FROM THE CLERGY             

"Let's start a family service at St Mary's," I said, in a fit of enthusiasm.

"When shall we have it?" they asked.

"Soon." I replied.

"Don't be so silly. You know what we mean."

And I did really. But I wanted to start a Family service quite soon because I thought it was important to have something to follow on from the toddlers service, run by the Mothers' Union on the first Friday of each month. Of course, we already have a family service once a month in St Mary's, Burton and there are family services up and down the valley. But I wanted to have one every week. It means if someone misses a couple they can come the week after, but if you have one a month and you miss a couple that is months.

So I said "Saturday morning," because I thought that this was a good time. Wrong. Everyone is doing lots of things on Saturdays. Then we thought of Friday afternoons after school, and we have been holding services this term on Friday afternoons, and very jolly they have been for those who could get there, but not many could.

Then people said that they could come on Sunday mornings, and we said "Hmmm." Then we thought "Why not? We have a 9.30 am slot every week which we could fill with a Family service." And then we looked at one another and said, "But what about the present Family service on the first Sunday of the month at 11.00?" And since there was no one there to answer but us, we did, and said, "That can be a service of B.C.P. Morning Prayer." And then we said, "Let's do it." And that is what we are going to do, starting in September and running in term times. Starting on Sunday, 4^th of September (which is nearly term time) at 9.30am.

Be there or be "shapily" challenged.                                   Bob Thorn

Funerals

On 10^th June 2005, at St Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock: Desmond Bertram Gape (Des), whose cremated Remains were buried in the Cemetery on 14^th June 2005. 

On 10^th June 2005, at St Mary's Church, Puncknowle: Joseph Sidney Simmonds.  Joe was a good friend of Des Gape. 

On 17^th June 2005, at St Mary's Church, Burton Bradstock:  Joyce Emmeline Thomas (Burial of Cremated Remains). 

24^th June            Frederick John Perrin at St Mary's Burton Bradstock

John was buried in Bridport cemetery.

4^th July            Gordon Henry Wodehouse Webby at Weymouth Crematorium.

Gordon's ashes were interred at St Mary's on Wednesday, the 6th

11^th July           Michael Ian Everitt at St Mary's, Burton Bradstock                                         Ian was buried in Burton Bradstock cemetery

Wedding

18^th June at St Mary's, Burton Bradstock         Mark Banham and Caroline Morrish

Baptism

17^th June at St Mary's, Burton Bradstock         Caroline Morrish

The Bride Valley Team - Wednesday  Housegroups

&

The Bride Valley (Thursday) Fellowship Group

No further meetings until September

Dorset Historic Churches Sponsored Cycle Ride

 Saturday 10th September 2005

Over £35,000 was raised by the Cycle Ride last year and half of this was returned to parishes immediately. The Trust has been able to help churches (of all denominations) in Dorset with grants and loans for repairs and it is essential that this work can continue. Rarely is a request turned down.

Sponsorship forms and further details may be obtained from:-

Burton Bradstock         Howard Bongers (898029).

Litton Cheney               Freddie Spicer (482617)

Littlebredy                    482642

Long Bredy                  Elinor Frost (482269)

Puncknowle                  Ann Roberts (897716)

Shipton Gorge              Janet Lane (897241)

The Casterbridge Male Voice Choir returns to

St.Mary's, Burton Bradstock

Wednesday 21st September, 7.30pm

See page 11 for further details

 

Sunday 14^th August 2005 - Church Service at St Mary's Burton Bradstock

There will be a service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at 11.00 am on Sunday 14th August 2005. On this, the 60th Anniversary of VJ day and the end of the Second World War, we will remember the sacrifice of all those who served their country between 1939 and 1945 and give thanks for the freedom that they helped to ensure for future generations.  The Royal British Legion will help to lead this service and will remember those from the Bride valley who gave their lives during the conflict.  All are most welcome to attend this service.

Saturday 13^th August 2005 - Exhibition 'The Forgotten War'  

To commemorate VJ Day and the end of the Second World War it is planned to mount an Exhibition in the Reading Room in Burton Bradstock - 10.30 am to 6.30 pm on Saturday 13^th August.  I would be grateful if anyone in the Bride Valley who served in South East Asia or the Far East in the Second World War and who would like to contribute anecdotes and/or memorabilia would get in touch with me on the phone number below by 8^th August latest.  We would like to include as many personal reminiscences as possible.  Any artifacts will be very carefully looked after.

Susan Moores - 01308 897673

Litton Cheney Youth Club

The Youth Club is open to everyone between the ages of 8 and 17 years who live in the Bride Valley.  The Youth Club will have no sessions during August but resumes on 8^th September.  For further details please look in the Litton Notes.

First Steps Parent and Toddler Group 

Autumn sessions begin on Wednesday 7^th September. We may get together during the holidays, please phone Rachel for details - 482246.

