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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]

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Any job considered

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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

A Special Weekend – June 29/30th On Saturday June 29th Rev’d Karen will be ordained priest at Salisbury Cathedral at 4.30pm. and you are very welcome to attend the service. If you would like to make a donation towards Karen’s ordination gift, please contact Anne Powell on 01258 861397. On Sunday June 30th Karen will celebrate her first Eucharist at Child Okeford at 10.30am. A first Eucharist is a very special occasion in the life of an ordained minister – please come and support Karen in this joyous occasion. (NB the only other service that morning will be a service of Matins at Shillingstone at 10.30am.) On Sunday 30th in the evening there will be a healing service at 6.30pm at Child Okeford. These are beautiful and peaceful services which bring a balm to the soul. We pray for the troubled areas of the world, and those parts of our lives and our community’s life that need prayerful healing. The ministry of healing is offered at this service for those who wish to partake. Date muddle My sincere apologies for putting the wrong date out last month for the Manston Fete. It is on Saturday 6th July and promises to be a fun family afternoon. (July 7th is the anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood – 22 years ago!) Rev’d Lydia

BENEFICE QUIET DAY Okeford Benefice Quiet Day on 17th August 2019 Join us at the Shillingstone Church Centre on 17th August from 10am until 3pm for a Quiet Day of reflection, prayer, fellowship, silence and a shared meal. The Day will be based around The Dream of the Rood, a beautiful Anglo Saxon poem. The poem is one of the finest religious poems in the English language. It is the earliest known dream poem in which the unknown poet beholds a beautiful tree – the rood, or cross, on which Christ died. The rood tells him its own wonderful story. The Quiet Day will give plenty of opportunity for quiet reflection and silence as well as shared sessions based around the poem. Bring a friend and enjoy the opportunity to spend a day away from the busyness of everyday life. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. There is no cost to attend this Quiet Day. Please contact Revd Karen on 01258 861051 for more details or to book your place.

4 TIME When as a child I laughed and wept, Time crept. When as a youth I dreamed and talked, Time walked. When I became a full-grown man, Time ran. And later, as I older grew, Time flew. Soon I shall find, while travelling on, Time gone. Will Christ have saved my soul by then? Amen There are several versions of this little rhyme, one of which is inscribed on a clock in Chester cathedral. I am at the ‘Time flew’ stage of life, and wonder, as we enter June, why Christmas was only last week. The Christian year rolls round inexorably, and this year I was in Worcester for Easter. We had intended to spend the Triduum (Maundy Thursday to Easter Day) attending the services in the cathedral there. As we sat in on a rehearsal for the Foot Washing liturgy, I thought the person leading it looked familiar – maybe a little rounder, certainly a little greyer, but surely it was…could it be? He caught my eye, and I saw the same ‘is it her?’ look. The following day as we met face to face, we enjoyed a hug of recognition. Many of you will remember Michael Brierley, once a pale young curate, serving his title in the Okeford Benefice, some 20 years ago. Now he is the Reverend Doctor Canon Michael Brierley, Precentor of Worcester Cathedral! What a long way he has travelled since the time we shared a Dawn Eucharist on Hambledon Hill one far-off Easter Day! By the time this is being read, the 40 day Easter period will have passed, with the glorious celebration of Christ’s Ascension and return to his heavenly Father at the end of May, and we shall be preparing for Pentecost, the sending of the Holy Spirit upon those first believers. How that Spirit of unity and love is needed in our nation today, not least among our political leaders! June of course sees the longest day – and then it’s all downhill till Christmas! Time will have moved relentlessly onwards. Do you know a prayer poem by Michel Quoist called, ‘Lord, I have time’? It’s worth googling, I promise you. From complaining ‘Lord, you must have made a big mistake in your calculations…The hours are too short, the days are too short, our lives are too short’ Quoist eventually concludes, ‘I am not asking you tonight, Lord, for time to do this and then that, but your grace to do conscientiously, in the time that you have given me, what you want me to do.’ My best wishes to you all Sue Rawlinson

COFFEE MORNING At THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHILD OKEFORD on SATURDAY 15 JUNE 2019 AT 10.30 AM ALL WELCOME – COME AND JOIN US! BOOKS, PRESERVES, FABRIC FOR SALE

5

YOUR CHURCH

First of all, many apologies for advertising our coffee morning being in the Community Centre in May. This was a mistake. As we had re-introduced Gift Day, we chose to have our coffee morning in church once more. Many thanks to those who came and particularly many thanks to those who gave very generously in the spirit of Gift Day. We are still waiting for the new boiler to be installed but are confident that it will be in situ before we need heating again next winter. The work on the church clock is in hand. When scaffolding goes up you will know things are about to happen! Coming up over the next few weeks and months are the Pilgrimage Week at the beginning of June and the church fete which will be held at the Old Rectory, Manston by kind permission of Andrew and Judith Hussey, on Saturday July 6th. This year’s Pilgrimage begins on Tuesday 4th June with a service at St Mary’s Stalbridge followed by a day’s walk to Stourton Caundle, stopping for lunch kindly provided at the Old Rectory, Stock Gaylard. Programmes are in all the churches in the deanery with details of each day’s events. It is always a good week, a chance to get some exercise, join in with worship, catch up with friends made in previous years’ Pilgrimages, and the chance to make new friends. Our Fete this year promises to be a good event, with plenty of interest for all not the least of which will be yummy teas with lots of lovely home made cakes. We do hope that there will be a good attendance!

