FIPPENNY NEWSNEWS the Parish Magazine of St

FIPPENNYFIPPENNY NEWSNEWS The Parish Magazine of St. Andrew’s Church Okeford Fitzpain e

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THE OKEFORD BENEFICE serving the parishes of:- St. Nicholas, Child Okeford, St Paul, Hammoon , St. Nicholas, Manston, St Andrew, Okeford Fitzpaine, Church of the Holy Rood , Shillingstone.

In the Blackmore Vale Deanery of Salisbury Diocese . The Ministry Team Rector - The Revd Fr Darren A’Court - 01258 861847 (Off duty Friday) Associate Priest – Rev Sheila Thomas – 01258 820469 (Available Sundays and Mondays) Licensed Lay Minister - Mrs Sue Le Riche - 01258 861830 (Off duty Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)

The Rector is always happy to visit people in the Benefice, whatever the reason. Please let him know on 01258 861847 if you would like a visit. All enquiries relating to Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals should be directed to the Rector. The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is available by appointment with the Rector.

Benefice Administrator, Diana J Lewis, Benefice Office, Shillingstone Church Centre, Mon & Wed & Fri. 10.00 am - 2.00pm 01258 860652 Office Hours. Benefice Office e mail:- [email protected] www.okefordbenefice.org e-mail [email protected]

St Andrew’s Okeford Fitzpaine. Churchwarden Keith Bradley 01258 861735

Churchwarden Mrs Zoë Goddard 01258 861046

Church Robert James 01258 860523 Treasurer

P.C.C. Secretary Mrs Zoë Goddard 01258 861046

Closing time & date for copy is 5.00pm on the 20th of the month .

2 Where are you the most comfortable and relaxed, is it with your friends and family at home, away on your annual holiday, at Church or in your community helping others. We are all different, yet our basic needs are the same.

Jesus during His earthly life, also needed somewhere special to relax and be comfortable and comforted.

His special place was Bethany. When we read the Gospels and trace Jesus' footsteps, we see a beautiful saga emerge. It could be the saga of our own lives. For Jesus' trips to Bethany speak of the challenges of doubt, discouragement, fear, guilt, division, rejection, consumerism and spiritual apathy. Challenges that we all face as believers and non believers.

Bethany, was a tiny village about two miles from Jerusalem on the southeastern slopes of the Mount of Olives, opposite the Garden of Geth- semane. Bethany was a beautiful place, full of shady groves of olive, pomegranate, fig and palm trees. The shade from these trees would have offered a cool and shady retreat from the harsh Judean sun.

A place of comfort and relaxation during the last six days of Jesus' earthly life. Jesus retreated at night to the comfort of His friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus. With these close friends He found peace, refuge, safety and acceptance. All very human needs, needs we can all identify with.

Bethany was one of the last places on earth that Jesus' feet touched, it was from there that he said farewell to the world, until He descended in Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

Pentecost, a time of profound union with our Lord. A union with Christ that will make wherever we are, whatever we are doing or experiencing our favourite place on earth. Why because we will be bathed in the Spirit

3 of Christ, bathed in the most amazing and awe inspiring glory. A glory that is free to all who accept Jesus as their Lord.

If you want to find out more you can come and join us at your parish church or in our house groups.

Ideas for this article came from ' God's favourite place on earth' by Frank Viola.

Yours, Sue

St Andrew’s Church

Open Gardens & Art, Crafts & Photography Exhibition Sunday, 6th July 2014

The time has come round once more to stage our Open Gardens and Art Exhibition in aid of Church funds.

If you would like to take part by opening your garden, exhibiting your art, craft or hobby please don’t be shy.

Just contact Susie Clay 01258 861063 regarding garden, or helping with teas, etc.

For the exhibition contact Jane Tapping 01258 860095 or e mail [email protected]

4 Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall

At the AGM on April 14th the following were elected to be trustees on the Village Hall Management Committee:- Mike Burt (chairman), Jane Tapping (vice-chair), Diane Burt (treasurer/secretary/bookings), Zoe God- dard (PCC rep.), Barbara Pluthero (garden club rep.), Fred Philpott (bowls club rep.), Allan Frampton (Football Club rep.), Anthea Calcott and Jacquie Dakin.

