80P Parish News May 2020 PARISH NEWS
MAY 2020
UPDATED VERSION
THE PARISHES OF THE LULWORTHS, WINFRITH NEWBURGH AND CHALDON
1 Parish News May 2020 Parish Organisations
ORGANISATION CONTACT POSITION TELEPHONE Benefice of West Purbeck Rev Carol Langford Rector 01929 462215 [email protected] Benefice of West Purbeck Rev Sandra Williams Ministry Team 01929 792235 [email protected] Benefice of West Purbeck Rev Jenny Alidina Ministry Team 01929 551502 [email protected] Benefice of West Purbeck Rev Judy Hill Ministry Team 01929462888 [email protected] Benefice of West Purbeck Dr John Matthews LLM 01929462128 [email protected] Benefice of West Purbeck Mrs Jenny Hunt LLM 01929 462570 [email protected] Benefice of WEST Purbeck Mr Paul Pinnock Lay Pastoral Assistant 01929 400143 Benefice of West Purbeck Mr John Yonwin Lay Benefice Vice Chairman 01305 852117 Holy Trinity, West Lulworth Mr Paul Simpson Churchwarden 01929 400376 St Christopher's, Winfrith Mr Giles Marsh Churchwarden 01929 400259 St Nicholas, Chaldon Mr Jeremy Selfe Churchwarden 01305 852138 St Andrew’s, East Lulworth Mr Paul Pinnock Churchwarden 01929 400143 West Purbeck Benefit Office Pauline Matthews Adminstrator [email protected] Benefice Parochial Church Council Mr Eddie Morrison Secretary 01305 853272 Mrs V Blandamer Treasurer 01929 400584 Benefice of the Lulworth, Winfrith & Chaldon Mrs Barbara Marsden Parish Safeguarding Rep 01929 400259 Chaldon Herring Village Hall Carole Redhouse Secretary 01305 851827 Chaldon Parish Council Miss Emily Blake Clerk 01305 853965 Children’s Drama Group Chris Eldred Organiser 01929 406175 Dance for Kix Gemma Dale Organiser 01305 852137 East Lulworth Parish Council Liz Maidment Clerk 07909924692 Friends of Lulworth & Winfrith Primary School Anna Veal Secretary 01305 852830 Ladies’ Friendship Circle Mrs Marjorie Bird Secretary 01305 852908 Lulworth & District Garden Society Mr J Watts Secretary 01929 400749 Lulworth & Winfrith CE VC Primary School Mr Richard Skinner Head Teacher 01929 400330 Share and Care Link Persons 07751 968 944 West Lulworth Parish Council Miss Emily Blake Clerk 01305 853965 West Lulworth Village Hall Mrs Pauline Hill Bookings Sec. 01929 406178 West Lulworth Women's Institute Mrs Halina Simpson President 01929 400376 Winfrith Cricket Club Mr Simon Goldsack Chairman 01929 554716 Winfrith Drama Group Wendy Jones Secretary 01305 852844 Wool and Winfrith FC Kelvin Dorner-Woolley Chairman 01929 551232 Winfrith Gardening Club Janine Scola Secretary 01305 851837 Winfrith History Group Pat Yonwin Secretary 01305 852117 Winfrith Parish Council Mandy Stephens Clerk 01305 853659 Winfrith Village Hall Sally Johnson Bookings Manager 01305 854133 Wellbridge Bereavement Support Group Jackie Pope Administrator 01929 462376ol Friends of Cancer Research UK Mrs Pat Stanely Secretary 01929 405487
The PARISH NEWS is published monthly by the Parochial Church Council of the Lulworths, Winfrith Newburgh and Chaldon, in the Deanery of Purbeck and the Diocese of Salisbury.
Chairman: Rosie Johnson 01305 852885 Secretary Bernadette Crowe Treasurer Mr P Lawlor Editor: David Brann 01305 567748 Deputy Editor Janine Scola 01305 851837 Advertising Secretary: Rosie Johnson 01305 852885 Advertising Editor: Anne Rowan 01929 400729 Distribution Manager: Dudley Jones 01929 400641 E-mail: [email protected]
2 Parish News May 2020 From the rectory
(II) PAUSE BUTTON: “think on these things…”
a new way of living…
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” (from “The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien)
On this the last time I will write to you, I am unable, as so generously invited, to focus on my own personal situation or needs. For these are times of testing for all mankind, be it in small rural communities or across the largest of nations. Times that test us spiritually, physically and mentally; that test the resilience of relationships with family and neighbours…
Covid-19 has sprung from nowhere and kept the vast majority of us confined to our homes; whilst those in our health and social services faithfully provide for our needs. And (on April 21st 2020) it is still much too early to forecast how the pandemic will reshape our lives and society. There are still many dangers, toils and snares to be navigated now without being anxious about the unknown future…
But crisis moments also present us all with opportunities. There is more time now “than we know what to do with…”, and we must make the best use of it. There is time to constructively “sit still” – not to be ever-active! To stop, PAUSE (!), think carefully, honestly (and prayerfully) on personal life and world events. We need to grow in purpose and to plan ahead, including nurturing our health, spiritual, mental and physical…
Can we now nurture a growing realisation that our human value does not lie “in what we do” but rather “in who we are”; our unique characters, personalities, gifts and talents, abilities and skills that are to be shared for the benefit of all. To build each other up, to care and support each other in all circumstances, and not least “in sickness and in health”. I do especially thank God for the current outpouring of practical, loving support to neighbours and those who serve us. I sincerely pray that we who “live to see such times” now, will bear such positive fruit in our lives for many years to come… “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Throughout our married life Barbara and I have been led by the promise of God in Jeremiah 29:11 - words worth us reflecting on, especially when God seems far away, or if we are currently far away from Him… ““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.””
As a Christian I know – only too well personally - that however hard or difficult life does get, God is present. Ultimately He is in charge and He can be trusted. If Jesus has meant anything to the world he came to 2000 years ago, then His message for us – right here and right now - is one of God’s un- surpassing love for us. Of His closeness to us, His good plans & purpose for us, His offering us a new beginning, of His peace in hearts, of His healing, and the hope of the future in His promise of eternal life. May we all press the “PAUSE BUTTON”; and think/reflect on these things…
I remain, ever, your servant in Jesus Christ,
Robert
3 Parish News May 2020
Holy Trinity, West Lulworth
It is sad not to be meeting together at this difficult time, but I can assure you that the Church is in good order, the altar is clothed in white again, the clock keeps chiming and the new Paschal Candle was lit on Easter Sunday. I look forward to lighting it again when services are resumed. Some of you have joined in the zoom service on Sunday morning and others tell me how much they enjoy the services broadcast on television. What we are missing of course is close personal interaction, so if you are feeling low please pick up the telephone to myself or any other Church member. “It’s good to talk”. Robert and Barbara will be with us until May 8th and a tribute to them is included elsewhere in this magazine. Robert will not be able to take services after that date but they will be living in the village for a while longer so of course they will still be part of our community. We wish them well in whatever the future holds for them.
Paul Simpson Churchwarden 01929 400376 Church Without Walls
Our churches may be closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but The Church is more than the buildings and continues to thrive, thanks to the innovative use of technology by the Rev Jenny Alidina and the rest of the Benefice of West Purbeck Ministry Team led by our Rector, the Rev Carol Langford.
During April, using the application Zoom, the virtual doors opened on Sundays at 1000, with the streamed service starting promptly at 1030. Around 100 worshippers were able to see each other and chat before Rev Jenny, with impressive authority and technical savvy ,clicked the ‘MUTE’ button on the congregation and the service began.
At first it might have felt a bit strange joining aloud at home in the prayers, hymns and songs, but one soon gets used to it and the act of collective worship at a time of global crisis is a powerful bonding experience. In some small way it may be similar to how the early church felt when Christians met in their homes and catacombs, unable to practice their faith in public, though in our case the persecution is committed by a virus.
If you would like to be added to the list of those invited to join the West Purbeck online congregation, please contact either Rev Jenny or Rev Carol asking to be included in the circulation list. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and a reasonable internet connection. It is easy to click the link, download the application and manipulate the simple screen controls.
