As
you read this Pam and I will still be in the village, though I shall
have retired from parish duties by then, and Anthony will be looking
after things as the first priestly port of call for all the parishes.
It is for Pam and me a time to look both backwards and
forwards. Inevitably, events of the past nine years are clearest
in the memory. It has been very good to be here in the Bride Valley.
For me, though, it is the end of thirty-seven years of full-time ministry
as a priest. I could not have imagined as I began my ministry where
it would take me, nor the thousands of different people I should meet,
some of them famous, nearly all of them ordinary people living ordinary
lives, but then there is nothing at all ordinary about life, nor about
people.
I began my ministry in Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire.
It was all very new to me then. I went to the south-east of the country
as an intrepid Yorkshireman because they told me 'it' was all happening
there. There were many new towns as London spilt over into the countryside.
There were many exciting challenges for the Church. It was the 'Swinging
60s'. I can't remember anything swinging about them, but then someone
said recently that only those who didn't live through them remember
the swinging 60s.
Those earliest days were for me largely a time of learning
and preparation for a ministry that took me to three other parishes
and another twenty-four years in Hertfordshire before I came here.
I look back to ministering among much materialism, yet among thriving
churches that did indeed face and grow through many challenges. There
were larger congregations then, but that neither increases nor lessens
an Anglican priest's workload, because most of us minister as much
to the non-church as to our church members.
There were no women priests in my early days. There
were no Deanery, Diocesan and General Synods. Schools managed pretty
well with far fewer numbers of Governors than they do now. Then,
schools, churches, and everyone managed pretty well without the welter
of legislation of recent years. Life was not easier, but it was simpler.
To look forward - I would rather be living in the 2000s
than in the 1900s, especially in retirement!
I don't know how many people in the Bride Valley read
'From the Clergy', but while it was noted in the August issue, quite
a number of people have asked me since to where we are moving! So,
here it is again: 48 Prince Rupert Road, Ledbury, Herefordshire,
HR8 2FA (tel: 01531 632014). Pam and I will be pleased to hear from
you or to see you. We hope that without causing embarrassment to
anyone we may keep in touch with those who would like to keep in touch
with us.
With, from Pam and me, our love and very best wishes
to all Bride Valley people,
John Atkinson
Tiny Tots / Pram Service The next service will be on Friday 3rd October
at 11 am at St Mary's, Burton Bradstock.
The Bride Valley Team Council next meets on Thursday 6th November 2003 at
7.30 pm in Puncknowle Church Hall.
The Interregnum
Our Team Rector John and his wife Pam are saying their goodbyes to us,
and we to them. The emptying of Burton Bradstock Rectory will be
completed towards the end of October, and John's time as Rector will
be over. By the beginning of November we pray that Pam and John will
be starting to get used to the idea of retirement, and life in Ledbury.
There will be no Team Rector in the Bride Valley, and although it
is the intention to replace John, not very much will have happened
in the recruitment process by then. Generally speaking an interregnum
lasts for about a year....
The
good news is that in the short term our normal Sunday pattern of worship
will not change. We will continue to have our usual Services at the
usual times in the usual places (except when they always vary: Remembrance
Sunday, around Christmas and Easter and so on). To enable this we
are having to 'import' seven different priests or readers from outside
the Bride Valley on a regular basis. Generally these will be retired,
as is of course our own reader Mike Read, who himself will routinely
be covering five Services per month. To all those, and especially
to Mike, we must be enormously grateful. As an interesting statistic,
the last time we had one working priest in the valley (1997), we had
three readers and one active retired priest (compared now with 'one'
and 'nought' respectively), and we still had to 'import'.
Barring
illness and accident then, our interregnum should pass off smoothly
as far as Service cover is concerned. I have used 'should' rather
than 'will' because we don't know what is around the corner - who
could possibly have anticipated 9/11 ? So things may go wrong, and
again we should feel immensely fortunate that we have in the valley,
wonderfully capable churchwardens one of whose responsibilities is
to provide cover for ministers who cannot get to Services scheduled
for them. To this end I am providing what I hope will be helpful
hints to churchwardens and their representatives, concerning what
to do when no minister is available for a Service.
This
leads me to a final point. Many people are cynical about the reasons
why interregna do tend to be so long. What is for sure is that one
of the real reasons is that a meaningful gap between an outgoing and
incoming resident priest, gives a benefice a wonderful opportunity
to stand on its own feet. This is called 'freeing people to be the
Church'. It is no secret that the number of stipendiary clergy in
the Church of England is falling and will continue to do so. To free
the laity truly to be the Church is proper preparation for the future.
Anthony Ashwell
Bride
Valley ( Wednesday ) Bible Study Group
Session II How to live &
how to die Phil. Ch.1 vv. 12- 26
Oct 1 Westfield,
Shipton La., Burton Bradstock
Session III Standing firm Phil. Ch.1 vv. 27 - 30
Oct 8 11, Barges Close Litton
Cheney
Oct 15 Windy Gap,
Shipton La., Burton Bradstock
Session IV Learning to serve Phil. Ch.2 vv. 1 - 11
Oct 22 Pitcombe, Littlebredy
Oct 29 7, Norburton Burton
Bradstock
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.
For further details contact Paul ..., Tel ...
October
2 Bible Study 12 Napier Close, Puncknowle
October
9 Prayer 7 Norburton, Burton Bradstock
October
16 Bible Study 6 Baglake, Litton Cheney
October
23 Prayer The Threshing Barn, Higher
Kingston Russell
Mothers'
Union
Thursday
23rd October
St.
Catherine's Cross, Shipton Lane - 2.30pm
Mrs.
Bridget Trump will speak about Action & Outreach.
Yvette
Smith 898219
Bible
Society Annual Lectures
This Year's Bible Society Annual Lectures,
entitled "A Journey through the New Testament," will be delivered
by the Rev'd Stephen Thornton, Training Officer for the United Reformed
Church Wessex Synod, in the United Church, East Street, Bridport on
Thursdays 6th 13th and 20th November
at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
H.Mousley Secretary B&D.B.S.A.G.