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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 Central village venue for all occasions Richard Rowe 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 Sylvia Holdeman 01258 861055 Tel. 07968 235566 Unit 3, Vale Farm, West Orchard, SP7 0LJ www.childokefordvillagehall.org.uk

8 CHURCH CALENDAR FOR JUNE SIDESMEN READER

SUNDAY 2nd JUNE – SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 9.00am Holy Communion – Shillingstone (Rev L Cook & Rev K Wilson) (Ezekiel 36:24-28; Acts 16:16-34; John 17:20-end) 10.00am Morning Worship – Okeford Fitzpaine (Mr M Riley) (Acts 16:16-34; John 17:20-end) 10.30am Holy Communion – Chld Okeford (Mrs J Housley Mrs L Crichton (Rev L Cook & Rev K Wilson) (Mrs V Beech Ezekiel 36:24-28; Acts 16:16-34; John 17:20-end) Intercessor: Mrs R Allen Wednesday 5th June: 10.30am Holy Communion – Millbrook House

SUNDAY 9th JUNE – PILGRIMAGE SUNDAY 10.30am Morning Praise – Sturminster Newton

SUNDAY 16th JUNE – TRINITY SUNDAY 10.00am Family Praise – Okeford Fitzpaine (Mrs A Rudd) (Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31; John 16:12-15) (Mrs D Bucknall Mr I Crowther 10.30am Matins – Child Okeford (Rev K Wilson) (Mrs S Clayton (Psalm 8; Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31; John 16:12-15) Intercessor: Mrs S Clayton 10.30am Holy Communion – Shillingstone (Rev L Cook) (Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15) 6.30pm Iona Service – Okeford Fitzpaine (Rev K Wilson) Wednesday 19th June: 10.30am Prayer and Praise – Millbrook House

SUNDAY 23rd JUNE – FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 9.00am Holy Communion – Child Okeford (Rev L Cook) Mrs W BillingtonMrs W Billington (Galatians 3:23-end; Luke 8:26-39) 10.00am Holy Communion– Okeford Fitzpaine (Rev L Cook) (Isaiah 65:1-9; Galatians 3:23-end; Luke 8:26-39) 10.30am Family Service – Shillingstone (Mr M Riley) (Readings to be advised) 6.30pm Evensong – Manston (Rev K Wilson) (Psalm 22; Isaiah 65:1-9; Luke 8:26-29)

SUNDAY 30th JUNE – SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 10.30 am All Age Communion – Child Okeford (Rev K Wilson) tba tba (Galatians 5:13-17,22-23,25-26; Luke 9:51-end) 10.30am Matins – Shillingstone (Rev L Cook) (Psalm 16; 1 Kings 19:15,16,19-end; Luke 9:51-end) 6.30pm Healing Service – Child Okeford (Mr C Wilson & Rev K Wilson)

SUNDAY 7th JULY – THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 9.00am Holy Communion – Shillingstone (Rev K Wilson & Rev L Cook) (Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:7-16; Luke 10:1-11,16-20) 10.00am Morning Worship – Okeford Fitzpaine (Mrs A Rudd) (Isaiah 66:10-14; Luke 10:1-11,16-20) 10.30am Holy Communion – Child Okeford (Mr K Allen Mrs V Beech (Rev K Wilson & Rev L Cook) (Mrs R Allen Intercessor: Ms C Angelucci Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:7-16; Luke 10:1-11,16-20) FLOWER ARRANGERS Date Child Okeford 2nd June Mrs Clayton 9th June PENTECOST – Pilgrimage Sunday 16th June Mes Soward & Bucknall 23rd June Mes Soward & Bucknall 30th June Mes Sneary & Finney 7th July Mes Sneary & Finney 9 POPPIES We are tidying up the loose ends associated with distributing poppies through out the village and feel that some 'thank you's' are in order. Thank you to all the Collectors who gave their time and energy, turning out in cold weather, to visit people in their homes to give them the opportunity to have a poppy. Thank you to the people of Child Okeford who welcomed the Collectors and dug deep to support the Charity. Thank you to the Church for enabling us to have a moving ceremony that involved representatives from all generations in the Village; and thank you Pat Soward for the thought and time you gave to make the ceremony a memorable occasion. 'Lest we forget'- well Child Okeford does not forget and in 2018 the total collected met with Pat's hope and exceeded his target of over £3,000 making £3,266,31. We have presented 'long service' certificates to distributors, schools, shops and pubs on behalf of the RBL Thank you, all of you, for your support and please continue to get your poppies from our Collectors and not from people who accost you in the neighbouring towns. We are constrained by being given a set date to begin our door to door collection, the towns seem to be able start earlier. Angie Schwier Elsewhere Angie Schwier has recorded her thanks to the 15 door-to-door collectors and 8 schools, shops and pubs who have collecting boxes. But there is more to it than that! Collecting boxes together with the cardboard trays, poppies, crosses etc and the wreaths to be laid on the War Memorial are all delivered to Angie's house and she and Joyce Langley set to to prepare everything and deliver to the 23 collectors in time for a start on the due date, two weeks before Remembrance Sunday. After the collection Angie and Joyce collect the boxes and they, together with Bob Wyatt, Maureen and I assemble to count, check and bag up the takings and take them to the Legion offices in Blandford where the totals are again checked and banked. Not a simple task! £1,795.76 in coins and notes take a lot of counting! I should like to add my thanks to Angie and Joyce and all those engaged behind the scenes in this operation. Pat Soward ST NICHOLAS WIVES' GROUP At our meeting on 8th May we decided to take a trip out in June so there will be no meeting in the village hall. On Wednesday, 12th June, we will meet at Compton Abbas Airfield for coffee at 10.30am. Lifts have been arranged and a table booked. We hope for a fine day! We were all very saddened to hear of Rowena Charmichael's death. Rowena had always offered great, friendly and helpful support to our group. She will be sorely missed. Maureen Soward – 860647

10 HAMBLEDON THEATREGOERS Very sadly, Jose Hopkin, the lady who started Theatregoers in 1995, has passed away. She took the group to more than 90 plays, and some of our members are fortunate to have been with her on these trips. Her enthusiasm made a solid foundation for our group and we are much indebted to her.

