Piddle Valley News & Views Jan / Feb 2014

Piddle Valley News & Views

Jan / Feb 2014 Piddle Valley First School : Above left Interviewing Juliet via skype Top right Tracy Jones & helpers at the Christmas Fayre Above Children in the library Below Mexico topic and display of Mexican masks © Cath Rothman Piddle Valley Players

By Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft

‘We shall say this only once!’

Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall

th nd 20 –22 February at 7 pm

nd and 2pm on the Saturday 22 Matinee

Tickets £10.00

Includes glass of wine and a light supper at ‘Café Rene’

Box office Piddletrenthide Post Office and Buckland Newton Stores

Show contains Adult humour

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5 FITNESS CLASS Tuesday Mornings – Piddletrenthide Village Hall 10.30 – 11.30 am Body Moves classes are designed to suit all ages and fitness levels with a mix of dance, cardio, conditioning and stretching. Come along and have a go £ 4.00 per session. YOUTH MOVES fun classes for children, giving them a route to fitness through Exercise, Movement and Dance. Fridays Buckland Newton Village Hall 3.30 pm – 4.30pm (4 – 10 yrs) 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm (11 yrs +) For further details contact Sarah Mitchell on 01258 817288. (KFA registered teacher/Reps level 3 instructor)

6 Dates for your diary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January 2014

6 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton Various 7 Tues Fitness Class P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 10 Fri Coffee Morning P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 – 12 14 Tues Fitness Class P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 19 Sun Breakfast Club P’hinton Village Hall 9 – 11.30 am 19 Sun Artsreach P’thide Mem Hall 3.30 pm ‘Great Expectations’ 20 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton Various 20 Mon Country Dancing begins P’thide Mem Hall 2.15 pm 21 Tues Fitness Class P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 27 Mon Gardens Club AGM P’thide Mem Hall 7.30 pm 28 Tues Fitness Class P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 28 PV Parish Council meeting P’thide Mem Hall 7.30 pm 31 Fri Lunch Club P’thide Mem Hall 12.30 pm 31 Fri The Twinning Quiz The Thimble 7.30 pm

February 2014

3 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton Various 4 Tues Fitness Class P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 6 Thurs Over 60s “The Women’s P’thide Mem Hall 2.30 pm Refuge” by Mollie Rennie 17 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton Various 11 Tues Fitness Class P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 14 Fri Coffee Morning P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 – 12 18 Tues Fitness Class P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 20/22 Thurs Piddle Valley Players P’thide Mem Hall various /Sat ‘Allo’ Allo !’ 22 Sat Twinning Jumble Sale P’hinton Village Hall 2 – 4 pm 24 Mon Gardens Club P’thide Mem Hall 7.30 pm ‘Weeds as Medicines’ 25 Tues Fitness Class P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 25 Tues PV Parish Council meeting P’thide Mem Hall 7.30 pm 28 Fri Lunch Club P’thide Mem Hall 12.30 pm

7 PIZZERIA RISTORANTE BED & BREAKFAST

Mario and Joanna are delighted to welcome you to the Piddle Inn where you will find a warm welcome, with home made Italiano food and traditional English food from Monday to Sunday 12 noon till 2.30pm in the afternoon and 6-9.30pm in the evening.

AA FINE DINING AWARD 2012 The open fire is a warm and inviting place to sit on our comfortable chesterfields, avoid the weather and sample one of our Cask Marque awarded Ales, served straight from the barrel or one of our handpicked wines from LWC. Mario sources the best quality, local produce to create seasonal menus with our Fresh Fish and Specials boards offering dishes to tempt your taste buds. Sunday Traditional Roast Lunch Served from Noon until 3.00pm freshly cooked - £9.95 one course Very Large Take Away Menu ~ Available During Restaurant Hours Entertainment Start the evening with our luxurious Steaks only £9.95 (on Fridays) served with all the trimmings, then enjoy atmospheric pub with Happy Hour from 5 till 6pm Monday to Friday. To finish the evening why not have a game of pool or darts with live music events held regularly.

Steak Night every Friday, Pizzeria Take Away Service Rooms to Let

Open every day from 12 noon till closing 01300 348468 Email [email protected] www.piddleinn.co.uk

8 From the editor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The arrival of a New Year, is for some a new beginning with new challenges ahead, for others it is an opportunity to widen friendships and the activities of the everyday, to be more resolute in achieving so many things which we decide or strive to do, but have such difficulty in achieving ! We are so fortunate to be living among the green and rolling landscape of a rather beautiful Dorset and have escaped the devastation which has befallen other parts of the British Isles. Seeing first hand the effects of the recent tidal surges on the East coast, the flooded homes, cliffs washed away, beaches littered with debris, roads closed and flood defences breached was truly sobering.

Opening our newspapers, turning on the radio, the television or online media, we are greeted by even more worrying signs of devastation though mainly caused by a country at war with itself. The world has seen a united response to the death of Nelson Mandela. It would be wonderful if the world could unite again to end the death and suffering of communities whatever their religion and allow free democracies to thrive enabling people to live side by side, children to attend schools and anticipate a future for themselves in their own countries, rather than being refugees far from home.

At the start of 2014, we welcome new advertisers and would like to thank all our advertisers, contributors and volunteers for their support, enabling PVNV to be delivered free of charge to all in our community. This issue is once again full of community news and events, progress on the Neighbourhood Plan, a fascinating account of a long life and a snapshot of the scale of vehicles in the Piddle Valley. Dot Browning

Contents Dates for your diary ~ Editorial ~ News from the Vicarage ~ Services ~ News, from the Villages ~ General News & Notices ~ Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan ~ Clubs, Groups, Organisations ~ Piddle Valley Parish Council ~ Piddle Valley First School ~ Surgeries ~ Sport ~ www.piddlevalley.info ~ A Life Remembered

Photographs Cover A fine body of men carrying out river clearance along the Piddle Valley First School boundary – Chris Boiling, Norman Burrell, John Cox and Kevin Willitts © Neil Herbert Inside © Colin Dean, Neil Herbert, Cath Rothman

Editorial ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor Dot Browning T 01300 348280 } E [email protected] Deputy Editor Ros Charlton T 01300 348063 } Treasurer Susan Chance T 01300 348311 E [email protected] Distribution Ann Jordan T 01300 348015 Copy deadline March/April issue – 15th February 5pm Confirmed copy dates – 15th February, April, June, August, October + 10th December By post / hand PVNV Postbag, Piddletrenthide PO Stores, Piddletrenthide, DT2 7QF Printed by Creeds of Bridport

9 10 News from the Vicarage ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Resolve

Many of us make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. Usually these are aimed at improving our life. We know only too well from our own experience how our resolve seems to weaken by the 20th January if not the 2nd ! Academic research on will power suggests that it is rather like a mental ‘muscle’: it is a finite resource which can be exerted for only so long before it gives out. One experiment involved giving one group a two digit number to remember and another a seven digit number. Both groups had then to walk a limited distance to where they were offered for refreshment either a slice of chocolate cake or a piece of fresh fruit. Those who had to remember the seven digit number were twice as likely to choose the (possibly not so wholesome) chocolate cake as the (perhaps more healthy) fruit option. Professor Bab Shiva of Stanford University who conducted the experiment concluded that this was because having to remember the extra digits meant that that group’s brains were overloaded and did not have the resource to resist the decadent snack ! So we have a wonderful excuse: when our brains are tired, they find it more difficult to resist what they want even when what they want may not be particularly good for them in the long term.

Other research at Bristol University suggests that two possible ways to help us keep resolutions is to make them small and measureable (for example, ‘to lose a pound a week’ rather than a general ‘to lose weight’) and to engage in peer support in keeping them.

We see some of this in trying to follow the Christian life. We resolve to model our lives on that of Jesus and within hours, if not minutes, find ourselves failing to do so. The question then is whether we abandon our resolve or pick ourselves up and carry on. One of the reasons (but by no means the only reason) that Christians meet together regularly is to sustain and encourage each other in their faith. We will not become saints overnight but aim to try little by little to grow in holiness with the peer support of our fellow Christians. We may feel it is possible to be a Christian on our own but it is a very much more difficult option as any hermit will tell you.

The Vicarage, Piddletrenthide T 01300 348211 E [email protected]

From the Registers

Holy Baptism Jacob Anthony Brant, Jessica Daisy Brant, Robin Michael Brant and Zoe Lorraine Hodge were baptised at St Andrew’s, Melcombe Horsey on the 17th November 2013.

