The Parish of Sixpenny Handley and Pentridge, Including Woodyates, Deanland and Minchington

The Parish of Sixpenny Handley and Pentridge, including Woodyates, Deanland and Minchington

Delivered by Sixpenny Handley Homewatch April 2019

Tornados sweeping through the Mach Loop at high speed between Dolgellau and Machynlleth. The Mach Loop is a designated low-ﬂ ying area for fast jet training. It is a haven for photographers who over the years have captured spectacular videos and still images of crews following the contours of the Welsh mountains and hills. “Tonka” article on page 38 Photos by Gareth Jones

Views expressed in this magazine are those of our correspondents and contributors and do not necessarily reﬂ ect the opinions held by the Editor or Members of Sixpenny Handley with Pentridge Parish Council. This publication does not endorse the products or services advertised within. Directory

Parish Councillors Sixpenny Handley Police Chairman Cllr C Taylor 553148 Nicholas Lee, Verwood Police Stn 07825 521761 Cllr D Adams 552284 01202 222222 Cllr R Adams 553032 Police non-emergency number 101 Cllr C Baker-Smith 552978 Dementia Friend Champion Hazel Kileen 552980 Cllr B Boyland 552805 Sixpenny Handley Allotment Holders Association Cllr S McLean 552910 Chairman John Curtis 552397 Vice-Chair Cllr J Reed 516390 Secretary Steve Barrett 552121 Cllr A Turner 552735 Schools Pentridge Cllr Ms J Henry 553036 First School Handley First School 552356 Middle School Cranborne Middle School 517348 Upper School Queen Elizabeth’s School Clerk Ciona Nicholson 552211 Wimborne 01202 885233 Parish Off ice 552211 Little Pennies Pre-School 552997 Dorset Council Cllr S Tong 01258 840061 Matt Reeks (Chairperson) 07825 054376 Dorset Council Cllr Steve Butler 01725 517412 Becky Wallworth (Business Manager) 01725 552997 Email: [email protected] Happy Nappy Club Member Parliament Simon Hoare 02072 192787 Lucy Barr 07508 691323 Rights of Way Liaison Off icers Milly Bones 07525 248890 Sixpenny Handley J Reed 516390 1st Woodcutts Scout Group Pentridge Mrs M Jones 552358 Group Scout Leader John Curtis 552397 The Downsman Team Explorers Anthony Brown 552814 Editor [email protected] Scout Leader Rob Easton 552038 Treasurer & Distribution Tony Gibb 552704 Cub Leader Andy Young 01258 830861 Advertising Nick Hammond Smith Beaver Leader Jane Scott 01725 516294 [email protected] Scout Hut Bookings Pete Wilkinson Churches bookings@fi rstwoodcutts.org.uk Church of England St. Mary’s, Sixpenny Handley 6D4all Youthclub St. Rumbold’s, Pentridge Liz 01425 654467 Vicky 01725 552549 Graham 01725 516973 St. Andrews, Gussage St.Andrew Sixpenny Handley W.I. (Formed in 1922) Vicar Revd Canon Richard Hancock, The Vicarage President Mrs Bobbie Carter 552042 60 High Street, Sixpenny Handley 552182 Secretary Mrs Margaret Jones 552358 Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes & Sixpenny Handley Mothers’ Union St. Cecilia, Blandford Forum Contact: Sue Curtis 552397 Priest Fr Chacko Panathara 01258 452051 Chase Community Friends Doctors Drs. Morgan, Taubman & Hawdon Chairman Vic Hatton 01258 841321 Dean Lane Surgery 552500 Secretary Penny Adams 01725 552218 Sixpenny Handley Village Hall Sixpenny Handley CLT Chairman Carole Wyatt 552572 Chairman Simon Parker Vice Chairman Paul Styles 552544 Secretary Jenny Netherton 07830 188 589 Treasurer Paul Skinner 552785 Sixpenny Handley Sports Association Bookings Janice Bicker 07951 056069 Sports Pavilion Bookings 552211 Pentridge Village Hall Sixpenny Handley Bowls Club Chairman Tarka King [email protected] President Ron Jermyn 552424 Vice Chairman Richard Pollen [email protected] Secretary Colin Chambers 552796 Treasurer Colin Taylor 553148 Treasurer Paul Chalmers 516316 Bookings Graham Elford 07882 264160 Handley Sports Club Email: [email protected] Chairman & Treasurer Mark Young 552741 Sixpenny Handley Homewatch Secretary & Team Div 3 Manager - Adam Day 01258 452481 Overall Co-ordinator & Police Focal Point Sixpenny Handley Tennis Club John Curtis 552397 Chairman Alex Thomas 01725 516320 Co-ordinators Membership/Treasurer Stephanie Chick 552557 Area 1 - Dean Lane Don Penrose 552022 Sixpenny Handley Cricket Club 2 - Lower Handley David Chick 552557 Evening Captain David Cross 552640 3 - Upper Handley John Clarke 552674 Citizens’ Advice Bureau 4 - Deanland & N.E. Pete Wilkinson 553150 Wimborne Branch 01202 884738 5 - West & South Simon Meaden 552715 Ferndown Branch 01202 893838 Other Areas (These are separate Homewatch Schemes) Out of Hours Service 08444 772022 Pentridge Roy Elford 552911 Woodyates

2 The Downsman - April 2019 Editorial

Next edition Making a change... The next edition will be published from 1st June 2019 People never seem to like things to stay the same for too long - be it Tornados, the EU, or the kitchen wallpaper. As a race we are forever changing, updating and trying to improve... Copy deadline for the Sometimes change is a good thing - to wish, to dream, to next edition create, and sometimes change leaves people longing for 15th May what is past. And as we are speaking of change the clocks will have changed before you read this and Please make every eﬀ ort to meet the the days will lengthen with the coming of spring, a change for which I am well ready. deadline so that we have time for printing, Spring events include the Larmer Tree Easter Extravaganza, Pentridge Cream Tea on the production and distribution. ﬁ rst Bank Holiday Monday and the WI Community Open Day.

If possible please email your articles to More change is happening at 1st Woodcutts - they are opening new sections for Beavers, [email protected]. Cubs and Scouts later in the year - if you think you would be interested in leading or helping in one of the new sections do reply to John (p13) - I’m taking on an Assistant Advertising Leader Role aft er helping out for a couple of years now - so a change for me too (though I Our advertising off ers great value. The haven’t chosen my Cub “name” yet!!) Downsman is currently delivered to over 700 households within the parish. This issue has lots of lovely reports from Sixpenny Handley First School - their big change Email: [email protected] for won’t come until the Autumn as Clare Hewitt who has been head at the school for as more details. long as I’ve known is moving with her family to Wales, so we shall be waving goodbye and welcoming someone new there. Clare and Sharon Carter will be running the Paris Advertising deadline Marathon in Emily’s Brown’s memory in April. All part of the fundraising Anthony, Clair, friends and family are taking part in this year - you can read more and fi nd out how to 10th May contribute on page 4. Payment must be made by the advertising deadline to be included. Advertisement Costs This issue also contains two forms for two very diff erent village items, one to join the Tennis club for this year and one to make a pledge to support the SHCLT in their bid to Size Single Yearly keep The Roebuck as a pub. edition rate Small Text Ad £2.50 - Whatever changes in your world this spring, I hope you can enjoy the beautiful skies, the Small Square £5 £25 warm sun and the blossoming fl owers, best wishes... Rectangle £10 £50 Large Square £25 £125 Naomi Booth Half Page £35 £175 [email protected] Whole Page £50 £250 p.s. Miriam & Verity’s are having a cake sale at Crossroads Cafe on 10th April fund raising for their trip to Europeade Folk Dance Festival with Steps in Time in Frankenberg, Advertisement Sizes Germany, it’d be lovely to see you there... Size Image area* Small Text Ad 30 words c/o The Parish Off ice, Unit 6, Town Farm Workshops, Sixpenny Handley, SP5 5PA Small Square 59mm Rectangle V 59mm x 122mm H 122mm x 59mm Directory 2 Seeker 21 Large Square 122mm Noticeboard 4 Health & Beauty 29 Half Page 186mm x 122mm Parish News 6 Gardening 37 Whole Page 186mm x 248mm Village Hall 16 Gone Sailing 30 *without frame which will be added by WI Report 12 Rob’s Column 41 us. If you need us to set your advert please add a one-off £5 fee. Sorry - we are unable to include fl yers More about the parish can be found at www.sixpennyhandley.info

3 The Downsman - April 2019

Thank you Thanks to Steve Judd for taking the best To the Editor part of the day clearing the old patio Sixpenny Handley Newsagents in pride of place. area from the rear of the Village Hall. He & Mini Market It’s been GREAT!!! has done this in goodwill and it is greatly Thank you Our love and thanks to you all appreciated by the trustees. We wish to thank all of our customers for Chris & Bronia Village Hall Committee supporting us over the last 33 years. It has been an honour and a privilege to have been part of so many lives. We have shared Marathon Fundraising Eﬀ ort our ups and downs. Most of the village and much of the surrounding area has felt like a massive extended family to us. We are really going to miss seeing you all, on a day to day basis, the banter fun and thousands of laughs will be with us for ever, but we will now have more free time to join in with other village activities.

This is going to be a massive life change for us all. We felt that we could no longer keep the shop to the standard we had set for ourselves, so it was time to hand on the baton. We are very sure that Ian and Owain Hughes are going to make a fantastic job of running with it to take the shop into a brilliant future. We know they have great plans and that you will all support them just as you have us.

We want to say how very proud we are of At Sixpenny Handley First School we are be taking part in a French themed event at Paul. He has been our rock for many years. working alongside Clair and Anthony school on Friday 29th March, involving a We would never have been able to carry Brown, in Emily’s memory, to help raise French breakfast, non-uniform and lots of on for so long without him. Also, thanks funds for Bloodwise and Mosaic, with an French based activities. We have already to Adam, not one for putting himself into amazing target set of £15,000. Bloodwise had a kind donation towards our breakfast the limelight, but working hard behind the funds world class research in to all types of goodies from Morrisons in Verwood – thank scenes. Both are looking forward to moving blood cancers and Mosaic is a Dorset wide you! If you know anyone that could help or on with their lives, taking on diff erent charity off ering a pathway of support to donate towards our day, then please do let careers. We know they will be great at what bereaved children, young people and their us know! ever they decide to do. families. Mosaic have been supporting the The fundraising events don’t stop with the school and family over the last year and the marathon. On Saturday 1st June a group We also want to thank our lovely girls months ahead. of us, including Clair and Anthony and Rosalie, Donna, Jacqui & Eileen, not family and friends, will be taking part, as considered by us as staff , but members of On Sunday 14th April 2019 I will be running Team Angelbright, in the Blenheim Palace our Happy Little Shop family. the Paris Marathon with Mrs Sharon Carter, Triathlon. Cake sales and the regular school School Governor, to raise money towards running club, to name but a few, will also A huge thank you to those of you who have the target. We have been training hard, be taking place to raise money over the sent cards, with personal thanks. We will through wind, rain, sun, snow and more coming year. treasure your words, also the retirement recently hail storms! We will be donning book, so kindly put together by Donna & our tutus, wearing our purple Team If you would like to support this amazing Jacqui, which made Bronia cry. Angelbright kit (thank you Monkeez Ink!) and very special cause, then please follow and showing a great deal of determination the link below to sponsor all our marathon Thankyou to the very special people that as we run 26.2 miles around the beautiful eff orts. have given us gift s, treasures to keep for the streets of Paris. To help raise further funds https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/ future. Trees to watch grow and a beautiful for this the children and our families will EmilyAvellana rose “Freedom” which we are going to plant

4 The Downsman - April 2019 Noticeboard

If your group is stagingDownsman an event or needs Noticeboard help, use this free space to tell everyone! Regular carers Little Pennies & 1st Woodcutts meetings For anyone who is a carer of one Race of Sixpenny Handley Practice’s patients Night 2019 meetings: Cream Teas at Pentridge Village Hall Bar, tea/ coff ee and cake, raff le 6th May 3-5pm 23 April, 28 May, 30th March Enjoy a fabulous Dorset Cream Tea 25 June, 23 July, 27 August, 24 with homemade scones, strawberry jam Tickets £7.50 and clotted cream or perhaps you would September, prefer a delicious homemade cheese scone includes dinner instead – all washed down with a cup of tea 22 October, 26 November. Please buy in or coffee for just £3. There is no meeting in December. Dogs welcome advance from Pre- All meetings are held at Sixpenny School or Scouts Handley Surgery at 3pm-4.30 p.m. Doors open 7pm Drop in for a coff ee and a chat Sixpenny Handley Village Hall