Rev Carol Langford 01929 462216 [email protected]
Rev Jenny Alidina 01929 551502 [email protected]
4 Parish News May 2020
FROM THE REGISTRARS
Holy Trinity, West Lulworth Audrey Parson died on February 3rd and her ashes were interred in Holy Trinity Graveyard with those of her husband John on April 19th. John and Audrey were active members of our community here in West Lulworth for many years. John was Chairman of the Parish Council and was particularly involved in designing our new Village Hall. It is sad that due to the Covid 19 restrictions many who knew them well were unable to be present and our sympathies go to her family.
St Andrews East Lulworth
Marriages 29th Feb Mark Phillips and Bethany Collins 21st March Christopher Kelly and Annabel Hall
St Nicholas, Chaldon Herring
7 April 2020 Unattended Committal of Erato Maria Nita (Mary) Martin. Widow of Ken and formerly of St Anthony’s Cottage who died on 22 March aged 94
Wool Methodist Chapel Services May 2020
Due to the Coronavirus all Services have been suspended until further notice. In case services are allowed to recommence, the names of the Preachers will be: Sun 03rd 10.30 Mr P Barker. Sun 10th 10.30 Mr D Scott. Sun 17th 10.30 Mr Cliff. Sun 24th 10.30 Rev K Jones / Rev T Fernand. Sun 31st 10.30 Mrs M Scott.
Let’s pray we will be back soon Worshipping together. Lynda Macey [email protected] 01929 463773
We at Wool Chapel extend a very warm welcome to you all!
PURBECK CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
The Parish of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St Joseph’s
Parish Church : ST JOSEPH’S - The Square, Wool, BH20 6DU
Mass Centres : ST EDWARD’S - Shatters Hill, Wareham, BH20 4QP
ST MARY’S CHAPEL - Lulworth Castle Park, BH20 5QS
Due to the Coronavirus all Services have been suspended until further notice
5 Parish News May 2020
Dear fellow Parishioners
Retirement from full time ministry – Reverend Robert Marsden
On Friday 8th May, Rev Robert will retire from active ministry as our Priest-in-Charge.
His last service was due to have been an all-ages event under the marquee as we celebrated VE Day on Winfrith Recreation Ground on Sunday 10th May. Sadly, those plans were cancelled when the COVID-19 restrictions were imposed. We cannot yet see a fitting and collective way to mark the end of Robert and Barbara’s time with us. So, we must use this page of the Parish News to thank them for their devotion to the four churches of our Benefice and on behalf of those individuals who they have helped in difficult times and those couples they have prepared for marriage.
Robert and Barbara will be moving to another rural multi-parish Benefice in the Salisbury Diocese, where they will take up supporting duties later in the year. Their move from the Rectory is likely to be delayed by the current restrictions.
Although the legalities of the amalgamation of the Lulworths Benefice with the West Purbeck Benefice have again been put on hold during the restrictions, many of you will know that Rev Carol Langford has been taking up the reins of the enlarged Benefice over the past 3 months. She will assume full control of our four churches from Friday 8th May when Robert stands down.
All enquiries relating to church life should then be directed to the respective Churchwarden or Rev Carol.
May I close by adding the personal thanks of the Churchwardens for the way Robert has at all times taken us into his confidence and encouraged us to work with him for the greater good of his parishioners.
We wish Robert and Barbara many years of good health and happiness in their new life and work.
John Yonwin Lay Benefice Chair on behalf of the Church Wardens
01305 852117 [email protected]
6 Parish News May 2020
Coronavirus Help and Support
If in the coming months, you are struck down with this virus and are unable to get help from neighbours, family or friends - Winfrith Parish Council has set up a point of contact via the Parish Clerk.
Please ring Mandy Stephens on either 01305 853658 / 07810 175 156 or via Email - [email protected] who will contact a Councillor or parishioner who may be able to help with routine errands like shopping or collecting a prescriiption.
If anyone in the village would also like to be involved, please contact the Clerk , Mandy Stephens (contact details above)
Thank you Winfrith Parish Council
New Dorset Digital Hotline The Dorset Council digital champions team normally hold sessions in libraries and community centres. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown they now offer free and friendly IT support by phone. Phone: 01305 221000, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 12 noon except Bank Holidays. At other times leave your name, phone number and a short message on the answerphone and they will call you back. The team can offer digital support for a wide range of issues, no problem is too small. This includes helping families with digital applications for home schooling, providing help to get online for home shopping, support for all digital NHS services or setting up Skype to keep in contact with friends and family.
If you live in Dorset digital help is just a phone call away - tell your friends, family and networks. Find out if you can get a better broadband connection https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ business-consumers-licences/superfast-dorset/test-your-broadband-speed.aspx
7 Parish News May 2020
Farm Photo Challenge! Many thanks to the Cobb family for this amazing image!
A Quiet Walk on Easter Sunday...
...and plenty of parking spaces
Thanks to the Cobbs, Laura Miller and Paul Simpson for these pictures and to Jeremy Selfe for our stunning, prize- winning cover pictures.
Please send your articles, jokes, recipes and any good photos you would like to share to:
8 Parish News May 2020 EDITORIAL
There has been so much in the media about the except Bank Holidays), who have adapted their coronavirus that it’s easy to feel as though the end helpline to address this very problem. Phone them of the world has arrived and we are all doomed. for advice on any issue to do with your internet Contrarily, I have found that there is a lot to be connection or use of your smartphone, tablet or cheerful and optimistic about! computer and they will provide an expert who can help. The lockdown has given us all the space to spend more time on simple tasks, be they gardening, Another reason to be cheerful is the wonderful going for walks, reading, spending time in quiet environment we all enjoy in our beautiful part of contemplation, or talking to friends and family. We the country. This Spring has seen the best weather I may not be able to meet up in person, but this is an can remember at this time of year. While I’m sorry ideal opportunity to phone people we haven’t that many local businesses are suffering financially spoken to for a long time, or to have more frequent from the lack of visitors, the lack of cars on our catchups with those we care about and to support roads has made walks so much more enjoyable. I and encourage one another. know that many of us have been giving our gardens more care and attention than ever. Despite the Modern technology has made this possible, garden centres being closed, it is possible to get accessible and inexpensive. During the last major supplies online and walking around our village and pandemic about 100 years ago, people were talking to people (on the phone or at a safe unlikely to have access even to a telephone. Now, distance, of course), it is clear that many of our with computers, tablets and smartphones, gardens are going to have their best year ever. connected through broadband, we have applications such as Microsoft Messenger, Skype, I’ve been inspired by a number of unlikely people WhatsApp, FaceTime, Snapchat and Zoom, to name who have become heroes overnight through their but a few, with which we can enjoy video calls for selfless consideration of others. NHS workers and free! WhatsApp and Facebook are helping people Carers have rightly been recognised as the heroic keep in touch instantaneously and face to face, not soldiers fighting on our behalf on the front line of just with those who live far away, but even in our the war against this disease. Those who deliver our own villages. The Winfrith Facebook page has been post and supplies, staff our shops and collect our used to give away excess vegetable seedlings, swap bins also deserve our thanks; also, our farmers, books, and share pictures of a beautiful sunset or a teachers and support staff. Characters such as rare wildlife sighting. Captain Tom (I keep wanting to promote him to Major Tom, but you would need to remember As you will see elsewhere in this edition, the video David Bowie to make that connection!), who, aged conferencing application Zoom allows our church 99, raised more than £28m for the NHS by walking services to continue in an imaginative and effective round his garden; Nahla-Rose (8), who spends her way. YouTube hosts all sorts of fascinating, time on the family 3-D printer making facemasks informative and educational videos covering every for the NHS; Frank Mills (6) with spina bifida who, hobby or special interest one can imagine. We have inspired by Captain Tom, has raised more than especially enjoyed the online streaming of top £110k for the NHS by walking 10 metres a day. I’m quality drama from The National Theatre, such as sure there are others who deserve our admiration One Man, Two Guvners. One can also find and that many more ordinary people will rise to the opportunities to use the lockdown for all manner of challenge positively and turn this tragic disaster training and personal development. into an opportunity to help and inspire Some of us are feeling frustrated that we can’t others. access this treasure trove due to unfamiliarity with the technology. I have just spoken to Lyndsey David Brann Trinder at Dorset Digital Champions (Phone: 01305 Editor 221000, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 12 noon
9 Parish News May 2020
EAST LULWORTH RESIDENTS HELPLINE
FOR THOSE IN NEED OR SELF-ISOLATING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
CHRIS 07850 159 060 01929 400 574
If you are unable to get your shopping from your family or friends, you can ring the above number and we will endeavor to get a volunteer to help.