11 ! SERVICES and THE BENEFICE of THE PIDDLE VALLEY, HILTON, READINGS CHESELBOURNE and MELCOMBE HORSEY

5th January Cheselbourne Melcombe Horsey The Epiphany 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Parish Communion White Hilton Piddletrenthide Psalm 72.10-15 9.30am Family Eucharist 11.00am Morning Prayer Isaiah 60.1-6 Ephesians 3.1-12 Piddlehinton Alton Pancras Matthew 2.1-12 9.30am Family Service 5.30pm Evening Prayer

12th January Hilton Alton Pancras The Baptism of 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Family Eucharist Christ White Cheselbourne Piddlehinton 9.30 Family Eucharist 6.00pm Evening Prayer Psalm 29 Isaiah 42.1-9 Melcombe Horsey-Old Brewery Hall Acts 10.34-43 10.30am Songs, coffee and buns Matthew 3.13-end

19th January Alton Pancras Hilton Epiphany 2 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Morning Prayer White Piddlehinton Melcombe Horsey Psalm 40.1-11 9.30am Parish Communion 11.00am Parish Communion Isaiah 49.1-7 1 Corinthians 1.1-9 Piddletrenthide Cheselbourne John 1.29-42 9.30am Family Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer

26th January Piddletrenthide Melcombe Horsey Epiphany 3 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Morning Prayer White Alton Pancras Hilton Psalm 27.1-12 9.30am Family Eucharist 6.00pm Evening Prayer Isaiah 9.1-4 1 Corinthians 1.10-18 Cheselbourne Piddlehinton Matthew 4.12-23 11.00am Family Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer Services shown in italics are taken from the timeless prose of the Book of Common Prayer published in 1662.

The Family Eucharists (from Common Worship), Family and other services are in contemporary language.

12 ! SERVICES and THE BENEFICE of THE PIDDLE VALLEY, HILTON, READINGS! CHESELBOURNE and MELCOMBE HORSEY

2nd February Cheselbourne Melcombe Horsey The Presentation of 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Parish Communion Christ in the Temple / Candlemas Hilton Piddletrenthide White 9.30am Family Eucharist 11.00am Morning Prayer

Psalm 24 Piddlehinton Alton Pancras Malachi 3.1-5 9.30am Family Service 5.30pm Evening Prayer Hebrews 2.14-end Luke 2.22-40

9th February Hilton Piddletrenthide 4 before Lent 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Parish Eucharist (Proper 1) Green Cheselbourne Piddlehinton 9.30am Family Eucharist 6.00pm Parish Communion Psalm 112 Isaiah 58.1-12 Melcombe Horsey-Old Brewery Hall 1 Corinthians 2 10.30am Songs, coffee and buns Matthew 5.13-20

16th February Alton Pancras Hilton 3 before Lent 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Morning Prayer (Proper 2) Green Piddlehinton Melcombe Horsey 9.30am Parish Communion 11.00am Parish Communion Psalm 119.1-8 Deuteronomy 30.15- Piddletrenthide Cheselbourne end 9.30am Family Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer 1 Corinthians 3.1-9 Matthew 5.21-37

23rd February Piddletrenthide Melcombe Horsey 2 before Lent 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Morning Prayer Green Alton Pancras Hilton Psalm 136 9.30am Family Eucharist 6.00pm Evening Prayer Genesis 1.1-2.3 Romans 8.18-25 Cheselbourne Piddlehinton Matthew 6.25-34 11.00am Family Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer !

13 Funeral Service 126 years in Dorchester, Weymouth & throughout Dorsert 24 Hour Service •Chapel of rest •Prepaidfuneralplans Tel: 01305 250425 11a Icen Way, Dorchester DT1 1EW

14 Holy Matrimony -

Funerals The funeral of Peter Hugh Ayres of Higher Ansty took place at All Saints, Hilton on the 18th October 2013 followed by burial.

The funeral of Gladys Beatrice Kellaway of Piddletrenthide took place at Weymouth crematorium on the 18th November 2013.

The ashes of Betty Ruby Phippard were interred at All Saints, Hilton on the 6th December 2013.

Obituaries

David Ralph Trott 1946 -2013

David was born at Beaulieu Wood, Buckland Newton on his parents’ wedding anniversary, some ten months or so after his father returned from two years away in France during the war. His childhood was spent with his parents Norman and Vera and older sister Joy.

The family moved to Kiddles Farm, Piddletrenthide, in the shadow of the church, while David was still at school. In 1964 the white faces of the Herefords started to arrive at the farm. The herd went on to become a well respected one and have many successes at the various agricultural shows.

David was a keen sportsman in his youth and a member of Dorchester Young Farmers. He was also a keen skittler and a member of the Hunt League. He married Jane on his 21st birthday and after a short spell living in Plush they moved back to Kiddles Farm. They have two children Wendy and Lynne and three grandchildren, Tristan, Maddie and Poppy.

David died at home on Monday 30th September 2013.

Jocelyn Edith Katherine Mould-Graham 1911 - 2013

Jocelyn had a lifelong association with the Piddle Valley as her paternal grandfather, Robert Saunders owned land comprising the parish of Alton Pancras. Born in Fitzwilliam Square Dublin on 11th October 1911, she lived with her grandparents in Ireland until the age of 10. Her maternal grandfather, Sir John Ross, became the last chief justice of a united Ireland.

Her parents moved to Pitt House, Cerne Abbas in 1921. Jocelyn would ride her pony to the Manor at Alton Pancras and with her Granny Graves would continue in the dog cart on shopping trips to Dorchester; with her father she would race his wooden dinghy in Weymouth Bay. She went to school in Bournemouth, became a talented fencer and was shortlisted for the British Olympic team in 1928.

15 PIDDLEHINTON TWINNING Jumble Sale!! Clothes, Toys, Books, Bric-a-Brac, Misc. & Much More !! Come & See ! Sat Feb 22nd The Village Hall 2.00 – 4.00pm

Admission still 50p, & includes cup of tea!

As ever, JUMBLE DONATIONS are much needed & very WARMLY WELCOMED !! Please deliver Sat morning to Hall. Or.. Tel 348670 if help is needed. Thank You !

Join us and also enjoy Home-Made Cakes, plus Refreshments & other Tasty Treats!

Lots of good BARGAINS!!

16 By 1935, her Irish grandparents and her mother were dead; she trained and became a conservative political agent and was sent to Newcastle. In 1937 she married Colonel Robert Mould-Graham TD, OBE, MC, a widower, accountant, local politician, territorial artillery officer and war hero. In 1938 their first child, Joanna was born but in 1939 while he left to participate in the second World War, she remained looking after her new baby and 13 year old stepdaughter and organised an army of knitters to provide woollen clothing for the forces for which she received an MBE in 1945. Two more children were born in 1947 and 1949. She became heavily involved in Newcastle political life; Robert became Sheriff, then Lord Mayor of Newcastle and Jocelyn Lady Mayoress. In 1955 she inherited the Manor and land at Alton Pancras. Joanna died in Newcastle from Leukaemia in 1962 and following Robert’s retirement in 1966 the family moved to Alton Pancras where the Manor House became Jocelyn’s new centre of hospitality and she continued in community works as director of the Victoria League and later Commandant of the Church Girl’s Brigade. Robert died in 1979 and until her death and despite crippling osteoporosis and failing faculties she remained a dedicated and hospitable matriarch. The 31 children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, remember the cheerful smile, a cry of “walk-on-in”, a sense of being uniquely cherished and the oddness of the compulsory drinking of a glass of sherry at any time of day.

Jocelyn died on 27th September in Somerleigh Court, Dorchester.

News, comings & goings in the valley ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alton Pancras

AP For the first time for almost a century, AP has run out of Chalk(e). The family that has lived in Keeper’s Cottage, Holcombe Dairy Farm, Barcombe Farm Cottages, Crooked Billet and latterly its replacement, Little Holcombe bungalow, have gone away. It started with Herbert and Louisa, then Gilbert and Faith (Alner), David and June, but now Stuart and Rebecca, with children Jack and George, have found pastures not exactly new – in Plush - where Herbert and Gilbert had also lived. At least they will still be able to read our village news !

AP Secondhand books are now for sale in St Pancras in aid of church funds, avid readers the Cowleys among the early contributors. Terry and Jane are also regular users of the Mobile Library, along with the Patch/Howells and Ridells, but fear its loss in these days of council cuts unless more people use it – or perhaps borrow more books ! The times and dates are shown in each edition of PVNV and if anyone in AP has difficulty walking to the van, there is usually space in Holcombe Mead to park close to the library van.