Village Hall AGM Parish in a change to previously published, the AGM is now on the Library 9th April, 7pm at the Hall. Opening Times: Tuesdays 10.00am -12.00noon Open to all Parishioners, please Friday Sixpenny Handley come and ﬁ nd out what we’ve 8.30am-10.00am Youth Club been up to over the last 12 Wednesday 6D Handley Village Hall 10.30am – 11.45am months and our plans for the Age 10 - 16 welcome (Crossroads Café) future! facebook.com/6d4all Thursdays - 1st & 3rd of month

3pm-4.15pm Thursday 4th of April Contact Liz 01425 654467, Vicky 01725 Thursday 18th of April Thursday 2nd of May 552549, Graham 01725 516973 Thursday 16th of May

Crossroads Café The Downsman Wednesdays Business Support 10:30am - 12noon Parish Oﬀ ice Group Town Farm Workshops **NEW VENUE** AllAll WeWelcomelcome 18th April Will be meeting again on 11th April 2019 Sixpenny Handley Village Hall Chase Community Friends 9:30am - 11am Once a month in Sixpenny Doors Open 7pm Handley Village Hall we hold a day At the Sports Pavilion, Start 7.30pm centre with a 3 course lunch for Sixpenny Handley £5.00 followed by entertainment Catherine Chapman 07895 913546 or Great prizes to be won, Please contact 01258 841321 Transport, interest clubs and help Sarah Taylor 07852 324112 also available or email [email protected] Easter Bingo full details at the back of the Downsman All proceeds to The Little Pennies Pre-School Registered Charity no. 1137622

5 Parish News The Downsman - April 2019 Unit 6, Town Farm Workshops, Sixpenny Handley. SP5 5PA Clerk’s Corner Email: [email protected] Sixpenny Handley with Pentridge Parish Council Clerk to the Council (Ciona Nicholson) 01725 552211 www.sixpennyhandleyparishcouncil.btck.co.uk 07907 445951

This is the Annual Parish Report for the past Community volunteers, we introduced year for the Parish of Sixpenny Handley The Sixpenny Handley Library. In a corner Opening Hours: with Pentridge and Woodyates. of the Parish Off ice we created suitable 10.00am – 12 noon Tue I need hardly remind you of the seemingly shelving to accommodate a wide selection 7.00pm – 7.30pm Thu endless national debate about what has of books for the use, free of charge, by become known as BREXIT. In a similar members of the Parish at various times, 8.30am – 10.00am Fr manner your Parish Council has been particularly during the Wednesday For Parish Council involved in the debate with your District “Crossroads Cafe” Coff ee mornings information visit: and County Councillors, as well as with held each week. Your Parish Council are www.sixpennyhandleyparishcouncil.btck. the Dorset Association of Parish & Town delighted to say that this entirely voluntary co.uk Councils, over the decision taken last service has continued to fl ourish, such year by the Secretary of State for Local that we have found it necessary to order Government to replace the existing 9 an extension to the shelving in the Parish The Parish Off ice County, District and Borough Councils in Off ice to accommodate the increase in the Unit 6 Town Farm Dorset with only 2 Councils, with eff ect number of donated books. The Village Workshops from the 1st April 2019. Not, perhaps you ‘Library Service’ is maintained by volunteer is available to Hire may think, the most auspicious of dates ‘Librarians’ Bea Boyland, Stella Olsen and Come and take a look when we are open ? Our County Councillor, Mr Steve Butler Gill Martin, to whom we are most grateful. on Tuesday mornings and our District Councillor, Mr Simon Tong, or Thursday evenings or arrange a visit will be giving you more details on these We continue to apply pressure for a with Ciona. proposed changes immediately aft er this replacement Saturday bus service and £10 per session annual report. Parish Councillors formed a Working Group Book in with Ciona on to research the possibility of re-introducing 01725 552211 or 01725 553040 However that not-withstanding, your a service on Saturdays with Dorset Parish Council has continued to robustly Community Transport with two runs in The Community Land Trust continues represent the views of members of the each direction from Pimperne to Salisbury. to make progress to site aff ordable new Parish in a number of matters of local Despite a publicity campaign by leafl et, houses for rent by local people on land concern which over the past twelve poster and the Downsman Magazine, there purchased from East Dorset District Council months have included issues over were no requests for the service and so we on Common Road. A new architect has planning applications; the continued could not develop this further. been appointed and revised plans have intention of the Community Land Trust in been drawn up. Members of the CLT Board its plans to construct aff ordable housing Your Parish Council, over a number of are here this evening and will update us all for local people along Common Road; recent years, made fi nancial provision of later in the meeting. The Community Land the replacement Saturday bus service £25,000 from the precept to support the Trust have also been considering how it to Salisbury and Blandford; the ongoing major plans of the Village Hall Committee may act to avoid the closure of the village major refurbishment of the Village Hall; the to refurbish the Village Hall. The Hall pub, the Roebuck Inn, more of this in their introduction of a Speed Indicator Device to Committee are to be congratulated presentation later. reduce the incidence of cars speeding in the for raising over £65,000 in grants and High Street and along Back Lane. donations from the Talbot Trust and East Your Parish Council continues in its Dorset District Council and through various plans to reduce speeding in the village The Planning Committee continues appeals. Much of this renovation work has by the purchase and siting of a speed to scrutinise all planning applications been completed including the provision indicator device, which you may have within the Parish. Your Parish Council of a new roof; a deep clean of the external seen in operation in the High Street and is keen to see further appropriate structure and funded plans are afoot for along Back Lane. We have been surprised housing development within the village a new sound system and heating and by the byzantine bureaucracy that has and recently agreed to support one ventilation system, including a new boiler, been imposed by the County Highways development on land to the rear of 28 which thanks to the most eff ective and Department – but undeterred we have The High Street for the construction of 10 energetic Committee will enable the Village continued to make progress in this respect houses, subject to a number of conditions. Hall to continue to generate income from with recent electronic surveys having been its use. An update on the redevelopment conducted in the High Street and along As you may know when the County of the Village Hall is to be given later in this Back Lane to establish additional and Mobile Library service stopped visiting meeting’s agenda by Carole Wyatt. better suitable sites. We must thank the Sixpenny Handley, and in partnership with voluntary members of the Neighbourhood

6 The Downsman - April 2019

Speed Watch group led by Mr Colin Incorporated Organisation (CCIO) which is of Sixpenny Handley with Pentridge. This Chambers and Mr Tony Gibb, who have run by the former Parish Council Chairman, month marks the end of the four year asked me to say that they are currently David Lockyer. period of Councillor’s tenure and as such short of two additional volunteers to assist we need to replace those Councillors who in the valuable work. We would also like to thank Sarah Jesse for are to stand down aft er years of service. her postal deliveries around the village in If you want to have a say in the future We continue to be very proud of our all weathers, under diff icult circumstances development of the Parish, or how we Community Website which continues to following the closure of the local sorting apportion the £45,000 Precept that we are operate with links to local groups, services off ice facility in the post off ice. We await an granted for our work, do come and join us and businesses. The Website is well update on this matter from the Royal Mail. at one of our monthly meetings to see what supported by the excellent Downsman it is that we do on your behalf. 2019 will publication, for which we are grateful to We must further thank our District be an election year and maybe you might Naomi Booth as Editor, and the many Councillor, Mr Simon Tong and our County even consider becoming a Parish Councillor volunteers on the committee and from Councillor, Mr Steve Butler for their yourself –if so please do come forward and the Neighbourhood Watch Group who continued attendance and support at join us. distribute the end product for the benefi t our Parish Council meetings where they of all. keep us updated on what is happening at Councillor Stuart McLean. the District and County level and for their Sixpenny Handley & Pentridge Parish The Waistcoat Festival and Big Session advice and guidance on our deliberations. Council. events of the past few years have all Simon is sadly standing down as a District been well supported and have generated Councillor and Steve Butler is standing as a signifi cant income to the fund that benefi ts Councillor in the new Dorset Council. a number of other well deserving causes around the village. We must thank the Finally on behalf of the Parish Council many willing volunteers and organisers Chairman, Mr Colin Taylor and on your who take so much time and trouble to behalf, we must thank your 10 Parish organise and run these major events. It Councillors who meet every month for must be said that so much of the life of the continued development and benefi t this village is maintained and enhanced by its volunteers who run the village hall; the sports pavilion; the Waistcoat & Big Session Festivals and the Sixpenny Session events; the annual rubbish and litter pick; hedge trimming; the Crossroads Café, which operates each week in the Parish Off ice. We thank Rob Jesse and Richard Dennett for their regular patrols around the village collecting litter, emptying bins and generally ensuring that the appearance of the village and its roadways are kept to a high standard. Without all our selfl ess volunteers village life would be signifi cantly LKJ Care less worthwhile. Leah Way

In Pentridge, the Village Hall team has NVQ 3 in care offering quality care support within raised £4,000 from various events, the largest being the very successful BBQ last your home from day to day support to accessing summer. Nearly £3,000 has been given to the community. local charities and a further £600 will be given to the Sue Ryder Foundation. Our thanks to the whole team who have worked Fully Insured. hard to achieve this result. 01725 552480 The Crossroads Café was the ﬁ rst to be integrated into the new Sixpenny Handley 07840 979 180 and Pentridge Community Charitable

7 The Downsman - April 2019

Farewell to East Dorset District Council

The end is nigh! At midnight on Sunday recently, I was delighted to hear that a him name us in a House of Commons 31 March, EDDC will off icially cease to number of residents had been showing debate later. Surely the fi rst time the words exist; and one minute later, Dorset Council serious interest in becoming parish ‘Sixpenny Handley’ have been inscribed will come to life. The shape of local councillors. The forms are available now in the pages of Hansard! More recently, it government in Dorset will be very diff erent. online, and the closing date for submission gave me great pleasure to know that EDDC I don’t think we should mourn the loss of will be Wednesday 3 April. The process is had donated £30,000 towards the village EDDC – it’s done a good job for us for the very straightforward and doesn’t take long hall fund. past 40 years or so. But times change, to complete. Any of your present parish and the new unitary council is the right councillors, or indeed Ciona the parish I oft en used to say ‘no promises, but I’ll response to the challenges which local clerk, would be pleased to help you. do my best’, and that’s how it worked out government faces – and will increasingly in most cases. Whenever my best was face – in the next decade. I feel very privileged to have been your good enough, I was pleased, and equally As you all know, it’s the future role of really representative on EDDC for the past twelve frustrated on your behalf when it wasn’t. I local government – Sixpenny Handley & years. Without any doubt, the best parts wish you all well in the new world of Dorset Pentridge Parish Council – which has my of the job were the times when I was able Council, and as always I’ll follow your interest and attention in this new world. to help our residents, whether it was over progress and your prosperity with active Unitary government is diff erent, and rightly some planning diff iculty, housing problem, interest. so, but not least for the ways in which it or anything else where I was able to help. off ers the opportunity for strengthening Although there was no real solution to the With my good wishes to you all, our local voices and local responsibility underlying issues, I was pleased to have Simon Tong here. persuaded our MP at the time, Robert Walter, to visit Sixpenny Handley at the When I attended the annual parish meeting time of the 2103 fl oods, and then to hear

Subject to receiving the detailed prospectus for the share scheme I would be prepared to buy SHCLT Community Shares to support the purchase of the Roebuck Inn, Sixpenny Handley. I wish to be kept updated on progress with this through my contact details listed below. EĂŵĞ

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Please return completed forms to A Turner 5 The Parsonage, Sixpenny Handley, S5 5QJ