Our recent foray to Bath was a great success and the BANK ROBBERY, which went decidedly WRONG, called for extraordinary agility from the actors as well as some ingenious sets which deceived normal perceptions. The programmes for the next season are eagerly awaited and I hope to have news of them in the August ‘Hill’. No visits are currently scheduled for the summer. Meanwhile, please contact me if you would like further details about the group. We always welcome new members. Penny Nicholson 863442 ([email protected])

CHILD OKEFORD WALKING GROUP We had an interesting walk in May which I led around Vernditch Chase, a woodland area near Martin’s Down. As far as we were aware, it is the first time the walking group has been to this mixed deciduous woodland and lack of detailed maps of the paths added to the “adventure”. As well as a wide variety of woodland, the area has some interesting archaeology, long barrows, Grim’s Ditch and a roman road. The walk was followed by an excellent lunch at the Cashmoor Inn. The next walk will be on Thursday June 20th, meeting, as usual, at the Village Hall at 09.30. The walk will be led by Carolyn and Rose. Would you please let me know by Sunday 16th if you wish to join the walk; newcomers are welcome. Roger Hull Tel: 863418 Email: [email protected] THE SKY AT NIGHT Calling all astronomers! If you have a keen interest in astronomy and would like to share your knowledge with an enthusiastic group of children, please contact Carrie Lewis at [email protected] for more details.

SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB In April the SMBC spent another excellent evening playing with our Kurling set. A number of new games were introduced to enliven the proceedings and added to the fun factor. In a very competitive evening an Anglo-Norwegian team comprising my own dear wife Ann and Liv Schonfield carried away the prizes – two medallions. On May 11th we held our annual open singles competition, ten players turned out and again a good day was had by all. The eventual winner, John Osborne, got off to a rocky start in his first match but fought back valiantly to win and the rest as they say is history. It is a shame that his opponent in the finals, your humble correspondent, was not in the same league as John and lost heavily to him without scoring a single point. All credit must go to John for his excellent performance which is attributed, we are told, to his penchant for Jaffa Cakes and cream doughnuts: sufficient quantities of which were supplied by Linda Brown for our delicious lunch. Thanks to her for providing this and all the players who turned out on the day.” 11

THANK YOU We would like to express our sincere thanks to the dozens of friends, neighbours and villagers who sent us such lovely cards and good wishes on the occasion of our marriage. We were delighted to know that our happiness was so joyfully received and shared.

Thank you all, Jim and Val. (FREER)

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

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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

Well ….I didn’t know that?……… In May we focused on information and learning with some hands on experience! Marten Gregory, Recycling Team Leader, Dorset Council - Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) demonstrated that despite having a recycle & composting rate of 59.5% putting DWP in the top 3 Country wide and with less than 10% of waste going to landfill, they are not being complacent. They are looking to the future, to the ever changing challenges and to further improving recycling. However, this talk was more than DWP saying how good they (and we) are. It gave a better understanding of all the different types of recycling, campaigns, interesting costs, facts and figures and what happens to all the bins when they leave the kerbside. It was also an opportunity for us to ask questions, which we did for over 30 minutes! Everything from “do I need to separate” through to current consultations. To know more (and there is a lot more) see their web site or book a talk yourself. www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-litter/reducing-and-reusing/schools-events-and- talks/book-a-talk-with-the-team.aspx On May 14th, 8 WI members had a brilliant “Ladies Night” at KWIK Fit Dorchester. This was definitely a WI event with a difference! We learnt more about our cars and knowing more about how to carry out regular safety checks to ensure our car is safe and roadworthy. We were given some good tips, what is looked for in a MOT and we tested and inspected the engine, seat belts, lights, wipers and tyres. John Larty, Southern Division, Customer Liaison Manager and his team, went out of their way to make us feel welcome, put us at ease, answering all of our questions with great style, professionalism and patience. This was an evening well spent, learning something practical and useful on a day to day basis. On 10th June, we will be exploring our Village as part of a Treasure Hunt. Join us at the Community Centre at 2.00pm. If you would you like to know more about our lively WI please contact: Pam Morris, President : [email protected] Liz Thomson, Secretary : [email protected] www.childokefordwi.wordpress.com

@ChildOkWI By : Kim Cowling, Child Okeford WI Communications Team.

14 CHILD OKEFORD ARCHIVE

As we eagerly look forward to another Hey Day, and thank the committee for resurrecting this event so successfully, we wondered what the village may have been doing 100 years ago.

In the summer of 1919, the country enjoyed the “Peace Celebrations”; celebrating the end of “The Great War” and the homecoming of the troops. Thanks to The Dorset History Centre we have a copy of the poster advertising such event for Child Okeford. An enhanced copy of the poster can be seen on the back cover of this magazine.

The “Western Gazette” recorded on 25th July 1919:

“Early on Saturday morning merry peals were rung. At 10am a procession was formed at the Union Arms headed by the Childe Okeford Brass Band, and then followed by the demobilized soldiers, the 1st Childe Okeford Troop of Girl Guides with their banner, the members of the Slate and Loan Club with their banner, and the villagers. A parade of the village took place, and subsequently, at the Parish Church, a united service was held.

A programme of sports and other amusements had been arranged by the Committee, but owing to the rain these could not be carried out. (Hope this isn’t an omen!)

A dance was arranged in the Village Hall, which was well attended. Music was supplied by the Childe Okeford Brass Band. A huge bonfire was lighted on Hambledon Hill at 11pm.”

On 15th August 1919, the “Western Gazette” further reported that:

“The postponed Peace Day Sports were held”.

Prizes were awarded for the best decorated milk float and the best decorated bicycle (food for thought for future events?) and the events as detailed on the poster were held. The winners’ names were detailed.

The day culminated in: “A dance in the Village Hall from 10.30 to 2.30, music provided by the Child Okeford Quadrille Band.”

On the village web site (childokeford.org – The Village – Village History & Archive – This Month from the Archive) you can see a copy of the original poster, an enlarged copy of the enhanced poster, and edited copies of the press cuttings in “word” format.

