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Sunday Services

St George, Fordington, Dorchester, DT1 1LB St Simon & St Jude, Winterborne Monkton, DT2 9PT Every Sun 8am Holy Communion (said) 1st Sun 11.15am Holy Communion 1st, 3rd, 4th, St Martin, Winterborne St Martin, DT2 9JR and 5th Sun 9.45am Holy Communion (sung) 2nd Sun 9.45am All Age Communion (sung) 2nd Sun 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sun 11am Holy Communion St Mary the Virgin, Dorchester, DT1 2HL Every Sun 8am Holy Eucharist (said) St Mary, Winterbourne Abbas, DT2 9LP Every Sun 9.45am Holy Eucharist (sung) 1st, 3rd Sun 10am Holy Communion 5th Sun 9.45am Eucharist for Healing 1st Sun 6pm Taize Service St Michael, Winterbourne Steepleton, DT2 9LG 2nd Sun 11am Holy Communion St Peter, Dorchester, DT1 1XA Every Sun 9am Holy Communion (BCP) St Thomas a Beckett, Compton Valence, DT2 9ER Every Sun 10.30am Sung Eucharist 2nd Sun 9.30am Holy Communion

St Andrew, West Stafford, DT2 8AB 1st Sun 11.15am Said Holy Communion 2nd and 4th Sun 11.15am Sung Holy Communion For mid-week services and more information 3rd Sun As we 11.15amgoplaced to press Said on Mattins various– Services activities have been most cancelled of which andabouthave restrictions worshipbeen cancelledsee church have pages. been 5th Sun No Service

The Benefice Network

Office Secretary St Andrew June Jenkins 250719 St Mary [email protected] Verger Cynthia Fry 573076 Organist Benefice Website Organist Geoff Greenhough 267723 Flowers Jill Shepherd 264222 www.dorchesteranglican.info - Flowers Margaret Morrissey 250366 Church Committee Secretary [email protected] Church Committee Secretary Felicity Murray Dorchester PCC Secretary Janet Cooper Robert Potter 262041 Treasurer Kaye Kerridge 268641 260259 [email protected] Treasurer John Heath 07802 527757 Envelopes Kaye Kerridge 268641 Dorchester PCC Treasurer Envelopes Electoral Roll Jill Shepherd 264222 Beryl Shuttleworth 266616 Electoral Roll Trudy Tabone 246126 Magazine Editor Servers Peter Vojak 265994 St Simon & St Jude Margaret Morrissey 250366 Safeguarding Peter Vojak 265994 Organist Duncan Honeybourne 761881 [email protected] Social Groups Flowers Rota of PCC members Magazine Advertising Olive Branch Joyce Potter 262041 Church Committee Secretary c/o Margaret Morrissey 250366 Monday Club Rosemary Bassett 262615 Wendy Grassby 263762 [email protected] Hall Bookings Treasurer Hilary Hoskin 251085 Email [email protected] and John Williams [email protected] your message will be sent to someone from Electoral Roll Wendy Frost 889510 Magazine Circulation Cynthia Fry the Magazine, Pews News, the Parish Safeguarding Peter Vojak 265994 office or the Team Website. St Peter St George Verger Val Potter 264416 Benefice House/Prayer Groups Verger Tony Archer 07484 257612 Organist David Fawcett 07740818107 Friday Prayer Group Meets at St Peter’s Organist Evelyn Kingman 265741 Bellringers Will Haydock 07976 276066 Friday 10.30am Penny Blaby 753556 Sunday School Maggie Carter 266072 Flowers Kate Chapman 756069 and Dorcas MU Bible Study Group Meets on Bellringers Tony Spiller 262442 Rosalind Thorpe 259659 Weds 10am Janet Cooper 260259 Flowers Helen Pickard Church Committee Secretary St Peter’s MU Penny Blaby 753556 Church Committee Secretary Tony Palmer 268486 Emmaus House Group Meets on 3rd Cheryl Taylor 269564 Treasurer David Elliott 259236 Monday of the month. Treasurer Michael Neely 262869 Envelopes David Elliott 259236 Christian Meditation Group Wednesdays, Electoral Roll Dorothy Maggs 262436 Electoral Roll Jim Mclean 260126 5pm at St. Mary’s. Rosemary Bassett Social Events Maggie Carter 266072 Social Events Rosalind Thorpe 259659 262615 Servers Safeguarding Jane Pryce 269937 Home Bible Study Group Monday 7.30pm Safeguarding Hall Bookings Pat Davies 267745 30 Grosvenor Rd Celia Robertson 257621 Hall Bookings Meriel Dunham 268551 [email protected] Brownies Becki Munro 457181 Magazine Circulation Val Scriven Magazine Circulation Mark Dyer Rangers Lisa Upward 265574

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Revd Canon Alan Woods

The Team

Team Rector Easter Hopes and Fears Vacant – contact church wardens I often wonder how Jesus felt as he entered Jerusalem at the with responsibility for St Mary the Virgin beginning of what we call Holy Week. and St Simon & St Jude He was met by triumphant crowds who saw him as the Team Vicars person who was to save his nation from domination by the Vacant – contact church wardens Romans. Yet as the week went on we saw a man who shrugged with responsibilty for St George off the adulation of the crowds, spent time with his friends, and St Andrew sought refuge outside the city for peace and respite and then Vacant – contact church wardens gave the Passover meal with his closest a new and everlasting with responsibility for St Peter’s meaning. It did not end there as he was tried and in some Revd Jean Saddington people’s eyes found guilty and cruelly executed. These are all with responsibility for things we know and in some ways take for granted. Yet surely The Winterbournes & Compton Valence 01305 889992 it begs the question – How did Jesus the man feel inside himself? I guess he must have been fearful about what he was Associate Clergy about to face. As Jesus, the Son of God, he knew how it was Revd Joanna Lacy-Smith all to end as he made that utterly self-giving act on Calvary’s 01305 889476 tree. Licensed Lay Ministers How do we feel as we approach Holy Week and Easter in David Bowen 01305 263584 2020? With hopes and fears like him? Fears, for ourselves and Allen Knott 01305 267217 others, as we see the likelihood of the Coronavirus continuing Robert Potter 01305 262041 to spread throughout the world and in our own country. Fears Churchwardens that we and those we love may be affected. Fears that our lives St George may be disrupted or even worse! Yet we surely must have hope Paul Briggs 01285 480410 – hope as Our Lord himself had that his death and resurrection Yvonne Lee 01305 268179 would lead to a better world. St Mary the Virgin Our hope must be that we will Trudy Tabone 01305 246126 Ellie Stephens 01305 263391 get through this situation and St Peter come closer together as a caring Val Potter 01305 264416 nation – one where we may not St Andrew put our own desires to the fore vacant but may try to ensure others are St Simon & St Jude cared for in every way and allow Charles Norman 01305 262719 the love of Our Lord to Judy Norman 01305 262719 surround us day by day. St Martin May we all be able to be Dick Corbett-Winder 01305 889410 together in prayer and celebrate St Mary Joy Parsons 01305 889611 the joy of Easter in our hearts St Michael and in our homes as we go Ellie Sturrock 07980 089470 forward in faith and hope Roddy Kilpatrick 01305 889238 having cast aside our fears. St Thomas Peter Steel 01308 482782 Jeremy Russell 01308 482227 Chaplaincy at Dorset County Hospital. Please submit copy Reverend Ron Martin (CofE) Dorchester Benefice Magazine for the May issue by Lead Hospital Chaplain Editor: Margaret Morrissey OBE 14th April at the latest. email [email protected] 9 Hessary St., Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3SF All new articles please submit by Reverend Richard Betts (CofE) Chaplain [email protected] 01305 250366 9th April or give notice of intention to email [email protected]. Advertising Manager: the Editor at Father Barry Hallett (RC) Chaplain [email protected] [email protected]