Bride Valley Scout Group

The group are pleased to announce that the Scout Section will re-start in September 2005, and are in the process of appointing a new Scout Leader.  The group, are keen to recruit new leaders and helpers on a regular basis.  If you feel that you have the qualities required to work with the young people of the valley in this capacity, please contact Denise Hunt.

From January 2006 the group will become co educational, and girls will be welcomed into the Beaver Section.

For any details on the above issues, please contact Denise Hunt on 01308 458007.

Bride  Valley  Fledglings Playgroup

Our June fund-raiser Coffee Morning with Photographer raised about £140, which was marvellous. I thank everybody who did support us by bringing the family along for a photo, or in other ways - like spending some money! 

We welcomed two new children into the group in June - Ben Jones and Sally Carruthers - both settled in really quickly and joined in everything.

Our visit to Modbury Farm was very enjoyable, seeing the goats, pigs, cows & calves, vegetables growing, and the chickens and ducks. Sorry if I left any animals out, Julie,  - we also bought some things in the farm shop before going back to the Hall. Our Playgroup Outing  on 12th of July was to the Sealife Centre in Weymouth.  

Hattie the Clown came to see us in July and told us about Three Blind Mice - made from balloons!! We talked about "Our World" this half term - where we live, what towns we go to, the countryside, holidays and the seaside.  We also had visits from Pam Coventry who read stories to us and Sally's mum - thank you everyone. The children get a lot out of meeting other people and interacting with them.  Mrs. May also came with Mrs. Hooper to meet children starting school  and those children also spent two mornings visiting Thorner,s School. We ended the term with our Bouncy Castle and Picnic , plus presentations to our leavers.

About our move - at time of writing, Playgroup was still waiting for final Ofsted approval - the committee and staff have been liaising with school re accommodation - safety aspects still have to be checked but we are getting organised in readiness. A dad, Andrew Wallis, has offered to help us move when the time comes - supplying boxes and van - thanks Andy.  It will be a sad time when we do say goodbye to Puncknowle Hall, with all the memories there - and all the children who have been through the doors - and all the parents and people who have helped us over the years.  If you are one of them - thanks once again.

Once Playgroup has moved, we will be offering more sessions in the afternoon plus Lunch Club as well as our 3 morning sessions.  So if you are interested in information for September, please ring our phone number/s  - we still have places for children at all sessions.

Carol Bennett (Playleader)  :  01308 897771 Playgroup Mobile Phone : 07967 400385 

Burton Bradstock CE VC School

As promised last month I begin with an update of the events that we have taken part in.  As far as the Cluster competitions were concerned we were pleased to come third in the Swimming Gala and delighted to win the Athletics at Symondsbury.  This capped a terrific year of sport for us.  Our Summer Music Concert was a great success and we continue to be most grateful for the visits of our specialist music teachers.  Later in the month Class 4 children enjoyed an afternoon of 'Classroom Groove' led by Chas and Mike of the Dorset Music Service.  After a workshop the children joined the musicians to perform a short concert to the rest of the school.  The rhythm continued with a Samba band the following week.  Our 'One World Week' used Greece as its theme and culminated in an exhibition of children's work in our hall.  There has not been a dull moment.

Still on a music theme the PTA Summer Event was greatly enjoyed as parents and villagers relaxed to the sounds of two local bands and the dulcet tones of the Rector, Bob.  A buffet meal and bar completed the scene and a good time was had by all.

At the time of going to print our roll numbers for this September are still uncertain because there is often movement during the summer.  Someone once commented, "If you find a perfect church don't join - you'll only spoil it!"  The same could be said of schools.  The truth is none of us are perfect.  We try to do the best we can within our own context and ultimately those of us who make up the school community whether as teacher, child, parent or governor, take responsibility for the part we play.  There will always be things we can improve or develop and we look to do this within the constraints of available resources.  The new Ofsted arrangements for the inspection of schools come into effect this September.  From now on we will get just a few days notice of the inspectors calling and the emphasis is very much on the school's own self-evaluation systems.  So we can never rest on our laurels - the chance would be a fine thing.   

Mark Stratta

100 Club June Winners:-

£20 Mandy Burwood      £10- Mrs Veda Bull     £5- Clare Marley

Bride Valley Gardening Club

Straight off the press  - we had the Mini Show this afternoon  - July l0th at Thorner's School   Litton Cheney and as this is the BVN deadline, here are the results.  It was an incredibly hot day  -  almost too hot for members and visitors to sit out as we usually do if the weather is fine   -   for those of you who will remember that far back when the News comes out.  We had an excellent turn out of entries and a good number of people voting and enjoying tea and cakes in the Valley.