8 The Downsman - April 2019

The SHCLT The Roebuck Inn project Appeal or Not…we need to be ready On 20th February the Roebuck Inn Project meeting, which is still available to be also continue to be posted to the SHCLT arm of SHCLT held a public meeting at the signed in the Butchers, the Parish Off ice Facebook Page. Please use this to feedback Village Hall which was attended by around and through any members of the project on the posts. 100 members of the community. At this team. We nearly ran out of pages on the meeting we outlined what had taken place night, as we had much interest, but we still Do please get in touch if you have any over the past ten months. We covered need more signatures so if you have not questions or would like to become a the project initiation which started with signed up please do so. Member of the CLT. You can become the announcement that the landlord and a Member by purchasing a £1 share in owner of the Roebuck Inn was applying for We also asked people to fi ll out pledge Sixpenny Handley CLT. planning permission for change of use to forms, - this is not a promise to pay any convert the pub into fl ats. In November money; remember we cannot take funds 2018 the application was heard and with the current situation; but will give us a Sixpenny Handley Community Land rejected by East Dorset District Council. stronger position should there be an appeal Trust Board Since commencing the project we have to the application for change of use to Simon Parker (Chair), Matt Gibbons been working on a business case, a share convert to fl ats to re-enforce the petition. (Director), James Reed (Treasurer), Jenny prospectus and to identify how to raise Netherton (Secretary), David Hutchins funds with a view to submitting an off er for In this copy of the Downsman is a pledge (Community Pub Chair) the pub. form - see page 8, please fi ll it out and return it as indicated on the form. We We have been in contact with the landlord/ already have several people who have fi lled owner throughout this process and he them out, at the time of writing, less than a has been aware of our intent. Since the hundred people of whom over 50% pledged application was refused the landlord money, a total of £21,000! and that was just has made it clear, both by notices and in one night. Think what we could achieve correspondence, that the pub is not for given time? If we did get the opportunity sale. With this in mind, it would not be to buy the pub community funding would Big Session 29th June right for SHCLT to collect funds from the not be the sole source of funds, grants community or raise grants when there is no and possibly loans would make up the 2019 clear opportunity to purchase the pub. diff erence. Date for your diary The team have therefore refocussed their What we really need now is more names on eff orts on establishing and evidencing the petition and more pledges of support ‘intent’ and that there is still a need for a with an indication of donation if you feel The Big pub in the village. We want to make sure able. The project will continue to work the community does indeed want and need on being ready for the next step, which is a village pub. We also need to establish likely to be a planning appeal. Anyone who the level of interest from members of pledges support will be kept informed on Session our community (that means anyone and what is happening so that you can spread Live Music & Childrens’ Workshops everyone who may be interested!) to the word and ensure everyone is aware that Saturday 29th June off er to buy shares in the pub, should the yes, we really are at risk of permanently 2pm-10pm opportunity become available again at losing our village pub, but it’s not over yet some point in the future. and we remain resolute in working to keep a pub in the village. Join the team At the public meeting we also outlined what our plans for the purchase and Thank you! Volunteers needed future of the pub would have been had The Roebuck Inn Project Team it remained for sale. We took several questions at the meeting, asking had we Please complete a pledge form and get If your can help, please contact us at tried this, or that, a lot of really good ideas, your name on the petition if it’s not already [email protected] or speak to many we had thought about but some were there. Paul, Penny or Naomi. Thank you. new. What we really took away was that a lot of people DO want a village pub. Updates will be sent to all who pledge We started a petition, prior to the public and provide email addresses, we will

9 The Downsman - April 2019

Garden Centre Gift Shop Café Vintage Barn EVENTS AT CRANBORNE GARDEN CENTRE CRANBORNE MANOR GARDEN OPEN FOR THE NGS Saturday 13th April 9am - 5pm (last entry 4pm)

CRANBORNE GARDEN CENTRE Open every day over the Easter Weekend

TALK IN THE GARDEN ROOM Tuesday 30th April 2019 7.30pm ‘Honeybees, bumble bees & solitary bees - their differences and the roles they play in pollinating different flowering plants’ by Brigit Strawbridge. Tickets £8.50. Supper available in The Café before the talk. Booking essential - 01725 517248

Vintage Fair 10AM TO 5PM Indoor and outdoor stalls SUNDAY selling Vintage homewares, APRIL gifts, clothing & accessories, 28th 2019 & brocante and curiosities Sunday August 18th CASH OR CHEQUE ONLY FOR STALLS CAFÉ OPEN ALL DAY FOR STALLHOLDERS CR¼MĢ¡ lunches Interested in a pitch? Call 01725 517248 or email HOMEMADE CAKES [email protected]

Cranbornewww.cranbornegardencentre.co.uk Garden Centre, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PP

Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm Sunday & Bank Holidays 10.00am - 5.00pm Cranborne Garden Centre, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PP Tel: 01725 517248 www.cranbornegardencentre.co.uk

10 The Downsman - April 2019

Parish Library News What’s on in Pentridge Have you ever visited our library yet? If not, come and have a look, at our now even bigger, selection of books. Our lovely new shelves are all fi lled up and we have a very big range of books, fi ction, romance, 6th May 2019 from 3-5pm crime, you name it, we stock it! And don’t forget we have a large section of Cream Teas at Pentridge Village Hall non fi ction, biographies, autobiographies, Enjoy a fabulous Dorset Cream Tea with homemade scones, travel, hobbies, cookery, etc. strawberry jam and clotted cream or perhaps you would You can borrow as many or as few books as prefer a delicious homemade cheese scone instead – you like and for as long as you like. all washed down with a cup of tea or coffee for just £3.

Library Opening Times Why not take a walk across Martin Down or Tuesday 10am-12noon up Pentridge Hill to Penbury Knoll and admire the Friday 8.30am-10.00am beautiful countryside we have around us then pop in Wednesday 10.30am-11.45am for a restorative Cream Tea afterwards! Dogs welcome 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month Thursday 4th of April www.pentridgedorset.co.uk Thursday 18th of April Thursday 2nd of May Thursday 16th of May Pentridge Village Hall Hanlega’s

We wish all our customers a Easter! Quirky headwear, bags, purses & jewellery, Wednesday: Steak Night 6-9pm Friday:6-9pm designed & made Saturday: 8.30-10.30 am, 6-9pm in Woodcutts. Sunday: 8.30-10.30 am Lunch: 12.30-3pm Browse & shop at: www.tenandsixdesigns.co.uk Email: [email protected] 01725 553005 or ‘The Shed’, Church Farm, High Street, Sixpenny Handley, Salisbury, SP5 5ND www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ Part of Church Farm, Caravan and Camping Park tenandsixcraft

11 The Downsman - April 2019

NATIONAL FEDERATION WI News And Information OF WOMEN’S INSTITUTES Mon 11th February The monthly meeting for February was very entertaining, the speaker being Mr Andrew McElwee who gave us a hilarious account of life behind the scenes in the National Trust, during his tenure at Polesden Lacey, Surrey. This impressive country house was visited by several members of the royal family and many other distinguished guests in the last century; it is now open to the public.

Sat 23rd February Our Annual Jumble Sale was held in the village hall. The sun shone and we had a very successful day. Thank you to those who donated items for sale, also, to all the stalwarts who helped throughout the day. Calm before the storm at the Jumble Sale If the hat ﬁ ts - wear it!

Mon 11th March the local community to come and see for The March meeting was well attended. themselves what we do, President Bobby Voting took place for the committee Carter put forward plans for our day which members for the coming WI year, results will be held on Saturday 18th May from will be announced at the April meeting. 1.30pm in the Village Hall. The speaker was Miss Hannah Scriven The Flower of the Month competition was who gave a very moving talk on World won by Liz Coombes with a white hyacinth. War 1 – War Poets. Choosing just four very Future Meetings: diff erent poets she explained each genre 8th April Members Evening Can coachingcoaching help yyou?ou? with great fl uency and compassion. Giving 24th April Birthday meal at Hanlegas us much food for thought on the futility 9th May Beacon Group Spring Meeting at CoachingCoaching is a positive and of this horrifi c war and its far-reaching Iwerne Minster provenproven approach forfor helpinghelping consequences. 13th May Monthly Meeting people explore their goalsgoals 18th May Community Day at the Village and ambitions,ambitions, and then The National Federation have suggested Hall from 1.30pm work towards achievingachieving that WIs should hold a community day them.them. to showcase what the WI stands for as a Visitors and new members are most whole, plus its history, involvement with welcome for further information please My coachingcoaching model will resolutions and the various activities that don’t hesitate to contact the Secretary, Mrs assist in developingdeveloping youryour members take part in. We will be inviting Margaret Jones on 552358. skillsskills and abilities, boostingboosting youryour performanceperformance and conficonfi dence in lifelife or at work, helpinghelping youyou to deal with issues and challenges.challenges. This should helphelp to make InterestedInterested in llearningearning mmoreore or bbecomingecoming a youyou more effeff ective in youryour FFriend?riend? commitmentcommitment to yourselfyourself and CContactontact EEricarica Pretty on 07825 145726145726 youryour own goals.goals. oorr gogo to www.dementiafriends.orwww.dementiafriends.org.ukg.uk CallCall Adam on 0771096501707710965017 HelpHelp Line 0303 3033 100 or Hazel Kileen email:email: adam.macmillan-adam.macmillan- 0017251725 555529802980 [email protected]@hotmail.com is our CommunitCommunityy Call nownow foforr a ffreeree DementiaDementia FFriendriend ChChampionampion no obligationobligation quotequote

12 The Downsman - April 2019

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13 The Downsman - April 2019

St Mary’s Churchyard 2019

There is a painting by Stanley Spencer “My sledge and hammer lie reclined to allow access to the graves. Over the called ‘Resurrection, Cookham Churchyard’ My bellows too have lost their wind next year works will begin to repair the considered to be one of the greatest My fi re extinct, my forge decayed; North wall of the churchyard, next to Steve twentieth century paintings by an English And in the dust my vice is laid; Judd’s land. At some stage the sycamores artist. It has been described as ‘a poem in My coal is burnt, my iron is gone, that have self-seeded next to the wall, paint’. It shows the village church and the My nails are drove, my work is done.” and are undermining it, will have to be resurrection of villagers rising from their removed. We also need to level some of graves; people rising as if from a sleep; The inscriptions on gravestones are now the depressions and remove some of the some stretching, some yawning, some carefully controlled and disputes are mounds to the older graves, to be able to looking slightly bemused. One girl rises resolved through the Consistory Court. mow between the lines of gravestones. covered in clusters of moon daisies. Epitaphs such as “It’s only Rock and Roll” The maintenance of the churchyard is the and “He has fi nally fallen off his perch” are responsibility of the PCC (Parochial Church I oft en think of this painting when I am not considered acceptable by the Court. Council) and the Diocese recommend that working in the churchyard, because the PCC draw up a policy for the detailed the graves and gravestones to me are We feel it is important that the churchyard management of its churchyard. A draft our people, part of the heritage of our is maintained to respect our heritage, to policy is being drawn up which is being community; some of the people I have respect those who are buried there and to discussed for approval by the PCC. known in my 20 years in the village, some respect the wishes of those who mourn. It gone long before I was born, but all I hope is also a place for refl ection and for peace. If you have any views about the churchyard will one day share the resurrection with us management and maintenance or all. The churchyard is maintained by volunteers wish to be involved please contact the who ensure it is kept in a tidy condition so Churchwardens, Sue Curtis (552397) Chris And there are many stories in the that people can pay their respects. There is Stokes (552672) or contact Canon Richard churchyard of the lives of the people an ongoing cycle of mowing and strimming Hancock on 552182. of Handley, some tragic and some touching. In November we took part in the Remembrance Service and Rob Jesse bought in memorabilia of his family. There T Tel: 0792007920 101 559595 are 3 war graves in Churchyard, one for [email protected] Private Henry Lucas which did not have an off icial war grave memorial because his father, when he died, wanted to be buried with his son, and their joint grave stands proudly in the northern section of the churchyard.

In the Parish Magazine during the First World War there is reference to the tombs in the churchyard.

