many tough words to say about how to do that. Some of St Paul's words to the Christians at Ephesus have a certain hollow ring about them today, but think of them nonetheless. He wrote, 'Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil - giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.' What might his words mean for us today? John Atkinson
"Keswick in Devon"23rd Annual Bible Convention 10 - 14 March 2003 All Saints Church SidmouthSpeaker: The Rev'd Ian Coffrey Monday 7.30 pm Tuesday - Friday 10.45 am and 7.30 pm
The Enthronement of the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Rowan Williams, as Archbishop of Canterbury takes place on Thursday 27th February. Do remember him in your prayers on and around that day.
Lent Course - West End of the Valley Over the Wednesday evenings of Lent I shall give a series of addresses at St Mary's Burton Bradstock, on 'The Seven Deadly Sins'. The sins may be deadly, but the addresses will not be!
The first will be included in Holy Communion for the Beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, 5th March, at 7 pm. The succeeding ones will be at 7.30 pm on the following Wednesdays, when there will be ample time for comments, questions and discussion, and we shall close by singing Compline (Night Prayer) on each of the latter six occasions. Details will be in next month's Bride Valley News. John Atkinson
THE BRIDE VALLEY (WEDNESDAY) BIBLE STUDY GROUP Our study of St Mark's Gospel continues, and here are the details for the February meetings (7.30pm - please bring along your Bible). Fuller details will be found on the church notice boards.
Session X St Mark - Chapter 9 February 5th St Catherine's Cross, Shipton Gorge February 12th The Rectory, Litton Cheney Session XI St Mark - Chapter 10 February 19th 7 Norburton, Burton Bradstock February 26th The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney
Further information from Mike Read (897445) or me. Anthony Ashwell (482302) THE BRIDE VALLEY (THURSDAY) FELLOWSHIP GROUP The group meets each Thursday evening and alternates between Prayer and Bible Study. Arriving from 7.30 p.m. we begin at 7.45 p.m. aiming to finish by about 9.15 p.m. All are most welcome. For further details contact Paul ..., Tel ...
FEB 6 PRAYER 12 Napier Close, Puncknowle FEB 13 COLOSSIANS 1. 21-23 West Lodge, Littlebredy FEB 20 PRAYER 12 Napier Close FEB 27 No meeting
Mothers' Union Thank you to everyone who turned out on an icy morning to be at my Commissioning Service on 12th January; it made it special. Also a big Thank You to Pam Coventry, my predecessor, for her 12 years of dedication as Branch Leader of the Bride Valley Branch of the M.U.
Please note the change of date from our usual day:- Monday 24th February- Worldwide meeting at Burton Rectory, where the Rev'd Trevor Stubbs will speak on his Nepalese Experience. There will be a Bring & Buy for the Overseas Fund. The meeting starts at 2.30pm. Future dates:- Monday 17th March Prayers for Ireland Tuesday 25th March Lady Day Festival at St. John's West Bay at 3.00pm - this will be instead of our Thursday Meeting. Yvette Smith
Burton Bradstock School In January's article I drew attention to the wording of a poster in the staff room that caught my eye. Unfortunately during the electronic transfer process it went missing! Therefore in order to put the record straight it is included here: "In times of change, learners inherit the Earth whilst the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." I trust that this helps to clarify my thoughts behind last month's article. Here we are in February already and I'm gradually putting names to faces. A big 'thank you' to everyone who has been so patient with me. School is as busy as ever. This term we've already had a Governors' meeting, Cluster meeting, PTA meeting and finally a parents' meeting for all with children who will be transferring to Colfox in September. Class 4 are also looking forward to a visit to the Study Gallery, Poole at the beginning of the month - more news in March. Someone asked me the other day how I'm settling in. My reply was, 'Fine thank you, I'm really enjoying it and I'm saving lots of money on shoe repairs too - my feet are hardly touching the ground.'
The hustle and bustle of school life is part and parcel of modern society. Various meetings (as above) serve important functions that focus on providing the best practice we can offer our children. Nevertheless, it is important that in the midst of it all we make time for some quietness and reflection in order to give us space to think and 'grow'. Children also need this time, which is why 'circle time' is so positive in helping them to deal with issues of concern to them. Whilst trying to gather my own thoughts in this area I stumbled upon this quote from Isaac Newton: 'I do not know how I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy, playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding another pebble or prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.' Perhaps we sometimes underestimate the potential of reflection and dare I say it 'day-dreaming'. There's something to reflect on!
Mark Stratta.