Please bear in mind that the volunteers risk contracting the virus too, so only essential shopping please. This will be be done once a week.
Keep safe!
Delivery of doctor’s prescriptions 07751 968 944
10 Parish News May 2020 Dorchester Food Bank Contributions
Collection points now in the lychgates of St Christopher’s Winfrith Newburgh and Holy Trinity West Lulworth
At the end of March, Dorchester’s Food Bank experienced the busiest week in its 10 year history! This trend is on-going!
Just 3 weeks into Lockdown the Food Foundation said that 1.5 million Britons reported not eating for a whole day because they had no money or access to food. Some 3 million were in households where someone had been forced to skip meals. Millions of children are living in food poverty and even before COVID 19 the rates of hospital admissions due to rickets were at the highest for 50 years.
During the recession of the early 90s, David and I experienced what it is like to have too little food in the house to feed our children. We were very grateful for their free school lunches and for the kindness of an anonymous friend who saved us from one very hungry weekend by popping a bank note through our letterbox.
It has therefore been my great pleasure, since we all went into Lockdown, to daily collect your generous food bank contributions and to deliver them every Wednesday morning to the Dorford Centre in Dorchester, where they are tremendously appreciated! Anyone who is in crisis, has no food, or has no money to buy food is eligible to receive a food parcel so long as they are referred by a recognised voucher holder such as Citizens Advice, Social Worker, Heath Visitor, Church Leaders, School or similar. If you, or anyone you know is in need of help, do get in touch with one of these organisations.
Please continue to contribute items such as the ones listed below. Small sizes are very welcome as food parcels are made up per person. Please ensure all items are well in date. Unfortunately food banks cannot accept fresh produce. Tinned foods: Vegetables including potatoes – not tinned tomatoes; meat and fish; fruit; baked beans; rice pudding; custard Also: Individual packet cereals UHT Milk, jam, biscuits, instant coffee and tea bags (English breakfast type) Cook-in sauce, instant mash Laundry powder, cleaning materials Soap, shampoo, deodorant, sanitary Items, toilet rolls, cat and dog food
Cash donations also much appreciated: Dorchester Foodbank 20-26-62 63655253 Any queries to Barbara Brann 01305 567748 / 07776 238228
Thank you for your wonderful generosity. Keep it coming!
11 Parish News May 2020 WALKING GROUP
group have managed to keep up their fitness levels ‘The distance is nothing when one has motive’ although we do plan to suggest a gentle start when we get back to normal. I have stuck to the initial The literary amongst you will be able to identify guidelines and walked from our door rather than where this quote is from. It does seem particularly driving anywhere as has Charles Smith who has apt in our current circumstances. suggested the following local routes with target Here we are still in Lockdown accompanied by a set times! Many of you will know that Charles hails of rules which are adapted as the period is from New Zealand. When we visited that country extended. We’ve been encouraged to exercise at one thing that struck us was how well their paths least once a day but parks and gyms have been were signposted as to where they would take you closed. So for most of us our exercise has been and how long it might be before you got there. I walking whilst avoiding using a car to arrive at a don’t think there was one that we managed in that start point. So like me you may have discovered a time– fit lot these New Zealanders. multitude of local routes of varying length which you can easily enjoy while ‘social distancing’ - was Draytons Dairy Circuit that phrase in our vocabulary before? From the shop walk up School Lane turning right at Draytons Dairy to follow the path behind the houses that takes you onto the Drove coming out opposite Winfrith House so you can make your way back to your start point. Target time under 13 minutes.
Jurassic Farm Circuit Start at the shop and cross the road over the river and straight on towards Thornicks. Keeping straight ahead follow the path that will take you through the farmyard before turning left at the farmhouse, over past Wynards to Chaldon Road, left and back to the shop via the Riverside Walk. Target time under 25 minutes.
Five Marys So what is our motive for walking at the moment? From the Church go along the Chaldon Road and Escaping the four walls, having a break from the turn right up to Wynards. At the top of the track go family, taking the chance to see another person left towards Five Marys and carry on to the gate passing by, because you love following rules or before the Five Marys. This gives you a steady but because you know it is good for you? gentle climb to great views in all directions. Target
It has been pointed out in more than one report that increasing your lung capacity really helps fight off illness. How many of us realised the significance of % oxygen in the blood until now? Ordinance survey have noted that historically people walked far more and therefore there are old routes that connect towns and villages that have got lost so they have plans to produce a map showing them. This will take some time before it is ready so will we all have crept back to our old ways of leaping in the car? In the meantime I hope members of the walking
12 Parish News May 2020 WALKING GROUP (...contd)
The quote by the way is from Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet thought nothing of walking 3 miles to visit her sister recovering from a chill in the house of the man she was pursuing! So that’s another motive to add to your list of reasons to walk
Looking forward to not social distancing in the future
Brenda Mustoe
time under 20 minutes. Slowly back to enjoy the views and sounds of the countryside.
Lulworth Mast Up the Drove, fork left onto the wooded path and continue straight on to the Burngate/Daggers Gate farm road. One way, 2.5 miles, 110m of ascent. Target time 1 hour. Enjoy the views and slowly back through the woods.
There are many more to be added and perhaps that’s a project for the future – produce a booklet of walks from Winfrith with mileage and estimated times not only for locals but the tourists who we hope will return in the future.
SHARE YOUR SOLITARY WALK!
If you have a favourite walk from your front door that doesn’t involve transport, why not share it with your fellow readers?
Send your route and pictures to the editor at:
Please take and send your photos in the highest resolution possible.
13 Parish News May 2020
More creativity for the NHS SAVE THE DATE !
WEST LULWORTH VILLAGE FETE
SATURDAY 4th JULY 2020
2PM In the GLEBE FIELD
EVERYBODY Laura Kardasinski created this beautiful rainbow WELCOME for the display in Winfrith Village Stores in support of the NHS
Barbara Who?
This terrifying local resident keeps the birds off who’s garden?
And what is her last name?
A prize for the most accurate or the most amusing answer!
Answers to: [email protected]
14 Parish News May 2020
A Point of View All Quiet at Winfirth Village Hall
I was going to write a whimsical and self- congratulatory piece about how Chaldon organised Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin. a sweepstake for the virtual Grand National, which raised £135 for NHS Charities Together, when every Once upon time there was a very active village hall fund-raising effort for the NHS was eclipsed by the that had all sorts of different activities going on. astonishing £20M and counting raised by Capt Tom Exercise groups for ladies and gentlemen; dance Moore. So, I turned to thinking how the relatively classes for children; sewing and craft groups, our modest target set by the redoubtable Capt Tom own garden club, a pantomime after Christmas gathered support from across the country and from and lunches. What lovely lunches they were and abroad. Clearly, we see a wonderful example of the always, always a raffle. Everyone was happy with power of social media to do good – and on a grand the village hall and so was the hall. scale. Messages of support must have gone, to use that unfortunate word, viral. Then one day, a nasty virus invaded our shores, called Coronavirus or Covid-19. (I don’t know what Beyond a couple of family WhatsApp groups, e- happened to the other Covids, do you?) To protect mails and texts, astonishing as it may seem, my our little village, a Mr. Lockdown came to live in only experience of social media is a Twitter account the village. He is very particular; we are only which was set up to publicise Ride + Stride for the allowed to go to the shop (preferably the local charity, Dorset Historic Churches Trust. Of late, shop for local people), go for some exercise and quite a number of incoming messages, which have keep medical appointments. It is rumoured that he apparently reached the account via our hashtags, is very keen on Ms. Social Distancing. She insists are uncharitable and unpleasantly worded. We all that we must keep 2 metres apart or in old money, know how celebrities are plagued by Trolls and how 6 feet. Then his sister came to stay as well, Ms. some people in the public eye, such as Laurence Self-Isolation. She is even more strict than Mr. Fox the actor, have had to delete their accounts Lockdown for she makes you stay indoors and altogether to escape the harassment. But that does watch day-time television which is as you know is not happen here in Dorset, I thought. However, not at all beneficial. while talking to regular users of social media locally, I began to realise that this darker side of So with all this going on, the little village hall had communications with our neighbours is not to close its doors. One day perhaps, not today or uncommon. Comments which are often baseless in even tomorrow, the little village hall will open fact, toxic in their language and anonymous in their again and if Mr. Treasurer finds his key to his origin can be found on accounts within our villages. money box, for he guards all our money, and says yes we will have a party and you are all invited. Is it too good to hope in this time of lockdown that, if we are minded to send a message that we would Until then stay home, protect Mr and Ms NHS and rather not receive, we re-word it, sleep on it and we will save lives. perhaps change it for a more good neighbourly sentiment? I have slept on this, signed it and hope that is does not cause any offence to anyone. Good-bye for now.
