Bride Valley News
Alleluia! Christ is risen!This month we celebrate again the Church's greatest festival of the year. We commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the greatest and the oldest Christian festival. The Western Church celebrates Easter this year on 20th April. The date of Easter depends on the Paschal full moon. Easter Day is the first Sunday after the full moon on or after the 21st March. If the full moon occurs on a Sunday, Easter Day is the following Sunday. It can be on any date between 21st March and 25th April. So, 'Easter is late this year'. Apart from the Advent Sundays which depend on St Andrew' Day, all the other Sundays of the year ( Rogation, Pentecost and Trinity ) depend on the date of Easter. One of the controversies of the early Church was how to settle on the date of Easter. Calculated according to different calendars in different places in different centuries, the problem is still not solved. The Orthodox Churches still calculate Easter according to the Julian calendar. Whilst their Easter sometimes coincides with ours it can be five weeks later. Some people in Britain would like a 'fixed' date for Easter, say the first or second Sunday of April, much as Bank Holiday weekends are fixed. From where does the name 'Easter' come? There are many theories. It is uncertain. Perhaps from the name of the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess, 'Eostre'. However that may be, like Christmas, the Christian festival of Easter has superseded an ancient pagan spring festival. The custom of giving Easter eggs, symbols of new life, is a very ancient one. Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus, the conquering of the power of death and all that separates human beings from God. Light, life, eternal life, joy, are notes of its celebration. May this Easter be for all those of the Bride Valley a time of joy and celebration. John Atkinson The Lyme Bay Deanery Strategic Plan At its meeting on 29th January 2003 the Diocesan Pastoral Committee considered the Deanery's revised Plan which had been approved, with no contrary vote, at the meeting of the Deanery Synod on 4th December 2002. The plan made a case for the retention of the present twelve stipendiary priest posts for future ministry within the deanery, a plea for more than the ten posts the diocese wishes the deanery to have by 2005. The Diocesan Pastoral Committee decided to defer a decision for one year, in view of both a forthcoming appointment to the Bridport Team, and pending the outcome of the diocesan financial awareness campaign. During this time the Bishop of Sherborne will be working with the clergy and Deanery Synod to facilitate further discussions on future ministry in the deanery, in order to achieve a plan acceptable to both diocese and deanery. In the meantime any new stipendiary vacancies will be filled. The Spring 2004 meeting of the Sherborne Archdeaconry Pastoral Committee will review the situation and report to the Diocesan Pastoral Committee. Important to the Bride Valley then is the news that there should be a successor to me when I retire at the end of September this year. John Atkinson Lent Course - West End of the Valley Over the remaining Wednesday evenings of Lent I shall continue the series of addresses at St Mary's Burton Bradstock, on 'The Seven Deadly Sins'. Each will be at 7.30 pm, when there will be ample time for comments, questions and discussion, and we shall close by singing Compline (Night Prayer). These are the titles of the addresses: April 2nd
Gluttony John Atkinson Wednesday evening Lent Course - East End. We continue our study of the Passion according to St Mark, 7.30pm on the first two Wednesdays in April. It's never too late to join us. April 2nd Chapter
14 The Last Supper and Arrest Anthony Ashwell THE BRIDE VALLEY (THURSDAY) FELLOWSHIP GROUP The group meets on Thursday evenings and alternates between Prayer and Bible Study. Arriving from 7.30p.m. we begin at 7.45p.m. aiming to finish by about 9.15p.m. All are most welcome. Due to the Easter holidays there will be only two meetings in April. For further details contact Paul ..., Tel ... APRIL 3 COLOSSIANS 2.
6-10 Orchard Cottage, 2
Myrtle Close, Puncknowle The Bride Valley Team Council holds its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 15th May at 7.30 pm at Puncknowle Church Hall. Mothers' Union Liz Newstead will be our speaker on Thursday 24th April at St. Catherine's Cross, Shipton Lane at 2.30pm; her subject will be "Corrymeela- Working for Peace in Ireland" Membership of The Mothers' Union is open to all who have been baptised in the name of The Holy Trinity and who share our belief in the importance of Christian family life. You do not have to be a mother - single persons and men are eligible. Yvette Smith Bridport and District Bible Society - Sponsored Walk This year our Action Group is aiming to raise funds for various projects recommended by the Palestinian Bible Society and the Bible Society in Israel. About 1.2 million Arabs live in Israel of whom approximately 140,000 are Christians. It would be easy to succumb to despair when for years there has been mistrust and hostility between the ethnic communities. We continue to praise the Lord for those Christian leaders whose faithful teaching and courageous example bring glimmers of hope in that war-torn area of the Middle East. The Palestinian Bible Society has appealed for our support for particular projects - namely, the distribution of scripture portions "God is our Shelter" to 10,000 families, with an accompanying song cassette celebrating the Easter Story in addition to funding colouring books and videos for children. A series of one day programmes planned for Palestinian children in refugee camps and beleaguered villages will show that God's love is stronger than all the hate which they have so sadly experienced around them. The Bible Society in Israel stresses the need for Bibles among the Muslim population. The Society wants to develop its work among young people, Focusing on themes of Christian love and forgiveness, it is envisaged to establish a Christian youth centre, staffed by a part-time worker. There is a great need for Christian books, cassettes and videos. May I encourage you to pray and support this work. One way of helping is actively to take part in our Sponsored Walk on Saturday, 10th May (10a.m. - 1.00p.m.) following designated footpaths around the beautiful Parish of Symondsbury. For sponsor forms, route maps and more information please contact..- Canon John McDougal
01297-489408 By your participation you will be throwing a lifeline to those whose mental scars can only be healed by God. John McDougal ( Chairman: Bridport & District Bible Society)