PIDDLEHINTON VILLAGE HALL

BREAKFAST CLUB

SUNDAY 19 January 2014

From 9.00am to 11.30am

Join us for a delicious Full English breakfast We use best quality, locally sourced produce. It’ll set you up for the day - for only £5.00 !

Everyone Welcome

18 AP Barcombe Grange owner Iain Barlow’s original documents of 1882 include the comment from surveyors Wainwright & Heard that “this would be the first house in Dorset that I have seen which would have a brick cavity wall.” Seemingly only the best materials would be used in the building, including slate brought from Bangor, North Wales. But where did the bricks come from ?

AP Dick Chubb of Boldacre tells how his father was involved in putting in the first railings alongside the river through the village c1926/7 when employed as a council roadman. Those original ones were often bent or dented but could easily be straightened. Today’s have to be replaced when damaged; prior to that there was nothing to stop us toppling into the water.

AP Holcombe Mead residents turned out in force for the annual clean-up of their cul-de-sac, which takes place twice a year. Twice ? Annual ? Well, this is Alton Pancras ! (Please see colour picture inside front cover.)

[email protected]

Piddlehinton

Inspirational Women of the Year Awards Finalist Susan Belgrave, with the four other shortlisted candidates in the 2013 Inspirational Women of the Year Awards, attended a reception at 10 Downing Street on 11th November. These national awards recognise ordinary women who are achieving extraordinary things and inspiring others.

Susan founded the national literacy charity Beanstalk 40 years ago in a bid to get children reading and to tackle lower literacy skills in primary schools. Starting with just seven volunteers, she initially rolled out one-to-one reading sessions at two London schools. Beanstalk now works with approximately 2,400 volunteers across 1,100 UK primary schools, has helped over 80,000 children since inception and Susan is hoping to help another 8,000 children over the next four years. She said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have been nominated for these prestigious awards, and it is also a great recognition for the hard work and dedication of the team and all the volunteers I work with.”

To find out more call 020 7729 4087 or visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk

Piddlehinton Millennium Green Trust Christmas Sale

Many thanks to everyone who supported this event with their generous contributions of produce or prizes, and to those who just came and spent their money ! We raised a splendid £287.00. All our fundraising goes towards essential maintenance and repairs to keep our Green safe and tidy for all to use. Thank you ! Rebecca Howard, Treasurer

19 We NEED you !

Have you ever thought about becoming an on-call firefighter with Dorset Fire and Rescue ? Fire stations across Dorset are recruiting for on-call firefighters – a part-time job which could save lives. Local emergency services form an important part of our community; firefighters do a whole range of jobs from fighting fires to helping at all sorts of incidents. As a retained firefighter you might be called to floods, road traffic collisions or chemical spills as well as fires. Find out here what’s involved and how you can sign up. What is an on-call/retained or part-time firefighter ? Someone who is able to work part-time for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and who is able to respond to his or her local fire station when needed, to deal with an emergency. It might be someone who is in other full time or part-time employment or is a carer and is keen to support their local community. What kind of person can become an on-call firefighter ? Anyone can, provided that they are over 18 and are both physically and medically fit. You do not need any formal qualifications for the job but you should have good reasoning and numeracy skills. You must be someone with commitment as you could be disturbed from your work or your home at any time of the day or night. If you are able to respond from work you will need to get the permission and support of your employer who is likely to expect you to make up the time you have missed when responding to an emergency. What kind of training do you get ? To begin with, you will have to complete a number of tests to show that you have the right skills and fitness to be a firefighter; if you are successful you will then be asked to attend an interview at your local station. Finally, you will need to attend a medical and eyesight test. Soon after your appointment you will have to travel to our Training Centre to complete a Basic Retained Training course. This course is Monday to Friday and is for two weeks. Once you have been an on-call firefighter for three-six months you will return to the Training Centre in order to learn how to wear and use Breathing Apparatus Equipment. Again, this course is Monday to Friday for two weeks. There are other training courses to gain specialist skills such as first aid and casualty care, but when possible these are at weekends or in the evenings. We provide ongoing training in the form of a drill night each week at your fire station.

20 How does the retained duty system work ? You do not have to work specific hours but you must be available at agreed times of the day or night, including weekends. During the application process, you sign up to a commitment of either 90 or 120 hours each week. This doesn’t mean you have to be on duty at a fire station. You may be at work or at home with your family during this time. When you are needed for an emergency you are “alerted” and must be able to drop anything you are doing and get to the fire station within five minutes. So do I have to be on call all the time ? No, the number of contracted hours you are on call will depend on the amount of time you can give each week. The number of hours will be dependent on your work or other commitments and will be agreed following discussion with the station commander of your fire station. Will I have to deal with unpleasant situations ? The nature of the work of a firefighter means that you may be asked to deal with unpleasant situations. It is difficult to train for such situations however, the training we do provide will help you prepare for and deal with an emergency. There are lots of different jobs that have to be done during an emergency. Every firefighter has different skills and strengths and these are used, where possible, having regard to the situation. On the rare occasion when you may find the emergency unpleasant we do provide help and support. What will I get out of it ? Joining us as a retained firefighter offers a wealth of opportunity to work for your local community on a part time basis. It is an exciting and hugely reward- ing job where you will become a crucial member of a highly trained and tight knit team. The job gives you an opportunity to help your friends or neighbours in an emergency in a very real and practical way. There are also financial rewards; you will receive an annual retainer based on the level of cover you are able to provide. An hourly rate is paid for training and responding to an emergency and you are paid a disturbance fee when you respond to an emergency. As an on-call firefighter you are entitled to annual leave and you are eligible to join the fire service pension scheme. How do I apply ? Full details of the role of an on-call firefighter together with an application form can be found on our website www.dorsetfire.gov.uk. If you would like any further information please visit your local fire station.

21 Event in Piddletrenthide at The Memorial Hall

Dave Mynne (a founder member of Kneehigh Theatre) presents ‘Great Expectations’. A complex, multilayered story with only one actor and limited props, based on Charles Dickens’ popular novel. Dark, daring, deft, daft, delightful... and deﬁnitely Dickens. Using Dickens’ original text (well, mostly!), David Mynne takes you on a journey that brings you a ‘cast of thousands’ in a skilful, one-man adaptation of this epic story. Suitable for adults and accompanied children over 10. Tickets £8.00 tel (01300) 345252 or from the Post Ofﬁce Sunday 19th January 2014, 3.30pm

22 Piddlehinton Village Hall – What’s on every week

Tuesdays TABLE TENNIS 7.00 – 9.00pm Contact Beryl Ellis / 01305267394

Thursdays POST OFFICE 2.00 – 4.00pm SHORT MAT BOWLS 7.30 – 9.30pm Contact Sheila Hornyak / 01300 348264

To Hire Very reasonable hire rates for groups, parties and events, 15 large and 5 small tables, tea urn and other equipment

Bookings Contact - Vickey Steven / 01300 348294; Chair, Pam Lock / 348474; Treasurer, Fay Lord / 348335; Secretary Sue Nicholas / 348436

Vickey Steven 01300 348294

Piddletrenthide + White Lackington

Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall – What’s on every month

Coffee morning on the second Friday of each month : th th 10 January and 14 February - from 10.30am to 12.00 noon.

Contact Janet Keen / 01300 348851

Lunch Club on the last Friday of the month : 31st January and 28th February - from 12.30 to 2pm. Cost is only £5 for a two-course lunch plus tea or coffee and good company ! Forthcoming menus:

January 31st Chicken Marengo Fruit Crumble February 28th Shepherds’ Pie Sherry Trifle

New members always welcome - to join us for lunch please contact

Ann Hawker / 01300 348329

Country Dancing on Mondays, starting again on 20th January : 2.15 – 4.15pm. Only £1.50 per week including tea/coffee and biscuits. All welcome and the more the merrier.

Contact Jane Preston / 01300 348545

Fitness Class on Tuesdays from 10.30 – 11.30am Come along and have a go for £4 a session.

Contact Sarah Mitchell / 01258 817288

23 THE BRACE OF PHEASANTS PLUSH, DORCHESTER, DT2 7RQ

Phil & Carol welcome you to “The Brace”

Opening Times:

Monday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm & 7pm to 11pm And Sunday 12pm to 3pm & 7pm to 10.30pm

8 Fabulous En-Suite Letting Rooms Available

AA 4 Star Rating and Dinner Award Winter Dinner, Bed and Breakfast £139/room/night Winter Break Three for Two Nights offer £198

Award Winning Food

Christmas Menu now available

18 Wines Served by the Glass

Good Pub Guide 2014 Top Ten Best Country Pubs

Tel: 01300 – 348357 www.braceofpheasants.co.uk

24 Gardens Club and other events held at the Hall have more variable programme dates. For more information on these see under Clubs, Groups and Organisations.

