The

Hill April 2019

£1

Yearly Subscription (12 issues) £6

A MAGAZINE FOR ALL WHO LIVE AROUND HAMBLEDON HILL IN CHILD OKEFORD, MANSTON, HAMMOON AND HANFORD FIRST ISSUED IN 1967

VOLUME 52, NUMBER 4 CIRCULATION 525

2 Middle Farm, Manston, Sturminster

Newton, Dorset, DT10 1EX

www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk Farm Fresh Milk, Pasteurised and unpasteurised. CLEAN & DRY, SAFE & SECURE 24/7 CCTV & MONITORED ALARMS We are Open 7 days a week 7am-7pm MODERN & PURPOSE BUILT EASY ACCESS WITH NO HIDDEN CHARGES CHOICE OF SIZES TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS Contact us on 01258 472425 / 07850389294 Moving House? We sell boxes, tissue paper, DAZZLE bubble wrap and furniture covers. WINDOW CLEANING [email protected] Conservatories, fascias, soffits & Call 01258 861100 gutter cleans. Gutters cleared Gold Hill Business Park Contact Darren on 077883 76752 Child Okeford – DT11 8HF Or [email protected]

Paul Corbett

“Your Local Handyman”

Any job considered

Telephone: Guttering (cleared or replaced) 07960 712778 •UPVC fascias and soffits

•Patios 01258 860804 •Fencing •Property maintenance •Small building works •Repointing

Ham Down Woodland Burial Ground A beautiful and peaceful place to be laid to rest Greenhaven overlooking Hambledon Hill LANDSCAPES Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone, Blandford, Dorset Tel: 01258 860284 “Professional quality landscaping for all budgets” email: [email protected] www.hamdown-greenburial.co.uk Dave Bennett ALEC ANGELL Tel: 01258 861490 PAINTER & DECORATOR EXTERIOR and INTERIOR Garden Design : Walling : Decking Work done with Care and Pride Paving :Planting : Lighting : Irrigation Estimates free Advice and Consultation Contact 01258-860812 or 0788 1911434 www.greenhavenlandscapes.co.uk

3 RECTOR’S RAMBLINGS Food Glorious Food Last month I challenged you to think about what you eat in Lent. This month, perhaps you could think about where you buy your food. We are incredibly blessed to live in a benefice that produces so much food. You can buy raw milk, endless eggs, organic vegetables, pork (that you will have seen roaming on grass just by the sign saying “Pork and lamb for sale” – I really hope pigs can’t read…), lamb and beef. You can pick up chutneys, jams, marmalades, and artisan bread. All of this without food miles and endless plastic packaging. No, it might not be as convenient as a one-stop-shop at the supermarket, but it will support local farmers and producers and have a positive impact on the environment. “No more Tea, Vicar” Rev’d Karen and I have really enjoyed our afternoon sessions meeting a few of you at the Shillingstone Church Centre, but the uptake has not been high enough for us to continue. As people have expressed a wish for more pastoral care and for the clergy to be accessible, we will continue to keep this time free in both our diaries, but we will need to be contacted if you would like a visit. Holy Week and Easter services I do encourage you to join in with the wide variety of services on offer through Holy Week and Easter. The service on the Monday of Holy Week (April 15th) will be a service of licensing for me as the new Rural Dean and the Rev’d Pam Rink as Assistant Rural Dean – your prayers and support would be much appreciated as we get to grips with these new roles. Blessings Rev’d Lydia

COFFEE MORNING At ST NICHOLAS, CHILD OKEFORD on SATURDAY 20TH APRIL 2019 AT 10.30 AM ALL WELCOME – COME AND JOIN US! BOOKS, PRESERVES, FABRIC FOR SALE

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We’ve been getting Messy again at Messy Church Time for a Messy Church update: we’ve been busy. Messy Church Toddler Group Child Okeford is lucky to have a lot of Messy – Every Wednesday in term time at the Community Centre 9-12 we have a baby and toddler group 0-5 year old running amok with mums, dads, grandparents and carers enjoying good coffee and eating excellent cake, we have craft, play-dough, toys and a short very laid back service with lots of singing, then we sit down and share a meal (best egg sandwiches in the world). Messy Church on Sunday: Messy Church on Sunday has a similar format, good coffee, cake and fellowship, it’s in St Nicholas Church on second Sundays at 10:30, there’s craft and did I mention coffee… All ages are welcomed and celebrated, we have a short talk and lots of singing (often with actions). Messy Impact: This year Messy Church has fully embraced Eco Church and all our crafts have been designed to encourage wildlife into our gardens and churchyard. We’ve teamed up with our churchwarden and have bought 40 wild flower plug plants which as the seasons turn will encourage butterflies and bees. Messy Church has also twinned a toilet, visit www.toilettwinning.org to see the amazing work that they do. Toilet twinning is about everyone having clean safe water and sanitation. As they put it themselves - ‘We are flushing away poverty, one toilet at a time.’ Messy Pilgrimage: sIf you are aged 8 – 13 and fancy a more challenging walk, sign up for Messy Pilgrimage – Saturday June 8. We will be walking from Hilfield Friary to Cerne Abbas. More details soon. Messy Church is open and inclusive and supports brighter futures for our local Messy families, the environment and those in poor communities around the world. What’s not to love? If you’d like more information then please call Abi Rudd 01258 861367 or come along and join the fun. 5

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YOUR CHURCH February to March has been quite quiet at the 2 St Nicholas's, but busy times are ahead of us. By the time this goes to print 2 Lent Lunches will have been held with the 3rd and final one on 3rd April at Cross Cottage (next door to the Baker Arms). Everybody is welcome. Donations are requested for Homestart North Dorset, an amazing charity which helps to support vulnerable families in our area. Our April Coffee morning will be in St Nicholas Church, Child Okeford as it coincides with the St George's Day Festivities, so do come and share coffee, cake and fellowship. You will be most welcome. For the rest of the summer, coffee mornings (always on the 3rd Saturday of the month) will be held at the Community Centre. We have had a quote for the replacement of the boiler which has been accepted. The insurance will pay for the lion's share. Once a faculty has been received, then work can commence. Hopefully, that won't be too long as our church badly needs some warmth! This year's Pilgrimage week begins on Monday 2nd June, but on the 30th May at Hazlebury Bryan there will be an Ascension Day Communion Service at 10.30 to start the 2019 Pilgrimage off. More information will be given about what we are doing and where we are going during the Pilgrimage week nearer the time. We'll be decorating the church for Easter on Saturday 20th April from 9.00am. If you'd like to help, please contact Sue Clayton on 860653. Also, parents and children will be very welcome to join us in building the Easter Garden at the church on Good Friday from 3.30pm. Refreshments will be served! 7

PURPOSE MADE JOINERY Hopefield' Doors, Windows, Wardrobes, Kitchens etc The Hollow NIGEL BASTABLE LTD Child Okeford Quality Carpentry & Joinery Tel: 01258-860459 Property Alterations and Repairs www.nigelbastable.co.uk

www.rjclocks.co.uk

Antique clock restoration

All manner of restoration work undertaken From clocks, music boxes, barometers, small items of furniture to scientific instruments. Everything from mechanical to case work. All work guaranteed for12 months Robert Jones, Sturminster Newton, Dorset Telephone: 01258 817 111 Mobile: 07760 385 161 Email: [email protected]

Manor Barn, Child Okeford, DT11 8EF Tel: 01258-860638 [email protected] www.manorbarnbedandbreakfast.co.uk Cari and Peter Sorby

Five Star luxury accommodation at the foot of Hambledon Hill. Easy access. Two ensuite ground floor bedrooms with private sitting room.