First Steps Parent and Toddler Group meet on Wednesdays from 10.00am till 12 noon during term time. We offer toys and activities for all pre-school children, coffee and chat for parents and carers. The group meets at Long Bredy Village Hall on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of the month. On the second Wednesday we meet in Little Bredy Hall and on the fourth Wednesday we meet in either Little Bredy or Puncknowle. For further details contact: Jo (Litton Cheney) ... or Julie (Puncknowle) 897178 or Rachel (Kingston Russell and Long Bredy) 482246
Litton Cheney Youth Club The Youth Club continues to meet for those in Littton Cheney and the surrounding area aged 8 - 17 years. Read the Litton notes for February's dates and for further details contact Paul Kingston 482384
Thorner's School, Litton Cheney This time of the year in our homes and with our families we have enjoyed Christmas and New Year, survived the cold winter and are looking forward to the spring and summer months with everything they have to offer. It seems a time when not much is happening, unless you have a birthday that is! It is much like that in school, quite often this is a short term, it all depends on when Easter is situated. This year Easter is late so the term is quite long, we have our Easter Concert in the last week of term. There are changes being considered both in the county and nationally, whether to alter our terms to ensure continuity of learning for the pupils. We as Governors of a Church of England, Voluntary Aided (CE VA) School will have to think carefully about these alterations and ask ourselves if the religious reasons for the split between the terms Spring and Summer should remain the Easter Festival or whether we break the terms evenly with a few days off for Easter like other employment. This seems to be making the situation worse by creating days out of a week in the middle of the term, breaking the flow of teaching and learning., but who am I? The reasoning behind the changes are to do with children having long summer holidays where they forget what they have previously learnt and to even out the terms, but the summer holiday will be altered very little, is there any point? The question of how to arrange terms is one that will be decided elsewhere. I have made my views known but whether I am in the minority or majority I am not sure; what is important to me is that the children in my care are given the education that they deserve so whichever way it goes we teachers will have to take it on board and organise ourselves around it. How we give them this education, in a happy secure environment, with the support of parents is much more important. We all know that our own children are special to us, we all want the best for our children and to think that others see them as special too, but we should not go around with rose tinted glasses, realising that our own children have their faults and can manipulate us when they want to. Taking an impartial point of view is difficult when our children are involved. In school we try to listen to all parties and get a clear picture before laying any blame and even then it is difficult to really understand what went on because we were not there at the time. How many times I have wished that I was a fly on the wall, eyes in the back of my head or we had cameras trained on the playground so that I actually saw for myself what led up to each incident. Education is not just about what goes on in the classroom, it is how we interact with others, how we apply the knowledge we have learnt to daily situations and the examples of those we are in contact with. The whole child is the reason we are here at Thorner's, doing the job we like. Alison Johnstone Headteacher.
Thorner's School P.T.A. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the children and parents of the Bride Valley to thank Mrs Johnston, the teachers & staff, volunteers and helpers who help put together the Christmas fair, Valley party, Christmas concert, Choral concert, Disco, Mummers play, Excursion club arrangements, Fish and chip luncheon, Church service and not to mention all those other inputs that I probably have missed including Mrs Peach who helps keep the school looking beautiful before during and after the feastive season.
Thank you also to the PTA committee who are supporting me in my new role and to those who have already done so much for Thorner's past and present.
Mrs Hooper (class 2/3 teacher) and her damaged Achillies Tendon will hopefully be making a return to school in the not too distant future. Mrs Wright has kindly been standing in!
School Nurse - Mrs Sue Prendeville has been making monthly visits to the school - 1st Wednesday of the month to offer advise. If any parents have any questions then please visit Thorner's on the allocated days to make use of this supportive facility.
Our village representatives are: Litton Cheney - Noreen McClaren Puncknowle/Swyre - Maria Bowen-Ashwin West Bexington - Hilary Larcombe Long Bredy -Liza Adam-Smith Little Bredy - Siobhan Baxter
Dates coming up: 7 February 03 - Cheese and Wine Evening 7.30pm Thank you all for your continued support. Dianne ffoulkes (Chair)
Fundraising Coffee Morning and Card Sale I invite all Bride Valley residents to call into my home, 7 Norburton, Burton Bradstock (off Annings Lane), on the morning of Tuesday 4th February between 10am and 12 noon to have a cup of coffee/tea with biscuits, and to browse through the selection of birthday cards I have for sale. Prices range from 25p to 75p per card. All profits from the morning will be donated to Bridport Social & Education Centre in Flood Lane. This day centre, which my daughter attends, caters for learning disabled adults living in the West Dorset area. Please come along and give your support, you will be most welcome. Many thanks. Lesley Dove
Congratulations to The Bride Valley Young Farmers who won the county 5-a-side football at Bridport Leisure Centre on the 15th December. The team members were Lloyd Wakely, Luca Spiller, Charles Ffoulkes, Shane Affleck, George ffoulkes, Sam Beaton and Oliver Tweed. Well done boys!
