Sunday Services

St George, Fordington, Dorchester, DT1 1LB St Simon & St Jude, , DT2 9PT Every Sun 8am Holy Communion (said) 1st Sun 11.15am Holy Communion 1st, 3rd, 4th, St Martin, , DT2 9JR and 5th Sun 9.45am Holy Communion (sung) 2nd Sun 9.45am All Age Communion (sung) 2nd Sun 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sun 11am Holy Communion St Mary the Virgin, Dorchester, DT1 2HL Every Sun 8am Holy Eucharist (said) St Mary, , DT2 9LP Every Sun 9.45am Holy Eucharist (sung) 1st, 3rd Sun 10am Holy Communion 5th Sun 9.45am Eucharist for Healing 1st Sun 6pm Taize Service St Michael, , DT2 9LG 2nd Sun 11am Holy Communion St Peter, Dorchester, DT1 1XA Every Sun 9am Holy Communion (BCP) St Thomas a Beckett, , DT2 9ER Every Sun 10.30am Sung Eucharist 2nd Sun 9.30am Holy Communion

St Andrew, , DT2 8AB http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news 1st Sun 11.15am Said Holy Communion 2nd and 4th Sun 11.15am Sung Holy Communion For mid-week services and more information 3rd Sun 11.15am Said Mattins about worship see church pages. Please follow this link to check which church is open for private prayer – the information is updated each Friday 5th Sun No Service

The Benefice Network

Office Secretary St Andrew June Jenkins 250719 St Mary [email protected] Verger Cynthia Fry 573076 Organist Benefice Website Organist Geoff Greenhough 267723 Flowers Jill Shepherd 264222 www.dorchesteranglican.info - Flowers Margaret Morrissey 250366 Church Committee Secretary [email protected] Church Committee Secretary Felicity Murray Dorchester PCC Secretary Janet Cooper Robert Potter 262041 Treasurer Kaye Kerridge 268641 260259 [email protected] Treasurer John Heath 07802 527757 Envelopes Kaye Kerridge 268641 Dorchester PCC Treasurer Envelopes Electoral Roll Jill Shepherd 264222 Beryl Shuttleworth 266616 Electoral Roll Trudy Tabone 246126 Magazine Editor Servers Peter Vojak 265994 St Simon & St Jude Margaret Morrissey 250366 Safeguarding Peter Vojak 265994 Organist Duncan Honeybourne 761881 [email protected] Social Groups Flowers Rota of PCC members Magazine Advertising Olive Branch Joyce Potter 262041 Church Committee Secretary c/o Margaret Morrissey 250366 Monday Club Rosemary Bassett 262615 Wendy Grassby 263762 [email protected] Hall Bookings Treasurer Hilary Hoskin 251085 Email [email protected] and John Williams [email protected] your message will be sent to someone from Electoral Roll Wendy Frost 889510 Magazine Circulation Cynthia Fry the Magazine, Pews News, the Parish Safeguarding Peter Vojak 265994 office or the Team Website. St Peter St George Verger Val Potter 264416 Benefice House/Prayer Groups Verger Tony Archer 07484 257612 Organist David Fawcett 07740818107 Friday Prayer Group Meets at St Peter’s Organist Evelyn Kingman 265741 Bellringers Will Haydock 07976 276066 Friday 10.30am Penny Blaby 753556 Sunday School Maggie Carter 266072 Flowers Kate Chapman 756069 and Dorcas MU Bible Study Group Meets on Bellringers Tony Spiller 262442 Rosalind Thorpe 259659 Weds 10am Janet Cooper 260259 Flowers Helen Pickard Church Committee Secretary St Peter’s MU Penny Blaby 753556 Church Committee Secretary Tony Palmer 268486 Emmaus House Group Meets on 3rd Cheryl Taylor 269564 Treasurer David Elliott 259236 Monday of the month. Treasurer Michael Neely 262869 Envelopes David Elliott 259236 Christian Meditation Group Wednesdays, Electoral Roll Dorothy Maggs 262436 Electoral Roll Jim Mclean 260126 5pm at St. Mary’s. Rosemary Bassett Social Events Maggie Carter 266072 Social Events Rosalind Thorpe 259659 262615 Servers Safeguarding Jane Pryce 269937 Home Bible Study Group Monday 7.30pm Safeguarding Hall Bookings Pat Davies 267745 30 Grosvenor Rd Celia Robertson 257621 Hall Bookings Meriel Dunham 268551 [email protected] Brownies Becki Munro 457181 Magazine Circulation Val Scriven Magazine Circulation Mark Dyer Rangers Lisa Upward 265574

2 The Bishop of Rev Karen Gorham

The Team Communities of Hope Team Rector Vacant – contact church wardens I have appreciated over the last few with responsibility for St Mary the Virgin months having a little extra time to and St Simon & St Jude read and one of the books I have Team Vicars been challenged by has been Vacant – contact church wardens ‘Accompaniment, Community and with responsibilty for St George Nature’* by one of our local clergy, and St Andrew the Revd Canon Jonathan Herbert. Vacant – contact church wardens It is easy to think of Christian with responsibility for St Peter’s Community as a rather exclusive Revd Jean Saddington thing, with its own rules and rhythms with responsibility for known only to those who belong The Winterbournes & Compton Valence there. Far from it, writes Jonathan, as 01305 889992 he describes some of his own Associate Clergy experiences of communities of hope and welcome, including two in our Revd Joanna Lacy-Smith diocese – Pilsdon and . 01305 889476 As these particular communities, and others, have shaped Jonathan’s Licensed Lay Ministers life it is encouraging to observe how these communities themselves have David Bowen 01305 263584 also been shaped by all those who come into contact with them, bringing Allen Knott 01305 267217 about a ministry of healing, fellowship and a generosity of service which Robert Potter 01305 262041 transforms life far beyond itself. Churchwardens For Jonathan it has been the ability to accompany individuals that has St George been informative and transformative, something many of our chaplains Paul Briggs 01285 480410 also would testify to. To live, sit or stand alongside individuals, to listen, Yvonne Lee 01305 268179 advocate, encourage and give time is itself a precious gift which should St Mary the Virgin not be underestimated or squandered. Trudy Tabone 01305 246126 Reading this book at this time has caused me to reflect on how a church Ellie Stephens 01305 263391 without walls can be transformative in its own welcome, how we as St Peter individual Christians can be alongside others in their own life journeys Val Potter 01305 264416 meeting them, as Christ meets us, just where they are and how going St Andrew vacant forward we need to take time to stop, listen and engage with those outside St Simon & St Jude our boundaries in new ways. The ministry of chaplaincy can do much to Charles Norman 01305 262719 inform the work of the Church in its interaction with the world as we all Judy Norman 01305 262719 contemplate a different future. St Martin What Jonathan has shown me is that churches with very definite walls Dick Corbett-Winder 01305 889410 have to decide how to keep the door firmly open, not only to enable the St Mary needy, searching and interested to enter, but also, as we are reminded at Joy Parsons 01305 889611 Pentecost, to welcome God the Holy Spirit of possibility, surprise, St Michael interruption, creativity and discomfort in too. Ellie Sturrock 07980 089470 Roddy Kilpatrick 01305 889238 *Accompaniment, Community and Nature by Jonathan Herbert St Thomas is published by Jessica Kingsley Peter Steel 01308 482782 Jeremy Russell 01308 482227 Chaplaincy at County Hospital Reverend Ron Martin (CofE) Dorchester Benefice Magazine Please submit copy for the September Lead Hospital Chaplain Editor: Margaret Morrissey OBE issue by 12th August at the latest. email [email protected] 9 Hessary St., , Dorchester DT1 3SF All new articles please submit by Revd Jean Saddington (CofE) Chaplain [email protected] 01305 250366 9th August or give notice of intention [email protected] Advertising Manager: to the Editor at Father Barry Hallett (RC) Chaplain [email protected] [email protected]

Contactable via Ron Printed by Sherrens of Weymouth

3 The Blessed Virgin Mary: Example to us all, now and in the days to come

Revd. Andrew Mackenzie

On top of Mount Koressos, west Turkey, quite near Jewish authorities! Simeon’s portentous words would Ephesus, you will find Meryemana Evi, or “Mother daily have troubled her spirit! Any mother’s task is Mary’s House”, now a chapel. Here St John is said to awesome indeed, but for this mother it was almost have installed Mary after the crucifixion. overwhelmingly so. How can we begin to imagine the Naturally the Turks adduce much evidence, which I torment she felt at the foot of the cross, gazing into find quite compelling, “proving” that this is the very the agonised face of her dearly-beloved son? How can house in which Mary spent her last days. While the we even try to comprehend her feelings as his life Catholic Church has never pronounced officially on slipped so painfully away? the authenticity of the house, large numbers of pilgrims Mary was a simple, God-fearing young woman into arrive daily. Several Popes have visited the shrine, most whose life God, through Gabriel, burst so recently John-Paul II and Benedict XVI. Pope Pius XII momentously. God’s message is incredible: what He elevated the house to the status of “a Holy Place”. asks of Mary is devastatingly daunting. Troubled and Muslims also visit and afraid, Mary reacts with venerate the site. Women astonishing trust, obedience come, praying to become and faith: “Here am I, the pregnant; many, already servant of the Lord; let it be pregnant, pray for a safe to me according to your delivery. Mary, Maryam in word.” Arabic, the only woman Clearly Mary has walked mentioned in the Quran, is with the Lord all her young highly revered by Muslims as life. She has known Him the mother of Isa (Jesus), a through life-long prayer, holy prophet of Islam. through the historical Jesus, of course, placed experience of her ancient Mary into St John’s care from people, through the the cross. Many believe John Scriptures, and through her was exiled to Patmos, 40 own daily experience. miles off Turkey’s west coast. Our example, our pattern, It is not at all inconceivable is Jesus himself. In him we that John did, indeed, place witness the perfect life of one Mary in this very house. At living daily with his holy any rate, Mary is the most Revd Andrew Mackenzie Father. Jesus needed that highly revered saint in the constant contact never more Christian world, and, as I say, most highly venerated in than when he agonised over what path the Father Islam too. wished him to take. Like Mary, he was the servant of Apart from the stories of Jesus’ birth, and, of God. With his soul “very sorrowful, even to death”, he course, the scene at the foot of the cross, Mary prayed: “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. appears infrequently in the Gospels. (She appears Remove this cup from me. Yet not my will, but yours more than 70 times in the Quran.) What a be done.” responsibility was hers! Naturally Mary would have Most of us are not called to serve as Mary did. Yet loved Jesus; nurtured him physically, emotionally and we are all called to serve him who called himself the spiritually; played with him; taught him the servant of all. Jesus said that, by serving others, we Scriptures; told him stories; taught him to pray – would serve him. Let us remember this as we gradually done all the things, in fact, that any loving mother return to what people are calling “the new normal”. does for her child. She (and Joseph) did everything Remember that we will learn what God wills for us for and with Jesus that the Law required; and Mary only by daily living closer to Him – through prayer, also did everything for him according to the law of a through reading His holy word, through worship and mother’s love. the sacraments, and by truly listening to His voice. How she would have fretted about him, especially Only then will we be ready to do God’s will as Mary when stories reached her of his clashes with the did so perfectly.