Royal
British Legion Women's Section
The A.G.M. of the Branch will be held on
Monday 13th October at 2.30pm in the Reading Room, Burton
Bradstock. The Poppy Coffee Morning will be held on 6th
November in the W.I. Hall, Burton Bradstock
Madalina
Rusu
A reminder to those who have enjoyed Maddy's
piano recitals, that she will be playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No.
25 in C Major (K503) with the Dorset Chamber Orchestra, in St. Mary's
Church, Dorchester, at 7.30pm Saturday 25th October.
Tickets £7 - £10 are available
in advance from DChO Tickets, Harmony Music, 3-4 The Forum Centre,
Trinity Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TT (Tel: 01305 260360). Cheques payable
to Dorset Chamber Orchestra, SAE please
Thorner's
CE VA Primary School
We are now well into the term, and thinking about our
Harvest Service, if you can why not come and join us at 9.30am in
church, subject to the weather. This summer the weather has been
unbelievable, we have been able to enjoy outdoor activities most days.
The swimming pool has been well used by people in the valley, a big
thank you must go to all the parents who have given of their time
to ensure that everyone has been able to make use of this facility,
regularly checking the pool for safety and maintenance of the area,
every little has helped.
The AGM of the School Association and Report to Parents
by the Governors takes place on October 21st, if you are
interested in finding out more about school, how the money is spent,
what you can do to help or how you can be part of the community, do
remember to come and enjoy a few nibbles.
Last month I asked for any interested readers to get
in touch if they felt they might like to work on our conservation
area, I have had a couple of offers of help so there is still space
for anyone who has green fingers or if you are good at filling out
forms! Do please get in touch, come in and look, have a chat!
Alison
Johnstone Headteacher
THORNER'S PARENT AND TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
Autumn will surely be here by the time you read this.
I would like to welcome all the new parents and thank
all the parents and teachers that have supported me over the past
year.
I have enjoyed my children
attending Thorner's School and being part of the community but I shall
be standing aside to allow new ideas from others to participate over
the coming months before my daughter moves up to Sir John Colfox this
year.
I wish all the people of
Thorner's, teachers and Mrs Johnstone good luck and hope they will
also enjoy this quaint village school as we have.
We saw Mrs Barry, Mr O'Farrell
on their departure at the end of last term at the Church Service at
Litton Cheney and wished them well.
EVENTS
COMING UP
21 Oct 03 Governors and Parent & Teachers Association
- AGM
9 Oct 03 Harvest Service at Church 9.30am
Burton
Bradstock CE VC School
At the
beginning of term a number of parents commented on how quickly the
holidays seemed to pass. I have to agree and it can be a sobering
thought to realise that another year has gone by and that our children
are getting older and more sophisticated by the day. I have now reached
the point where my 15 year-old son beats me at practically everything
- table tennis, snooker, pool and badminton for a start. I can hold
my own at Subuteo (a now extinct football game) but that's because
in terms of today's youth it's more of a museum piece. When my 11
year-old daughter says, "Dad, I've sailed on my own in a good swell
and decent breeze and never ever capsized. I go on the boat with
you on a flat lake with no wind and within 5 minutes we're in the
water!" I fumble to find excuses and have to admit it - I made a mistake.
Parenthood can be a very humbling experience at times. Knowing that
we can be an embarrassment to our children is hard to handle too.
"Mum, you and Dad can come to my school concert as long as you promise
not to hold hands!" In school we talk a lot about children's self-esteem.
I think parents need some support too! In actual fact, we tend to
forget that we were all young once and I don't think I was any better
than my children. I just didn't have the nerve to say what I thought
- for better or worse. In any case, I really wouldn't change it for
one minute. The way through is to try to enjoy every moment and laugh
about the ups and downs. After all, as someone once said, "As children
grow up the problems don't go away - they just change," so we may
as well make the most of it.
This
term we are pleased to welcome Miss Louise Brine to our staff as Assistant
Headteacher. Louise has a wide experience teaching Early Years children
in both Surrey and Poole LEAs.
This
is always a special time of the year. Children are enthusiastic and
look refreshed and smart whilst the staff wonder how long it can last.
We also have Harvest to look forward to and of course, eventually,
the Christmas festivities. As I reflect upon this autumn term and
all that it involves, it occurs to me that by the end of December
I will have completed a full year here. The time certainly has flown
by. I also ponder the prospect that at some point during this academic
year we are certain to host an Ofsted inspection. This reminds me
of an old mother-in-law joke whereby you can see her coming but there
is nothing that you can do about it. Nevertheless, in today's educational
climate we are always 'doing something about it'. We now call it
'self evaluation' and I take great comfort in the knowledge that all
who are connected with and work within the school have the children's
best interests at heart.
Mark
Stratta.
P.S.
Did you know that 'Mother-in-law' is an anagram of 'Woman Hitler'
P.P.S.
I actually get on very well with my mother-in-law.
100
Club Winners
|
July
|
August
|
September
|
|
£20
Mrs Tillman
|
£20
Mrs L Farrow
|
£20
D. Sorrell
|
|
£10
Mrs Van Zyl
|
£10
R. Haley
|
£10
D. Hewlett
|
|
£5 C. Harrington
|
£5 Mrs Small
|
£5 S. Barclay
|
New
Computer Taster Sessions in Burton Bradstock
We are pleased to be able to offer some taster sessions
for people wishing to use computers for record keeping (databases),
a word processing session for anyone interested in producing professional
written documents such as letters, posters and invitations or a web
publishing session for anyone who'd like to know what is involved
in setting up a website on the Internet. If these courses are successful
there is the possibility that follow on courses will be offered.
|
Course
|
Day
|
Starting Date
|
Time
|
No of Sessions
|
Cost
|
No of Places
|
|
Databases
|
Mon
|
3rd Nov
|
6.30-8.00pm
|
1
|
£3
|
6
|
|
Word Processing
|
Mon
|
17th Nov
|
6.30-8.00pm
|
1
|
£3
|
6
|
|
Web Publishing
|
Mon
|
24th Nov
|
6.30-8.00pm
|
1
|
£3
|
6
|
The tutors will be from the LymeNet, a training centre
based in Lyme Regis and the courses will be held in the Reading Room
in Burton Bradstock.