Contactable via Ron or Richard Printed by Sherrens of Weymouth

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The Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey

Perhaps it was growing up in the power cuts of the early beam of the dynamo. seventies, but I tend to collect lamps and torches of all John’s Gospel reassures us that the light of life is kinds – and am always ready to be persuaded of the generated by God’s work, not ours – and powered by need to buy another. The least satisfactory I’ve ever his glory. Glory is our one inexhaustible energy owned, however, was the dynamo light fitted to my supply: an eternal current that anyone must connect bicycle as a boy. The basic problem was that this to if they really want to live. It shines from the depended on you to keep pedalling – so along a flat relationship between Jesus and his heavenly father, road, the light would shine nicely, but grew dimmer empowered by the Holy Spirit. This divine dynamo, climbing a hill and became a sad glow by the time you we learn, charges most powerfully at the points where reached the top. Its crucial flaw, however, became human resources give out – when the wine runs dry evident as soon as you had to stop at a junction. Then, at the wedding, or the well is deep and you don’t at the very point when you most needed to be seen by have a bucket. Where this glory shines most brightly, other road users, the light would desert you. we find, is the cross of Christ, that fatal junction For those serving the local church, it can be all too where all else turns to darkness. easy to think that, if we just pedal a bit harder, the None of us is especially luminous on our own: we light will shine a bit brighter. The trouble is that, are the light of the world only with Christ shining when the road gets rough and steep, or a crossroads is through us. May he renew our strength and our hope reached, our energies and hope can fade, like the as we turn to him. +Andrew Ramsbury

About Bishop Andrew Bishop Andrew looks after part of the Diocese of Salisbury in the north and east of Wiltshire. The title dates to the 10th century and relates to the village east of Marlborough; the Bishop of Ramsbury, Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, lives in Marlborough and travels across the diocese. “The Church of England is still responsible for the spiritual welfare of everybody in the country whether they go to church or not.” His work includes managing 180 clergy and 260 churches with some congregations in decline and others resurgent. He meets the clergy to support their work and also seeks to recruit new members as well as overseeing the Church of England’s work. Then there are the various services he attends, C of E schools to visit, civic meetings and ceremonies and assists the Bishops of Salisbury and Sherborne as a spokesman for the church on political and civic matters. Married to moonraker (the colloquial name for a person from Wiltshire) and professional trainer Rebecca who was born in Marlborough the couple have moved to the town from Oxted with their three children who now attend St John’s. “We do have some connections to the county,” he said, “I had an aunt who lived here but by and large I’m new to the area and keen to learn about the landscape and its people.” The main issues he said included sustainability for communities, welcoming outsiders, helping young people and the social position of the military with the arrival of troops to the new super barracks at Tidworth. The bishop is also a musician and songwriter, playing guitar in the rock band Effras, and an author.

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Not official advice but things we can do for our neighbours and friends Each one of us can think about how we can protect and support our neighbours. So much of the public rhetoric is sowing fear about the danger of other people. So, taking all the official precautions, offer help and reassurance to others – and don’t demonise anyone or any group. Think about who may be suffering more than me. For those of us who are healthy there is much less to worry about but the elderly, the housebound and those with chronic health conditions may be very anxious. How about each church undertaking an audit of all the vulnerable people they know and sharing out the responsibility to phone them each day. There’s nothing like a friendly voice to offer solace when someone is worried. A smile can bring cheer, even on the phone; if you visit, follow all the official precautions or don’t go. Don’t give into panic and start hoarding food. There is plenty to go around, so practise the Christian discipline of sharing. Ask your neighbours what they need and do you best to help them get it. You will of course need some supplies if you are self-isolating.

A special prayer to help us through

Give to us your heart of love to do a favour, speak a more. Thy will be done of earth as it is in heaven. We kindness, offer a hand to help, soothe a hurt, know at the hardest times of all Lord you will carry us celebrate a joy, share a sorrow, or in some small way and with you we will rise again. give ourselves in love to one another in your name. Bless Elizabeth our Queen and all the Royal family, Teach us to live a life without envy or hate, fill us we thank you for the stability they give our country. full of love and kindness. We pray for the Government and all politicians as In this time of Lent may we remember: they work to keep the services running to feed and protect us. Dust we are, and to dust we shall return; and truly yours we are, and to you we shall return. May this to We pray for the sick, for doctors and nurses who be a time of turning round and of new beginnings. are risking their safety to care for others especially in times of such danger, strengthen them with your life- Through the forty days of Lent, help us to follow giving Spirit, O God, the strength of the weak and you more closely and to find you: you in the comfort of the suffering. discipline of prayer. To find you in our fear and in our sadness. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. You turn our darkness into Let us pray for all people everywhere according to light: and in your light shall we see light. their needs. We pray especially for whose lives are affected by the new virus. Every death touches many Give us, O God, the vision which can see thy love people with grief and sorrow. in the world in spite of human failure. Strengthen your church, Lord, to be united in love, Support us and all Nations in this time of in understanding and in forgiveness. We pray for our worldwide fear. Help us to trust in you and your church leaders as they support us through this time of healing powers. anxiety. We pray for all Churches throughout the world. Give us the faith to believe in your goodness in Help us to understand that to suffer is part of the spite of our ignorance and weakness. path we tread on our journey to your eternal kingdom Give us the knowledge that we may continue to to do your will our faith tells us not to question why, pray with understanding hearts, and show us what but to trust and love you and as we share the pain of each of us can do to bring forward the coming of the the journey to the cross we learn to love more and day of universal peace and health. Amen

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St George’s Church Church Correspondent Nicky Brennan

As we go to press – Services have been cancelled and restrictions have been placed on various activities most of which have been cancelled

Information from the (second to Saint Mark). He’s also patron saint of Church of England and St Georges. soldiers, archers, cavalry and chivalry, farmers and field workers, riders and saddlers, and he helps those St Georges Day Fair has been cancelled this year due suffering from leprosy, plague and syphilis. In recent to the Corona Virus outbreak. years he has been adopted as patron saint of Scouts. The church wardens are working with the wider BBC, Religion St Georges Team to come up with ideas to offer support and alternative worship options. Anyone who feels able to be part of a phone buddy Pancake Party support system or any other ideas at this difficult time St Georges events committee held its Pancake party on please email the church wardens. Shrove Tuesday 25th February in the church hall. They We are very keen to keep the family that is had the best turnout ever, over 50 people attended. St Georges in contact during this unprecedented Val Scrivens and her helper Frank tossed well over period. 100 pancakes. Delicious. (All ended up on plates, no The Church of England have released a statement mishaps!!!!) stating regular services are cancelled until further It was a wonderful afternoon, thanks to all who notice, however St Georges Church will be physically helped to make it such a success. Monies raised will be open. donated to a charity of our choice. St George St George is the patron saint Prayer For Serenity not only of England but also God grant me the serenity of Aragon, Catalonia, to accept the things I cannot change, Georgia, Lithuania, The courage to change the things I can, Palestine, Portugal, Germany And the wisdom to know the difference. and Greece; and of Moscow, Istanbul, Genoa and Venice