Never ask God the way to heaven he will always give the hard route. To get to heaven, turn right and keep going straight. – Anon

4 News on Facemasks and PPE From Trading Standards

On the 11th May the Government advised people to manufacturer’s technical file to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces when social show it complies with our law. distancing, on public transport or in some shops. Trading Standards are responsible Face coverings such as handmade masks and scarfs for the enforcement of PPE sold to consumers. As a do not replace the need for social distancing or minimum PPE masks should bear a name, trademark or handwashing. Evidence suggests that wearing a covering other means of identification of the manufacturer or does not protect you. However, if you are infected but supplier have not yet developed symptoms, it may provide some • Product code protection for others you come into close contact with. • a CE mark A face covering is not the same as personal protective • four digit Notified Body number equipment (PPE) or medical devices such as surgical • bear the appropriate class (FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3) – masks or respirators used by healthcare and other please note only FFP3 can provide protection against workers. This equipment is heavily regulated, designed Covid-19. and manufactured to be worn for protection against • reference to standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009 one or more risks to that person's health or safety. • state whether is single use (NR) or re-useable (R) As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic there has been • accompanied by instructions in English an increase in demand for PPE products both If anyone believes PPE or other goods are not safe or commercially and by consumers. Unfortunately, this has not as described report it to Dorset Council Trading led to a rise in the number of illegal PPE being sold. Standards by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer These products can often be dangerous and unsafe, or Service at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer come from supply chains without traceability back to a or by calling their new freephone number 0808 223 1133.

Coronavirus-related Scams CAN YOU HELP? How To Protect Yourself Criminals are exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic to try and DORCHESTER POVERTY ACTION get their hands on your money and personal information. To needs a voluntary treasurer – date, Action Fraud has received reports from 2,378 victims of could you be that person? Coronavirus-related scams, with the total losses reaching over £7 million. Dorchester Poverty Action (DPA) is a hard- There are some simple steps you can take that will protect working local charity making cash grants to you from the most common Coronavirus-related scams. people living in DT1 and DT2 areas who hit a 1 – Watch out for scam messages financial crisis. It was set up 30 years ago by Your bank, or other official organisations, won’t ask you to Churches Together in Dorchester and maintains share personal information over email or text; if you receive its links with local churches. an email you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS): More information is on the website [email protected] www.dorchesterpovertyaction.org.uk and on Facebook. 2 – Shopping online When you’re making a purchase from a company or DPA has a team of 5 trustees who are all person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research volunteers, including the treasurer. The treasurer first, for example, by checking to see if others have used the post is supported by 2 volunteer financial assistants, site and what their experience was. Use a credit card, if you forming a finance team. The trustees meet quarterly. have one, if you decide to go ahead with the purchase, other A full job description for the treasurer post is payment providers may not provide the same protection. available by contacting: 3 – Unsolicited calls and browser pop-ups offering technical [email protected] support The closing date for applications Never install any software, or grant remote access to your is the end of July 2020, with some flexibility in computer, as a result of a cold call. Remember, legitimate present circumstances. organisations would never contact you out of the blue to ask for financial details such as your PIN or full banking password.

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6 St George’s Church Church Correspondent Nicky Brennan

Please follow this link to check which church is open for private prayer – the information is updated each Friday http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news

Thoughts for July and our use of modern technology. God’s Spirit works through all of this. July is an important month for me in the church Martha, Mary and Lazarus are called the calendar, as it commemorates so many saints and men Companions of Jesus (what a privilege to be given that and women of God. Three stand out for me, and they name – what can we do to earn that title?). are Thomas the Apostle (3rd July), Mary Magdalene Their house was a place of refuge in His earthly (22nd July) and the Companions of Jesus, Martha, ministry. They were very close to Jesus. He wept for Mary and their brother Lazarus (25th July). Lazarus. Through all our difficulties we need to feel the Thomas has been nicknamed ‘Doubting Thomas’. I love of God working in our lives, to open our hearts feel he has been misinterpreted. He should be called and minds and homes to the workings of the Spirit, ‘Believing Thomas’. All he wanted was to see and touch particularly in our current predicament. This will not Jesus, to experience the presence of the risen Jesus with last for ever. One day soon we shall all be together like his five senses. Like me he wanted the nearness of Jesus. one big family, worshipping and praising God in our For me worship is a matter of imagery and senses. With beautiful St George’s. I have received so much support my background in Hinduism I have been used to and encouragement from everyone. Truly we are imagery, dance, movement and colour in worship. Companions of Jesus! May God bless us all. Amen. Some time ago I was involved in liturgical dance at Reverend Reji St James’ Piccadilly, where we expressed our worship of God through music and movement. To me worship involves the whole person, not just the intellect. Reflections Mary Magdalene is important to me because I served During this time of lockdown, I have taken the for many years as an opportunity to have distanced walks all around Church of Assistant Curate at the Dorchester. I have discovered paths and alleyways I St Mary Magdalene’s Paddington Church of St Mary never knew existed even though I have lived here over Magdalene’s in Paddington. 45 years. There are also new Information Boards all The Church was designed by around the town which I have taken the time to stop Street in 19th century. It is and read and learn so much more about the history of neo-Gothic, full of statues the town or monuments. Two weeks ago, I met a friend and imagery, wonderful walking on the other side who directed me to walk stained glass and a literally along Lubbecke Way and across the fields. The reason very High Altar. Mary was was the magnificent display of buttercups all over the treated as an outsider, and water meadows. In the sunshine this golden glow was we have all felt marginalised truly magical and seemed to stretch for miles. A bonus at some time in our lives. was being able to walk along the river in Lubbecke Way Mary was looked down on in and see the swan with her cygnets too. From there I mind and body but found came back along Kings Road and took the path up into Christ and was liberated and St George’s graveyard (on the gate is a sign indicating loved as a true disciple. Jesus there are War Graves within). I climbed the hill to the chose her to be the first top where there is a seat and took the opportunity to person to see Him after His rest awhile in the sunshine, that we have been so lucky resurrection. Like Thomas, to have had. Sitting there was very peaceful but then I Mary Magdalene tried to touch Jesus but was forbidden realised I was surrounded by a wonderful display of to. She was sent to Jesus’ disciples with the good news large daisies all over the entire space gently waving in that He had risen, which is why she is called the the breeze. I enjoyed it so much I probably took longer Apostle to the Apostles. We have been prevented from for my rest than intended. The scene up there has seeing our loved ones, let alone touching them, but we probably not changed in many years and I felt I was are called to share the Good News with our brothers almost taking a step back into the history of Fordington. and sisters, even in these difficult times, through prayer Dorothy Maggs

7 Lawyers in Lockdown David Pickup, a solicitor, considers some legal problems caused by lockdown.

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver… pay rent for a student accommodation if the student (Isaiah 33:22) has gone home. The tenants have a right to receive mail and the answer to the other question is probably ‘yes’, The last few months has proved a busy time for many because student lets are often for a fixed period without solicitors. Sadly, the added stress, uncertainty, isolation, an option to end the letting early. and changes to daily life brought on by coronavirus has People are spending more time close together, led to many disputes. People have ended up fighting although in isolation. This can lead to domestic their business contacts, colleagues, neighbours and even violence and anti-social behaviour. Neighbours, tenants family members, and landlords can get on each other’s nerves. Anti- Strangers may also prove a threat. There are increasing social behaviour indoors or outdoors is always taken numbers of scam emails, as crooks try to hack into your seriously by the authorities. computer or try to get you to invest in some get-rich- Some of us are spending more time in the garden quick scheme. Then there are those advertisements for and this can lead to noticing problems about that tree gambling on television. They are disguised as ‘fun’, but which overhangs your house and the branches that in reality they are anything but fun: gambling during bang on the roof in a high wind or the fence that needs lockdown can escalate very quickly. a repair. The lockdown has thrown up some questions: what Being a good neighbour/colleague/family member is to do if the post office is prevented from delivering mail more important now than ever. It is always best to first to tenants on an estate and whether you still have to talk to people – at a safe distance!