Burton Bradstock School World Book Day was on 6th March and we celebrated our own book week later in the month when we also had the opportunity to meet Jeremy Strong, well-known children's author. Jeremy spent the day with us sharing his enjoyment of writing and how his stories are constructed. It was a fascinating experience for us all and very inspiring too. The following day was dressing up day. Key Stage 1 children came as toy characters from favourite stories, Years 3 and 4 were dressed ready for a bedtime story, and Years 5 and 6 chose a favourite book character as their theme. It was a really memorable week and thanks go to Christina Sanderson for organising it and to all parents and friends who contributed in any way, not least by helping with the terrific costumes. What did readers of the Bride Valley News read when they were young? If you have time to jot down answers on a postcard and drop them into school we would be very pleased to find out. For myself I recall little beyond my weekly 'Hotspur' comic, a diet of Enid Blyton which was pleasant light reading although the plots became strangely familiar, and a small range of classics none of which I ever remember completing. I imagine that I am not alone in such an experience especially amongst the lads. If only I had access to the wonderful variety of texts that are available to children today, then perhaps my love of reading would have been developed far sooner. I still remember my parents coming home from a consultation evening and saying to me, "Mr Shorter says you need to read, read, read...anything, everything." It was good advice but I do believe that there is more to it than that. Children also need some guidance in their choices and reading should be fun! If we share an enthusiasm for books, read with children, to them and explore authors together, then the habit can become contagious. The technical term for this is 'modelling'. Local librarians are always willing to suggest suitable reading materials. Hopefully in years to come our children will be able to remember far more about their reading experiences than I can of mine. Mark Stratta February 100 Club Winners: £40 - Mrs Reeves 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 preschool 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
Thorner's CE VA Primary School I am writing this at the end of our Book Week and what a marvellous week it has been. Numerous events have taken place in relation to books and story writing. One of the most popular for the children is the now traditional 'Dressing up' day, where all the pupils are encouraged to be a book character, the older children undergoing 'hot seating', for those of you who think that this is sitting on the radiator, think again! What happens is that the 'victim' takes the spot light.. in character .. then has to answer questions as if they were that character, quite a challenge for some. It really highlights those pupils who have taken the time and trouble to think carefully about who they come to school as, rather than just arriving in school out of uniform for the day. This year there were two people, one of whom was a year 6 pupil and the other a member of staff, who really tested us, not because of their character but who it was under the disguise..no names but I expect most people will know who I mean and agree with me I hope. During Book Week we also have the sale of books, for which we are allowed to take some of the profits in books for school, so each of the working areas have chosen a new selection for themselves and are eagerly reading them; you may even hear or see some of them. A big thank you to everyone who helped us by purchasing books at this time; it all helps to encourage our children to read a variety of stories, poems and activity books both in and out of school. There was one day which stood out from all the rest, the day David James, a storyteller arrived. During the morning he worked with all the key stage 1 pupils and in the afternoon the whole of the key stage 2, when he told stories, and I do mean told, rather then read. This I think is a dying art and he certainly brought it to life. He very much reminded me of what I could imagine was the storyteller who sat in the pub on a cold winter's night telling one story after the other, the locals keeping his glass topped up. The majority of the stories he told were of the Myths and Legends type, some funny, others gruesome but all very interesting and engaging for the listener. His enthusiasm certainly showed and this was passed to the pupils, we have the potential of some very good stories, the best of which will be published on our web site so do please surf in and look sometime. It is not often that stories are told, most people would rather go to the cinema or watch a video ( or DVD these days ) than tell one another stories. Even the reading of books can be frowned upon by some members of the community. We need to fire our imagination and allow ourselves to engage in make believe, create some humour and pass on some of the interest. Thank you to Mrs Hooper for all your hard work putting Book Week together but in particular for finding David James. I am sure that we will see him again. Alison Johnstone
THORNER'S PTA Meetings have been well attended and I would like to thank most sincerely to all the people who are supporting the committee. Their jobs may be small but every job done is one less to do. EVENTS COMING UP 5 April Sponsored swim - Bridport Leisure Centre 3pm 11 April Excursion club visit London Science museum with a sleep over! 6 May PTA meeting - to be confirmed 26 May Caribbean village and school fete 14 June Rounders fun evening 23 July Years 4/5 End of term party 100 CLUB Lucky winners - Hilary Larkin and Austin Slade New members always welcome SCHOOL POOL Many thanks to Humberts for sponsoring the hire of the Leisure Centre for the sponsored swim to raise money to heat Thorners pool also thank you to the pool committee for organising the event. NEW PARENTS Welcome to any new parents this term. The school and committee hope you and your children will enjoy your time at Thorner's. Please come to our meetings and enjoy a chat, coffee and give your views. TEACHERS On behalf of the parents and children we welcome back Mrs Hooper after her injury. COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS VOUCHERS Please keep the vouchers coming into school. They are very much appreciated. EQUIPMENT FOR SCHOOL Thank you to the parents and children who help raise money for the school. The PTA committee have donated musical instruments to the school. I personally know that the children already are enjoying the purchases judging by the lovely tunes filling the air on my last visit in school. BOOK WEEK The children enjoyed Book Week and obviously took great enjoyment out of their purchases and the special visitors they had during the week. BINGO EVENING I hope you all had a great evening sorry I could not be there but hope you had lots of fun. Dianne ffoulkes ( Chair ) Coffee Morning & Card Sale We are holding another Card Sale on Saturday 5th April in the Reading Room, Burton Bradstock, from 10.00 am to 12 noon. There will be a selection of greetings cards for sale at very reasonable prices (25p to 75p) to suit many occasions, especially birthdays. Coffee, tea, squash and biscuits will also be available. All profits will be given to the Social & Education Centre at Flood Lane, Bridport, which is a day centre for adults with learning disabilities. The money donated so far, which has been raised from my card sales, has been used to pay for some musicians to go to the day centre to provide a series of music workshops for the clients. Music plays a big part in the lives of all the clients and is a much-enjoyed experience. Please come along and support us. Lesley Dove & Family Royal British Legion Social Evening The Social Evening this month will be at The New Inn Shipton Gorge on Monday 28th April at 7.30pm