CHILD OKEFORD VILLAGE HALL Richard Rowe Central village venue for all occasions including parties, weddings, christenings, PICTURE FRAMING social events and meetings. Excellent advice and Expert framing The current regular users are: Badminton. Oils, water colours, prints, photographs etc Table Tennis. Short Mat Bowls. Wives’ Group. Gardening Club. Art Group. Flower Gilding, wash line mounts, dry mounting Arranging Club. Lunch Club. Restoration of oils, water colours & prints Can collect and deliver For further information please contact Tel. 07968 235566 Rowena Carmichael Tel: 01258 860169 Unit 3, Vale Farm, West Orchard, SP7 0LJ www.childokefordvillagehall.org.uk

8 CHURCH CALENDAR FOR APRIL SIDESMEN READER

Wednesday 3rd April: 10.30am Holy Communion – Millbrook House

SUNDAY 7th APRIL – PASSION SUNDAY 9.00am Holy Communion – Shillingstone (Rev L Cook) (Isaiah 43:16-21) 10.00am Morning Worship – Okeford Fitzpaine (Mrs S le Riche) (Isaiah 43:16-21; John 12:1-8) 10.30am Holy Communion – Child Okeford (Rev L Cook) (Mrs J Housley Mrs L Crichton (Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8) (Mrs V Beech Intercessor: Mrs R Allen

SUNDAY 14th APRIL – PALM SUNDAY 9.00am Holy Communion – Manston (Rev L Cook) (Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Passion Gospel of Luke) 10.00am Holy Communion – Okeford Fitzpaine (Ven S Robbins) (Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Passion Gospel of Luke) 10.30am All Age Communion – Child Okeford (Rev L Cook & Mrs A Rudd) (Luke 19:28-40; Passion Gospel of Luke) 6.30pm Evensong – Shillingstone (Rev K Wilson & Rev L Cook) (Psalm 69:1-20; Isaiah 5:1-7; Luke 20:9-19)

Monday of Holy Week 15th April 7.00pm Evensong – Child Okeford (Bishop Karen) Mr K Allen Mrs R Allen (Lamentations 2:8-19; Colossians 1:18-23)

Tuesday of Holy Week 16th April: 7.00pm Compline – Okeford Fitzpaine (Rev L Cook)

Wednesday of Holy Week 17th April 10.30am Prayer and Praise – Millbrook House 7.00pm Tenebrae – Shillingstone (Mr C Wilson & Rev K Wilson)

Maundy Thursday 18th April 7.30pm Holy Communion – Shillingstone (Rev L Cook) (Exodus 12:1-4,11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17,31b-35)

Good Friday 19th April 10.30am Family Service – Shillingstone Church Centre (Rev L Cook & Mrs A Rudd) 2.00pm Devotion – Okeford Fitzpaine (Rev L Cook & Rev K Wilson) (Seven Last Words)

Easter Eve Saturday 20th April 5.00pm Easter Fire – Shllingstone Church Centre (Rev L Cook)

SUNDAY 21st APRIL – EASTER DAY 9.00am Holy Communion – Hammoon (Rev L Cook) (Isaiah 65:17-end; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12) 10.00am Holy Communion – Okeford Fitzpaine (Rev L Cook) (Isaiah 65:17-end; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12) 10.30am Holy Communion by Extension – Child Okeford (Mr K Allen Mrs C Lewis (Rev K Wilson & Mr M Riley) (Mrs R Allen (Isaiah 65:17-end; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12) Intercessor: Mr M Lewis 11.15am Holy Communion – Shillingstone (Rev L Cook) (Isaiah 65:17-end; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12

9 SUNDAY 28th APRIL – SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER 1030am Family Service – Shillingstone (Mr M Riley) (Acts 5:27-32; John 20:19-end) 6.30pm Evensong – Manston (Rev K Wilson) (Psalm 150; Acts 5:27-32; John 20:19-end) SUNDAY 5th MAY – THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER 9.00am Holy Communion – Shillingstone (Rev L Cook) (Acts 9:1-6; Revelation 5:11-end; John 21:1-19) 10.00am Morning Worship – Okeford Fitzpaine (Mr M Riley & Mr C Wilson) (Acts 9:1-6; John 21:1-19) 10.30am Holy Communion – Child Okeford (Rev L Cook) (Mrs J Housley Mrs W Billington (Acts 9:1-6; Revelation 5:11-end; John 21:1-19) (Mrs V Beech Intercessor: Ms C Angelucci

10 FLOWER ARRANGERS Date Child Okeford 7th April PASSION SUNDAY 14th April PALM SUNDAY 21st April EASTER DAY 28th April Mes Clayton & Lagerberg 5th May Mes Clayton & Lagerberg

ST NICHOLAS WIVES' GROUP

Members gathered in the committee room at the village hall on March 13th. It was lovely and warm and Margo brought cake and malt bread so coffee or tea was enjoyed by all. We are looking forward to our theatre trip to Yeovil on Saturday, March 30th. Coach pick-up from the Village hall at 1.00pm and from The Cross at 1.05pm. We expect to return at about 5.30pm. Our next meeting on Wednesday, April 10th, will be a coffee morning in the village hall. Why not join us? Maureen Soward – 860647

ALAN SWINFEN Alan Swinfen passed away peacefully in Millbrook House on Saturday, 23rd February 2019. He lived in Millbrook for the last 15 months of his life, receiving the excellent care for which they are known. Born in 1922 in London, Alan attended Croydon High School for Boys. He then joined the RAF in 1941 and served as a navigator, first in bomber command and then in transport command. On leaving the RAF after the war he joined a government training scheme for ex-servicemen and went into the textile industry. During this period he met and married Kate. At the advent of man-made materials he decided to quit textiles and went into banking, using his overseas trading experience as 'transferable skills'. He remained in banking until his retirement in 1986 when he and Kate moved to Child Okeford. I would like to thank all those who supported Alan after Kate died in 2016. I know he appreciated all the kindness he received. Alan will be much missed by his friends and family." Many thanks, Dorothy Webb (Alan's niece)

BELL ALERT! One of the strange things bellringers sometimes do is to attempt to ring a Date Touch ie ring the number of (different) changes equating to a year – usually the current year, though sometimes the birth year of someone celebrating a significant birthday. To celebrate Easter, a date touch comprising 2019 different changes will be attempted following the Easter Sunday morning service, which if successful, will take around 75 minutes. Wish us luck! Bob Crighton 01258 860650

11 HAMBLEDON THEATREGOERS We shall very shortly be returning to Salisbury for the new play ‘Handbagged’ which is based on the weekly meetings between the Queen and Mrs Thatcher. Needless to say, supposition and invention are key as officials were never present. Comedy and mischief are promised as well as the presence of other world leaders – how, we shall have to find out. Then, on May 1st we will be off to Bath for more fun and games and the certainty that it is not only at rehearsals that things can go wrong. There will be a few spare seats on the coach if anyone wishes to spend approx. 4 hours in this lovely city. We shall be leaving the village around 9.30 a.m. to be back at about 6.30 p.m., depending on traffic. Virtually door-to-door transport and very reasonable cost. Why not take advantage? First come, first served and I’ll need a mobile phone contact number on the day Penny Nicholson 863442 ([email protected])

CHILD OKEFORD WALKING GROUP The next walk will be on Thursday April 18th, meeting, as usual, at the Village Hall at 09.30. The walk, led by Gaynor and Richard, will be in the Tarrant Gunville and Chettle area and will be about 4 miles. Lunch will be at The Anvil in Pimperne. Would you please let Gaynor know by Sunday 14th if you wish to join the walk ([email protected]; tel 861445). Roger Hull Tel: 863418 Email: [email protected]

12 24 Hour Service Edward’s Taxis & private hire Serving the Three Okefords 4 to 7 seats – wheelchair accessible vehicles

Local or long distance: airports, Eurostar, assisted shopping, hospital appointments

Telephone 01258 860730 or mobile 07772 231913 w

The Baker Arms, Child Okeford 01258 860260. email: [email protected] Follow us on Facebook @Bakerarmsdorset, for updates & events. www.bakerarms.co.uk

James and Desi wish you a warm welcome.

We serve a freshly prepared, regularly changing menu and can cater for small seated gatherings of up to 15 people. We can also cater for buffets, wakes etc for up to 60 people, please contact us to discuss your requirements. If you have friends or family visiting then why not book Daisy Cottage, our ‘Home away from Home’ letting cottage, all details & images are available on our website.