To Hire The Hall at a very reasonable rate, including furniture and well equipped kitchen with dishwasher, please contact the Bookings Officer:

Diana Clears / 01300 348417

Tables, chairs, tea urn and crockery are also available to hire separately for outside events.

Caretaker contact Ann Hawker / 01300 348329

Plush

P Plush welcomes the arrival of Stuart and Rebecca Chalke, and their sons, Jack and George, who have moved here all the way from Alton Pancras.

P The owner of Plush Manor, the pianist Alfred Brendel, was the subject of Desert Island Discs in November and those who tuned in to Radio 4 were treated to a fascinating insight into his formative years and career. However, Kirsty Young noted that he winced visibly at the curtailing of his best-loved musical pieces into the DID ‘sound-bites’. You can, of course, catch the programme again on the BBC4 website – but it doesn’t include any mention of Plush.

P Thanks are due from all in Plush to those residents who have successfully pressed the County Council to repair the potholes in our road again – a much appreciated improvement. So too the huge difference to the width of the roads following the autumn leaf and road edge clearance. The ‘Slow your Speed’ poster created at the Piddle Valley First School is also still in place and is hopefully another effective road improvement.

P There does seem to be a growing problem with overturned and ransacked dustbins - mainly on Tuesday and Wednesdays – where a particular dog scavenges for food but studiously leaves untouched the green bins for glass and tins and the green paper sacks. This is a greater problem when those not living in Plush full time leave their dustbins out days in advance; apart from being unsightly, it attracts even more attention to empty property,

Dot Browning

Small Ad Due to printer expiry - unused and unopened tri-colour and black + white Hewlett-Packard inkjet printer cartridges. For details / 01300 348280

25 ! ! Delicious Handm ade! Cupcakes for

Cupcakes ~ Giant Cupcakes ~ Mini’s

Local Delivery

Set Up Service

Cake Stand Hire

01300 348890 ! 07872 824202

www.tamsinscupcakecollection.co.uk

Birthdays Anniversarys Weddings Christenings Thank You’s Baby Showers !

26 General News + Notices ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mobile Library

Mondays January 6 + 20 February 3 + 17

Alton Pancras Holcombe Mead 11.25 – 11.45

Piddletrenthide Poachers Inn 11.55 - 12.10 Wightmans Close 13.20 - 13.50

Piddlehinton Paynes Close 13.00 – 14.40

Community Speed Watch

As reported in the Neighbourhood Plan section of the November/December PVNV edition, a Community Speed Watch is being set up by Dorset Police in conjunction with members of local communities to operate speed checking equipment in Piddlehinton, Piddletrenthide, Alton Pancras, Buckland Newton and Duntish. At present the group has over twenty volunteers, who will commence this activity early in 2014. Anyone interested in joining this group please contact Dorset Police by telephoning 101 or via the website link http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=6983

Snowdrops, Village Hall Lunches and Teas Tuesday 4th - Friday 14th February 2014

Invitation to walk or drive through the beautiful village of Compton Valence and see the stunning white drifts of snowdrops. The village hall is below the church by the red phone box - open weather permitting 10.30am - 3.30pm daily but in bad or icy weather we may not be open for lunch or teas. If possible please ring to book so we can cater accordingly; pre booked guests will take priority as the hall is small. Please be considerate of our village/verges etc when parking or ring us to discuss your needs so we can advise you where to go.

Pippa James / 01305 889338 or Tessa Russell / 01308 482227

Wessex Morris Men

Wessex Morris Men are starting training sessions for new dancers at Pulham Village Hall in January. They welcome men who would like to learn morris dancing. Just ask any team member for more information, contact the team’s Bagman Jeremy Wilton on [email protected] or the Squire Paul Chesterman on [email protected] or visit the website http://www.wessexmorrismen.co.uk Mike Phelan, Wessex Morris Men Publicity Officer

27 For all your Plumbing & Heating Requirements

OFTEC Registered Pressurised Systems Indoor and Outdoor Oil Boiler Servicing and Installations Call Jock Beaven Portesham Certified Thermal Solar Power Installer Tel: 01305 871678 Bathrooms & Kitchens Mb: 07970 891755

FOR SALE Piddle Valley Cookbook Published in 1978, this original copy is in good condition and still in dust cover. £7.50 or near offer - this amount to be donated to PVNV. Heather Bland / 01300 348112 [email protected]

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Sarum College, Salisbury

Lunchtime Concert, 12.45 – 1.30 pm, Friday 24th January Members of the St. Nicholas Ensemble with a varied programme for voice and piano. Lunchtime Concerts are held in the College’s Butterfield Chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in the £8 ticket price) in the Common Room.

Spirituality and Retirement, 19th February, 12th March, 30th April + 14th May Retirement is a major life transition bringing new possibilities but also a sense of loss. This course will unpack some challenges, think through the psycho- spiritual issues that retirement raises; approaching through a psychological lens, some space will be given to poetry and the arts as a way of exploring personal spiritual self-awareness. Price £200, includes lunch and refreshments on all four days.

For details or to book contact Alison Ogden

[email protected] / 01722 424826 / 01722 424800 (main reception)

Blood Donation

Blood stocks always tend to run low in winter because even regular donors are distracted by Christmas preparations or prevented from attending sessions by bad weather, so now is an especially good time to decide to become a donor.

You can make an initial check to find out whether your health allows you to donate blood by calling 0300 123 23 23 or on the Blood Transfusion website (www.blood.co.uk). The website also explains what to expect at a donation session and how blood is used. You can book an appointment as well, which minimises your waiting time at the session.

DORCHESTER sessions will be held at the United Church Hall, South Street (near Goulds household store) on Thursday 2nd January and Thursday 23rd January.

There will also be a session at The Exchange, STURMINSTER NEWTON, on Wednesday 26th February.

The sessions are all open the same hours, 1.30 - 3.25pm and 4.30 - 7.00pm.

The blood donation website has links to websites giving information about registering as a potential donor of tissues such as skin, bone and bone marrow. Rosalyn Charlton

29 Graham Giddings

Professional Decorator

All aspects of Painting, Decorating and Paper Hanging FREE ESTIMATES

5 London Close Piddlehinton Dorchester Dorset DT2 7TQ Telephone : 01300 348143 Mobile : 07833 927 746 Email: [email protected]

Graham Giddings

30 Dorset Community Action (DCA)

An independent voluntary organisation and charitable company governed by a Board of Trustees with a membership of voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises and local authorities from across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole, DCA is committed to encouraging and supporting the interests of local communities in consultation, transport, community facilities, regeneration, sustainable living and social issues. We initiate and deliver new services that respond to local needs and are the Council for Voluntary Service for Dorset supporting the development of the voluntary sector through information, networking, representation, building capacity, and filling gaps.

More information on DCA website http://www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/

The Bridge Educational Trust

The Bridge Educational Trust (Registered Charity No 1068720) was established in 1990 in memory of John Bridge, the last of the family which founded the Piddle Valley School in the middle of the 19th century. The objectives of the Trust are educational, and grants are given primarily to those wishing to study at a school, college, or other educational establishment. Applications are particularly welcomed from residents of the Piddle Valley and its immediate neighbourhood. Normally applicants should be nearing the end of their school careers or have left school, though younger children with special educational needs may be considered.

At the Trustees’ discretion, expeditions or travel groups for young people which are organised for scientific or cultural purposes may be eligible, provided they contain an educational element. The Trustees give priority to cases involving hardship or difficult family circumstances and where, without some assistance, the desired education, course or activity would not be possible. Special consideration is given to older people who may wish to start training for a particular career or other purpose after normal education has been interrupted

Meetings of Trustees to consider applications are held in March, July and November.

Further details of the Trust can be found at www.bridgeeducationaltrust.org.uk. Those wishing to apply should obtain an application form by writing to The Administrator c/o Piddle Valley First School, Piddletrenthide, DT2 7QL, or emailing [email protected]. Applications by post or email should be received not later than the 15th of the month before the meeting at which they are to be considered.