So here are the results with villages of entries:-

Class	1st	2nd	3rd
Class l.   A Single Rose	Ann Miles  Litton Cheney	Dorothy Randell Litton Cheney
Class 2.   Annuals. 3 stems	Ann Miles Litton Cheney	Nancy  Viccars Litton Cheney	Jonathan Cull West Bexington
Class 3.    Perennials	Max Bonner   = Gerald Benselin =	West Bexington  Shipton Gorge
Class 4.  Single stem - flowering shrub.	Norma Millard. West Bexington	Pam Jukes Burton Br'stock	K. Martin   Swyre
Class  5    Pot Plant	G. Rowlands  Litton Cheney	Jan Shaw          Shipton Gorge
Class 6.    3 Named Herbs	James Davy Puncknowle	Jan Shaw     Shipton Gorge
Class 7.      Fuchsia	A. Gardener    Puncknowle
Class 8.      Fruit of same variety	Brian Shaw Shipton Gorge	Val Cameron    Long Bredy
Class 9   Vegetables -                3 of any l variety	Brian Shaw Shipton Gorge	Ed Miles  Litton Cheney
Class l0    Mixed Vegs.	Jenny Prentice Litton Cheney	Paul Kingston  Litton Cheney
Class 11 - Floral       Arrangement	Norma Millard    West Bexington	H. ffoulkes   K. Russell	Jan Shaw   Shipton  Gorge
Class 12    Handicraft	Liz Jacoby  West Bexington	Pam Jukes Burton Br'stock	Dianne ffoulkes
Class 13 Mother Nature's Mistakes	Pam Jukes Burton Br'stock
Class 14   Photographs   Close up from the garden	Rachel  Litton Cheney	Norma Millard    West Bexington	John Rowlands

Our next event is the outing to Highgrove - the home of Prince Charles in August.  The next Indoor meeting will be in October  - watch the BVNews for more information! Thanks to all for helping and participating at the Show  - good fun  - not too serious!

                                           Norma Millard  - Club Secretary    - West Bex. 897774                 

 TRAFALGAR DORSET

Celebrating the passage of the New Trafalgar Dispatch through our County

At Burton Bradstock

 On Sunday 21st August 2005

Part of the national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Horatio Nelson

See Page 13 for further details

Burton Bradstock Players

Playreading evenings will be held every Thursday in September, starting on 1^st September - at 7.30 p.m. in the Reading Room, Burton Bradstock. See page15 for further details                                        D.Ekins

25^th Burton Bradstock Festival

and Art Exhibition

18^th  19^th  &  20^th August

See Page 14 for further details

BURTON BRADSTOCK                                    

Village Correspondent  Mr Basil Dent

2, Norburton, Burton Bradstock. Tel:- (01308) 897125

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Mid Week Worship -                                                                    

Holy Communion          Wednesdays at 10.00 a.m.

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Bell Ringing Practices Thursdays at 7.00pm

Gift Sunday                   21^st August    Church Mission Society

The next Service of Prayer for Healing at St Mary's will be held on Monday 15^th August at 7.00pm.

                                                                             

St Mary's Church Fete

The annual Church Fete will take place on Thursday 4^th August 2005, the proceeds of which are to be given towards the annual running costs and upkeep in the life and work of St Mary's Church in Burton Bradstock. 

Thank you for all the offers of help to date.  We still need someone to organise the book stall, and someone to organise the plant stall (along with some helpers).  If you can help out with either of these then please contact Ann Read on 897445.  Helpers for one or two games would also be welcomed, if you would like to run a game then please contact Peter Broomhead on 897408.  Many thanks. 

If anyone is willing to help with the site setting-up on the evening of Wednesday 3^rd August and the clearing away following the end of the fete on Thursday 4^th August then please contact Steve Dove on 897695.  Thank you. 

Donations for the various stalls can be dropped off on the morning of the fete from 10.30am onwards or given to the persons listed below in advance:

General Tombola

Water-into-Wine

Plants

Bottle Tombola - contact Kate & Bernard Chennels 897066

Toys/Games/Jigsaws - contact Pat Broomhead 897408

Books - contact Pauline Woodford 898327

Auction Gifts - Susan Moores 897673

Filled Jars (value 50p) - contact Margaret Oldridge

Baby Goods - contact Margaret Ackland 897872

Fancy Goods - contact Joan Gillett 897656

Cards & Crafts - contact Jane Stubbs 898002

Garden Produce - contact Tom Holmes 897046

Cakes & Preserves - contact Betty Champkins 897419

White Elephant - contact Pat Broomhead 897408

Lucky Dip (wrapping paper only) - contact Thelma Skues 898032

Grand Draw prizes - contact Pauline Woodford 898327

Your help is much appreciated, the fete cannot be a success without it.  Many thanks.

                                                                   Ray West Fete Working Party Co-ordinator

 

The Casterbridge Male Voice Choir returns to St.Mary's!

Wednesday 21st September, 7.30pm

When this well known choir came to St.Mary's last year it produced an excellent programme of pieces and sang to a packed church. Now we are delighted to say that they are returning to Burton Bradstock, this time to sing in aid of our Project 2005, to equip a new medical clinic in our link diocese of Maridi in Southern Sudan and we are very much looking forward to having them with us. Book the date in your diary now!