James & Desi

ALL JOBS MJ WAREHAM MAINTAINING PROPERTY CARPENTER, JOINER, GENERAL BUILDER, FOR OVER 30 YEARS PAINTER AND DECORATOR GENERAL REPAIRS 3, Gold Hill DECORATING INSIDE AND OUT Child Okeford WOODWORK/JOINERY Dorset DT11 8HD FLOORING & TILING Tel: 01258 860665 UPVC FASCIAS & GUTTERING PLUMBING AND ELECTRICS NO VAT – FREE ESTIMATES Okeford Tree Care

No job too small – contact All aspects of tree work undertaken, Nigel Marks Tel: 01258 472466 including detailed inspections and surveys

Prompt and reliable service Fully qualified and insured Chisel Barn Free quotations and advice

Luxury barn with spectacular views between Contact Stuart Carter Phone: 01258 861998 Mobile: 07982 040139 Hambledon and Hod Hill overlooking the River E-mail: [email protected] Stour

Two holiday lets sleeping four and six people that can be rented separately or together Lucinda Sunnucks - Chisel Farm DT11 8HH Tel 01258 863413 [email protected] www.chiselbarn.co.uk

ZUMBA - Latin-Inspired, Fitsteps FAB – a fitness class based on Ballroom & Latin dances easy-to-follow, dance fitness class FITSTEPS Monday 9.30-10.30am Portman Hall Monday 10.45-11.30 Portman Hall Shillingstone Shillingstone FAB Wednesday 11.15-12.00. Marnhull Village Hall Tuesday 10.00-11.00am Community Centre £5.00 per class Child Okeford Thursday 9.30-10.15am Pimperne Village Hall Nicola Thommes - 0788 792-1717 Wednesday 9.30-10.30am The Exchange [email protected] S Newton All classes are suited to the over 50’s 13

On Monday 11th March, members donned their craft aprons and ‘Got Creative with Clay’ with Deborah Clarke from ‘Creative Clay for all”. She has been a a practising ceramicist for over 20 years and works with a wide range of groups on making different clay based creations.We all made botanical square tiles using a variety of plants and flowers from our gardens as well as using pre cut stamps, cloth and patterned paper. Deborah gave us a demonstration of the different technique, from gently pressing plants into the prepared clay, to building them up into more complex 3 dimensional relief pictures. Everything was provided by Deborah in a very well organised session. Members were very creative and the results of their efforts can be seen on the ‘News’ page of our website. The tiles have gone to be fired in Deborah's workshop and will be returned to us in two weeks. Despite our best endeavours we failed to progress to the Indoor Kurling Finals. We were very good at getting stones onto the target only to be even better at knocking them off! It was a great fun afternoon and an excellent tea, provided by Child Okeford members, was enjoyed by visiting teams from across North Dorset and beyond. We have vowed to practise more in readiness for next years league. Congratulations to the final winners : Portesham WI. On Sat 2nd March a new WI Craft group met for the first time and were kindly hosted by WI members helping with the Mud Pie Cafe at Okeford Fitzpaine. After a positive response, the group will continue and will focus on creating items for our ‘Jarbola’ stall at Hey Day on June 22nd. The next meeting is on March 30th at 10.30am .Please contact the Secretary for further details. The group would be grateful for any donations of clean glass jars, material and sewing items to help the get started. Our Annual Meeting will take place on Monday 8th April at 2pm where we review our year, celebrate the work of those standing down from the Committee and vote in new Officers. We will also have our new WI Sales table and a fun activity to round off this important yearly event. If you would you like to know more about our lively WI please contact: Pam Morris, President : [email protected] Gaynor Cox, Secretary : [email protected]

www.childokefordwi.wordpress.com @ChildOkWI Contributed by Gaynor Waring - Communications Team: Child Okeford WI

MANSTON AND HAMMOON VILLAGE HALL As usual the 1st Saturday of each month is our coffee morning. This month will be 6 April 10.30 - 12.00 in Manston. No entry charge. We have wonderful homemade cakes, tea & coffee. Everyone is welcome so come along and enjoy a good chat and a relaxing couple of hours. Don’t forget to book up soon if you’re a regular user of the hall as bookings are filling up fast. Contact Carin on 01258 472825 Maria - Secretary. - Village Hall Committee 14 CHILD OKEFORD GARDENERS CLUB March Report This month’s visitor was our Gold Club speaker, Malcolm, whose talk ‘Get Your Lawn in Order’ advised members on the care of their grassed areas. Beginning with what a fantastic plant grass is because of its diverse uses Malcolm then covered the complete range of lawncare issues. Advice was given on mowing, feeding, weed control and dealing with pests. Useful hints in each area included lifting the cutting blade when mowing in dry spells and treating moss organically with a solution based on pelagonium oil. Numerous questions were answered and by the end of the session members were ideally placed to care for their lawns this coming season. In the following AGM our Chair, Ann Pearce, before standing down, reported a busy and interesting year. This featured such events as a highly successful Hey Day stall, thanks to members’ generous donations of plants for sale, social events, a wide and varied programme of speakers and subjects, innovations like the in-house workshop, and of course the Spring and Annual Shows, not forgetting the highly popular Annual Dinner. Alan Blackman, our Treasurer, stepping down this year, presented his report which was accepted with accounts being audited by Jack Schonfield. Alan will be succeeded by Ann Pearce with Vanessa Dawson remaining as Club Secretary. Bob Ward retired after several years with the remaining Committee members being re- elected. We also welcomed John Sneary and John Mellor as new Committee members. Next Meeting Wednesday 3rd April at 7:30pm in the Village Hall The Spring Show, Gardeners’ Question Time, new membership cards and tea. The Spring Show There will be 5 classes to enter Class A 3 Narcissi of the same variety. Class B 5 Mixed Narcissi of different varieties. Class C 5 stems of spring flowers (not Narcissi, but including Tulips) or 5 sprays of flowering shrubs. Class D A ‘Decorative Object Reflecting Spring’ definition as interpreted by the entrant; let your imagination create eg. craft work, painting, pottery, computer design, sculpture etc. Class E A home grown Pot Plant (not Narcissi) eg. Tulips, orchids etc, size as for a window sill. Entrants must be club members and entries should be submitted by 7:40pm on the night with only one entry per person per class. Judging to be done by those attending and completed by 8:00pm. As part of the evening the Club is again offering a ‘Gardener’s Question Time’, the panel for which will be drawn from the expertise of the Club. As publicised earlier in ‘The Hill’ we asked that questions be submitted in writing or email the Club at [email protected] by Saturday 31st March. If you receive ‘The Hill’ after this date please do still give me, Keith Leighton, your questions and we will do our best to answer these on the night. We look forward to trying to solve your gardening problems. 15 New annual membership cards will be available at £8 per person – our Treasurer eagerly awaits you! There will be a ‘Plants for Sale ‘ table and any donations will be gratefully received. There will be, of course, time (just) for a cup of tea and a chat. Future Meetings Wednesday May 1st at 7:30pm in the Village Hall. Chris from Thorngrove Nurseries will be advising on ‘Making Hanging Baskets’ Thorngrove, in Gillingham, was taken over in 2017 by Employ My Ability and is undergoing currently a programme of redevelopment It has an interesting website which gives further information. Notice Heyday June 22nd 2019. As you start sowing your seeds and encouraging your plants may we ask you to sow a few extra for our stall at Hey Day. This was highly successful last year and we are hoping 2019 will follow in the same vein. The Village Website As some of you may be aware you can now visit us on the Village website at www.childokeford.org.uk so why not have a look if you have not been there before. Should you wish to contact the Club you do easily at [email protected] We look forward to seeing both members and visitors at our future meetings and as ever all are welcome. Indeed members bring a friend and the friend will enjoy their first visit free of charge. Keith Leighton (Vice Chair) ph 01258 861462