Eastern End Bride Valley Christmas Party Thank you very much to the following: The Crown Inn and Puncknowle Fundraisers, Matthew Cooper, Bridport Lions and Gordon Anderson, Litton Cheney Bellringers, Paul Kingston, Michael and Liza Adams, Alison Johnstone and staff at Thorners School and a very big thank you to Carol Randall and to everyone involved. Eastern End Bride Valley Children's Christmas Party Organisers
Ladybirds Our next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs Betty Champkins, Chalk Pit Lane, Litton Cheney on February 12th at 8 pm. Former BBC Producer David Taylor will talk about his work and explain the famous catch phrase "NICE TO SEE YOU, TO SEE YOU NICE". Guests and new members always welcome. Ursula Bayer 482252
Litton Cheney Kneelers Fundraising Exhibition in Litton Cheney Church Hall on Saturday 15th February from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. For more details of this project please read the Litton Notes ( page 25 ).
BRIDE VALLEY GARDENING CLUB Just a brief note to remind you that the next meeting of the BVGC will be on Monday 10th February at 7.30pm at Thorners School, Litton Cheney. The speaker will be Philip Gamble talking on propagation. As always the club is happy to welcome non-members who might be interested in its activities. Norma Millard Computer Courses Two more beginners' computer courses have been arranged: The Basic Computer Taster Course will consist of 4 sessions running on Monday 17th, 24th and 31st March and 7th April from 1.30 - 3.00pm and is especially suitable for you if you are a complete beginner or would like a gentle introduction to build up confidence. The course will cover an introduction to word processing and desktop publishing to enable you to produce effective invitations, posters, letters and cards.
The Internet and E-mail Course will be held for 3 sessions of 2 hours each on Friday 7th, 14th and 21st February from 10am - 12 noon at Bridport Foyer, West Allington. This course will enable you to set up an e-mail address, send e-mails and use the Internet to search for information. Now that the Burton Bradstock Library has computers with Internet access you will be able to send e-mails to family and friends even if you don't have a computer at home. Places on both courses will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of each course is £10 for the whole programme. You can request a place by e-mailing Karen Venn on venn@cwcom.net or by telephoning 897094 on Mondays between 5.30 and 6.30pm or Wednesdays between 3.30 and 4.30pm.
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 Karen Venn
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 16th February Chideock Aid for Romania
The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 7th February at 11.00 am.
The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be held on Mondays 3rd February and 3rd March, each at 7.00 pm.
The Parochial Church Council next meets on Monday 10th February at 7.00 pm in church.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS Baptism 8th December William D. Ford
Funerals 27th December Bruce M. Hemingway 3rd January John C. Shenton
A free Christmas lunch?? Well, almost! This raised the grand sum of £440. We thank Sarah and Adrian of The Three Horseshoes Inn for arranging a very good lunch and an occasion which everyone present thoroughly enjoyed. And thank you to everyone who contributed.
Many thanks also to Edward Ripley for donating £10 to St Mary's from his sale of Christmas trees.
Carol singing around the village on Wednesday 18th December raised £169 for the Children's Society. Thank you to all the singers, Derek and Val Parsons for the Mars bars, and for refreshments afterwards at the Rectory provided by Greta Heal.
Lent Lunches this year will be on Fridays 12 noon to 2.00 pm from the 7th March to 11th April inclusive. If you can offer your home for one of the dates, and with helpers provide soup etc., please add your name to the list on the table in the south aisle, stating to which different charity you would like the proceeds to go. Venues will be listed in the weekly pewsheet and in the March Bride Valley News. Pam Atkinson
Bridge Cottage Stores would like to help St. Mary's Church by donating £2.00 for every breakfast sold until the end of March on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please ask at the shop. Liz Comely
We would like to thank, once again, Bridge Cottage Stores, Burton Bradstock Cars, The Hive Cafe and The Three Horsehoes for their generous support of the Appeal and would urge our readers to support their fund-raising activities.
CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL - REVISION The Church Electoral Roll is revised each year (except when a new roll is prepared every sixth year ) in time for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. If your name is already included on the current roll, which was prepared last year, then no further action is required of you.
The revision period leading up to the annual meeting provides an ideal opportunity for those who wish to have their names added to the electoral roll to apply for enrolment, the requirements for which are very simple. You must be baptised (christened ), a member of the Church of England or of a church in communion with it, be aged 16 or over and either resident in the parish or have regularly attended church there for at least six months.
Being on the electoral roll of the parish means you can attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting ( to be held this year on Monday 24th March in church at 7.30 p.m. ) and vote in the elections to the Parochial Church Council or stand for election yourself if you are a communicant member of the Church of England. It enables you to have your voice heard at Deanery and Diocesan level as well as in your own parish.
Application forms for enrolment on the Church Electoral Roll will be available in church in the weeks leading up to the annual meeting or if you wish to contact me direct on Tel. 897872 to discuss any aspect of enrolment I will be pleased to help. Maurice Ackland Electoral Roll Officer.