VILLAGE PLANT SALE Shipton Gorge Village Hall Saturday 26th April 10am - 12 noon See Shipton Gorge Section for further details BRIDE VALLEY GARDENING CLUB Next month we have the A.G.M. Meeting on 14th April, in Thorners School as usual, with the added incentive of Cheese and Wine to follow. Please do come along and air your views - there is to be discussion on the necessity of raising the £1.00 subs.! This has been postponed for several years, but with added costs of hiring the hall and the ever rising cost of speakers, some cost £50 - £70, it has become a necessity. We need, also, a Vice Chair - please do volunteer - this is not an onerous task at all! Dorothy, our chair, thanked Richard Punter our former President who has left the area after several years of involvement with the Club - he was given a Garden Token with our good wishes. There are 2 outings coming up - one a visit to Abbotsbury Gardens with a guided tour by the Curator, Steve Griffiths, on 1.5.2003 at 10.30. am. Please ring Norma on 897774 for more details. The other is a longer one to Kerscott House near Barnstable -on 12th June - please ring Pam on 897267 for more details. Norma Millard West Bexington 897774 "I wish I'd known that years ago!" If you want to find out what these useful facts are, you need to book an Age Concern talk. Find out how you can achieve 7 extra years of active, fun-filled living, how to get a grant for cavity wall insulation, information about the new pensioner credit or just how to get your socks on! Age Concern talks are geared to the needs of your group, whatever your age and everyone goes away with something that makes a difference, as well as being a good laugh. Whether you are a group of 5 or 105 people, if you are 15 to 95 Age Concern Dorchester has something for you. To book a talk, or for further information, contact: Age Concern Dorchester, Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester DT1 1PW Telephone 01305 269444 EASTER CAKE STALL IN SWYRE CHURCH PORCH We will be holding a cake stall on Saturday 19 April at 10.00 a.m. in the Porch of the Church to raise funds. Please come along and buy your Easter Treats and support our fundraiser.
TIME TEAM'S BIG DIG Those of you who are fans of time team will probably already know about "The Big Dig" which will be taking place over the weekend 28/29 June. The Big Dig is your chance to experience the excitement of real archaeological discovery and find out how archaeologists interpret the past. All they are asking you to do is dig what's known as a 'test pit' in your back garden or on any piece of land you own. A test pit is a small trench, one metre square and less than a metre deep. It's a standard way of finding out what's down there whilst causing minimal damage. And anyone can learn how to dig one. You register your test pit with the time team web site http://www.channel4.com/history/timeteam after March 16th and that can get you access to time team specialists for identification. You'll receive full instructions and all the information you need to take part. Researchers will be trawling through all the registrations to spot the ones most likely to make a really good show during the week leading up to The Big Dig. Who knows, you could have Tony or Mick and the Time Team cameras in your garden. Julie Lewis/Peter Northover Bride Valley Short Mat Bowls Club We regret to announce that the club has decided to close. The present members are finding it more difficult to meet regularly at the White Horse in Litton Cheney due to reduced numbers and since we have been unable to attract younger and more able bodied newcomers we have decided to call it a day. If anyone is interested in the purchase of our equipment which includes a mat, bowls and other accessories please contact Val Martin on 897622.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Many people have asked about this project and we felt that you may want to read about it before you come to the church to see the kneelers in their true setting. Over the past two years a group of embroiderers from the Bride Valley has completed five new altar kneelers and refurbished a chair and footstool. These have been themed with the Mothers' Union banner and depict roses, daisies, tulips, lilies, aquilegia and other flowers from our beautiful Valley. The long kneelers which sat at the altar rail suffered from rising damp coming through the stone floor of the church. As with all such projects this one started with a casual conversation at the Harvest Supper in 2000. In March 2001 a notice in the Bride Valley News attracted six stitchers. The six became twelve and then rose to sixteen and more. We held a meeting each month in each others homes where we discussed the designs and colour schemes, taking the decision not to use any kits, but to use our own original designs. "Do it yourself designs" involved the use of a computer as well as the good old fashioned eye method, choosing the background colours and drawing the borders onto the canvas. Everyone got involved in brainstorming sessions, researching source books and sketching out ideas. Our confidence grew, and we were soon able to draw our own flowers onto the canvas. Not everyone had done needlepoint before - but we taught and inspired each other. Some stitched the intricate flowers and leaves and passed the canvas to others to stitch their motif. Some stitched the background which may appear to be a more straight forward task. One row of stitches from end to end required fifty minutes of full concentration. Photographs were taken during the various stages of the project showing the enthusiasm and involvement of the team. In June 2002 we held a "work in progress" exhibition which raised funds to enable the project to continue. We purchased large quantities of canvas, wools, and yachting varnish in order to protect the wooden bases from damp. Mary Slark, an experienced soft furnisher, undertook the stretching and mounting of each canvas which was then passed on to Norman Gardener who attached each finished kneeler to its wooden base. Norman also etched the name of each needlewoman onto the base. It is incredible to think that the project has been finished within two years. And what a two years it has been! We have experienced births, bereavement, house moving, work and family commitments - even the theft of a car with an almost completed canvas in the boot. The car was recovered, but the beautifully worked canvas wasn't! The project has been far more than producing needlepoint kneelers. We have shared together our quiet moments of concentrated work, we have shared our skills and developed skills we never knew we had within us, we have solved design challenges together. We worked as a TEAM sharing the highs and lows of our lives, supporting and encouraging each other, learning from each other. As a result of our experiences we have made friendships that will last - and at the end of it all we can truthfully say that we are all the better for it. And so to the next project - a collage of the village. Watch this space......! Names of those who helped to complete the project:- Mary Anderson, Justine Davie, Molly Gardener, Norman Gardener, Sara Hill, Madeleine Izzard, Doris Jones, Elizabeth Kingston, Pauline Macaulay, Glenda Malam, Virginia McShane, Ann Miles, Pam Pettitt, Valerie Shepherd, Mary Slark, Diana Spicer, Mildred Trenchard, Michelle Williams, Debbie Wordsworth.