DURWESTON BRIDGE CLOSURE In the March Hill Cllr Sherry Jesperson kindly informed of the proposed schedule (which in advanced notices is already delayed by 2 weeks) for the closure of Durweston bridge and that there will be diversions. She pointed out that motorists take diversions as a challenge and always “know the quick way to bypass them” (through Child Okeford). This will add to the number of times that we have been inconvenienced by road works in this area and I feel that the authorities should do something to recompense the village for all the inconvenience caused. I also note from the Parish Council report in the same Hill that Haywards Lane will be patched up. As most of the problems on it are due to it crossing a spring line (in upper Haywards Lane) which continually breaks up the road leading to potholes it need “major surgery” to duct the water away below the road surface rather than just patches which will last only a short time. There is a similar problem in upper Hollow which will need addressing shortly. Roger Hull

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CHILD OKEFORD ARCHIVE

Do you have a tea pot like this? Last year we received a quantity of material from the late Chris and Jean Giles including a series of photographs of this tea pot. Early enquiries have failed to reveal any knowledge of the item and I wonder if anyone can shed some light or if anyone has an actual tea pot. When was it produced, why and by whom? Were they on sale or was this just a project which didn’t get off the ground? Any information would be much appreciated. Colour photos of both sides of the tea pot can be seen on the village web site (childokeford.org – The Village – Village History & Archive – This Month from the Archive).

Bishops’ Bible: Also included in the material are 12 photographs of pages from the bible which was stolen from the church in January 2009. These will be incorporated in an article in “The Hill” later this year. We are also planning to update the church booklet about the bible, which can be read on the village web site (childokeford.org – The Village – Village History & Archive – The Village Archive – About the Church – 2008 The Bishops’ Bible ), to include these photographs. We would like to include copies of any newspaper articles about the theft and would love to hear from anyone who has any relevant press cuttings which we could copy and return. Many thanks.

Bandy Bottom: In January we asked if anyone knew where the field called “Bandy Bottom” was situated; our thanks to Sylvia Holdeman and Ken Tuffin for the answer. It is the large field to the left of the track leading from Duck Street up to Hambledon Hill past Markstone Cottages.

“Those pesky ‘vacuees” will return next month. David Pope (861411) [email protected]

17 The Saxon Inn Child Okeford Come to your friendly old village pub

Excellent home cooked food Good selection of Real Ales Cosy bars and log fires Large Garden and Superior Alfresco Dining Area Four en-suite Bedrooms Ring Peter or Helen on 01258-860310

CHILD OKEFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE Monday – Friday Your venue for coffee mornings, childrens 8am – 6pm parties, family celebrations etc at Playing, Learning, Having Fun competitive rates All year round Full kitchen facilities For more information or to make a booking Baby Room Toddler Room Call 01258 860477 Pre-school Room www.facebook.com/ChildOkefordCommunityCentre Breakfast, After School & Holiday Clubs High quality play and learning RB BURROWS & SON experiences tailored to meet each (ROGER BURROWS) child’s individual needs PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER Good links with school and easy access to well -equipped outdoor GAS SAFE/OFTEC Registered installer play areas and countryside

www.thearkchildokeford.co.uk 8, Millbrook Close, Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset 01258 861066 [email protected]

M&M Stoves & Chimney Services Child Okeford Your local friendly HETAS Qualified Engineer ● Fully Certified chimney sweep ● Installation of Multifuel/wood burning Stoves ● Installation of liners and twin wall systems ● Chimney Construction, Pointing & Capping ● CCTV Surveying Call Jason on ● Free no obligation quote 01258 861586 ● Fully HETAS Insured ● For all your chimney needs. Man & Van A.R.O Cleaning Service A competitively priced & reliable fully insured service. Offering house moves, office moves or single items. Carpet Cleaning, Chimney Any distance 7 days a week. Sweeping, Domestic Cleaning, Contact Tim 01963 204205 0r 07745 858440 email [email protected] One stop shop for all your home & business cleaning needs.

Ring 07772231913. www.aroservicingltd.co.uk

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Call Andrew on 01258 837092, weekdays or weekends

Jake Trim

Electrician Sturminster Newton DT10 1BQ

Domestic 07964 407 665 Agricultural [email protected] Commercial

AUTO DIAGNOSTICS Steve Bealing ~ Painter and Decorator ~Interior & Exterior SERVICING, REPAIRS AND MOTs Friendly Professional Service TO ALL MAKES AND MODELS Competitive rates with no VAT (SERVICING CARRIED OUT TO NEW VEHICLES All jobs considered WITHOUT AFFECTING WARRANTY) Tel: 01258 861803 ~ Mob: 07815 957296 RENAULT SPECIALIST WITH 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE. COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE. Polly "Bs" FREE LOCAL COLLECTION & DELIVERY Local lady doing Holistic Treatments Massage, Reflexology Indian Head Massage & Ear Candling SERVICE. Also Beauty Treatments, Facials, Waxing Eyelash & Eyebrow tinting. Manicure & Pedicure Nail cutting and Hard Skin Removal 14D, SUNRISE BUSINESS PARK, HIGHER Appointments available during the day & evenings. SHAFTESBURY ROAD, BLANDFORD FORUM Some treatments available in your own home. DORSET DT11 8ST Gift vouchers available. TEL: 01258 480456 Ring Pauline for a chat on 01258 880084 / 07760303332

Dorset Hypnotherapy • Anxiety, Fears, Phobias • Confidence, Weight, Exam Nerves • Smoking. Public Speaking

Reflexology - to restore and maintain good health using foot and hand reflexes. Healing massage - To gently ease away stresses and strains and to restore the natural flow of energy.

Rowena Carmichael DHP MAPHP MAR ART(Regd) MTI 01258 860169 [email protected] www.dorsethypnotherapy.com 6, The Hollow, Child Okeford (Opposite the village hall)

19 GOLD HILL ORGANIC FARM Ridgeway Lane, Child Okeford, Dorset DT11 8HB, 01258 861916 www.goldhillorganicfarm.com Email: [email protected] Us Brits have a reputation on monologing about the weather. Get us started and there is no stopping us. A comment on 1/2cm of snow and we are all swapping stories, do you remember 1963? (my era, I was stuck at school and had baked beans and fish fingers for the first time) or 1977? (also my era, when I had to pour the milk down the drain, as the milk bulk tank couldn't get through) Along with stories 'When I was young we really knew what cold meant..... don't get frost like we used to' Which is true. I have some fantastic photos of icicles like stalactites ornamenting the farm buildings. Memories of running up the Hill in Nov-March and my sweat freezing on my hair and not being able to harvest the vegetables, as they were frozen in the ground. Last time that happened was 2012 when the village also got cut off for 2 days. Memories of cutting my hand with a knife whilst harvesting vegetables and not noticing as my hands were so cold. And don't let me loose on telling you about my chill blains …. . Then there are the winds we have been getting, everyone has a scare story of what they were doing in Oct 1987. We have had the odd rip in a tunnel, we repair it with baller twine till we are ready to re- clad. So on 9 March we sow up the tunnel. On the 10 March we go out to admire our handywork, which hasn't worked a jot, and 70m2 of plastic from our tunnel is somewhere in the villagwe! I can't remember what I had for breakfast today but I can remember that late frost that hit the cos lettuces in June 1992. This February I was lying on the grass, admittedly quite damp grass, in T-shirt and looking up at the cloudless sky. Thinking for once, this is the right temperature to harvest spring greens/kale and salad leaves all day. But also thinking is this really (18 degrees) the right weather for Feb! Shouldn't we be talking about climate change and what needs doing and not just the weather? I have been going to a few 'Planet Shaftsbury meetings' that have inspired me. Look up their website if you want to be inspired too. Sara Cross

20 CAFE ON GOLD HILL & CURRY FOR CHANGE What a great night we had on 23 February. The cafe was buzzing with lively diners enjoying a range of Indian dishes, and outside the Samosa Shack served up spicy snacks in the cosy glow of warming braziers. The important news is that we raised £800 to send to Curry for Change which, with Gift Aid, amounts to a grand total of £1000. We are so grateful to the generous folk of Child Okeford and further afield across North Dorset. Huge thanks are due to all the lovely people who gave their time and energy before, during and after the event to help us make it the success it was. Too many to list all by name, you know who you are! We are also grateful to our generous sponsors, all of whom are listed on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. If you would like to find out more about the projects your donations will help support via the Curry for Change campaign, go to: http://www.find-your-feet.org https://www.healthpovertyaction.org Sharon Cafe on Gold Hill Farm