Admission by programme at the door  £6

 

Treacle mine.

All is set. We have permission, thanks to an Elizabethan charter discovered for us by John Packenham-Walsh. We have the mine glistening with a crude syrupy substance, and we have begun to assemble the bits of kit we need to process the material. In the interests of keeping our neighbours sweet (and if they will ever forgive this terrible pun) I am at pains to point out that the amount of equipment involved is very small. Apparently miniaturization has come to the treacle industry as it has to every other sphere of life, and what once would have squeezed into a large building can now be housed in a small room of the kind that we have set into the tunnel itself. One of these rooms will house the small amount of equipment, and the other is the site of the treacle intrusion itself.

The Burton Bradstock fete is on Thursday the 4^th  August, when parts of the treacle mine will be open for viewing. I have to say parts, because part of the roof of the tunnel is now held up with props, in part necessary because of the geological pressure of the treacle. Anyway, parts will be on view, and there will be a range of treacle based products on sale. Be there, be sticky.                                                                            Bob Thorn

Burton Bradstock Library

A reminder of the opening hours:-

Monday	....	3.00 - 5.30pm
Tuesday	.....	10.30am - 12 noon
Wednesday	....	CLOSED
Thursday	....	3.00 - 5.30pm
Friday	....	3.00 - 6.30pm
Saturday	....	CLOSED

 

25^th Burton Bradstock Festival

and Art Exhibition

St Mary's Church      18^th - 20^th August 2005

London Festival Players (Leader David Juritz)

Soloists will include

       David Mason (trumpet)       Mary Ryan  (flute)

       Neil Black (oboe)                Janice Knight (oboe)

       Victoria Soames Samek (clarinet)  David Juritz  (violin)   

       Christopher Wellington (viola)  Adrian Bradbury (cello)

        Hubert Dawkes (keyboard )   Simon Lindley (organ)

Programme highlights

Thu 12-30pm          Pieces for organ, flute, violin and trumpet (tba)

Thu   7-30pm          Mozart - Clarinet Quintet            

                                 Haydn - "Sunrise" Quartet

                                 "Ferdinand the Bull"

Fri    7-30pm            Mozart -Flute Quartet in D

                                 Hummel - Military Septet

                                 Mozart - Kegelstadt Trio

Sat    7-30pm           "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"

Telemann - Concerto for trumpet & two oboes

Tchaikovsky - Serenade for Strings

Tickets:   Season (all concerts) - £30

                 Evening (good view) - £10   (restricted view) - £8

                 Lunchtime - £7

                 Available from       Mike Southgate 01308 897487 or    

                                                BB Post Office

Art Exhibition

Associated with the festival will be an exhibition of paintings by more than twenty five West Dorset artists. This exhibition will be in the Village Hall and will be open in the afternoons and early evenings during the festival.

Dorset Historic Churches Sponsored Cycle Ride

Saturday 10th September 2005

Sponsorship forms may be obtained from Howard Bongers (898029). See page 3 for further details.

Burton Bradstock Players

We will once again be holding a series of informal Playreading evenings in September.   These evenings are great fun and you will not be asked to 'do' anything, except read a part if you want to - and you can come just to listen if you wish!   If you have not been before, do come along - everyone is welcome.   The readings will be held every Thursday in September, starting on 1^st September - at 7.30 p.m. in the Reading Room, Burton Bradstock.                                                               D.Ekins

Burton Bradstock W.I.

June:  On a pleasant, sunny evening 42 members met for the June meeting, Margaret Holmes taking the Chair in the absence of the President. The speaker was Mr. Martin Fielding, a vet from Weymouth; his subject was My Life as a Vet. He related the lighter side of it, and kept his audience in gales of laughter - most enjoyable.

After business and reports, final arrangements were given for the Safari Supper on the 17^th, for the Cream Teas hosted by Heather Thomson on the 25th (with proceeds to the Joseph Weld Hospice in memory of Wendy Green) and for the next walk. Joan Allen won the flower of the month competition.                                                                     Jean Leach.

Burton Bradstock Flower & Produce Show

Once again a wonderful turn out of entries despite some difficult growing conditions earlier in the year. The Cup winners were:-

Louisa May Cup	Jill Wotherspoon
Bugler Cup	Ralph Sexton
Cracroft Challenge Cup	Gillian Redford
Gordon Knight Cup	Heather Seadon
Flower Arranger Trophy	Richard Seebohm
Cookery & Home Produce	Elaine Tame
Knightsmith Trophy	Noreen Short
Mallinson Cup	Val Parsons
Photography Cup	Margaret Harding
Millennium Trophy	Margaret Tebbs

Burton Bradstock Village Hall

200 Club

Congratulations to:

1^st Prize:           Linda Bongers              £23.60

2^nd Prize:          Joan Gillett                   £11.80

3^rd Prize:           Maureen Miller £ 5.90

Just £5 will now purchase a £1 ticket for each of the remaining 5 draws this year, including the one with double prizes in December. If you would like to join in please call John Grantham, 'The Promoter,' for and on behalf of the Burton Bradstock Village Hall Trust on 01308-897935.