Bookings
can be made by e-mailing Karen Venn on venn@boltblue.com or phoning
01308 897094 between 5pm and 7pm weekday evenings. After booking,
cheques should be made payable to 'Burton Bradstock Website Committee'
There
are still a few places on the following course:
|
Gentle
Introduction to Computing
|
Tues
|
14th
Oct -
4th
Nov
|
9.30
- 11.00am
|
4
sessions
|
£10
|
Karen
Venn
Game for Bridge
Dust
off those cobwebs & join us for a game of social bridge!
(
Some experience is necessary )
Place:
W.I. Hall, Burton Bradstock
Time:
2.00pm
Date:
7th October
(
Four week trial to check numbers )
Further
details: Chris Clarke ( 898117 )
First
Steps Parent and Toddler Group
meets on Wednesdays between 10.00am and 12 noon in Long Bredy Village
Hall. Your first session is free and we offer toys and activities
for all pre-school children, coffee and chat for parents and carers.
The group meets at Long Bredy Village Hall on the first, third and
fifth Wednesdays of the month. On the second Wednesday we meet in
Little Bredy Hall and on the fourth Wednesday we meet in either Little
Bredy or Puncknowle. For further details contact: Jo (Litton Cheney)
... or Julie (Puncknowle) 897178 or Rachel (Kingston Russell and
Long Bredy) 482246
Litton
Cheney Youth Club meet on
Tuesday evenings for those between 8 and 17 years in Litton Cheney
and the surrounding villages. For further details of the sessions
read the Litton notes or contact Paul Kingston 482384.
Ladybirds
Dr Andrew Slade consultant psychiatrist will speak in
the home of Ursula Bayer on Wednesday 8th October at 8
pm.
C I E H Foundation Certificate in
food Hygiene
In response to requests from a number of local organisations,
I have organised a day's training to achieve the Chartered Institute
of Environmental Health Foundation in Food Hygiene. This qualification
is recommended for anyone who is preparing and serving food to the
public in any venue. At the end of the course a short test paper is
completed, and on passing, the candidate receives a certificate valid
for up to 5 years.
The course will be held:-
ON: Monday 3rd November 03, from
10.00a.m. until 4.30 p.m.
AT: Burton Cliff Hotel.
COST : £30.00 per person, payable a week
in advance.
This
includes a text book, certificate, tea and coffee. Please bring your
own picnic lunch as time will be limited.
For
further details and booking please ring Gillian Knight on 01308 897879.
BRIDE
VALLEY GARDENING CLUB
After the most superb summer here
in the Bride Valley we now feel the hint of Autumn - the mornings
have that slight feel of cooler days to come, the fields have been
harvested, the blackberries are almost over and the trees give a subtle
golden glow - but we can look forward to the start of another year
with the Gardening Club with the varied and exciting programme that
has been arranged. The Club has now 170 members, but we welcome new
faces - just come along to Thorner's School, Litton Cheney on the
2ndMonday evening of every month - our annual subscription is only
£3 and you will meet people from the villages all over the valley.
At the time of this going
to press, we have not yet had the Mini Show (Sept.14) but results
will be published next month.
The Programme for the
forthcoming season:
13th October Michael
Michaud -of the Chilli Farm West Bexington "Exotic Immigrant
Vegetables and Herbs"
10th
November Katherine Crouch BBC Gardener of the Year
winner A Garden Design Trouble shooting evening.
8th December
Chris Yeats Roses - Old and New Followed by our Cheese and
Wine Party
12th January
Chris Hunter - Growing fruit
9th February
David Hitchcock - Songbird Aquilegias
8th March
Val Hurlston-Gardiner - Painswick Rococo Gardens
The A.G.M will be in April, the meeting will be followed
by wine, - a reward for those who come to this meeting
- 2 glasses for those who volunteer!!
Please feel free to come
along to these meetings.
Norma Millard Club Secretayr
BURTON BRADSTOCK
Village Correspondent Mr Basil Dent
2, Norburton, Burton Bradstock. Tel:- (01308) 897125
*********************************************************
Mid Week Worship -
Holy Communion
Wednesdays at 10.00 a.m.
Choir Practices
Fridays at 6.00 p.m.
Bell Ringing Practices Thursdays at 7.00pm
Gift Sunday
26th October Bible Society.
The
next Healing Service at St Mary's will be held on Monday 6th October at 7.30pm
The
next Tiny Tots / Pram Harvest Service
will be held on Friday 3rd October at 11.00 am.
The
Parochial Church Council next meets on Monday 20th
October at 7.00 pm in church.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
Holy Baptism
17th August Ingrid C. Pearse
31st August
Harriet A. Dodge
7th September
Harley D. Bowring
Wedding 23rd August
Marc J. Harwood and Kerry A. Youngs
Funeral
4th September William (Bill) J. Hunt
Wednesday 10.00am Holy Communion
These will continue as usual, of course. It's good to
get together afterwards for a cup of coffee and a chat, but where
with the Rectory empty? What about a rota for serving-up in church,
or another idea?
Anthony
Ashwell
St Mary's Harvest Supper
This
year, St Mary's Harvest Supper will take place on Saturday 4th October
in the W.I. Hall. The format will be the same as last year - a 'shared
meal' followed by a barn dance. You are asked to bring a plate of
food to be put on the central table for everyone to share - different
coloured tickets will indicate whether you should bring a sweet or
a savoury dish. Tickets costing £2.50 each ( to cover the cost of
hiring the hall, drinks, and other 'incidentals', any surplus going
to charity ) will be on sale from the beginning of September at the
Post Office. Although this event is organised by the church, it is
a community event, and everyone, especially families will be
welcome. Entry will be by ticket only, and since numbers will have
to be limited, don't forget to put the date in your diary and get
down to the Post Office to buy your tickets!