“Of the old tombs that remain one deserves special mention or inspection. SOLIS tractors 20h20hpp to 90h90hpp This stands under the Yew Tree to the right Ideal for small-holdingssmall-holdings and paddocks of the Church Path and is already almost Implements include, ā ail mowers, grass toppers, trailers, rollers, chain illegible. The monument is to the memory harrows, log splitters, saw benches, ffertilizer/seedertilizer/seed spreaders, link boxes of one Joseph Blandford, aforetime andand more...more... Blacksmith of Dean. His shop, I believe stood on Dean Cross, but no trace of it remains. Of the lower part of the stone may still be deciphered by the curious and sharp sighted the following lines:- ContactContactJa Jamesm Chick or visit www.tallutmachinery.co.uk

14 The Downsman - April 2019

Group Scout Leader Age 6-8 John Curtis Wednesday 5 to 6pm 01725 552397 1st Woodcutts News Jane Scott ƙƥƥƭČēūūØƥƙȂ www.ﬁ rstwoodcutts.org.uk 01725 516294 Age 8-10½ Age 10½-14 Age 14-18 Wednesday 6 to 7.30pm Monday 7 to 9pm Thursday 7 to 9pm Andy Young (Akela) Rob Easton Anthony Brown 01258 830861 01725 552038 01725 552814

First Woodcutts has become a victim of Beaver Colony Leader plus one assistant, Skills for Life. If your time is limited and you its own success. For the fi rst time in our plus the promise of one more assistant, dot would like to join our Adult Support Unit, history in the national census this year the i’s and cross the t’s and this section is please get in touch with me or members we have become the 2nd largest Group ready to go. Two adults have come forward of our Leadership Team. Details are on our in East Dorset - just ponder that for a and have volunteered to become Cub website www.fi rstwoodcutts.org.uk. or moment; bigger than Ferndown, West section Assistant Leaders and one other as by looking for our contact details inside Moors, Verwood , Colehill and even 1st a Sectional Assistant, we need two more the front cover of the Parish Downsman and 2nd Wimborne, we were only beaten adults to step up to the plate and then this Magazine. by Corfe Mullen, since our HQ was built section will be ready for the off , the Scout John Curtis member numbers have nearly doubled in section is in the privileged position of size so much so that recently we have had already having enough Leaders plus some to either put young people onto a waiting to spare, It has been agreed that Martin list with the possibility that during their Russell will take over the existing Troop and wait they may never get into the Group, Rob will become the Leader of the new or suggest that they join another Group Troop, all that is now needed is to agree but with other Groups being so far away it which Assistants stay and which ones will makes it diff icult for transportation, these move to the new Troop, again we are ready young people may never get to experience to roll. what the Scout movement has to off er, this makes me sad as Scouting has been my life Exciting times ahead, subject to fi nding and to use the current sound bite what I two other volunteers prepared to go into have achieved is Skills for Life. uniform with the Cub Pack, the decision has been taken to start the three new Recently East Dorset District Scout District sections at the beginning of June, the was chosen to try out a pilot scheme run existing Scout Troop will meet on Monday by the Western Region of the National evenings, the Beaver Colony will continue Scout Association; the title of this scheme to meet as they do now on Wednesdays was called Grow your Group, myself, three and probably the existing Cub Pack as well, of my other leaders plus two committee I say probably as we now need to sit down members attended. We found this course as a Leadership Team to enable us to fi nd to be just what fi rst Woodcutts needed, space to accommodate the new section it has inspired us to be proactive ( It was meeting nights, watch this space. that brilliant that hope that this course is run out across the country) following You may say what about the Explorer on, the senior leadership members took section? Woodcutts Explorers are an East the decision to hold a Grow your Group Dorset District responsibility, attached to meeting of our own. This was well attended the Woodcutts Group Family where they Come and join us at The Penny by existing Leaders and some parents who rightfully belong and will continue to were occasionally helping out at section meet at the Group HQ on Thursdays, the Tap for a pint or two in the meetings, plus the Reverend Canon Richard membership remains strong and with the re-modelled Sports Pavilion Hancock. Aft er discussion the decision new Scout section up and running, the was taken to try to set up a new Beaver numbers should soon swell even more. @ Sixpenny Handley Colony, Cub Scout and Scout section, this will be under the umbrella of the existing If there are any of you out in the community Wed- 4.30 - 7.00 First Woodcutts Group and all working who have been in the Scout or Guide Thurs- 4.30 - 7.00 alongside each other of course this can movement before. or anyone who would Fri- 4.00 – 8.00 only happen if we can expand the existing like to join our leadership Team and Leadership Team, I am pleased to report experience the fun, excitement, fulfi lment Sat- 2.00 - 8.00 that following that meeting, volunteers and camaraderie that we all enjoy in have come forward, we now have a new assisting the young people getting their Take out Service Available

15 The Downsman - April 2019

Easter Extravaganza Sixpenny Handley First School at Larmer Tree Brilliant family fun on Easter Monday Eco Art Workshop 22nd April, with an Alice in Wonderland We had an amazing day using our creativity theme. Track the Queen of Hearts, The to produce a sea creature sculpture using Mad Hatter, The Cheshire Cat and Alice recycled plastic with artist Peter Margerum. Previous to the day the whole school through the garden. Decorate biscuits designed a sea sreature linked to the global with the Queen of Hearts and follow issue of plastic waste. The staff short listed the White Rabbit to the magic show. the designs and chose a couple that could There are 3 magic shows that require be combined to create a fi nal sea creature booking, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm. A family design. It was the task of Dragonfl ies and ticket is £18 which includes 2 adults and Scorpions classes to combine these fi nal 2 children or children are charged at £5 designs into our whole school fi nished each and adults at £4. Price includes design. chocolate treats for children. The garden and Coff ee Grove Cafe will be open 11am to 4.30pm. Additional food vendors will serve delicious hot and cold refreshments, but they may not be able to accept card payments so cash is advised. Book tickets online at www. larmertree.co.uk or call 01725 516971 Tickets must be booked in advance as numbers are capped for each session.

16 The Downsman - April 2019

The sea creature was made up of multiple sections, which were then allocated to diff erent classes to fabricate on the workshop day. The Ladybirds class created a tail made up of three sections by threading plastic pieces and drilling numerous holes. The Bumblebees and Dragonfl ies classes constructed the head made from bicycle wheel frames and woven pieces of plastic. The Grasshoppers class created some amazing feet and fi ns using a variety of plastic objects by threading and stacking. And fi nally, the Scorpions class constructed an amazing detailed head with super sharp teeth.

Our sea creature will be on display during the Heath Academy Trust Art Exhibition at Chalbury & Holt village hall during June.

Sixpenny and the Chocolate Factory.... Fairtrade Fun at Sixpenny Handley First School As part of our annual Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations, the Rights Respecting Ambassadors organised a day packed full of chocolatey fun at Sixpenny Handley First School on Wednesday for our chocolate sale, where families and 6th March. The day was themed around the community were invited for a Fairtrade a Roald Dahl favourite and featured the cuppa and to shop our chocolate stalls. children dressing up as Oompa Loompa’s Early Years baked something with and Canon Hancock from St Mary’s Church chocolate, Year 1 made lollipops out of supporting us as Willy Wonka himself! chocolate, Year 2 moulded with chocolate, Year 3 made chocolate art and Year 4 The children led an assembly for the rest of made a chocolate drink! The results were the school, giving information about how just amazing, as was the support for our a chocolate bar is actually produced, from Fairtrade sale in the aft ernoon. What a bean to bar! The school received wonderful wonderful celebration, wonderful learning support from Divine chocolate and their opportunity and a special way to spread a resources were well used as well as very important Fairtrade message amongst children writing their own poetry to enter our school community. a Fairtrade Poetry competition hosted by Kevin Knight Divine themselves. Aft er ﬁ nding out more Thank you so much to our Rights Horologist about chocolate and how Fairtrade has Respecting Ambassadors for organising such an important impact on the lives of such a wonderful, chocolaty, Fairtrade day! Clock and Watch Repairs others, it was time for the Oompa Loompa’s to hand out tickets to the very prestigious Rachael Hampshire day full of events. Of course, there just had (Rights Respecting Lead) to be golden tickets features along the way Tel: 01722 331969 and 5 lucky children as well as 1 member of staﬀ received a super Fairtrade goodie Mob: 07900 928451 bag! Each class were then set a chocolaty [email protected] challenge to complete by 2.30pm ready

17 The Downsman - April 2019

Sixpenny Handley Tennis Club 2019

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18 The Downsman - April 2019

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19 The Downsman - April 2019

Larmer Tree Wedding Fair Sunday 7th April 2019 D. J LOGS Nestled in the heart of the Cranborne Quality Barn Stored Seasoned Logs Chase, on the Dorset/Wiltshire border, The ~ Discounted Double Loads Larmer Tree oﬀ ers a magical setting for the ~ Single/Half Loads perfect wedding, all year round. Originally ~ Netted Logs created by General Augustus Pitt Rivers in ~ Kindling 1880, they were the ﬁ rst privately owned ~ Coal gardens to be opened for public enjoyment. ~ Firelighters The Larmer Tree contains a wonderful Contact Darren or Lucy: 01725 553 167 collection of ornate buildings, that are licensed for civil ceremonies, hosting guest numbers from 2 to 150.

Celebrate in the company of your family Malcolm Lawes Logs and friends with Pimm’s, deck chairs and Dry seasoned barn stored logs delivered. FirewoodFirewood Processor and operatoroperator garden games in high summer; or with mulled cider and roast venison in deepest Kindling also supplied. availableavailable for hirehire iiff you have youryour winter. Whatever the weather or season, SingleSingle load 1.4 cubic metre or a smallesmallerr ownown woodwood to process.process. you can dine in the stunning Pavilion and loadload ooff 1 cucubicbic memetre.tre. dance the night away in the comfort of our historic Jubilee Hall. PleasePlease callcall to discussdiscuss your requirementsrequirements On Sunday 7th April you are invited to TTel:el: 01258 830575 or 07738 827 656511 visit the Larmer Tree Wedding Fair. Spend some time at our stunning venue and experience your dream wedding day. Talk to our team Larmer Tree of professional wedding planners and in- Wedding Fair house chefs and meet a selection of recommended suppliers, Sunday 7th April 2019 peacocks, and free-ﬂ ying Macaws! There is musical entertainment and we are delighted to oﬀ er Gardens & Café Open free entry for all visitors for the day. 11am to 4.30pm Visit www. larmertree.co.uk Call 01725 Free Entry For All 516971 Email gail@ www.samanthadavisphotography.co.uk www.larmertree.co.uk larmertree.co.uk

20 The Seeker – Page 1

handleychurch.org.uk #2 2019

You may be wondering why this article has the rather sexist title ‘FOR MEN ONLY’? Lent and the new beginnings at Easter is a good time for us to think about the spiritual dimension of our lives. To aide our fellow MEN I intend to start a new The church magazine men’s breakfast club. The church has for many years had a tradition of women’s groups meeting to share for St Mary the Virgin, their faith and to learn more about the Gospel Sixpenny Handley message. Many women have drawn great strength with Gussage St Andrew from groups such as the Mothers Union, Wives Fellowship and mother and and St Rumbold’s, toddler groups. Sadly though, there has been no such arena where men with an Pentridge interest in the Christian faith can explore concerns and issues related to them. Though you may not think it the bible does have advice on such issues such as whose round is it? The wedding at Cana John Chapter 2 and if all else fails then go fishing, John Chapter 21 vs. 3. Vicar It is a commonly held assumption that men on the whole keep them themselves to themselves and do not enjoy spending time with one another. In my experience this is far from the truth, for one only need visit the village TAP to see that fellowship between men is alive and well. The men’s breakfast club will meet on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 8:00am in St Mary’s. This will involve a simple act of worship or DVD presentation after which we will retire to Hanlega’s for a full cooked English Breakfast and put the world to rights. Churchwardens The first meeting will be on Saturday 20th April. If the 8:00am time is not very St Mary’s with good, we can change it for the next meeting. During the breakfast I hope that Gussage St Andrew we will be able to talk about issues that concern men today such as work, Chris Stokes 552 672 family and of course football and beer, as well as how our faith as Christians Sue Curtis 552 397 touches our daily lives. We will also arrange some guest speakers and some St Rumbold’s, Pentridge days out doing the sort of daft things chaps enjoy, be it watching a rugby match Mary Ferguson 552 222 or a brewery trip! This group is open to all and you don’t have to be a church Jane King 552 231 goer to attend, simply being a bloke is all that’s required. If you are interested in coming along then do get in contact with me or sign up CHURCH on the sheet in church. Coming once does not commit you to coming every month, though I hope for some it will be a regular point of contact. Also, if you Open have any suggestions for the group please let us know. every day Ladies please don’t feel hard done by! Plans are afoot for a new including women’s fellowship group as well. Watch this space... SUNDAY! Benefice Palm Sunday – April 14th St Mary’s, Sixpenny Handley with St Rumbold’s, Pentridge and Gussage St Andrew will be joining together for a special procession and Easter Service. See page four for details.