Burton Bradstock Players The Burton Bradstock Players are pleased to announce that their next pantomime "Hickory Dickory Dock" will take place from Monday,10th February to Saturday, 15th February 2003 inclusive ( with also a Saturday Matinee ) at the W.I. Hall. Tickets available at the Post Office, Burton Bradstock. Tel: 01308 897243 ( office hours only ). 2 tickets only per booking for the Saturday evening performance. Mary Bailey
The Burton Bradstock Players will have the first read through of the forthcoming Spring Play in the Reading Room on Thursday, February 27th 2003 at 7.30pm, followed by auditions on Thursday, March 6th. The play will take place on the 5th, 6th & 7th June 2003. All welcome. Daphne Ekins ( 897415 )
CHIDEOCK AID FOR ROMANIA FUND We take this opportunity, through the magazine, to thank all our friends in the Bride Valley who have helped us in so many ways during the past year.
We have been able to take two full loads of medical equipment to our Doctor in Arad. Your generosity also enabled us to take blankets, towels, toiletries, clothing, school stationery and many other items to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Initial contact was made with a small psychiatric hospital that seems to need just about everything.
Our final act for 2002 was to buy an endoscopic camera for the surgeons in the Arad hospital, leaving us with just £12.67 in the kitty! Praise the Lord that we were able to meet the purchase price of £3020! God willing, we shall continue the work in 2003. Ann & Mike Read
Burton Bradstock Parish Council 1. 20mph Speed Limit through the Village The Parish Council has been in conversation with the County Council Highways Department with regard to implementing a 20mph speed limit through the village. However the proposal cannot be supported since the County Policy is to use this measure only in support of the Safer Routes to School Projects or a town centre speed management scheme.
2. Footpath alongside the River at the end of Grove Road The new gates placed on this footpath do not affect the right of way at all. Please enjoy this splendid riverside walk.
3. Allotments 2003 The Parish Council has appointed Cllr. Tony Smith as Allotment officer. This is a new initiative in order to monitor and support allotment holders. Can we also remind holders that we will be seeking confirmation soon regarding allotment allocations for 2003? Contact Fel Moore for details on 01308 459001.
4. West Dorset District Council Deposit Plan Mr M.Woodward WDDC Environmental Policy Team Leader met with Parish Councillors prior to the December Parish Council meeting. He informed Councillors that the Plan would be available at Council Offices and Libraries from the 17th January to the 13th March 2003. A special day will be available for individuals at Bridport Arts Centre on 12th February 2003 between 11.00am and 7.00pm. During this eight-week period Parish Councils and individuals can make comments on the Plan. Then WDDC have an obligation to try to resolve any objections. Then a second Deposit Plan linked with the County Structure Plan will be published in 2004. After this enquiries can be held and finally the new Plan will be adopted in 2005, which will be effective until 2016. There are three potential areas for objections in Burton Bradstock: ( i ) Northover Close: To the north, but outside the boundary ( ii ) Shadrach Farm: Potential for development. ( iii ) Field opposite Rookery: Special natural character.
The Government wish to abolish Structure Plans and replace them with a new planning process called 'Local Development Frameworks'. The direction from the Government is: Focus on urban areas and the edges of urban areas To have housing on brown sites Maximise use of existing facilities Good accessibility in terms of transport Promote protection of the environment. Individuals should, if possible, try to see the Deposit Plan.
5. Precept 2003/04 A detailed budget paper was circulated at the December Parish Council meeting which indicated a potential shortfall of £4000. In addition, the Chairman reported that the W.I. Hall was facing a bill for electrical re-wiring. The Council has decided to financially support the W.I. Hall work. Because of this, and the expected shortfall and extra work reference the Post Office and Play area, the Council had agreed to set a precept of £5000 for 2003/04.
The Parish Clerk is in the Reading Room on Tuesday mornings from 8.30am if anyone would like more information on these or any other issues. Fel Moore Clerk to the Council.
Fundraising Coffee Morning and Card Sale Please see entry under Valley Section (above) for details. Thank you. Lesley Dove
BURTON BRADSTOCK WOMEN'S INSTITUTE The President welcomed 40 members and 2 new members to the January meeting.
A talk on behalf of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was given by one of the paramedics who told us of many of the patients that they had been able to help, both by their paramedic expertise and the speed at which they can airlift the patient to the appropriate hospitals, depending on their injuries. The talk was greatly enjoyed and many questions were asked before Carol Lumley gave the vote of thanks. After refreshments, organised by Joan Gillett, the business part of the meeting commenced. Members were reminded that their subscriptions were now due and the dates for various forthcoming events were given. These included:- ( a ) Reading group on 18th February ( b ) Walk on the 25th February ( c ) Art course on the 26th February ( d ) Fabric Painting course on 6th March Badminton will re-commence on Monday 24th February after the pantomime.