We are raising funds for the kitchen extension, THANK YOU for your continued support, hope to see you at one (or more) of the events below.

May 17th & 18th - Three Okefords Preservation Society ANNUAL RALLY at Shillingstone. Anthea and I will be there (in the craft tent) with jams, chutneys and tombola.

June 15th - FIPPENNY FAYRE – 2:00pm Recreation Ground, Castle Lane. Shaftesbury Town Silver Band, Bouncy Castle, Vintage Machinery, Car Boots, Stalls, Refreshments, Ice Cream,...... all the fun of the fair.

September 20th – JUMBLE SALE – 2:00pm at the Hall

November 16th - CHRISTMAS MARKET - 11:00am – 4:00pm at the Hall. Book your tables now – 6 ft @ £7 or 3ft @ £4.

Diane Burt, Treasurer/Secretary & bookings. On behalf of the management committee Tel: 01258 807697 or email [email protected]

Sewing and Craft Group

The May meeting of the group will be on Monday 19th May at 2.30pm. Venue, 6 Netherway Cottages. In the garden if warm!! All very welcome.

5 A Date for your diary! St ANDREW’S CHURCH Concert By the Okeford Minstrels July 11th 2014

Solution page 29

Skinny Minis Homemade Treats

Freshly Made Breads & Delicious Healthy Flapjacks. Delivered Straight to your Door! Call Jo on: 01258 863 785 Derek J Andrews Email: Electrical Contractors [email protected] www. facebook.com/ skinnyminishomemadetreats Paul R Andrews (Partner) [email protected]

7 Nethermead Okeford Fitzpaine Would you would like to Dorset advertise your business in this DT11 0TP space? £18 per annum 01258 863744 Good value! 07792 613383

No job too small

The Olde Bell Stores & Post Office

Okeford Fitzpaine 01258 860414

General grocerieslocal produce.Photo Copier National Lottery Bakery serving breadcakeswarm savouriestake-away tea & coffee croissants Saturdays Off Licence  NewspapersTraditional sweetshop

Opening Hours Shop: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 7.30-5.30 Wed,7.30-1.00pm Sat 8.30-1.2.30 Post Office: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9-1, 2-5.30. Wed 9-1 Sat 9-12.30. Closed Lunch time 1-2 pm. Closed Sunday

THE GREEN BUILDER Goddard Landscapes Ltd. SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SOLUTIONS

*Green construction & consultation Water features, Pati- *Lime plastering, rendering and os, Walls, Fencing & Driveways Pointing *Cob specialist any job considered. *Stonework Tel 01258 861046 *Yurts made to order Email in- *Bespoke carpentry *Restoration and conservation [email protected] www.goddardlandscapes.co.uk Tel: 07859 075179 Email: [email protected]

8 The Oak Tree Bright Sparks Day Nursery, After School & Holiday Club Tel: 01258 860023 Email address: [email protected]

Since the weather has improved, the children have been enjoying the outdoors at the preschool, without having to wear full waterproof clothing. They have been having fun in the large sandpit, digging holes big enough to stand in and transporting the sand from one area of the garden to another using the wheelbar- rows.

We now have our outdoor pond established with hundreds of tiny tadpoles in it for the children to monitor their growth and change. Our 5 tiny painted Lady Caterpillars grew bigger and bigger and finally turned into their cocoons during the Easter holidays. They have now emerged out into 5 beautiful Butterflies.

We started back after the Easter holiday with a new topic for this half term – Healthy Living and Our Senses.

The children have been learning about the importance of healthy foods we eat and the effect they have on our bodies. We have been making lots of yummy healthy treats for snack time. Lots of physical activities are planned for this half term for the children to understand the importance of exercise and the impact it has on our bodies. At the end of May, the children will enjoy a visit from the Dental Team to talk to us about the importance of looking after our teeth.

To support the understanding of what our senses are, we have been exploring different textures to touch, including lots of hands on messy play; tasting different types of foods and recording our personal likes/dislikes, and being very brave to taste foods we have never tried before; smelling lots of different items; within our daily Learning walks, we have been using our sense of hearing and sight.