Richard Drewe, Chairman / 01300 348253

31 ! ! ! !!"#$%&!'($$%)&!!! !'($&%$"# &)%$'($ ! ! !!"#%*)(+!,-((.!!! !,(+)*%"# ((.-, ! ! !!"#$%&!'()$!*+#,)!%-*+.$$)/!!! !)#,+*$()'&!%"#$ !/)$.$+-*%) ! ! 0$()!/)$%-%-1!-%-%)$/)!(0$ 1- ! !"#!$%&'(')!%%% 0%/)!2$.3)!.$+)/.+%#-*!.+)/+.$)!.3$2)!/0% *-#%.+ ! !)&;'%<(&"!(%%% 45%6-)7!/)2.%/*!!!2.)/7-)645% */%2. *+,--./*0/12%% 4#8$*!'%++)&!#8 !!)++%'*$4 &) *3.-4456+785+*9:5/*0/12%% !

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35 Street Services Killara Piddletrenthide Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7QL Call John or Maria Telephone 01300 348008 Mobile 07779 860258

Garden Maintenance Garden Designs Tree Surgery Grass cutting Decking Felling Hedge cutting Patios Tree Pruning Rotivating Pergolas Hedge cutting Pruning Rose Arches Hedge Laying Border Clearance Trellis Home Improvements Building Maintenance Painting and Decorating Guttering Repairs & Cleaning Tiling Repairs Paving Carpentry Concreting Garden Walls Plumbing Block work Wooden or Metal Gates New Bathrooms BBQ’s Stone Work

36 Artsreach Christmas Season Concert

On 6th December a packed Memorial Hall audience, drawn from as far afield as Wincanton and Bridport, was treated to an excellent Artsreach concert. The brilliant musicianship of Chris Newman “one of the UK’s most staggering and influencial acoustic guitarists” (fRoots) and Maire Ni Chathasaigh, “the doyenne of Irish harpers” (Scotland on Sunday) was quite spellbinding. The programme included their unique interpretation of carols; from 14th C Poland to their old English combination entitled ‘Three ships from Sussex’ and a selection of traditional music such as Carolan’s Concerto and the Bee’s Wing hornpipe.

It was a privilege to be able to enjoy the ‘eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling’ (The Times) of this couple, who perform all over the world, from a dozen yards away in the back row of our hall. If you would like to learn more about them see www.oldbridgemusic.com.

Thanks go to Artsreach and to all who organised this event.

Ros Charlton

Dorset County Council Trading Standards Service

Shopping has changed dramatically over the past few years with many of us trading the traditional melee of the high street for the tense wait for items ordered over the internet to arrive in time. Today’s market place now offers us an almost limit-less amount of choice. With this comes a variation in safety standards. In the UK we are protected from unsafe goods by a large array of European based legislation and vigilant enforcement bodies. But there is still the chance that poor quality or unsafe goods can find their way onto the shelves.

Best advice is always check the labelling on a product. Always looks for a CE mark, a reference to a safety standard and any warnings, especially those restricting their use by young children. As a rule of thumb most products should also come with the name or trademark of the manufacturer and an address of the manufacturer or supplier within the EU.

Whether dealing with an internet trader, a market stall holder or buying from the high street, be sure who you are buying from. Always remember to keep your receipt or invoice as proof of purchase and remember that if you have any concerns about the safety of a product make sure you contact the Citizens Advice Service on 08454 040506.

Look out for the Buy With Confidence logo - trading standards check traders so you don’t have to. Visit the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or call The Citizens Advice Consumer Service 08454 04 05 06

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4 Shires Asset Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The value of investments and the income you get from them may fall as well as rise, and there is no certainty that you will get back the amount of your original investment.

38 Distance Selling Many people buy goods and services over the internet, by phone, or by mail order - these are all examples of ‘distance selling’ where you never meet the seller. Businesses that normally sell in this way have to comply with the Distance Selling Regulations and you have a right to cancel the goods. This right to cancel is unconditional for most goods; to cancel your order you must contact the seller in writing within 7 days after the day you receive the goods, allowing you to take time in your own home to examine the goods .

The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Telephone the Citizens Advice consumer helpline

08454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

Clubs, Groups, Organisations ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Piddle Valley Gardens Club

The Christmas Social kicked off with an hilarious ‘Mini-Panto’ of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, conceived, written and directed by Ann Jordan. The best laughs were the sight of Bill Jordan ‘growing’ the magic beanstalk, by hauling a swathe of laurel-strewn netting to the ceiling with a rope pulley, and Jack (Sue Beckingham) ‘racing’ up it by gingerly ascending a step ladder nearby. Thanks from all who enjoyed it to the rest of the brave cast as well; Janet Keen, Maria Irving and Elizabeth Jolliffe, plus Kevin Scott’s sounds and Richard Cake’s lighting.

The AGM will be held on Monday 27th January, followed by wine, cheese and nibbles.

Join the Club now, for £10, to enjoy the full calendar of garden talks and social events. By joining now you also get the full benefit of the membership discount of 25% off many goods at the Gardens Group Garden Centres at Sherborne, Poundbury and Yeovil during January and February, plus 25% off all the stock at Castle Garden Centre on our ‘Discount Evening’ on 7th April and 25% off autumn bulbs later in the year.

The meeting on Monday 24th February may interest a wider audience than just the Valley’s gardeners. Lucy Jones, MA (Oxon) MSc DBTh MURHP, a Registered Medical Herbalist, will be giving a talk on ‘Weeds as medicines’. Lucy has trained in both Western Herbal Medicine and Tibetan Medicine. She ran her Myrobalan Clinic at Cattistock from 2006 to 2013 and has just moved her clinic to Castle Cary. If you would like to find out more about her work before the talk, see www.myrobalanclinic.com

Ros Charlton

39 40 Piddletrenthide Lunch Club

By the time readers receive this edition of News & Views, Lunch Club Members will have celebrated Christmas in the Memorial Hall with a meal prepared by Rebecca Green Catering. The Club is open to anyone living in the Piddle Valley, a Two Course Lunch costs just £5, and includes coffee or tea and a chocolate! If you would like to come along and join us for lunch please ring Ann Hawker on 01300 348329 to book a place. In future Lunch Club dates will be shown under the heading of Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall.

At present there are two teams of three “cooks” and two teams of two “cooks”. Each team prepares meals twice a year, the other dates are covered either with meals at a local hostelry or by outside caterers. It would be just wonderful to have 2 or 3 more helpers willing to join a team. If you enjoy cooking and have a few hours free on the last Friday of the month once or twice a year please ring either

Janet Keen / 01300 348851 or Sue Jennings / 01300 348076

Piddle Valley Over 60s

I think members will agree that we have had a very good year with interesting speakers and some splendid outings that were all blessed with good weather. We finished the year with an excellent lunch at The Thimble and I would like to thank Heather and Stuart for a wonderful meal and a very good end to our year. We do not have a meeting in January but on 6th February we will start with a talk about “The Women’s Refuge” by Mollie Rennie. At this meeting we will be collecting subscriptions which remain at £10 for another year.

We would very much like to welcome some new members and the start of the year is the best time to join and get full value for the subscription. If you are considering joining, please feel free to come along to one of our meetings to see if you like it and without any obligation to join. Members are also requested to invite along anyone they know who might be interested in joining.

Hilary French / 01305 848501

The South Dorset Miniaturists Club

Formed 15 years ago; we make items for Dolls Houses, Shops and Market stalls in 1/12th and 1/24th scale. Space within our homes is not always available but don’t be put off in having room for a dolls house, you can make VERY tiny houses; even make a house within a plant pot. Every second Tuesday in the month we meet from 2 - 4 pm at Dorchester YMCA, Sawmills Lane. If you are interested, and would like to know more, visit a session in progress or please contact Ann Goold / 01300 341208

41 ENTERPRISE PARK, PIDDLEHINTON, DORSET DT2 7UA

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42 Cerne Sheep Group

Monday, 6th January - 7.30 for 8.00 pm Speaker to be confirmed.

2014 highlights include talks by country artist and taxidermist Dawn Warr and carer of injured bats Sally Humphries who will bring bats for close-up inspection. We will be visiting The Secret Garden and Maiden Castle Farm courtesy of John Hoskin, a recent Farmer’s Weekly Farmer of the Year who gave us such an enlightening talk last March.

Celia Messer (chair) / 01258 459599 Grenville, Fairmile, Blandford DT11 0LU Susan Wreford (secretary) [email protected] / 01300 320007 Steve Tanner, 24 Cattistock Rd, Maiden Newton DT2 0AG / 07974 814751

The Twinning Association wishes everyone a very happy start to 2014 …… the Twinning’s 21st anniversary

Our recent ‘Antiques Evening‘ was a great success and we send our thanks to Richard Kay for making it possible. Richard brought along a fascinating mix of items including a lifebelt from the Torrey Canyon, a Ming bowl, autographs of the first lunar astronauts and a block of tea that resembled a wood carving and fooled many of us ! Having tried to guess the age, value and origin of the exhibits, we then sat down together for supper before Richard revealed the true facts about each piece and presented the prizes he had brought along, including a very useful antiques manual as the booby prize ! It was a hugely entertaining and informative evening and we can’t thank him enough. Thanks too to everyone in the Valley who supported us.