21 The Seeker – Page 2

DIARY OF A COUNTRY PARSON Alleluia Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed!

Alleluia Jesus is risen, He is risen indeed. Our Easter declaration, which we should all shout with boldness, should be our rallying cry, not just on Easter morning but every morning for we are a ‘Morning Church’. This hope of a new beginning each and every day is beautifully portrayed in the hymn ‘New every morning is the love’ by John Keble 1792 – 1866. The resurrection takes place very early on the first day of the week. Mary goes to the tomb while it is still dark. The darkness that Mary walks through to the tomb on that first Easter morning is twofold. Firstly, it is the darkness of night (the sun has not yet risen in the sky) and realises who he is. It is a powerful scene; secondly it is the darkness of a soul one can almost picture the weeping and weighed with grief for her beloved friend distraught Mary being taken by the arm Thanks! and master, who she believes to be dead and Jesus saying in a firm voice ‘Mary’ and laying in a cold tomb. This is the last almost as if he were trying to get her to time that darkness will make an snap out of her state of mind. appearance in the Gospels. Mary and the Jesus says to Mary “Do not hold on other women find the stone rolled away to me, because I have not yet ascended and the body of Jesus missing so they to the Father. But go to my brothers and run back to tell the disciples who in turn say to them, ‘I am ascending to my run to the tomb. Father and your Father, to my God and Mary however can’t believe for she is your God.’” At first glance it could appear The baptism took place of still shrouded in the darkness of grief, for that Jesus is telling Mary not to touch Oscar Arthur John Alborough her morning never seems to come. Her him. But I don’t believe this is the case, grief and despair is absolute. She I’m sure Jesus would have touched Mary Remember! frantically searches about the garden and would have welcomed her embrace. trying to find the body of Jesus but Jesus is telling Mary that she must not If you would like to give your cannot. The grief and darkness, which hold onto the earthly Jesus of the child a good start in life, talk to surround her, are so great that even Crucifixion, the man who was born in the vicar about a christening. when Jesus is standing there, she Bethlehem and lived in Nazareth. She has If you are getting married, you mistakes him for a gardener. It would to let go of this man for the risen Jesus is can get married in your local appear that unlike the disciples she is not something far greater, he is one with God church if you live in the parish prepared at this point to even and the Holy Spirit. It is the risen Jesus or have some other link. contemplate that Jesus is alive. She that she must hold on to and place her And if a loved one dies, please pleads with this stranger to tell her where trust in, as he promises a new kingdom talk to us about how the church the body has been taken. It is only when free from sin and death. may be able to help. Jesus calls her name that she stops and Canon Richard Hancock. TSSF Contact the vicar for more information. We are here for you. New Graveyard Map Work is in hand to assist visitors to St Mary’s with a In full colour map and list of known A full colour PDF graves. As well as making of The Seeker is this available on our website, available from the map will be put on our website. display, either inside the church or the porch.

22 The Seeker – Page 3

Looking to the Future of our Churches

I have been with you now for six The opposite is true, every parish months and in that time, I have been church is expected to pay a share to the getting to know people and looking at Diocese and pay for its own upkeep the challenges that are faced by our and maintenance. Last year the share churches. for St Mary’s and St Andrew’s was set at What you may not be fully aware of £33,000. This is far more than the is that I have two half-time roles; one as parish can afford and the PCC had to your vicar, the other as Rural Field make the difficult decision to only pay Officer for Dorset. This involves working £17,000 so as not to deplete our with churches to look at how they can reserves and be able to pay for the grow and develop in their communities. maintenance and upkeep of the The rural church has been in decline for buildings. This effectively leaves us the past 30 years. Salisbury Diocese has £16,000 in debt to the Salisbury been given a £1.27 million grant by the Diocese. In the 2017 financial year it Church Commissioners for a four-year cost approximately £46,000 to run St project to try and reverse this trend. I’m Mary’s and St Andrew’s. Not a single part of a team, known as Rural Hope, penny came from the central funds of working across the Diocese to attempt the CofE but from the generous giving just this. My geographical area is East of parishioners, fundraising, small Dorset or the Dorset Archdeaconry, and investment income and reserves. As this includes the Handley Benefice of St you will appreciate this can’t go on Mary’s Handley, St Andrew’s Gussage indefinitely. churches back on an even keel. I hope and St Rumbold’s Pentridge. We are not the only churches to begin a similar process with St This fact is significant because it facing this problem and as a result Rumbold’s in Pentridge. means that the Handley group of Salisbury Diocese is having to conduct One key area of this will be the parishes no longer have a full-time a serious review of its finances. If this development of a friend’s scheme for vicar. This ended with my predecessor trend can’t be reversed, then the our churches. Many people in the Mel Durrant. It’s also important to know worst-case scenario is that churches community may feel that they don’t that this post is limited to just four will lose their vicars or even close if want to contribute to the religious work years. So, a key part of both my roles is they can’t raise funds locally. of the church, which I can understand. to look at developing and securing the Thankfully the Handley Benefice But I hope that those people would future of our parishes here. However, churches are some way off from this, want to contribute to the heritage of the challenges are significant, and it but it means we have to act now or in our community and help support the will take all of us as a community both ten years’ time this could be a real beautiful buildings so that future churchgoers and those living in our possibility. generations can enjoy them and be villages to change the fortunes of our As part of this the Handley PCC and married, christened and buried there. I churches. I have begun to develop a ten-year will in due course be writing to The first problem as always is finance. strategic plan known as a Mission everyone in the community to ask them Every organisation is facing the Action Plan or MAP. This looks at all to consider becoming a friend to the challenge of meeting growing costs aspects of church life including church to enable just this to happen. with reduced income and the church is finances. The prime aim of our The worshiping community will then no exeption. Many people view the churches is to be a spiritual focus, have to look at how it funds the Church of England as a very wealthy sharing the good news of Jesus Christ religious and spiritual work of the institution. This is true in part, the CofE and serving the communities in which church including funding a vicar in the owns a lot of real estate around the UK, they are situated. The parish church is future. however like many large institutions it’s there for everyone in the community I look forward to working with the struggling to meet its financial no matter how often they come to whole community to meet these responsibilities. The CofE has a very church. Our ancestors built these challenges and developing the life of large pension fund to manage with churches for us. A key part of this our churches. I want everyone to feel fewer clergy now contributing to it, so a ten-year plan is looking at how we can that the church is there for them, large proportion of its income goes on make the church more relevant to regardless of whether they are a church maintaining this. Sixty years ago many people today and better serve our goer or not. of the churches in this area all had their communities. In conjunction with this If you would like to know more then own vicar now churches are grouped we have set up a new finance team and please come to our APCM on into benefices, some with ten parishes are in the process of developing a Wednesday 10th April 7pm in St Mary’s and only one vicar. five-year financial plan. The Handley where I will present our What many people are often not Archdeacon has agreed that if we do ten-year plan. aware of is that the Church this our share contribution can be Commissioners do not fund parish reduced for the next three years in Blessings churches or their clergy directly. order for us to get the Handley Canon Richard Hancock. TSSF 23 The Seeker – Page 4 www.handleychurch.org.uk

SUNDAY Gussage St Rumbold’s St Mary’s SERVICES St Andrew Pentridge Sixpenny Handley 9.30am 11.15am 9.30am 10.00am 6.00pm April 7th # HC HC # Evensong April 14th BeneficeHC Palm Sunday# (from 9.30amInformal – see below)# HC April 21st HC HC HC # # April 28th # # # Family # May 5th # HC HC # Evensong May 12th HC # Informal # Evensong May 19th # MP HC # Evensong May 26th Matins (MP)t # # Family Evensong HC Holy Communion MP Morning Prayer SofP Songs of Praise # No service

Benefice Palm Sunday The Benefice will be coming together on Sunday 14th April to begin the Easter Story with a procession at 9.30am from the Village Hall Thursday 18th April, 7:30 pm Holy Communion & Feet Washing Bible Study Group to the church. Join us for this very special service, St Mary’s, Sixpenny Handley As we hope you see from followed by Good Friday 19th April The Seeker, the Bible is refreshments. THE Book! Read it and Children’s Easter Garden Activity understand more in good 8:30am at St Mary’s company on alternate Good Friday Meditation Thursdays at 7.15pm. 2–3:00pm at St Rumbold’s, Pentridge

Details from Mike on 01725 552 720. St Mary’s Teddy Bears All pre-school children and their carers are invited for a drink and a biscuit, a good natter and a play in the church. There is no charge and you don’t need to come to church at other times Come and meet friends – we just love seeing you! Come along for as long as you can Men’s Breakfast Club between 10.30 and noon during scghool term time and make 3rd Saturday of the month at St your Thursdays brighter. Mary’s at 8.00 followed by breakfast at Hanlega’s. Signup April See side panel for key to symbols form at back of church or email; [email protected] Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 Special Event 1 2 3 4 T 5 6 Please refer to the main text for 7 8 9 10 HC 12 13 details of special events marked 11 B on the calendar. 14 15 16 17 18 HC 19 20 T Teddy Bears 21 22 23 24 25 T 26 27 Pre-school children and their carers are invited to St Mary’s on 28 29 30 Thursday mornings during school term from 10.30am to noon, for fun, drinks and May See website for updates biscuits and maybe a Bible story Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat or two. There is no charge. 1 2 T 3 4 B Mothers’ Union – Tea, company and a good talk, 5 6 7 8 HC 9 T B 10 11 usually every second Thursday 12 13 14 15 16 T 17 18 of the month, from 2.30pm. Details from Mary (552 041). 19 20 21 22 23 T 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

24 The Downsman - April 2019

First School – Home Handyman Pancake Day! Sixpenny Handley First School celebrated Pancake Day in style, with the oﬀ ice staﬀ being waited on hand and foot, as each Painting, Decorating class made and presented them with pancakes to be judged.