Ladybirds Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 9th April at 8.00pmat the home of Hazel Sturggen, Green Barton, Swyre. Andrea Prosser will talk about her work as a homeopathic practitioner
Garden Openings Sunday 30th March Langebride House, Long Bredy 2.00-5.00 pm. Cyclamen, anemones and spring bulbs. Easter Sunday 20thApril The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney 2.00-5.00 Primroses, primulas and narcissi. Teas in aid of Red Cross. Computers in your local library -support now available! Now that all Dorset libraries have computers offering free access to the Internet, an extra service is being provided to help customers who need some assistance to make the most of these services. From Friday 21st February a member of staff will be on hand to help with such questions as "how do I open an email account?" or "how do I send an attachment?" This session will be available every Friday afternoon from 4.00pm - 6.00pm and should be booked in half-hour slots. Staff will also be able to supply information on local training courses for those who require additional support. The provision of ICT ( Information and Communication Technology ) in libraries has been made possible by the lottery-funded People's Network, a project to connect all public libraries to the internet, with new IT facilities and services and trained staff on hand to offer support and advice. The project is part of the Government's aim to get the UK online. For further information please contact Burton Bradstock Library.
CHILCOMBE Easter Day Holy Communion at 8.00 am. Summer Evensongs begin on Sunday 4th May at 6.30 pm, and continue each 1st Sunday of the month through the summer.
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 20th April Rectory Internal Redecoration Fund The next Tiny Tots / Pram Service will be held on Friday 4th April at 11.00 am. The next Healing Services at St Mary's will be held on Mondays 7th April and 12th May, each at 7.00 pm.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS Baptism
23rd February Hannah-Rae H. Bowell Lent Course Over the remaining Wednesday evenings of Lent I shall continue the series of addresses at St Mary's Burton Bradstock, on 'The Seven Deadly Sins'. Each will be at 7.30 pm, when there will be ample time for comments, questions and discussion, and we shall close by singing Compline (Night Prayer). These are the titles of the addresses: April 2nd
Gluttony John Atkinson Lent Lunches The remaining lunches will be on Fridays 12 noon to 2.00 pm as follows:- Address Charity Apr 4th The Rectory
Chideock Aid for Romania
11th Old Butchers, 37 Grove Road St Mary's Church Do please support these lunches if you can. Soup, rolls etc. and coffee will be on the menu. As well as being able to give a donation to the charities, it is a social occasion where we can meet together over lunch. Everyone is most welcome, not just church members, so do ask a friend to come along too. Pam Atkinson Holy Week and Easter at St Mary's Mon 14th April } The Reading
of the Passion at 7.30 pm over the two evenings, followed each evening by
sung Compline Wed 16th April The last Lenten address, 'Sloth', followed by sung Compline MAUNDY THURSDAY 7.30 pm SUNG EUCHARIST GOOD FRIDAY12 noon to 3 pm THE LITURGY OF GOOD FRIDAY EASTER EVE 7.30 pm THE EASTER LITURGY, including the Blessing of the Paschal Candle EASTER DAY 8.00 am Holy Communion 11.00 am Family Communion 6.30 pm Festal Evensong Church Flowers for Easter. If you wish to give a donation for Easter lilies in memory of family or friends, please put your donations in the envelopes provided, which you will find on the table in the south aisle of the church, and give to Pam Atkinson or deliver to the Rectory. Please do not leave money/envelopes in the basket. Thank you. Decorating the Church for Easter. We shall be decorating the church with flowers on Saturday 19th April from 10 am. Everyone is most welcome to decorate the church for the festival, so do come along, and if possible bring a little greenery. Thank you. Pam Atkinson The Rector, the Churchwardens and the other members of St Mary's Parochial Church Council wish to thank all those both resident in the village and from other parts of the United Kingdom who responded so readily and generously to the financial appeal launched in the autumn. While it is not possible to predict with any certainty those factors which, in the longer term will have a considerable influence on our finances and over which we have little or no control, the response to date encourages us to believe that St Mary's future is assured for a number of years. Your continued support will be very much appreciated. Parochial Church Council BURTON BRADSTOCK CHURCH FETE in the Rectory Gardens Please note the date in your