Bride Valley News
Foot-and-Mouth DiseaseA disease endemic in many countries, and in this country until not too many years ago, has caused panic in northern Europe and the United States by its reappearance in Britain. Yes, Britain is still functioning, and yes, we are open to receive visitors, but farmers and those engaged in the tourist trade are having a very difficult time. There is much anxiety for the well-being of animals and future livelihoods. Television and newspaper pictures of the burning of thousands of animals, and interviews with farmers and vets have drawn us all into the situation. There is much, and deep, sadness at the plight of all directly involved and at the measures which have been thought necessary to eradicate this disease. Both farming and tourism play a large part in Bride Valley life. We are all involved and concerned. Throughout the diocese the Church has been very active in responding to this outbreak of disease. Prayers are being offered at Sunday and weekday services; the diocese is encouraging all church members to offer a prayer for farmers daily at 11 am wherever they are. Church bells are being rung as a reminder to pray for everyone affected. The two Rural Officers of the diocese have been putting in enormous efforts alongside running their own rural parishes. We underline the clear advice not to go on farmland or attempt to visit farms, even though as I write no confirmed cases of the disease have been found in Dorset. Needy families can ask for financial help from the National Churches Fund. I have information about how to apply. The ARC-Addington Fund has been established by the Arthur Rank Centre and Lambeth to provide emergency support for farmers, and donations will be very gladly received. Please ring 024 7669 2333 to make credit card donations, or drop a line to:
Personal donations can be made via Gift Aid. Cheques should be made payable to ARC-Addington Fund. We hope and pray that soon our farmers and their families can return to a normal way of life, and with as few long-term effects as may be possible. John Atkinson. It's not my turn to contribute the main article this month, but some readers may be surprised at the dirth of contributions in this edition from the Team Vicar. Don't get too pleased about this, I'm writing just over 3 weeks after my April slot for several reasons, and basically not much has happened locally in March (at least that is reportable), nor have I got a diary full of events for May. As I do look back over March however, there is something that hangs over the month like a great dark cloud : Foot and Mouth Disease. We've prayed so much about this, and when you come to read this short article, I suspect that the worst will be over and that lessons are being learnt. Whatever, please do keep farmers and all who rely on the agricultural and tourism industries in your prayers. Anthony Ashwell Church Calendar May 2001 1 Philip & James, Apostles. Jn 14, v.1-14. James1,v.1-12. 2 Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher 373 4 English Saints & Martyrs of the Reformation Era. 6 The Fourth Sunday of Easter 8 Julian of Norwich, Spiritual Writer c.1417. 13 The Fifth Sunday of Easter 14 Matthias the Apostle. Acts 1, v.15-26. 16 Caroline Chisholm, Social Reformer, 1877. 19 Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, Restorer of Monastic Life, 988. 20 The Sixth Sunday of Easter Alcuin of York, Deacon, Abbot of Tours, 804. 21 Helena, Protector of the Holy Places, 330. 23 Petroc, Abbot of Padstow, 6th century. 24 Ascension Day John and Charles Wesley, Evangelists, Hymn Writers, 1791 and 1788. 25 Venerable Bede, Monk at Jarrow, Scholar, Historian, Aldhelm, Bishop of Sherborne, 709-735 26 Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605. John Calvin, Reformer, 1654. 27 The Seventh Sunday of Easter 28 Lanfranc, Prior of Le Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury, Scholar, 1089. 30 Josephine Butler, Social Reformer, 1906. Joan of Arc, Visionary, 1431. 31 Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. Luke 1, v.39-49. Rosemary Earnshaw
The Bride Valley Team Council holds its Annual General Meeting Thursday 17th May at 7.30 pm at Puncknowle Church Hall. House GroupsThe course to be followed in May and June has not yet been agreed. Details should be on individual Church notice-boards by the beginning of May. Anthony Ashwell Burton Bradstock SchoolI am going to pay tribute to those stalwart villagers who unselfishly give of their time on a regular basis to enrich the life of all at our school. I know many of you would wish to help like this and are unable to. Your support to the school and me is shown in many other ways and I know that you'll understand the following 'roll of honour.' So, step forward John and Marion Surry. Marion visits the school twice a week and works for over an hour each time with children who need one to one attention. Marion and John have run a 'Literature' club after school every Thursday over the past two terms, enriching a large group of older children with their knowledge of Shakespeare and Dickens. Mike Southgate is Chair of Finance on my school's Governing Body and as such has given freely of his time and experience in leading one of the most complicated areas of school life. Other Villager Governors include Chair, Sue Linford and Linda Bongers. Again their experience is crucial to the effective running of the Governing Body, and therefore the school. Chris Wilkinson is also on my Governing Body as a co-opted Finance Governor, but is better known to all as coach to our football team. Chris led the team to triumph in the cup last year. This season has been seriously disrupted by the