Jeremy Selfe Inez Wilkins
15 Parish News May 2020 Easter Bear Hunt success!
The events planned for Easter were all cancelled but never the less a lovely event happened around Winfrith Newburgh. Teddy bears appeared in windows and Penny designed a Bear Hunt, Roger printed the details out and we raided the children's Activity box and made up activity packs for children. There were Easter eggs too for those who completed the trail. Stones used last year and a few more were painted and put on the trail. Penny, Louise, Noleen and Jan monitored during the afternoons it was run. It was so lovely seeing people going around the village, in a safe manner of course. It lifted our spirits...so thank you everyone. £37 was donated and we have sent that off to Major Tom's appeal for NHS.
16 Parish News May 2020
Spend £50 and get a £10 discount with code ‘newcustomer10’ “Jurassic Coast Farm Shop is an alternative shopping experience specifically for retail customers to deliver the finest and freshest produce at affordable prices straight to your door! We stock our own grass-fed, free range award winning Aberdeen Angus Beef reared on our family farm, Winfrith, as well as other free-range meats, sustainably sourced fish, local cheeses, fruit and vegetables.”
Order easily online from the comfort of your own home or on the go Know exactly where your produce comes from FREE delivery or collection– Choose a date that works best for you Save time shopping and spend it doing the things you love! Sign up to our regular emails for our blogs, recipes and seasonal offers. Please visit our website for more details 01305 853937 www.jurassiccoastfarmshop.co.uk
17 Parish News May 2020
Don’t be left out! Sign up to a subscription and save money! No price increase this year!
Keep in touch with all that’s going on in the Lulworths, Chaldons and Winfrith Newburgh. Make sure you receive your copy of The Parish News by taking out a subscription now! Although we are publishing the magazine online during the lockdown we will revert to the printed version as soon as possible, so don’t get left out!
Contact details are: Winfrith Clive Goddard 01305 852203 West Lulworth Lesley Burt 01929 400488 East Lulworth Val Blandamer 01929 400584 Chaldon Rosie Johnson 01305 852885
Only £8 for the year paid in advance. That’s 12 copies for the price of ten delivered to your door!
If, after lockdown, you would like to receive the Parish News through the post, please contact Val Blandamer - Email : [email protected] The current cost for this service is only £22-40 per annum, but will increase in line with rises in postal rates.
Winfrith Village Hall High Street, Winfrith Newburgh
Our Village Hall is currently closed but once these hard times are over we will reopen. Please keep us in mind for your group or that event you’re still wanting to stage.
The main hall seats 90 people plus there is small meeting room which seats 20. Both have access to a commercial-grade kitchen with dishwasher, large cooker, fridge, automatic hot water urn, crockery and cutlery. A large serving hatch opens onto the main hall.
We have a full premises licence for serving alcohol.
The main entrance is through a lobby which can be used for reception and at the other end is a raised stage with a drop-down screen. Entrances are fully accessible from the front and back car parks and there are separate ladies’ and gent's toilets as well as a disabled toilet. There is Wi-Fi throughout and a Hearing Loop.
Our hall has been hired for meetings large and small, parties, receptions, craft fairs, stage productions both amateur and professional, exercise and dance groups etc. and we look forward to getting back to normal! Unfortunately, we can’t host bouncy castles.
Competitive hiring charges:
Main Hall (Winfrith and East Knighton residents) £7.00 per hour Non-residents £13.00 per hour. Small Meeting Room (Winfrith and East Knighton residents) £5.00 per hour Non-residents £7.00 per hour.
18 Parish News May 2020
Bread and Buns Galore!
Back in mid-March, before the national lockdown began, Matt and I were thinking how we could use our skills and resources to help our fellow villagers through these unprecedented times. We decided that we could brush off our baking skills (we used to run a bakery back in 2009-2011), and after a few conversations with some of the important people in the village (you know who you are!), and after making sure that our efforts wouldn’t create a negative impact on the wonderful Winfrith Village Stores, we decided to launch the Winfrith Community Bakery project – with the expectation that 20 or 30 people in the village might fancy trying some of our homemade breads, buns and cakes. Matt’s killer cinnamon buns or fruit loaves! Your very kind messages and encouragement are really humbling, and it gives us such pleasure to be able to share our skills with you all at this time. However, we cannot be held responsible for any increases in waist size that occur during the lockdown – these have nothing to do with high doses of sugary products twice a week! We currently have over 105 people registered on our bread list (wow!), and are having to start baking on Saturdays at a time when most of you are still in bed! However – we are having a great time creating high quality traditional products– which you all seem to be enjoying – so it is all worth a bit of lost sleep! ‘Will you keep making bread when it’s all over’ – is Matt posted a message on the village Facebook site, a very common question asked of us each week – and much to my confusion, ordered 1000 bread and the answer is yes – but in a slightly different bags – telling me that he thought we would use way…. More details in due course….. them eventually! As an indication of the scale of the The bread making is only possible through the response from the village, I have to report that the support of our fellow villagers and with the help of th first 1000 bags ran out on Saturday 18 April! local businesses who have been amazing in their rd As I write this message on Thursday 23 April, efforts to help us source flour, yeast and butter– so having just come in back inside from taking part in a BIG thank you to all those who have helped. the 8pm clap for NHS and Carers, I want to express With our warmest wishes and sincere gratitude, our sincere thanks, disbelief and sense of overwhelming pride at the way in which our village Andrew and Matt has come together on Wednesdays and Saturdays, in the pursuit of a freshly baked loaf and some of [email protected]
19 Parish News May 2020 Dorset Council, West Purbeck, May There are potentially 6700 vulnerable people, although this number is growing. We are 2020 Report conducting a phone assessment with everyone on the list, with teams stood up 7-days a week to do Coronavirus this. As of mid-April, in excess of 1400 assessments had been completed. The aim is to support We are currently in the front line of this households to help themselves, providing programme implementing a variety of government additional support as required (such as food initiatives and schemes and the situation is very parcels, medicine deliveries and connecting fluid, changing daily. I am loathe to write a report volunteers who can check on them). The primary that is very out of date by the time it appears in challenge remains the availability of online grocery print! As a result, I have been writing progress delivery slots. We are encouraging those who can, reports every few days to Parish Council clerks and to make other arrangements so that they free up others, leaving them to forward as appropriate. capacity for our more vulnerable people.