MANSTON AND HAMMOON VILLAGE HALL The 1st Saturday of each month is our coffee morning. This month will be 1 June 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. If you’re a regular user of the hall don’t forget to book up soon as bookings are filling up fast. Contact Carin on 01258 472825 or 07766 764878. Maria - Secretary. - Village Hall Committee

15 CHILD OKEFORD GARDENERS CLUB May Report Our visitor this month was Chris from Thorngrove Garden Centre in Gillingham who gave members a very practical evening on the making of hanging baskets, The construction and planting of hanging baskets was covered from empty to complete basket featuring size of basket, liner, compost, types of plants, basket design, planting and watering and general care. Several members had hands-on experience of inserting the selected plants into the basket through the liner slits having first wrapped the plant foliage in removable plastic – success is definitely all in the wrapping!. The resulting basket was a kalaidascope of colour which with a weekly feed will last all the season. An evening of interest from Chris which also shone the spotlight on a social enterprise nursery suggesting a worthwhile visit. Next Meeting Wednesday 5th June at 6:00pm Summer Social Evening for members at Ridgeway Farm, Farrington by kind invitation of Jenny Scorgie. Buffet contributions welcome. If you have a portable chair you can bring along that would also be helpful. Hey Day ( Saturday 22nd June 2019) The Club will have a table again at this event and, as many of you are probably sowing seed, we would appreciate any donations of plants and seedlings. We thought a little advance notice might help you to sow a few extra thus making the Club table a ‘must visit’ area again. Many thanks. The Annual Show An early reminder of The Annual Village Show Saturday 10th August start at 2:30pm in the Village Hall. Schedules will be available at the Hey Day from the Club Stall and after that from the Cross Stores. Details of the photographic section have been shown in previous copies of ‘The Hill’ and are included again below Class 61 Village Life 62 Beside the Seaside 63 Whatever the Weather 64 The Natural World 65 Makes Me Laugh 66 Around The World 67 Video (Mp4 format, one minute clip, own choice of subject.

16 Children’s Section. We are also this year re-introducing the Children’s Section which we hope will help boost entries to this part of the Show. Entries are divided into 2 sections: H1 Primary age group - 11 and under H2 Secondary age group - 16 and under. CLASS DESCRIPTION a. Miniature Gardeners b. Animal made from Vegetables c. Decorated home-made Fairy Cakes d. Electronically Created Picture 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 please do so 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

CHILD OKEFORD PARISH COUNCIL At the last meeting of the Parish Council on the 13th May, the council bid a grateful farewell to Councillors Hepburn, Jespersen and Blake and welcomed two new councillors, Knapton and Kerridge. The public also expressed their gratitude for the long service of Councillor Holderman who has been on the council for 40 years. The following matters were considered and reported. The chairman of the Parish Council we returned to office and the other officers and working groups were agreed upon. There was nothing to report in terms of footpaths, all appear to be in good condition and ready for the summer. Prior to the meeting there was a report of a dangerous horse chestnut tree on the playing field. This was swiftly removed by Leo Tandoh by agreement of the council over the weekend to prevent injury to anyone using the field. One plannign application was approved on GOld Hill to relocate a driveway and there was no news on either the Beehive or more recent Haywards Lane applications. The council decided against commissioning an ecology report for the village. The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday the 24th June in the community centre and not the 1st July as previously advertised.

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

Piper Brown Residential Cleaning 07488254215, [email protected] Weekly, fortnightly & monthly cleans Holiday lets, one off, after builders, move in/out cleans bed changing, ironing

Fully insured, reliable service, references available

SEAMSTRESS

Clothing alterations & bespoke clothing. Curtains & cushions. No job too big or small. City and Guilds qualified.

Call Rosie Lovell

01747229981/07780703641

19 GOLD HILL ORGANIC FARM Ridgeway Lane, Child Okeford, Dorset DT11 8HB, 01258 861916 www.goldhillorganicfarm.com Email: [email protected] For 10yrs now we have had the pleasure of hosting St Michaels school from Bournemouth. They first came when we still had the cows and were allowed to do tractor and trailer rides which were the highlight of the day. We would drive them up ridgeway lane sitting on hay bales, back to back, looking out at the hedges. They loved the bumps and swing of the trailer along the track. With no cows and no tractor and trailer rides, unless on a 'specifically' designed trailer, we have to be more inventive to excite the kids for their foray into the countryside. When they first arrive they are split into 4 groups for 'tasks' planting, harvesting, tying up Tomatoes, planting Broad Bean. Whilst walking to their tasks they get a chance to eat Mange Tout pea flowers/lettuce/spinach/chard and chive flowers. Every 15mins I ring an old school bell and they change over. Then its two groups one watching Emsie Sharp blowing glass and the other a 'tool' completion. After lunch sitting in a field with a good view of Hambledon, its down to the woods to play and this is now their highlight. I give one group a talk about how easy it is to be a guardian of wildlife in their own gardens however small. On display I have a log, brilliant for harbouring beetles and other insects, a pile of brick/rocks/broken tiles good for slow worms, toads and maybe even a grass snake, a small looking bonfire that hedgehogs, mice and other small mammals love to hide or hibernate in and lastly an insect wigwam. This is made with small twigs stuck into the ground filled with dried grass/leaves and topped with a terracotta plant pot. Excellent for ladybirds, earwigs and even small moths. The most important thing is to leave it as undisturbed as possible and occasionally turn the log over, pick the pot up and just observe what's seen. We can all be wildlife guardians not just David Attenbough. The other group make a trail of long pink cloth hanging from trees and hide deep in our woodland. They have to be silent which for 8yr olds is hard but when they are its magical as they 'listen' to the trees. The woodland bursts with screams of excitement, which must have been heard throughout Child Okeford, when they are found. Then they just enjoy the freedom of 'running' as can be seen in the photos. It is quite a big year group and we had them Mon/Tues/Thurs and Mon again. Hope you observed the mention of Mange Tout peas that will be ready next week and we are already selling the first of the Broad Beans. Phil is back from Japan and in the farm shop again and will be sure to regal you with a tale or two from is travels.