diary THURSDAY 7th AUGUST at 2.00pm. We have already commenced planning our annual Church Fete and much help is needed not only on the day but help with planning the event. If you could spare the time and would like to be involved in helping on a stall contact Gill Robertson 897097 or with a side show Game contact Tony Smith 897020 or available to help set up the fete contact Tom Holmes 897046. Miscellaneous goods for the various stalls are much needed. So as you start Spring Cleaning keep to one side useful items but please no rubbish and no electrical goods. Peter Colbert Chairman BURTON BRADSTOCK - MEETING OF CO-ORDINATORS It is thirteen years since the Burton Bradstock Home Watch scheme was inaugurated and it continues to be effective in deterring crime in the village. This has only been achieved by the assistance of residents, work by co-ordinators and the local police. Unfortunately, criminals are always watching for an opportunity to steal, cheat, or short-change members of the public, so we must not relax our vigilance. On Tuesday, 1st April at 7.30 p.m. there will be a meeting of all co-ordinators at which Sgt Colin Mathias, P.C. Nat Cameron, Mrs Karen Taylor (Ringmaster Manager), Mrs Sally Parker (Chairman Crime Prevention Panel) will be present. As in the past, we shall be brought up to date with crime in the area and action to combat it. Anyone in the village who would like to assist our Home Watch is most welcome to attend by first phoning me. Would co-ordinators unable to attend this important meeting kindly advise me. Please note that Mr and Mrs Spinney are now the Home Watch co-ordinators for Grove Road. Freddy Tame Tel.897957 BURTON BRADSTOCK VILLAGE SOCIETY An interesting nature walk around the village of Burton Bradstock was enjoyed by Village Society members on the 21st February without leaving the W.l. Hall. This was due to an amusing and informative talk given by Richard Surry entitled "An insight into our Local Flora and Fauna." He illustrated his talk with wonderful photographs of plants and wildlife and gave a fascinating insight into the diverse plants around Bind Barrow and the coastal path brought about by the geological structure of that area. The next meeting is on the 25th April when John Grantham will give a talk entitled " Behind the Scenes at the Dorset Museum."
END OF BOOKINGS OF PC IN THE READING ROOM Unfortunately, due to the very low take-up of bookings for the PC in the Reading Room, we will be discontinuing the service from END APRIL! But you still have a few opportunities to use it between now and then (book at the Post Office). The good news is, however, that there are still two PC's available for use in the library. Ken Pett From the Parish Council ( i ) Closure of Church Street. Church Street will close on Monday 26th May 2003, between 12.30 and 17.30 hours for the Annual Spring Fair. ( ii ) West Dorset Spring Clean Between 1st - 30th April West Dorset are holding a 'Spring Clean'. Burton Bradstock Parish Council will be involved in this and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who take pride in their village to help in tidying up areas, picking up litter etc. The Parish Clerk will co-ordinate the project and will have rubbish sacks etc, available from the Reading Room, between the 1st - 30th April. Why not adopt a road, lane or site and tidy it up! Are you interested then contact Fel Moore at the Reading Room or on 01308 459001. Be sure to get your name in soon to avoid disappointment and avoid the rush. ( iii ) Dead Trees If you have any concerns about the safety of dead trees, contact Barry Tebbs, Tree Officer for the Parish Council on 01308 898025. ( iv ) Parish Council Elections 'Your Council Needs You!' Why not stand for the Parish Council? Election day is the 1st May 2003. Nominations close at noon on 1st April 2003. Contact the Parish Clerk for more details and information. ( v ) Allotments 2003/2004 If you want any details or information on Allotments for the coming year, or wish to be put on the waiting list contact Tony Smith, the Allotment Officer on 01308 897020. ( vi ) Post Office Pensions and Benefits Remember you can have all your benefits paid through the Burton Bradstock Post Office. Peter and Pat Dutton will help you with the form filling in order to process your benefits. Use the Post Officeor we might lose it! Fel Moore Clerk to the Council Burton Bradstock Women's Institute. At their March meeting 39 members enjoyed a facinating talk with slides on "the Lost City of the Incas" by Christine Shaw. Carol Lumley gave the vote of thanks. Advanced notice was given of a proposed outing on 25 June to Knighthayes Court and Cotham Gardens near Tiverton. Cost £7.50 for the Coach and £5 entrance for non National Trust members. Visitors welcome.