The Village Hall Trust is a trust registered with the local authority, the West Dorset District Council. Lotteries Licence No. LA005.

Village Weekend - Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th August 2005

As you will have read in the Valley Notes, there is to be a weekend of commemoration and thanksgiving to mark the 60^th Anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the Second World War.

On Saturday 13^th August there will be an Exhibition in the Burton Bradstock Reading Room concentrating on 'The Forgotten War' - the war in South East Asia and the Far East.   Doors will open at 10.30 am and will remain open until 6.30 pm. 

On Sunday 14^th August there will be a church service at 11.00 am in St Mary's and in the afternoon a Village Tea Party in the Rectory Gardens from 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm.  If wet, the tea party will be held in the Village Hall.  Entry to the Tea Party will be by ticket only and all residents of Burton Bradstock will be eligible for complimentary tickets.  If you have friends or relations who would like to come, they will be most welcome and each non-resident ticket will be £1.00.  All tickets will be available from Burton Bradstock Post Office from Monday 1^st August.  There will be entertainment, children's races, food, cash bar and a raffle. We hope people of all ages will come along and enjoy themselves.

Susan Moores - Secretary, Burton Bradstock Village Hall Committee

Artsreach

Friday 2^nd September - 7.30 pm

"Brave Nelson Fought and Fell" 

Based on the Remarks book of Richard Roberts, a sailor from Burton Bradstock who served on board H.M.S. Victory at Trafalgar, folk musician and actor TIM LAYCOCK tells the story and recreates life on board a ship of the line in 1805.

Performed in period costume with fiddle accompaniment, traditional stories and songs of the time.  Tim will be joined by fiddle player Sharon Undo from the New Scorpion Band. Don't miss this evening of local history and entertainment for all the family.  Tickets will be available soon from the Post Office. Further enquiries phone Norman Saunders-White on 01308 897214

Friday 16^th September 7.30 pm

Burton Bradstock Village Hall will turn into the Rialto cinema for a 'Trilith Film Show'

Trilith local film archive will present and perform a programme of silent films with live piano accompaniment by Madame Anna Jenkins.  Why not dress up in the style of the period and see the first moving pictures at Burton Bradstock's very own cinema, 'The Rialto', (The Village Hall).  More news of this event later.

Saturday 8^th October 7.30 pm

"The Importance Of Being Earnest - By Oscar Wilde

Possibly the only chance of seeing this latest triumph of the RIDICULUSMUS Theatre Company in Dorset.  Direct from The Barbican, London and their sell-out success in Australia.  Directed by Jude Kelly, this production follows the Wilde script, but ALL parts are played by the two cast members , David and Jon! You daren't miss this! More news later.

Norman Saunders-White - Promoter for Artsreach  01308 897214

British Heart Foundation  Garden Party 19^th June 2005

Having had such a lovely sunny day, we are delighted to confirm that a total of £1,100.00 has been been forwarded to B.H.F. We would like to thank everyone who gave gifts for the stalls and raffles, or who gave such generous donations. We would particularly like to thank all our wonderful friends and neighbours who, as always, gave their time so willingly on the day to help us - and special thanks to David (Powell) and his two friends who provided us with such lovely musical entertainment all afternoon and the handbell ringers (Linda and Basil) who also made such a happy contribution. Many many thanks to you all.

John and Veda Bull  Linden Cottage

Justin & Juliana Mallinson of Bredy wish to thank very much all those who sent them Get-well cards, phoned or called in, over his DIY accident, and her trip fall in Bridport. They are progressing slowly.

SHIPTON GORGE                                                         

Village Correspondent: Mrs. Joy White

Eastcote  3 Gullivers Orchard  Shipton Gorge

Tel: ( 01308 )897974

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All Age Communion   St. Martin's Church     7^th August 11.00am

All are welcome to join us in this service, when people of all ages and denominations can come together to sing traditional hymns and modern songs of worship and praise. We especially encourage our young people and those who are not confirmed to take part in the celebration of Holy Communion. After the service we will be enjoying a picnic in the field by the Village Hall, by kind permission of Roger and Rose Sorrel, and drinks will be available from the hall.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust Great Cycle Ride

This marvellous, annual " keep fit " event is open to everyone who can ride a bike, so come and join our noisy band of cyclists on Saturday, September 10th, when we shall meet at the telephone kiosk at l0.00a.m., make our way through the beautiful Bride valley to Little Bredy, and enjoy our well deserved picnic by the lake. The aim is to raise as much money as we can for the Trust; and if you would like to know more about this, contact me on: 897241. I shall have sponsorship forms in August-- the ride will take us to seven churches in the valley, where we will have our sponsor forms signed, and refreshments will be provided. We welcome anyone who would like to come along "just for the ride!"