20 FORTY YEARS In 1979 Sylvia Holdeman attended her first Parish Council meeting as a Councillor. She brought with her an encyclopaedic knowledge of our County and of this particular part of Dorset. The Chairman at the time described her as, 'Child Okeford's own Mrs Thatcher' ; she gained, over the 40 years, an equally encyclopaedic knowledge of the workings of a Parish Council. Her passion has always been to work for the good of the village as a whole. As a Councillor she began, with colleagues, to raise funds for a play area for the children to be built in a dedicated part of the Recreation Ground, it took time and energy to achieve a result. She has often been the 'go to' person if one needed something sorted out quickly and she has during, her time on the Council, shown consideration and kindness to many people in this village. As Chairman for twelve years not every decision she made was popular with everyone, but, that is the lot of a Parish Councillor. Forty years of dedication to our village and its inhabitants should be applauded.

Angie Schwier Thank You A big thank you to Angie Schwier, for the lovely flowers for being on the Parish Council 40 years. I do it because I care about the village and all who live in it. Thank you Angie, Sylvia Holdeman.

21 The Digital GP Practice Before contacting your GP; have you tried the NHS website: www.nhs.uk? Patients can use this site to check their symptoms and get instant advice. E-Consult – Accessed via the Practice Websites Patients can submit consultations 24 / 7. To do this they have to answer a series of questions and a GP, or the most appropriate member of the team, will review and respond by email or phone within 48 working hours. It is estimated that this service has saved 291 GP appointments in 5 months. Online Services at Eagle House and Whitecliff Group practices allow you to access a range of services via your computer, mobile or tablet. You need to be registered and obtain a password from the Practice reception team to use the service. Once signed up, you will be able to: book or cancel appointments online renew or order repeat prescriptions online view some of your patient information on line Keeping in touch with our patients Please make sure your practice has your up-to-date contact details, including mobile phone and email address. This will enable us to send appointment reminders, clinic invitations and important information to you by text and email. Both practices have websites designed to quickly find key information, including practice opening hours and how to register. There are also useful pages covering a wide range of health issues, along with links to other relevant medical organisations. BREXIT There has been a lot of news coverage about interruption to some drug supplies as a result of Brexit. The Secretary of State for Health, last August, wrote ‘the Government has plans in place to ensure a continued supply of medicines to patients from the moment we leave the EU’ and states that ‘patients will not need to and should not seek to store additional medicines at home’. It goes on to state that ‘there is no need for surgeries to issue longer prescriptions’ and that any over-ordering will be ‘investigated’. Therefore, the surgeries are not in a position to issue any additional supplies of medication to patients on the grounds of Brexit.

CARER AVAILABLE Self employed lady Carer available, all aspects of care given such as catheter care, hoisting, double incontinence, PEG feeding or even just companionship. Advanced in MS also. DBS checked and insurance. Please call Natasha on 01258 269654 or 07478718340

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WESSEX MORRIS MEN This year the Morris Men’s annual visit to Child Okeford will be on Monday 17th June. More by luck than judgement this is the Monday before this year’s Hey Day. There is an ugly rumour that we now only dance in villages with a defibrillator. This is not true, this year our Bus Pass Tour had to be cancelled because our new members were not entitled to concessions, So, if there is nothing you can’t miss on T.V. and it’s not raining too hard why not come to the Cross and support us at 9 p.m. and maybe join the music session in the Baker’s afterwards. Monday 17th. June 9:00 p.m. 23

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

BEHIND OASIS PLANT CENTRE, SHAFTESBURY ROAD CHILD OKEFORD, DT11 8EQ Stocking over 300 named varieties of unusual Perennials and Grasses New plants added throughout the season Vegetable seeds and Spring flowering Bulbs Open Weds to Fri 9am-5pm (Mon and Tues by appointment) Weekends and Bank Holidays 10am-4pm www.peakeperennials.co.uk Tel: 07708872918

25 ROWENA The sad news of the death of Rowena Carmichael came on 9 May. She was a very private person (all are agreed) - but one who was widely known for her advertised services of hypnotherapy, reflexology and massage; and further afield for her roles as a member of a business group, as a steward at Kingston Lacy and (while her sight allowed) as a tutor in oboe and piano at the Rural Music School. I knew her as a very capable Bookings Secretary at the Village Hall, always helpful to both regular and occasional users. Living near to the Hall, she was also able to fulfil the role of “caretaker”. And as a trustee she played a full part in our committees, and in activities at the Hall. Rowena was particularly enthusiastic about our film nights, where she helped to serve drinks and (her idea) ran a raffle to top up the income. Her cremation, followed by a wake at the Hall (her wish - where else?) happened to be arranged for 24 May, when “Stan & Ollie” is scheduled to be shown in the evening: we hesitated, but decided to go ahead, seeing the film as in some sense a fitting celebration of Rowena’s contribution to the Hall. Grahame Downer. CHILD OKEFORD VILLAGE HALL The news of Rowena’s death came the day before the our AGM, and we stood for a minute’s silence in her memory. The attendance was 21 - trustees, representatives of regular users, and other village residents. In my Chairman’s Report I commented on the continuing uses of the Hall, many and varied. It is often the chosen venue for social and family events, but we ourselves promote a range of events, and all this together contributes to the enrichment of village life. I thanked fellow trustees for their continuing hard work: I also expressed thanks to Sharon the cleaner for her care of the premises, and to Tricia Samuel and her team for maintaining the beautiful window boxes. Paul Nicholson as Treasurer was able to report a healthy end of year balance of £21,122 at 31 December, which had risen to a current £23,165. Thus we would be well placed to meet the cost of £5500 for a kitchen refurbishment to be carried out in the week beginning 28 May. Under “Other Business” various matters were raised, which will be discussed at a meeting of the Executive Committee in the near future. Grahame Downer. VILLAGE HALL - TRUSTEES At the AGM, in accordance with the rotation laid down by the Hall’s constitution, two trustees stood down - Alan Short (Property Manager) and Paul Nicholson (Treasurer). Happily, both had agreed to stand again, and they were elected unanimously. However, we have to face the consequences of the death of Rowena; and Wendy Addley had already advised fellow trustees of her intention to resign because of her other commitments. Wendy had done a splendid job in fundraising (jumble sales) and especially in organising 2 Christmas Fairs, reviving an old tradition and not just raising funds, but providing the village with an early season festive event. So we are left with more than one gap to fill, to reinforce our 6 remaining trustees - Bookings Secretary 26 Caretaker (which could be a separate role) Fundraiser/Christmas Fair Organiser. Temporarily, Sylvia Holdeman has generously volunteered to act as Bookings Secretary, and the remaining trustees will share the role of caretaker. Regarding Wendy’s role, it would be very helpful if someone would volunteer to take a leading part in organising a Christmas Fair (possibly shorter, and reduced in size) for 2019. But we do also need to make longer term appointments. If you are interested in the possibility of joining our Village Hall team and working with us, please contact our Secretary Rosemary Blundell on T 861621 or myself on T 860767 so that we can talk about it together. Grahame Downer.