RUBBER JELLYFISH! - a documentary about aerial litter We all know that throwing rubbish on the ground is littering, so why is letting a balloon float away seen as something different? After all, what goes up must come back down – as litter – harmful aerial litter to all creatures – wild and domestic. Local campaign ‘Don’t Inflate to Celebrate’ (who are celebrating their tenth anniversary) has joined up with fellow ‘Wave of Change’ partner – Ecotainment! To host screenings of the Australian Documentary – Rubber Jellyfish all around Dorset. Rubber Jellyfish is a feature-length documentary that explores the effects of helium balloons on the environment, wildlife and human beings. Mum-to-be Carly Wilson sets out on a personal journey to meet key players on all sides in the fight to ban balloons, and exposes the truth behind our favourite party product. As she travels around Australia and explores problems around the world, seeking to understand the science and various points of view, Carly discovers a range of issues, from the heartbreaking impact on sea turtles to the potentially deadly effect of helium on children. Her journey takes her from littered beaches to the capital, as she speaks to businesses and politicians to find out why the balloon problem is being ignored and if something can be done. We started our film tour with the Premiere in Wimborne and will now be following this with further screenings, of Rubber Jellyfish, including one at the Village Hall, in Child Okeford, on the Friday 3rdMay. Why not come along and meet like-minded people whilst learning about plastic pollution; balloons are a component that seems hardly ever mentioned. For more information, please go to the ‘Wave of Change’ website.

Annabel Gardner and Vin Sootarsing (Founders of Don't Inflate to Celebrate campaign)

21 CHILD OKEFORD VILLAGE HALL When I wrote last month we were anticipating another Artsreach event - “The Boy who cried Wolf”. Presented by a very likeable couple from Devon, it provided a most enjoyable afternoon for children and older folk, with a workshop followed by a performance. Saturday Coffee Mornings resumed on 2 March, after an enforced cancellation in February. The opportunity for friendly conversation was appreciated, after a gap since November. Our re- stocked bookstall raised useful funds, and we have since been grateful to receive three further gifts of books. At the time of writing, a busy weekend ahead will include a film show on Friday the 22nd, and a quiz (question master Julian Leigh) on Saturday. A “mini festival” at the Hall! Grahame Downer

COFFEE MORNING The next coffee morning is on 6th April, Child Okeford Village Hall 10-30 – 12pm. Entry £1. All welcome. Coffee morning on March 2nd made £63. Sylvia Holdeman 861055.

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Child Okeford, DT11 8HB 01258 863866 www.theartstable.co.uk George Young: Women + Men 16 March to 6 April The Art Stable is delighted to be presenting the sixth solo exhibition of the work of George Young. In his new show, a series of paintings featuring people, places or objects with which he has great familiarity, the artist wants to pinpoint the essence of his subject. In these bold, hard hitting works he seeks the third dimension, he captures presence and personality. This is a new departure for Young whose earliest paintings were marked by a hazy, other-worldliness, the paintings sometimes left unfinished to create a sense of detachment, a fleeting moment. Young says: ‘Everything I’m painting at the moment is from my own experience…I want to slow down the process of looking and recording. Painting is protracted and the time it takes creates something complicated and immediate - things and shapes begin to have characters.“ His paintings are given clarity through delineation and a flattened-out plan like approach. George Young grew up in Durweston, Dorset and now lives in Brixton. Since his MA at the Royal College of Art, Young has showed in London, New York, Los Angeles, Brussels and Stockholm as well as three previous solo exhibitions at the Art Stable.

CHILD OKEFORD CENTRE FOR CARE AND LEARNING (COCCL) We had a fascinating evening with Paul Hyland on 11 March. No pictures, but artefacts to pass round, illustrating the journeys he has undertaken; and it turned out that he has written more books than I had realised, including (for instance) an account of Sir Walter Raleigh’s final journey from Sherborne to London, where he was executed. It was a very friendly and informal evening, enlivened by the presence of Paul’s wife Janna. The final meeting of the current season is on 8 April, when Jennie Spiers will be talking about “Dorset Artists”. People as varied as Turner, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Augustus John and John Piper have all been inspired by our beautiful county. There are enthusiastic reports of Jennie Spiers as a speaker, and we already have a good number of advance bookings, so please book early if you would like to come. Just ring T 860767 and speak to Christine or myself: prices are £5 for adults and £3 for under 16s, which includes the cost of interval tea or coffee and biscuits. Last month I reported on the talk by Barry & Becky Gransden in February. Some of those present that night had responded to an appeal for materials to help in the work of schools in Zambia. Barry has very recently told me that the huge container with these materials and much more has now been collected for shipping to Zambia, and Barry & Becky hope to see this unpacked when they make a visit to Zambia. Grahame Downer. 23 THE ARK It’s been a busy month here at The Ark! Babies have been on a sensory adventure exploring shells, pebbles, natural wood and brushes in their new treasure baskets. Some fantastic creations have been made and knocked down! The environment has been the topic in the Toddler Room. Toddlers made wind streamers to fly in the garden, watching them in amazement as storm Gareth’s effects flew them high into the air. The rain did not hinder the toddlers’ exploration; jumping in soapy paint-filled puddles was a great hit, with bubbles flying around the garden for the toddlers to chase. Wake and shake continues to be the start of the day in Preschool. ‘Superman’ can be heard across the nursery getting everyone ready for the morning’s activities. Red Nose Day saw some pretty princesses and gallant knights appear in nursery for this year’s comic relief theme. Sarah McNab Nursery Manager MEGGY MOO’S Meggy Moo’s at Park Farm in Bessells Lane, Shroton have just launched a new self-service, fresh milk vending machine. The machine is the first of its’ kind in the South in that it is capable of dispensing not one, but two types of milk. You are able to buy gently pasteurised but unhomogenised, Whole or Semi- Skimmed milk from the machine, which is dispensed directly into a reusable glass bottle or even your own sealable container from home. This is a great opportunity to reduce both your single- use plastic waste and food miles, as all the milk sold through the machine has been produced by the cows at Park farm. There are simple, easy to follow instructions for use and the machine accepts coins and notes and issues you with the correct change. A contactless card reader is due to be introduced later this year. Milk remains at the price of £1.00 per litre and reusable glass bottles are available at £2.00 each. There will still be empty, recyclable polybottles available free of charge for anyone who requires one. Farm fresh milk is available from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. If you have any questions or would like some guidance on using the machine on your first visit, please feel free to contact Rachael on 07908267410. For anyone who doesn’t feel confident using the machine, we will continue to have pre-bottled milk available from the fridge in our farm shop. CHILD OKEFORD FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB Our March meeting started with our brief AGM. We then set to work to create individual pavé style arrangements in which flowers were cut with short stems and then closely placed to create a paved or cobblestone effect. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 16 April at 2.15 pm in Child Okeford Village Hall when Anna Steven will present her demonstration 'Do you see what I see?’ Members and visitors alike will be most welcome. There will be a raffle of Anna's flower arrangements at the end of the meeting so you may be lucky enough to go home with one of her creations. We look forward to seeing you. Sue Brown 01258 863775.