The Institute had received a card and small gift from the New Zealand link
Joan Allan won the Flower of the Month Competition and 100 Club winners were P.Buckle, A. Foster, S. Spencer-Smith and P. West Date of Next Meeting 11th February at 2.15pm - new Members are always welcome.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK everyone for their cards and good wishes during my recent stay in hospital and to say how much their thoughts and prayers were appreciated and contributed to my recovery. Margaret also joins in my thanks for the wonderful support she has received from so many kind friends in our caring village. Thank you all for being there. Maurice Ackland
Thank you all so much for coming out Carol singing on a very cold but clear, bright night on the 17th December. We had some super singers, which made a great difference. Another big thank you to Margaret Oldridge's grandsons, James and Edward, and also to Basil and Howard who did the necessary but boring job of knocking on doors and collecting money. Of course I could not finish without a special thank-you to John and Pam for entertaining us all back at the Rectory, a visit to which we all look forward. Thank you to all those who gave so generously and to everyone for supporting The Chidren's Society to the sum of £170. Greta Heal
Calor Gas Village of the Year Competition 2002 Burton Bradstock has scooped a prestigious win in the Calor Gas Village of the Year awards for its use of Information Technology in the community. The village came first in the Information Technology (IT) category for the Southern and South East Region (includes Dorset through to Kent), one of six regions across England and Wales that were set up for the competition.
The judges said, "Burton Bradstock won on the strength of its website which is easily navigable and has useful links to many village groups." The village was also praised for its proactive approach to educating villagers about the use of computers and the Internet, having installed an Internet computer in the village Reading Room and having organised several training courses for villagers. The village is also now benefiting from Internet connections in the village library where there are now two computers available for use.
Mike Southgate and I went to the presentation in London and were very pleased to accept the award on behalf of the village. The full details of the competition, including a picture with John Humphries et al, can be found on the village web site
This is a good opportunity to thank villagers for their continuing support for the web site committee in the village, including a whole host of contributions people have made to the website - without this support we would not have gained the award - it is a team effort! So please use this village resource and help to develop it further by providing helpful comments and even more items for the site. Please also use the computer in the Reading Room if you wish this facility to continue. Tim Linford 897363 May we add our congratulations to the Web Site Committee and all those whose hard work and commitment helped to achieve this award. Ed. For information and news check out more of the Burton Bradstock website Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White Eastcote, 3 Gullivers Orchard, Shipton Gorge Tel(01308)897974
The Parochial Church Council next meets on Wednesday 19th February at 7.30 pm at Cairnhill.
Christingle Service On Sunday 2nd February, which is Candlemas (the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple), we are having a Christingle Service at St Martin's at 4.00 pm. Many people are familiar with such services; they have become quite popular in recent years. So now, here is one in Shipton Gorge - a special service of hymns, readings and prayers to celebrate Jesus Christ as the Light of the World, during which children will receive Christingle oranges. The collection will be for The Children's Society and there will be tea and treats in the Village Hall afterwards. This is a service of light and joy, to which all Shipton and Chilcombe children and their families are particularly invited, as well as our usual congregations.
WELCOME ALL BELLRINGERS We have a peal of six light bells at St Martin's and would welcome any bellringers who would like to join us. We practise on Monday evenings between 7.00 and 8.30pm. For further information, please contact the Correspondent, Colin Green on 01308 898334.
CHURCH TOWER EXCAVATIONS The earth and grass around the tower was above the level of the tower floor, making it damp inside. A channel has been excavated around the tower, which has been filled with stone and gravel to improve the drainage. The tower foundations have also been repointed. All the gravel, sand and cement was generously donated by J.C. Phillips & Son of South Street, Bridport.
CAROL SINGING Thanks to the group of singers and the generosity of those who donated in the collecting tins, the wonderful sum of £145.47 was raised for Save the Children. This is nearly 50% up on last year and a great result, so thank you all. Our most grateful thanks also to Geoff and Betty Shepherd who warmly welcomed us into their home and provided welcome refreshments 'en route'.
RABBIT PROOF FENCE (PG) Our Artsreach/Moviola Febuary film promises to be a memorable one and has been labelled one "not to miss". "RABBIT PROOF FENCE" is a wonderful new Australian film of a real life scandal. Until the 1970's Her Majesty's Government forcibly removed Aboriginal girls from their families to become domestic servants. The film is about three young girls who flee from a camp in the 1930's and make an incredible journey of 2000 miles following Australia's rabbit proof fence all the way home. This is terrific cinema, moving and spectacular, the photography of the Australian outback is beautiful and wonderfully done. Kenneth Branagh stars as the agency representative seeking to find the girls.
The film will be shown at Shipton Gorge Village Hall at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 26th February 2003. Tickets are priced at £4 and are available from THE NEW INN, SHIPTON GORGE or members of the Hall Committee and by telephoning 01308 897547.
You have probably heard about this film already, so this is your opportunity to see the film that scandalised Australia when it was first shown there. The three old ladies who are the real stars appear at its end.