Across 1 ‘I pray that out of his glorious — he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being’ (Ephesians 3:16) (6) 4 ‘Saul’s father Kish and — father Ner were sons of Abiel’ (1 Samuel 14:51) (6) Summer Crossword 7 ‘Praise the Lord, O my — ’ (Psalm 103:1) (4) 8 See 5 Down 9 Laws (1 Kings 11:33) (8) 13 ‘Who of you by worrying can — a single hour to his life?’ (Luke 12:25) (3) 16 Artistry (Exodus 31:5) (13) 17 ‘Your young men will see visions, your — men will dream dreams’ (Acts 2:17) (3) 19 How David described his Lord (Psalm 19:14) (8) 24 ‘If this city is built and its — — restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans- Euphrates’ (Ezra 4:16) (5,3) 25 ‘The holy Scriptures, which are able to make you — for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 3:15) (4) 26 Intended destination of arrows (Lamentations 3:12) (6) 27 Eve hit (anag.) (6) Down 1 ‘For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find — for your souls’ (Matthew 11:29) (4) 2 Where Peter was when he denied Christ three times (Luke 22:55) (9) 3 Remarkable early 20th-century Indian evangelist, a convert from Hinduism, — Sundar Singh (5) 4 ‘Now the king had put the officer on whose — — leaned in charge of the gate’ (2 Kings 7:17) (3,2) 5 and 8 Across The Lover describes this facial feature of the Beloved thus: ‘Your — is like the tower of Lebanon looking towards — ’ (Song of Songs 7:4) (4,8) 6 ‘Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled — your waist’ (Ephesians 6:14) (5) 10 Trout (anag.) (5) 11 Easily frightened (1 Thessalonians 5:14) (5) 12 The ability to perceive (Ecclesiastes 10:3) (5) 13 One of the clans descended from Benjamin (Numbers 26:38) (9) 14 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who — bread into the bowl with me”’ (Mark 14:20) (4) 15 Resound (Zephaniah 2:14) (4) 18 Traditional seat of the Dalai Lama (5) 20 Precise (John 4:53) (5) 21 Build (Ezekiel 4:2) (5) 22 Beat harshly (Acts 22:25) (4) 23 Darius, who succeeded Belshazzar as king of the Babylonians, was one (Daniel 5:31) (4)

8 St Swithun (or Swithin) – saint for a rainy day

What legends are told about him? is from Winchester Cathedral’s website

St Swithun is apparently the saint you can blame for rainy summers. It is said that if it rains on his special day, 15th July, it will then rain for 40 days after that. It all began when Swithun was made in 852 by King Ethelwulf of Wessex. It was an important posting: Winchester was the capital of Wessex, and during the 10 years Swithun was there, Wessex became the most important kingdom of . During his life, instead of washing out people’s summer holidays, and damping down their spirits, Swithun seems to have done a lot of good. He was famous for his charitable gifts and for his energy in getting churches built. When he was dying in 862, he asked that he be buried in the cemetery of the Old Minster, just outside the west door. Had he been left there in peace, who knows how many rainy summers the English may have been spared over the last 1000 years, but, no, it was decided to move Swithun. By now, the 960s, Winchester had become the first monastic cathedral chapter in stone bridge over the River Itchen that runs through England, and the newly installed monks wanted Winchester. Swithun in the cathedral with them. So finally, on His most famous miracle tells of a simple act of 15 July 971, his bones were dug up and Swithun was human kindness to a poor woman. When crossing the translated into the cathedral. bridge she was jostled and dropped her basket of eggs. That same day many people claimed to have had The saint took pity on her – and made her broken eggs miraculous cures. Certainly everyone got wet, for the whole. heavens opened. The unusually heavy rain that day, and on the days following, was attributed to the power One source claims that when Swithun died, he asked of St Swithun. Swithun was moved again in 1093, to be buried out of doors ‘where the feet of ordinary into the new Winchester cathedral. His shrine was a men could pass over him’. popular place of pilgrimage throughout the middle This, and a possible mistranslation of a medieval ages. The shrine was destroyed during the text, may have given rise to the story that when the Reformation and restored in 1962. There are 58 saint’s bones were moved inside the Old Minster on his ancient dedications to Swithun in England. feast day, 15 July 971, a terrible storm broke out, lasting for 40 days and nights. What legends are told about him? This is the basis of the popular belief that if it rains One legend claims that Swithun tutored the young on 15 July, it will rain for 40 days. Sadly, this claim has Alfred the Great. Another says is that he built the first no basis in fact.

Policeman: How did you knock the old man down? TIME FOR Motorist: I didn’t. I just stopped to let him cross the road – A SMILE and he fainted. Auctioneer: Now what am I offered for this beautiful bust of Robert Browning? Man in crowd: That isn’t Browning – that’s Shakespeare! Auctioneer: Sorry – just goes to show how much I know about the Bible.

9 Remembering the man 1887 he introduced an early form of who founded Barnardo’s fostering – boarding out children to DID YOU host families. It was 175 years ago, on 4th July 1845, that Thomas Barnardo, the What effect will KNOW? humanitarian and philanthropist, was born in Dublin. He founded coronavirus have on Barnardo’s, a charity which society? continues to care for vulnerable The Office for National Statistics The new absolutely- children and young people. (ONS) has found that, following an must-have item for your The son of a furrier, he worked as initial period of great anxiety and a clerk until converted to evangelical confusion, now almost half the kitchen Christianity in 1862. He moved to population understands that life will Here is a curious winner in the London, intending to study not return to normal within the next coronavirus crisis: the humble egg medicine and become a missionary six months. cup. It has been flying off the in China. He never qualified as a Other findings include: shelves in recent months, as more of doctor – despite being known as Dr 75 per cent of us are “very us find solace in a cooked breakfast. Barnardo – and soon decided that worried” or “somewhat worried” At one point John Lewis had sold his real calling was to help poor about the effect that coronavirus is out of most of its egg cups, with children living on the streets of having on our lives now. even the most expensive lines selling London, where one in five children Many parents have struggled with out, (such as Le Creuset’s set of six died before their fifth birthday. home schooling, with 33 per cent egg cups for £45 or Emma He opened his first home for boys saying it has put a strain on family Bridgwater’s set of six for £27.95). in 1870 and soon vowed never to relationships. As Nicola Hattersley, tableware turn a child away. Most Victorians 41 per cent of us expect our buyer for John Lewis, explained: saw poverty as shameful, associating financial situation to get worse over “One positive from being at home it with poor morals and laziness, but the next 12 months. more is taking the time to make Barnardo refused to discriminate. 41 per cent of us think that the mealtimes more of an occasion. He made sure boys were trained and wellbeing of our child or children is “The humble egg cup – found them apprenticeships. being negatively affected. something many of us haven’t used When Barnardo died in 1905, he It is not all bleak – a huge 57 per since childhood – is gracing tables left 96 homes caring for more than cent of us think that Britain will be once again and hopefully we’ll see a 8,500 vulnerable children, including more united in the future and 67 new generation becoming familiar those with learning difficulties. He per cent of us say that Britain will be with ‘soldiers’ and debating the best believed that children should ideally kinder after coronavirus. That is way to smash open a boiled egg.” grow up in a family setting, so in good news!

It’ll mean nothing to anyone else but the Patent Shaft More Wanderings and Axletree Company was well known to me; it was a huge steelworks in Wednesbury, adjacent to the Great Robert Potter Western main line. It was impressive by day and at night it was lit by fiery red and orange flames and glowing steel. By day and night there was the slow As I said last month, the lockdown time has provided rhythmic thud of the huge, drop forge hammer, a thud time and a traffic-free environment for walking the which shook the wooden platform at the station – and, streets of Dorchester, taking time to look and to no doubt, all the surrounding terraced houses. Very question. Here are two more examples. impressive to a young lad. All gone now, its place taken Can you place Amphitheatre Terrace? John Lock by, amongst other things, an IKEA store, the road to referred to it in a conversation with me some years ago which is called – Axletree Road! and my response was ‘where’? He explained and of Back in Dorcheter, how many Alingtons can you course it’s logical; it’s the terrace along Maumbury place? There are at least 4 fairly easy and obvious ones Road, overlooking the Rings. It has a clearer recent (can you name them?) and a fifth, Alington Hall, in nameplate but originally the name was easily overlooked Durngate Street (the building behind the Dorset and I suspect that few people were aware of this Shepherd) my knowledge of which came from interesting name. A good place for viewing a Jill Minchin and then there is, or was, the Neolithic gladiatorial contest! Alington Henge excavated in the 1980s. The History Quite unrelated but in the same area, the steelwork Centre being closed I don’t know why the name for the railway bridge in Maumbury Road was made by Alington is common but no doubt someone will now the Patent Shaft and Axletree Company in 1939. So? tell me – I hope!

10 In the year 2005 Richard Betts

Out of the mouths of babes and infants When Words Fail In 2005 the children in year two at Manor Park 11 September 2001 was a day when not many people School were talking about the 2012 Olympic Games, knew how to respond. The attack on the Twin Towers in particular the news that the sailing events would be had numbed everybody. You felt you needed to do held off Portland and Weymouth. I asked one child, something, but do what? St. George’s bell ringers Abigail (I’ve changed her name here), how old she responded in the way only bell ringers can. They rang would be when the Olympics came to Dorset. She the bells, which were muffled, as they always are on mused for a while and said sixteen. I said good try, sombre occasions. The sound is quite different from but not quite there. usual. Not once in my time in We moved on, but Dorchester did anyone ever then, interrupting the complain about the noise of next thing we were the bells. Least so would they talking about, Abigail have done so on that day. The interjected forcefully, bells said everything on a day “but it could be when most people felt they sixteen”. I asked how. could say nothing at all. Quite The pregnant silence what they said was different for was broken by the each person who heard them. unassailable reply, “because sixteen is such a big number”. To this day I don’t know what wavelength Abigail was on, but I do know it was of a much higher frequency than my own. Some things are just so big, so amazing, you can do anything with them. It takes a child to remind us of that sometimes. Darkness to Light Of so many memories from my time in the Dorchester parish and benefice, some of the best are the confirmation services in Cathedral, When Eight Bells Toll presided over by Bishop David Stancliffe. Bishop It was round about this time that St. George’s bells David did it to perfection. The service began in were augmented from six to eight. The six had waited darkness and light was introduced gradually (candles a long time – Revd. Richard Bartelot had mooted the and electricity); the candidates stood in a large circle idea nearly 100 years earlier. It was wonderful to and each was asked to affirm their faith; the watch the two new bells hoisted up from the floor of “unlucky” ones who had not previously been baptised the tower, through the trap-door in the floor of the were baptised (not just with a touch of water – head ringing chamber, right up into the bell frame itself. fully immersed, towel and hair brush required The names of the churchwardens, Pam Montgomery afterwards). The service progressed from the west end and John Palmer, were inscribed on one of the of the church, past the font, to a central position additions. Much of the initiative for all this had come within the building. Each person was confirmed from Phil Tocock, captain of ringers, who was still individually, and personally. The newly confirmed leading the team until he was in his 90s. You didn’t then led the procession out of the building, each argue with Phil, who was ex-military, but he carrying a large candle, which they were asked to commanded much respect as well as loyalty. I was told present at their first communion in their own church, that when he retired from the Army he got a civilian to make the link between cathedral and parish. The job as an office manager. On his very first day he told whole experience was immensely uplifting, a junior member of staff to get his hair cut. You emotionally, spiritually, visually, and in other ways too. didn’t do that in 1969, but Phil Tocock did.