CHANGE OF DATE The Coffee Morning date has had to be changed. It will now be on 3rd April from 10.30 to 12 noon. Hot Cross buns will be served and there will be an Easter Egg raffle and a Sales Table. An Art course and a Fabric Painting course have been enjoyed by members and the next walk will be on 15 April around Bridport and West Bay with lunch probably at the West Bay Hotel. The 100 Club £400 has been raised towards our hall funds. Our thanks to all. Subscriptions of £10 are now due. Winners of this month's 100 Club were Mrs P.Buckle, Mrs S.Pett, Mrs G. McClure and Mrs P Robson. Mrs Pam Atkinson won the flower of the month Competition. Members were encouraged to enter for the "Water Colour Challenge" and bring their paintings to the April meeting. Agnes Barham 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
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS Funeral 21st February Harold F. Jenks The Annual Parochial Church Meeting takes place on Thursday 3rd April at 6.00 pm in church, for the election of Churchwardens and six Parochial Church Councillors, and to receive various annual reports. Every member on the Church Electoral Roll may attend and vote. I would like to see there as many as can possibly attend. We shall need nominations for two Churchwardens ( which must now be received in writing by the Rector before the commencement of the meeting - ask him for a form ). Nominations for PCC may be made verbally at the meeting. John Atkinson Holy Week and Easter at St Martin's PALM SUNDAY At 9.30 am Holy Communion, with the distribution of Palm Crosses. GOOD FRIDAYAt 9.30 am The Litany EASTER DAY At 9.30 am Holy Communion ( Traditional order, traditional language), with hymns. EASTER FAMILY SERVICE Sunday 27th April 11.00am Calling all families! Come to our lovely Church and celebrate the Sunday after Easter with a short service of songs and words of praise and thanksgiving.... and afterwards come to the Village Hall for more Easter treats! Janet Lane and Geoffrey Howlett Harold Frank Jenks A well known and respected resident of Shipton Gorge Harold died peacefully at home on the 11th February in his 86th year. There were over 100 people at his funeral, which bore testimony to his very friendly personality. He was a Parish Councillor some years ago, on many committees in the village, and a member of the Home Watchteam. He was always ready to help anybody and everybody, and will be very much missed. VILLAGE PLANT SALE Saturday 26th April 10am- 12 noon This Popular annual event is being run by Janet Lane Tel : 897241 and Elizabeth Langren Tel: 897207 and will take place near the Village Hall by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Jone, or in the Hall if raining. Gifts of Plants, Seedlings, Cuttings, Cut Flowers, Decorative Pot, in fact anything connected with gardening will be gratefully received. Please bring all contributions to the Village Hall on Friday 25th April between 3.30pm - 4.30pm. There will also be a raffle ( offers of prizes will be much appreciated ) and a bring-and-buy cake stall. You can also enjoy coffee and homemade biscuits. Proceeds will be divided equally between the Children's Society Centre in Weymouth ( Waves ) and St Martin's Church Fund. Any enquiries to the organizers please. Janet Lane & Elizabeth Langran Shipton Gorge Village Society BINGO There will be Bingo on Friday 4th April starting at 7.30pm to help raise money for the Church Appeal. Donations of items for prizes would be most welcome; you can contact Sally Parker 897168, Jill Parsons 898636 or Heather Puttock at 14 Rosamond Avenue Summer Show This year's show will be on Saturday, 16 August. In addition to
current classes, there will be:- The Annual Parish Meeting The Annual Parish meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 9th April, 7.00pm for 7.30pm. The speaker will be Mr. David Jenkins ( Chief Executive - Dorset County Council ). Come along , have a glass of wine and support your parish councillors at this important annual event. All parishioners are welcome. John Bredemear - Parish Clerk. From Mrs P.C.T. Bates - Bonscombe Farm. Peter and Pam Bates are very sadly leaving Bonscombe Farm after 31 very happy years, and are moving into the village, to Burgay House, Brook Street, Shipton Gorge. Phone number as at Bonscombe. May we wish Eric & Helen Benedict, our successors at Bonscombe Farm, and their three children every happiness in their new home. Welcome to Shipton Gorge- Phyll and Nigel Hyde of Brook House Shipton Hall 100 Club Winners for the March Draw:- £20
No. 8 Clarrie Day
Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall 3 Green Barton, Swyre Tel(01308)897318 s.marshall@which.net
Evening Prayer For British Summertime months (April to October) Evensong reverts to 6.30pm (from 3.00pm). The earlier winter time seems to have worked well, and the Church is encouraged. Annual Church Meeting This will be immediately after Evening Prayer (6.30pm) on 6th April. Church members: please do your very best to come along. Easter Communion This most special Parish Communion will be at 11o'clock on Easter Day. Anthony Ashwell Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council Parish Council Meeting There will be a meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday 1st April 2003 in the Puncknowle Church Hall at 7.30pm.
EASTER CAKE STALL IN CHURCH PORCH We will be holding a cake stall on Saturday 19 April at 10.00 a.m. in the Porch of the Church to raise funds. Please come along and buy your Easter treats and support our fundraiser.
ARCHAEOLOGY WEEKEND 19/20 JULY 2003 Would anyone who wishes to take part in the dig this year please contact Julie Lewis 897003. Peter Northover will be digging from the Saturday before with his archaeologists and there will be an opportunity for volunteers to take part on Friday 18 July and Saturday 19 July. There will be no digging on the Sunday. On that day Archaeologists will man the trenches and answer the public's questions. Have you seen "The Big Dig".. information in the Valley Notes
POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT The above vehicle will be visiting Puncknowle on Thursday 17 April 2003, outside the 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! FLOWER FESTIVAL There will be a Flower Festival in Holy Trinity, Swyre over the weekend of 14/15 June. If you have any flowers you could spare to help us decorate the church or you would like to take part in the preparation of the festival please contact Julie Lewis 897003 or Margaret May 898167; no experience is necessary, come along and enjoy working with flowers.
MILLENNIUM BOOK ABOUT THE VILLAGE Peter Northover and I are still compiling the history of the village and its residents. I do not have any previous occupant or pictorial history on some of the houses. Can anyone help! If you have any old photos of villagers, properties, events, and celebrations in the church etc, in Swyre, Berwick or Modbury and would be willing to include them in the book, please let us know. Julie Lewis/Peter Northover
Good Luck to Steve Griffiths in the London Marathon on April 13th raising funds for the "Dreams Come True" Charity!
Congratulations to Sheila Body for winning a 1st at Crufts with Chesil in the Veteran class of the Norwegian Buhund group.
