The Villager

Villager No. 266 January 2018

The next copy date is 16th February with delivery due week commencing 5th March, the following edition 30th March delivery 16th April.

Happy New Year!

This edition sees our annual Motcombe weather report - big thanks to Mike Rawlins who diligently reports on the preceding year - we look forward to this round up and often realise the weather was not quite as bad as we thought!

We are looking forward to seeing what events 2018 has in store for Motcombe please don’t forget to send us news of events and happenings.

Articles can be handed to Gail or Mike or delivered to the following:

Winters Grace, Elm Hill, Motcombe or e-mail [email protected] telephone 01747 850865 or Tanders, Elm Hill Motcombe telephone 01747 852545 Motcombe Weather 2017

Monthly Rainfall totals:

January 93 mm February 63 mm March 93 mm April 16 mm May 80 mm June 63 mm July 114 mm August 70 mm September 77 mm October 67 mm November 92 mm December 121 mm

My yearly total is 949 mm, compared with the yearly average total of 928 mm, taken since the mid 1980s.

The hottest day time temperatures were recorded on the 6th July and the 28th August, when I recorded 29 c. The lowest temperatures were recorded on 4 nights during January when it went down to -6 c.

Again the weather for the year has been quite ordinary, but temperatures were not as high as we would like our summers to be! We encountered a good proportion of winds from the north west, keeping things on the cool side. On many days the rainfall appeared higher than was recorded as there were quite a succession of drizzly days which gave the impression of a much higher rainfall. Here’s hoping that 2018 will give us a much warmer and sunnier year.

All the above readings were taken at The Chase, Elm Hill.

My best wishes for this new year.

Mike Rawlins

Jennifer Anderson

Sadly Jennifer died on Wednesday 27th December, unexpectedly but following a longterm illness. She was at home with her family. She will be much missed by all who knew her in Motcombe and beyond.

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 2 January 2018 Motcombe Youth Club

Club runs on Friday evenings between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, all young people from school year 5 up are very welcome. For 2018 our members have asked that we include some healthier recipes in our cookery sessions and a little gentle exercise - we are lucky to have a gym instructor on our committee - do come and join in the fun.

In February we will be starting a wonderful new music project - look out on our Facebook page & Cable Monkeys pages for more details.

LUNCH & SOUP DATES 12.00 for 12.30pm

Motcombe Methodst Chapel, The Street

Lunch is £8.00 per head, for 2 courses with coffee. Soup, pudding & coffee is £5.00 per head. Booking & further details about this very welcoming group via Margaret Wooldridge 851904 or Chris Francis 851293.

Lunch 6th February Soup 20th February Lunch 13th March Soup 27th March Lunch 10th April Soup 24th April Lunch 8th May Soup 22nd May Lunch 5th June Soup 19th June

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 3 January 2018 Motcombe Moviola

Evening performances start at 7.30 p.m. (doors open at 7.0 p.m.) Tickets are £5 from Motcombe Community Shop or contact Lincoln Waller on 01747 851835

Wednesday 21st February Victoria and Abdul PG13 History drama Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim. Director: Stephen Frears Stars: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Tim Pigott-Smith

Wednesday 21st March Goodbye Christopher Robin PG Family history A behind-the-scenes look at the life of author A.A. Milne and the creation of the Winnie the Pooh stories inspired by his son C.R. Milne. Director: Simon Curtis Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie

Party Piece

Fancy a party? Reserve the weekends of March 16th & 17th and 23rd & 24th for a fantastic party! Motcombe Community players are on the case again with "Party Piece" by Richard Harris, who also wrote "Outside Edge".

Gear up for a hilarious evening as our valiant players brace the small stage, the awkward access and the flushing loo.....yet they always come out triumphant!

If you enjoyed the recent Rock Nativity, last year's "The Game's Afoot" and further back, "Abigail's Party" and "Flint Street Nativity" then you will know that this next offering will have you rolling around helplessly!