The big surprise lurking in your Granny’s chicken soup

Granny always knew her chicken soup was good for you No one particular ingredient was found to be when you were poorly, but she did not realise quite how common to the broths, but there certainly seems to be good. “evidence that they contain antibiotic properties”, Now research has found that the traditional hot according to one doctor. The study was carried out at broths used in many cultures to battle flu and fevers the Imperial College London and Great Ormond pack a bigger punch than even the cooks realised. Street Hospital. A range of soups, ranging from vegetable to beef and chicken, were discovered to have the power to interrupt the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum, which causes Definition of Grandparents 99 per cent of deaths from malaria. Some of them were “The sort of people who are absolutely full up actually as effective as a leading antimalarial drug, when there is one cream cake left on the plate” dihydroartemisinin, in fighting malaria.

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The spread of Coronavirus by the Ven John Barton, commenting on coronavirus. We are well aware that things are changing rapidly….

Thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and water is recommended by the World Health Organisation as the first step to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. I don’t know who first said, “Cleanliness is next to have been nowhere near as severe. ‘Asian Flu’ in 1957, Godliness”, but you won’t find that phrase in the led to 3,550 deaths in England and Wales, or Bible. Ritual washings are practised by many religions, something like 2.4% of actual cases. In 2009, the but they usually signify spiritual cleansing, not physical fatality figure for the swine flu epidemic was about sanitisation. Piety isn’t a substitute for hygiene, nor 0.026%. The figures for today’s Covid-19 virus suggest vice versa. that around 80% of cases are mild, 14% develop The Coronavirus, now called Covid-19, has been a severe symptoms, 4% become critically ill and the daily news item for months, with the result that fear is death rate is 2%. spreading more rapidly than the disease itself. Stock This virus was first publicised by Doctor Li Wenliang, markets throughout the world have plummeted; sales of who was detained and censured by the Chinese police disinfectant have soared; sports fixtures have been for “spreading false rumours”. Although he himself cancelled, whole towns have been quarantined and subsequently died of the disease, there can be no doubt worldwide trade is threatened. that his courage saved many lives. There are echoes here Statistics change hourly, so anything quoted here of words from St John’s Gospel: “Greater love has no will be out of date by the time you read it, but we one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. As need to put this plague (if that is what it is) into for the people of China where the virus originated, the perspective. Do you remember the Ebola epidemic Bishop of Newcastle, Christine Hardman, tweeted a which swept through regions of Africa from 2014 Sri Lankan poster, which shows the right Christian onwards? More than one in three sufferers died from attitude. It says, “HATE THE VIRUS, NOT THE CHINESE. that virus, but there’s now a vaccine which can be Let’s pray for them instead”. used when Ebola threatens. Past influenza pandemics Amen and do wash your hands.

Across 1 Relating to the whole universe (6) 4 The disciple who made the remark in 8 Across (John 20:24) (6) April Crossword 8 ‘Unless I see the nail marks – – hands, I will not believe it’ (John 20:25) (2,3) 9 He urged King Jehoiakim not to burn the scroll containing Jeremiah’s message (Jeremiah 36:25) (7) 10 Baptist minister and controversial founder of America’s Moral Majority, Jerry – (7) 11 ‘Look, here is – . Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’ (Acts 8:36) (5) 12 Repossessed (Genesis 14:16) (9) 17 Port from which Paul sailed on his last journey to Rome (Acts 27:3–4) (5) 19 ‘Moses was not aware that his face was – because he had spoken with the Lord’ (Exodus 34:29) (7) 21 Roonwit, C.S. Lewis’s half-man, half-horse (7) 22 Grill (Luke 24:42) (5) 23 ‘The lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the – apostles’ (Acts 1:26) (6) 24 ‘I was sick and you looked after me, I was in – and you came to visit me’ (Matthew 25:36) (6) Down 1 Coastal rockfaces (Psalm 141:6) (6) 2 Academic (1 Corinthians 1:20) (7) 3 Publish (Daniel 6:26) (5) 5 For example, the Crusades (4,3) 6 11 Across is certainly this (5) 7 He reps (anag.) (6) 9 Liberator (Psalm 18:2) (9) 13 Man who asked the question in 11 Across was in charge of all her treasury (Acts 8:27) (7) 14 They must be ‘worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine’ (1 Timothy 3:8) (7) 15 The human mind or soul (6) 16 ‘O Lord, while precious children starve, the tools of war increase; their bread is – (Graham Kendrick) (6) 18 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not – ’ (Matthew 11:17) (5) 20 Bared (anag.) (5)

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Maundy Thursday – time to wash feet

Maundy Thursday is famous for two things. The first medieval church, symbolising the humility of the is one of the final acts that Jesus did before his death: clergy, in obedience to the example of Christ. the washing of his own disciples’ feet. (see John 13). Thursday was also important because it was on that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet for a purpose: “A new night that Jesus first introduced the Lord’s Supper, or command I give you: Love one another. As I have what we nowadays call Holy Communion. loved you, so you must love one another”. His Jesus and his close friends had met in a secret upper disciples were to love through service, not domination, room to share the Passover meal together – for the last of one another. time. There Jesus transformed the Passover into the In Latin, the opening phrase of this sentence is Lord’s Supper, saying, ‘this is my body’ and ‘this is my ‘mandatum novum do vobis’. The word ‘mundy’ is blood’ as he, the Lamb of God, prepared to die for the thus a corruption of the Latin ‘mandatum’ (or sins of the whole world. John’s gospel makes it clear that command). The ceremony of the ‘washing of the feet’ the Last Supper took place the evening BEFORE the of members of the congregation came to be an regular Passover meal, and that later Jesus died at the important part of the liturgy (regular worship) of the same time that the Passover lambs were killed.