COFFEE MORNING The next coffee morning will be on 8th June 10-30, Usual stalls. The coffee morning on May 4th made £46.

JUMBLE SALE The next jumble sale 15th June 12pm in aid of Mercy Action, If you have any Jumble get it to the hall by 11-30, or ring me 01258 861055 & weI will pick it up Sylvia Holdeman.

Child Okeford, DT11 8HB 01258 863866 www.theartstable.co.uk

The Gallery is open during exhibitions from Thur - Sat, 10am - 3pm and at other times by appointment

27 Art in May Exhibition : St Peters Hall , Gold Hill Shaftesbury There is still time to come if you have missed the first week! Exhibition runs until Saturday 8th June 10-5.00 daily Ceramics by Cath and Jerry Broadway Silk scarves and paintings by Kate Toms Paintings by Rob Adams and Sue Fawthrop Bead work by Pat Chandler Jewellery by Yvette Cannon

Homemade cakes and tea served on Sunday 2nd June

St Peters Hall is at the top of Gold Hill opposite the Salt Cellar Cafe

THE ARK With the spring sunshine comes more opportunities to be outside exploring and playing here at The Ark. The Early Years Foundation Stage states that being outdoors has a positive impact on children’s sense of well-being and helps all aspects of children’s development. Being outdoors offers opportunities for doing things in different ways and on different scales than when indoors. It gives children first-hand contact with weather, seasons and the natural world and the outdoor environment offers children freedom – freedom to explore, use their senses and be physically active. All the learning that takes places outdoors has equal value to all the indoor learning This month the children have been out every day, several times a day and have enjoyed using the bikes and developing their gross motor skills and coordination as they learn to move around in new and exciting ways. Through all of these activities children are able to grow in confidence in their own abilities and have time to explore and investigate. They can test ideas and predict the outcome. The exploratory nature of the younger children can be met with nature, grass, stones, logs, soil, twigs and leaves which are all fascinating and need to be experimented with. For the older children, their growing mobility and the enjoyment of the company of friends means that their investigations change and just become part of their play. They collaborate and negotiate and use large equipment with ease. They share their knowledge of the outdoor world with others and seek new challenges with the company of both adult The babies have been very creative this month and exploring paint has been a firm favourite. The children are becoming fascinated with the marks they can make by moving their hands and they are starting to connect the movements and marks together. They have made some beautiful pieces of artwork Sarah McNab Nursery Manager

28 CHILD OKEFORD FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB Our May meeting was a practical session titled “Tablescapes.” For this we had to choose a time of year, a special event or occasion for which we would like to design the dressing for a dining table. We all set to work and in due course there was a selection of varied and diverse place settings for one person with an attractive co ordinated flower arrangement. After a well earned cup of tea and a slice of cake we admired everyone’s artistic work. Our next session is on Tuesday June 18th at 2.15pm in Child Okeford Village Hall. When Nicky Heal will present her demonstration, “Aspects of Woven Willow”. Members and Visitors alike will be most welcome, we look forward to seeing you, for any further information contact Sue Brown 01258 863775

NATURE NEWS Continuing the saga of the tadpoles in my pond which I rescued from voracious newts, I decided after about a month that they were big enough to take their chances back in the pond. We had a goodly number, but, unfortunately, when carrying them to the pond the old plastic basin in which I had kept them cracked and broke, spilling half the tadpoles on to the lawn. My wife and I then spent the next half hour crawling over the lawn, each with a teaspoon, trying to rescue them; I think we found most of them. There have been none immediately visible in the pond since, but I have found a few when dredging with a net to get rid of debris. So some have certainly survived. I think they are now too big for the minnows and newts to eat, but I have seen a large dragonfly larva in the pond, and that will certainly eat tadpoles. Regarding butterflies, Roger Hull notified during the month that he had seen a Holly Blue and a Speckled Wood, both of which I also saw later in the month in our garden. So this year to date, as well as these two, Orange Tip, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, and Comma have been spotted in the village. If anyone spots additional species, please let me know so we can compile a complete list of all the butterflies seen in and around the village in the year. Last year, Homefield was a hotbed of hedgehog activity, and this year I hear from my anonymous source there that they are again active.. The same source in Homefield also reports seeing a slow worm basking in the sun in late April, as well as newts in his pond. Last year, I think in my first article, I remarked on the absence of swallows, martins and swifts from the village in Spring, and the same applies this year, not only in Child Okeford but also, from my personal experience, from everywhere I've been in Dorset over the past few weeks, except for Weymouth where we saw lots of all three species flying over the reedbeds at the RSPB Lodmoor reserve. Or is this just me, and lots of you are seeing them locally by the score? And I am still waiting to hear my first cuckoo. Has anyone heard one in the vicinity of the village? Contibutions to me, Jack Shonfield, at [email protected].