We have instituted weekly update meetings with Broadband Dorset Council’s (DC’s) MPs and me, the leader, the Chief Executive and others as required. These have Following on from my previous pieces about proved very useful and all the MPs have Broadband, we have now collected and collated a commented as to how effective and proactive DC is. very large amount of information regarding the We are using our MPs to act as a focal point on our poor performance of BTOpenreach in the behalf and we have Simon Hoare (North Dorset) implementation of Superfast Broadband in the rural arguing our case for funding to meet the additional areas of Dorset. We requested one of our Dorset duties placed upon us and Chris Loder (West MPs to join us as the Westminster lead in a Dorset) as the focal point for improving Digital and campaign to improve this situation dramatically. I Superfast Broadband coverage. We are also am pleased to say that Chris Loder (West Dorset) is answering a lot of their questions because we are that MP and he is proving very effective and strangely in a situation where we are sometimes influential. I have already held several sessions with better informed than they are! In addition, the DC him on the subject although it needed little effort Coordinated response Team are working with the to bring him up to speed as he used to be a District major voluntary Sector organisations who have also Councillor for West Dorset and knows the poor publicly stated their satisfaction with the coverage both personally and across Dorset. We arrangement, but as always, still much more to do. have agreed to hold a video conference with the CEO of BTOpenreach, myself and Chris. Chris is then Community Shield going to attempt to facilitate a meeting (electronic Obviously, the key and most important element of of course) with the relevant Minister to argue our DC’s response to the Corona virus pandemic is how case. I hope this will help to force BTOpenreach to we help reduce the impact and spread of the listen to our complaints and to pressurise them to infection. Government has passed many improve dramatically. responsibilities down to Councils to achieve this. Laura is leading on this and has been holding daily Garden Waste meetings to manage and coordinate our response to support those individuals and families that are The service will restart from April 27th as we now extremely vulnerable and need to shield from face- have enough staff to cover it which we did not have to-face contact for a minimum of twelve weeks. due to illness and reallocation to other more urgent Every week we hold a video conference for all our tasks. We still do not (currently) intend to reopen Councillors and at these meetings Peter answers all Household Recycling Centres as they are not the written questions that Councillors have deemed essential and the requirements for social submitted, and Laura updates the Council on the distancing would be difficult to enforce and would sterling work she is doing. She has also been take away from our already stretched staff; but we appearing on TV, Radio and Social Media, in her hope to restart this as soon as possible. There has effort to get the message across. been much speculation about potential for increased fly tipping. As a matter of interest, the
20 Parish News May 2020
latest statistics for April show that fly tipping is There remains a great deal of good advice on how down based on the same period last year, but we people can protect themselves online at will continue to monitor this. www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. Finally, any Dorset resident who needs additional support should be Good News encouraged to call the Community Shield helpline: 01305 221000 (open 8am-8pm everyday). The virus has led to almost unrelentingly bad news, so I am going to end with a small but good news Surgery story. Dorset Council has been supporting people calling in to the helpline, but they’ve also been We are not holding face to face meetings at the proactively working with people in, some might say, moment. However, we would be delighted to ring unusual ways. They supported a lady who has been and talk to you. Please ring or email us with the shielding with her husband, and who were advised subject matter so that we can prepare ourselves. to sleep separately to ensure their health and Peter’s email address is [email protected] safety. As a result, she had been sleeping on a telephone 07986600799 and Laura’s is recliner chair in the lounge as they didn’t have a [email protected] telephone spare bed. This was really not helping her get a 07814 569563. good nights’ sleep, nor her general health. The team was able to secure a grant from Dorset Poverty Action Group and they bought a single bed. The Peter Wharf & Laura Miller highways team kindly collected it from the store and delivered it. The lady rang to say a big thank Dorset Councillors for West Purbeck you as it was the first time she'd slept the whole night in weeks and she’s already feeling better. And she's also linked to a volunteer to help with collecting prescriptions. The bed was delivered just in time for her birthday. What a great gift and another example of Dorset's approach to supporting people through this!
Useful information available
There is a great deal of information on the Dorset Council website, this includes contact information and ideas for things to do, including for children when they’re at home. Here are some of the links: Online resources for families https:// mailchi.mp/dorsetcouncil/online-resources Schools and families: https:// www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies- severe-weather/emergencies/coronavirus/ schools-and-families.aspx Information and landing page: https:// www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies- severe-weather/emergencies/coronavirus/ coronavirus-covid-19.aspx Co-ordinated Community Response: Information about our co-ordinated community response is available on the DC web site
21 Parish News May 2020 Lulworth & District Gardening Society
The April talk on Wildlife Gardens by Dorset Wildlife was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This has been re-booked for 2021.
The following events have been postponed or cancelled, also because of the current situation with the pandemic: 13th May talk: Sweet and Sour 9th May: Coffee and Sale 10th June: Members Evening at the Walled Garden in Moreton
Future events will be dependent on the effects of the current crisis.
My best wishes go to all members, that they are safe and well. At least, for those of us not having to work, the weather has been good for gardening! In the absence of any news, here are some pictures from my garden, which is receiving more care and attention than it has for some time! I’m sure the editors of The Parish News would welcome pictures from your gardens as well!
Phil Roberts
LOTTERY (100 Club)
LOTTERY (100 Club) April winners: 1st prize: Pat Yonwin £25 2nd prize: Ruth Weston £15 3rd prize: Stephen Whittam £10 Brenda Mustoe. Tel: 01305 852009 Beechgate, High Street Email: [email protected] All proceeds go to Winfrith Newburgh Village Hall (Charity No 286849)
22 Parish News May 2020 Winfrith Gardening Club
In this rather surreal world in which we now find ourselves, we are all dealing with ‘self-isolation’ and ‘social distancing’ in our various ways during these strange times. None more so than being in our gardens, in what has been the most glorious weather to brighten our days. That bit of weeding, digging out the new bed you had in mind, even clearing out the shed, alongside all the other jobs in the garden at this time of year, have been approached with a certain gusto! We may well have felt an ache or two in our backs, but undoubtedly we are fitter and happier for being in the outdoors and at one with nature. Not only are we all busy, but the birds are too, working doubly tomatoes and courgettes, ready to transplant into hard tending to their new brood; as fast as I dig grow bags/ through a flowerbed my chirpy robin pops down to large pots or in the garden; tie main stem to a nab the wiggly worm, quickly replaced by my other cane or vertical wire for support chum the blackbird ready to grab the next worm! The best bit is the early alarm call of the ~ Put up shading in the greenhouse to lower woodpecker, hammering away at the tree near my daytime temperatures and reduce scorching; open window, sorting out her broods breakfast – Spring doors and vents on warm days, but close them in has well and truly arrived! the evening as nights can still be cold
With the recent warmth, so the new growth of ~ Watch out for aphids on new growth / young perennials has started too, although one or two foliage and wipe off or spray with a soap based have yet to show their heads. Hopefully the last of solution any frosts will have passed and the new plants eagerly awaiting planting out in the garden can now ~ If growing potatoes remember to keep pulling the be dug in. soil up around their stem as they grow
~ Sow French and runner beans outside ‘Tips from the Potting Shed’ ~ If the lawn looks a bit ragged after all the past ~ Remember to place plant supports for tall weather, sow a good granular weed and feed to perennials give a boost ~ Don’t forget your containers – renew top 5cm of ~ Apply liquid or granular feed to tulips, daffodils compost and mix in a slow release fertiliser and other spring bulbs to encourage a good display next year. ~ Watch out for blackfly on the soft tips of broad Tulips do not need to be lifted and thrown away beans; if just a few remove by hand, but if more, after one year!- they can be left in place to flower then pinch out next year, the soft tip or lifted and placed in another part of the garden at this time ~ Plant up hanging baskets, but keep under cover to harden off, ready to put out in early June. ~ Pinch out the shoot tips of bedding plants and young annuals to encourage bushier growth and plant out later after the last frosts And finally – keep healthy and of course, keep weeding! ~ Start hardening off tender young plants, such as
23 Parish News May 2020
OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE LULWORTH RANGERS
Lulworth Ranger Team Roundup you go. Each set of field samples are then mixed up, sieved and bagged ready for the lab. They are tested for Phosphorous, Potassium and Magnesium along with trace elements. Then the required fertiliser is calculated, depending on the desired end product and cutting regime. Silage can be cut several times, but our farm normally takes one cut, applies a second lot of fertiliser and grazes the aftermath flush with the growing lambs.
We’ve also been spraying off ready for the crop layout for our Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. This is a set of cereal blocks, bird mix areas and fallow on rotation that give the farmland birds and wildlife the best habitat and food source. Drilling will follow shortly, if the ground isn’t too hard. Well, what a month it’s been! The Ranger team When checking livestock we’ve been catching up have closed up the Heritage Centre for the first with some fence maintenance after all the winter time in 26 years and there is not a car in the car storms that brought down trees onto the stock park, save the First Responders vehicle which is fencing. A section of hedge near Lulworth Lake has stationed there. However, the Ranger team still been laid and gapped up too. functions in a much reduced form, to complete the essential farming and land management duties In the Park all the newly planted trees are given a required. May sees the annual cycle of Basic fighting chance by spraying a tight circle round the Payment Scheme and Higher Level Stewardship base of each one, keeping down the grass, claims. So myself, Kirsten and James are holding hogweed and cleavers that climbs up them. There the fort and you might well ask exactly what have are 500 large guards and several thousand ‘whips’ we been up to while the others are furloughed? to get round, so we are pleased for the dry spell of weather (though the rest of the land could do with some rain)! One of our ponds is chocked up with weed so a large bag of barley straw has been deployed - left to biodegrade in the water it will help reduce algal bloom and duckweed growth through the summer.