DAILY BUS SERVICE FROM SHIPTON GORGE It is proposed by the First Bus Company to commence a DAILY bus service (except Sundays & Bank Holidays) from Shipton Gorge via Walditch into Bridport. The service will come into effect on February 24th and the 210 will divert from Burton Bradstock and call at Shipton Gorge Centre at 09.58 arriving Bridport Frosts at 10.09. The return will leave Bridport Portman Building Society at 12.15 arriving back at 12.25. Parish Clerk
Shipton Hall 100 Club Winners for the January Draw:- £20 No.71 Table Tennis Club £10 No.12 Lynda Buck
Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall 3 Green Barton, Swyre Tel(01308)897318 s.marshall@which.net Christmas Service There is a tendency in the press and to a certain extent among the public at large, to talk down attendance at Christmas Services, and especially those which are of a more committed nature. Let's talk up then the attendance at our 'early Midnight Mass' (9.30pm Christmas Eve) when after two previous years of not much more than 20 people coming, this time we had getting on for 60. Yes, the church was full, and John Nye treated us to first class carol accompaniment. Anthony Ashwell
Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council Parish Council Meeting There will be a meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday 4th February in the Puncknowle Church Hall at 7.30pm.
ARCHAEOLOGY EVENING Dr Northover will be hosting an evening at Puncknowle Village Hall on Friday 14 February 2003 at 7.30 p.m. Peter will be detailing the findings of last year's dig and showing a video edited from several tapes filmed by the TV company which produced the 'Past Finders' programme on Meridian.
There will be an exhibition of finds and the details of the dig for 2003 will be revealed. Refreshments will also be available.
STOP PRESS We have just discovered the hall does not have an entertainment licence, so we will not be asking an entrance fee but would ask that if you enjoy the evening, you make a donation towards our Community fund.
SWYRE COMMUNITY FUND Village Christmas Cracker Thank you to everyone who supported our village evening at The Bull either by coming along and taking part or by donating a raffle prize, a lot of you, I know, did both, which was brilliant, thank you.
Special thanks must go to Val Pye for the hours of work she put in to make the event a success and to Peter May for being a great Master of Ceremonies. We also greatly appreciate Carol and Brian's support in providing us with a venue for the evening.
We raised £100 for the Air Ambulance, which Carol will pass on to them at their next visit. I hope you all enjoyed the evening as much as we did. Thank you for coming along and supporting us. See you all at our next event -watch this space!
Community Fund Organisers Mince Pie Sales Many thanks to all of you who purchased Mince Pies in aid of our fund from Modbury Farm in the run up to Christmas. We are grateful to Tim and Julie Garry for their great support of the fund in allowing us to sell them from the farm and thanks to all villagers who gave me donations of ingredients. I am able to put £116.00 into the fund. A great start to our 2003 fundraising. Julie Lewis
POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT The above vehicle will be visiting Puncknowle on Thursday 20 February 2003, outside phone box between 10.00 am and 11.00 am. Now offering for sale shed alarms and post coding kits at a very nominal price. Drop in and take a look! Julie Lewis
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle Tel (01308) 897761 Christingle Our Family Service at 9.30am on 2nd February will be a Christingle Service in aid of the Childrens' Society. Please do come along and support the most valuable work done by this society nationally, for disadvantaged young people.
Holy Fools Our Family Service on 2nd March will be different too. Much of it will be led by Holy Fools who are becoming increasingly well known locally. A lot of the time the church quite rightly, proclaims a serious message, but it must be a message of joy and love too. How good to have some joy and laughter, and clowning, this Sunday before Lent. Anthony Ashwell
Carol Singing Round the Village. Many thanks to the noble group of adults, clowns and children who spent the evening singing carols and knocking on doors, and to those who gave so generously. £160 has been sent to the Children's Society Waves Project in Weymouth. Thank you also to those who gave us refreshments on our way round the village and to Mick Lawless for the soup and mince pies at the Crown at the end of the evening.
Social Evening at the Church Hall 7.30 Thursday February 13 Dr Sue Eden will be talking on South African Flowers. Do come and hear her sharing her expertise and knowledge. There will be coffee and biscuits and a collection to cover expenses.
Church Hall Bookings From February 1st please contact Ann Roberts at Burwell Cottage, Puncknowle. Tel: 01308 897716
BRIDE VALLEY FLEDGLINGS REPORT Please turn to page 30
Village Correspondent For many years Dorothy Barlow has been Puncknowle's Village Correspondent but has now decided that it is time for a change. We are indeed extremely grateful to her for her devotion to duty and offer her very many grateful thanks. Her place will be taken by Elizabeth Slater so all future correspondence should be addressed to her: 1, Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH. Tel: 01308 897751. e-mail: liz@ruddle.plus.com Ann Roberts Many thanks from me, too, to Dorothy Barlow for her willingness over the years to take on the responsibilities of Puncknowle Correspondent and thanks to Elizabeth Slater for taking over from her. Ed.