QUIZ NIGHT FRI. 10th OCTOBER AT 7.00pm
THE W.I. HALL
Tickets £2.50 to include light refreshments from Joan Allan, Heather
Thomson or any committee member. Come and join us and have some fun.
Christine
Clarke
23rd BURTON
BRADSTOCK FESTIVAL
The Festival opened with the Telemann Concerto for oboe,
oboe d'amore and continuo, with excellent rapport between the soloists
Neil Black and his wife Janice Knight and with a sensitive accompaniment
by Hubert Dawkes. Mary Ryan played the Sonatine for flute and piano,
by Gaubert, a flowing lyrical piece and typically French. A moving
tribute to John Coulling, a regular member of the Festival Players
who died in February this year, was Rachmaninov's Vocalise, with
the rich melody for the viola played by Christopher Wellington. The
second part of the concert was devoted to one of Schubert's last
and greatest works, his String Quintet in C. The five talented string
players gave us a superbly crisp, powerful and passionate performance,
with the opening of the wonderful Adagio movement quite magical
and masterfully controlled. This piece was the highlight of the Festival
for many of the audience.
On Friday the concert started with a Sonata for two trumpets
and strings by Paisible. The two Allegro movements gave David
Mason and Stephen Cutting ample opportunity to delight us with their
playing. Tartini's celebrated Devil's Trill Sonata was marvellous
virtuoso fireworks by David Juritz; - definitely t(h)rilling! The
first half ended with J.S.Bach's Cantata No 51. This was a lively
and at times frenetic performance, finishing with an unmistakable
atmosphere of jubilation. The lovely singing of Hilary Kenway was
at times overwhelmed by the strings and trumpet, positioned too close.
Neil Black and Janice Knight played beautifully together in the lovely
Vivaldi Concerto for two oboes. The final piece was Mendelssohn's
Octet with the eight string players starting at a cracking pace. The
deliciously light Scherzo provided a contrast to the heavier
earlier movements and the final movement drove on to an exciting climax.
Played with passion and commitment, it left the audience exhilarated.
Concertos by Telemann started both halves of the final
concert; one for trumpet and two oboes and the other for flute, oboe
d'amore and viola d'amore. The soloists, along with the rest of the
Players, particularly excel in the music of this period. Adrian Bradbury,
who throughout the Festival led the cello part superbly, delighted
us with a Boccherini Sonata. Serenade for Strings op 20, recognisably
Elgar from first to last note, was perhaps a little untidy but the
mood of elegiac nobility in the Larghetto was well caught.
In the Bellini oboe concerto, Neil Black gave a sparkling performance
and the ensemble was faultless. An unusual string group of 4 violins,
2 violas and a double bass played the Mozart Divertimento in D, K136.
The Festival came to a cheerful conclusion with a rousing performance
of Bach's 2nd Brandenburg Concerto, featuring trumpet,
flute, oboe and violin. The trumpet blasts were powerful but the audience
in the front rows held fast, despite David Juritz's tongue-in-cheek
warning concerning dangerous decibels at the start of the evening.
This was another most successful Festival; to look back
upon with great pleasure and continuing gratitude to Mary Ryan and
her talented colleagues. We so hope for more next year.
Michael
Southgate
Hive Beach Café Charity Fund Raising
For every hot drink purchased on a Tuesday or Thursday
between 10.00am and 11.30am 50p will be donated to the local Bridport
branch of the Alzheimers Society. This fund-raising promotion,
which will commence on Tuesday 7th October and run through
till the end of March 2004, is a very generous one and well worthy
of support. Mr. Steve Attrill, whose initiative this is, and the local
branch of the society will both be extremely grateful for your support.
Christmas Greetings
in the BVN in aid of St. Mary's Church Funds.
If you would like to participate,
don't forget that Ken Pett needs your name(s) [as you would
like them listed on the greetings page in the December issue] plus
your donation, as soon as possible and no later than 5th
November. Cheques should be made payable to St. Mary's P.C.C.
Ken
Pett, Mill Gate House, Annings Lane, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset,
DT6 4QN.
Tel:
01308 897 550
The Village Society
As a Society we remember Air
Vice Marshal Peter Cracroft C.B., A.F.C., who died in August.
Peter was a long-time member
of the society and our President from 1981 - 1992. He always showed
great interest in the Society and gave much help and advice during
that time.
He was a remarkable and brave
man, serving with great distinction in the Royal Air Force and we
remember him with pride and affection.
Nancy Bushell President
HOME
WATCH BURTON BRADSTOCK
Early dark nights are approaching fast and
I would remind all residents of the need for special security to their
homes. Our Home Watch scheme continues to be successful in deterring
the potential thief. If you are out after dark arrange for lights
to come on at dusk by using an interrupter or delay switch, preferably
in a room with curtains drawn. Our local Police are always happy to
advise on home security and can be contacted direct on Bridport 422266.
I would repeat my warning in drawing your
attention to dishonest workmen. They deceive the most vulnerable in
our society by extorting large sums of money as payment for minor
or inferior work to roof repairs, tree/hedge cutting and drive repairs.
All door-step callers should be treated with caution. Use your door
chain and ask for identification, leaving your door chain on while
checking details with employer or police. If work is required, householders
are advised to obtain written quotations from reliable local tradesmen.
Items should not be sold to visiting antiques or other dealers calling..
New residents may obtain HOME WATCH stickers
from their local co-ordinators, whose name can be found in the Post
Office, the Bridge Cottage Stores, or on the Parish Notice Board in
the village. Stickers should be prominently displayed, clearly visible
to anyone approaching the property.
Freddy
Tame
Burton Bradstock Parish Council
1. Dorset requires more Magistrates:
If you are interested in becoming
a magistrate and you are aged between 27 and 63 please contact the
Parish Clerk who has a lot more details available.