Out on Winfrith heath the cattle have settled into Spring grazing and the calves are coming on well. An evening call out to a heath fire thankfully found them all a far distance from harm. An area of DWT land caught alight, with flames ripping though the gorse and Purple Moor Grass. Prompt action by the fire service brought it under control by midnight – thought to have been started by sparks from a nearby bonfire. With the tinder dry conditions please take great care with bonfires, cigarettes, Lulworth Castle Farm duties at this time of year barbeques and the like. include all the spring preparation of the grass, ready for hay and silage in the summer. Firstly soil If you are out walking during COVID-19, please tests are completed which entails walking a W remember that gates, latches and handles are all shape in each field, taking a number of samples as
24 Parish News May 2020
SHARED SURFACES. Touch them as little as possible and wash your hands regularly. Remember that ground nesting birds could be confused by the lack of regular footfall and may choose to nest on or near the footpaths that they usually avoid, so it’s vital to keep dogs on leads.
Wildlife Sightings
With the sun out the early season butterflies are on the wing: Brimstone, Large white, Green veined white, Orange tip, Peacock, Holly Blue and Comma were all sighted during April. Red Kites have been stealing the headlines – spread as far afield as Share and Care Povington and West Chaldon, they’ve been regularly seen with their distinctive forked tails. The Following the article in The Parish News last month first Swallows and Wheatears have been seen after we are delighted to say that Share and Care their long migration– feeding and resting once they currently have sufficient volunteers to cope with have crossed the Channel. All topped off by a the care in the community that they so selflessly Weasel in the Park dashing for small rabbits while provide. the visitors are absent! Of course medical appointments, for which they provide transport, are now reduced to a minimum. Maddy Pfaff Many working age adults are furloughed and older
children who can drive are not attending school or
further education, so these younger family Contact Us: If you have any wildlife sightings to members are often able to support elders report we’d love to hear from you, please contact requiring assistance with transport, collecting [email protected] or call 01929 400155 and prescriptions and shopping. leave a message of what you saw and where.
As the nation returns to work and education it is possible that they will leave older members of their family who may be shielded from social contact. This will increase the need for volunteers, yet many of those who might volunteer may find themselves in this same, vulnerable category. If that is the case Share and Care will once more appeal for your help.
25 Parish News May 2020 The Hoopers at Winfrith by Bridget Sant, abridged by Perilla Kinchen
Part 1: The Manor House Winfrith, all the farmers between East Lulworth and Kimmeridge were having their farms taken over by the military, who needed the land for a bombing range. So Bridget Sant was born in 1944 in the Manor House, many farmers had to have fire sales in 1942 that Dad where her father Bob Hooper ran the largest farm in could buy whole herds of animals at rock bottom prices Winfrith: she now lives in Australia. We will be publishing and they were close enough to be driven overland to his over the next issues some extracts from a fascinating new farm. These animals were not pedigree Friesians …. account she sent us. With culling and selective breeding the herd gradually all became pedigree and Dad later became a very successful The Hoopers leased land from the Welds for three Friesian breeder who sold animals all over England and at generations, coming to Newburgh Farm in the 1880s. least once overseas, when some heifers were sold in the Bridget’s grandfather Keith Hooper lived in the Manor Middle East. House during the first two decades of the 20th century while his brother Tom lived at Newburgh Farm. Later Throughout my childhood in Winfrith, Uncle Tom and my ‘Great Uncle Tom’ managed both farms, something over father were very significant people in the village. During 2000 acres of mixed arable, sheep and dairy farms on the the war they were the two Officers in the Home Guard. chalk Dorset Downs, assisted by Bridget’s father. They ran the Parish Council, Dad following Uncle Tom as chairman … They were both churchwardens …. Bridget’s mother came to Newburgh Farm during the Church fetes were a great feature of my childhood. Second World War as a land girl. ‘This was a big change These were always held in the field next to the [old] post for a sophisticated Home Counties girl, educated at office that ran beside the village stream. Between the Cheltenham Ladies' College, daughter of a City banker. two farms nearly 60 village people were employed in the She was never shy of hard work and loved driving a 1940s and 1950s. As mechanisation increased this figure tractor. The primitive conditions, billeted in a farm gradually declined. cottage with no indoor bathroom facilities, were a surprise to her.’ The couple married in 1942 and moved Our lives [Susan b.1943, Bridget b.1944 and John b.1946] into the Manor House. revolved around spending time on the farm with Dad and the farm workers, playing in the garden near to Harry ‘At the time my father was setting up on his own at Lunn, our gardener, or helping Mum in the kitchen. It
26 Parish News May 2020
was unusual to play with other children. Another adult its two stacks of trays would be full and the egg man who was an important teacher was Mr Carr, the retired came and collected it. … The money for the eggs came in schoolmaster, who came to keep our accounts with his cash and always was calculated to the nearest farthing copper-plate handwriting in old-fashioned red leather although these were no longer normally used in trade. ledger books. He used to arrive on horse-back …. Mr Carr Consequently my mother always donated the farthings was particularly interested in our education and to me and I still have the collection.’ provided us with basic Beacon Readers. …[These] went everywhere with me even round the farm in the old ‘Harry taught us about the birds and showed us nests Hillman Minx in the days before we had a Land Rover …. and birds’ eggs. We used to try to get him to tell us If we could recite our times tables we were rewarded about his time in France in the trenches in the First with a ride on the horse. Our formal teaching came from World War, but we never understood his reluctance. It Winnie our governess. … She clearly taught me a lot as I was much easier to get stories about his exploits in the remember being a very precocious student when I first home guard … in the Second World War. Harry grew our went to school at the age of seven and revelled in vegetables, pruned the apple trees and clipped the box completing my thirty mental arithmetic questions first at hedges which surrounded all the vegetable patches. Each the start of each day. day he would bring a great basket full of fresh vegetables to the kitchen …. We always had to help string the beans Winnie, who had been a help to my grandmother before or shell the peas or broad beans. These were always the war, finally left our employment to marry Harold prepared in huge quantities.’ Way, the Manor Farm dairyman, who was a widower. Another dairyman, Wilf Lock from Priors Lawn dairy was ‘Later we acquired [as a playroom] an old Nissen hut also a widower and was keen on her. We were always which we dismantled from a field called 'Searchlight told that Harold and Wilf tossed a coin to determine who Butts' [where the army manned a searchlight during the would marry her. Winnie continued to be a good friend war]. All our fields had names and we proudly knew to all the family, living to over 100. She was a great them all: Long Gutts, Vines Down and Vines Bottom are stalwart of the village community, looking after the old some which I recall.’ and needy. Wilf was invited to lunch every Sunday with her and Harold.