Tickets will be available from Motcombe shop and Shaftesbury Arts Centre by the end of the month (January).....£10.00. Well spent.... watch as two adjoining houses battle over a garden party..unwanted by one side and organised with verve and madness by the other! Sparks will surely fly as the two households battle it out,

Don't miss out! Buy your tickets early to ensure your place! Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 4 January 2018 Pop Up Cafe

Pop-up Cafe remains popular..a fantastic opportunity to meet neighbours and enjoy a home made lunch.....all proceeds from this four times a year event go towards the upkeep of our wonderful hall. The next one will take place on March 3rd from 12 noon until 2 o'clock. Hope to see you there!

Internet Security

Watch out for the new “ PayPal “ scam, asking for details of your a/c. or saying it has been compromised.

Another one is from so called, Yorkshire police “ Notice of Impending Prosecution " because of someone driving your old car. Do not click on the link.

On a good note, if you have a Techy friend. “ Team Viewer “ is an amazing free app, it lets them link to your PC, iPhone etc, to sort out problems remotely…….... www.snipca.com/26458 Give it a look.

Peter 01747851026

Brimsdown Walkers

The walk on Thursday 14th December started from Barford St Martin in the Nadder Valley. A lane led onto Barford Down, with the expanse of Grovely Wood ahead. Uphill along a bridleway led to the shelter of the trees and then a pleasant track to a cross-roads. Turning left into First Broad Drive, along the route of the old Roman road, we enjoyed the splendour of walking along a grand avenue between mature Beech trees. Dozens of Chaffinches, Blue Tits and other woodland birds were feeding among the fallen leaves. At the far end, in what is a very a remote location, we passed by the estate village of Grovely. Lunch was had on a convenient log before we left the wood and crossed fields with fine views over rolling downland back to Barford village and the River Nadder. Cream teas and coffee were taken at the historic Howards House Hotel in Teffont Evias.

Michael Austin 01747 852046

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 5 January 2018 Motcombe Parish Council Notes from the December Council Meeting

During the Public Open Session the ongoing issue of speeding in the village was raised. The Council confirmed they will purchase 100 30 MPH stickers for residents to put on their wheelie bins. The Speedwatch Team continue to operate and the support of the Police is enlisted as necessary. Cllr Cattaway, DCC, confirmed that the Parish Council will be responsible for financing the new street lights project; DCC do not have any responsibility for this cost. The draft agreement for the lease of the Play Area has been returned to the Village Hall Committee for the Trustees to consider. A copy of the Play Area insurance is awaited by the PC. Two Governors from the Village School attended the meeting to comment on the issue of parking at school arrival and leaving times. Proposals to ease the situation include an earlier opening of the School gates, asking parents and carers to use the Village Hall car park, additional after school clubs which will mean more staggered collection times. The Chairman, Cllr Leaske, thanked the Governors for their attendance and suggested they explore the possibility of purchasing additional land for parking. School pupil numbers are currently 185 and the school can take up to 210. The PC will continue to support the School in any way it can. The Boundaries Commission proposal to take one third of North Dorset and include it with South West Wiltshire will be decided in September 2018. Cllr Cattaway, DCC, said that the Proposal for a Unitary Partnership which does not include Christchurch with the rural Dorset Group is causing concern. It could mean that rural Dorset loses out in funding decisions. The PC agreed to write expressing concern at the current proposal. There were no objections to applications relating to East Coppleridge Farm Lodge and Snowdrop Cottage. NDDC has approved an application relating to 37 The Street but the PC is still concerned at access to the property, DC Cllr Williams is following up. The finger post project is continuing well. The Neighbourhood Plan surveys have been collated, further funding for the project has been secured. Local expertise will be used for considering suitable housing styles in the future. There is concern at the dilapidation of the Grade 11 Larkinglass threshing barn, NDDC has logged the condition as being of concern.

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 6 January 2018 Motcombe Memorial Hall

This year is the ninetieth anniversary of our Memorial.Hall My article written for the seventy fifth anniversary is reproduced here.