awful weather and results have not gone our way. I would like to take this opportunity to give Coach Wilkinson my personal vote of confidence and look forward to future success! Chris will also be supporting the coaching of Tennis this summer. Newcomers to the village, Tim and Pat Robottom, have also made their mark on school life. Tim, an Olympic Handball coach, has worked with our juniors every Thursday afternoon since September. He is also promoting this fast and exciting sport in other local schools and recently organized a schools tournament. Pat visits the school on a regular basis and helps organize our library. Last, but by no means least is Father John. John visits every Friday and runs an assembly for all children. He also regularly contributes to class R.E. lessons, talking to children about church life and the Christian faith. John also brings something much less definable to the school, however. His calm, caring personality gives strength to all at the school just by his presence. The school is strengthened by all who support it from within our community and I take this opportunity to thank you all. I have arranged for The One World Band to perform a special concert for anyone interested from the Bride Valley at Burton Bradstock W.I. Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 6th June. Tickets on the door at £4 each, £3 for students under 16. 100 Club winners for March
Best wishes David Powell Thorner's School, Litton CheneyTowards the end of term we held our Easter concert and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part. It may have been performing but also behind the scenes. Lots of the children must have been practising for some time, and without the support of parents I am sure that the determination to get out on the stage and do their 'own thing' would not always be there. It was fantastic to be able to give the children the chance of performing in front of a 'live' audience (especially one which is so supportive). It is wonderful to see the talent which is around us, and we do not always know it exists. We do not always hear about the progress of children outside our classrooms unless they themselves shout about it, and there are not that many pupils who want to be so up front. I believe that everyone has a talent in a direction and should be proud of it. There were so many pupils who wanted to take part that we had to have an extra few concerts within school, and the performances which we witnessed on Friday afternoon were excellent. It was a shame that we were not able to extend our evening concert to include these. At the end of March we took part in the first ever Handball Tournament to take place in Dorset. We have only 'dabbled' so far. The children were enthusiastic and gradually through the afternoon they, along with all the other schools, improved their techniques. We did find it difficult to actually score goals - very important if you want to win games! Even when I suggested that they ought to imagine that I was standing behind the goal, and it was their opportunity to hit me and hurt me, they still were unable to score! Are we too soft as a school? The organiser, Tim Rowbottom, complimented us on our team play and was very surprised that we did not reach the semi-finals. Congratulations to Natalie Moxom who won the 'Girl of the Day'. Powerstock were the eventual winners with Loders taking second place. Congratulations to them both, but beware next year! At long last we were able to complete the cluster football competition. We had to play St. Catherine's in both the year 6 and the non year 6 finals. The whole of the week had been rainy and I was constantly being asked if it was still on. On the day of the matches we needed our umbrellas for a short time, but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the teams. Both teams started well and scored a few goals, but unfortunately allowed a few in as well. This disheartened a few players, who found it difficult to put up a 'fight' and hence we lost both games and the title of cluster champions. At present we are waiting to fix the new date for the cluster netball tournament. Having played a few games, we are going to try our best when it eventually takes place ....keep watching this space. All of us at Thorner's are looking forward to the next few months. Nothing to do with the weather or that SATS are almost with us. You may wonder what else there is for us. Well, on Monday 28th May we are holding the village Fair in our grounds, so those of you who do not go away, why not come and visit us. There will be lots to do and see, as well as an opportunity to come along and see 'old' friends and make new ones, I'm sure. Then the following month we will be taking part in the 'World Music Week'. If you want to know more, visit our website at thorners.dorset.sch.uk Thanks to all parents who have helped with training, transport, refreshments and support in all our sports activities recently. It would not be possible without you. A reminder to anyone who has not yet renewed their 100 club membership, can you please do so soon, and anyone who wants to help support school, even if you do not have any connection with school. You can join, just get in touch with the school office. 