Harry, our gardener, had endless patience with us. First thing each morning he polished shoes and my father’s leather gaiters that he wore above his polished boots. This took place in the first cheese house. This was a cold part of the house and was where my father stored his guns and tools. Beyond was the back cheese house where we washed the eggs. Our chickens were looked after by Harold and his son John. They lived in hen houses and chicken runs in the Manor fields. The eggs were collected in big wicker baskets and were all covered in chicken manure: … they had to be washed in cool water in an old enamel bowl. This was one of the chores More about the farm next month. we helped with. This was unpopular in winter when it was cold enough in the cheese house without dipping Two more photos from this excellent article can be seen one’s hands in cold water. Every two weeks the box with on page 35
27 Parish News May 2020
Passing Time one time jawing away totally absorbed in whatever it is that they’re talking about. It won’t be about
Fermat’s last theorem or whether Nietzsche was ‘Ah! Oh, don't the days seem lank and long right when he postulated that ‘that ‘There are no When all goes right and nothing goes wrong, facts, only interpretations’, that’s for sure. Come And isn't your life extremely flat on, get a move on. At last! She’s turned to come With nothing whatever to grumble at!’ out. Oh, for crying out loud, she’s turned back and started mouthing off again obviously indignant Yes, this must be the one hundred and ninety third about something or other judging by the way she’s day of lockdown or house arrest or whatever you angrily folded her arms under her bosom and want to call it. Or at least it feels like it although weaponised it with three megatons of vitriol. I’ve truth be told it’s only the middle of the second never seen you in there before have I and now week. It’s good that I’m such a tolerant person. you’re hogging it and I bet when this is all over People are trying to put a brave face on it and you’ll never go back as often as you do now, if at all. appear cheerful but they’re not really cheerful, are Good place, that shop, they’re really working hard they? Not deep down inside. Well I’m not anyway. and succeeding. Well nearly; if they sold me a It’s wretched. Yes, the weather is mostly fine and winning lottery ticket sometime it would be an there’s enough food and plenty of loo roll now that improvement. those idiots have stopped stockpiling. What is the matter with people? Do they need the loo more The river is running high but not as high as last often when they’re staying at home? Is it boredom week. Why is it called a river, what’s that all about? that impels them into that little room more often? It’s not much more than a ditch. Now, be careful on this bridge, I mustn’t fall in. Why haven’t they got a So I’m going for a walk trying to avoid doing nothing barrier on both sides, for goodness sake? It’s apart from growing fatter. Mind you, it’s never incredible, they put down non slip strips so you easy going for a walk. Last time I went down along don’t trip over or slide or something and then leave the River Walk I met two separate couples you to trip over the strips which weren’t nailed exercising their right to a daily exercise and had to down properly and have come loose so you plunge partake in the two metre quadrille to get past them. to your death in the boiling torrent below because The second lot were really quite ignorant because if they could only be bothered to do half a job. they’d waited we could have passed comfortably where the path is wider. You know where I mean. What’s that down there? More rubbish someone They didn’t even say thank you as I teetered on the has chucked down. A bottle. Now that’s a bit very edge of the riverbank risking life and limb so dangerous. We don’t want any wildlife trapped in it, that we could maintain social distance but what did do we? Let’s try and get it, though what the hell am they care? That’s another thing, why can’t people I going to do with it when I’ve got it I don’t really spell ‘metre’ properly? Standards have really know. Take it home I suppose and put it with all the slipped not that I’m a pedant or anything. other bottles that seem to have materialised from
Honestly, look at that! What’s the problem with picking up your dog’s muck. Look at that there, a huge steaming pile in the middle of that nice new path by the pound. I know the bins are closed but can’t they take it home? At least they’ve not piled up bags of the stuff next to the bin like they do when it’s full. That’s so disgusting. How do they think those poor bin men have to cope with that?
Really, what’s the matter with people? It’s like when you’re standing outside the shop in the pouring rain waiting for your turn to go in and you see the only two customers allowed in there at any
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nowhere lately. am, struggling to get tinned tomatoes, pasta and hand gel. Not to mention toilet paper. Sleeping in Steady, hold on to that branch and gradually lower underground stations? Get a life, at least it was yourself down the bank. Blast, now my sock is warm and dry. Bombs dropping out of the sky? soaked. That’s it. Got it. I hope that wretched Well, maybe that's a bit tough but when you take branch doesn’t give way climbing back up. No. Well up only one square foot of space and the average done. That’s it. An old beer bottle. Looks a bit bomb is not much more what’s the chance of funny; they don’t make ‘em like that anymore. Let’s getting hit? Just back from the Middle East. That’s wipe the mud off. Crikey, this is old. Must have the last straw, moaning about being somewhere been hanging around a few years. I wonder if all exotic and sunny on an all inclusive trip paid for by that rain we had and the fast flowing river have the taxpayer. I’ve not been able to go on my annual released it from somewhere. Now that’s trip to Majorca this year nor likely to either and interesting, there’s something inside. A piece of after the wretched weather we’ve had I need a rolled up paper. A message in a bottle. I’ve always break in the sun. I suppose he left this time capsule wanted to find something like this. Wow. to make us all feel sorry for him but he wouldn’t have had any idea what we have to put up with in Do you know what? I’ll go for my permitted walk this day and age. Self centred idiot. later. No one will turn copper’s nark and drop me in it for having left home twice in a day, will they? If I could get really irate about this. Do you know they do I probably know one or two things about what, I think I’ll stuff it back in the bottle and put them. No, I’ll take this home and have a closer look. this note in it as well and go and shove it back Probably a waste of time. Come on then. Back where I found it and forget about it. Next time it home. comes to light maybe the finder will admire this generation’s fortitude and resilience compared with Here we are. Home. Prison, more like. Said that the bleating whinges of those that went before. Let before, didn’t I. the future decide.
‘For a month to dwell Too late for a walk now. Time for Corrie. What’s she In a dungeon cell, Growing thin and wizen done with the remote…..? It’s just as well I’m so In a solitary prison’. tolerant.
Don’t you just love a bit of G&S? No, it’s G&T more Debdigitus like it, I guess, knowing you. Well each to their own. Whatever floats your boat. I suppose we’re all in the same boat now. Shame it’s the Titanic. Come on, let’s open the drawer and find the corkscrew and see what we shall see. Must fix that drawer, it’s never worked properly. Why can’t she keep it tidy in here, where’s that wretched corkscrew? Hallelujah, here it is, buried under a lemon squeezer we never use. Hell’s bells this is hard work (pop) but there you go. It’s out. Now to extract the paper. Tweezers will do it. There. Done. A sheet of foolscap. Lined. Writing in pencil.
Look at this! Something from the forties, I guess. What’s that? Down from London on leave? Took nine hours in the blackout? Back to Mum and Dad. What a wimp. I’ve spent longer than that getting to Wool on South Western Railway. Here, look at this, whinging on about rationing and lack of food; he should try living in rural Dorset during a plague like I
29 Parish News May 2020 My Criminal Ancestor by Sarah Goodenough
Charles Baggs at Glebe Farm, late 19th century
Whilst researching my Dorset ancestry, I discovered three other men; they were armed with a double- my third great grandfather Charles Baggs (1851- barrelled gun and Charles’ black retriever dog. They 1906), was sent to prison for the crime of poaching. fired several shots, aiming at pheasants on the land My first thoughts were oh the poor man was just of a Mrs Charlotte Frampton. The loud noises desperate to feed his family and he had decided to alerted the gamekeepers nearby who quickly take matters into his own hands. However, on apprehended the group. A violent fight began, with reading a certain newspaper report I was shocked, Charles using the butt of the gun to hit one of them the title being ‘CHARGE OF NIGHT POACHING AND on the head causing him to fall to the ground MURDEROUS ASSAULT UPON THE GAMEKEEPERS’ (Southern Times, Saturday 1st January 1881).
At the time of the incident, Charles was a 30-year- old farmer who hailed from the village of Wool but now lived at Glebe Farm, Winfrith Newburgh with his wife Elizabeth Baggs (nee Baker) and their six children.
It was Monday December the 13th 1880 and the newspaper tells us ‘it was a beautiful moonlit night’; perfect conditions for night poaching due to the increased visibility. After drinking at the Rising Sun Inn (now the Countryman), Charles was out with 30 Parish News May 2020
bleeding, he begged them “Don’t kill me!” as they continued to beat him. The torment lasted around 20 minutes. Eventually, he got to his feet and ran away, later notifying the police of his horrific ordeal . at the hands of the poachers. He identified them at the police station yard in front of the officers and produced his blood-stained clothes. There were still blood stains on the ground several days later where the fighting had occurred.
Charles was arrested at his Winfrith farm around midnight on the 17th December, the police confiscated several guns from above the fireplace. He remained silent in front of them. The four men were brought to trial at Dorchester on the 20th January 1881 and all sentenced to 12 months hard labour, this sounds like a lucky escape as they could have been sentenced to anything between 7-14 years penal servitude; even transportation to Australia or death! Charles Baggs obviously learnt from his crimes and instead committed to his family (they had 6 more children) and his farm work until he died in August 1906 aged 55. He is buried to the right of the lychgate at St Christopher’s church in Winfrith. His wife Elizabeth outlived him and finally Charles Baggs’s grave, Winfrith died in 1946, she is buried with Charles.