Transition visits to Primary school (for children starting school in September 2014)

9 Our visits to the reception class every Tuesday morning are going really well and the children are thoroughly enjoying these important transition visits. They have been enjoying exploring a different learning environment and resources and seeing some old friends. Our visits to school are to familiarise the older children with a school environment who will be moving onto school in September. This has always been a great success over the years as it eases the transition from preschool to primary school.

If you would like more information and/or to book your child into the preschool or the After School club, please contact the manager of the set- ting, Niki on the above telephone number or email; or if you would prefer pop along to see us. We are situated in our own building on the school field.

Care can be provide Monday-Friday 8am-6pm., term time only. We accept preschool aged children from 18months old.

St Andrew’s Church Sunday 25th May

‘Come and Praise’

10a.m, Craft for the children with coffee and catch up for parents,

10.30 am Short act of worship involving the children’s crafts, followed by refreshments for children and adults. Why not come and join in the fun. A Service for everyone From 0 to 100 “Young Folk, Old Folk, everybody Come”

10 Fippenny Fayre

Sunday June 15th at the Recreation Ground, Castle Lane – in aid of Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall.

WE NEED YOUR HELP- we have a small hard working committee, most of whom are representative members and therefore working for their own committees as well, so any extra help at this, our biggest fund raiser, would be much appreciated.

Any donations of cakes, plants, bric-a-brac, books, tombola or raffle prizes, will help us and if you could give a little time as well that would be great.

Some of what goes on to make it happen:- The Day Before – Cakes to make. Plants to sort out. If possible, all tables, chairs, gazeboes, crockery, books & bric-a-brac etc have to be moved from the Hall to the Recreation Ground.

On the day - gazeboes have to be put up, tables/chairs distributed around the field and all manner of goods moved to the right place. The car boot, Bouncy Castle and Dog Show areas have to be decided and roped off. A place has to be provided for the St John Ambulance person- nel to work (but we hope they won't need it). The marquee for the Band has to be erected, the public address system has to be working and from 2:00pm we have to run the stalls.

At the end of the day all the gazeboes have to be taken down, all tables, chairs and other equipment have to be returned to the Hall and packed in the store. Only then can we all breathe a sigh of relief and hope that we've made a huge profit – oh yes and then I have to count all the money!

So you can see any help you give will be very gratefully received.

Diane Burt, Treasurer/Secretary & bookings. On behalf of the management committee Tel: 01258 807697 or email [email protected]

www.rjclocks.co.uk

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 for 12 months Robert Jones, Sturminster Newton

Telephone: 01258 817 111 Mobile: 07760 385 161 Email: [email protected]

For Hire Mini digger– various types and siz- es of buckets 2 ton flatbed trailer 2 ton tipper trailer Farm Manure-bagged or trailer load Self drive hire & towed Contact: Mike Bartlett Mill Farm Bungalow Shillingstone Lane Okeford Fitzpaine Phone 01258 861647 Mobile 07890 829645 [email protected]

ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION STURMINSTER NEWTON & GILLINGHAM BRANCH

To join contact Tony Edmunds 01258 473823

12 The very best toys to give your children

Children have a bewildering amount of toys available to them today, but it seems that getting back to basics is probably the best. Those who play with basic toys such as crates and buckets are more physically active and creative than those with expensive playground apparatus.

In a recent study, children aged 5 to 12 were given simple toys such as buckets, pipes, exercise mats, hay bales and foam swimming pool toys. Their activity was far greater than that of children from a nearby school with an expensive playground. The study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, found sedentary behaviour fell from 61.5 percent to 30.5 per cent. Children playing with everyday household objects took 13 more steps per minute and played more intensively and vigorously than those in the playground. In fact, experts believe that such playgrounds may stifle energetic and imaginative children, and that cheap toys could be a good way of preventing childhood weight problems.

As one doctor at the University of Melbourne put it: “Conventional playgrounds are designed by adults, they don’t actually take into consider- ation how the children want to play.”

How it used to be done. Now can anyone tell who these people are? 13 14 15 NATIONWIDE EMAIL HOAX - POLICE WARNING

Officers are advising the public to be wary of emails purporting to be from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Thousands of people nationwide have been targeted by hoax emails, claiming to be from NICE.