11 12 St Mary the Virgin Church Correspondent Robert Potter

Please follow this link to check which church is open for private prayer – the information is updated each Friday http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news

Private Prayer Sanctuary Lamp candles In line with government and diocesan guidelines we July Sanctuary Lamp candles have been given by will be opening St Mary’s for private prayer starting on Di House in memory of her sister Linda whose year’s Tuesday June 23rd. mind is on the 4th July and by Mary Foskett in memory The church will be open from 10am to noon on of her husband John whose year’s mind is also on that Tuesdays and from 2–4pm on Thursdays. There will be day. In the middle of the month the candle is given by stewards in attendance if you have any concerns or Robert Potter to mark family birthdays. questions. In August, candles have been given by Sue Blencoe to mark her parents’ birthdays on 3rd and 4th, by Lizzie Dorchester Family Support Hart and family in memory of Revd Tony Wheeler whose birthday and year’s mind are on 16th and 17th. Previously known as Holiday Lunch Club (Tony was the first team vicar at St Mary’s after the Our plans for this Summer have moved on slightly formation of the Parish of Dorchester in 1973). since I last wrote. We have decided to start operating Candles were also given by Mark Ison in memory of at Thomas Hardye School from 23rd July. This is his father James whose year’s mind is on 25th, by earlier than normal but we wanted to continue the Janet Comley in memory of her daughter weekly distribution that the school is offering at the Margaret Janet Comley-Nichols whose year’s mind is moment without a break in routine. Each Thursday on 28th and by Cynthia Fry in thanksgiving for her for 4 weeks we will once again be offering a mix of grandson Gethyn on 26th. fresh/tinned /packeted foodstuffs. There will be a one-way system The Monday Club in operation and families will be given a 15 minute time slot to pick up their parcels. Having lost many of our Spring and Summer talks due Families from Damers and Dorchester Middle to the COVID 19 lockdown, we are now waiting to see School also access this facility. They are given 3 bags whether some, if not all, of our Autumn term talks will of foodstuffs and the cost per family is £17.00. At this be able to proceed. At the moment the situation is not stage we cannot be precise about numbers but from clear but as soon as we can we will confirm whether or last year’s demand and bearing in mind that children not the Monday Club will meet in September to from neighbouring villages e.g. , December 2020. Broadmayne, Crossways will be added we are working Please bear with us; but please also keep the on seeing between 100–150 families per week. This following dates in your diaries in hope that we shall works out at approx. £2,500 per week – that’s £10,000 be able to meet! for the four weeks we are guaranteeing and if funds 21st September Monkey World – Mike Colbourne allow we will carry on until the end of August. 19th October Ghosts, Royals and Ferrymen – The financial cost seems overwhelming but we have Brian Margetson already been offered several grants from various trusts 16th November English wines – Furleigh Estate within the Anglican Church along with generous Vineyard donations from Dorchester Poverty Action and It would be a great help for simple communication various organisations within the community. with our members to know your email addresses, if you This is a difficult time for so many in our town. have one. Please contact me on my email address We are facing an unprecedented challenge and no-one [email protected] Those of our regular members who knows how long it will be before we return to do not have an email address will still be contacted by “normal”. I know that the families and my fellow phone. Jill Minchin 01305 263757 trustees would be very grateful if you feel able to support this project both financially and with your prayers. Kath Joslin – [email protected] More Wanderings by Robert Potter is on page 10

God assures us of a future that is better than all our past. – J C Stern

13 Batty about Bells. Jane Pridmore

So we thought we knew what 2020 would look like. Then everything changed. As the familiar summer months bring us days of warmth and positivity we remain in unprecedented times and many things that we all take for granted have been ‘put on hold’. This includes the fact that our churches have been shut and as a result the bells are also silent. No ringing for Sunday worship, summer weddings and so forth. We ask ourselves how we can live well while waiting for the things we cherish to return. Yet wherever possible we are trying to continue with the familiar things we enjoy and like. Much of the nation including bell ringers are a resourceful bunch of people. Ringers have still maintained their social links and some ringing activity. So what have some of the ringers been up to during lockdown? Well to begin with the e-mails, telephone calls and even zoom quizzes have been going on, not only in Dorset but around the country. Bell ringing Captains like to ensure that the ringers in theirs towers get some form of communication and are not forgotten. Ringing is a sociable activity and whilst we cannot meet in person there are still lots of ways in which we can communicate. Then there are word searches and quizzes. This one is about rings of eight bells that have been put into towers by Taylors Foundry in Loughborough and where they can be found. You may like to give it a go as no experience of ringing is required? Pen and squared paper enable ringers to write out the methods (musical tunes) they want to learn, nowadays there are a whole series of virtual options to consider too which can be done in the comfort of your own home. These include a series of You Tube videos of which there are 627 by ‘Simon bell ringer’ (his alias) and simulators such as Abel, Virtual Belfry, Belltower and Mabel for iPhone or Android users. Then there are the personal challenges whether it be Ringing Room is web based and used by countless learning to splice a rope, making a visual aid for towers and ad hoc bands who are holding virtual teaching, making your own hand bells, studying the practices across the web. You simply press the computer history of bells and ringing, publicising on social keys to ring the bells. media, writing an article or building your own model If auditory listening is more your thing or you are not bell tower like this one from a local Dorset ringer who into technology then the podcast ‘Fun with Bells’ is ideal spent ages building this out of Lego! (https://funwithbells.com/aboutfunwithbells/episodes). Despite all this the main concern for all ringers is This podcast is for those who ring and those who how shall we celebrate when we can ring again? don’t but want to learn more. True stories have recently been released from ringers about the end of After lockdown: To find a ringing teacher near you World War II and were released to coincide with the go to http://ringingteachers.org/get-involved/learn- 75th anniversary of VE Day. ring-art

14 Life is a journey that no one makes alone. The more people you touch along the way, the more meaningful and rewarding your time. – Anon

15 Wartime memories Katharine Marr

As VE Day has been commemorated recently and VJ A Doodlebug Day will be remembered in August, I thought I would write about some of my wartime memories. I was ten When we were 14, the school leaving age, we had to when the war started. register at the Labour Exchange (as they were called in I went to church as usual on September 3rd though those days) but as we were at school we were exempt my parents stayed at home. At the end of the service from working in the factories making munitions but we the vicar announced that war had been declared. The had to join a youth organisation; I was a Guide and first thing I did at home was to put on my gas mask. I that counted. had refused to wear one when they were given out but Our air raid shelter was the inside coal cellar with a now I realised it was for real so on it went; I hated the reinforced roof and a boarded floor. My brother and I smell of the rubber. had two bunks and our parents slept on a matress on Our school did not have an air raid shelter neither did the floor. The reinforced door was left open but during the boys’ school so my brother was taught in the dining a raid it was pulled shut, pulling a piece of string. I slept room in the mornings and I went to a house 10 minutes’ all through the night when Enfield was bombed. It was walk away in the afternoons. Eventually we went back to in the school air raid shelter that I was introduced to school but there was still a 2 hour lunch break. Dornford Yates and Berry and Co with a teacher At the end of that school year I went to the County reading it to us when we didn’t have other work to do. Girls’ School. There was a long list of uniform I remember the summer when the doodlebugs were requirements which weren’t all available so I had a flying around; one exam paper was started in the green gym slip with a velvet top, a white blouse, lyle classroom in ink, continued in the shelter in pencil, stockings and brown shoes. Eventually, when clothing then ink, then pencil, then ink again as we moved in coupons were introduced and clothes were scarce, the and out. requirements were not so strict and I remember, when I As a family we didn’t have holidays as such. We was about 15, wearing a pink cardigan! walked in Eppinng Forest or the Hertfordshire country School dinners were served in the boys’ Grammar side. On one occasion we were in the Forest when a School opposite but here was no mixing – we had our severe raid started but we just went on picking meals when the boys had finished. Later on we were all blackberries. I suppose we were lucky living in Enfield given a great dollop of orange jelly once a month to as we didn’t get the severe bombing that other parts of boost our vitamin C intake. London suffered. We had enough to eat, clothes to During 1941 I was confirmed. The vicar still expected wear and a comparatively warm house. We accepted the the girls to wear white dresses – my mother did manage blackout and took torches when we went out at night. to get or make one. Life went on as far as I was concerned as I knew When clothing coupons were introduced children nothing else. On VE Day I went for a cycle ride and on had fewer (we were smaller) and to see if we qualified VJ Day I was at Harvest Camp and we all went for a for extra, adult, ones we were all weighed and measured long walk. at school but I was half an inch too short and 2½ I wonder if, in 80 or 90 years’ time people will pounds too light . remember and write about Covid 19 days?   your garden needs some regular T.L.C. Pruning Weeding Planting Lawn raking General gardening services RHS level 2, WRAG trained Dorchester area 07899 958436 Email: [email protected]