100 Club Winners £15 Mrs Valerie Shepherd £10 Mrs Durrant-Corbett Alison Johnstone Headteacher. LadybirdsThe next meeting is on May 9th at 8.00pm when Karen Wright will talk about Reflexology and demonstrate Indian Head Massage. The meeting is in the home of Mrs Ursula Bayer, Chalk Pit Lane, Litton Cheney. New members are always welcome. Gardening ClubThe Spring Plant sale will be held on Sunday 20th May at Thorner's School, Litton Cheney, the doors opening at 3.30pm. The entrance fee of 20p includes tea or coffee and biscuits. Would any members with spare plants please bring them to the School on the morning of the sale between 9.00am and noon, or give them to their village representative on Saturday 19th May. We hope you will support this event, on which the club depends to finance the year's programme. There are still a few seats available for the trip to Exbury Gardens on Thursday 10th May. The gardens will not be closed due to the foot and mouth epidemic. If you are interested in joining the party, please contact Pam Jukes (Tel No 897267). John Rowlands T.O.P. TaxHelp for Older People. If you would like to hear more about this scheme of free advice for those over 60 with an income of less than £15,000 p.a., please get in touch with: T.O.P. PO Box 4584 Dorchester DT2 9YG 01308 898300 Help RequiredOn Sunday 24th June 2001 West Dorset Mencap will be holding their annual Summer Fete in the grounds of the Social and Education Centre, Flood Lane, Bridport (next to Safeway) from 2.00 PM We urgently require some extra helping hands on the day. Could any one spare a couple of hours to help with setting up, manning a stall or clearing up at the end? We would be most grateful. Please contact me on 01308 897695 if you would like to help in any way. We are a local charity based at 54 East Street, Bridport where we have a successful charity shop, BITS, as well as our office and meeting room. Although affiliated to Royal Society Mencap in London, we raise and spend all of our funds locally, to support all people in our local area with a learning disability, their families and carers. Lesley Dove Hon Secretary West Dorset Mencap Mothers' UnionThe next meeting will be held on Thursday, 24th May at 2.30 p.m. at Hazel Brow, Shipton Lane, Burton Bradstock. Veronica Zeiglar, from 'Good Books', Bridport will speak to us on "Vocation & Vision". Pam Coventry The Children's SocietyThe annual collections from Box Holders in the East End of the Valley amounted to £115.71p. Thank you very much for your generosity and loyal support over many years. Pam Coventry Bible Society/Christian AidThere will be a Sale of Plants at Courtfield, The Street, Charmouth on Saturday, 12th May, 10 - 12 noon. (The drive is on the left just after the war memorial when travelling westwards). Coffee will be served and there will be a cake stall. Please support this event and make it known to others. Hilary Mousley Calling all enthusiastic gardenersA Plant Sale will be held on Friday, 18th May, 10.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m., at The Red House, Middle Street, Burton Bradstock, with a variety of perennial and bedding plants available - some quite unusual. The proceeds will be donated to the Church Mission Society (Registered charity 220297). Please clear my stock! Hilary Mousley Christian AidChristian Aid Week 13th - 19th May 2001. "You're making a difference"People often ask me, "What does Christian Aid do? Is it just to help Christians?" Religion, race or colour does not come into the equation; where there is a need, Christian Aid will help. Christian Aid works with partners in more than 60 countries, helping to finance local projects and responding to major disasters long after the disaster has left the headlines. This year the theme for Christian Aid Week is "You're making a difference" and is focussing in on the people of Uganda, Brazil and Bangladesh. In Brazil, Christian Aid's partner, the Rural Landless Workers' Movement, has set up tea-growing cooperatives; whenever people in other countries buy fairly traded products, such communities benefit. In Bangladesh the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh, also partly funded by Christian Aid, is helping people improve their lives by making loans to small businesses. Even though the amount you give, the campaigning action you take, the prayers you say, may seem to be a drop in the ocean, together all these things really are making a difference. The Christian Aid Week Commissioning Service this year will be held at St. John's, West Bay on Sunday, May 13th starting at 6.30 p.m.
Last year Bridport & District raised £6,700 during Christian Aid Week, and this went towards a UK record off £12 million, of which £600,000 came from the tax reclaimed in people's donations. If you could help collect house-to-house in one of the Bride Valley villages, please let Anthony Ashwell or Pam Atkinson know. The more collectors, the fewer houses each has to visit! Susan Nuttall
Village Correspondent Mr Basil Dent 2, Norburton, Burton Bradstock. Tel:- (01308) 897125
Mid Week Worship -Holy Communion Wednesdays at 10.00 a.m. followed by coffee in the Rectory Choir Practices Fridays at 6.00 p.m. Gift Sunday 20th May The Bride Valley Scout Group. The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 4th May at 11 am. The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be held on Monday 21st May and Monday 18th June at 7 PM FROM THE PARISH REGISTERSBaptism 25th March Abigail R. Rosati : 1st April Harry G. Pinkett The Annual Meeting chose Mr Howard Bongers and Mr Basil Dent as Churchwardens; elected to the Parochial Church Council Mr Maurice Ackland, Mrs Lesley Dove, Miss Hilary Mousley, Captain Peter Oldridge, Mr Michael Read and Mr Graham Rees (three vacancies remain); and elected to represent us on the Bride Valley Team Council Mr. Dent, Captain Oldridge and Mr. Rees. Mr. Rees was subsequently re-appointed by the Parochial Church Council as its Honorary Treasurer and Wing Commander Freddy Tame as Covenant/Gift Aid Secretary; Mr Bongers was re-appointed Honorary Secretary, and Mr Ackland Electoral Roll Officer.