Our Annual Quiz will take place on Friday, 31st January at 7.30pm in The Thimble. £6 with a delicious bowl of homemade soup in the interval. Open to everyone - join a table when you arrive or come with a group of friends !

The Twinning Jumble Sale will be on Saturday, 22nd February, from 2–4 pm, with the usual 50p entry that includes a cup of tea. There will be homemade cakes available and somewhere to sit down and chat. We always have an excellent Book Stall as well as the usual clothes, toys and gifts. There are always great bargains to be found, so please come and see what we have for sale or bring us items you don’t need.

A party of 28 from Longueville, including several children, arrive on 29th May for 4 days, so the Valley will resound with the sound of French people enjoying themselves !

If you would like to find out more about our friendship with Longueville, please phone for more information. Jo Thornton / 01300 348670

43 ! ! BRIANBRIABRI TWIGGIWTN G PLANNINGNNIALPG NGNNI ! TownT woT & Country PlanningiPltrC& gninnaPlytrnuoC&nw ConsultanttalC ntalusnoCg t ! DoeeoD Cottage, The Green, C,nereGehT,egattoCe Cheselbourne,C,ernuoblseeh ! Dorchester,rchoD Dorset DT2 7NSN72TDtrseoDr,esterch SN ! ! mobilem 07961 53810000183516970elibo ! e-mailmail [email protected] @ iwtb gg naw. aku.co.ooda ! web www.briantwiggplanning.co.ukwwww itwnairb.w ggpl ninnal g ku.oc. !

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! 44 Brownies in the Piddle Valley

The Brownies go from strength to strength with Brown Owl, Shelley Poole. The good news is that she has found a Tawny Owl, Nikki Hislop.

If you know of any girls interested in joining Brownies, please contact Shelley.

BROWNIES – Shelley Poole 01305 753789

Piddle Valley Parish Council ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meetings The Piddle Valley Parish Council meets in Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall, normally on the last Tuesday of the month, at 7.30pm. Meetings start with a “Democratic half-hour”, during which any local resident may personally raise direct to the Council any matter that affects the Valley community. So, if you have something important to say, please either contact your local Parish Councillor or raise it during the start of the next meeting.

Next meetings 28th January 25th February

Gypsy and Traveller Transit Site Dorset County Council are proposing to establish a Gypsy and Traveller transit site at Enterpridse park, for a period of at least 5 years. This would be where the temporary site was created during the Olympics. Details were given in the recent “Your Dorset” newsletter circulated by DCC, and they have been reproduced on the www.piddlevalley.info website.

When a planning application is made – expected to be early in the new year - details will be published on the website and any resident wishing to make representations may contact either Dorset County Council Planning Department or your local Parish, District or County Councillor.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS Approved

1/D/13/001353 Brook Cottage, Piddletrenthide; remove part of modern wall to provide wider vehicle entrance. 1/D/13/001229 Mulberry Cott, Church Lane, Piddletrenthide; erect single storey extensions and extend garage. 1/D/13/001116 Bourne Park, Piddlehinton; erect solar power array. 1/D/13/001044 Bourne Farm existing PV site; extend adjacent.

45 Dorset Youth Association Sunninghill Community Lubbecke Way Centre Dorchester Culliford Way, Dorchester Mondays 5.30pm, 7.30pm Thursdays 7.30pm Tel: Sharon 01300 320299 Tel: Sue 01305 757020

Dorchester Community Cheap Street Church Hall Church Cheap Street Acland Road, Dorchester Sherborne Wednesdays Wednesdays 9.30am 3.30pm; 5.45pm. 7.30pm Tel: Merys 07834 547578 Tel: Sharon 01300 320299 Fridays 9.30am, 11.30am West End Hall Tel: Tracie 01300 348589 Littlefields Sherborne Broadmayne First School Thursdays 7pm Boadmayne Tuesdays 7.30pm Tel: Natalie 07500 962667 Tel: Merys 07834 547578

46 1/D/13/001040 Puddle Farm House, Piddlehinton; 2 storey extension and replace garage building with triple garage. 1/D/13/000332 Thimble Inn, Piddlehinton; add ventilation ducts and make internal alterations.

Refused None

Pending

1/D/13/001605 Enterprise Park; reserved matters by Smart’s for new Agricultural Machinery Depot. (Consent 1/D/12/001614) 1/D/13/001510 2B Rectory Rd, Piddlehinton; demolish existing car port and erect new garage. 1/D/13/001434 Brownsville, Main St, Piddletrenthide; erect timber framed workshop and garage.

Note. By the time applications have been published here, the opportunity to make representations has generally passed. Planning applications are however also listed on www.piddlevalley.info as soon as I hear about them, and therefore may still be open if you wish to comment to the Planning Authority.

Andy Howard / 01300 348461

Piddle Valley First School ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I write we are in the throes of all things Christmassy ! This year’s nativity play is called ‘A Midwife Crisis’. The school is already feeling very festive with the sound of children singing the very catchy songs from the show and Owls’ class are going to be singing carols at Wightmans Orchard. However as always there are many other things going on at school :

Owls’ class has been enjoying a topic titled ‘Simply Shakespeare.’ Focusing on Macbeth and A Midsummer Nights Dream, pupils have been writing play scripts and have worked hard on developing their performance skills. We are very lucky that experienced Drama Teacher Jo Simons has been into school running drama workshops. The children also interviewed Shakespeare’s Juliet via Skype - in reality an actress who plays Juliet as part of her work in Stratford upon Avon !

Buzzards have been learning about life in Mexico as part of their topic Viva Mexico ! Woodpeckers’ topic this half term has been Space so will be spending an evening stargazing.

Reading is a major focus throughout the school this year. Every day all classes have E.R.I.C. (Everybody Reading In Class) time. We have also revamped our school library. We always need volunteers to listen to children read so if anyone can offer their time we would be extremely grateful.

47 48 “Creativity at your school is tangible – it permeates the school ethos and is clearly woven into all aspects of teaching and learning.” We are really pleased to say we have achieved ‘Artsmark’ status. This is a national award recognizing the schools strengths in all areas of the arts.

Well done to our sports and multi skills champions - we have won Dorchester Schools Year 3 and 4 Basketball Competition, and Dorchester Year 1 and 2 Inter Multi skills.

Thank you to Sands Associates at Poundbury who have very generously provided a new football kit for the school and thank all of you who attended both our Bonfire Night and Firework display and the Christmas Fayre. All proceeds go towards providing much needed funds for the school.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Cath Rothman, Assistant Headteacher

(See Piddle Valley First School pictures inside front cover)

Friends of Piddle Valley First School would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped and came to our Bonfire Night event !

The evening went very smoothly - the weather was kind to us (much to our relief), the fireworks were superb and the hog roast delicious ! In fact, a wonderful time was had by all and we really couldn’t have done it without all your help and support. We would especially like to say a very big thank you to Verity Bamlett and her company ‘Posh Pigs’, who provided us with a magnificent hog roast and sausages and to all our sponsors whose generosity helped raise as much money as possible for the school. This year we are pleased to say that we raised nearly £2,000 (slightly up on last year’s amount) which is absolutely fantastic !

Our sponsors are hugely important to the success of this event and all their donations are very much appreciated – it is great to know that the school is so well-supported by the local community. Our wonderful 2013 sponsors include: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mitchell, Mrs. Downton, Mr. Peter Old, Abbott’s Taxis, Mrs. Susan Belgrave, Mrs. Emily Walton, Grassby Funeral Services, Lackington Joinery, Allen (Hanford) Ltd., Mrs. Judy Steven, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Tripp, Knighton Country Management, Mr. R. Goddard, Dorset Plasterers, Mr. Jack Osgood, The Watercress Company, Mr. Philip Ralph, Mr. & Mrs. R.J.A. Edwards and NFU Mutual.

The money raised will be used to upgrade and buy new ICT equipment for the children to use in school.