Village Correspondent: Elizabeth Slater 1, Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH Telephone: (01308) 897751 e-mail: liz@ruddle.plus.com
The Holy Fools By now most people will know that a Holy Fool, her husband and her mother-in-law, have moved into the village. Sue 'in clown' is 'Hattie', and in Bridport lives 'Mr Custard'. They, with fellow clowns from all over the south of England, led a clowning workshop in the hall on St David's Day and then a Family Service on 2nd March. What an occasion - the Vicar was quite exhausted, and it's not that he did very much! Our deepest thanks to The Holy Fools who, I am pleased to say, we are not going to be able to get away from! Mothering Sunday (March 30th) If you read this in time, don't forget: a) that our Family Service is at 10.00am, note 10.00am. b) that the clocks go forward the previous night. Holy Week and Easter Services Palm Sunday (April 13th) 9.30am Parish Communion and distribution of Palm Crosses Good Friday (April 18th) 12.00noon Devotional Service Easter Day (April 20th) 9.30am Easter Communion Holy Baptism James Alexander Wild, will be baptised at noon in church on Easter Monday. The Easter celebration will continue! Anthony Ashwell Decorating the Church for Easter We will be decorating the Church on Saturday 19th April from 10.00am. Volunteers would be very welcome. MANY small bunches of primroses are needed, also spring flowers and greenery. Left in Church Hall Found.....After the Clown Workshop on Saturday afternoon 1st March - a pink fleece to fit a 6-7 year old. Please contact Carol Bennett during 'Fledgling' hours or Ann Roberts - telephone 01308 897716. Ann Roberts Puncknowle Art Group Thank you to Doreen Newton for hosting a video session on watercolours. We would also like to thank Jennifer for a lively talk on making marks. We all tried our own versions with colourful results. On April 4th there will be a talk on calligraphy by Pearl Trott. Christine Molony Well done to Puncknowle & West Bexington WOW- What a terrific response we are having to our plea for help. At the start of this, I was somewhat sceptical as to whether the residents of Puncknowleand West Bexington would take on board the financial difficulties of the Church, it's funding and what in fact it means to our village community. Well was I wrong!! We have had such a wonderful response that I think it is only right and proper to say to this village... "Give yourselves a pat on the back for your generous up-front and fantastic response." It is very apparent that you feel as I do that this village would not be the same without its Church and all its historical past. To contemplate a disused medieval church in the centre of this community would be totally unacceptable. From myself, as current Treasurer for the Church and Hall funds, extreme gratitude. How would I balance the books without you? John Holker POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT The above vehicle will be visiting Puncknowle on Thursday 17 April 2003, outside the 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! Andy Marshall 897732 Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council Parish Council Meeting There will be a meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday 1st April 2003 in the Puncknowle Church Hall at 7.30pm. At this meeting we will be considering the setting up of a group to review the future of the Parish Field. We will also, we hope, have news of the proposals for the skate board facilities in the playing field. The works to safeguard the bridge at the West Bexington car park are completed There are to be elections for our council, on May 1st and in the name of democracy, I remind you all to vote, the right so to do was hard won and it is beholden on all to use it. We are also still looking for someone to take on the job as clerk. Dont forget 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
Annual Church Meeting This will take place at 7.30pm in the Church Hall on Tuesday 1st April. If you are on the Church Electoral Roll, please, do your best to attend. Holy Week and Easter Services Palm Sunday (April 13th) 11.00am Matins and distribution of Palm Crosses Good Friday (April 18th) 2.00pm Devotional Service Easter Day (April 20th) 9.30am Easter Communion Low Sunday (April 27th) 9.30am Easter Family Service The Cheater Family How fortunate we are in Litton Cheney to have Paul, Diana, Hannah, Tom and Alice (in age order) visiting us so often, and on 23rd February taking over the Family Service. It's theme was 'Music in Worship', and we thank God increasingly for the gift of music and those who can play it so beautifully. Garden of Remembrance In this special area on the north side of the church and about 30 yards from it, are buried the cremated remains of Litton people and their families. It is now almost full, not only of burials, but also of molehills. For this and other reasons, the P.C.C. would like to gravel over the whole garden, leaving the memorial tablets untouched and in place, and pruning back the two rosemary bushes on either side of the steps. This will have the effect of generating much more burial space (beneath the existing flowerbeds within the garden) and so extending the life of the area for perhaps another 15 or 20 years, as well as controlling the moles, and making the garden much neater and more easy to maintain. At this stage this is simply a proposal, and I will be happy to receive reactions, as a first stage in the consultation process. Anthony Ashwell Frugal Lunch There will be a Frugal Lunch at The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney on Thursday 10th April at 12.45 pm. Donations will be in aid of Save the Children Fund - specifically for Iraq if possible. West Dorset Spring Clean Campaign The Social Committee will be organising a Rubbish Ramble around the village on Saturday 12th April commencing at 11.00 a.m. at the Bus Shelter. The Committee hopes that plenty of people will turn out suitably clothed, shod and gloved so that we can cover as many road verges as possible and rid them of the unsightly litter presently disfiguring the village. Bags will be supplied courtesy of the District Council and it is suggested we adjourn to the White Horse thereafter for a celebratory pint and/or lunch. Garden Open Easter Sunday 20th April The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney 2.00-5.00 pm. Primroses, primulas and narcissi. Teas in aid of Red Cross. Litton Cheney Youth Club For details of the Youth Club and it's meetings in April contact