The email informs them that as a result of a recent blood test, cancer was suspected and they should contact their GP. The recipients are ad- vised to download their results from an attached link, which may contain malware that displays a false security warning to entice the victim to buy rogue anti-spyware products.

Inspector Pete Little, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: "This type of hoax email can be very distressing for the victim. "Currently, there haven't been any reports of this hoax to Dorset Police but I would still urge people to be wary of emails of this nature. "If you receive one, delete it and don't download the attachment as it is likely to contain malware. "In any case, email attachments should always be checked careful- ly. "Anti-Virus products can help to keep your computer safe and should be used to check your security regularly. "If you have further concerns, you could always take your computer to a local security specialist. "We urge people to delete any emails they receive like this and report them to police by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040."

Further advice on protecting your computer can be found at http://www.getsafeonline.org

Dorset Police have received four reports of a suspected telephone hoax and would like to advise the public to be vigilant.

It has been reported that telephone calls have been received from a person purporting to be a detective constable from the Metropolitan Police. They were told that a person known to them was in custody that had their bank details or had taken money from their accounts. The caller asks them to confirm their identity and in some cases asks them to hang up re-dial 999. Fortunately, in all of these incidents the victims have not complied and have notified the police instead. Telephone bank scams similar to this have been occurring nationally with people being defrauded of thousands

16 of pounds. Dorset Police would like to warn members of the public that these scams are continuing across the county and to call the police to report any such suspicious calls.

This is a message from Blandford SNT A shed burglary has occurred between 16.30 on Tuesday 15th April and 08.50 on Wednesday 16th April at Iwerne Steepleton. Entry was gained by removing padlocks. Having gained entry, the offenders stole a number of items of gardening equipment including 2 Sthil garden blowers, 2 Sthil strimmers and 40 litres of fuel. Please review your own shed security. An inexpensive shed alarm is available from Streetwise through your local Neighbourhood Watch. For further advice and a security survey please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. If anyone has any information please contact Dorset Police on 101 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting Crime Number C:14:D:15154.

May Day Celebrations on the Cross, I think 1980 but could be wrong. Even then there was far less traffic.

17 27th Fippenny Fayre Sunday 15th June Recreation Ground 2.00 pm All the fun of a traditional village fayre

Tombola - Ice Creams - Plants - Cakes Raffle - books - bric-a-brac Bouncy castle - B.B.Q. - car boot sale

Shaftesbury Silver Band

Fun Dog Show

Vintage Tractors etc Refreshments Free Admission

Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic Sturminster Newton & Shaftesbury Farm Animal Practice & Domestic Pets Consultation By Appointment

8.30am-6.00pm 24 hour Emergency Care

01258 472314 01747 850500

19 The Big Lunch Sunday 1st June

SturQuest, with Sturminster Newton Rotary and other local organisations (Homestart North Dorset, Mothers Union, WI), will be repeating this very successful event in the Railway Gardens and Stour Hall in The Exchange. The Big Lunch is a national initiative created by The Eden Project to encourage communities to come together and share food. It begins at 12noon and features music from Sherborne Youth Band, Punch & Judy, a bouncy castle, fancy dress and games from yesteryear. So, bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy the themed WW1 and WW2 activities and entertainment. This FREE event promises to be bigger and better with lots of fun for all ages. For more information contact the SturQuest Community Office (01258 471456) or visit http://www.sturminsternewtonrotary.co.uk/

Don’t be lonely

Loneliness can increase the chances of premature death among elderly people by nearly 15 per cent. Sadly, about 860,000 people in the UK say they are chronically isolated, and almost half of people over 80 say they feel lonely ‘some of the time or often’. Nearly five million older people say TV is their main form of company.

A team from the University of Chicago has found that feeling isolated can lead to increased stress levels and suppresses the immune system, which raises the risk of depression and lowering elderly people’s sense of well-being.

One professor warns: “”We are experiencing a silver tsunami demo- graphically. The baby boomers are reaching retirement age. Each day between 2011 and 2030 an average of 100,000 people will turn 65.” Without a social network around them, they then face the risk of depression, low subjective wellbeing and early mortality.