And The Ladybirds, our youngest class, teamed up with the Scorpions, our oldest class, to make their pancake entries for the competition. However, they held pancake General Maintenance races fi rst, trying to fl ip their pancakes mid around the home race. The Bumblebees, our Year 1 pupils, A ‘fl ipping’ good time was had by all! whipped up a few batches and topped them, aft er designing their perfect topping. The Dragonfl ies and Grasshoppers, our Year Celebrating World Keith Orman 2 and 3 pupils, hosted a pancake café and invited the off ice staff in to get pampered. Book Day We had an amazing World Book Day, Not ones to miss out on a learning rotating around the classes and learning opportunity, surveys were completed to about a diff erent author in each one. With fi nd the most popular fl avour and weighing Miss Hill, we made our own trees full of Tel: 01725 552293 and measuring in a range of diff erent ways. ‘Stuck!’ items and disgruntled crayons, just The grand winner was the Bumblebees, like the ones in Oliver Jeff ers’ books! With Mob: 07941652690 with a super pancake topped with freshly Mrs Lennard, we made ‘Fox in Socks’ hand squeezed lemon and fi ne sprinkled sugar. No job too small puppets and rockets for our pockets, all inspired by Dr Seuss! We also completed Cards activities based on Julia Donaldson, Lauren It will take an implosion of Titanic Child, Naomi Keff ord and Lynne Moore. proportions to eject Stuart Haskell from In the aft ernoon, we read our favourite fi nishing in the top ten of this year’s books to each other and went on an competition. Currently the leader with an outdoor character hunt. For the fi nal part of aggregate score of 1767 points from the the day, we got cosy in the hall and had hot eleven rounds so far contested, his lead chocolate and cookies in our pyjamas with over Kingsley White at the conclusion of the Book Bus Visit a “bedtime” story. 11th drive being 28 points. Below Kingsley The book bus came to Sixpenny Handley the contest is ‘wide open’ with wife Susie on March 7th 2019, fi lled to the brim Our whole school writing competition on 1737, Chris Haskell 1735 before a slight with marvellous books, from non -fi ction was also a great success, which made it widening to 1726, 1725, 1722 held in order to fi ction books. One might have even impossible to judge! The winners (or future by Ray Parsons, Bill Chorley and Betty suspected it was a magic bus, a little bit like authors!) were very happy with their prizes. White. The remaining prize money places Mary Poppins magic bag, due to the sheer are occupied by Mary Braithwaite, Yvonne amount of books packed on the shelves. Bundy and Dave Welch with aggregate scores of 1707, 1703 and 1687 respectively. As I have remarked on several past occasion, whist is in a sad decline, a decline that has continued throughout the present Bridge Continues of Monday aft ernoons in the season with six tables in play now being Parish Off ice but I am looking for someone regarded as ‘a good turnout’. Nevertheless, to take over the running of the club which for those who participate these fortnightly has been in existence for thirty years. It meetings are most enjoyable and through would be a great pity to see it fade into the good off ices of Stuart, Doug and Chris obscurity but my commitments are such Haskell the prizes on off er have continued that I am fi nding it diff icult in maintaining to be of excellent quality when taking into the club to a standard it demands. consideration the paucity of numbers attending. 25 The Downsman - April 2019

Sixpenny Handley Village Hall Sixpenny Handley -Refurbishment update Bowls Club Have you noticed the improvements to Artsreach Our Winter season is rapidly coming to our village hall!? The Hall has hosted many Artsreach a close with only a couple of matches The refurbishment is beginning to take productions over the years. Artsreach is a left to play in March. Our two short mat shape as the work continues. The Hall’s registered charity that brings high quality league teams have enjoyed their season electrics have been upgraded, we’ve performances of live theatre, music, dance with Sixpenny Handley team fi nishing in installed a new power supply to the stage, and family shows to the heart of rural the upper half of their league whilst the integrated fi re alarm system and new communities across Dorset. The trustees Tanners team have done less well fi nishing emergency lighting system. Following this are looking for a new Artsreach promotor to in the lower half of their league. We have a complete state of the art stage lighting, work with us to host more exciting events had two internal competitions during audio and visual (projector and screen) has this Autumn. If you would be interested this period fi rstly the singles day on 10th now been fi tted! in this role, please contact Paul Styles or March won by Geoff Ellis with Pat Oxford Carole Wyatt for a chat. runner up. This was followed by the Pairs By the time you read this article the Hall’s day on 10th march at which Cliff Miles fl oor and stage will have been sanded and Dates for your diary and Roy Best were the victors. Six of our resealed, the recreational space outside of Village Hall AGM – in a change to previously members recently undertook a one day the Hall will be cleared and re-seeded and published the AGM is now on 9th April, 7pm fi rst aid course which was well received fenced in making it safe for children and at the Hall. Open to all Parishioners, please and ensures we are best placed to deal families. Redecoration of the kitchen and come and fi nd out what we’ve been up to with emergency fi rst aid within the club. entrance foyer will be carried out during over the last 12 months and our plans for Apart from Bowls we also continue to have the Easter holidays. the future! an active social scene which has included Please support local live events a Valentine’s day aft ernoon tea and quiz We are trying very hard not to impact Acoustic guitarist, Will McNicol, plays at which was well attended as well as a trip to on our regular weekly and monthly the Hall on Saturday 6th April from 8pm. Poole Stadium for an evening of Greyhound user groups by scheduling work round Tickets are £10 available from The Penny Racing . their activities. We apologise for any Tap or via Eventbrite (the link is on our inconvenience caused during the Facebook page). Our AGM is scheduled for 3rd April aft er refurbishment and thank you for your which we will be looking forward to the tolerance. Sixpenny Handley Village Hall – available outdoor season which formally starts on for hire priced per hour. Local groups 13th April. BIG Thank you- Jen Gordon £8.50 Daytime events, children’s parties, Unfortunately, one of the Hall’s Trustees, Christenings etc £9.00 Other daytime Jen Gordon, had had to resign – she has bookings, meetings etc £10.00 Evening put an enormous amount of work into the events, local private parties etc £10.50 Hall’s activities, fundraising and sourcing Evening events, bookings from outside the funds for this big refurbishment. The Parish £11.50 All bookings subject to £10.00 Village Hall Trustees thank Jen so very alcohol licence if alcoholic drinks are to be much for all her help and support over the sold. last few years – her contribution is going to BOOKINGS: Janice Bicker 07951 056069 or be greatly missed. email [email protected]

New Trustee Village Hall 100 Club Care 4 Cats We are delighted to announce that we have November 2018 Cranborne Chase a new Trustee in the form of Tracey Lownds. 1st £25 90 Mr. Smith Rural Pets & House Sitting Tracey kindly oﬀ ered to be co-opted on 2nd £15 60 Mr. D. Salmons to run our refurbishment budget and to 3rd £10 16 Mr. R. Jesse Susan H. Collins December 2018 prepare for a new role as treasurer. Paul 1st £25 14 Mrs. Wacker Skinner has decided aft er many years of 2nd £15 25 Mr. Hatton [email protected] service to the hall as treasurer that it will 3rd £10 13 Mrs. Pollock 01722-718114 be time to stand down at our AGM. The If you would like to join the Village 07807774338 Trustees would like to sincerely thank Paul Hall 100 club please contact me, Bea for his diligent years controlling the purse- Boyland, on 01725 552805 , or email me, strings! [email protected]

26 The Downsman - April 2019

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27 Health & Beauty The Downsman - April 2019

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Gift vouchers also available 01725 516942 [email protected] www.sarpenela.co.uk Sarpenela, Farnham, Blandford, Dorset DT11 8DG

28 The Downsman - April 2019

Anne Reed, B.A., M.C.S.P., S.R.P. Chartered and State Registered Yoga VINYASA FLOW Physiotherapist Sixpenny Handley Village Hall Treatment for: • Sports Injuries YOGA • Spinal and Neck Pain Thursday 6.30 - 7.45pm • Arthritis • Headaches Multi level class. beginners welcome. AT PENTRIDGE VILLAGE HALL • Acupuncture THURSDAYS: 18.30 - 19.45 • Ergonomic Advice • Massage Contact: All levels welcome! Araxy 07855 860828 Home Visits and Evening Appointments Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01725 552518

Please contact Camilla for more information

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The Filling StationSt ti provides an opportunityopportunity to build and renew faith,faith, andaand to mmeeteet wiwithth God in aann infinformalormal aandnd friendly setting.setting. We meet on the Fourth WednesdayWednesday ofof each month at 7.30pm7.30pm atat Radnor Hall, Bodenham, SalisburySalisbury For more ddetailsetails contact Maggie 01722 325825 www.theﬁ llingstation.org.ukllingstation.org.uk

Buddhist Meditation at Bowerchalke Village Hall Postcode: SP5 5BB 10 – 11 am each Wednesday 6 – 7 pm each Tuesday (No charge; donations welcome) Contact: Jack Kennedy 01722 781156 bowerchalkebuddhistmeditation.co.uk

29 The Downsman - April 2019

Gone Sailing

Jib Only that is needed now is a dry day to properly Not a lot to report, some pleasant sails re-bed in suitable sealant. under jib, with good boatspeed, but noticed Skippers Bookshelf that we are not pointing quite so high when Dealing with medical issues on a yacht, going to windward. In good conditions can can be very diff erent from those on land. make 33 deg to apparent wind with main The nature of problems can be; mal de and jib, but with jib only, falls off a few mer, (fortunately I do not suff er, but for degrees - still pretty good though! those that do there a very many remedies.) Rope burns (use sailing gloves). Knocks Haul Out on head or other parts of the body - can The weather was warm, sunny, and calm, be very serious, ( need to be aware of for the annual haul out of two Sweden 390s. what is happening on the yacht, keep your A little preparation fi rst - take out the log (to head down, and do not sit in the ‘ouch avoid any damage). And so round to Yacht zone’ - that is a very comfortable position Haven, into the slings, engineer comes in the cockpit on the opposite side to and does winterising bit, and then hoisted where the mainsheet is when running, the out, and pressure wash off . This year H&S problem arises when an accidental gybe has struck, in the past, we have stayed occurs, the main boom crashes across aboard, stepping off when deck is level with out of control, and the main sheet can pin roadway ... not anymore ... deemed too down the unfortunate crew member, ( do Formal training in sailing and all associated dangerous by H&S lot! not sit there, rig a preventer to the boom, matters, is, I think, essential! Whilst From the slings the yacht is placed in have a main sheet set up that avoids that experience builds on formal knowledge the mobile mover and stored in precise situation). Falling overboard, (wear a the two go hand in hand, and one is always position, yacht is chocked up using age old harness and lifeline, ‘one hand for yourself learning. traditional method of timbers and wedges, and one for the boat’ is an age old phrase). shore power is connected, and ladder tied ‘First Aid at Sea’ - DR. Douglas Justins & RYA training includes full range of ‘vessels’ on. Dr. Colin Berry - recommended by RORC, from crewing to ocean passages, fi rst aid, helps with many issues. and advises engine maintenance, and short range VHF. Maintenance tasks this year, (as well anti on Helicopter Evacuation, will usually fouling and so on), include washing running occur from the port quarter, so that the 2019 ... rigging, replacing lazy jacks (as frayed) - winchman can see what is going on, and RYA Push The Boat Out events, early in May, these are the lines that hold the sail bag handy hint is to let any helicopter lines dip with LTSC participating 4 and 5 May, www. open and direct the main to drop in the in the sea fi rst to avoid static electric shock. ltsc.co.uk. correct place - and replacing a jib sheet All this sounds awful, but prepare for the For disabled people ‘Sailability’ operates which has gone a bit stiff with age. The big worst even if it never happens is a good out of Lymington, as well as all over. task is to sort out a small water leak, this plan. For partially sighted, there is an annual has been narrowed down to one of the week (soon) run by Royal Lymington YC. ‘windows’, which has been taken out, all So ... sailing for all, see you on the water.

Yachting AdamCorrespondent for Sixpenny Handley STOP PRESS Chris Simpson Dog Walking and Pet Care DORSET POLICE SPEED CAMERA CAUGHT 14 VEHICLES SPEEDING IN ONE HOUR IN Dog walking and home boarding. Experienced and reliable. Fully insured, COMMON ROAD. Home visits for cats, dogs and other animals. DBS checked and ﬁ rst aid trained. Covering Sixpenny Handley and surrounding areas Call: 07783 326542 ALL WILL BE RECEIVING TRAFFICE [email protected] VIOLATION TICKETS.

30 The Downsman - April 2019

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Volunteers needed to help at the ‘Meet and Munch’ as well as drivers – to volunteer call 01258 841321 Hedgehog Update Pentridge Village Hall A very young hedgehog was spotted outside in Sheasby Close at the end of January. Despite being taken in to the warmth it didn’t survive. Our village hall is the perfect venue for parties, Another was found wandering around the coffee mornings, High Street in Early March Thanks to Josh and Lottie it was rescued before it went charity events under a car and is now doing very well and much, much more! before being released into a safer location. Tony Please call 01725 516973 or email: [email protected] if you would like to book the hall or make an enquiry. www.pentridgedorset.co.uk Pentridge Village Hall

31 The Downsman - April 2019

Boiler Servicing & Maintenance Gas, Oil & LPG

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32 The Downsman - April 2019 Law & more...

CATCHPOLE LAW A Law Practice based in Gussage St Michael, with specialist focus on:-

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CATCHPOLE LAW...... on law Inheritance Tax Allowances residence is bequeathed on death to a the loss sustained. lineal descendant or descendants. Married Claiming IHT exemptions aft er a death couples or those in a civil partnership If you would like any assistance with regard is becoming increasingly complicated beneﬁ t again from the Transferable to IHT issues then please contact either especially following the introduction of the Residents Nil Rate Band (“TRNRB”) Michael Catchpole or Shauna Lines. Residents Nil Rate Band (“RNRB”). provided certain conditions are satisﬁ ed.