Anne-Louise Bellis

49 50 51 Visit our showroom Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9.30am - 4pm Closed Sunday and Monday

52 53 FOR ALL YOUR TENNIS NEEDS & Solutions Tel/Fax 01300 348277 M 07887 856462 E [email protected] FOR GROUPS, PAIRS or INDIVIDUALS Tennis Lessons (All ages: Beginner to High Performance training) - New Tennis Equipment ( Clothing, shoes, rackets and accessories) - Racket Restringing, Repair and Customisation (24 hr service) - Expert Advice (Training Programs, Nutrition, Weight management, Coach Training) - Psychology (Mental Skills, Motivation training for High Performance) - Physiology (Fitness, Conditioning, Speed training,) Piddle Valley Tennis Club, Private Residential Courts, Public and School Venues Caroline Gossage - Performance Tennis & Sport Psychology Coach - LTA Licensed – CRB Fully Insured NLP Life Coach - Help get your life on track, make personal changes in your family, work, relationships, fitness, and personal growth.

54 Sport ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Piddle Valley Tennis Club Club coaching and social tennis. For details contact Membership Secretary, Caroline Gossage / 01300348277 or 07887856462 Email: [email protected]

Plush Cricket Club Further information on the plans for 2014, please contact Captain/Secretary – Graeme Stephens / 07899-663773

Short Mat Bowling Club The Bowling Club would love a few more members; play on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in Piddlehinton Village Hall. This is non-competitive and

is more about socialising, so if you fancy having a go, please contact

Sheila Hornyak / 01300 348264

SHORT MAT Thursdays Piddlehinton Village Hall 7.30 – 9.30pm BOWLS Contact Sheila Hornyak / 01300 348264

TABLE TENNIS Tuesdays Piddlehinton Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00pm Contact Beryl Ellis / 01305 267394

CRICKET CLUB Contact Graeme Stephens / 07899 663773

BADMINTON Tuesdays Piddlehinton Gym 2 – 4 pm Contact Hilary French / 01305 848501

TENNIS Visit www.piddlevalleytennis.googlepages.com Contact Caroline Gossage / 01300 349277

www.piddlevalley.info ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To contribute, update information or suggestions, please let me know by email Andy Howard / [email protected]

Disclaimer Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of advertisements and copy in this magazine, we cannot accept responsibility for any information given or claims made by our advertisers.

55 CCharminster GGarage THE FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE Servicing ! MOT’s & Preparation ! Repairs _ Diagnostics - Alternators - Radiators - Clutches – Brakes – Batteries – Exhausts Welding - Timing Belts – Tow Bars & Accessories _ All Makes & Models – New & Old Cars, 4x4’s, Imports, Sports & Light Commercial _ Free Courtesy Car & Collection Service Available 01305 268858 Wanchard Lane, Charminster DT2 9RP

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56 News from Puddletown Surgery January issue 2014

Happy New Year! Once again I am writing to keep you up to date with events at Puddletown Surgery and impart important health messages. If there are any other matters you would like us to address, please let us know by ringing to speak to Carol Taylor, Practice Manager, on 01305 848333 or e-mailing [email protected].

Dr Lara Wear In February 2014 we will be welcoming our third GP Trainee to the Practice. Dr Wear will be here on a six-month placement, until August 2014.

Patient Satisfaction Survey Autumn 2013 Our annual patient satisfaction survey was carried out this year by the Practice’s Patient Participation Group. During two weeks in October questionnaires were handed out in the waiting room to patients attending to see the Doctor, Nurse or other Health Professional and to those collecting prescriptions. Some surveys were also completed online on our website. 259 people kindly completed a questionnaire for us. The responses are collated in a report, which we’d very much like you to see. It is published on our website at http://www.puddletownsurgery.co.uk . If you aren’t on the internet and don’t often come in to the surgery and would like to see a copy of the report, please let us know and we will arrange for a copy to be sent out to you. If you have any comments you’d like to make after you’ve seen it, please either email or telephone me. Thank you.

We will use the feedback in the survey to identify areas where we can improve services to our patients and an action plan will be drawn up.

Surgery and Dispensary Opening Times Monday to Friday 8.30 – 6.30 and Saturday 8.30 – 11.00 Carol Taylor, Practice Manager

57 Dr C T Wakeham 51 Long Street Cerne Abbas Dr J F R Dobbs DORCHESTER Dr H M Taylor DT2 7JG Dr J Bubb Tel: 01300 341666 Mrs Lynne Dolder Fax: 01300 341090

WELCOME TO CERNE ABBAS SURGERY We are an established dispensing practice committed to providing patient centred medical care to the rural communities in the area between Dorchester, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. We are based in a purpose built surgery that accommodates our full Primary Health Care Team as well as additional services, which include Physiotherapy, Chiropody & Counselling. There is full access to the surgery for the disabled.

Our Poppy Appeal raised £39.74 (last year £22.91) and our Flu clinic season fund raising for Dorset Air Ambulance raised £302 Thanks to everyone who contributed to support this vital service.

HOW TO CONTACT US Main Reception: 01300 341666 Monday –Friday 8:30am – 1pm & 2pm – 6:30pm

For Test Results 11am-12: 30pm (Results are given only to the patient unless previously arranged) To Speak to a Doctor 11:30 - 12 noon Monday -Friday

DISPENSARY OPENING TIMES For collection of medicine Monday-Friday 11am – 12:45pm & 3:30pm – 6:00pm 9am-11am Saturdays (excluding Bank & Public Holiday weekends)

To speak to a Dispenser Tel: 01300 341163 Monday - Friday 9:00am – 11am & 2pm –3:00pm only

Mrs Lynne Dolder is responsible for the efficient running of the Practice and the development and implementation of new or improved services for Patients. She will be happy to help you with any queries or comments you may have on ‘non-medical’ aspects of your care and is also our designated complaints Officer and Information Governance Lead.

58 PIDDLETRENTHIDEPIDDLETRENTHIDE POSTPOST OFFICEOFFICE ANDAND STORESSTORES

THE POST OFFICE COUNTER Post Office Services - Stamps, Parcels, Postal Orders, Gift Cards, Euros and other Currencies to order, PO Card Account and Pension and Benefits, PO Savings Accounts, ISA’s, Telephone and Broadband, Car, Travel, House, Pet Insurances, Moneygrams, Mortgages, Top Ups, Electric Key, Bill Payments eg electric, telephone, water rates, Council Tax, Income Tax. Post Office Opening Hours - Monday 8.30 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 5.30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8.30 am – 1 pm, Saturday 9 am – 12 noon

THE SHOP OPENING HOURS Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am – 1pm

Telephone no 01300 348330 Caroline and Carol

HOW DO I CONTACT A DOCTOR WHEN MY GP SURGERY IS CLOSED ? If you become unwell and need medical help after your GP surgery has closed an emergency out-of hours medical service is Telephone: 111.

The 111 service is for help and advice if you, or a member of your family, become ill and you have concerns about a medical situation. It is not for routine enquiries, such as booking an appointment with your GP, repeat prescriptions or test results.

IF IT IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY If you believe that you or a member of your family needs emergency medical help immediately, then you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND MORE DETAILS ABOUT CERNE ABBAS SURGERY, OUR MEDIAL TEAM AND THE SERVICES AVAILABLE. WWW.CERNEABBASSURGERY.CO.Uk

59 Philip J. Ralph Agricultural & general contractor, groundworker and excavations Footings and foundations, Drives and concrete. Garden landscaping. Walls and patios. Fencing. Tree work and stump removal. Welding and metal fabrication. Paddock topping. Plant Hire incl : JCB, Mini digger. Tractor & trailer. Mini tractor and rotavator. Hydraulic log splitter. 8” Wood chipper. Ride on Mower. No VAT : Fully insured Plush Dorset 01300 348730 0789 9928461 [email protected]

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60 MARQUEE HIRE AND MANY OTHER ITEMS The Churches have for hire Two marquees (38ft x 28ft) which can be joined together A large tent (30ft x 15ft) A Hog-Roast (with hog if you want !) A Skittle Alley Folding chairs, tables, catering items Discounted rate for events held within the Four Parishes of Cheselbourne, Melcombe Bingham, Hilton & Milton Abbas Contact: Roger & Meg Gray Tel: 01258 837152 email: [email protected]

61 62 A Life Remembered ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jocelyn Edith Katherine Mould-Graham

Jocelyn’s life was centred on Ireland, living with her maternal grandparents to the age of 10; Newcastle, working as conservative agent and in 1937, marrying Colonel Robert Mould-Graham TD, OBE, MC and Dorset when in 1966, she moved to Alton Pancras and the property she inherited in 1955.