Evolution: A More Wonderful Creation? Brian Knowles

Creationists do not accept the Evolution of our planet’s situation all its temperatures would be identical so there Flora and Fauna which they contend has remained the couldn’t be any exchanges of heat energy. The only way same since its Godly Creation. Following a discussion to re-establish an initial state after an increase in during a swimming rest at the Dorchester Sports Entropy is by the injection of a suitable form of energy. Centre, my principle achievement in 2019 has been to Patently the convivial warmth of our Sun is unsuitable, convert a Creationist friend into believing that an so our planet’s Entropy is argued by Creationists to be Evolutionary Creation is more wonderful than a “One- increasing and Earth is turning into a state of deathly off job”. His initial belief was founded on an ingenious, uniformity. Accordingly, Creationists argue that a but flawed, argument based on The Second Law of progressive earthly Evolution is impossible. Thermodynamics. Herewith is a précis of my However, Darwin found variants to exist naturally contradiction. among the same Genus, and long before that such In the science of Heat Engines the Frenchman animal and plant variants had been selectively bred to Carnot contemplated the accessibilities of energy achieve humanly preferred characteristics. Prior to contained in substances. Considering now coal and its human interference Malthus conjectured that these burnt ash, experience tells us the latter’s energy is far variants flourished or perished depending on their less easily accessible. To quantify such accessibility ability to compete better for available food. Where does Carnot formulated the mathematical function Entropy the necessary suitable energy to create variants with from the idealised concept of a lossless state-transition decreased Entropy come from? My answer is from the and a substance’s state equation (eg: density depends radioactive decay of residual earthly isotopes and the specifically on temperature and pressure). Later the Solar Wind (evidenced by the Auroa Borealis). physicist Boltzmann showed that Entropy could be Radiological intensity must clearly be bounded as too formulated in terms of the probability distribution for a little won’t change the DNA and too much would cause substance’s variety of molecular energy states. Later still its destruction. Though God’s gift of human freewill Shannon used Entropy to quantify the information can pose real challenges to adaptation, earth’s content (variety) in a message. Necessary and sufficient wonderful Creation does posses an “engineered” conditions to maximise the Entropy of a system is that process to compensate within limits for changes in our all probable states are one and the same. In this earthly environment.

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to reach many millions of people who 03454 04 05 06 number, which will would not otherwise be in church on still work and carry an introductory DID YOU a Sunday”. message to invite callers to make use Our Diocese is not on the pilot list of the freephone number. but who knows we may soon be. An adviser will answer your call as KNOW? Should we be thinking of a sports soon as possible, usually within a few quiz night? minutes. Once you are speaking to an adviser your call should take an Church of England backs average of 8 to 10 minutes. Good Friday: the day the Calls are free from mobiles and sports ministry Son of God died for you landlines using the new number: 0808 223 1133. Sports and fitness activities are to be Good Friday is the day on which championed as part of plans by the More details on the Dorset Jesus died on the cross. He was Council website, Trading Standards Church of England to reach more crucified at 9am in the morning, people with the message of the pages: and died six hours later, at 3pm. It is https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bu Christian faith and promote the the most solemn day in the wellbeing of communities. siness-consumers-licences/trading- Christian year and is widely marked standards/trading-standards- Seven dioceses across the country by the removal of all decorations in areas such as Birmingham, consumer-advice/trading-standards- from churches. consumer-advice.aspx . Gloucestershire, Kent, Lancashire, In Lutheran churches, the day was Norfolk and Surrey, are to take part To enable Trading Standards to marked by the reading of the passion investigate offences and intervene in in pilot projects to include sport and narrative in a gospel, a practice wellbeing into their mission. appropriate cases, referrals from which lies behind the ‘passions’ Citizens Advice are made The dioceses hope to help provide composed by Johann Sebastian Bach activities ranging from personal electronically overnight or by instant (1685 – 1750). Both the St Matthew call contact where required. fitness classes to holiday football Passion and the St John Passion clubs, outdoor pursuits and even have their origins in this observance sports quizzes. In the Diocese of of Good Friday. Gloucester the Church of England is The custom of observing a period All in the month planning to develop a network of of three hours’ devotion from sport and wellbeing centres, with 12 midday to 3pm on Good Friday of April participants invited to explore and goes back to the 18th century. The respond to the Christian faith. 250 years ago, on 7th April 1770 William ‘Three Hours of the Cross’ often Wordsworth, British Romantic poet, was In Lancashire, in the Diocese of take the form of an extended born. He was Poet Laureatte 1843-50. Blackburn, sports quizzes are already meditation on the ‘Seven Last 200 years ago, on 8th April 1820 the arranged for churches by the group Words from the Cross’, with periods famous Ancient Greek statue of the Venus de Milo was discovered on the Christians in Sport and churches of silence, prayer, or hymn-singing. have been active in setting up holiday island of Milos in the Aegean. sports schemes and personal fitness 75 years ago, the following concentration camps and prisons were liberated: classes. New freephone number Buchenwald (11th April); Bergen-Belsen Training for lay and ordained (15th April); Colditz Castle (16th April); leaders in sports and wellbeing for the Citizens Advice Dachau (29th April). They were liberated ministry is being provided as part of Consumer Service: by either US, British or Canadian forces. the programme by Ridley Hall, the 65 years ago, on 15th April 1955 American 0808 223 1133 fast-food pioneer Ray Kroc opened his Anglican theological college in first McDonald’s franchise in Des Plaines, Cambridge. This is who to contact with consumer Illinois. The Bishop of Derby, Libby Lane, problems, where consumer advice is 50 years ago, on 28th April 1970 US newly designated lead Bishop for needed or if you want to report President Richard Nixon announced that Sport, welcomed the pilot projects. something to Trading Standards. the USA was sending troops into Cambodia to hunt Viet Cong, sparking She said: “Sports ministry has the There is a new freephone number widespread protests. potential to transform lives and for residents to use to call the 40 years ago, on 29th April 1980 Alfred communities for good through national Citizens Advice Consumer Hitchcock, British-born American film improved health and wellbeing, Service – this service is funded by director and producer (Rear Window, personal mentoring, leadership central Government and is the first Vertigo, Psycho, and many more) died. development and community point of contact for any consumers 30 years ago, on 24th April 1990 the cohesion”. needing advice on unfair trading, or Hubble Space Telescope was launched. unsatisfactory goods and services 15 years ago, on 2nd April 2005 Pope The Church of England’s Director John Paul II died. of Evangelism and Discipleship, Dave they have bought, or to report a Also 15 years ago, on 9th April 2005 Male, said: "We believe that this work matter to local Trading Standards, at Charles, Prince of Wales married Camilla presents the Church of England with Dorset Council. Parker Bowles, who gained the title the an opportunity through its dioceses This replaces the normal rate Duchess of Cornwall.

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All Rather Strange Rev Richard Betts