24 LOCKSMITHS 24/7 Quantum Locksmiths • Locks changed/repaired, UPVC specialists • Key cutting, doors/windows repaired • Lock Out/Gain Entry, DBS Checked & fully insured, No VAT Reg Hogg 01258 721236, mobile 07900196427

Plumbing & Heating by Knight Plumbing & Heating Services Gas Safe no. 546449 07791303302 - 01258 861372 [email protected]

KEITH ALLEN BAFRA Member, City and Guilds Qualified Tel: 01258 860068 or Mob: 07717 827427

RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION WORK Repairs & Restoration to all Antique & Period Furniture, Longcase and Bracket Clocks Veneering and Repairs to Veneer, Marquetry Repairs French Polishing, Staining, Colour Matching & Finishing

ELM HOUSE STUDIO HUW LEWIS Child Okeford DT11 8EJ Former horticultural student from Pottery made in Dorset by Kingston Maurward Cath and Jerry Broadway Ceramic artists I will mow your lawns & do Brightly coloured Earthenware and any basic gardening or manual work for Stoneware Ceramics £12 an hour Studio Pottery for all occasions Telephone: 01258 863662 Please contact me on: 01258 863800 Email: [email protected]

WELL TRODDEN PATH A lifestyle approach to being fit and well.

Offering Sports and Remedial Massage, Personal Training and Stott Pilates. An holistic take on wellbeing and fitness to work towards your goals and ambitions. With Matt and Kate, qualified and insured fitness professionals. Please call for more details (01747 811920) or look at our lovely website. www.welltroddenpath.co.uk or email: [email protected]

PEAKE PERENNIALS BESPOKE HAND CARVED: BEHIND OASIS PLANT CENTRE, SHAFTESBURY ROAD CHILD OKEFORD, DT11 8EQ MEMORIALS & CREMATION PLAQUES Stocking over 300 named varieties of unusual PET STONES, HOUSE NAMES, FIREPLACES Perennials and Grasses ALL RELATED MASONRY PRODUCTS New plants added throughout the season Produced at our workshops at Farrington, Nr Blandford Vegetable seeds and Spring flowering Bulbs Open Weds to Fri 9am-5pm (Mon and Tues by appointment) Tel: 01747 811602 or 01202 698075 Weekends and Bank Holidays 10am-4pm [email protected] www.peakeperennials.co.uk Tel: 07708872918 www.dorsetstonememorials.co.uk

25 NATURE NEWS As I write, mid March, we are still receiving visits from masses of siskin, up to 15 at a time, who empty the bird feeders at an alarming rate. And our, almost resident, pheasant is gorging on the spillage. Regular correspondent, Bill Morris writes that in response to a recent article in The Hill about increasing wildlife activity in the churchyard, he decided to construct three birdboxes. On a visit to plan the siting of the boxes on a sunny afternoon in mid-February, he saw a hare suddenly pop up,from amongst the memorial stones, and make off through the hedge and across the field. Pretty much as soon as they were put up, the Blue Tit and Great Tit boxes were both being explored by prospective tenants. A Robin box was also installed, and planned further ‘developments” include a nesting box for Nuthatches, a Bumblebee home, and possibly a Hedgehog home. On the subject of butterflies, Tricia Samuels told me in mid-February that she had lots of Brimstones in her garden. In the warm weather at the end of the month, we had a Comma, Brimstone, Peacock and Red Admiral all in the garden on the same day. (I understand these are likely to be butterflies that have overwintered. Typically, the first of the butterflies to emerge as adults in the new year are Orange Tips. Any sightings?) And now for beetles (a first in Nature News), my neighbour in Duck Street, Celia Ebdon, emailed me to say that whilst doing a bit of pruning on her side of our adjoining fence, she spotted 3 shiny black beetles about 3cm long in the grass. She llooked them up in her insects guidebook, and identified them as “Meloe Proscarabaeus”. I await further contributions on beetles. (For your erudition, beetles, are incredibly diverse, and form 25% of all animal life forms. The eminent biologist JBS Haldane is quoted as saying “If one could conclude as to the nature of the Creator from a study of creation, it would appear that God has an inordinate fondness for beetles.”) And now for something completely different.! Weasles. According to Marilyn Peddle’s web-site, she was walking down a footpath on the edge of the village with her dog, Tilly. at dawn in early March when Tilly stuck her nose in small drainage pipe sticking out of the soil. Tihey heard a squeak and Tilly jumped back. Marilyn waited and after a while a little face popped out. She wasn’t sure what it was at first, as it soon hid again, but suspected it might be a weasel. She waited and watched further, and sure enough a weasel appeared again, coming out far enough for Marilyn to get some excellent photos (see her web-site). Richard Cox tells me that he is finding lots of moss every morning around the house - birds pecking it out of guttering for nest building. He also reported four cormorants drying their wings in the trees downstream from the Haywards Lane bridge. Lots of cormorants means lots of fish, so a good sign as to the health of the river. In our, not particularly large (say 35 feet circumference) pond, the minnows which turned up last year, have reappeared, having presumably been lurking out of sight during the winter. We assume they must have come as eggs attached to plants we put in. Interestingly, once they arrived, there was a dramatic decline in sightings of baby newts, compared with previous years, albeit there was much more coverage of the pond by water lilies, which made spotting wildlife imore difficult. Do minnows eat newt eggs? And for the first time since we moved in we have frogspawn, which appears to be surviving. 26 I did import some from my sister’s pond in our first year here, but it all disappeared, eaten I assumed by the newts. So is this confirmation that we have lost our newts? Watch this space. And lastly, the primroses outside The Old House are still in full bloom (which must be coming up for six months now!) All contributions to me, Jack Shonfield, at [email protected]

The Baker Arms Folk Session 2nd Thursday every month, next on 11 APRIL James and Desi 860260

A DOG’S LIFE One day last week White didn't come down for breakfast; he sent a message down that he wasn't feeling very well and didn't want to eat anything. So Grey had to clear up all her own breakfast things and take me out for the morning walk. She doesn't know the way we always go in the mornings, and off she goes down towards the river. Well, of course I had to follow her and hope for the best, but I was a bit worried 'cos it's been raining quite a lot recently and I guessed the river might be a bit full, and I didn't want her to fall in. I kept away from the banks and managed to prevent her from getting too close, and on the way back to the usual route we found the skull of what she said was a sheep, which was dead of course. Anyway, I brought it back to show White when we got home. He didn't come down all that day, and I forgot all about it until a week later when he came upon it in the garden and couldn't understand how a sheep's skull had got into the garden without the rest of the sheep! He threw it over the hedge into the field. So, everything is back to normal as I write this, but there is a bit of a flutter on 'cos people are coming to look over the house 'cos they may want to live here. What I want to know is where are we going to go if that happens, and nobody will tell me! I can't imagine living anywhere else, so I'm worried. Where are they going? Is it in the village? Will there be nice walks to take every morning that I know all about, and will I have friendly fields to snuffle about in? I hope I will be able to tell you good news next time, until then, look after yourselves. BELLA STURMINSTER NEWTON FLORAL GROUP Meetings held in The Exchange, Sturminster Newton on the 2nd Wednesday at 7.30p April 10 Workshop – “Innovations”. Elizabeth Pelley. We welcome everyone and contact details for any other information is Deborah Hughes 473902, Mary Clark 472024 , any other information you require please do not hesitate to contact me. Sue Matthews 27

GARDEN OPEN AND CREATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING FAIR BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 6 MAY

10.00 AM – 5.00 PM

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THE SPRINGHEAD TRUST FONTMELL MAGNA SHAFTESBURY DORSET SP7 0NU TELEPHONE : 01747 811853 WWW.SPRINGHEADTRUST.ORG.UK [email protected] REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1112083