We thank most warmly Mrs. Lesley Dove for her 2 years as Churchwarden and Mrs. Sheila Spencer-Smith for her service on the P.C.C. Good wishes to all our elected members and appointed officers; and thanks and prayers for their work on our behalf. Do discuss St Mary's affairs with members of the Church Council, and help them to help you have your views made known. IS THERE AN ORGANIST OUT THERE? Still we seek a 'permanent' organist for St Mary's. Is there anyone, perhaps new to the village or the Bride Valley, who would relish the post? Just 'phone the Rector - any time of day or night! Lent Lunches The amounts raised were as follows:-
Thank you very much indeed to everyone who arranged and supported the lunches. Pam Atkinson Church flowers for Easter Thank you to everyone who came and helped decorate the church for Easter. The church was full of lilies and looked lovely. Donations for the lilies were made in memory of family and friends. Pam Atkinson Mothering Sunday Thank you to everyone who provided flowers for Mothering Sunday, and to those who made up the posies. Also, thank you to the music group and our young people for helping with our worship. We welcomed Abigail Rosati for her baptism during the service. Burton Bradstock W.l.President, Joan Dady, welcomed 43 Members to the April Meeting, and introduced our guest, Simon Marshall, his topic being "Cooking with Simon". In his eye-catching colourful chef's trousers, which would have made Antony Worrall-Thompson of Ready, Steady, Cook fame, green with envy, Simon tantalised our taste buds in the art of cooking with a Wok. He explained that the Wok is equivalent to the Japanese Aga. Simon proceeded to cook lemon Chicken Stir-Fry with Ginger & Spring Onion Noodles, followed by Pina Colada Pineapple Cream. Members were invited to sample the finished dishes during the tea interval, and copies of the recipes were available. The Vote of Thanks was given by Jill Spinney. The Meeting continued with an up-date on the Spring Fair which will be held on Monday, 28th May. New to the Fair will be a General Tombola, and Members were asked if they could help with contributing articles for this. If so, would they bring them to the next Meeting. Gentlemen, please note, that muscle power will be greatly appreciated on the morning of the Fair, in helping to set up the various Stalls, from 9 a.m. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a fine dry day. The Spring Group Meeting will be held at Long Bredy on the 26th April, and the Ploughman's lunch has been re-scheduled for the 21st June in the W.1.Hall. Margaret Holmes reported that the next walk would be on the 17th April.. Due to the restrictions imposed since the Foot & Mouth outbreak, the walkers have been stomping around the village, lanes and beach area, retiring either to the Hive Beach Cafe or The Anchor, for mouth watering food and liquid refreshment. At the last Meeting, it was announced that Ro Higgs had been made an Hon.Member, and Joan Dady read out a lovely "thank you" letter received from Ro. It was decided to hold our Christmas lunch on the 18th December at the same venue as last year. The last Tea & Chat/Craft afternoon will be held on the 26th April, when the Red Cross Certificates will be handed out to those involved in the recent "Knit In". Barbara Ivall provided the floral arrangement for the President's table, and she also won the Flower of the Month Competition with her daffodil. 100 Club Winners: lst: Mrs.Daphne Eakins 2nd: Mr.Chris Wilkinson 3rd: Mrs.Jeanne Hill 4th: Mrs.Pat Raven. Jeanne Hill(897498) Thank you Many thanks to everyone who attended our Lent Lunch on 30th March and also to those people who were unable to attend but nevertheless sent a donation. Thanks, especially, to Pat Lepine for helping out on the day. We raised £173 at the Lunch for the Bride Valley Scout Group 'New Hut Fund'. Lesley and Steve Dove INVITATIONYOU ARE INVITED!The Parish Council has kindly offered to house the new computer in the Reading Room, where it can be accessed by villagers who do not have their own PC or Internet access. The village PC will be linked to the Internet and will be all set up and ready to go by early May! Burton Bradstock villagers are invited to join us for the official opening at the Reading Room on Wednesday, 9th. May commencing at 7:30 pm to see what is available and to view some of the work already compiled on our web site. Free wine and nibbles will be provided. Following the launch, you will be able to book a 30 minute session by writing your name in the appropriate time/day slot in the book held by Jonathan in the Post Office (bookings on a first come - first served basis). Use of the PC will be FREE. You do not need to be 'au fait' with computers as someone who is familiar with the equipment will be there to help you to look at the village web site or anything else on the Internet that you might like to see. You will find it truly amazing! There are some wonderful sites! You could even do some 'shopping' by looking at the offers at some stores/companies, or maybe look at holiday or special flight offers. We will initially open for two hours on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30 to 4:30 and Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 each week starting from Wednesday 16th May. Please do come along and see for yourself. Ken Pett - Secretary, Burton Bradstock Village Web Site Committee Burton Bradstock PlayersBurton Bradstock Players will be holding their Annual General Meeting in the W.I.Hall on Thursday, May 17th at 7.30 p.m. The Play Readings have been most successful and we are continuing them on the following dates: Tuesday May 8 All at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday May 22 In the Reading Room Tuesday June 5 All are welcome! Mary Bailey (897288) Vacancy - Parish CouncillorThere is a casual vacancy for a Parish Councillor on Burton Bradstock Parish Council. If no election has been called for, the Parish Councillors will co-opt a person at their meeting on 6th June. If you are interested in this vacancy, please write to Peter Colbert, Clerk, Burton Bradstock Parish Council, Pound House, High Street, Burton Bradstock DT6 4QA - by 30th May. Burton Bradstock W.I. Spring FairThis will be held on Monday, 28th May 2001 on the Village Green at 2.00 p.m. There will be Cream Teas, Cake Stall, Handicrafts, White Elephant, Raffles, Plants, Bottle Tombola, Children's Stall, Ice Cream, Games and Maypole Dancing. The proceeds from the Fair are needed to maintain the Hall. Please come and support us for an enjoyable afternoon out. Mary Burr (897450) A Word of Appreciation from GeorgieMy family join me in expressing our very sincere thanks to all my good friends for the delightful cards and good wishes, and to all those who were able to pop into the Chesil Court Community Room on 22nd March. You all gave me a truly wonderful launch into my 10th Decade.