29 HAMBLEDON HILL Spring is well underway at Hambledon. Early purple orchids are up and Cowslips are in full swing. Butterflies like the Green hairstreak, Dingy Skipper and Small Copper are making the most of the warmer season we are enjoying. The butterflies are being recorded on our butterfly transect by volunteers, organised and run in partnership with Butterfly Conservation, which requires a set route to be walked at the same time of day, one day per week throughout the warmer months. The results are used as part of a national data recording system to show the population trends of our butterflies – these insects are a litmus for showing the health of our countryside across habitats, including farmland. Last year a brilliant 26 species were recorded, including the scarce Chalkhill blue which has been dwindling in Dorset in recent years. We have been busy over the winter with considerable scrub clearance taking place across the western, southern and eastern ramparts to protect the archaeology and the chalk grasslands. Much of the fence adjacent to the bridleway on the eastern slope has already been removed by our volunteer rangers, and this will continue over the coming months. New fencing has also been erected recently, replacing a stretch alongside the bridleway leading from Markstone Cottages; this has been carried out (including the scrub clearance) with generous funding from the Peoples Postcode Lottery – you may have seen us on BBC Breakfast when they broadcast live from Hambledon earlier in the year! In addition new mini orientation boards are being designed and manufactured for installation in the autumn which will be a great improvement to Hambledon’s entrances. Glow worm walks will be running in mid-June a little earlier than usual and will be a real treat for that very special time during mid-summer when you can experience twilight at such a special place (please see https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hambledon-hill for more information).

Best wishes. Clive Whitbourn

Ninebarrow folk duo with support from Will McNicol Sunday 14 July, 6.00 (outdoor performance - gardens open from 4.30 for picnics) Springhead Trust, Mill Lane, Fontmell Magna, SP7 0NU

Adults £13 in advance, £15 on door Friends and U 17 £11 or £13 on the door

See https://www.springheadtrust.org.uk/events/ for more information and booking or phone 01747 811853

The Baker Arms Folk Session 2nd Thursday every month, next on 13 June James and Desi 860260

30 A DOG’S LIFE I'm afraid I'm very busy with getting things ready for our move up to St Nicholas Court, and so I'm asking Bella to get on and write her piece without my help..... over to her. Wow! I'm not reddy for this, but here gows. So youve herd that we are moving and I am very sad to go away to sumwear different. I'm going to have to werk out new works with White into strange feelds and wouds. I just hope we don't get two lost two oftern. He and I njoyd our daly trudges around the feelds at the back of Five Chimneys, but I hope we can settle into a plesent rooteen quikly. Wile wear still hear we must make the moast of our time, sniffing round the garden, witch is much bigger than the one wear going to. Mowing the lorn takes White about a courter of an our instead of half a day wear we are at present....thow, to be onest White gets a nice man with a black van to do it for him....playing the age card. White is still complaning about the starlings that are pinching all the berd food that he puts out for the finches and tits, though they don't seem to starv from what they pick up off the path. Sometimes he puts bread crumbs from the loaf he's been cutting for toste at breckfust. Grey says ive got to wynd this up , so cheerio until next time. BELLA

POOPY BAGS I have decided to write to you because I am fed up with hearing my owner moan and curse when she is walking me along the footpaths of Child Okeford. I love my walks but recently they have been ruined by the increasing prevalence of canine faeces which my owner has had to dodge or worse still has trodden in and its driving her crazy. It is disgusting and totally unnecessary. As a dog I appreciate that we tend to go anywhere, give little warning and often don't like to be watched but I can't understand is why some of our owners don't pick it up. If you own a dog you must be able to bend down, put a collar and attach a lead - this is same action and distance required to pick up a pooh! There is no excuse. Leaving dog faeces in a field, on a path or road just is selfish and demonstrates an arrogant attitude towards other dog owners. So please my fellow four legged friends in order to restore my peaceful, stress free walks please encourage your owners to purchase a poopy bag holder and pick up anything you may produce! Thank you Woody

SHEEP Following a recent report of an attack on local sheep, we have been asked to remind dog owners of the need to have their dogs under control at all times (on a lead around livestock). Ed

31 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. Saturday 8th June: Chesil Beach Walk and Boat Ride on the Fleet to see Little Terns nesting, 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.

GOLF DAY

The Friends of Blandford Hospital hold their 5th Annual Golf Day at Ashley Wood Golf Club on Friday 14th June 2019. The Texas Scramble event will raise valuable funds to support the local hospital and health related projects throughout the local community. The day always proves to be great fun with different challenges on the course in addition to the 18 holes. Entries are now open for teams of 4, and full details can be found on the Charity’s website: www.friendsofblandford.org.uk The Friends are also looking for local businesses that would be interesting in sponsoring the event or perhaps one of the holes on the course. If this is something that you would like to discuss then please give Emma, their Fundraising Co-ordinator, a call on 01258 451456.