2. Road Safety:
A number of parishioners have
voiced concern about a number of sites in Burton Bradstock. The council
will be meeting with Mr. Gillett the Highways Officer in the near
future to discuss all the sites.
3. Wheelie Bins:
The Council has taken action
to ensure that the Wheelie Bins near Burton Garage are emptied regularly,
however it would be very helpful if parishioners could assist by ensuring
waste is placed inside the bins and keeping the surrounding area tidy.
4. Youth Club:
Burton Bradstock Youth Club reopened
on Friday 19th September.
5. Footpaths:
We have been informed of a number
of proposed footpath diversions for Burton Bradstock. Cllr.T.Smith
the Footpath Officer is investigating them on behalf of the Council.
If you have any concerns regarding footpaths please contact Cllr.T.Smith.
Fel Moore Parish Clerk.
Burton
Bradstock Village
Web
Site Address
www.burtonbradstock.org.uk
Did you know that the Bride Valley News
is published on this web site every month?
In addition, did you know that old copies of the
magazine
can also be viewed on the web site?
SHIPTON GORGE
Village Correspondent: Mrs.
Joy White
Eastcote
3 Gullivers Orchard Shipton Gorge
Tel:
( 01308 )897974
*********************************************************
The Parochial Church Council next meets on Wednesday 12th November at
Virginia House.
ST.
MARTIN'S CHURCH SMALL GATE
The Quinquennial Report on the church
and churchyard, which was carried out this Spring by the appointed
Church Architect, drew attention to the very poor condition of the
small church gate. The old gate, whilst still being usable,
was completely rusted through in parts and it was declared irreparable
by the blacksmith. The elected Parochial Church Council,
which is responsible for the church, maintenance of its fabric, safety
and usage of its funds, approved the replacement of the small
gate with a design that compliments the main gates. The unusual
latch of the old gate was rarely closed properly and could catch small
fingers; so a simple traditional latch has been used for the replacement
gate.
St. Martin's Family Service
This will take place on Sunday,
October 26th at 3.00 p.m., and everyone is welcome to join us in our
worship, which will be led by Mike Read. After the service, tea and
treats will be served in the Village Hall as usual.
The Church Wardens
Grand Christmas Bazaar-Advance Notice
This is to take place in the
Village Hall on Saturday, December 6th, from l0a.m - 12 .30p.m. A11
kinds of Christmas gifts and goodies will be on sale, and seasonal
refreshments will be available, so make a note of the date, and see
the November issue for more details.
If you would like to contribute items to
the bazaar, please contact Gillian Maxfield on: 897346, or Janet Lane
on: 897241.
Shipton Gorge Village Hall
Following a decision by the Village Hall
Trust to purchase new tables for the Hall a number of large
wooden foldaway tables are available for disposal. Please contact
Eddy Buck on 898278 if you have any interest in them.
Jumble Sale / Book SaleA
jumble and book sale will be held at the village hall on Saturday 18th
October at 2.00pm If you have any items you would like collected please
contact Richard Hewlett on 897278.
A
new season of Artsreach events commences with:The
Year Clock on Wednesday 22nd October at 7.30pm - a dramatic and
musical celebration of William Barnes, written and performed by Tim
Laycock. The play celebrates the life and works of the Dorset teacher and parson and brings to life a
complex and fascinating man exploring the tensions behind the decision
of a highly (if self-) educated man to write in rural dialect. The fast
paced performance contrasts the rapidly changing world of mid-Victorian
progress with a strong sense of a way of life that was being lost forever,
a feeling that has many resonances for today. The play also features
songs and music played on the violin and guitar by Colin Thompson.Tickets are available from Doris Benselin (16 Rockway,
tel. 897562) or, in person, from the New Inn - cost £4.50.(This will
be a very popular production and you are advised to secure your tickets
promptly).
Advance notice.
The
film Chicago will be shown in the hall on Wednesday
26th November. Further details in next month's edition.
Richard Hewlett Secretary
Shipton
Gorge Village Society
This year, on 16th August, the
Village Hall was decorated with photos of old country gates, perfumed
with the cocktail of flowers & vegetables while the aroma of good
cooking made many visitors feel peckish. Old favourites and new classes
attracted 120 entries.
Thank you to all the helpers, entrants, judges and visitors
who made the 51st show a good day out!
Winners:
:
| GARDEN: |
11
Rosamond Avenue,
Mr & Mrs Laughton |
| ANNUALS: |
Chris
Cornish |
| PERENNIALS |
Jennifer Webb |
| SWEET
PEAS: |
Geoff
Shepherd |
| SINGLE
ROSE: |
Janet
Lane |
| FLOWERING
SHRUB: |
Chris
Cornish |
|
POT PLANT:
|
Sally Parker
|
|
POTATOES:
|
Chris Hewlett
|
|
TOMATOES:
|
John Parsons
|
|
ONIONS:
|
Jenny Burt
|
|
RUNNER BEANS:
|
John Epplestone
|
|
SQUASH:
|
Colin Chambers
|
| FUNNY VEGETABLE:
|
Jenny Burt |
| CUP ARRANGEMENT: |
Joy White |
| BEDSIDE ARRANGEMENT: |
Jan Shaw |
| HERBS/GRASSES: |
Jan Shaw |
| SOFT FRUIT: |
Janet Lane |
| GINGERBREAD: |
Janet Lane |
| FRUIT FLAN: |
Janet Lane |
| PHOTOGRAPHY: |
Heather Puttock |
| COMPUTER: |
Sam Chant |
| BY HAND: |
Natasha Chant |
| MODEL CASTLE: |
Sam Chant |
However, next summer some classes will be replaced,
owing to a lack of interest in 2003. Any ideas...? Let us know what
you would like!!Sue
Brown
Shipton Gorge - Anecdotes, History, Pictures and Services
The Parish Council is gathering
information about the village, those who live or have lived here and
the local community. This material is to be used to create a new document
on the village, its history and its people, past and present. In order
to ensure it is as comprehensive as possible we would like contributions
from as many people as possible.