...and from Jean Leach who would like to thank the many friends who sent messages, letters, cards and flowers during her stay in hospital and on her home-coming. Your kind thoughts and prayers were much appreciated. Village SocietySeats were at a premium for the March meeting of the Burton Bradstock Village Society, when Bill Putman returned to give his second talk on Prehistoric Dorset, on this occasion entitled 'Roman Dorset'. Known as the Durotriges, the locals of Dorset were extremely tribal. Bill showed a number of slides including local pottery from Purbeck, and coinage which was used by the Durotriges well before the Roman invasion. The Romans invaded in 45 AD, attacking and capturing local hill forts, after which a percentage of captives were sold into slavery. The Roman town of Dorchester was built about 40 years after the invasion and became the local capital. However the Roman fort of Dorchester has never been found. The Roman policy was to 'Romanize' local chiefs at Chichester, but the centre of social life revolved around Dorchester. It is believed that they built their public baths on what is now Waitrose Car Park. Their water was supplied by an aquaduct brought from Frampton and originally built by Roman soldiers. A vote of thanks was given by Ken Pett. Hopefully it will not be too long before Bill returns. Graham Hallewell, Press Officer Mobile Police Station Burton BradstockDorset Police have purchased two mobile police stations (comprising a prime mover and trailer) to function mainly within rural communities. One will operate east of the county and the other in the west, working from Dorchester. Initially the Mobile Police Station will visit chosen sites once a month and residents of Burton Bradstock may have seen the mobile Police Community Support Unit operating on Wednesday 25th April from 10:00 to 12:00 hours in the area of the Rectory Gardens (opposite the W.1 Hall). The next visit will be on Wednesday 23rd May at the same time and location. The facilities of the station will be identical to that of any police station providing advice on any problem affecting the community. Please use it. Freddy Tame 897957 Village Correspondent: Mrs.Joy White Eastcote 3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge Tel(01308)897974 Village Society
The next meeting will be the Annual General Meeting on 9th May at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall. Please come along with suggestions and ideas. All are welcome. The first event will be a 'Friends' day out. This involves a coach trip to Southampton on Wednesday 30th May, leaving the New Inn, Shipton Gorge at 9.30 a.m. The coach arrives at the West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton and will return at 3.30 p.m. Tickets: £8 Return. Please reserve your seats as soon as possible with the organiser, Pat Tucker (Tel.897194). Welcome to Gillian Maxfield who lives at Hope Cottage, Barn Close. Frugal Lenten Lunch at 15 Rockway, Shipton Gorge on Wednesday 14th March 2001. A big thank you to the very large band of helpers who made the morning the cheerful happy time it was. A cheque for £116 has been sent to the Pilsdon Community to help them with their ongoing work - for which they were very grateful. Phyllis Penney Church FlowersIf there is anyone in the village who could join a rota for flowers in our church, please get in touch with me, Doris Benselin, on 897562. It is not essential to be a flower arranger, so long as you can place flowers in a vase - that is all that is needed. Apart from festivals such as Easter, Harvest and Christmas, when the whole church is decorated, it is just the altar and memorial window to be cared for. Shipton Gorge Hall 100 ClubWinner for the April draw:-
St. Martin's ChurchAt the Annual Meeting held in March, we were sorry to hear that Colonel John Epplestone was intending to stand down as Churchwarden, having been in office for some ten years. As fellow Churchwarden I shall miss his guidance, and as many others, his cheery approach. On behalf of the PCC we hope that his impending surgery is speedy and successful. Fortunately we have an immediate successor in Mr. Colin Green who was elected on 23rd March and takes up office officially at the beginning of June. His election was welcomed by the PCC. He and his wife, Christine, live handily in the village at Swan Cottage, Brook Street - Tel.: 01308 898334. Molly Roast, Churchwarden 01308 421654 St. Martin's Summer FairSaturday, 21st July at 2.00 p.m. We are urgently in need of someone to oversee and co-ordinate this annual event which provides funds for St. Martins' increasing Diocesan expenses, and is an enjoyable village social event for locals and for visitors. Many parishioners have helped by manning the same stalls and providing goods for sale year after year - and are still willing to do so. But we should find it so helpful to have a specific organiser to pull everything together, so that the Fair runs smoothly, and perhaps to provide some new ideas. Offers to the Churchwardens, please, or to any PCC member. Molly Roast - 421654 Colin Green - 898334 Shipton Gorge Village SocietyThe Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th May at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall. Plant Swap Coffee Morning Shipton Gorge Village Society invites you to take 'pot luck' at a coffee morning on Saturday, 9th June, 10.30a.m. to 12 noon. Just bring along a well-rooted pot plant (indoor or