16 Home Thoughts From Sussex Joan Bateman (Sent in by Veron Moffatt friend of Joan Batemen)

As I walk around the area, in this time of lock down, I I am fitting my daily walks round the weather – not am struck by the beauty and variety of the gardens I so sunny this week, nevertheless there has been much pass. Wisteria and lilac blossoms vying with each other to observe and enjoy as I wander along. On one side a for shades of blue, mauve, lilac. The birds still squabble magnificent horse chestnut tree in full flower, the on the feeders and robins over securing a lady and ‘candles’ made up of creamy white mini florets with courting her, but most birds have started rearing young 1cm long stamens some tiny blooms flushed with pink, and as I pass under trees and beside bushes, I hear the others with yellow and opposite a laburnum leaning piping voices of baby birds. Sometimes in the evening over a hedge like a golden waterfall. A blackbird there is a great hullabaloo from high in the pine trees in serenaded my progress accompanied by a robin, great tit our garden, I have spotted collard doves flying away, so and blue tits. I assume the racket is from their young. At the side of the road near the house, I spotted a As I walk to Hedgecourt Lake, I wonder if the great pipistrelle bat which I imagine had been hit by a tall crested grebes will still be displaying. The adult male vehicle. Pipistrelles are the most common and smallest raises the large showy orange-chestnut and brown ear British bat, with golden brown fur and a wingspan of tufts and vigorously shakes them in head to head 19–25cm, they roost in the roofs and eaves of even the courtship displays, which may result in a ‘penguin most modern houses, emerging just after sunset and dance’ in which the pair raise the whole body upright have a jerky flight pattern and fluttering wings. We breast to breast. I haven’t seen the dance for some years regularly have pipistrelle bats zooming around the but I live in hope. There appeared to be only five garden but this was the first one I have seen ‘close up’. grebes, so I wonder if at least one is already sitting on a A beautiful sight. nest in the reeds. A patient heron stood, as if a statue, Hedgecourt Lake has a delightful clutch of tiny at the edge of the Lake underneath overhanging ducklings. One female mallard was shepherding 14 branches and waited to catch his supper. Only one swan fluffy golden-brown ducklings across the water. The was visible, the cob I think, so maybe the pen is sitting next day I counted only 10 survivors. There are several and waiting…. families of ducklings and they grow bigger and more Three common terns, summer visitors, sporting daring by the day. The great crested grebes are still orange-red bills with a black tip, jet black cap, pearl-grey diving but no longer displaying. I saw only two terns, underparts, white rump and tail, screamed, dived for one chased a crow away from a nearby nest. fish and soared overhead. I saw my first swallow As I walked past some pine trees I was struck by a zooming over the garden and unearthed the lava of a high pitched trill and looking up I spotted two tiny May-bug or cockchafer. goldcrests foraging for insects among the tips of the Orange-tip butterflies continue to delight. Holly pine branches. I did not have my binoculars with me, blue and red admiral butterflies zoom among the but I am almost certain that was what they were. falling blossom from flowering cherry trees. Citizen Goldcrests are tiny birds with greenish upper parts, pale scientists are being asked to help track the effects of olive-green underneath and the male has an orange- climate change on butterflies. Butterfly Conservation yellow ‘flash’ on the crown. I spotted them because has asked the public to record butterfly and moth their fluttery flight resembles a butterfly but they are sightings in their gardens and on exercise walks. Keep bigger and noisier! a lookout in your garden for butterflies such as yellow The lily of the valley in my borders are blooming as brimstone, comma, speckled wood, holly blue and the bluebells fade. Plantain, cow parsley (also called orange-tip. Sightings can be submitted at the Butterfly Queen Anne’s lace), herb-robert, ransoms, stitchwort, Conservation website. buttercup, daisy, cowslip and celandine adorn our Walking through a friend’s woodland yesterday, wayside verges. Some of the apple trees are sporting studded with bluebells, I noticed many speckled wood their scented pink and white flowers and the damson butterflies seeming to spiral upwards with the eddying and plum trees have a good set of fruit. breeze and swirl down to feed on nectar rich flowers on In my friend’s woodland I saw fewer speckled wood the woodland floor. A wonderful bonus. but more large, small white and orange-tip butterflies. Primroses and daisies, cowslip, forget-me-not, On her pond I was amazed to see a handsome male honesty, dandelion and buttercup adorn our gardens, mandarin duck with a red bill, orange ‘combed’ whiskers lawns and verges. The irises are raising their ‘spears’ and and large orange ‘sails’ at the rear of the back. They are my roses, peonies and azaleas are in bud. Thank an introduced species, which freely perch in trees and goodness we can get outside and enjoy nature’s bounty. nest in tree-holes. I could hardly believe my eyes!

17 Memories of a Vicarage – the copper beech tree Mark Damon Chutter

Climbing Fordington High Street in both directions one might have noticed the most picturesque copper beech tree that was situated over the door of the former Fordington Old Vicarage (now Fordington Hill House) and surrounded by an ancient flint wall. Back in November the tree was sadly under threat of desecration, and is now sadly gone . At the outset it must be stated that the tree was under a preservation order by dated 6th December 1971 and confirmed by that authority on 24th January 1972 ( the order relates to one beech tree situated within O.S. Panel no 6758 on sheet SY 6990) registered on 26th January 1972. I understand that the copper beech had been deemed to be suffering from a fungal disease. It is . The novelist also named Fordington nevertheless a protected tree that has existed on the ‘Durnover’ in The Mayor of Casterbridge. grounds of the Vicarage for hundreds of years. Moreover, Hardy was a frequent visitor to the Fordington Vicarage dated back to the 12th Century Vicarage during the 19th Century and he would have (and possibly before) and was once home to the famous known the stunning copper beech tree situated at the former entrance on the high street. The tree features in many of the watercolours painted by one of the other eight sons of Reverend Moule – H.J.Moule (now held in Dorset County Museum Archives). The tree is also cited in Memories of a Vicarage by Handley Moule published by the Religious Tract Society in 1913. As you can see there is strong evidence supporting the provenance and prominence of this tree. In 1912 the Irish O’Rourke family moved to the Old Vicarage and May O’Rourke became Hardy’s secretary at Max Gate in the 192Os where she typed the dramatised script version of Tess. In 1942 my Fordington Old Vicarage grandmother and her family lived at the Old Vicarage until it was sadly demolished in 1971. My grandmother Moule family. In ‘Dorchester Antiquities’(1901) (Faith Irene Damon née Bugler) often talked about the H.J.Moule states ‘to houses still surviving in Dorchester beech tree and its beauty until her passing in 2017. Fordington Vicarage is certainly the most ancient’. In a world where we are constantly concerned about When the Old Vicarage was demolished in 1971 a protecting the environment and the impact of climate Romano British burial site was discovered including the change I am astonished to note the decision by the bodies of druids. County Council to fell the tree at the end of November. One of the most brilliant minds of the Moule family I would like to argue that the Old Vicarage site is a included Cambridge educated Horace Moule and he place of national and international interest to both the was close friends with the poet and novelist Thomas Thomas Hardy Society and lovers of literature Hardy. Moule became Hardy’s mentor in Latin and worldwide and of course it is important to our local Classics alongside the philologist and dialect poet heritage and landscape. It was only recently that the William Barnes (also a frequent visitor to the Vicarage listed flint wall was repaired around the former grounds and Valentine Le Grice also visited). It has been of the Vicarage. ‘Caveat Durnover’. suggested that Hardy based some of his work on the During these unprecedented times of the covid distinguished Moule family. The Vicarage appears in pandemic and climate change we urgently need to the Napoleonic text The Dynasts (1904) and in reconsider our approach to the environment more and A Changed Man (1913). Reverend Moule and his wife we must at all costs protect the natural habitat and Mary were also possibly the influence for Angel Clare’s landscape around us before Hardy’s Wessex is parents in Tess of the D’Urbervilles (1891). The Moule irrevocably ‘lost forever’. family were highly influential on the young Thank you for reading.

18 Death of an Actress Florrie Forde I see from the papers that Florrie Forde is dead – Collapsed after singing to wounded soldiers, Richard Betts At the age of sixty-five. The American notice Says no doubt all that need be said About this one-time chorus girl; whose role For more than forty stifling years was giving Sexual, sentimental, or comic entertainment, Flora Mary Augusta Frampton (1875- A gaudy posy for the popular soul. 1940) adopted the stage name Florrie Plush and cigars; she waddled through the lights, Forde. She was a star of early the C20th Old and huge and painted, in velvet and tiara, music hall, though she continued to Her voice gone but around her head an aura perform well beyond that period. An Of all her vanilla-sweet forgotten vaudeville nights. Australian by birth, Florrie lived most of With an elephantine shimmy and a sugared wink her life in this country. Click on Oh, She threw a trellis of Dorothy Perkins roses Around an audience come from slum and suburb Oh Antonio! and you might be lucky And weary of the tea-leaves in the sink; enough to find the 1908 recording of Who found her songs a rainbow leading west her singing that tale of crossed love and To the home they never had, to the chocolate Sunday the Italian ice-cream vendor. Of boy and girl, to cowslip time, to the never- In the poem from 1940 Ending weekend Islands of the Blest. Louis MacNeice places Forde’s so In the Isle of Man before the war before obviously less-than-graceful appearance The present one she made a ragtime favourite and presentation centre stage, though he Of “Tipperary”, which became the swan-song does so not in order to laugh at her but Of troop-ships on a darkened shore; to say some very tender things about the And during Munich sang her ancient quiz performer, her audience and a world Of Where’s Bill Bailey? and the chorus answered, she reflected; a world which, with her, Muddling through and glad to have no answer: Where’s Bill Bailey? How do we know where he is! had died or was dying. It reminds me of the 2018 film Stan and Ollie, in which Now on a late and bandaged day In a military hospital Miss Florrie Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly capture Forde has made her positively last appearance with great pathos the enduring dignity, And taken her bow and gone correctly away. humanity and sublime genius of two Correctly. For she stood performers long past their sell-by date, For an older England, for children toddling but still selling anyway to anyone Hand in hand while the day was bright. Let the wren and robin discerning enough to buy. Gently with leaves cover the Babes in the Wood.