The document will mainly be published
on the internet as part of the Shipton Gorge Village Website and but
some parts will also be available in paper form.
We
would welcome feedback, stories and pictures whether hand written,
typed or tape recorded. Please send any information you have to The
Village Record, c/o Smacombe Farm, Shipton Gorge, Bridport DT6 4NB
or e-mail to info@shiptongorge.com
.
If you provide a service to the
community please let us know as we intend to feature these as well.
Tell us about your service and we will see if it can be included.
If you would like to be involved in developing
the new Shipton Gorge Website please mail either charles@shiptongorge.com
or mary@shiptongorge.com
Shipton
Gorge Web GroupWould
you like your own Shipton Gorge e-mail address?The
Shipton Gorge Webgroup is proposing to offer lifelong e-mail addresses
which can remain yours permanently regardless of your internet provider.
You may want to use your own
name anyname@shiptongorge.com or any other nickname
or service name that you choose. For example:- tomjones@shiptongorge.com; therev@shiptongorge.com;
thepub@shiptongorge.com
If you are interested in this please drop
an e-mail to:- email@shiptongorge.com and we'll send you
further details.
Shipton Gorge Web Group Bride Valley Newsflash
An important part of the new
Shipton Gorge Website will be communication. The Web Group is setting
up a fast way for event organisers to communicate with you. Anyone
in the Bride Valley is welcome to join.
All
you need to do is send an e-mail to us newsgroup@shiptongorge.comsaying "subscribe" in the title and you will
be added. To unsubscribe just do the same with "unsubscribe"
in the subject line.
If you want to tell us about
an event or any changes to it, just mail the same address. Your message,
subject to approval, will then be sent to all subscribers on the list.
We can assure you that this list will never
be sold or used by anyone but the Web Group for the purpose intended.
Fossils to Colombia!
Do you have the odd small fossil
that you feel you could part with? During the summer I was lucky enough
to have the opportunity to visit some primary schools in Colombia.
During the visit I gave each school an information pack on where I
live and included in this were some small local fossils - mostly found
in my vegetable patch! These were received with total excitement,
awe and gratitude, so much so that I have been asked if I could send
them some more. So, if you have any you can spare (nothing too big
or heavy) I would be delighted to be able to send them on, knowing
that they will end up as a prized possession and source of wonder
for the pupils in one of the many vibrant and happy but impoverished
schools that I was welcomed into in Colombia.
Chris
Hewlett, Greenways, Shipton Gorge. Tel 01308 897278,
Shipton
Gorge Village Hall 100 Club
Winners
for the September Draw
|
£20
|
No. 98
|
Colin Green
|
|
£10
|
No. 80
|
Mrs. Love
|
SWYRE
Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall
3 Green Barton, Swyre
Tel: 897318
s.marshall@which.net
*********************************************************
Harvest Thanksgiving
Apologies to all our readers. I got it wrong in September's
BVN. Our Harvest Service will definitely be at 6.30pm on 5th
October, followed by Harvest Supper (see separate announcement).
Anthony Ashwell
Puncknowle
and Swyre Parish Council 7th October 2003
The Parish Council will meet at 7.30 on the 7th
October at Puncknowle Church Hall.
We are expecting two speakers. Ms Lisa Marshall, West
Dorset District Council recycling officer, to talk about Community
Composting and Mr Brian Evans-Johnson of Dorset Community Action to
offer guidance as to the future of the Playing field.
VITAL
VILLAGES - MAKE A DATE FOR 18th OCTOBER
The results
are in! Come to Puncknowle Hall to see and hear the presentation of
the full report.
The Vital Villages Steering Group will be hosting a Coffee
Morning from 10.30am until 12.30am, and a Cheese and Wine Evening
from 6pm until 8pm, both on the 18th October.
This will be your opportunity to discuss and help to
plan the furtherance of the report. If you are unable to come to either
of these events, and you are interested in the report please contact
any of the following; Nick and Debbie on 898506, Anna on 897322 or
Madeline on 897318.
Would you like a shopping trip to Yeovil without having
to drive?
See details under Puncknowle and West Bexington (
pages 26/27 ).
Puncknowle, Swyre & West Bexington Village Hall
Following
the Vital Villages Survey sent to all households in the three villages,
many people have expressed an interest in the future management of
the present Puncknowle Church Hall. An open meeting will be held on
the 21st October 2003 at 7.30pm in Puncknowle Church
Hall, to give information on the progress so far.
This meeting will be of particular interest to those
villagers who may wish to serve on the proposed management committee
and did not previously indicate their interest by signing the Volunteer
Sheet which accompanied the Survey Questionnaire.
POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT - HOME WATCH
Just a reminder that the Community Vehicle will be at
Puncknowle Bottom on Thursday 30th October between 5.30pm
and 6.30pm.
Andrew Marshall 897732
PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON 
Village Correspondent: Elizabeth Slater
1,
Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH
Telephone:
( 01308 ) 897751
**********************************************************
Harvest Thanksgiving
11.00am on Sunday 19th October
in church.
Anthony Ashwell
PUNCKNOWLE AND SWYRE FETE
Despite the appalling
weather on the only wet day of the summer, the final sum raised was
an amazing £4500 of which £3900 was raised on the day. The remainder
was raised by selling items afterwards mainly from the quality clothing
stall (which made £1283 in total). Altogether a very satisfactory
event due in no small part to the hard work and tenacity of all those
who battled against the elements, not to mention those who attended
and stayed long enough to spend all that money. We all look forward
to a better day next year and are always looking for helpers and organisers.
If you think you would be able to run a stall please let the committee
know, there is always a shortage of volunteers. In any case make
a note of the date. Saturday
31 July 2004.
David Jenkins
HARVEST THANKSGIVING
Church decorating Saturday
18 October 10 am. Donations of fruit, vegetables and flowers welcome.
Please come and help.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE 19 OCTOBER 11.00 am
Harvest lunch in the Church
Hall 12 noon after the service. Please sign the list at Burwell Cottage
(Ann Roberts) if you would like to come. Please indicate whether
you will give a plate of food - quiche, salad, sandwiches etc, or
something sweet or a donation. There will be a barbecue. Liquid
refreshment will be provided.