20 The Entertainment Page. What’s on in the district this month Date Time Venue Show Contact |No Price 3rd Exchange £12 Dave Swarbrick Fiddler 01258 475137 7.30 par excellence ex ‘Fairport Convention’ 8th Exchange £12 Phil Beer Solo concert 01258 475137 730 (from ‘Show of Hands’) 9th Exchange ‘A Evening with Bob 01258 475137 £13.50 7.30 Newhart & Tom Lehrer’ Peter Gill & Andy Mellor Show based on two of the funniest men in the 50/60’s

10th Exchange Ben Waters Big Band 01258 475137 £13.50 7.30

25th Exchange £4.50 ‘Gravity’ film 01258 475137 7.00 27th Marn’ll VH ‘Saving Mr Banks’ Film 01258 820381 £5 7.30 30th- Exchange Real Friday - ‘In the Pipeline’ 01258 475137 1st Ale Festival Saturday - ‘The Zoot June Events during Dukes’ the day Free Sunday - live music until 6.pm Mistake A mistake is proof that someone was at least trying to accomplish some- thing For sale Classified Ad: Wedding dress for sale. Worn once by mistake. Call Stephanie. Verger He had a photographic memory that had never developed. Bread Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.

21 Due to an injury to my right arm I am unable to do a lot of typing at the moment so I am re-cycling a set of recipes from a few years ago. Hope that you don’t mind. With Easter past and the ‘promise’ of a possible barbecue (HAH!) summer ahead these could come in useful.

Summer Salads and Drinks Some nice, quick and easy salads followed by some home-made drinks. We hear so much about children having too much sugar but I must admit that I am rather more concerned about the chemicals in the diet drinks. Many of the ‘chemical’ sweeteners have been banned in the States and in many Scandinavian countries, as being possibly harmful. So per- haps it is better to give them sugar but limit the amount.

Lettuce and Bacon Salad 4 rashers streaky bacon, rinded, 1 crisp lettuce, washed, 4oz button mushrooms For the dressing: 3tbs oil, 1 tbs white wine vinegar, ½ level tsp sugar, ¼ level tsp dry mustard, salt & pepper. Chop bacon finely, sauté in pan until golden and really crisp, drain well and cool. Tear lettuce into small pieces, cut mushrooms in to halves or quarters. Place lettuce, mushrooms and bacon in bowl. Place dressing ingredients into screw-top jar and shake well to combine. Pour over salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Garlic & Egg Salad 6 hard-boiled eggs, 3-4 cloves skinned garlic, salt & pepper, 2 ancho- vy fillets, 3 tsps oil, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, small washed lettuce. Cut one egg into slices and roughly chop remainder. Crush garlic with a little salt until a smooth paste. Chop anchovies finely and beat into garlic with oil, vinegar and pepper. Stir garlic mixture into chopped eggs. Ar- range lettuce leaves in bowl, place chopped eggs in centre and garnish with egg slices.

Beef Salad 8 oz long grain rice, 2-3 tomatoes skinned & sliced, 8oz cold cooked beef, sliced thinly & cut into strips, 1 tbsp finely chopped onion, 1 level tsp made mustard, 3 tbsp French dressing, 1 washed lettuce, 2 tomatoes, sliced to garnish. Cook rice in boiling, salted water for about 12 mins and allow to cool. Mix with the tomatoes and onion. Add mustard to French dressing and stir into salad ingredients. Serve with the lettuce and remaining sliced to-

22 matoes.

Drinks Apple Quencher Uses up apple peel & cores left after an apple pie. Cook cores & peel gently in water for 1 min, allow 1 pt water for 1lb of parings. Add pinch of ginger or cinnamon or the juice or peel of ½ lemon or whatever appeals to the family, also add about 2 level tbps sugar. After cooking allow to cool, strain and keep in fridge until required. If colour is a bit dingy add a little touch of food colouring. Made from good cooking apples this has sufficient bite to be refreshing but if not a stick of rhubarb can be included. Not for long-term storage.

Red Reviver 1 part Blackcurrant syrup, bought or home-made, 2 parts bottled lime juice and soda, 3 or 4 parts water. Mix well together and serve in tall glasses over minted ice cubes. If liked a cherry on a stick can be added.