French beans Container Gardening will also do well and Much has been written about where our food courgettes too. comes from and a revival of ‘grow your own’. If you like curly Gardens come in all shapes and sizes, some give kale, then a pot the opportunity to have a small veggie patch or if full of this you are really lucky something a little bigger (more lovely weeding!!). Whatever the dimension of your plot, vegetable will there is also the added bonus of growing not only keep you going for a good few weeks – another cut flowers in pots, but also vegetables too. The and come again. Small pots are good for some of advantage of this is, there is no back-breaking your favourite herbs and if you fancy mint, do make digging! sure it is in a sealed base container otherwise its roots will run where you least expect them! As for your container, it can be an old stone sink, an old bucket, a lined boxed or quite simply a good- Fruit is another option– if you like blueberries, buy sized terracotta pot– make sure it has drainage. So a couple of different varieties and plant in what to grow – well anything that takes your fancy ericaceous soil; strawberries can be grown pots or – but what you will eat! Cut and come again salad even in a hanging basket. leaves are easy to grow and taste so much better than those from the shops. Tomatoes, especially Enjoy – and happy potting ! the cherry variety, are easy. Radish and beetroot will do well too. If you have a decent sized pot, put four canes in and tie them together at the top and The Lady in the Potting Shed you are ready to go with some runner beans. 31 Parish News May 2020
32 Parish News May 2020 BOOKS OF THE MONTH
Reviewed by Charles Smith
The Offing Home Fire by Benjamin Myers by Kamila Shamsie Benjamin Myers is the This book came via a author of several widely recommendation from a acclaimed novels and The group here in the village. Offing was chosen as book So a number of other of the year by a number of locals will have already sources and has featured read it. However its story on BBC Radio 4 Book at is so powerful and it Bedtime. contains within it so many important It is a beautifully written, considerations for our essentially simple story of a time that it is worth 16-year-old boy setting off being read as widely as one summer in the North possible. of England to try and find where he is going in life. He has the good fortune to meet up with a reclusive Kamila Shamsie was born in Pakistan but lives in elderly woman tucked away in the countryside. Her London and is therefore ideally placed to consider varied and interesting career recently came to an the lives of those of Pakistani origin living in the abrupt end with the death of her lover, a highly UK. talented poet. The story details the lives of an older sister with a Set in the period after the Second World War, Robert twin brother and sister whose father disappeared seems destined to follow his father down the pit and into the world of jihad some time ago and whose mine coal. But with the encouragement of Dulcie mother has relatively recently died. The brother is who has always regarded herself as an enabler and inveigled into following his father and joins Isis. with his natural ability at observation, his life The motivations and subsequent conflicts that eventually follows a new course. His presence in turn this entails include the love of his twin sister for a gradually has a beneficial effect on Dulcie who is able man whose father happens to be the Home to come to terms with and begin to recover from her Secretary. Also of Pakistani origin. grief. To say more would reveal too much of the plot Some will find her irreligious attitudes disturbing and which is cleverly constructed by choosing each of her swearing shocks the narrowly educated Robert. the key individuals in turn to have the story told But depth of knowledge of food and wine and her from their point of view. A further novelty is the ability through contacts to obtain ingredients and use of excerpts from newspapers, television create wonderful meals amidst the privations of reports and blogs. It is written as a version of rationing enliven the tale. It will undoubtedly bring to Antigone, but it is not necessary to know that mind those of us who have had the good fortune to Greek tragedy to understand the hell that the meet somebody at just that stage in a young life twin sister goes through. when some well-directed teaching, in the widest sense, can last your whole life through.
33 Parish News May 2020
DNA Light Up – Reigniting our world, one person at a time!
Feeling stuck in a rut, anxious, blue or plain bored?
DNA Light Up is a personal development course that’s quick, effective, affordable and lockdown compliant. In 3 short, enjoyable sessions via video link, I can guide you on a journey of self- discovery and inspiration.
Why not use this locked-down time to discover that you already have all the inner resources you require to cope and thrive, whatever the circumstances?
During April and May, all profits from fees will go to the Dorset County Hospital COVID 19 Appeal via JustGiving when you respond to this advertisement.
For more information go to www.dnalightup.net Or contact me, Barbara Brann, DNA Light Up Activator, for an informal chat 01305 567748 or 07776 238228 [email protected]
STAY AT HOME ● HELP OUR NHS ● REIGNITE YOUR LIFE
Winfrith Residents out clapping for the NHS and Carers on Thursday evening!
34 Parish News May 2020
Bonus Pictures from The Hoopers at Winfrith—see pages 26-27
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The fully refurbished Winfrith Village Hall
Available for private parties, Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries
* Light and warm * Separate small carpeted meeting room * Wi-Fi throughout * Lots of power points * All new kitchen, with fast dishwasher, fridge large cooker, fridge and automatic hot water urn * Crockery and cutlery * Toilets, including with wheelchair access, ramps to front and rear doors
Current rates (increasing from 1 March 2020) £6-00 per hour to residents of Winfrith Newburgh and East Knighton Parish. £12-00 per hour for non- residents.
On-line booking : www.winfrithnewburgh.org.uk Telephone : Sally Johnson – 01305 854122
West Lulworth Village Hall
The Village Hall plays an important role in our community and at present is hired by many various groups. Facilities include a well equipped kitchen, stage and a choice of hiring the main hall or meeting room.
Anyone interested in starting and running a group or hiring the hall for a private function please contact the Bookings Secretary, Pauline Hill. Tel: 01929 406178. Please visit our website www.westlulworthvillagehall.co.uk
Chaldon Village Hall
Chaldon Village Hall was built as a school in 1847 with a vaulted roof to “keep the children healthy”.
It now offers a charming, warm and unusual space for parties or classes. It is licenced for 50 people and can be hired for £5/hour for residents of East & West Chaldon and £10/hour to non-residents.
Booking enquiries: [email protected] 01305 851827
36 Parish News May 2020
Report from Winfrith Newburgh & East Knighton Parish April 2020
Due to the ongoing Government restrictions there was no Parish Council meeting held this month. Coun- cil matters were dealt with via email in accordance with the Council’s Standing orders. The next Parish Council meeting is due to be held on Monday 11th May 2020. The Clerk is making enquir- ies into holding this meeting virtually via Zoom. Details regarding this meeting will be sent out nearer the time. If you have any questions, please contact me via my details below. Stay safe. Mandy Stephens, Spring Garden Winfrith Newburgh Dorchester, Dorset DT28LN Clerk to the council [email protected] 01305853659
A Note from the Editor
My sincere thanks to all our contributors who have made this unusual edition of the Parish News so interesting and informative. It has been an extraordinary experience pulling together such a wide range of contributions to replace our normal news of all the Spring and Summer events that colour the life of our villages at this tie of year. Who knows when we will be able to resume our former ways of life?
Meanwhile it is clear that village life does continue, albeit in a less sociable way than we would like. Please send in your photos, news stories, articles of interest, jokes, puzzles, recipes or anything else that may be of interest to us all.
We have had to send you the advertisements in a separate file, but please take time to look through them and find out about the many services available locally. I know that a number of our advertisers are still operating despite the restrictions. If any advertisers would like to let us know if this is the case, we would be happy to promote your services to our readers and to tell them about any changes you have had to make to continue your business.
Thank you for sticking with us during this crisis. Your support makes this publication possible.
Finally, beware of people trying to take advantage of the situation to operate scams. The Wellbridge Practice have made us aware of a scammer offering Covid 19 protective wear, including masks and hand sanitizer. Unfortunately, some people have given their bank details and had their bank accounts emptied. Other scams are in operation and Which? Magazine have launched a free scam alert. Just Google ‘Which? Scam alert’ and you can sign up for free to their updates.
Keep well and stay safe!
Production team for May edition of Parish News
Editor: David Brann Deputy Editor: Janine Scola Advertising Editor: Anne Rowan
Final deadline for June 2020 edition: 17.00 Friday, 22 May 2020
Subject to printing and distribution
37 Parish News May 2020
Thanks to Jeremy Selfe for the photos for our front and back cover.
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