Puncknowle Art Group We began Christmas celebrations early in December with a still life set by Doreen Print. Thanks to Doreen and to Jennifer who brought us a competition. All was followed by Christmas lunch in very festive surroundings. Dates for Feb. -7th & 21st Christine Molony
Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council Parish Council Meeting There will be a meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday 4th February in the Puncknowle Church Hall at 7.30pm.
POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT The above vehicle will be visiting Puncknowle on Thursday 20 February 2003, outside phone box between 10.00 am and 11.00 am. Now offering for sale shed alarms and post coding kits at a very nominal price. Drop in and take a look! Andrew Marshall
Puncknowle News
BRIDE VALLEY FLEDGLINGS
Christmas was very special this year; for the first time the children put on a Nativity Play for their parents. This was followed by the arrival of Father Christmas after which the children played with their musical instruments accompanied by Sally on the piano. The children then tucked into their Christmas Party feast which was once again supplied by the parents. Carol again supplied mulled wine for the adults. All the children presented their parents with a home made card and candle holder, which John had made and the children themselves had decorated.
We would like to thank the Rev'd Anthony Ashwell for coming into playgroup and reading a story to the children, also to Sally's Mum for bringing in some fabulous items of her childhood from Asia, and reliving her early years there.
Thanks also go to Father Christmas [Mr J Cook] and to Mick at the Crown for letting us borrow the Costume once again. PHOTO SESSION, 15th February, from 10.00am, including a Coffee Morning to raise Funds for new resources. Everyone is welcome to come along, have a photo taken or just have a cup of coffee. This will take place in the Church Hall, Puncknowle.
The TV TRIVIA QUIZ is on sale from Bridport and Dorchester Tourist Information Centres and from the usual local venues. Have a go, the cost is only £1.00 and all proceeds will go to the play-group.
Sue Talbot - Adminstrator: 01308 482204. Dont forset to check the village website www.puncknowle.org.uk to keep in touch with village events and useful information Village Correspondents: Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close Tel.482384 paulkingston@tinyworld.co.uk
Special Thanksgiving Service The theme of our 11 o'clock Service on 2nd February will be 'Thanksgiving for the success of the Church's Financial Giving Initiative in Litton Cheney'. This day is also Candlemas, the time when, 40 days after Christmas, the infant Jesus was presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. Candlemas has been an opportunity to bless the candles that will be used in Church throughout the year, and on this day we will ask God's blessing also on the money given so generously for the Church's use. Anthony Ashwell
Triangle Christmas Tree Once again a big thank you is due to Priscilla Leslie-Smith for so kindly providing the essential electricity for the lights of the tree. Thanks also to the Social Committee for funding the tree and to members of that Committee and the Parish Council for putting it up and taking it down.
Litton Cheney Social Committee Many thanks to the 30 or so people who braved the cold weather to join us for carol singing around the village. Frank did us proud by accompanying us on his guitar for the two-hour duration and hopefully kept us in tune and singing the carols at the same time! A really grand total of £204.50 has been sent to the Naomi House Children's Hospice in Kent. Thank you to everyone for giving so generously. I am assuming you enjoyed the singing and were not paying us to go away!
We will be organising the Duck Race on 20th April - more about this nearer the time. Watch this space in the March BVN as we are hoping to arrange an afternoon trip out, details will be published then. Kathy Kourik LCSC Secretary
LITTON CHENEY KNEELERS FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION AND COFFEE MORNING Litton Cheney Church Hall 10.30am to 12.30pm Saturday 15 February 2003
This is your chance to see our exhibition of the new church altar kneelers, which are virtually completed. These unique tapestries celebrate flowers and insects in our beautiful Bride Valley. We designed and made them ourselves and no kits were used. We are also now fundraising for a new textile project to make a wall hanging representing Litton Cheney. We hope to raise £200 for fabrics, threads, etc. to start this project. On sale will be: Antiques to You, Bring and Buy, Cakes, Local Produce, Raffle, Regifted (Xmas) Presents and Books. We would also greatly welcome donations of 'antiques', cakes, produce, books and raffle prizes. Please bring these to the Church Hall on Friday 14th February between 3.00 and 5.00pm or on the Saturday morning between 10 - 10.30am. If you can't come but would like to make a donation, please send or deliver it to the Kneelers Project, c/o Pauline Macaulay at 4 Church Path, Litton Cheney, DT2 9AQ
If you would like to discuss or join the new wall hanging project, please talk with Mary Slark (telephone 01308 482280) or anyone else at the coffee morning. SEE YOU ON THE 15th February.
Litton Cheney Youth Club The Youth Club meets on Tuesday 11th February and Tuesday 25th February in The Church Hall, Litton Cheney. The junior session for those 8 - 12 years is from 6.30 - 8.00 pm and the senior session for those 13 - 17 years from 8.00 - 9.30 pm.
The Dorset Police Community Support Unit will be in Litton Cheney by the Bus Shelter on Thursday 20th February from 11.30am - 12.30pm.