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20 St Peter’s Church High West Street, Dorchester

Church Correspondent: Jill Bryant

Please follow this link to check which church is open for private prayer – the information is updated each Friday http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news

Weekday Services, Theology Group and Time to Mourn. All services and events are currently suspended and the church will only be open for private prayer until the basis at St Mary’s Church to lead the growth of the junior Government is able to lift the Coronavirus restrictions. choir, and to support other exciting initiatives which are planned for the musical life of the church and the town’. This is clearly a good opportunity for him and would enable Open Church him to be with his family in church on Sundays. As a town centre church visited by many people in He adds ‘I will be very sorry to leave St Peter's, where I have normal times (remember those?) we agreed that we had good relations with all concerned and have greatly enjoyed should open our doors as soon as the government working with such an able and supportive choir, who I consider allowed us to do so. On Monday 15th June it was a joy as friends. I feel it would be irresponsible of me not to take the to pull back the heavy wooden doors and let in the light opportunity now on offer to build a stronger family life in my and the people. In the first hour we had 6 visitors. We hometown. I'm sure you will understand why I've reached this currently have a rota of stewards to remind people of conclusion.’ the instructions about hand gel and distancing. We acknowledge that it will be some time before choral singing will be possible again in churches so we will have time to find a successor. We have had kind Lockdown Memories offers of interim cover for this post. Thank you to all who have so far contributed to this We all recognise the importance of the high quality project, it has been fun to read your submissions – musical contribution to the worship at St Peter’s. please send more if you feel the urge! Christine Buffrey We will also need to find a suitable opportunity to has kindly offered to work with me on this project thank David and I am sure that we will work towards the especially in the compiling and formatting of the final time when we can all meet together again for that and for document. I am so grateful to her. the resumption of some form of gathered worship. To remind you, we are asking for memories of Lockdown 2020 from you. What have you been doing? Black lives Matter Have you started doing something differently and will continue to do it in the new way when lockdown ends? There is a memorial in the church which Have you written a poem you would be happy to share? commemorates actions and uses language which are Have you discovered a new walk or a recipe that you totally unacceptable to us today. For some time we have could make from things in your cupboard or a delicious acknowledged the need to display a notice recognising one you have tried and will make again? We would like that but had not agreed on the wording for it. We are this to be a project for the whole congregation, a grateful to the Black Lives Matter campaign for raising document of your thoughts and experiences to be kept the matter and making it a priority for us. We have now for future generations so they will know what it was like displayed a notice and when we resume meetings we to live in Dorchester in Lockdown 2020. will discuss longer term solutions. Memorials belong to You can contact me on 01305 262502 or email the family of the deceased so they would need to be anything to [email protected] or you can post contacted about further action. them to me at Holly Cottage, 1 St Thomas Road, Extracts from the letter we received: Dorchester DT1 2PA. The book will be sold in aid of Surely part of the fight against racism is to make slavery and its St Peter’s church. Please join in! We have put a closing commemoration unacceptable. I refer to the plaque facing you date of 31st July. Jill Bryant when you enter St Peter’s Church, commemorating the actions of one John Gordon in suppressing a slave revolt in approving terms. Put simply – it condones and glorifies racism. David Fawcett We can’t just say that racism is someone else’s business – we David Fawcett has contacted us to say that he has been all have responsibility. Is it time to consider removing the thinking of his future and has decided that he needs to plaque from display or covering it up with a positive image? At give up his post with us so that he can take up a newly least a debate on what to do with it would help question the created position in , ‘on an official, professional racism that bedevils us.

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22 as we are, our hearts are closed, The words of the Aaronic and we cannot place the holy words blessing have flowed so beautifully TIME FOR in our hearts. So, we place them on through the world, in song, this top of our hearts. And there they season. So often, it’s when ‘all is stay, until, one day, the heart well’ that we perceive God’s SOME breaks, and the words fall in.”’ blessing in our lives, but how It’s often the case that our own resonant, those words, from breakthroughs seem to happen within a place where all is not? THINKING when we, ourselves, break open, Perhaps we can treasure those isn’t it? words that may have rested gently This has been, without doubt, a on our hearts, awaiting the time Why sometimes you time of breaking open; if not for us they fall a little further into place. personally, then almost certainly for May we thus be open, within this need a broken heart some of those we know and love. historic opening. And may, There is a Hasidic tale which evokes We’re all affected, in different indeed: Deuteronomy 11:18, and seems ways. We’ve all experienced ‘the LORD bless you especially apt for now: disorientation. We’ve all lost direct and keep you; ‘The pupil comes to the rabbi and contact with people we love. Many the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; asks, “Why does Torah tell us to still have no physical contact with the LORD turn his face towards you ‘place these words upon our hearts’? others. There’s a place for keeping and give you peace.’ Why does it not tell us to place calm and carrying on, but there’s Brian Draper these holy words in our hearts?” time enough to honour sorrow, For details about Brian’s work, visit ‘The rabbi answers, “It is because too. www.briandraper.org

St James the Least of All The Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’…on beware the spell-checker on your special service sheets!

The Rectory St. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren reference’ would ensure that they stayed neatly arranged in the pews after the service. When it is a When producing material for your magazine or church service where babies are likely to be present, be assured services, beware the computer spell-checker. We once that many of the copies will be returned half chewed let our own system check a Christmas carol sheet and, and coated with bits of whatever the infant had for on the night, found ourselves obliged to sing “away in a breakfast. There must be a market for paper treated manager”, mangers apparently being unknown to our with a child-repellent flavour for such occasions. machine. Anyone who thinks we are an unimaginative nation When you use special sheets regularly, it seems a should visit a church after a special service to see how law of nature – as with metal coat hangers – that they many places members of congregations can invent to all intermingle while no one is watching. Thus, on hide the booklets: under kneelers, neatly folded and Easter Day, half the congregation will have been hidden inside hymn books, among flower issued with sheets for Harvest, which will only become arrangements and behind heating pipes so that no one obvious once the service begins. The first hymn will can quite reach them. They then lurk there be entirely lost while sidesmen scuttle about looking reproachfully for the next ten years until mice solve the for replacements only to find that there won’t be problem. enough of them anyway and then the second hymn will be lost while others helpfully wander about No, stick to large, hard bound books. They are church donating their sheets to those looking helpless resistant to teeth and are too substantial to be hidden and then trying to find someone to share with. in pockets. Their only drawback is that they tend to fall victim to the pull of gravity at the quietest moments. Never, ever, print on them ‘Do not take home’ as this will only ensure everyone does so. I have sometimes Your loving uncle, wondered if the instruction ‘Take this sheet home for Eustace

23 Richard Drax says: “We live in a stunning part of the Portland incinerator world, I’m slightly baffled why we should put it here”. I’m with Drax on this. I’ve joined a new Hannah Borno association dedicated to the and we’re pushing back against the plans. The burner would be a serious blow for tourism in the area, an industry For you readers to decide. We don’t usually allow campaigns to which has already been hit hard by Covid-19. It contribute but in the spirit of the the moment and for the good would be terrible news for local farms and food of conservation – on my head be it. Editor. suppliers, as many of the toxins that would be dumped across the pastures and farmland are bio “South Dorset is a place of monumental beauty. The people accumulative. are proud and fiercely independent.” That’s according to my One of our main concerns of the Portland Member of Parliament, Richard Drax. Association is the effect on wildlife. The diversity of A few years ago campaigners backed by Drax Portland’s flowers and plants create a fantastically rich managed to block the enormous offshore Navitus Bay habitat for butterflies and moths, including the Wind Farm. The Jurassic Coast faces a new threat: a extremely rare silver studded blue butterfly. The Isle’s waste incinerator on Portland. rare calcareous grasslands, and the delicate balance of The proposed burner and its chimney stack would sit grasses lichens and wildflowers which support these at the southern end of , with the insects, would be vulnerable to the excess nitrogen prevailing winds carrying its emissions up across the from the plume. harbour, over Weymouth and on to Ringstead Bay and This incinerator would change the area irrevocably, the Lulworth coast. Should this facility go ahead, it but we’re not letting it go ahead without a fight; if would radically change the look and feel (and smell) of you’d like to help, consider calling Richard Drax’s Portland and the surrounding area, for generations. constituency office on 01929 462803, or write to him There are even plans to ship in extra waste by sea. regarding this issue: [email protected]. It seems odd to place a large rubbish incinerator in More information about the proposed incinerator a prominent position in the middle of the Jurassic can be found at portlandassocation.co.uk and I can be Coast, England’s only natural World Heritage Site. As found at [email protected].