'This year is the seventy fifth anniversary of the opening of the Memorial Hall. In 1925 Lady Stalbridge had laid the foundation stone at a ceremony held on Sunday 22nd November when a procession had formed at the church consisting of the choir, churchwardens, the vicar, (the Rev. E.C. King) the Bishop of Sherborne and her Ladyship. After an impressive service, the bishop blessed the stone which was then put in place. It had the following inscription:- “In memory of Richard De Acquila, first Baron Stalbridge, Born January 28th 1837 died May 18th 1812. This stone was laid by Gladys Elizabeth, wife of the second Baron Stalbridge November 22nd 1925.” Lady Stalbridge also performed the opening ceremony which took place on 11th June 1928 in the presence of a large gathering including members of the Grosvenor family. There were several speeches one by Charles Prideaux, proprietor of Motcombe factory, who had been responsible for raising the money for the building which had cost £1522. Lord Stalbridge was not present at either ceremony. He did however contribute £200 towards the cost and also gave the land on which the hall was built. The Stalbridges had left Motcombe after the estate was sold in 1925. When Lady Stalbridge died in 1960 she bequeathed £300 towards the maintenance of the hall. The list of subscribers shows a donation of £50 from the London and North Western Railway of which the first Baron had been chairman and £25 from the Duke of Westminster who was his great nephew. There were generous donations too from some other Grosvenors. After seventy five years Motcombe can still boast a fine village hall and is likely to do so for many years to come, serving as a lasting memorial to the first Baron Stalbridge who was described by Charles Prideaux as one of the best gentlemen who ever walked the streets of Motcombe, a kind-hearted gentleman who had a loving smile and a nod for everyone.'

L.Clark

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 7 January 2018 How to Help Your Memorial Hall Without Really Trying

If you attended the meeting about The Memorial Hall at the end of November, you will be aware that expenditure is beginning to outstrip income and remedial measures need to be put in place. Of course, the best way to help The Hall is by using it. The more people attending events increases the income and the more people joining the organisations that use The Hall spreads the costs. However, there are two other ways you can help, and you hardly have to do anything.

Join The 200 Club For 2018

The 200 Club is a private lottery under the provisions of the Small Societies Lottery legislation as specified in the 2005 Gambling Act. It is monthly draw with a far better chance of winning than the National Lottery. Draws are made every month, except January, with cash prizes including a double value draw in December. All the profit from the draws goes towards maintenance of the Motcombe Memorial Hall. Last year there were 28 separate winners and £1,651 was raised for The Hall. The more people that join the bigger the prizes and the bigger the amount raised for The Hall.

It costs £25 per share to join, which purchases a number that is entered in each of the 11 monthly draws, and there is no limit to the number of shares you can buy. If you were a member last year you should receive a Renewal Form in the post or by e-mail. Otherwise, get a leaflet and application form from The Shop, The Memorial Hall, The Coppleridge Inn or download a copy from our website www.motcombehall.org and get it to the promoter Bob Chimley by 27th February with your cheque or cash.

The prize draw takes place each month at the Management Committee Meeting. The lucky winners receive their cheques in the post and a list of the winners is displayed in The Hall, on the outside Hall Notice Board and on the Village Notice Board outside The Community Shop.

Use Easyfundraising This is an Internet shopping “gateway” that has hundreds of retailers signed up to donate funds to your “good cause” - in this case Motcombe Memorial Hall. A great many of the retailers offering donations when you shop are big names such as Amazon, Mark & Spencers, Boots, Argos, Debenhams, Hotter Shoes, 7DayShop.com, the AA, British Telecom, Crocs, and many many more. There are more than 2,700 retailers to choose from. When you shop online with any of Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 8 January 2018 the Easyfundraising retailers they will donate a quoted percentage of the sale value to the cause you have registered to donate to. For example, spend £50 with Boden and you'll raise £1.25. Insure your car with the RAC and they'll donate up to £30 to your cause. Take out a new mobile contract with Vodafone and raise up to £45.00...we could go on!

It costs you absolutely nothing! This has been checked out and you pay no more for your purchase by going via the Easyfundraising gateway, but the Memorial Hall could benefit each and every time you shop.

Your “good cause” must first be registered with Easyfundraising, and must be a “not for profit” organisation in order to qualify. You don’t need to worry about this bit as Motcombe Memorial Hall is already registered. All we ask you to do is register with Easyfundraising (www.easyfundraising.org.uk) and select Motcombe Memorial Hall as your chosen cause to donate to. Then each time you shop on the internet you go to the Easyfundraising web site first and choose the retailer you wish to shop with. You will be transferred to that retailer’s website and you shop as you normally would. It’s as easy as that.