outdoor) which will be numbered and entered in a draw around 11.30a.m. Everyone will pick a number from the drum and become the new owner of the correspondingly numbered plant. Why not come along with a plant, enjoy a coffee and a chat and leave with a different plant? You could of course draw your own plant! Coffee and biscuits will be 20p. Geoff Shepherd 01308 897490 Friends Day OutThere will be a coach trip to Southampton on Wednesday, 30th May, leaving the New Inn, Shipton Gorge at 9.30 a.m. and arriving at West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton. It will return at 3.30 p.m. Tickets £8 Return. Please reserve your seats as soon as possible with the organiser, Pat Tucker - Tel.897197. Village Hall TrustThe Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 22nd May at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall. All are welcome. Welcome to Margaret and Geoffrey who have recently moved to Courtfield Cottage, Shipton Lane.
Evensong on Sunday 6th May at 6.30 pm, and each 1st Sunday of the month through the summer.
Village Correspondent: Mrs.Gilly Doar Paddock Lodge Swyre
From the RegistersBurial of Ashes 24th March 2001 Francis Edward Joseph (Joe) Warren who died on 20th November 2000. It was a privilege symbolically to bring Joe back to the Bride Valley, to be close to much loved relations. We continue to pray for Rosemary and her family. Anthony Ashwell Swyre Parish Meeting.The last Meeting of the Parish took place on the 28th March 2001. The Meeting discussed the future of the Millennium Fund, and a small committee was elected to oversee the spending of the balance of funds and to ensure that the Millennium Map is displayed, after the necessary cleaning and decorating of the chosen location. All villagers who ordered copies of the Map have now received them. The preparation of the Parish Book will continue. It was agreed that all villagers who contribute to the book will be able to have a copy in ring binder form. There will be a small charge to cover the cost of paper and printing. It was with sadness that the last Meeting reached its conclusion, bringing to an end the formal meetings of villagers that have taken place for more than a century. However we look forward to the joining of the Parish with Puncknowle, and the contribution we can bring to the new Group. Mrs Madeline Marshall and Mr Kenneth Martin have been elected Councillors for Swyre, and will take their places on the Council at its next meeting at Puncknowle and Swyre Church Hall on the 1st May Mrs Vera Howard gave a resume of achievements over the last seven years whilst Mrs Marshall has been in the Chair. She then presented Mrs Marshall with a bouquet and a gift from villagers. Madeline Marshall On a personal note ........ I would like to thank all the villagers of Swyre for their gift and good wishes at the end of my seven years of Chairmanship of Swyre Parish Meeting. Thank you for your support and friendship. Madeline
Village Correspondent: Mrs Dorothy Barlow Collingbourne, Hoopers Lane, Puncknowle Telephone: (01308) 897761
Mothering SundayThe church was full for a delightful Family Service at a thankfully later time than usual, on the morning the clocks went forward. Beautiful posies were distributed to mothers and grandmothers, and taken home for neighbours. The Vicar in his address talked about aspects of mothering which are reflected in certain spring-time flowers. At the same time, he learnt a little horticulture too! Anthony Ashwell Puncknowle Parish Council will meet on 1st May, to facilitate the Annual Village Meeting. This is the occasion for all who wish to speak or ask questions to do so. We have invited the people who are investigating the possibility of setting up a Website for the village to address the meeting. Advance notice of your intention to raise a matter would allow research as to how best to answer your query. The meeting will take place despite the problems caused by the Foot and Mouth, for we are so required by law. Four months will also have elapsed since we last met in public, and we do not wish to continue our endeavours without reference to the electorate. We will at this meeting be welcoming the new members from Swyre, now within our remit, and also co-opting new members for the existing wards. These co-options are the way forward, as there was no request for there to be an election. During our enforced interregnum, work has continued, especially with regard to remedial work being carried out on the bridge at West Bexington and water problems on the roads. Mrs. Jean Welch and family thank everyone for their letters of support following Alex's death. Anna Lovell Bride Valley Fledglings