24 St Andrew’s Church West Stafford

Church Correspondent: Tim Dennis

Please follow this link to check which church is open for private prayer – the information is updated each Friday http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news

A Key Worker’s Diary Now it is all by telephone and making referrals is virtual. The first challenge is establishing her identity as people rightly worry that it might be a scam call. Often the client just welcomes someone to talk to. Linda can refer people on who wish to give up smoking/drinking, lose weight, need help paying bills, even make their home warmer, due to partnership working with other agencies. However, her main advice is always: “Make sure you have working smoke detectors, test them regularly, switch electrical appliances off at night, close doors, plan a clear escape route, have door keys readily to hand – and if a fire happens, get out, stay out and call 999.” The four main causes of fire are unattended cooking, faulty electricals/overloaded electrical sockets, This is our own Linda Purr, about to descend the fire smoking and candles. tower at Moreton in Marsh Fire Service College (taken At this time of the year Linda would normally have pre-Covid)! given talks or attended fetes with a fire crew to promote Linda is a Safe and Well Advisor with Dorset & fire safety outdoors, but this aspect of her work has Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) and has been discontinued for the present. been working at home throughout the epidemic. Her There has been a notable spike in fire crews being job is mainly public facing, as well as liaising closely called to deal with fires in the open, particularly during with the fire crews on her ‘patch’ (here and up to the dry spell. How much damage has been caused by Sherborne). disposable barbecues being left in Puddletown and Fire prevention is big on the agenda of DWFRS Wareham Forests recently? Sadly this trend has although fires still keep the crews busy. Linda gets a continued. daily report on incidents that the crews have attended, In previous Junes Linda has attended a weekend at often several ‘shouts’ a week – but it’s not all about the Fire Service College, learning many skills alongside fires. Crews rescue people from vehicles (road traffic female firefighters, administrative staff and others in collisions), people stuck in lifts, rescues from cliffs, the fire service from all over the UK and some even farm animals/horses that need rescuing from internationals. Sadly this year that event has been ditches or mud. cancelled. Linda says: “It is a real insight into the strength and courage it takes to be a firefighter. How has Linda’s job changed in the last four months? Wearing the full PPE of a firefighter’s kit with air tanks Formerly she would visit a home to focus on fire safety is a heavy load. The boots alone weigh a ton! The prevention but she can also pick up any areas of training is invaluable in learning about fire behaviour, it concern or difficulty faced by the occupant, particularly helps me visualise how a fire starts and spreads.” if elderly/vulnerable. She would chat to the person and To contact DWFRS for a free Safe and Well visit refer them to other agencies (with consent) if additional ring 0800 038 2323 or visit their website help was needed and welcome. www.dwfire.org.uk.

Summer Mede. 23, Flog. 22, Erect. 21, Exact. 20, Lhasa. 18, Echo. 15, Dips. 14, Ashbelite. 13, Sense. 12,

Crossword Answers Timid. 11, Tutor. 10, Round. 6, Nose. 5, he. Arm 4, Sadhu. 3, Courtyard. 2, Rest. 1, DOWN:

17, Old. 19, Redeemer. 24, Walls are. 25, Wise. 26, Target. 27, Thieve. Thieve. 27, Target. 26, Wise. 25, are. Walls 24, Redeemer. 19, Old. 17, ACROSS: 1, Riches. 4, Abner’s. 7, Soul. 8, Damascus. 9, Statutes. 13, Add. 16, Craftsmanship. Craftsmanship. 16, Add. 13, Statutes. 9, Damascus. 8, Soul. 7, Abner’s. 4, Riches. 1, ACROSS:

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26 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The man who created Sherlock Holmes

Tim Lenton

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the multi-talented writer who created Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous detective, died 90 years ago, on 7th July 1930 at his home in Sussex, probably of a heart attack. He was 71. He had been born in Edinburgh to a prosperous Irish-Catholic family with a dysfunctional father and a loving mother who had a talent for inventing stories. He spent seven years in a Jesuit boarding school in England, which he loathed, and qualified as a medical doctor at the University of Edinburgh. He added ‘Conan’ to his name at that stage. He wrote the first Sherlock Holmes story, A Study in Scarlet, in 1887. In all, he wrote nearly 60 novels or short stories involving Holmes and his sidekick, Dr Watson. He did not regard them as his best work – he wrote prolifically on many subjects – but their characterisation and ingenious plotting made them by far the most popular. He was married twice – first to “gentle and amiable” Louisa Hawkins, the sister of one of his patients, and then, after she died of tuberculosis in 1906, to the “strikingly beautiful” and talented Jean Leckie. Towards the end of his life he developed a strong interest in the occult and spiritualism. He was knighted in 1902. Editor’s note: The stature of Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street, London and in Town Square, Meiringen, Switzerland is the work of John Doubleday who also created The Dorset Shepherd in Durngate Street. John has been responsible for many famous public works worldwide including The Beatles, Liverpool, HM Queen Elizabeth II, Gibraltar; Charlie Chaplin, Leicester Square, London and Vevey, Switzerland; Mary and Child Christ, Rochester Cathedral etc etc. We are very lucky to have a sculpture in Dorchester by such a well known artist.

The Frailty of Life Canon Paul Hardingham considers some comforting words from Isaiah.

According to one survey, during the lockdown, a However, this shouldn’t lead us to despair or fear; quarter of adults in the UK have watched or listened rather it is an opportunity to wo rship and praise God fo r to a religious service and one in 20 have started His constancy and care. In Peter’s first letter he quotes praying. While the majority of people who contract this passage from Isaiah and says, ‘For you have been born Covid-19 survive, it reminds us that we are much again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the more frail and weak than we like to think. As the living and enduring word of God’ (1 Peter 1:23). Peter prophet Isaiah says: contrasts our mortality with the eternal Word of God, ‘All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like which bring us new birth and life through the power of the fl owers of the field. The grass withers and the fl owers the Spirit. Jesus died for our sins and rose again to make fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely us right with God, so that through faith in Him we can the people are grass. The grass withers and the fl owers fall, know eternal life. We don’t need to be afraid of our but the word of our God endures for ever.’ (Isaiah 40:6-8). frailty, for God is a dependable foundation on which to Isaiah’s words really resonate at this time. In more build our lives and face eternity. normal times we can avoid facing up to our ‘We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree. And wither vulnerability, but this pandemic has forced us to and perish, but nought changeth Thee.’ (Immortal, invisible, recognise our weakness and fragility. Walter C Smith).

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28 All in the month of July

175 years ago, on 4th July 1845 75 year ago, on 5th July 1945 WWII leader 25 years ago, on 11th July 1995 the Thomas Barnardo, Irish humanitarian and Winston Churchill lost the British General Srebrenica Massacre took place. The philanthropist was born. He founded Election to Clement Attlee’s Labour Party. Bosnian Serb Army seized control of Barnardo’s, a charity which cares for 70 years ago, on 5th July 1950 Israel’s Knesset Srebrenica and massacred 8,000 men and vulnerable children and young people. passed the Law of Return, which granted all boys. Also 175 years ago, on 17th July 1845 Jews the right to immigrate to Israel. Also 25 years ago, on 16th July 1995 Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, British Prime 65 years ago, on 9th July 1955 the song ‘Rock Amazon.com opened its website to the Minister (1830-34) died. Earl Grey tea was Around the Clock’ by Bill Haley and His public. named after him after he was given a gift of tea flavoured with bergamot oil. It was Comets reached #1 on the Billboard chart in 20 years ago, on 25th July 2000 an Air known as the Earl Grey’s blend. the USA. It remained there for eight weeks. France Concorde crashed outside Paris Although not the first rock & roll song, it is shortly after taking off for New York. All 150 years ago, on 18th July 1870 the Vatican considered the song that brought rock & roll 109 people on board were killed, as well issued the declaration of Papal Infallibility. It into the mainstream. as four people on the ground. preserved the Pope from the possibility of error when he defined a doctrine concerning 60 years ago, on 6th July 1960 15 years ago, on 7th July 2005 the faith or morals to be held by the whole Aneurin (‘Nye’) Bevan, Minister of Health London Bombings took place. A Catholic Church. (1945-51) who led the establishment of the coordinated series of four suicide bomb 100 years ago, on 17th July 1920 National Health Service, died. attacks on London’s transport systems Kenneth Wolstenholme, British football 40 years ago, on 5th July 1980 Swedish tennis during the morning rush hour killed 56 commentator, was born. Best remembered player Bjorn Borg won the Wimbledon people, including the four bombers. More for his famous commentary at the 1966 singles championship for a record fifth than 700 were injured. It was the worst- World Cup Final: “Some people are on the consecutive time. ever attack on Britain, and the country’s pitch…they think it’s all over…. It is now!” – 30 years ago, on 17th July 1990 Iraqi President first attack by suicide bombers. as the last goal was scored. Saddam Hussein threatened to use force Also 15 years ago, on 28th July 2005 90 years ago, on 7th July 1930 against Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates the IRA ended its 30-year armed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, British writer who to stop them driving down oil prices. On campaign in Northern Ireland and created the detective Sherlock Holmes, died. 24th July Iraq sent tens of thousands of ordered all units to dump their weapons. 80 years ago, from 10th July 1940 to troops and hundreds of tanks to the border Its leadership stated that they would 31st October 1940: The Battle of Britain with Kuwait, ahead of an invasion on continue their campaign exclusively took place. British victory. 2nd August which led to the Gulf War. through peaceful means. TIME FOR A SMILE

The queue While waiting in a socially distanced queue early one morning for the supermarket to open for us ‘seniors’, I was surprised to see a young man saunter along and try to cut in at the front of the queue. A furious old lady waved her cane at him, and he quickly backed away. A moment later the young man tried again. He managed to dodge the old lady but then two old men started shouting at him. Again, the young man backed away; but he wasn’t giving up, and soon approached the queue for the third time. By now all of us pensioners were ready for him, an angry wall of opposition. The young man stood there for a moment, and then shrugged his shoulders; “if you people won’t let me unlock the door, none of you will ever get in to shop.”