London to Dorchester A letter to the vicar of the future. A mum from London asked if her baby could be Richard Bartelot left St. George’s in 1936 after 30 years baptised at St. George’s. The family had close as vicar. Just before he did so he left a letter underneath associations with Fordington, she said, and having the floorboards of the vicarage, the building which is cleared it with her own parish priest, a date was fixed. I now Rectory Court, next to the present vicarage. That awaited parents and baby, wider family, godparents and old vicarage was being re-wired so Bartelot seized the others, travelling from London and elsewhere. No one chance to leave his message in a bottle. The letter was turned up. I had the number of one of the godparents addressed to “the vicar of the future”. That same letter and called her on her mobile. “We’re nearly there”, she was given to me by Jack Bradshaw in around the year said. Well they were nearly somewhere but it was not 2006. It had come into Jack’s possession in the mid- Fordington. Where were they near to? In a word, 1980s when he was churchwarden, when the old Shaftesbury. To this day I have no idea how a convoy of vicarage was being converted into flats. Particularly cars seemingly making for Fordington ended up in synchronistic is that I always had a keen fascination Shaftesbury. I waited 45 minutes and then went back to with Richard Bartelot. Reading his letter 70 years after the vicarage, leaving a note on the south door of the he left if under the floorboards felt extraordinarily church personal. The story had a happy ending. The baptism party walked to the door of a (presumably random) church in Distressed in Norwich not the football club Shaftesbury, by chance meeting the vicar who was just about to lock up. He conducted the baptism there and A clearly distressed woman in Norwich (this was during then, though he told me when we spoke sometime later my curacy), whose cause of distress, odd to say, was not that he had been as confused as I was. He had not had Norwich City Football Club, asked if I would visit her any previous contact with the family. and her partner at their flat to discuss something which was troubling them. They reported a sense of chilling cold in parts of the flat at certain times, and that their A Psychic Phenomena Funeral dog would go frantic when he passed a particular spot. Though St. George’s missed out on that one, it wasn’t As it happened, I’d heard from somebody else that denied the funeral of a man who, people said, had been there had quite recently been a great sadness in that very interested in psychic phenomena. This was not long flat, for the previous occupants. For reasons which after Easter Sunday when, despite the wise caution urged would take too long to explain, it was almost by one churchwarden, I had been only too blithely inconceivable that the couple I met had any knowledge delighted to let the children release several helium of this; in other words, they weren’t trying it on. I balloons in church. During the funeral service for the would never intervene in something of this nature man with the psychic interest, one of the balloons began without calling in someone with the necessary a slow descent from the nave ceiling nearly to the floor. experience. Another diocesan priest went with me the It then rose again up to the ceiling. Someone from the second time, and after we had said prayers, there were congregation told me afterwards that she had felt a no further reports of any unhappy phenomena. I was shiver all the way down her back when it happened. I unscathed apart from the extreme tiredness I felt for don’t suppose she was alone in that. several days immediately after.

Soccer fans will know that Richard is a supporter of A Thought Norwich City FC and at the If you were on trial moment they need all the for being a Christian, support he can give them. I would there be enough evidence thought this might bring a to convict you? smile to his face. The Editor

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St Mary the Virgin Church Correspondent Robert Potter

All Church services in St Mary’s are suspended for the foreseeable future due to the Coronavirus. However, the Church will be open daily for prayer from 10am – 4pm. range of activities and the election of wardens, synod Do come and pray and light a candle for those in need. and council members. Rosemary Bassett reported on Prayer material will be available in the church soon for the progress so far with the appointment of a rector and you to take away and use at home. Any further team vicars and on the latest diocesan rules concerning announcements will be put on the noticeboard and in the spread of the coronavirus. Several items for the Pews News. discussion at future church committee meetings were Do contact the clergy if you have any special needs, raised including welcoming young families and our and take care of yourselves. Rev’d Rosemary Bassett future progress towards being an eco-friendly church. tel no 01305 262615 or [email protected] Robert Potter A Prayer Sanctuary Lamp candles have been given this month by Cynthia Fry in thanksgiving for her granddaughter God of compassion, Eilonwy and in memory of her mother, Iris, whose be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. year’s mind is on 20th April, by Kath Joslin in memory In their loneliness, be their consolation; of her mother, Bettina Cashman, whose year’s mind in their anxiety, be their hope; falls on 10th, by Janet Comley to mark family birthdays in their darkness, be their light; and her wedding anniversary on 14th and by Rosemary through him who suffered alone on the cross, and Trevor Bassett in memory of their granddaughter, but reigns with you in glory, Joanna Bolton, whose year’s mind is on 29th. Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prioritise Wisely Summer Holiday Club We are pleased to say that we I have borrowed this from somewhere but it might be of have been chosen by Tesco to be one of the charities interest. eligible for a cash donation during the months April – Imagine that you had a bank account into which June. Anyone who shops at Tesco please consider using £86,400 is deposited for you each morning. You can your blue token to support the Summer Holiday Club only withdraw funds and any unused balance is where we provide food to families entitled to free school cancelled each night. What would you do? No doubt meals. We are already anticipating another increase in draw out each penny every day. numbers this August so this money would be very Time is such a bank account. Every morning the useful. More news about the plans for this year’s account starts afresh, crediting you with 86,400 seconds. Summer Holiday Club in next month’s magazine. Every night it writes off as lost what ever time you have Kath Joslin failed to use wisely and you can’t get it back. It carries The Contemplative prayer group meets each over no balance from day to day and it allows no Wednesday at 5pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. overdraft. Another group meets at the Quiet Space every Thursday The time you have is the time you have and that’s at 6.30pm. All are welcome. that. Time management is yours. It’s up to you to St Mary’s Annual Meeting was held on 12th March, decide how you spend it, just as with money. It’s never attended by 32 members of the congregation. It was the case of not having enough time to do things but preceded this year by half an hour of ‘Wine and the case of whether we want to do them and where they Nibbles’ to encourage people to come and to give an fall in our priorities. opportunity to chat. The business was, of course, fairly Just a thought at a time when we may have fewer routine with the consideration of the reports on a wide pressing things to do. Robert Potter

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Batty about Bells. Jane Pridmore

Were you aware that Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (CCCBR) mentioned in the November issue is an organisation founded in 1891 and represents ringers of church bells in the English style? It acts as a co-ordinating body for education, publicity and codifying change ringing rules, as well as for advice on maintaining and restoring full-circle bells. Today the council’s object is “to advance the practice, heritage and appreciation of bell ringing as an enjoyable mental and physical exercise and unique performing art for the public benefit of both church and community”. It strives to encourage Back in 1956 the Llewellen Edwards Bell Restoration and celebrate excellence in ringing by, amongst several Fund was started by Rev Frank Llewellyn Edwards things, recruiting and developing new learners and (Salisbury Guild Secretary 1913 – 1950). He died and leaders whilst engaging maturely with the Church and left £150 in his will. Since that time donations have other relevant stakeholders. The council today represents continued and whilst guidelines from the Charity 65 affiliated societies which cover all parts of the British Commissioners have changed, in 2010 the original gift Isles as well as centres of ringing in Australian New from Llewellen Edwards came full circle when LEBRF Zealand Canada, the USA, South Africa and Italy. These gave his old parish of Kinston Marshall £10,000 societies in turn comprise the members of the local towards restoration of the 5 bells ‘of particular interest companies of ringers in their locality. and quality’. Within our locality there are The Dorset County Association of Church Bell two societies supporting ringers ringers (https://dorsetcountybellringers.webs.com/ ) is and represented at Central non territorial although it operates mainly within the Council Meetings which are the county of Dorset and adjoining areas. Members live and Salisbury Diocesan Guild and ring where there are bells to be rung and hold monthly the Dorset County Association. practices, peals and quarter peals on a regular basis. Many Dorset ringers belong to Look at the You Tube Video both. The Salisbury Diocesan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsVtIwjrzrA ) to Guild was formed in 1882 and see what that is like! The continues to “promote and Dorset County Association is encourage Sunday service also represented at The ringing” and “advance the art of Central Council of Church ringing”. Today the SDGR has approximately 1450 Bell Ringers. It has a bell members and 250 ringable towers in the Diocese. It has restoration fund which is a its own website (https://sdgr.org.uk/ ) which is worth a registered charity (number look and shows the eight different areas known as 294239). Branches that the Guild is broken down into i.e. Calne, These different societies Devizes, Marlborough, Mere, Salisbury, East Dorset, bring people together from West Dorset and Dorchester. In our nearest branch the same geographies or similar interests – all of them Dorchester you will see there are many ringable towers in pretty much an excuse to do more ringing. Ringers the area: Abbotsbury, Bere Regis, Bishops Caundle, come from all walks of life and generally range in age Bradford Peverell, Buckland Newton, Cattistock, Cerne from ten to those in their eighties. It stimulates their Abbas, Charminster, Dorchester, Fordington, Frampton, brains and keeps them fit as well as making a glorious Glandvilles Wootton, Hazlebury Bryan, Hilton, Holwell, sound. Little Bredy, Litton Cheney, Long Bredy, Long Burton, “When I am ringing I forget all the tensions and Maiden Newton, Mappowder, Martinstown, Milborne frustrations of the day. Even better: I couldn’t wish for a St Andrew, Milton Abbey, Piddlehinton, nicer group of friends!” Piddletrenthide, Puddletown, Stratton, Sydling To find a ringing teacher near you go to St Nicholas, Upwey, West Stafford and Wool. http://ringingteachers.org/get-involved/learn-ring-art