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29 DORSET WILDLIFE TRUST The North Dorset Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust holds talks and guided walks throughout the year. Our new calendar of talks for 2019 is detailed here. All talks take place at Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 0PF) on the third Wednesday of the month and start at 7.30p.m. A small donation of £2.50 is invited to defray expenses and this includes tea/coffee, Honeybuns cakes & biscuits. There is also a stall selling items from DWT’s extensive range of sales goods and a table displaying a variety of free leaflets on Dorset’s flora and fauna. Wednesday 17th April: ‘Dorset’s Weird & Wonderful Fungi’ An illustrated talk by Bryan Edwards from the Dorset Environmental Records Centre. This talk will be preceded by a rapid AGM. Dawn Chorus Walks: Sunday 5th May: Steve Oliver (North Dorset Warden) will lead the first of our dawn chorus walks at Ashley Wood, near Tarrant Keyneston. Meet at the entrance to the wood at 4.30 a.m. Parking is available from 4.00 a.m. in Tarrant Keyneston Village Hall car park (Turn off the B3082 at the True Lovers’ Knot pub; 200 yards down this side road on the left is the Village Hall). Booking essential – please telephone Steve Oliver on 07824 874273. Cost: £6 adults/£3 children. There are still places on this walk. Please note that the Dawn Chorus Walk on 11 May and the Evening Nightingale Walk on the 25th May are both FULL. Any queries regarding these walks please telephone Roy Davies on 01258 880 699 Saturday 8th June: Chesil Beach Walk and Boat Ride on the Fleet to see Little Terns and other coastal birds. Led by DWT warden, Mark Smith. Meet at 2pm at the Chesil Beach Centre. Cost £5 per person (including boat trip). Numbers are limited to 12 people, so booking is essential. Please telephone Roy Davies on 01258 880 699. Friday 5th July: Morning Walk on Fontmell Down led by North Dorset DWT Warden, Steve Oliver. Meet at 10am at the National Trust car park – as space is limited, please car share if possible. Numbers are limited to 20 people – please telephone Roy Davies on 01258 880 699 to reserve your place. There is no charge for this event, but voluntary contributions are welcomed. Saturday 27th July: Evening bat walk with local bat expert, Chris Dieck. Meet at 8.30pm at Stour Meadows car park, Blandford Forum (near Tesco & behind brewery). Limited to 20 people (£3 per person) so please telephone Roy Davies on 01258 880 699 to book your place. Saturday 3rd August: Bat Walk – this date will only be used if more than 20 people wish to attend the first walk in July.

BLANDFORD MUSEUM EVENTS Archaeology Group Event at Blandford Museum Thursday 18th April 7.30pm talk, ‘Update on Druce Villa finds’ with Lilian Ladle New opening hours for 2019 April to October, (see website for winter times) Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat. 10am – 4pm. Sunday 11am – 3pm CLOSED Wednesday Blandford Town Museum is entirely volunteer run. FREE ENTRY

30 BINGO Blandford Scout Group are hosting an Easter bingo night at the Blandford British Legion on Wednesday 10th April, doors open at 7.00 and eyes down at 7.30 great prizes to be won. Sharon Jones THE MILL SINGERS AT THE EXCHANGE The Mill Singers will be performing at The Exchange on 11th April to raise funds for the 25th Anniversary of the Sturminster Newton - Montebourg Twinning Association. The celebrations take place over the weekend of 1st - 2nd June when 30 French members (including the Mayor of Montebourg) will descend on Sturminster Newton. Visits are planned culminating in a formal dinner. Those who saw the Mill Singers perform at St Nicholas Church in October will remember how professional they were and how varied their repertoire was. Tickets cost £8 and are available at the Exchange. The evening commences at 1930. Nick Smith 01258 860432 STURMINSTER CHORAL SOCIETY Sturminster Choral Society will once again be performing choral classics at St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton. Their forthcoming concert will be on Saturday 11th May at 7.30 pm, conducted by Annemarie Lees with organist Sam Hanson and pianist Elaine Korman. The programme will begin with Palestrina’s beautiful and spellbinding Stabat Mater, composed during the late 16th century for double chorus. The choir will also perform Haydn’s Nelson Mass, one of 14 masses written by Haydn and possibly his greatest single composition. They will be joined by soprano Camilla Foster Mitchell, alto Charlotte Collier, tenor Kieran White and bass Benjamin Hewat-Craw. Tickets £10 in advance from Candy’s (Sturminster Newton) or on the door. Children 15 and under free.

EASTER JUMBLE SALE Sat 13th April 11.30 - 1pm Child Okeford Village Hall Entry 50p Children Free. Refreshments. Raffle. Proceeds to Village Hall And a Donation to Comic Relief Red Nose Day. Collections call Wendy 01258 860990 or Leave at Hall the morning of sale. Donations are gratefully received, Thank you.

31 VOLUNTEER VAN DRIVERS The Friends of Blandford Hospital are looking for additional volunteers to join our team that may be interested in helping the charity as a volunteer van driver to support the operation of the 2 Hospital Charity shops and a few times of year to help set up Fundraising events. The small van is kept at our storage facility at Hambledon Farm between Child Okeford and Shroton so these volunteer roles would ideally suit drivers local to that location. There is no minimum time commitment involved and the volunteering can be on an as and when basis to suit you and the needs of the charity. If this is something that may interest you, please do give me a call in the Friends’ Office at the hospital on 01258 451456.

TRADING STANDARDS NEWS Pension cold-calling was made illegal on 9th January 2019, in a bid to tackle pension scams. Companies can no longer make unsolicited calls to people about their pensions. Those that break the rules could face enforcement action from the Information Commissioner's Office, including fines of up to £500,000. The ban covers all cold-calling relating to pensions, including from legitimate firms, but it's intended to target fraudsters. The Government says cold-calling is one of the most common methods used by pension scammers, and research from the Money Advice Service suggested that there were as many as 250 million scam calls a year. Victims of pension scams can be left with no money for their retirement. According to the Regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), victims of pension scams lost an average of £91,000 each last year. Not all calls about pensions have been banned – but to be legal, BOTH of the following must apply: The caller must be authorised by the FCA, or be the trustee or manager of a pension scheme. AND you must have consented to receive calls from the organisation, or have an existing relationship with the caller. If you receive a call about your pension in any other situation, the call is illegal and may be a scam, and you should record the phone number and try to get extra information from the caller, such as the name of the company they're representing. Be careful not to give the caller any of your personal information though. You can then report it to the Information Commisioner's Office at www.ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113. If you think you've been a victim of fraud, you can report it to Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

32 LOCAL ELECTIONS Why is it important that everyone votes in local elections? Did you know that your local councillors are consulted on nearly everything that happens in your area? They take an active part in influencing what services are and are not provided - and that affects you and your family! The Parish Council is responsible for many things like bus shelters, litter bins, local halls and community centres, parks and footpaths to name but a few. They are also consulted on planning applications, highway improvements, street signs, grant funding and projects that affect where you live and what facilities your community has or receives. Everything we come into contact with daily affects how we feel and what we do - so how much effort do you actually make to get your opinions known? Voting in local parish council election takes so little time but will have a daily impact on you for the next five years, because councillors remain in office for a five-year term (2019) and their decisions affect the future for your community. If you leave voting to others your opinions and wishes will not be heard and simply by voting for a candidate you feel will reflect your view sends a clear message of your opinion to the decision makers. It is said ‘people get the local council they deserve’. Will you know who in your community is standing for election and what they hope to achieve? The names of your councillors should be on your parish notice boards and on the village website. Councillors live side by side with you in your community; they are the most local level of government, being easily contacted and directly answerable to the community every time they walk out of their front doors. They raise money primarily through your council tax to administer their decisions and you need to be sure that you have voted for the right people to look after your community. If you do not vote, others will, and their views may change your life.