Every individual has their own Nil Rate Knowing whether or not an estate will be Band which is currently £325,000. This able to claim the RNRB or TRNRB can be is available to set against an individual’s diff icult. Determining the amount of that taxable estate to reduce the amount of relief can also be complicated especially Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) payable on death. where there is no longer a residence in existence at the date of death but the In 2007 the Transferable Nil Rate Band was deceased had owned a property and sold it introduced which benefi ts married couples aft er 8 July 2015. or those in a civil partnership. This means that on the death of the second spouse/civil If you are appointed as an executor of an partner, the executors can claim the unused estate you will need to be aware of these Nil Rate Band (if any) of the fi rst spouse/ reliefs and the time limits imposed. The civil partner to die. relief has to be claimed – it is not applied automatically. If the time limits are missed For deaths on or aft er 6 April 2017 there and the estate does not benefi t from a relief is now a further potential relief against which was available then an executor could IHT available for individuals when a fi nd himself liable to the benefi ciaries for

33 The Downsman - April 2019

S WALLWORTH ELECTRICAL SERVICES CBA Services Ltd ...... DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL The following comments were written on 13 March 2019 immediately following • the UK economy will continue to grow, FULLY QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN Philip Hammond’s presentation of the 2019 and EMERGENCY REPAIRS Spring Statement to Parliament. In theory, • Government borrowing, and therefore INSTALLATIONS – RE-WIRES the Government uses the Spring Statement interest payments, will continue to fall. ELECTRICAL REPAIRS & TESTING to respond to the most recent forecasts EXTRA SOCKETS & LIGHTING made by the Oﬀ ice of Budget Responsibility Unfortunately, the Brexit debate has NIGHT STORAGE HEATING (OBR). compromised the Chancellor’s position and ELECTRIC SHOWERS he has found himself in a three-legged race, In a nut-shell, the OBR forecast that: bound to a Brexit process that delivers no SPECIAL RATES FOR OAPS certainty and which makes real forecasting T.V. — VIDEO — DVD of the UK’s future economic position almost FREE QUOTATIONS Hi-Fi REPAIRS & SERVICE impossible to predict. SIMON WALLWORTH IAN HARRIS If further votes on the Brexit debate take 31 DEAN LANE, SIXPENNY HANDLEY MIPRE us into a no-deal situation on 13 March, SP5 5PA it looks as if we will see an emergency TEL: 01725 552545 • Advice on repair of your existing equipment budget delivered next month, whereas MOB: 07826 928759 • Assistance in setting up a postponement of the 29 March 2019 [email protected] and supply of new items • Loan sets available deadline would provide breathing space: time to fully consider his options. Readers Call me, your local expert with will no doubt have followed the Brexit votes over thirty years experience. Tel: 01747 870822 in Parliament that followed the Spring Mobile: 07921 194816 Statement.

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34 The Downsman - April 2019

...... Spring Statement 13 March 2019

is to be increased by using green gas response is required by October 2019. Whatever the outcome, Brexit is proving suppliers. to be the glue that is holding back real • From 2025 new homes will need to Hampered by Brexit uncertainties, the planning – and perhaps real progress - on meet new low energy standards. Chancellor made no tax changes. His next the part of the Treasury to manage the UK round of changes will have to wait until the economy in our best interests. Housing and infrastructure next Autumn Budget 2019, or April 2019 if • The Government is on track to we pursue a no-deal Brexit. However, what follows is a short summary increase housing supply to its highest of the points Philip Hammond did raise level since 1970 by the end of this All eyes are now fi xed on Parliament and earlier. parliament with an average of 300,000 its attempts to achieve a workable Brexit properties a year. solution that will have cross-party support. Employment • A number of new steps were set out • Since 2010 there are more than 3.5m in the Spring Statement including the more people in work. use of the Housing Infrastructure Fund • Employment is forecasted to increase and the Aff ordable Homes Guarantee by a further 600,000 by 2023. Scheme to help the supply of more If you are a business owner and would like more new homes across the country. information on the changes in the Budget that may aff ect you please get in touch. Public fi nances If you need assistance with any accountancy or tax • Debt fell last year and is forecast to fall National Living and National Minimum related matters, please contact Catherine at CBA Services Limited on 01258 840306/07895 913546/ continuously to 2023-24. Wage changes [email protected] • The Government has tasked the Whilst care has been taken in preparing this Tech and the new economy Low Pay Commission to make publication it is for information only. It is not, and should not be construed, as advice and accordingly • In response to a government recommendations for changes to no reliance should be placed on the information sponsored consultation, moves are these rates to apply from April 2020. A contained herein. afoot to update competition rules and increase competition in the digital economy. • The tech market place will be Tax and Accountancy help for Individuals encouraged to allow smaller fi rms to CBA and Businesses participate. Services Limited • Regulation may be introduced to helping you work make users’ personal data portable. For example, transfer lists of friends CBA Services off ers friendly Tax and Accountancy advice. A bespoke to new platforms and search engine service tailored to each client’s needs at a realistic cost. histories to new search engines. Individuals, Trusts and Estates Businesses Border access • From June 2019, citizens of a number • Income Tax Advice • Accounts of non-EU countries will be able to • Self-Assessment Tax Returns • Company Secretarial use e-gates at UK airports and border • Capital Gains Tax Planning • VAT Returns crossing points. • Inheritance Tax Planning • Payroll/PAYE • The process of abolishing landing • Child Tax Credits • Bookkeeping cards will also commence from June • Notice of Coding Issues • CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) 2019.

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to encourage energy eﬀ iciencies for CBA Services smaller businesses. 45 East Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7DX Telephone: 01258 840306 / 07895 913546 • Developers will need to build in Email: [email protected] increases in biodiversity. Website: www.cba-services.co.uk • The decarbonisation of gas supplies

35 The Downsman - April 2019

Dorset Wildlife Trust Colin Pearce Car Repairs Ltd The North Dorset Group of the Dorset Unit 1, Pinewood Park Business Centre Wildlife Trust holds talks and guided walks Blandford Rd, Coombe Bissett, SP5 5RF 4675 throughout the year. Our new calendar of Trust my Garage in conjunction with Tisbury Motors, SP36HF talks for 2019 is detailed here. All talks take We offer the following services: place at Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 Diagnostics up to Main Dealer level on most vehicles, key coding, ECU re-coding 0PF) on the third Wednesday of the month MOT tests on Class 1,2,4 and 7 vehicles & campers and start at 7.30p.m. A small donation of Servicing Repairs on all types of vehicles, welding aircon, types, batteries, exhausts £2.50 is invited to defray expenses and this We can also re-map your vehicle to give you more power includes tea/coff ee, Honeybuns cakes & Free local collection and delivery service available biscuits. There is also a stall selling items Tel: 01725 519300 Mob: 07970 789836 from DWT’s extensive range of sales goods and a table displaying a variety of free leafl ets on Dorset’s fl ora and fauna. 2019: Wednesday 17th April: ‘Dorset’s Weird & Wonderful Fungi’ Chalke Heating An illustrated talk by Bryan Edwards from the Dorset Environmental Records Centre. Martin Miller: 07732460258 This talk will be preceded by a rapid AGM. Dawn Chorus Walks: Sunday 5th May: Steve Oliver (North Dorset e-mail: [email protected] Warden) will lead the fi rst of our dawn Independent AGA and Rayburn service engineer chorus walks at Ashley Wood, near Tarrant Service oil fired boilers and cookers Keyneston. Meet at the entrance to the wood at 4.30 a.m. Parking is available from Rayburn - AGA - ALFA 4.00 a.m. in Tarrant Keyneston Village Hall car park (Turn off the B3082 at the True Lovers’ Knot pub; 200 yards down this side road on the left is the Village Hall). Booking essential – please telephone Steve Oliver on WOODLAND PRODUCTS EDUCATION / LEARNING 07824 874273. Cost: £6 adults/£3 children. Any queries regarding these walks please x Bushcraft parties WOODLAND PRODUCTS telephone Roy Davies on 01258 880 699 x Forest school sessions Saturday 8th June: Chesil Beach Walk x Walks & talks and Boat Ride on the Fleet to see Little Terns and other coastal birds. Led by DWT x Green woodworking warden,STRUCTURES Mark Smith. Meet at 2pm at the Chesil Beach Centre. Cost £5 per person W OODLAND PRODUCTS (including boat trip). Booking is essential. WOODLAND PRODUCTS STRUCTURES Telephone Roy Davies on 01258 880 699. x Bean poles & pea sticks x Garden furniture Friday 5th July: Morning Walk on Fontmell WOODLAND PRODUCTS Down led by North Dorset DWT Warden, x Dorset hurdles x Bespoke timber Steve Oliver. Meet at 10am at the National x Sussex gate hurdles structures Trust car park – please car share if possible. TelephoneSTRUCTURES Roy Davies on 01258 880 699 to x Coppice materials x Composting toilets reserveSTRUCTURES your place. Voluntary contributions x Woven hazel fencing are welcomed. x Hedge laying SaturdaySTRUCTURES 27th July: Evening bat walk with local bat expert, Chris Dieck. Meet Call Anthony on at 8.30pm at Stour Meadows car park, Blandford Forum (near Tesco & behind 01725 552814, 07920031314 brewery). £3 per person. Telephone Roy Davies on 01258 880 699 to book your www.conygarcoppice.com place.

36 The Downsman - April 2019 Gardening

Gardeners’ Notes April

plant out potatoes sow carrots & beetroot check for pests sow marigolds ( to help protect plants) deadhead spring bulbs May prick out seedlings

prune shrubs aft er ﬂ owering ( forsythia) start hardening oﬀ tender plants cover over potatoes, sow salad Top up pots with fresh compost and leaves start increasing watering fertilizer to aid with the new years growth

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37 The Downsman - April 2019