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Your chance to win £1000 Adam Preston

In 1805 Dorchester had a brush with history when the messenger delivering news of The Battle of Trafalgar passed through the town, travelling on what is now called “The Trafalgar Way”. Dispatches with news of the victory and the death of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson were carried to England by the captain of schooner Pickle, Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotiere. Lapenotiere landed in Falmouth on November 4th 1805 and set out to deliver the news to London. It took 37 hours to make the 271 mile journey and 21 changes of horse were required. The 11th change was made in Dorchester, costing two pounds A replica of the post chaise express carriage used by Lieutenant Lapenotiere fourteen shilling and sixpence. The travelling on the modern Trafalgar Way. © Roger Hollingsworth news was delivered at 1am on November 6th 1805, passed to the Prime Minister and the King and special editions of newspapers were published later the same day to inform the nation. When the messenger came through Dorchester he was spotted by a Captain Robert Tomlinson, who immediately wrote to his brother Nicholas Tomlinson in London: “On Tuesday 5th November about noon, two officers of the navy came through this town, following each other, at about an hours space of time, in two post chaises and four horses to each, from the westward; the first reported that he brought good news of great importance and the second, that his despatches contained the best and most capital news that the nation ever experienced.” * This account confirms that a race was on to be first with the news. The 2nd officer was Captain Sykes of The Nautilus, but it was Lapenotiere who burst into the Admiralty Board Room in Whitehall at 1am and he was richly rewarded. Sykes is believed to have arrived minutes afterwards. The plaque commemorating Dorchester’s part in this tale can be seen next to The Celtic Kitchen on Antelope Walk. Now you are invited to create a https://www.thetrafalgarway.org/postcards ‘Postcard from the Trafalgar Way’ highlighting a feature whether you are an amateur or a professional, an of Dorchester. There are categories for adults and artist or a photographer, this is a great opportunity children and you could win £1000. You can see all with more than 40 prize categories – a chance to have details about the competition here and can find out your own brush with history! exactly where the route runs: *Quote from HMS Pickle, The Swiftest Ship in Nelson’s Trafalgar Fleet, Peter Hore

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will still continue to be produced. It will be in our churches, the Library, Doctors, Tourist Board, Goulds Fashion, Tesco and Poundbury Post Office Please send any messages/notices to the Editor at [email protected]

You can read the Magazine on line if you follow this link http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/dorchester-benefice-magazine

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St George of the Golden Legend A different story of St George

The Saint of an English Army The Saint charged and drove before he was Patron Saint of his spear into the gaping England, St George may have been mouth. To everyone’s a soldier, but he was no amazement, he tumbled the Englishman. He was an officer in monster over and over. the Roman army under Diocletian, Then St George borrowed who refused to abandon his faith the Princess’s girdle, tied it during the Terror, and was round the dragon’s neck, and martyred at Lydda in Palestine persuaded her to lead it back about the year 300 AD – to Sylene herself. The sight of supposedly 23 April. Over the her approaching with the years St George became the befuddled dragon on its example of a Christian fighting- makeshift lead emptied the man, a powerful helper against evil town. When the inhabitants powers affecting individual lives. timidly crept back, St George He was the soldier-hero of the promised to behead the dragon Middle Ages, of whom remarkable if they would all believe in deeds were reported. Jesus Christ and be baptised. In the Golden Legend of the It was a most effective form of 13th century, Jacobus de Voragine evangelism, for everybody said gave St George a handsome write- ‘yes’ at once. So 15,000 people up. The story runs thus: were baptised and four carts One day, St George rode up to were commissioned to remove the heathen city of Sylene in the dragon’s body. Lybia, where he found the citizens St George thus became a in great distress. A neighbouring symbol of the war against evil, dragon had forced them to and is usually portrayed surrender two sheep each day for trampling the dragon of sin its dinner; when the sheep gave out, two of their under his horse’s hoofs. The Crusaders had a vision children. Now they were about to sacrifice the King’s of him helping them against the Saracens at Antioch, daughter, dressed as if for her wedding. St George during the first Crusade, and so brought the story of encountered the little party by a stagnant lake, where St George back with them from Palestine. Presently the dragon lived, and persuaded the sobbing Princess England put herself under the protection of the Saint. to tell him why she was so miserable. At that moment His day was declared a holiday in 1222. A red cross the dragon appeared, looking inexpressibly revolting. on a white field is the flag of St George.

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Lawrence: After Arabia

“Lawrence: After Arabia” is a full-length feature film organist he can be found most Saturdays in St Mary’s which will be released in May 2020. The film stars church practicing, also keen rider in Ride and Stride Brian Cox, Hugh Fraser, Michael Maloney, Nicole The film has a strong following on social media on Ansari Cox and Tom Barber Duffy in the lead role. It our website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and is the final act in the T.E.Lawrence story following especially in Dorset where Lawrence is still regarded as a David Lean’s “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962) with Peter O’Toole and “A Dangerous Man” (1996) with Ralph Fiennes. Retiring to his cottage in Dorset T.E.Lawrence hopes to escape his past but is pulled into political intrigue. While Lawrence has powerful friends he has made some dangerous enemies. As they plot against him he is involved William with Nicole Ansari Cox in the film in a motorcycle accident; and with Geoff Greenhough at the organ in St Mary’s Church with such enemies could it have been an assassination by the British Secret Service? local hero. On IMDB, it is currently trending at No.1 in The film was directed by Wolverhampton born films for release in 2020 with a budget of less than £1m Mark J.T Griffin and shot on location in Dorset in many and is an Official Selection for the Los Angeles Film of Lawrence’s haunts including Clouds Hill, at Festival, DMOFF and Florence Film Awards. It has won St Nicholas in Moreton and St Martins in the Wall the Best Picture in both Florence and Los Angeles. Wareham. It will be released 85 years after A special pre-release screening of the full-length film T.E.Lawrence’s mysterious death when new information telling the story of T.E.Lawrence’s last years and his regarding the accident may be made public. The World mysterious death is scheduled across Dorset and the UK Gala Premiere will be held on May 19th at The in May with two screenings on Sun 10th May. Lighthouse Poole. Local boy William Bishop has the For tickets please visit: part of Young TEL in the film. William is our rising star https://lawrenceafterarabia.co.uk/events