Mixed Fruit Punch Adapt to what ever fruit is in season or available. Dessert pear, peach, apple, 2 small oranges or 3 tangerines, few grapes: also required are: 1 lemon, 1 small cucumber, Fruit juice or White Wine. Prepare fruit and cut into small attractive pieces. Slice cucumber very thinly. Put all into bowl, add sugar to taste –not too much– and sprinkle with the juice of the lemon. Cover with Fruit Juice or inexpensive White Wine or even diluted lemonade or weak tea. Take care to keep the fruit submerged to prevent browning. A small plate can be put in the bowl to keep the fruit under. Leave for 6 hours in fridge or a cool place. To serve, ladle into glasses, top up with a dash of soda water and add a straw (or even those naff umbrellas)

Winnie-the-Pooh’s Punch 3 tbsp runny honey, 3 tsps grated orange rind, ½pt orange juice, 1½pts milk, 2 scoops vanilla ice cream. Blend honey, juice & rind together. Whisk in milk then ice-cream. Top each glass with a slice or two of orange.

23 Early hours street light switch-off begins in North & East rural areas

Changes to night-time street lighting will be introduced across the Northern and Eastern areas of the county over the next few months. As part of Dorset County Council’s drive to reduce energy costs, lamps will be switched off at around midnight. The changes will begin toward the end of April. Lights will be turned off only where there are no significant concerns over road safety or crime, and some 350 lamps will remain lit in these areas.

SSE Contracting, the county council’s street lighting partner, will begin converting around 1,700 lights to switch off between approximately midnight and 5.30am GMT (1am and 6.30am BST). The lights will come back on again in the morning only if it is still dark. Lights will remain lit all night on main roads, within town centres and on roads with any speed humps. It will take around four months to complete the changes, which involves changing the light sensor on each lamp to a special timed ver- sion. Part-night lighting has been rolled out across Dorset since 2011. It is now operating on nearly all our urban residential roads. While many resi- dents support the scheme, some expressed initial fears that crime would rise. Dorset Police recently investigated claims that crime and anti-social behaviour had risen following the switch-off, instead, finding that there had been no increase in the areas where the lights had been turned off.

Deputy Chief Constable, James Vaughan, said: “We take the concerns of our communities very seriously and have worked together with our local authority partners in Dorset County Council to closely monitor the areas where street lights have been switched off in case of any changes in crime levels. I’m pleased to say that we have found there has been no link to an increase in crime, which I hope will offer some reassurance to resi- dents.” Latest figures show that crime in Dorset is at a 15-year low – with total crime down 11per cent on last year.

The part-night street lighting programme is part of the county council’s on-going work to find significant budget savings, and will be extended to all remaining towns and villages across the county over the next year. Town and parish councils are asked for their views on which streets should remain lit all night. Roads that have yet to have their lights replaced as part of the county council’s ongoing county-wide replacement

24 programme with SSE Contracting will be converted to partnight lighting when they are replaced.

More information about the part-night lighting scheme is available at www.dorsetforyou.com/partnightlighting

Those memorable school reports… What did your teachers say about your progress at school? The following were sent into the Daily Telegraph some years ago…. One of my French reports simply said: ‘Sheila attended the lessons’. - Sheila Blow, Surrey My housemaster wrote: ‘He has an overdeveloped unawareness.’ - Ian Jones, Wirral A friend’s son’s report said: ‘By the time he has mastered French, he will be too old to cross the Channel.’ – M Knaggs, Dorset My teacher observed: ‘The improvement in his handwriting has re- vealed his inability to spell.’ - Colin Sutherland, Switzerland My teacher was a realist: ‘I am sorry to have to tell you that he is doing his best.’ Stan Proctor, Surrey

LEWESTON NURSERY Situated just outside Sherborne in 46 acres of beautiful Dorset parkland, Leweston Nursery and Prep offer an inspiring education in a happy and purpose- ful environment to girls and boys aged 2 to 11.

A Catholic Foundation which welcomes pupils of all denominations Leweston School Trust Is a registered Charity number 295175 For more information please contact Chiara Damant on 01963 211010 email: [email protected] www.leweston.co.uk Morning and afternoon sessions and after school crèche available. Free Parent and Toddler Music Group every Thursday 9am-11am. Just drop in!