Due to the Foot and Mouth crisis, we cannot go on our farm visits this year; so we booked the Leisure Centre's bouncy castle, which all the children enjoyed (so did the adults!), and we are organising a picnic on the beach when the weather improves. There are plans for a Dentist and a Nurse to come in to talk to the children about their jobs. Any further ideas will be welcome. We are also planning our end of term outing and presentation day on the 24th July. We are offering an extra session for the children who will be leaving playgroup to go to Thorner's in September. This will be held on a Wednesday and will cover the lunch hour. The session will include getting ready for school, with lunch and changing for PE, etc. Does anyone know where we can get a child-oriented carpet from? Our carpet is on its last legs and we need to purchase another, about 12ft x 8ft and needs to be folded for storage. If anyone can help, please ring Sue on 01308 482204. Sue Talbot, Chair Remote Area MedicalCome and have tea in the garden at The Old Rectory, Puncknowle on Monday, 28th May from 2.30 - 5.00 p.m. Clothes, books, produce, bric-a-brac, white elephant stalls. All the money raised will go towards Remote Area Medical, which takes medical teams into difficult terrain in Africa and South America to treat people far from hospitals or doctors. Admission 50p. An Evening of Light Musical Entertainment for all the family. Performed by a group of musicians who met at Music College. It will take place on Sunday, May 27th in St. Mary's Church, Puncknowle at 6.00 p.m. Wine and Light Refreshments in the Manor Garden (if the weather allows) will follow. Tickets are obtainable from Ann Roberts, Burwell Cottage - tel.01308 897716.
Mrs. Marjorie Broad died on April 7th. We send our condolences to Rodney and his family. The Frugal Lunch raised £120 towards the holiday expenses of the children coming to Freshwater for the Berdoe Holiday from the Bromley-by-Bow centre. Puncknowle Art GroupWe would very much like to thank Brian and Glenda Cocks for our wonderful morning at Acoustic Range. The hints and tips on materials have already been put to good use. On the 30th we had a very detailed and enthusiastic talk by Robin Clarke of Art Papers Direct on the history of paper making. Dates for May are 11th & 25th. The session on May 11th will be our exhibition morning at The Crown Inn, when all will be welcome. C. Molony
Village Correspondents: Mrs. Gaynor Jones, 10 Manor Farm Close Tel.482517 Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close Tel.482384
Annual Church MeetingThis took place on the evening of 23rd March, and the Church looked back over an exciting year with the new family service becoming stronger, and healthy finances. The expensive building work originally scheduled for 2000 has been delayed, but should have started by the time you read this. The Church Officers and Councillors were thanked for their hard work and commitment, all being re-elected. Anthony Longland joined the P.C.C. At the end of the meeting there was preliminary consultation and discussion on the possibility of providing refurbished or additional hall facilities in the village, in the light of the ongoing rapid and irreversible deterioration of the Church Hall. Three ideas were presented: 1. The replacement on its existing site, of the present hall. 2. The adaptation (re-ordering) of the church to provide some extra community facilities. 3. The provision of a new village hall in School Lane. The meeting agreed that a letter on this matter should be circulated to all villagers. Mothering SundayThe Family Service was at its usual 9.30 am, which because the clocks had gone forward the previous night, was not a good time for families! Nevertheless 30 or so beautiful posies found their way into the appropriate hands. Anthony Ashwell Village Fete - Bank Holiday Monday 28th MayThe Fete is bearing down on us rapidly - only 8 weeks left to fill up that box of goodies with provisions, sweets, books, toys, white elephants, something nice for the handicraft stall, DIY items and a good bottle or two for the tombola; not forgetting of course a cake and a plant nearer the time. For all the households in Litton there is enclosed with this month's News a list of stallholders and information as to where and to whom to give your gifts. Do please look something out for as many stalls as possible so that we put on a good show for the many visitors who come from neighbouring villages and further afield. Volunteers are still required on some of the stalls and to run some of the games. Bring your friends and family, there will be something for all ages. See you there -
Village SocietyThe Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, 8th May 2001 at Thorner's School - 8.00 p.m. Nominations and suggestions will be welcome. Do not forget that Business will be followed by Cheese & Wine! Meg Turner Service 210
Litton Cheney Playing FieldThank you to everyone who supported the Coffee Morning in March when over £200 was raised. The Litton Swimmers did their sponsored swim despite two swimmers being unable to take part. The Litton Lappers, three aged 8 and one 9 year old swam 1500 metres. Well done to Rosanna Brewster, Eliot Jones, Celia Underhill and Celia's cousin, Graham. Caroline Smart has been training hard over the last few months, swimming up to 75 kilometres a week in training. She is competing in the British National Championships in Manchester and hoping for selection for the World Championships. On her 19th birthday she swam in the 200 metres freestyle and 100 metres butterfly heats and reached both finals. Well done! We will have to wait for the results and hope she does as well in her other events: the 200 metres butterfly, the 400 and 800 metres freestyle. Juliet Potter was placed 71st in the 4km race at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgium. She has had a brilliant winter and gained valuable experience in the biggest race of her career. We welcome the new residents to Sunnyside Cottages, John Badby and Hannah Behrman at number 2 and Tracy Earle and Ian Moorhouse in number 3. Simon Gooding and Laura Potter now live in 2 The Green. We hope they enjoy their new homes and village life.