to be ironed out before the aircraft could be prison west of Iraq’s capital Baghdad. Their “TONKA” cleared for squadron service with the three war had been short but full of drama. air arms of Germany, Italy and the United Tasked for a strike on Ar Rumaylah airfi eld, It all came to fruition in high summer Kingdom. the Tornado took off from Muharraq Air during the late aft ernoon of Wednesday, Base in Bahrain on January 17th [the last August 14th, 1974, when Lieutenant The need for more than one prototype day of the initial phase Operation Desert Commander Paul Millett*an Empire Test had already been foreseen and orders for Shield], they joined up with the strike Pilots’ School graduate accompanied nine airframes, classed as ‘prototypes’ leader Squadron Leader Paul Mason. For by Nils Meister took off from Manching and six pre-production aircraft had been Peters and Nichol, both on their fi rst sortie, Air Force Base southeast of Ingoldstadt placed, the second aircraft [XX946] being all went well until exiting the target area [Bayern], Germany for the fi rst fl ight of the completed at Warton in Lancashire and when their Tornado was hit by a heat- Panavia Multi Role Combat Aircraft [MRCA] taking to the air for the fi rst time on seeking shoulder-launched SAM SA-14; [D-9591] eventually to be universally known October 30th, 1974, with Paul Millett at in a milli-second chaos reigned; the right as the ‘Tornado’ [though somewhere in the the controls and Pietro Trevisan in the turbine was destroyed and though a mists of time it acquired the aff ectionate rear cockpit. In the event four of the semblance of control was regained hope of name “Tonka”]. On completion of the pre-production aircraft were built at limping to ‘friendly’ territory was dashed 30 minute fl ight Millett was full of praise Warton and it was the last of these [XX950] when a quartet of shells from a Triple-A commenting “the aircraft handled superbly which was lost in tragic circumstances battery set fi re to the Sidewinder missile on well - there were no problems”. on June 12th, 1977. Russ Pengelly, one the inboard starboard wing pylon. Ejecting, It ended [operationally] four decades later, of the Company’s test pilots and highly their attempt at evasion was soon over and the weather unseasonably warm for late experienced in fast jet operations, weeks of sadistic torture lay ahead. February 2019, in a swan song from RAF accompanied by Squadron Leader John Following a period of recuperation both Marham, Norfolk against a background of Gray had been tasked to carry out bombing returned to operational fl ying before much publicity and a plethora of comment, trials over the Irish Sea and it was while leaving the Service to pursue highly photographs and video, on news channels so engaged that the Tornado fl ew into the successful careers in consultancy, lecturing and social media platforms marking the water, the local weather at the time being and authorship respectively. fi nal chapter of this remarkable aircraft described as ‘misty’. that had been in the forefront of Royal Air For the Royal Air Force, and in particular Force operational service, service that had At last, as indicated above, the Tornado for the Tornado squadrons, there would witnessed its involvement in two Gulf wars, in the guise of the GR.1 was accepted for be scant respite from operations. The assisting in the implementation of a ‘no fl y operational service with the Royal Air Force. uneasy peace that followed the successful zone’ over Libya, operations in Afghanistan The build up of squadrons proceeded liberation of Kuwait was punctuated by and from 2014 until early 2019 joining with apace with squadrons deployed to bases in supporting fi ghting in Afghanistan and a other Allied air forces in combating Islamic West Germany where the threat of a Soviet controversial Second Gulf War [Operation State group’s regime, at fi rst in Iraq and led invasion although now muted could not Iraqi Freedom] between 20th March and latterly over Syria [Operation Shader]. be ignored. However, for the Tornado crews May 1st, 2003, which although succeeding their ‘war’ would not, thankfully, be in the in toppling Saddam Hussein proved not Much will be written in future years about skies over Europe but above the sands of to be the panacea for peace in the region. this iconic aircraft which in fl ight with Iraq and it was during what is referred to as Further insurrection followed in the wake its variable-sweep wing ‘tucked in’ at 45 the fi rst Gulf War [Operations Desert Shield of the Arab Spring, culminating in the degrees to facilitate its maximum speed and Desert Storm] and the expelling of Iraqi Syrian civil war and the emergence of potential was a sight and sound to behold, forces from Kuwait between early August Islamic militants whose reign of terror is thus my off ering will be a mere ‘snap shot’ 1990 and the end of February 1991, that all only now beginning to wane. of its place in Royal Air Force history. the years of training would be put to the test. And so the heralded end of Tornado Briefl y, until the reformation on Tuesday, And it would be at the end of this operations came to a close with the June 1st 1982, at RAF Honington, Suff olk, confl ict that two images would become withdrawal from Cyprus of the last of of No IX Squadron, the intervening years synonymous with what had been a short, the GR.4s early in February of this year. had been taken up with intensive test but nonetheless brutal, campaign for with Fittingly, a series of well publicised fl ying for although Paul Millett’s remark the release of prisoners, two faces were events ensured that the “Tonka” would “no problems” this referred purely to the emblazoned across the front pages of the not fade into obscurity [unlike the initial fl ight and as the testing programme nation’s press and on television, namely arbitrary grounding of the Harrier in the developed a myriad of snags, some minor John Peters and John Nichol, pilot and aft ermath of the 2010 Strategic Defence and a few worrying, were identifi ed; navigator respectively of a No XV Squadron and Security Review] but retire in a deceleration issues at high altitude, a Tornado [ZD791]. Both showed vivid signs series of disbandment fl ights. Luminaries slight lack of directional stability at certain of the brutality meted out while being held participating in these farewell sorties speeds along with airframe issues - all had in Saddam Husseins’s notorious Ahu Ghraib included the Chief of the Air Staff , Air

38 The Downsman - April 2019

Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier whose immaculate diamond formation out from the relatively early age of 78, on September association with the Tornado began in 1982 Marham drawn from the last operational 2nd, 2009, was reported in his obituary in and encompassed operations in both of the units namely No. IX Squadron and No The Telegraph. Gulf confl icts and the present Station 31 Squadron commanded respectively Commander at Marham, Group Captain Ian by Wings Commanders Ian Heeps and In preparing this article I have consulted a ‘Cab’ Townsend whose remit in the months Matt Bressani. Both squadrons are due plethora of sources, principal being various ahead will be overseeing the working to parade for disbandment on Thursday, issues of Flight International, Wikipedia, up of the base’s F-35 Lightning II force to 14th March during which it is planned for a ASN Wikibase Occurrence reports. Air- operational standards. fi nal overfl ight of the station by a Tornado. Britain [Historians] serial registers and However, it is not the fi nal curtain-call by no means least the prologue of John I am aware that I have omitted details of as the Luft waff e and the Italian Air Force Peters and John Nichol’s outstanding the plethora of equipment carried by the [Aeronautica Militare] will continue to book ‘Tornado Down’ fi rst published in Tornados during their time in service; employ the type until 2025, while the Royal 2002 by Mass Market Paperbacks. And to this, I’m certain, will be reported by other Saudi Air Force intend maintaining the Gareth Jones who has ‘captured’ so many writers in the future. Close on a thousand Tornado until 2020 - at least. outstanding images of the Tornado, which airframes were built with the Royal Air he has generously shared on social media, I Force receiving well over 400. Per Ardua Ad * Born in Swindon on March 2nd, 1931, Paul extend my grateful thanks. Astra. Millett was an outstanding Fleet Air Arm Bill Chorley pilot who prior to becoming a test pilot Addendum. On conclusion of the fi nal fl ew in the region of 100 Firefl y operational fl ypast at Marham the last to land Postscript. Additional to the disbandment sorties during the Korean War, gaining a was Tornado GR.4 ZA463 drawn from fl ights featuring Air Chief Marshal Sir Distinguished Service Cross and in the Tornado Force. It was crewed by Stephen Hillier and Group Captain Ian recognition of his career as a test pilot the Squadron Leaders Ian Dornan and Stephen ‘Cab’ Townsend, Thursday, February Order of the British Empire. His death at Beardmore. Credit: Marham Media Centre. 28th, witnessed nine aircraft in an

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39 The Downsman - April 2019

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40 The Downsman - April 2019 Rob’s Column I have been asked to share a few bits from To my dear Darling, with heart fondest love The man who seeks one thing in life but an autograph book from the 1914-1918 war Love on this card I am sending one with readers of the Downsman. A lot of it is A kiss for each hour of the day May have to achieve it before life is done from men going to or coming back from the A message to say I am thinking But he who seeks all things wherever he war to the lady owner of the book. Of you dear, whilst you are away goes I hope you enjoy reading them. I am sending the best of good and many Only reaps from the hopes which around fond thoughts, dear so true him he sows. Before It’s Too Late Whilst I hope that is your home coming to If you’ve a tender message one that is waiting for you (1915) By hook or by crook Or a loving word to say I’ll be last in your book Don’t wait till you forget it Waste is a fault I abhor But whisper it today (1915) The source of what I’ve always found it. But The bright side is the right side stay. The waist that I adore is yours, dear The side which knows no fear The tender words unspoken With my arm just round it! (16 Jan 1916) The faith side and the hope side The letter never sent The kind side, full of cheer The long - forgotten message We are but little soldiers weak The wealth of love unspent Who don’t get half enough to eat, Catch and radiate the sunshine The more we do, the more we may Pass along the word of cheer For those some hearts are breaking All for little “Bob” a day. (28 Nov 1918) Give a tender smile or token For these some loved ones wait To the sad ones far and near. To show them that you care for them Here’s to the happiest hours of my life Gather up each passing sunbeam Before it is too late (1915) Spent in the arms of another man’s wife Reﬂ ect it far and wide Who is it? Sending forth its rays of brightness In the storms of this life Where the darkest shadows hide If Harvest of Barren Regrets (16th May 1918)

You will need an umbrella A. My Mother May this be upheld By a handsome young fella. (1915) There’s music in a horseshoe There’s music in a nail There’s music in an old tom cat When you tread upon its tail.

Present Duties. I shall pass through this world but once If therefore there be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do Let me do it now, let me not defer it nor neglect it For I shall not pass this way again.

A REQUEST Please take a dog poo bag when going for a walk. There is a lot of dog mess all around the village on the footpaths. It is not nice ICHARD DLEM MBE for the children to fall over on or get on R A their shoes. An elderly person can also slip practising as over on it. Why have we become such an uncaring village? Are you aware dog mess can cause HANDLEY FUNERALS blindness in children? Private Chapel Monumental Mason Oﬀ enders can be liable to a ﬁ ne of up to Telephone Handley 01725 552496 or 07766 039557 £1000 if caught. Rob Park Cottage, Sixpenny Handley, Salisbury, SP5 5NJ

41 The Downsman - April 2019

Noticeboard

SituatedSii in Ebbesbourne Wake Village Hall Sixpenny Handley Just: 10 minutes from Sixpenny Handley, 5 minutes from Broad Chalke & 10 minutes from Tisbury Youth Club 6D Handley Village Hall Age 10 - 16 welcome £3.30 per hour for 3- 7 yr olds One of the few local facebook.com/6d4all £3.50 per hour for 2 yr olds nurseries who take Unique village setting eld £4.00 per hour for 1 yr olds children aged 1 year Contact Liz 01425 654467, Vicky 01725 with outside space & 552549, Graham 01725 516973 large playing ﬁ Holiday Club Owned and run by available Angela, Karen & Nicky 9:00 until 4:00 during school holidays for the past 12 years Monday to Friday A secure, loving and fun environment for your child Come and take a look or request a prospectus Contact Angela, Karen or Nicky on 01722 781069 or send us an email to [email protected] Happy Nappy meets every Monday in the Village Hall www.thelittlepennies.co.uk from 10am - 11:30am [email protected] Tel: Becky 01725 552997 Toys, Singing and Fun for Babies and Children ...with coﬀ ee, tea and a chat for “Children are making adults at our friendly group... excellent progress from their Children 50p, Adults £1 Registered Charity no. 1137622 starting points. They gain the skills they need for their Lucy Barr 07508 691323 future learning Milly Bones 07525 248890 and in readiness Fees & Funding for school.” 3 & 4 year olds £12.00 Outstanding Teddy Bears per session OFSTED report or £4.00 per hour 2016 Sessions (funding available Drop-in for 3-5 year olds) Monday to Thursday: 8:45am-11:45am 2-3 year olds & £13.50 per session 11:45am-2:45pm or £4.50 per hour

Friday: Thursdays 10:30—12 noon, 8:45am - 11:45am in term times. Carers and small children are Purpose built pre-school at welcome for a chat, coﬀ ee and play Sixpenny Handley First School in St Mary’s Church with indoor/outdoor free flow play areas.

42 Date Club or Group Page Day Club or Group

Mon Happy Nappy : Village Hall 10:00 - 11:30 Thu Parish Library 1st & 3rd Thu : Parish Off ice : 3pm - 4:15pm Weekly in Term Time Thu Yoga with Araxy : 6D Village Hall Mon WI Meetings : Village Hall : 2nd Monday of Month Thu Downsman Business Group : bi-monthly : 9:30 - 10:30am Mon Pilates : Village Hall 4:30pm Thu Extend Seated Exercise : Parish Off ice : 10:30am Mon Scouts : Scout Hut 19:00-21:00 : Term Time Thu Mothers’ Union : 2nd Thursday in the Month 14:45 Mon Boxercise class : 6D Village Hall at 7.15pm 2nd Mon of the Month @ Sandroyd. Thu Teddy Bears Drop-in : Church 10:30 - 12:00 Weekly in Term Time Tues Parish Library : Parish Off ice : 10am - 12noon Thu 6D Handley Tennis Club Rusty Racquets 6:30-7:30 Tue Bridge : Parish Off ice Fri Parish Library : Parish Off ice : 8:30am - 10am Wed Cross Roads Café Parish Off ice 10:30am - 12noon Fri Chase Community Friends Lunch Wed Whist : Village Hall : Fortnightly Village Hall : 2nd Friday in the Month Wed Beavers, Cubs, Explorers : Scout Hut : Term Time Fri 6D For All - Youth Club : 6D Village Hall Alternating weeks 7:30pm Sun St Mary’s Church 9:30 Traditional & Informal services 18:00 Evensong Alternating weeks St Rumbold’s 11:15 Gussage St Andrew 9:30 The Downsman - April 2019

Many woodland species are under threat from over-grazing by deer. Our new fence will reduce this problem signiﬁ cantly allowing species such as orchids, dormice, butterﬂ ies and a range of birds to thrive. Nightingale could even recolonize as the habitat improves. Please come on in and continue to enjoy this beautiful wood and bear with us as work is ongoing to remove old internal fencing.