Born in Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin on 11th October 1911, her maternal grandfather, Sir John Ross, in 1921 became the last chief justice of a united Ireland. He was a grammar schoolboy from Londonderry who eloped with and married Edith Mann, heiress to 50,000 acres of unproductive bogland in County Tyrone and an enormous, draughty and already crumbling 40 bedroom mansion with the romantic name of Dunmoyle. Both families while long on land, silver, portraits and pedigree were short on cash and it was from these eccentric beginnings that Jocelyn would make her own passage through life which not only witnessed but was influenced by the social turmoil and global conflicts of the 20th century.

Her childhood was impacted by the events of WW1; her father was a naval officer and her mother a Red Cross ambulance driver; her paternal uncle Arthur was shot and killed on his first day on the western front in 1915 and her mother, May, never recovered from her wartime experience, dying crippled by arthritis and alcohol in 1935.

Living with her grandparents in Ireland until 1921, Jocelyn established her primary attachments with “The Judge” (Sir John Ross) and her grandmother “Gaga”, a woman of determination and strong character. Half of this early exposure was to a Dublin torn by social troubles, rebellion and violence but also crammed with literary giants - Yeats, Joyce, Kipling and Graves - all of whom found their way to the refuge of comfort and hospitality in 66 Fitzwilliam Square. The other half was to the soft, damp silence and decay of the great haunted, crumbling mansion Dunmoyle, where the food was always cold after travelling quarter of a mile from kitchen to dining room. Jocelyn recounted impassively her recollection of “The Judge’s” car journey from Dublin to County Tyrone being shot at by the IRA and watching the machine gun squad running across the field of their ambush to “have another go” - they missed !

In 1921, aged 10, she came to Dorset where her father had bought Pitt House in Cerne Abbas. Jocelyn would ride her pony across the unfenced Giant over the hill to the Manor at Alton Pancras and with her Granny Graves (cousin to the writer/poet) would continue in the dog cart on a shopping trip to Dorchester, a journey of one hour each way. In Dorchester she would relate meeting and chatting with an affable Mr Thomas Hardy who told her that the escarpment up through Hill Wood from Alton Common was part of

63 his setting for Tess’s imaginary post rape trek to her doomed relationship with Angel in the dairy country round Tincleton. On the journey home, they once met the steamroller on the hilly bend, above the present site of the pumping station and to Jocelyn’s delight the horse bolted ! At weekends with her father she would race his wooden dinghy in Weymouth Bay until it was cut in half and sunk by a dummy torpedo fired in error from Portland when she said “she got a bit wet”.

Jocelyn went to school in Bournemouth, became a talented fencer and was shortlisted for the British Olympic team in 1928. By 1935, her Irish grandparents and her mother were dead but they and the more emancipated social environment left her with an understanding that a woman could be possessed of her own ideas and make her own way in the world while remaining a more than competent household manager, loving mother, excellent hostess and a formidably capable cook. She trained to become a political agent and was sent to Newcastle where by 1937, after a brief interlude in 1930s Pennsylvania with her Irish emigrant cousins-cum- millionaire coal barons, she met and married Robert Mould-Graham, widower, local politician, accountant, survivor from start to finish of WW1 and Colonel of the 272 Royal Field Artillery (TA). In 1938 their first child, Joanna, was born but in 1939 he left to participate in the BEF, Dunkirk, the North Africa Campaign, the Salerno landings, finally returning in 1946 from the governate of the Amalfi Coast - she would say he was the last man in the regiment to come home ! She endured heavy bombing of the Newcastle shipyards on the Tyne, kept home fires burning, looked after new baby and 13 year old stepdaughter and organised an army of knitters to provide woollen clothing for the forces; for this she received the MBE in 1945.

After the war the couple consolidated their family life: two children were born in 1947 and ’49 respectively, they moved into a large house, Fawdon House and became heavily involved in Newcastle local political life. Jocelyn initiated her next passage as matriarch and hostess: Fawdon for Newcastle mirrored that earlier refuge for warmth of hospitality, political argument, good food and company which had been found in 66 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin. Despite severe heart disease brought on by two world wars and assisted by a smoking habit of up to 80 John Players Richmond cigarettes a day, Robert became Sheriff, then Lord Mayor of Newcastle and Jocelyn Lady Mayoress. In 1955 Jocelyn became owner of the Manor and land at Alton Pancras and in 1958 she inherited Dunmoyle, by then principally a ruin and sold in 1960 first to a local kidnapper, who found and hid his victims in a secret passage, and following his arrest to the army who blew it up as part of a demolitions challenge in 1962. The 50,000 acres of bogland have long since been transferred by Sir John and Lady Ross to the local tenant farmers.

In 1962, tragedy struck when Jocelyn’s first child Joanna died in Newcastle from a form of Leukaemia. Her commemorative window, with that dedicated to Francis Saunders and his parents, are in the church in Alton Pancras, also the brass plaque commemorating her uncle Arthur. In 1966 Robert retired,

64 Fawdon was sold and the family moved to Alton Pancras where the Manor House became Jocelyn’s new centre of hospitality and from where she continued in community works as director of the Victoria League and later as Commandant of the Church Girl’s Brigade. When Robert died in 1979, Jocelyn became the family matriarch; from 1992 onward she suffered osteoporosis fracture injuries which by 2005 had made her bedridden. Moving to care homes in 2012, she became increasingly demented but throughout this period of decline she remained a dedicated and hospitable matriarch. By her death her family had swollen to 31 children, grand children, great grand children and great great grandchildren. They remember, even in her lowest moments, a cheerful smile, a cry of “walk-on- in”, being uniquely cherished and the compulsory drinking of a glass of sherry at any time of the day !

Her funeral at the church at Alton Pancras on what would have been her 102nd birthday on 11th October was the last clan reunion around a strong, independent personality who lived a full and fruitful life. She was buried in a rather Irish wicker coffin laced with roses and she lies now in the south west corner of the church yard which she chose after consultation with her friend Sally Dangerfield, a spot which gets plenty of sunshine and has a good view of her beloved Manor and the downland around the church. It was a day of celebration but with a tinge of sadness for the passing of someone who to her friends and family had for many a long year been both uniting and iconic.

Andrew Graham

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reproduced from ‘The Piddle Valley Cookbook’

Dorset Cider Cake 8 oz (225g) butter 1 tsp (4 ml) bicarbonate of soda 12 oz (340 g) flour Grated rind of one orange 1 tsp (4 ml) ground cinnamon 3 eggs 1 tsp (4 ml) baking powder 6 fluid oz (160 ml) cider 4 oz (115 g) sugar 2” (5 cm) piece candied orange peel

Lightly grease an 8“ (18 cm) cake tin. Sift together flour, cinnamon baking powder and soda. Cream butter until soft. Add sugar and orange rind cut into strips. Beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, adding a tablespoon (20 ml) of flour mixture with each egg. Beat in remaining flour mixture. Pour in cider slowly, beating constantly with a spoon. When batter is smooth and thoroughly combined, spoon into prepared tin. Arrange strips of peel over the batter. Bake for 1¼ to 1½ hours; oven temperature 325 F, Gas Mark 3 or 170 C.

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67 We have had an excellent 2013 season with a lot of fun and some great cricket and aim to build on this success next season. With a new cricket net and our under 11 youth teams to build on, we are always looking for new players to come and join our successful and family friendly club. If you and your friends would like to join, please ring either Graeme Stephens 07899 663773 Tim Mitchell 07796 857744 or Tim Gillitt 01300-345724

Piddle Valley News & Views Advertising rates, deadline + contact

Dimensions (mms w x h) page proportion annual (6 issues) single issue 128 x 180 Full page (b/w) £95 £25 inside front + back (colour) ------£35 back cover (colour) ------£50 128 x 88Half page£80£20 128 x 58 1/3 page landscape £60 £15 62 x 120 1/3 page portrait £60 £15 62 x 881/4 page£50£12 62 x 561/6 page£40 £10 62 x 421/8 page£38£10 Small ads per line £4

Advertising deadline – 10th February, April, June, August, October, December. Editorial deadline - 15th February, April, June, August, October, 10th December Advertising + Editorial contacts Editor | [email protected] | Dot Browning on 01300 348 280 Deputy Editor | Ros Charlton on 01300 348063

68 Above Daily traffic negotiating safe passage in Piddletrenthide © Colin Dean Below left Clean up in Holcombe Mead, Alton Pancras © Colin Dean Below right Nimera and Chickens Strong local roots

For a conﬁdential market appraisal of your property, please contact your local ofﬁce. People Property

Please call Julian Bunkall FRICS Ashley Rawlings MRICS Dorchester 01305 262 123

Philip German-Ribon BSc (Hons) Sherborne jackson-stops.co.uk 01935 810 141