We will b

Organisers of Dorchester c postponing this year’s run until Easter 2021. The decision was taken board of Dorchester Comm Association (DCPA) in the escalating Coronavirus em have been cancelled with i the play, Spinning the Mo Community play cast members staged over Easter 2021. are vowing to come back even DCPA spokesman Row stronger in 2021 “Although it is a sad decisi

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Children and the Mission of God Beryl Cooke

One Saturday in January I spent a day at Moorlands 82% use it to connect to others. College in Sopley, near Christchurch. A far cry from the day when, in my teens, if I wanted to We gathered together to hear Sharon Prior talk to us tell my friend something, my father would make me about “Children and the Mission of God”. cycle (cheaper!) to her house a few roads away, rather In the 18th and 19th centuries, when Britain had an than use our only telephone – which happened to be in Empire, Church Mission was paternalistic, whereas now his study! Mission is “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” and everyone Problems arising: is a participant. She posed some questions to set us Poor concentration thinking: Development of “Text Thumb”. “What is God doing in my Community?” Addictions “What is working?” and “Are we discerning what God is Inability to read emotions in human contact: no doing?” empathy or social cues. “How much time and money do our churches spend on Lack of Exercise. Children and Families compared with other things An online survey of American College students in 2008 (such as Cleaning, for instance!)?” (ie. 12 years ago) revealed that 93% boys and 62% girls On Sundays we are the “Gathered Church” and for the were exposed to pornography before 18. rest of the week, for the most part, we are the A whole lot of further very interesting statistics, “Scattered Church” and the first should prepare us presented on screen in tabloid form, were even more for the second. detailed, revealing and helpful. I have screen shots of them all on my iPad and could forward them to An interesting choice anybody who is interested or concerned. We then could choose between a couple of sessions and I chose “Children and Pornography”. Many of those Finally present felt like me, that they had quite a lot to learn. The final session was led by the College Principal, We looked at: Colin Bennett. He believes that the media encourages The digital landscape us to be fearful – the world is full of distractions. We Potential dangers need to love one another in God’s strength and he Why children are so vulnerable reminded us that everyone who is a disciple of Jesus Ideas for protecting children is a “teacher”. There were also lots of statistics! 98% of children now use the internet. For more information contact Beryl Cooke 71% have a Smartphone. [email protected]

to make as we are responsible for the health and practical aid. We are extremely grateful for the wellbeing of our cast and crew, the audiences support we have had, and continue to have, be back that were coming to see us and our community from our sponsors” as a whole.” Anyone who has already bought tickets for She added: “This is definitely not the end of this year’s performances should contact ster community play are Spinning the Moon. We will re-group, continue Dorchester Arts to discuss refund and carry- run of performances to raise funds and come back next year bigger forwards for next year. However, please could and better with a fantastic play to remember.” you do this from Monday, March 23 to allow aken by the management Spinning the Moon has a cast of 140, plus a the arts centre to put together the necessary Community Plays band, a wardrobe department and extensive financial arrangements. n the light of the backstage and front of house crews. It was Dorchester Arts is in the Corn Exchange, s emergency. Rehearsals expected to attract audiences of around 200 a High West Street, Dorchester and the phone with immediate affect and night over 11 nights from April 6-18 during the number is 01305 266926. Moon, will now be Easter holidays in April. Updates on the play can be found on the 21. DCPA treasurer Mike Beesley said: “We want Spinning the Moon website Rowan Seymour said: to thank everyone who has helped and spinningthemoon.org.uk and on the DCPA ecision it was an easy one supported us so far, financially and with social media pages.

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Richard of Chichester – more clearly, dearly and nearly

Ever wonder where the prayer … ‘May I know thee administered without payment, Mass celebrated in more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee dignified conditions, the clergy to be chaste, to more nearly, day by day’ comes from? Richard of practise residence and to wear clerical dress. The laity Chichester, a bishop in the 13th century, wrote it. was obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days He began life as Richard de Wych of Droitwich, the and to know by heart the Hail Mary as well as the son of a yeoman farmer. Richard was a studious boy, Lord’s Prayer and the Creed. and after helping his father on the farm for several Richard was also prominent in preaching the years, refused an advantageous offer of marriage, and Crusade, which he saw as a call to reopen the Holy instead made his way to Oxford, and later to Paris and Land to pilgrims, not as a political expedition. He died Bologna to study canon law. at Dover on 3 April 1253. In art, Richard of Chichester In 1235 he returned to Oxford and was soon is represented with a chalice at his feet, in memory of appointed Chancellor, where he supported Edmund, his having once dropped the chalice at Mass! One Archbishop of Canterbury, in his struggles against ancient English church is dedicated to him. King Henry III’s misuse of Church funds. After He, of course, is author of that famous prayer, now further study to become a priest, Richard was in due set to popular music, which runs in full: “Thanks be to course made a bishop himself. He was greatly loved. thee, my Lord Jesus Christ for all the benefits thou hast He was charitable and accessible, both stern and given me, for all the pains and insults which thou hast merciful to sinners, extraordinarily generous to those borne for me. O most merciful redeemer, friend and stricken by famine and a brilliant legislator of his brother, may I know thee more clearly, love thee more diocese. He decreed that the sacraments were to be dearly and follow thee more nearly, day by day.”

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St Peter’s Church High West Street, Dorchester

Church Correspondent: Jill Bryant

As we go to press – Services have been cancelled and restrictions have been placed on various activities most of which have been cancelled

Theology Group. The next meeting will be in May. village churches and from local community groups and Details will be given in next month’s magazine and in organisations came to the beautiful church in Stanhope Pews News. If you are interested in receiving more to meet their new vicar and her family. The Bishop of details about Theology Group please email Durham, Rt Revd Paul Butler (who has family in the [email protected] Dorchester area) led the service and presented her with Time to Mourn. This group will not be meeting in a superb enamelled cross made by his wife. April because of Easter holidays. The next meeting will Thomas Woodhouse, Dorchester’s last rector, was be on Monday 11th May at 10.30am. at 2 Pitcote Lane, there in his capacity representing the Duchy of Poundbury, DT1 3GH. All welcome. Further info from Lancaster, which has the patronage of Stanhope. The Rosemary Briggs, 01305 757444. retired Bishop of Salisbury, David Stancliffe, lives in Stanhope and some of us also recognised Claire Robson, a past curate in Dorchester under An Entertaining Weekend Robin Johnson, who trained with Claire, so the We enjoyed a weekend with a difference over the 21st occasion was a delightful reunion. The new puppy, and 23rd February as part of our social and fund Jess, was very well behaved during the service and raising calendar of events. Both events made a good stole the show during the introductions over the contribution to our fund raising for the year. refreshments. Friday saw us gathering in church to listen to and indeed take part in a concert by ‘Im and ‘Im, otherwise known as Allen Knott and Steve Kinnersly, ably assisted by their minion James. We enjoyed songs and stories and some poems and we all took part in those that we knew and remembered from years gone by. It was noticed that one member of the audience knew all the words to all the songs. A great contribution was made by Penny Blaby who performed very ably, and with great panache, on the tambourine. We enjoyed some lovely refreshments and a glass of wine during the interval. On Sunday we had the second of our Tantalizing Talks and Tasty teas where firstly we were entertained by Anthony Thorpe with a talk Le Passé qui ne Passe Pas, the Past that Sticks Around. Anthony told us about some of the history, heritage and culture of France and how it links with our own culture. The talk was illustrated with photos and anecdotes of his travels in France. This was followed by a delicious tea which everyone enjoyed. Many thanks to all the helpers and to Anthony. Rosalind Thorpe Upper Weardale Welcomes Claire Claire sends her love and thanks for all the messages A warm County Durham welcome was given to our and the generous gift. She will think of us when she is vicar Claire when she was licensed to her new parishes out walking with Jess in the glorious scenery of the in Upper Weardale. People from the surrounding upper dales. Val Potter