Have a voice - vote in the local elections on 2 May 2019 EDITORS NOTES Please could we have your copy for the next edition by 20 April, 0900. We welcome contributions by email to [email protected] or please pop them through the door at Highlands, opposite the ‘old’ Post Office. It is also helpful if you would leave a phone number. The letters and articles published in The Hill are accepted in good faith and the views expressed are not necessarily the views of the Editors, whose decisions on publication are final. The Hill is published by the Child Okeford Parochial Church Council & printed by Sarum Graphics

TIMBER! A very tall conifer fell across "The Hollow" on the afternoon of 16th March in the high winds, causing a complete obstruction to traffic. Fortunately no injuries resulted, and there was minimal damage to property. Even the telephone cables seemed to escape serious damage despite being extremely stretched by the tree as it fell across them. I feel sure that fellow residents will wish to join me in our appreciation of the efficient and speedy removal of the problem next morning by the combined efforts of Stuart Carter's Okeford Tree Care and Leo's Logs. Tony Harrison, Wulfruna Cottage 33 CHILD OKEFORD PARISH COUNCIL At the last meeting of the parish council on 4th. March the following matters were considered and reported. The Footpaths Co-ordinator reported that a large ash tree had come down on FP13 in the high winds and by lunchtime the on the day the tree was cut down and cleared by the Dorset Council Rangers. Another ash tree was reported as down in Netmead Lane also and the Rangers have been informed. The Council agreed to hold the Annual Public Parish Meeting on Monday 15th. APRIL at 7.00pm at the Community Centre. The Council welcomes you at the Community Centre where you can hear what the council has been doing over the year and as long as you are an elector you will have an opportunity to participate in discussions about matters relating to the village. The latest updates on the Durweston Bridge closure are posted on the Dorsetforyou website. The Lower Common Road Speed Indicator Device (SID) had the solar panel on the SID removed or stolen. The first in the county to have this happen! The SID has now been repaired and is successfully in operation again in this location. Elections on THURSDAY 2nd. MAY The Councillors and electors in the parish were informed that the Nomination Pack is now available to download from the DorsetforYou website. Completed nomination papers can be submitted to the Returning Officer at any time from Monday 18 March up to the deadline of 4pm Wednesday 3 April 2019. They must be delivered by hand and cannot be accepted if they arrive in the post. Dates will follow for delivery to Blandford and it is recommended that it will be helpful for the Electoral Service if councils deliver the nomination papers in batches.

THE RUDES Put Saturday 13th July in your diary to see the Rude Mechanical Theatre Co who will be on Child Okeford Recreation Ground again for their annual outdoor theatre. They will be performing a revival of their inspiring ‘Ikarus Inc’, a play about hopes and dreams. You won’t want to miss it! Set in the little town of Dreamville, Indiana, in the ‘50’s, a travelling salesman, Daedalus H. Gildersleeves, and his son Ikarus, sell dreams from a suitcase. Secret hopes are laid bare as they begin to fly the townsfolk up into the clear blue skies to their dreams. Hilarious, romantic, tender, searching – and laced with rock’n’roll! Meanwhile the ladies of the local Buffalos Club – the Buffalesses – enter a competition to make the biggest pumpkin pie ever to raise money for ‘the sufferin’ poor’. For Ol’ Mercy Coffin it is just the devil tempting them. But will they fly and achieve their dreams or come crashing down to the cold hard earth? Will the pumpkin pie get baked? Will they win the competition? “Hilarious, romantic, tender, searching – and laced with rock’n’roll!” Tickets are £17 + concessions - available from The Cross Stores & 01258-861391 locally, by ringing 01323-501260 & online at www.therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk. Bring a picnic, your own chair and warm clothing for an English summer.

34 PHEASANT FEST - Another glorious day James and Desi from The Baker Arms handed over a huge £1,789 to the Air Ambulance, being the proceeds from this year’s excellent event. As popular as ever, the pub was packed, including all the seats outside, considerable determination considering the weather. As hoped, all of the food was sold by the early evening washed down with some excellent ale. Roger Morgan, a former trustee of the Air Ambulance, presided over the auction, While he may of got confused over his role, buying two of the lots himself, we are very grateful for his help. Our thanks go to all those who made it possible, the pluckers, prepers, cookers, servers, rafflers and of course the tuckeriners that supported it on the day. This year was our 10th anniversary and brings the total raised so far to over £16,000. Something the village can be very proud of. Bob Smith SAVE THE DATE

Friday 12th July 2019 at The Village Hall, Child Okeford

WHODUNNIT?

Murder, mystery, clues and outrageous red herrings come to the village…. Come and watch the action where you get to play detective, try out your sleuthing skills and unmask the dastardly murderer. * A Ploughman’s supper, bar and raffle will be available.

This is a Fundraising Event for CORGI and other local Charities

More details to follow in next months edition of The Hill

FOR SALE WOOD BURNING STOVE VILLAGER

Please phone 01258 860516 to view & make an offer Old Union Arms Station Road Child Okeford

35

WHATS ON April Monday 1 Art Stable exhibition to 6th (from 16 March) p22 CO Parish Council meeting

Wednesday 3 Lent lunch p4 CO Gardeners Club meeting p14

Saturday 6 Manston & Hammoon coffee morning p13 CO coffee morning p21 Monday 8 CO WI Annual Meeting p13

COCCL meeting p22 Wednesday 10 St Nicholas Wives meeting p10 Sturminster Newton Floral Group meeting p26

Blandford Scouts Bingo p30 Thursday 11 Baker Arms folk session p26

Mill Singers concert p30

Friday 12 Sing and be merry p5 Saturday 13 CO Easter Jumble Sale p30

Monday 15 Holiday Club to 18th p5 Tuesday 16 CO Flower Arranging Club meeting p23 Wednesday 17 DWT meeting p29

Thursday 18 CO Walking Group p11 Blandford Museum talk p29

Saturday 20 CO coffee morning p3 CO St George's Day celebration p27 Sero Easter Egg tombola & cake stall p28

Hill copy deadline p32 Friday 26 CO Film Night p21 Saturday 27 CO Lunch Club p11

May Wednesday 1 CO Gardeners Club meeting p14 Thursday 2 Local elections p32

Friday 3 Rubber Jellyfish documentary p20 Sunday 5 DWT dawn chorus walk p29 Monday 6 Springhead Garden Open & Fair p27

Saturday 11 Sturminster Choral Society concert p30 Friday 17 Sing and be merry p5

36 THE OKEFORD BENEFICE www.okefordbenefice.org Facebook @okefordbenefice Rector and Rural Dean: The Rev’d Lydia Cook 863774 / [email protected] (Lydia’s day off is Saturday) Assistant Curate: Rev’d Karen Wilson 861051/ [email protected] (Karen’s day off is Monday) Licensed Lay Minister: Mr Mark Riley 860718 Lay Worship Leaders: Mr Steve Vestbirk 860910; Mr Peter Willetts 861065; Mrs Abi Rudd 861367 Lay Pastoral Assistants: Ms Carolyn Angelucci 860049; Mrs Ruth Allen 860068; Please direct all enquiries regarding Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals to Lydia The benefice is grateful to be served also by retired Lay ministers Details of all services throughout the Benefice will be found on pages 8 and 9 Parish Council Clerks Child Okeford with Manston PCC Child Okeford PC Secretary: Mr Merlin Lewis: 863800 [email protected] Manston and Hammoon PC Correspondence Secretary: Mrs Ruth Allen: 860068 Emma Smith 01258 473895 Churchwardens [email protected] Bookings Child Okeford Child Okeford Village Hall Mr Simon Baird: 860477 Rowena Carmichael: 860169 Mr Keith Allen: 860068 [email protected] [email protected] Hammoon Child Okeford Community Centre Mr Charlie Poe: 860325 Kirsty Baird 01258 860477 Mr Steve Vestbirk: 860910 Manston Village Hall Mrs Carin Ljungdell: 472825 The Hill Shillingstone Parish Magazine Subscriptions: Editor and Magazine Advertisements Alan Blackman: 860118 [email protected] Diana J Lewis: 472704 [email protected] Distribution: Mrs Sally Bolton: 861088 The Fippenny News Editor and Advertisements Editor: Derek Day: 861979, Richard Muffett: 860010 [email protected] [email protected] community.com: Editor The Community Office, The Exchange: 471456

DUNCAN HITCHINGS THE NOBLE CLEANER Master Craftsman All Domestic Cleaning Duties FURNITURE AND CABINET MAKER Cleaning, washing, ironing etc. General daily duties. All ironing now www.duncanhitchings.co.uk undertaken, free collection and deliveries. Individually designed, bespoke wooden furniture, (Excludes weekends) kitchens, doors and windows, beautifully crafted and Here to help make life easier installed by Duncan Hitchings Please call Miss Ball Unit 2a, Barnhaven Farm, Rivers Corner, Sturminster 07938389250/01258 861651 Newton, Dorset, DT10 2AD [email protected] 07814 601 291 e: [email protected]