25 FIPPENNY GARDEN CLUB

Next Meeting: Monday 12th May 2014 The Village Hall 7.30pm

‘SUMMER HANGING BASKETS’

A talk and demonstration by a member of the Castle Gardens team

A very topi- cal subject and there are always tips to pick up and ideas for a variety of plants that can be used to make your baskets more interesting.

Coming Up:

On Monday June 2nd will be making a club visit to Hilltop Garden and Nursery at Woodville, Stour Provost. A great garden packed with plants with the opportunity to buy from the wide selection available. When the gardening appetite satisfied there will be tea/coffee and cake to satisfy the other appetite. What more could we ask for! More details will 26 be given at the May club meeting and the next edition of Fippenny News.

Fred (Chairman)

BLANDFORD & DISTRICT CIVIC SOCIETY Annual General Meeting Friday 30th May 2014 at 7.30pm Following the brief business session A talk by Kevin Morris (Environment policy manager at North Dorset District Council) Blandford Conservation Area At Risk Admission Free Refreshments will be served The United Reformed Church Hall Whitecliff Mill Street Blandford

Blandford Civic Society Discover some of the history of our unique Georgian town Two hour guided tours of Blandford led by town guides from the Blandford and District Civic Society

Heritage Walks (town centre): Wednesday 14th May and Wednesday 16th July Meet at the Chestnut tree in the Marsh & Ham car park at 7pm Perimeter Walks (the wider town): Wednesday 18th June and Wednesday 13th August Meet at the Eagle House car park off Eagle House Gardens at 7pm Cost: £2.50 per person To book: visit the Information Centre in West Street, the Town Council offices in Church Lane, or call 01258 454515 To arrange tours for a group at other times with the walks organiser, call 01258 454515

For Sale 6 brand new Nova (in plastic wrapper) picnic chairs - green arms/legs with yellow flora fabric seats/backs. £35 or near offer. Phone 01258 817269 evenings.

27 On the perils of building a kitchen in church The Rectory St. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren

It never fails to amaze me how in church life, an issue can suddenly become an Issue. In the last month, we have acquired an Issue: a proposal to convert a space at the back of church into a kitchen. Inevitably, battle lines have been drawn and trenches dug. Attendance at church council meetings have soared and unofficial sub-committees meet in the car park after Services. It’s obvious that feelings are running high, because people have become remarkably polite to one another.

Some who are wildly in favour see it as an opportunity of being able to leave the pews ten minutes early in order to get ready for the rush for weak coffee and damp biscuits. I can already hear in my mind the final hymn being drowned by kettles being filled, biscuit tins opened, cups thunderingly placed on saucers, while the volunteers discuss the dress sense of others in the congregation in deafening whispers.

I was a little surprised to hear that Colonel Wainwright was all in favour – until I realised that it would give him a place to totter into to read his newspaper once he got bored with my sermon, which usually seems to happen in the first minute. Naturally, smaller turf wars have broken out alongside the major battle. There is conflict about whether we should get new crockery, what colour carpeting tiles would look right – and most im- portantly of all, who will take charge of the coffee rota.

Others are totally against the project: the treasurer dreads the thought of signing yet more cheques, the churchwardens worry about removing pews which have quietly hidden the dry rot, and the theologically angst- ridden agonise about the fact that St. Paul never mentioned coffee after Sabbath worship.

Naturally, I encourage all sides, especially if it will bring any possibil- ity of progress to a halt. I proposed bringing in flasks of coffee, thus stopping anyone being able to escape before the end of the Service; I sug- gested drinks being brought to people in the pews, thus ruining the

28 Colonel’s hopes of finding a safe haven; I organised a group to study High Priestly attitudes to refreshments in the Temple in Jerusalem in Le- viticus.

I am sure that by the time all these groups have come up with their con- clusions, we will have safely moved on to fight the next Issue.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

Encyclopaedias

Sorting our books for the local fete, a pa- rishioner came across some well-worn and dusty illustrated encyclopaedias, treasured from his childhood. Unwilling to part with them, he put them on a shelf in the garage where his small grandchildren found them and spent many happy hours looking at the pictures. These books, however, caused him great embarrassment the day the minister came to visit. One of his grandchildren suddenly said: “Grandad, can we go look at those dirty books you keep in the garage?”

Okeford United Football Club :- Monthly Draw results.