If you need more information, we have produced a leaflet which you can obtain from The Memorial Hall.

Villager Production Dates for 2018 Copy Date Distribution Date 16th February 5th March 30th March 16th April 11th May 28th May 22nd June 9th July 17th August 3rd September 27th September 14th October 16th November 3rd December

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 9 January 2018 Motcombe Gardening Club

I do hope you all had a happy Christmas and are already getting used to writing 2018 on any documents/letters!! May it be a good year for everyone.

The garden is out there looking quite forlorn after all the rain, the cold, the wind - but those Spring bulbs are getting taller and odd roses are still there as well as some flowering shrubs all reminding us that most of the garden needs this rest period before we have the joy of all the new growth in Spring. Our Christmas tree is about to go off for recycling and all the ornaments, lights etc have to be fitted back into their boxes and crammed into their cupboard for their 50 weeks of rest.

We had a lovely party at our December meeting. With plenty to eat - big thanks to all those who prepared food and brought food with them - it made quite a spread, and with the odd glass of wine it was very festive. The members of Shroton Ukulele Band joined us for our meal and gave us two sessions of various music to which we could sing-a-long - it was an excellent evening and enjoyed by all.

Now we have January to recover before our meeting on 6th February when Rosemary Le Grand will be coming to talk about Gardens in South Island N.Z. She has previously talked about the gardens in North Island so we welcome another session of photographs and interesting information from the other side of the world. Then on March 6th Chris Vacher will be talking about My Life at BBC Points West so keep these dates in mind.

I do hope all the bulbs planted for our Spring Show are doing well and I will be giving out the Spring Show schedules at our February meeting and our gardening year will really start.

We are always happy to see anyone who would like to join us at a meeting to see what it is like. Please ring or email me and I will give you details.

Bev West 858981 [email protected]

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 10 January 2018 Motcombe Memorial Hall

The Merry Muddlers (country dancing) meet fortnightly on Monday from 8pm to 9:30 Zest Exercise Classes Monday11am & Friday 11:15am Pilates Monday 6:30pm - 7:30pm Motcombe Running Club meet every Monday 7pm Motcombe Ramblers last Tuesday of every month at 9:30am Ballet Tuesday 9:30 - 11:45 Pilates 9:15 - 11:30 Children's Ballet Tuesday 4:00-5:30 pm & 5:30-6:30 pm Cubs meet every Tuesday during term time only Parish Council meets 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm Pilates 9:15 - 11:30 Ballet Thursday 9:30-11:45 Preschool MooMusic Thursday 10:45-11:45 Beavers meet every Thursday during term time only Scouts Thursday 7:00-9:00 pm Pilates Friday 8:45-11:15 Ballet Friday 9:30-10:30 Motcombe Youth Club meet every Friday from 6.30 to 8.30pm Motcombe Bridge Club meets every Friday 7pm Jazzercise Saturday 9:45-10:45

Gardening Club - Rosemary Le Grand - 6th Feb 7:30pm Garden of the South Island, New Zealand

14th Feb W I 7:30pm

21st Feb Moviola - Victoria & Abdul 7:30pm

3rd Mar Pop Up Cafe 12noon - 2:00pm

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 11 January 2018 Other Venues

Little Sunbeams Baby & Toddler Drop In - Weekly Monday 10-12 noon Methodist Church Hall

Weekly Bell ringing St Mary’s Church 7:30pm

Weekly Friday Coffee Morning - Methodist Church Hall 10-12 noon

6th Feb Lunch Club Methodist School Room 12 noon

20th Feb Soup Club Methodist School Room 12 noon

29th Jan Recycling 12th & 26th Feb Black Bin (Green Lid) + Green Box + Food Bin 12th & 26th Mar

Rubbish 5th & 19th Feb Old Blue Bin or new Grey Bin + Food Bin

Motcombe Village Magazine 266 Page 12 January 2018