Janet Lane

Advance Notices

Harvest Festival    Sunday, October 9th at 9.30am

Harvest Supper      Wednesday, October 12th at 7.30pm

Details in September edition

Tower News

The monthly practice of the West Dorset Branch of the Diocesan Guild will be held at St. Martin's between 7.00 and 9.00pm on Saturday 13^th August. All Guild members are welcome.

Moviola  'Ladies In Lavender'                                        

On Monday 5^th September at Shipton Gorge Village Hall, Moviola will be screening the wonderful film Ladies In Lavender with Judy Dench and Maggie Smith.  This has been the most successful film ever shown by Moviola and is appearing by popular request (even by those who have already seen it!)  Great atmosphere and Cornish period 1930s landscapes.  Tickets £4 from Doris Benselin 897562,  Jo Warren 897948 or from the New Inn.

Artsreach        'With A Little Bit Of Luck'

Our autumn Artsreach programme starts on Wednesday 28^th September 'With a Little Bit of Luck' (no, really, it will start then!)  This is the happy go lucky story of Stanley Holloway - the man, the music, the monologues, who, by his own admission, had a show-business career peppered with 'little bits of luck'.  The show is performed by Dave Sealey (of Cosmotheka) who takes us on a roller-coaster journey along the road to Stanley's fabulous rise to fame.  On the way we meet old favourites like Sam Small and Albert Ramsbottom ('yon Lion's 'et Albert!), together with the fabulous songs 'With her head tucked underneath her arm', 'I'm getting married in the morning' and, with luck, 'With a little bit of luck!' for which he was so well known.  This show is in its second year of touring and is attracting sell-out audiences wherever it goes. Tickets £6 from Doris Benselin 897562,  Jo Warren 897948 or from the New Inn.

So, here you have two great nights out in September for a combined price of just £10 - why not buy both your tickets at the same time!

Shipton Gorge Village Society

13 August       Village Fair in and around the Village Hall starting at 2.00pm. Books, Bric-a-brac, Cakes, Games, New-to-you,    Raffles, Teas, Tombola, and many more! Please contact Sally (897168) with your donations

Calendar

Pictures of people in village scenes are needed to compile a calendar of former times and present.-day. Does anyone have any suitable photos they would care to lend for this purpose? Contact: Sally, 897168    

Aquabox

Thank-you to everyone who came to the Coffee Morning on Saturday 2^nd July. Many items were pledged for the Shipton Aquabox. There are a few items still needed before the Aquabox is complete; there is a list of these on the notice board outside the Village Hall. Please have a look and see if there is anything you can donate. Once full the Aquabox  is returned to the Charity where it is kept in storage ready to be sent anywhere in the world to provide immediate aid after a disaster.                                                                                                             Chris Hewlett

Coffee Morning

Another Village Coffee Morning will be held at 10.30am on Saturday 3^rd September. Come along for a chat, cake and cup of coffee.

Chris Hewlett &  Alice Townsend

Shipton Gorge Village Hall 100 Club

July Draw Winners

£20	No.97	Janet Lane
£10	No.14	Anthony Kilroy

SWYRE                                                                                   

Village Correspondent: Sid Marshall

3 Green Barton, Swyre Tel: 897318

s.marshall@which.net

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Holy Trinity   Saturday 13th August, 10am - 12noon

Summer holiday working party in the churchyard.

There are all sorts of jobs to be done from tidying, sweeping and weeding to cutting back of hedges. Do come if you can, and do what you can to keep our churchyard in good order. It's also a good chance to meet and get to know people while you work.

Wanted........Help and Contributions

The Village Community of Swyre is organising a Sale of Allsorts on Sunday August 28th and Monday August 29^th at the Bull Inn Swyre between 11.00am and 4.00pm, proceeds in aid of:- 50% Dorset Air Ambulance and 50% Swyre Community Fund.

What do we need?   Donations, goods to sell, man power i.e. volunteers,

people to donate or make goods, and to help on the day.

What are we selling? Goodwill..Cakes ... Preserves ... Bric-a-brac... Plants ... Fancy goods ... Dolls ... Books ... Raffle.

Please volunteer and contact Val Pye 897426 or Maggie May 898167 to offer your goods and services. And please make a note in your diary to come. Thank you.

PUNCKNOWLE      SWYRE      WEST BEXINGTON

Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council

Parish Council Meeting

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 6^th September in the Puncknowle Church Hall at 7.30pm.

Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington Homewatch

 August is now upon us and we now have an influx of visitors enjoying our lovely countryside. Please be aware though. Make sure you do not leave doors and windows open when you go out and also make sure you do not leave valuables in view in you car as these are tempting targets for those who are not visiting because of the scenery.