BRIDE VALLEY FLEDGLINGS PLAYGROUP
Our FUN NIGHT Fundraiser at the Crown Inn
garden was held on Saturday 9th August, and this time the weather
was beautiful! Stalls included Face Painting by parents Jayne Fournier
and Paul ..., Pick A Lolly, Spin-a-Wheel, Toy Tombola, Lucky Dips
- not forgetting the Bouncy Castle which was well used. The music
was very fot-tapping and one parent sang during the break - thanks
Sarah, what a great voice! The garden was full of families,
visitors, children and dogs - more raffle prizes were won and a good
time had by all. Thanks again to Mick for the new date, to the
Playgroup Committee/parents for all their hard work before and on
the night, and to all who supported us.
Our next big Fundraiser will be our Christmas
Bingo Night on Friday 21st November in the Hall, Puncknowle - so make
that a date for your diary to enjoy a night out and to win some great
prizes.
We have some vacancies for children for children
at Playgroup - just drop in during morning sessions on Monday, Tuesday
or Thursday to see how the Playgroup runs and to enrol your child.
Our mobile phone no. is 07967 400385 -
or ring me at home on 01308 897771 for details.
Carol
Bennett - Playleader
Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council 7th
October 2003
The Parish Council will meet at 7.30 on the 7th
October at Puncknowle Church Hall. See Swyre ( page 23 ) for
further details
VITAL VILLAGES - MAKE A DATE FOR 18th OCTOBER
The results
are in! Come to Puncknowle Hall to see and hear the presentation of
the full report. See Swyre ( page 23 ) for further details
Would you like a shopping trip to Yeovil without having
to drive?
Due to the success of the September trip to Poole the
next shopping trip is:-
Monday 6 October to Yeovil
Pick up at Puncknowle Village
Hall 9.15am
Pick up at Swyre Church
9.30am
Pick up at West Bexington Manor Hotel
9.45am
Cost is £6 per person for the journey there
and back - payable when getting on the bus.
Pick up for the return journey will be 2.00pm at the
same place as drop off (central Yeovil)
(if you miss the return pick up you will have to make
your own arrangements to get home)
Please phone 897743 and leave your name and the
number of seats required (suggest you book early as the trip to Poole
was fully booked very quickly)
If for any reason you are unable to travel please let
us know on 897743 in case others wish to take your place.
The above is an initiative organised by you local
Parish Council so please offer your support otherwise it will
be a case if it doesn't get used it won't happen again.
Puncknowle, Swyre & West Bexington
Village Hall
Following the Vital Villages Survey sent to all households
in the three villages, many people have expressed an interest in the
future management of the present Puncknowle Church Hall. An open meeting
will be held on the 21st October 2003 at 7.30pm
in Puncknowle Church Hall, to give information on the progress so
far.
This meeting will be of particular interest to those
villagers who may wish to serve on the proposed management committee
and did not previously indicate their interest by signing the Volunteer
Sheet which accompanied the Survey Questionnaire.
POLICE
COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT - HOME WATCH
Just a reminder that the Community Vehicle will be at
Puncknowle Bottom on Thursday 30th October between 5.30pm
and 6.30pm.
Andrew Marshall 897732
Puncknowle Art Group
|
Bridport Open Studios came at just the
right moment to inspire us before the start of our new season.
Many members enjoyed touring from one venue to another to
see a wide variety of styles and to talk to the artists. We
hope to paint outside for a little longer this year. Dates
for Oct. are 3rd 17th and 31st.
|
WELCOME
A warm welcome to Bruce Milree, who has recently
moved into St Giles at West Bexington with his two children Caroline
and Giles who are both attending Colfox School. Every good
wish to them for their happiness here in the Bride Valley.
Arthur
and Josephine Pearse want
to thank everyone who made our Golden Wedding celebration such an
immensely happy affair. A big thank you to those who decked
out Swyre church with flowers, to Monica and Andrew Salmon for the
service, to Elizabeth Thornburn for playing the organ and the recital
beforehand, and to our family members who read passages during the
service.
Particular thanks to our baroque
consort - Bridget and Ursula (violin),
Elizabeth (virginal) and Mark ('cello), who played Bach, Purcell and
Correlli superbly, in our garden throughout the afternoon; and to
all our
friends, relatives and helpers who made it go with such a swing. We
feel
deeply privileged to have such a lovely family and to live in so warm
and functioning a community.
Finally we want to thank everyone for all those really
lovely Golden Wedding cards we received.
Arthur & Josephine
We
add our congratulations to Arthur and Josephine. Ed.
Don't forget to check the village website
www.puncknowle.org.uk
to keep in touch with village events and find useful
information
LITTON CHENEY 
Village Correspondent:
Mrs. Elizabeth Kingston, 5 Manor Farm Close
news4litton@bridevalley.net
**********************************************************
Harvest Thanksgiving
This year, after a time of experimentation, we revert
to our customary format of having a Saturday evening Harvest Service
in church followed by Harvest Supper in the school.
Saturday 11th October 6.00pm
Service in church
7.00pm for
7.30pm Supper at the school
Anthony
Ashwell
¯¯¯¯¯¯Summer
Concert ¯¯¯¯¯¯
On Friday 15 August Paul Cheater gave an organ recital
with Tom ably assisting on the recorder and violin. They played music
of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and some more modern music
which was greatly enjoyed by a large audience, many of whom subsequently
came on to The Old Rectory for dinner prepared by a team of ladies.
As a visitor wrote afterwards, "It was a very special
evening" and the sum of £626 was raised towards the cost of a new
boiler for the church central heating.