Parish Council Election Litton Cheney Parish Council elections will be held on 1st May 2003. The Council has not had an election for at least 16 years so please take this opportunity to put your name forward and have a meaningful election. Formal notices of the election will be displayed in the Bus Shelter and Rose Cottages notice boards. All seven council seats become vacant and anyone interested in being a candidate who requires further informal information on what is involved and the duties of councillors is invited to contact the Parish Clerk - John Rowlands 482409
Archaeology Recent building work in The Paddocks has revealed a 4000 year old Neolithic burial site containing several 'Grooved Ware' cremation urns. Most of the known ancient sites in the parish are found outside the village but this important discovery has now focussed attention on areas of possible archaeological potential within the village itself.
Many archaeological finds are discovered by the public every year. However, very little of this material is recorded meaning that much potentially important information is being lost. I would therefore be very interested to hear about any recently discovered objects including coins, other metal objects, pottery, bones, tile and worked stone. I would then hopefully be able to assist in the identification and recording of these finds.
Having recently been appointed as the Ancient Monuments Liaison Officer for Litton Cheney I am happy to advise on any archaeological matters. Paul Kingston 482384 paulkingston@tinyworld.co.uk
Col. Charles George Cresswell MBE 1911-2002 I cannot let a character slip away from the Litton scene, of which he was a part for many years, without some personal reminiscences.
I first met George and his wife Betty nearly 25 years ago in his home at Old Barton, Chalk Pit Lane, when I called to suggest he could help with the village fete. We had tea in their neat cottage garden, and I found two new friends and an addition to my list of loyal fete helpers. I came to know George as a man of strongly held opinions and attitudes developed over a long career of strict military discipline. He rose through the ranks from a boy entrant in the army through hard work, and was proud of his position in society, but it was always "Call me George" when introduced to new people.
I learnt a lot about his career in the army when I helped to record his story for his grandchildren, and how he nearly met his end on the beaches of Dunkirk, an experience which contributed to health problems in later life.
We enjoyed golf together, he kindly tolerated my poor play, but not my neglect of the etiquette of the game.
He loved singing, choral work or sing-a-longs! His greatest interest was the Briddy Choir, of which he was a founder member. He would spend hours practising with anybody who could spare the time, and discussing the discipline and functions of the choir. His failing eyesight didn't stop him adding his bass voice to the harmony. During his last years, Betty was a great support and strength although in poor health herself. When she died in 2002 George suffered his loss in a nursing home in Bransgrove, near his son and daughter, where he died peacefully in December.
So "Good Bye" Betty and George - soldier, family man, artist, critic, musician and chorister, and, although you showed no outward delight in a sense of humour, it would amuse you to know that I think the heavenly choir, which I'm sure you will have joined, has been augmented by a good and loyal bass. Frank Whillock
Welcome to Brian, Valerie and Megan who have moved into 6 Barges Close and Juliet and Matt who have moved into 7 Manor Farm Close. We also welcome the new residents to Old Barton, Wessex Lodge and 10 Manor Farm Close. Congratulations to Michelle, James and Beth Williams on the arrival of Lucy Michelle on 10th December. www.littoncheney.org.uk - Visit the web site for the latest news. The group meets at The White Horse Inn at 8 o'clock on the first monday of each month - All welcome.
Christmas Play Aliens landed in Long Bredy on 23rd December in the early evening, and asked embarrassing questions about Christmas: what was the meaning of it all? With the help of a large cast, some judicious time travel, lots of help, and Christine Scott the producer, plus carols both for the congregation and from the Village Singers, a packed church answered the aliens superbly and with great joy. The collection was given to Mountjoy School in Bridport. Anthony Ashwell
Long Bredy Parish News
Thank you to Brian and Ann Peppiatt for producing the mulled wine following the Carol Service. It was very welcome on such a wet night for a capacity audience. Thank you also to everyone who brought mince pies, biscuits and soft drinks; it all made for a very happy time after the service.
Welcome to David and Pat Turner who have come to live at Rowden Farm bringing with them a multitude of birdlife! We hope they will be happy in the Valley. Chris Yates is making a good recovery after twice-postponed surgery, which was eventually carried out on Christmas Eve. Get fully well soon, Chris.
The first few days of the New Year produced a phenomenon in Littlebredy which apparently last occurred in 1955. As a result of the exceptionally high water table, the springs which feed the Bride, and which usually run underground until rising under or around the lake, broke the surface in the cricket ground, producing a stream of running water down the Bridehead drive and across the lawns for several days. The waterfall in those few days and for a while afterwards was a sight to behold. What are the odds on a hosepipe ban in Dorset before 2003 is out?!
Well done to Lloyd Wakely who raised £48.00 for Children in Need. Lloyd organised and held a raffle at Colfox School.
Friday 14th February Valentines Ball at Freshwater
Wednesday 26th to Saturday 1st March Bridport Operatic Workshop: Diary of Adrian Mole
Editor: Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ
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