April 2014 :- £30—[No.97] Robert Loving £10—[No.81] Lee Norris £5— [No.29] Dick Bleathman

Many thanks to all our supporters. Anyone interested in joining our monthly draw (cost £1 per month) - please contact Allan Frampton (860083) or any Football Club member.

29 Obituary

We have to announce the sad death of Rodney Udell, after a period of ill health. This quiet, unassuming, country man was Okeford born and bred and will be much missed by all those villagers who knew him.

We would like to express our very deepest condolences to Rosemary, Richard and Daniel and all his family, at their sad loss.

Lent Lunches A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who came to the two Lent Lunches in aid of Christian Aid with a special thanks to all the soup makers and helpers.

Though the numbers were small the generosity of those who attended was wonderful and, after expenses, we were able to send a cheque for £75.50 for Christina Aid’s work in Syria. Sally Carr and Jacquie Dakin

House Group A six week Bible Study course will be starting in April and will run for six weeks excluding bank holiday's. The dates are as follows:- 28th April, 12th May, 19th May, 2nd June, 9th June and 16th June. Those interested please contact, Sue le Riche on 01258 861830 [email protected] or Georgina Vestbrik at ([email protected]). All welcome to join us in our learning journey and prayer.

How to get your children to eat vegetables You’ll wonder why you never thought of this yourself: the secret to persuading your young children to eat their vegetables is to serve them with a dip. In a recent study on obesity in children at Penn State University, it was found that children are three times more likely to eat a vegetable if it comes with a low-fat dip, and twice as likely if it came with a plain dip.

Organist Tucker A Tucker A Tucker A Tucker A Tucker A

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10 60

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Zeph 3:14Zeph

Eph 1:15

John 14:15John

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41: Peter1 1:17

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35 53

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49,50

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Mr R Clay S/M

Readers/Sidesman Acts 2:14a,36 24:13Luke Mr K Davies Acts 2:42 DaviesMrs L John 10:1 Mr K Bradley Mrs S Clay 7:55 Acts GoddardMrs Z Peter 12:2 John 14:1 Mr Jay C BradshawMrs L 1:1 Acts Mr K Bradley 24:44Luke Mrs P Bradley Mrs F Allen Romans 12:9 1:39Luke

Rector , S le Riche, S ThomasRev le RicheSue PRev Smith le RicheSue Rector Rector RawlinsonSue ChandlerSue Ascension Day

Service Benefice Eucharist Manston Morning Worship Parish Eucharist Children’s Crafts Come Praise& Eucharist (Said) Benefice Eucharist Okeford Fitzpaine

Time 10 am 10.30 am 11 am 10 am 10.30 7.00pm 10.am

Services for may for Services Date Easter 3 4th Easter 4 11th Easter 5 18th Easter 6 25th Ascens ion Day 29th Vistation BVMto Elizabeth Ist June

Closing time & date for copy is by 5pm on the 20th of the month

31 Who’s Who Okeford Fitzpaine School Mr. M. Acreman Head 860530 Mr Ian Berry Chairman of 860656 Governors Parish Council Mr Mike Burt Chairman 807697 Mrs Sandra Deary Clerk 459863 Tree Officer Adam Saberton 861577 Footpaths Mark Paine 861719 Homewatch Mike Wood co-ordinator 860146 Transport Mrs Anthea Calcott 861071 Pre - school Niki Carey Manager 860023 Village Hall Mrs Diane Burt Secretary 807697 Mrs Diane Burt Bookings 807697 Okeford United Mr Stephen Corben Chairman 861327 Football Club Mr Allan Frampton 860083 Fippenny Garden Club Fred Philpott Chairman 863419 Mrs. Marilyn Berry Secretary 860656 Short Mat Bowling Club Mrs Barbara Pluthero 861524 Youth Club Mike Bennett Youth Worker 472368 Allotment Group Robert Loving Chairman 860966 Fippenny News Mrs Barbara Pluthero Distribution 861524 E-mail [email protected] Mrs Jane Tapping Editor 860095 Shop The Olde Bell Stores & Post Office 860414 The Royal Oak 861561 Surgery Child Okeford 860687 The Hill C.O. Kate Partridge & theditorhill@btinter Richard Muffett net.com