Paul Kingston 482384. Litton Cheney Kneeler Exhibition and Coffee Morning held on Saturday 15th February Thank you for your help and support. We raised £342.47 on the day and received £30 in donations beforehand. After outstanding bills had been paid we have £331.34 to carry forward to our next project. I know a lot of hard work went into making the morning a success but I hope you will be as pleased, as I am, with the result. By the time you read this the dedication of the altar kneelers will be over but they and the chair and stool will be permanently in use in St Mary's Church. The new project is a wall hanging representing the village of Litton Cheney. If you are at all interested in joining us please contact Pauline Macaulay 482592 or Ann Miles 482301. Mary Slark Litton Cheney Playing Field Association We hope to raise a glass to celebrate the completion of the hard standing area on Sunday 4th May at 3.00 pm. Unfortunately the Queen is unable to attend so a stand-in is required; any offers or suggestions please contact Katharine Jones at Townsend Barn, Chalk Pit Lane (01308 482589) Long Bredy & Litton Cheney Women's Institute The March meeting began with general business and ideas for the June outing. Our speaker, Mrs Jill Willshaw, adorned in traditional costume, gave an interesting and informative talk about bobbin lace. With her thirty year's experience she described the history of lace making, including the poor working conditions and pay (15 -20 pence a week!). The exquisite samples shown proved that this tradition is not a dying art. The AGM, followed by Kay Clarke talking about 'Life in Northern Ireland', is on April 1st at Long Bredy Village Hall - do join us if you can. Mrs Ruth Pitcher Tel: 01308 482562. Litton Cheney Social Committee Annual Duck Race is to be held on Easter Sunday 20th April. It starts at Fry's Yard at mid-day and finishes at the White Horse Inn for lunch; the children's Easter Egg Hunt will then take place there. Advance Notices Bank Holiday Walk On Bank Holiday Monday 5th May come and join a circular walk organised by the Social Committee starting at the Bus Shelter at 10.00 a.m. Weather permitting we plan to reach Littlebredy for lunch walking via Kingston Russell Stone Circle and return via the high ground on the north side of the valley dropping down to Long Bredy by the Church and back to the village. Do the whole circuit or arrange a pick up at the lunch stop. Bring your own picnic; everyone plus well behaved dogs are welcome but will parents please accompany their young children. Garden Openings The Old Rectory will be open on Sunday 18th May from 2.00 - 6.00pm and on Tuesday 10th June from 2.00-7.00pm. Teas in aid of the Church. Tithe Barn House will be open on Sunday 20th July from 2.00-6.00pm 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.
Mothering Sunday (March 30th) If you read this in time, we are having a joint Family Service with Littlebredy at their church, but led by the Family Service Committee. It's at 11o'clock (the clocks go forward the previous evening) and posies will of course be distributed. Easter Service We will be having our customary combined Family and Easter Communion Service at 11.00am on Easter Day. All are really welcome. Anthony Ashwell Village Fete. What a wonderful sight is the lane up to the Church, white with snowdrops, soon to turn yellow with primroses, and as spring comes it is time to plan the Village Fete. Date 12th July in the gardens of Kingston Russell House. A fete meeting will take place on Monday 7th April at Bridelands at 7:30pm. Please come and help with the planning. A floral demonstration is to be held in Burton Bradstock WI Hall on Tuesday 29th April at 2:30pm in aid of Barnardo's. Admission £3 including refreshments, tickets are available from Langford Cooper, 6 South Street, Bridport. The Frugal lunch at Langebride House raised over £130 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. A sunny, friendly gathering with a delicious array of soups. Thank you to Juniper for hosting it. Marjorie Kinghorn is sadly leaving us and Gwen, Alan and son Edward Kinghorn are moving into No.7. We hope Marjorie will enjoy life in Dorchester and thank her for her help with the fete and other village occasions. Congratulations to Dick Elliott on his recent 60th birthday.
Mothering Sunday (March 30th) If you read this in time, we are having a joint Family Service with Long Bredy in our church at 11.00am. We will naturally be presenting posies to our ladies, and giving thanks for the privilege and joy of motherhood. Do come along if you can. Holy Week and Easter Services Palm Sunday (April 13th) 11.00am Family Service with distribution of Palm Crosses Good Friday (April 18th) 10.00am The Litany Easter Day (April 20th) 11.00am Easter Holy Communion Anthony Ashwell Congratulations to Annette Hallett, and her fellow members of the Dorchester Bowls Club Ladies Fours Team, who made it through to the National Finals at Basingstoke last month. Unfortunately, they progressed no further than the last sixteen, but that represents a high achievement anyway. Well done. We welcome to Littlebride Allan Kavanagh and Marie Whitaker, who, having previously lived in Bedfordshire then moved to France, have now returned for her to take up a Deputy Headship in Blandford Forum. We wish them well, and hope their time in Littlebredy will be fulfilled and happy. It is hoped that one - if not two - Frugal Lunches in aid of charity will be held in the village during this season of Lent, but details of these will be notified by slips of paper in due course (possibly before this edition appears). Arrangements which are known for Easter are as follows:- on Good Friday (18th April) there will be the traditional short simple said Litany Service in the Church. Decorating the Church for Easter will begin at 3.00 p.m., but youngsters are invited to pick primroses and bring them to the Village Hall from 11.00 a.m. onwards, for bunching up. The Easter message in Church needs about 300 bunches, with about 20 heads per bunch. The Easter Day Communion Service will be in Church at 11.00 a.m. on Sunday 20th April. Your scribe feels sure that Canon Pouncey and the Vicar would like to remind readers that attendance at Easter Communion was among the commitments made by everyone at their Confirmation! It is always a memorable service, to which all are most welcome, whether Anglican communicants or not.
Editor: Susan Paul Windy Gap Shipton Lane Burton Bradstock DT6 4NQ
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