29 30 Dorchester Churches Together Compiled by Val Potter 264416

Churches Re-Opening jobs. The folding seats have been mended but the circular seat around the tree was declared so rotten As we began to re-open our own churches for personal that it needed to be removed. Another volunteer then prayer it was good to learn which other churches were set up a crowdfunding site for 2 new benches as a planning to re-open. Many churches do not have a replacement; if you wish to donate (and I am assured tradition of using their buildings for individual prayer that it is safe to do so) you can go to and their members expect to come back to church only gofundme.com/f/Thequietspacegardenpoundbury. when it is possible to gather together for worship. The We have also had the generous gift of 2 folding churches who did report their intention to re-open were wooden seats from 2 people who use the Quiet Space the Catholic Church on Monday – Saturday, 9.30am- and particularly enjoy the garden. 12.00 and the United Church on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. The Baptist Church continues to It is good to see how people from the local host the Food Bank and the Storehouse is the place to community have rallied to help and support this special go for the Community Kitchen. place. New Minister at the United Church Chaplaincy in Strange Times Unfortunately, the Methodist minister at the United Life was already difficult for many of our familiar shops Church, Rev Steph Jenner, had to stop work due to ill and they have been closed for many weeks. Some have health. The good news is that Rev John Yarrien will re-opened with all the safety measures that we are used become their next Minister from September, subject to to seeing. The chaplaincy team agreed to resume approval at Methodist Conference. He will work contact with the shops in their areas to ask if they alongside Rev Peter Clark, their URC minister. The preferred email or telephone links for the time being. church writes: They also wanted to send cards with their good wishes “We look forward to for successful re-opening. Sadly a few businesses are welcoming Rev John and likely to cease trading but the message to everyone is to his wife Cora. John will support the local shops if you can, they are trying very be the Minister here at hard to be there for us and to work with the current the United Church and arrangements to keep us safe. will also be Superintendent of the Community Kitchen for the Future Dorset South and West Launched in March 2020 as a response to the potential Methodist Circuit. critical impact Covid-19 would have on the most John worked for vulnerable in our community, 4 volunteers set up a Hampshire County food donation drop-in at a local church. Within days Council as an IT they had 50 referrals for food boxes from people who Rev John Yarrien manager before training were self isolating, had lost their job, were caring for for ministry at Durham Cranmer Hall. Cora is an ordained Anglican Priest. someone vulnerable or were vulnerable themselves. They are both very excited to be moving to Dorset with They now hope to raise £10,000 to provide essential their two Labradors and look forward to becoming part food and hygiene boxes to vulnerable people, carers and of the community here.” those facing financial hardship in Dorset. “We have big future plans to sustain this work, having identified a clear need for the Community Kitchen to continue The Quiet Space Garden long after Covid-19 has gone, and building connections and During the lockdown many local people have found networks to allow us to grow. We are for the community, run by the peace and beauty of the Quiet Space garden just the community. what they have needed. We were delighted to welcome We are completely reliant on community donations and good Janet Rushbrooke, who has volunteered to be will, the money we raise will go towards keeping our supply responsible for the garden. She has already done a chains open, allowing us to buy in bulk to increase capacity to great job, clearing, tidying and pruning. After a help everyone, technology to allow us to keep increasing our request through the Poundbury networks, we now geographic reach and investing in our future plans to grow into have an enthusiastic group of people to help her with something the community really wants and needs long term. the gardening and with some of the woodworking Donations can be made at dorchestercommunitykitchen.org.”

31 32 Thoughts and Smiles from the Editor

Really sad to be writing the July/August magazine and each day to check what I am doing, very kind and still in isolation from our lovely churches, I never thoughtful but feeling really ancient now. actually realised just how much Sundays meant to me Look forward to writing again in September when before. I miss my discussion with my Maker through my hopefully it will be more cheerful news, keep safe and prayers, never quite the same praying when you’re not well and smiling, here are a few words to help I hope. kneeling in front of the altar. At least I have IT to keep me in touch, most days Time for a Smile converse with at least 20 people and hundreds on New version of Apostles’ Creed Facebook and that is great but I miss the hugs and the kisses and yes the coffee! When our church began live streaming its services, our Writing this magazine keeps me busy and feeling a minister was at first a bit nervous. Still, he kept his little useful, huge thank you to those in each church cool, and you would never have known he was who have ensured the magazine reaches the majority of struggling until he reached the Apostles’ Creed. Then you, I know it is very much appreciated; a good number he firmly announced that Jesus was… “confused by the have contacted me this last month to say so. It has been Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary…” good, thanks to our advertisers’ contribution we have New style of prayer been able to continue printing and good to keep the Our minister is still getting used to live streaming our printer with some work coming in. Sadly this terrible church services. Last Sunday he invited us to join him virus is putting so much strain on our shops, businesses digitally in prayer by saying firmly: “Let’s bow our eyes and families financially, our thoughts and prayers are and close our heads”. with them all. The children around me and my grandchildren are Crazy? coping well with being at home, despite all the wailing Our minister wanted the title of his next sermon to be about children missing 10 weeks of school and posted ahead of time on the church website. He rang accepting it is hard for those parents who are still our church warden and said that the title was to be: working, although the schools are open for their ‘Are Ministers Crazy?’ children. I find it sad we think it will be so detrimental Not hearing this as a question, the church warden their education as they are in school now till they are dutifully posted: ‘Our Minister’s Crazy.’ well into their 20’s. Not too sure the weeks at home will Pancakes do much harm and for some families a lot of good. I am mindful not all children have loving and caring homes A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, and of course they are a worry, hopefully our authority five, and Ryan, three. The boys began to argue over who is keeping them safe and cared for. would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the I left school 10 weeks after I was 15 and was in work chance for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, on the 27th December straight after Christmas, no long He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake, I holidays in the 50’s and no New Year’s Day holiday, can wait’”. Quick as a wink, Kevin turned to his those who did not turn up on 1st January were sacked . younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!” I know all things can be achieved, I have had a A proof reader would have helped! remarkable life in my work, worked on many A church notice sheet was prepared in great haste and it Government bodies and been an OFSTED inspector, contained the following announcement. (although did have to take a test for that), broadcaster, “There will be a special meeting of the Church Council journalist and best of all a Grandma. Let’s hope we will next Saturday morning. We hope all members will be able to have learnt exams are not all that matters in life, far attend. It will be gin with breakfast at 7.30am.” from it. Hopefully we will return to a more tolerant and caring world one day soon. A counting problem My unique Rocco has converted his daily exercise The church treasurer came down early one morning into skateboarding practice up and down the main and complained to his wife that he had hardly slept a street in his village fortunately, most people have been wink. His wife asked, “Why on earth didn’t you count completely confined to the house so not caused too sheep?” He replied, “I did, and that’s what got me into much of a problem for life and limb. He has taken to trouble – I made a mistake in the first hour, and it took treating me as a vulnerable old lady bless him and rings me until early morning to correct it”.

33 Bookworm Jean70 Langpoems to savour over the summer

“Poetry – the best words in the best order” phrases that have become part of the English psyche I have turned to poetry for this rather different – “Lilies that fester”, summer. Often dismissed as “difficult” poetry invades “darling buds of May”, our lives whether in children’s nursery rhymes, in “remembrance of things hymns, in mnemonics or in half remembered lines past”, “bare ruin’d learnt at school. The earliest known English poem is choirs”. ascribed by the Venerable Bede to Caedmon (fl658-680) I was taken back to who produced extemporaneous poetry at the Abbey of them by a present from Whitby. Beowulf comes next. With the invasion of the friends of “On Normans poetry in Anglo Saxon English was pushed to Shakespeare’s Sonnets – a one side until its reappearance in the 14th century with poets’ celebration”. The Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the Pearl and then editors in collaboration Chaucer. Thomas Wyatt introduced the Sonnet form with the Royal Society of into England in the early 16th Century and the Earl of Literature invited 30 Surrey varied the form to what became known as the modern poets to each take Shakespearian Sonnet, 14 lines of 3 quatrains and a a Shakespearean Sonnet couplet. and then respond in their Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets were first published in own verse. The 30 poets 1609 and were not greeted with much praise, an early use 23 of Shakespeare’s reader scrawled in the margin of the first quarto “What sonnets. Some have a heap of wretched infidel stuff”. Some of the now most chosen to replicate the verse pattern; others have popular (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day”) concentrated on the meaning of the sonnet. The poets were excluded from early collections and while the plays include Roger McGough (who writes that “All my are found in many 17th century editions the sonnets attempt to compose a sonnet in your honour failed, so disappeared. When they began to resurface in the taking the 14 opening lines from your corpus, I 18th century publishers were faced with the tricky assembled them to reflect my own inadequacy”) and problem of to whom they were addressed – and readers three poet laureates, Andrew Motion, Carol Ann Duffy were told that “it is for impure minds only, to be and Simon Armitage. I enjoyed re-reading the originals continually finding something obscene”. Nowadays (not by any means the best known) but also the modern most readers are happy just to read the verse and leave take on them from the droll (Wendy Cope on it to the critics to argue as to who The Dark Lady was Sonnet 22 “My glass can’t quite persuade me I am old”) and whether the sonnets were mainly written to a man to a beautiful echo (Gillian Clarke on Sonnet 116 or to a woman or to both. ending “ So would I wait for you, were we apart. Mind, The Sonnets cover every emotion, love, loss, grief, magnetism, hunger of the heart”) and to something the passing of time, jealousy, power, age, youth. They quite different (Douglas Dunn on Sonnet 1 “Posh totty are preoccupied with how the poet and his lovers will totters past on serious heels”). be remembered after they are gone. No one person reads them and finds them the same. Some are so “On Shakespeare’s Sonnets” – A Poets’ celebration intricate that they are like a cryptic crossword with each Edited by Crawforth and Scott-Baumann phrase a clue to something else, others are straightforward and accessible. Within them there are Bloomsbury

Please submit copy for the September issue by 12th August at the latest to the Editor at [email protected]

Dorchester Benefice Magazine has made a constant care to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in a good faith. Dorchester Benefice Magazine cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by and errors for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

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35