The traffic warning signs in Looke Land and Springfield have now been in place for over three months, they have gone to Amber once and Red once.  I am glad to say for the majority of the three months they have been Green. We shall be sending a questionnaire to each resident to find out if they were popular. If they have been a success, all of Puncknowle will be included in the scheme.

Sadly I have to announce that I will be giving up as Homewatch Co-ordinator in September due to health and family commitments. So if there is anyone in the Parish who would like to take over please let me know. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the representatives in the three villages for their support over my time as Co-ordinator.                                                                   Andy Marshall 897732   

Puncknowle and Swyre Village Hall

The first Annual General Meeting of the Puncknowle and Swyre Village Hall was held at the Church Hall Puncknowle on Monday 27^th June. Regretfully the attendance was very low consisting mainly of the original steering committee.

During the past year very little progress had been made in arranging for the lease of the Puncknowle Church Hall, presently held by the Puncknowle Parochial Church Council, to be transferred to the Trustees of the Puncknowle and Swyre Village Hall Charity. The steering committee had set up the Trust, appointed Solicitors and arranged for Holding Trustees to be appointed. Meetings had been held with the representatives of the Puncknowle P.C.C. and agreement of terms for the transfer had been approved. Since the original lease had come from the Salisbury Diocese they have to be involved in the transfer and it is here that the considerable delay has occurred. We received a copy of the proposed new lease in March this year and discussed it with our Solicitor. He made representations to the Solicitors acting for the Diocese on our behalf and the revised lease has just been received. There is a further problem in that the original title deed to the hall cannot be found at the Diocese.  We have been warned by our Solicitor that this could lead to a further long delay.

All this has led, not surprisingly, to a feeling of frustration by the committee and a serious falling away of interest by many villagers who had had excellent ideas for the use of the Hall and its development for the benefit of the community. Hence the low turnout at the Annual General Meeting.

The members of the steering committee were formally appointed to the new committee in their present capacities. They have agreed to continue to press for the transfer of the lease but would wish the villagers to confirm their interest.

If you have any comments on the above or wish to confirm your interest in future activities at the hall please contact David Buckland (Chair) on 898492 or Sid Marshall (Treasurer) on 897318.

Sid Marshall

PUNCKNOWLE & WEST BEXINGTON                          

Village Correspondent:  Elizabeth Slater

1, Lytton Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BH

Telephone: ( 01308 ) 897751

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Pun Fun - A Barbecue Evening

Friday 5^th August, 7.30 - 10pm

"Over the road" opposite 30, Springfield, Puncknowle.

Any one, any age is welcome.  Come and meet, chat and enjoy yourself.

Salads and bread are provided just bring your own meat/fish/veg. to cook and tipple as required plus something to sit on.

Contact Nos: 897953 or 897751

Children's Society

The local Committee of the Society would like to thank all those who participated in the delightful Coffee Morning at the Old Rectory.

We are extremely grateful to Sir Charles and Lady Gray for welcoming us to their home.  Our thanks to all who came and those who helped to make it a happy and successful occasion.  £130 was raised for the work of the Children's Society, nationally and locally.                   Pam Coventry

The Great Cycle Ride

The Dorset Historic Churches Cycle Ride will take place this year on Saturday 10 September.  It is a great day out for young and old alike.  The sponsorship money raised is divided equally between your local church and the Trust.  Sponsor forms may be obtained from Ann Roberts, Burwell Cottage, Puncknowle.  Tel.897716

Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup

See Page 5 for report

LITTON CHENEY                                                       

Village Correspondent:Josie Belasco, 

11 Manor Farm Close, Litton Cheney

Telephone: (01308) 482484

jo.belasco@tiscali.co.uk

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Music for a Summer Evening

Paul Cheater will be entertaining us with his selection of music on Friday 12^th August in St. Mary's Church.  To put us all in a suitably relaxed mood, there will be drinks and eats beforehand, served in the beautiful setting of The Old Rectory garden, from 6.45 p.m.  Tickets priced at £7.50, which includes refreshments, are available in advance from Wendy & David Taylor at Malahide, Litton Cheney.  (Tel: 482532). 

Proceeds to St. Mary's Church.                                Wendy and David Taylor

Producers Market - Saturday 20 August - White Horse Inn

 After a very successful June market, followed we hope (at the time of going to press) by a bright and sunny July market, we are now looking forward to Saturday 20 August when we will hold our third Producers Market at the White Horse Inn, Litton Cheney from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm.

 The markets have provided the means for many of the Bride Valley and other local producers to make their products available to local residents, visitors and holiday makers. Set in the grounds of the village pub, the event has become an enjoyable meeting point for many people when they can view the excellent produce on offer, chat and relax with a coffee or something stronger, and then return to their abode with something tasty for tea or supper. Do come along and bring a friend/s.