Village Correspondents: Mr & Mrs Patrick Frost Bridelands Tel ( 01308 ) 482269
Annual Church MeetingSt Peter's Church met in the Village Hall on 27th March to review the previous year and plan for the year ahead. We elected 2 new Churchwardens, Elinor Frost and Frank Skipwith, and appointed Janet Cuff who has served the Church so nobly for so long, as Churchwarden Emeritus with the particular responsibility of advising Elinor and Frank. P.C.C. members are Janet Cuff, Juniper Greener, Robert Maltby, Peter Palm, David Reed and Jackie Skipwith. The Church's Annual Report contains mixed news and can be read in the church. Anthony Ashwell Long Bredy NotesCongratulations to Hannah Pitcher on being appointed as Head Girl at Colfox School for the forthcoming year. Welcome home to baby Toby Pack, after his second operation at Southampton. Charlie and Eleanor wish to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts and help in so many ways. We hope Toby really makes progress now, and that life can be more settled for them all. Ted Jennings is in Dorchester Hospital as I write, and we send him and Gwen our best wishes. Ted enjoys visitors! Advance Notice: The village Fete will be held on Saturday 14th July, in the gardens of Kingston Russell House. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Carter for letting us use their lovely grounds again this year. A Fete meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Monday 30th April at the Skipwiths' house, Little Newbold. Do please come and bring ideas and offers of help.
LITTLEBREDY NOTES.Although this is written shortly beforehand, it is still timely to thank and congratulate Judy Yates and her team of helpers for the customary superb Easter decorations in Church. The different timetable was bound to have an effect, but all difficulties were well surmounted, to wonderful effect. Many thanks to all involved, and of course to Canon Cosmo Pouncey for his dignified Communion Service on Easter Day. This was almost the first time we had used the new "Common Worship" books, which have been presented to the parish by two generous benefactors. Among several versions of "Common Worship" available, the P.C.C. has chosen the one which mainly uses the traditional language of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, without the old book's length or complexity. Let us hope it fulfils its user-friendly aim, and justifies the kindness of the donors, to whom many thanks are due. Moving from Easter to spring flowers and gardens in general, this is the opportunity to mention that Chris and Judy Yates will again be participating in the National Gardens Scheme in aid of various cancer charities, horticultural scholarships, and Littlebredy Church funds this summer. Please make a note that the "open days" will be from 2.30 - 8.00 p.m. on every Tuesday in June and July, starting, therefore, on Tuesday 5th June. We wish them all success - and hope that the weather on Tuesdays will be better this year than last. Visitors may also be attracted to the village this summer through the publicity received recently in both the "Dorset" and "Dorset Life" glossy magazines, both of which carried pictures and articles about Littlebredy in their March or April editions. The former concentrated on the county's waterfalls, including an atmospheric picture of the one here, with a caption describing a visit to the village as "a 'must-do' for anyone in search of the picturesque..." On a more sombre note, we have to report that Fred Prideaux is again in hospital after an operation as we write, and that Nina Hannigan is also recovering from a bout of ill-health. All best wishes and "Get well soon" to both of them. Finally, for all those who feel deprived of the heady excitement and adrenalin rush of political controversy and activity now that the Local Elections (and hypothetical General Election) due for May 3rd have been postponed, the remedy lies in a visit to the village by our constituency M.P., Oliver Letwin, who will be holding one of his "surgeries" - to meet constituents and discuss matters of relevance to them - for an hour or so in the Village Hall at 3.00 p.m. on Friday 11th May. Anyone who can go is very welcome to meet him there for a chat, or to air a grievance, or to seek his advice or help in any way, while he is here. The opportunity will presumably not recur so close at hand for quite a while.
Throw-everything-in-together Sponge SandwichWith the Fete season fast approaching, harassed Cake-stall - holders & providers of teas might be as grateful as the writer has been (& that is after 25 years' failure in this particular culinary art!) to discover this totally fool-proof recipe -it's quick too!
Put all the above ingredients at the same time into a basin and whisk together until soft & creamy then add your favourite flavour...coffee, cocoa, lemon or orange etc... Divide equally between the greased tins and place in the oven for 25 - 30 minutes until springy to touch. Remove from oven & after 5 minutes put on wire rack to cool. For the filling beat together to a spreadable cream 50g (2ozs) soft butter or "butter substitute" & 75g (3 ozs) sifted icing sugar together with chosen flavour & sandwich together. Sprinkle top with sifted icing sugar.
Editors: John & Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ
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