BLANDFORD MUSEUM EVENTS Thursday 6th June Blandford Museum D-Day exhibit opens 10.30, refreshments, all welcome Thursday 20th June 7pm Museum Archaeology Group visit to Martin Green’s Museum. Details 01258 452831

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33 EDITORS NOTES Please could we have your copy for the next edition by 15 June. 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

VILLAGE WEBSITE If you have tried to visit the village website [www.childokeford.org] recently you may have got a scary message that the website is not secure and may have been hacked. The problem has arisen because our old security certificate has expired. This certificate ensures that data transmitted between your browser, and the server on which the website is hosted is encrypted and for reasons that we do not understand the host of our site in the USA has been unable to provide us with a new one which works. We do not ask for any confidential information from you and even without the certificate, visitors to the website are not at risk of losing any personal information or data by browsing it. A hacker would be able to see which pages on our website you visit which, given the nature of the site, is not a great risk. You can still visit the website, which is working normally, by clicking on the “advanced” section of the warning message and going to the site [Different browsers have different messages.] We apologise for the inconvenience and are working to try and sort the problem out. Kevin Pearce, Viv Leigh and Martin Rudd

34 BLANDFORD FOOD BANK What a privilege it is to work here at the food bank surrounded by people who so wonderfully give of their time and compassion to those seeking help. This compassion and love is shared unconditionally and is breathtaking to behold. We have an amazing team of volunteers, a team of 32 who volunteer week in and week out to make up food parcels, date and process every tin and packet that’s donated, as well meeting and greeting those who come to us seeking help. Alongside these we have a team of four fully trained debt advisors and a budget coach who do such a fantastic job of unravelling the financial problems that some of our clients face. Then there are the donations we receive throughout the year, these come from people who walk in off the street carrying in a small bag of donations, then there are our local churches who support the food bank financially and during harvest and Christmas. Our schools are also amazing, donating hugely during harvest; and then there are the silent majority who donate regularly and so incredibly through our supermarket trolleys at Tesco, Morrison’s, Lidl, Co-op, Child Okeford Store (please continue to support – Ed), Milborne St Andrew store plus many more all who support us week in and week out. We have over 25+ local care organizations (our referrers) that refer people to the food bank for help. There are those who just need the help of one food parcel to get them through some small crisis, some who need a couple of parcels and who we then do not see again, to those who face tougher journeys, we travel with them along these journeys until such time as they are able to move on on their own. This work continues to grow, last year we saw 990 adults and children seeking help from the food bank, many of these came to us with hidden debt, domestic violence, trauma, long term illness, mental health problems, homelessness and those living on a low income. With this growth comes the need to find larger premises where we can work muvh closer with those seeking help our hope is to move into new premises within the next six months, watch this space! Our vision is to have a café where we can meet everyone in a more comfortable area and be able to have conversations as they wait for their food parcel. This gives us a chance to develop relationships and thereby tackle more and more of the hidden problems. We also want to become a ‘Life Centre’. We are working very closely with a number of local care organizations in Blandford encouraging them to consider working alongside the food bank so that they are on site when their distinctive help is needed. How amazing would this be providing help much quicker. So watch this space, we are hopeful that in the next few months we will be able to share with you the good news of our move. A date for your diary – We are again hosting an Open Day on the 12th June this will be held in the Methodist Church itself. The morning will start at 10am until 12 noon. We’re inviting many of our local referrers to come and take part, why not pop along and have a tour of the food bank and find out more about the work that we do.

35 STUR LITERARY FESTIVAL Sturminster Newton will hold its very first literary festival on June 15th. The town will celebrate past writers with connections to Sturminster Newton, current Dorset based authors, and aspiring writers of the future. Most events will be free with donations. Highlights of Sturminster Newton Literary Festival include a new walk around the town celebrating areas connected with Thomas Hardy, William Barnes, and Robert Young. Dorset dialect poetry will be recited in various cafes and venues in the town, storyteller Tim Laycock will be telling the tale of Tess of the D'Urbervilles in 20 minutes and local historian David Fox and members of the William Barnes Society will give an introduction on 'How to speak Dorset'. The Exchange will host talks from local author Roger Gutteridge, local history buff David Fox, and Dr Alan Chedzoy, renowned William Barnes’ expert and biographer. Dorset authors at the festival include Rosanna Ley, Lulu Taylor and the poet David Caddy, who will all be speaking in the Exchange. Contact Information: Michaela Knowles c/o Sturminster Newton Library, Bath Road, Sturminster Newton DT10 1EH Email: [email protected] Website: www.sturlitfest.com Twitter: @SturminsterF Facebook: @Sturlitfestival

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WHATS ON Saturday, 1 June 2019 Manston and Hammoon coffee morning p14 Tuesday, 4 June 2019 Pilgrimage p5

Wednesday, 5 June 2019 CO Gardeners Club p15 Thursday, 6 June 2019 D-Day exhibition opens p31

Saturday, 8 June 2019 CO BBQ p23 CO coffee morning p26 Art exhibition from 1st p27

DWT walk p31 Monday, 10 June 2019 CO WI Treasure Hunt p13 Wednesday, 12 June 2019 St Nicholas Wives p9

Food bank open day p34 Thursday, 13 June 2019 Bible Study p6

Baker Arms folk session p29 Friday, 14 June 2019 Golf day p31 Saturday, 15 June 2019 Open gardens p33

CO Jumble Sale p35 CO coffee morning p4 Stur literary festival p35

Sunday, 16 June 2019 Open gardens p33 Monday, 17 June 2019 Wessex Morris Men 22

Tuesday, 18 June 2019 CO Flower Arranging Club p28 Thursday, 20 June 2019 CO Walking Group p10 Museum visit p31

Friday, 21 June 2019 Sing and be Merry p5 CO Lunch Club p11 Saturday, 22 June 2019 HEY DAY p37, FANCY DRESS p36

Monday, 24 June 2019 CO PC meeting p16 Thursday, 27 June 2019 Open Garden p20

Friday, 28 June 2019 Film Night p23 Saturday, 6 July 2019 Manston Fete p32 Tuesday, 9 July 2019 DWT walk p31

Friday, 12 July 2019 Murder Mystery p32 Sunday, 14 July 2019 Ninebarrow folk duo p29

39 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 page 8 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 [email protected] Churchwardens Bookings Child Okeford Child Okeford Village Hall Mr Simon Baird: 860477 Sylvia Holdeman 01258 861055 Mr Keith Allen: 860068 [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]