If you would like to know more about the market, or indeed sell your produce there please call John Firrell on 482313 or Wendy Taylor on 482532. Further markets are planned for Saturday 17 September, Saturday 15 October and a Christmas market on Saturday 19 November.

John Firrell

 Litton Cheney Social Committee

Well done to Gill and the children who won first prizes at the Treasure Hunt.  Thank you very much to Sally who organised the clues - she did a grand job. Over 130 people attended the BBQ this year, the sun could not have come out at a better time, and judging from the feed back everyone had a really good time.  Route 66 provided the music which was enjoyed by all and the fireworks were a great success.  Thank you to all who helped make this event such a success, especially Gordon, Brian, Chris, Steve and Pete. Thank you Sheila and Eddie for the use of your beautiful garden.

Please note change of date for the August Village Walk, which will now be on Sunday 21st August.  Meet at the bus shelter at 10.00am for a walk of about 5 miles stopping at a pub for lunch.

                                                               Kathy Kourik Secretary LCSC 482552

Dorset Historic Churches Trust Sponsored Cycle Ride

This year's ride will take place on Saturday, 10^th September. As usual the object is to raise money for the Trust by cycling, walking or riding and calling at churches on the way; half the money raised goes to the Trust and the other half to the church or your choice, (hopefully St Mary's). You can put into the event just what suits you - a leisurely stroll around some stunning countryside with a picnic or pub on the way or a Litton rider ( a bottle of champagne awaits the new record holder). Whether you take part or just kindly sponsor someone please be assured the money is put to very good use in helping to maintain the Country's many historic church buildings; St Mary's has benefited in the past and no doubt will again in the future. Please contact Freddie Spicer 482617 for sponsorship forms and a list of the churches to visit.

Litton Cheney Youth Club

The Youth Club which is open to everyone in the Bride Valley aged between 8 and 17 years will not have any sessions during August.  The first session in the Autumn is on Thursday 8^th September, 6.30pm to 8.30pm - Archery and Volleyball at the Playing Field.  For further information contact Paul Kingston 482384

Advance notice

Litton Cheney Playing Field Association's Fun Day Sunday 11^th September.

Lithe Litton Ladies

Mondays  1st, 8^th, 15th, 22nd August     Church Hall      6.00pm -7.30pm

Note:  no class on the 29^th of August as this is a bank holiday

Newcomers are welcome  - just wear comfortable clothes and bring a towel and bottle of water.

For more details contact Alison Davidson on 482661

Peggy and Andrew would like to thank everyone who came to their Diamond  wedding party and made it such a happy day. Many thanks also for all the lovely cards received. Special thanks to Margaret and Hugh Thomas, Janice and David Hearn and helpers for all their hard work

And a thank-you to everyone who has welcomed me so warmly into the Bride Valley News fold.                                                           Josie Belasco

LONG BREDY                                                         

Village Correspondent:

Mrs. Elinor Frost, Bridelands  ( 482269 )

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The Historic Churches Dorset Cycle Ride is on Saturday 10^th September 10:00am - 6:00pm. Sponsorship forms are available from the church or Elinor.  On bikes, walking or horses, it's a fun day: have a go!  It is most enjoyable and refreshments are provided at most of the churches.

Long Bredy & Litton Cheney WI

The next meeting is 6^th September at Long Bredy Hall: an OPEN meeting 'Underwear through the Ages'.  More information next month

New arrivals in the village are: Phoebe Charlotte Smith, a daughter for Kate and Daniel and sister for May, and Isabella Schwinge, daughter for Guy and Clare and sister to Ann and Ben.  Congratulations to them all.

LITTLEBREDY                                                                  

John & Patricia Barker would like to thank everyone from near and far whose attendance or practical help enabled their Barn Dance on the 2^nd July to be such a social and financial success.  Over £1,500.00 was raised for CancerCare Dorset and Cystic Fibrosis Research.

If this magazine is delivered in time, this reminder of the Combined Family Service in Church here at 11.00 a.m. on Sunday 31^st July, followed by a picnic beside the lake (weather permitting) will not be in vain.

Last month's edition gave early notice of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust sponsored cycle ride, which will be held this year on Saturday 10^th September.  This is a sponsored ride - or walk, or however one wants to do it (other than by car!) - visiting as many Dorset churches as possible, with half the sponsorship proceeds going to the Trust and half to the Church of the participant's choice.  It can be a great family day out, and (once White Hill is surmounted), there is a comparatively flat circular route to the east of here taking in at least half a dozen Churches.  The Dales at The Old Parsonage have kindly agreed to organise the paperwork in Littlebredy this year, so anyone interested in taking part and raising sponsorship should please ring them on 482642.  Nonie may well be seeking extra volunteers to help the Church in this way - especially with the restoration of the organ in view - as well.

A warm welcome to Beech Tree Cottage to Clare Byrde-Yarham and her sons Jacoby (16) and Gabriel (13).  May this become a true home for them, and their time here be long and happy.