Litton
Cheney Social Committee
After the success of last years Jubilee BBQ you asked
us to hold another similar event this year. We were quite pleased
with ourselves therefore, when over 160 villagers and friends came
to the late Summer BBQ that we held on 16th August. As
you all know it had again been a very hot week, but in the morning
as we prepared the garden at the Cottage it began to rain. Our spirits
were dampened but we carried on. Later on the sun shone again and
as you all streamed into the garden and the music began we could see
that another enjoyable evening was imminent. Thank you all for coming
and thank you to everyone who gave up their time to help, especially
John who cooked the most beautiful beef and Eddy and Sheila for the
use of their garden.
Our next event is the Harvest Celebration on Saturday
11th October. There will be a short thanksgiving service
at 6.00pm in the Church and afterwards Supper at the School - 7pm
for 7.30 - and then music to follow. We will be calling at all houses
with tickets which will be £5 each. We hope you can join us for this
event.
Kathy Kourik Secretary( 482552 )
Litton
Cheney Youth Club
The Youth Club will be meeting on Tuesday 7th
and 21st October in Litton Cheney Church Hall. The junior
session for those 8-12 years is from 6.30pm to 8.00pm and for those
13-17 years is from 8.00pm to 9.30pm. This month there will be a
mountain boarding session. A table tennis session will also take
place on Thursday 23rd October from 6.30 - 8.00 pm in Litton
Cheney Church Hall.
If any adults are interested in playing table tennis
either come along to the Church Hall on Thursday 23rd October
at 8.00 pm or contact Paul Kingston 482384.
Welcome to David and Pat and to John and Leslie
who have all moved into The Paddocks and we hope they all enjoy their
new homes and village life.
Welcome to Chris and Rachel as the new tenants
of The White Horse Inn we wish them success and happiness. Please
support your local!
John
and Debbie would like to thank all our chums and regulars
at the White Horse Inn over the past few years for their friendship
and support.
In particular, a big 'thank you' to all those
who contributed to such a novel and generous 'going away' present.
It was, and will be, most appreciated.
We wish Chris and Rachel every success in
the future, and look forward to dropping in from time to time to keep
in touch.
Thank you all again. John and Debbie.
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.
LONG BREDY
Village Correspondent:
Mrs. Elinor Frost, Bridelands ( 482269 )
*********************************************************
A coffee morning will be held on Saturday 11th
October from 10:00am to 12 noon at Long Bredy Village Hall.
This is to raise funds for the First Steps Mother and Toddler Group.
Long Bredy & Litton Cheney WI
On 2nd September the group had as a speaker
one of their own members, Mrs Peggy Cuzons who told them something
of her work as a midwife, both in hospital and for home births. This
was in the days when the means of transport for midwives was a bicycle,
but not just any old bicycle, one with a specially made padded container,
complete with cover for protection from inclement weather for taking
infants to hospital, when deemed advisable. Her peaceful slumbers
in Bournemouth Hospital could be broken by the bedside telephone summoning
a midwife, at any time during the night. The most important piece
of information was the address in the very large area covered by the
hospital.
Although street lighting was not always available, and
electricity in the house was never guaranteed, people were friendly
and always willing to help find an elusive address. Sometimes a 'bobby
on the beat' would even escort a midwife on her mission.
Once the mother and new baby were comfortable, it was
back to the hospital, hopefully, to snatch a little sleep before starting
a day's work back on the ward! She was also expected to follow up
each case, making sure that all was well. Despite these heavy demands
Peggy enjoyed her work immensely and found it rewarding and worthwhile.
The next meeting will be on 7th October when
the institute celebrates its 80th birthday with a party
in Long Bredy Village Hall; it is to be hoped that there will be as
many guests as members on this auspicious occasion.
Valerie
Shepherd
A new member of the Maltby family was born on
the 25th August, William John, a son for Maria and Giles.
Many congratulations.
Mrs
Marion Palm has kindly given
a wooden seat, in memory of her son Peter. It is in
a lovely quiet corner of the churchyard, facing the downs.
Farewell from the Fox
Family
As it has not been possible to say goodbye to everyone
in person we would like to bid a fond farewell to all our friends
and acquaintances in Long Bredy and the surrounding villages. We
haven't moved far away so, still hope to see many of you from time
to time.
Steve, Helen, Rebecca and Rachel Fox
Welcome to John and Clare Cook who have come to
live at 2 Long Bredy. We hope they enjoy life in Long Bredy.
Congratulations to Ray and Sara Winter on their
recent marriage.
LITTLEBREDY
Adult Baptism
George Powditch and Louise Kirby were baptised on 10th
August at our Family Service, and are now entitled to join the Church
Electoral Roll to prepare for their wedding next year.
Anthony
Ashwell
LITTLEBREDY NOTES.
Congratulations to Simon Jackson, whose engagement to Lucy Briggs was
announced at the end of August. The wedding will be at the romantic
venue of St. Catherine's Chapel at Abbotsbury in October. All very
best wishes for future happiness to them both.
Best wishes also to all those who have changed schools or colleges over
the summer. Josh Wilkinson has now started his scholastic career
at Thorner's School. Three villagers have moved on from there to
Colfox during the summer: Calum Armstrong, Ryan Kingston and Lucy
Tweed. Emylie Peck has now finished at the Thomas Hardye School,
and is a Swansea University student. Margaret Williams has returned
from a "gap year" working in Cape Town and has started at
Leicester University. May they all flourish in their new academic
environments.
If there is anyone who should have been in the above list but has been
left out, it was accidental, and will be corrected next month if notified!
Congratulations too to all those youngsters who have sat and passed school
exams during the summer, and have now returned there to look forward
to the next lot...!
CHILCOMBE
Harvest Thanksgiving Service will take place at 6.30 pm on Sunday 5th October.
We shall be delighted to welcome anyone from the Valley and beyond
who would like to join us for our celebration.
This will be the last service at Chilcombe before the
Christmas Carol Service.
Anniversary Event for October 2003
Fri 17th
Musical Cabaret, Friends of Mountjoy
Wed 22nd - Bridport
Heritage Forum Talk, Town Hall, Bridport Families