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St James the Least of All The Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’…on how to run your notice board

The Rectory St. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren broke in, he would bring you something, since you had Your decision to place a notice board outside your so little left, was quite touching. church seems a good one – and its design in blue Inevitably, now that your church has a notice board, plastic with luminous red detachable letters seems there will be open warfare over who is allowed to entirely in keeping with the aesthetics of your building. display notices on it. Will the Slimmers Club be seen as Make sure that it is lockable, however, as an innocent biblical? Why is the Ladies Guild notice twice as large notice saying ‘all are welcome’ may be modified by a as all the others? Do remember that while everyone will devotee of anagrams to say something far less polite by want space to display their notices, no one will ever the following day. remove them once the event is over. Plaintive We recently replaced ours, which had disappeared announcements of Christmas parties in April or of shortly before last bonfire night. That the Scouts’ Summer Fetes in November only serve to take people bonfire had a board which closely resembled our old down memory lane. one in its centre was, I am sure, a complete Here’s the best way to manage a notice board: create coincidence. The Venture Scouts’ collective smirk that panacea for all problems: a sub-committee. These during the following week’s Parade Service did give one poor people only ever exist in order to get the clergy pause for thought, and the Cubs’ collapse into helpless out of tight corners and to make sure that matters are laughter at the chorus ‘So light up the fire and let the discussed at such inordinate length that every issue flames burn’ only increased suspicion. eventually dies a natural death; if even that fails, you On reflection, you may not have been wise to use could have a quiet word with our Scouts before next your notice board to tell everyone your holiday dates. year’s bonfire night. Certainly, various local burglars were tripping over each Your loving uncle, other inside the vicarage while you were away. However, the note the last one left you, saying that next time he Eustace

1st April – Fooling Around Canon David Winter

I was about six when I began to enjoy April Fool’s Day. plants was carefully filmed, from planting to reaping. My older brother was very clever at appropriate hoaxes, All in the BBC’s most serious documentary manner. It not only deceiving me but also mum and dad. On the took a while to appreciate that this was Aunty playing whole my childish efforts were encouraged. The day was games. Whatever next! full of laughs, even at school, where the teachers would The odd thing is that no one is quite sure of the origin try to trick us and all day long no one quite believed of this very British tradition. Most attribute it to changes anything they were told. So it went on, year after year, in Britain’s calendar in the 1700s, when New Year’s Day though I think it all seems a bit unsophisticated for the moved from March 25th to January 1st. Not surprisingly, modern generation. the change caused a lot of confusion and mistakes You couldn’t say that, though, about probably the around the start of April. Others look further back, to most famous April Fool’s effort of all time. In the the ancient Roman feast of Hilaria, when the goddess 1960’s BBC TV broadcast a feature on the spaghetti Cybele was celebrated with pranks and jokes around the farms of Italy. Even those of us who bought our spring equinox, March 25th. Either way a touch of spaghetti in the supermarket from the pasta shelves hilarity at the end of Lent does not seem amiss. Go to began to wonder if we’d been wrong. Italian farmers Greece, where the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated with explained their work and the progress of the spaghetti fireworks and parties to see how it might work.

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St Andrew’s Church West Stafford

Church Correspondent: Tim Dennis

As we go to press – Services have been cancelled and restrictions have been placed on various activities most of which have been cancelled April Dates An Unusual Window Good Friday walk – 10th April Meet at 1.15pm at The East window of St Andrew’s Church dates from St Andrew’s Church for 1.30pm departure. the 15th Century having been re-positioned and Coffee and Chat – 25th April 10am-12noon reglazed in the 1898 extension of the Church. The stained glass includes four large seraphim with vivid pink wings. This colour seems to be fairly rare except Snuffer that some twenty years earlier William Morris had The 19th Century candle snuffer was nearly snuffed designed a praying angel window with red wings being out itself. The brass top fell off its brass collar. Where part of a set of six. The designer of the St Andrew’s is there a brazier? Difficult to find. Ultimately a very window (Christopher Whall – a leading designer at kind expert did the repair for nothing. Many thanks! the time) would presumably have been aware of this. The Morris window is in Cattistock Church. Congregational Lunch et al….. Whall’s was a memorial to Caroline Egerton, a daughter of Canon Smith. The window saw a re-use A biblical twelve sat down for lunch in our local pub of glass in the tracery partly from the former East after the service on the 23rd February for a pre-Lent window and partly from an even earlier window. social get-together. Followed by a number of the congregation turning up at St George’s for pancakes on the 25th (very nice Good Friday Walk thanks). Our traditional Good Friday walk with the Now we are into Lent Lunches of a more modest congregation of St George’s starts this year at nature. Our cheese salad butties were on the St Andrew’s at 1.30pm. We walk to St George’s 6th March. Thanks to those who came and helped us crossing the water meadows and along the river with a to raise £140 for Christian Aid. few stops en route for a reading, prayers and singing. Coffee and Chat continued on the 29th February Arriving at St George’s we will be greeted with a cup with villagers calling in outnumbering the of tea and hot cross buns. Everybody welcome – we congregationers. The series continues monthly. always have a mixture of adults and children.

Jessop’s Son David Battersby

Gilbert Jessop Memorial tablet is placed on the wall near the high altar under which Gilbert’s ashes are buried. Gilbert was vicar at St George’s from 1936 to 1956. The son of the famous cricketer Gilbert Jessop and himself at Minor County and good club level. There are still many in Fordington who remember him and what a good man he was. We often find people coming back to visit the church who are keen to tell me of their young days when Gilbert was the vicar, all remember him with great affection. Gilbert married in1976 and his daughter was born in 1976. David Battersby has recently written a book “The Cricketing Life of Gilbert Laird Osborne Jessop, only son of the “The Croucher” Gilbert Laird Jessop, with the kind help of Pat Jessop Gilbert Junior’s widow. For more information on how to obtain a copy contact [email protected] Price £7 including postage and packaging.

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Easter morning: the ‘Other’ Mary Canon David Winter

As the traditional Easter story is rehearsed again this that the two Marys stood together at the cross, the month, you may notice that there is one name that Blessed Virgin and the woman rescued from who knows frequently occurs. It is that of the ‘other’ Mary – not the what darkness and despair. mother of Jesus, but Mary of Magdalene, who stood by The second great moment for her was as unexpected her at the cross and became the first human being as it was momentous. She had gone with other actually to meet the risen Christ. women to the tomb of Jesus and found it That’s quite a record for a woman who, empty. An angelic figure told them that the Gospels tell us, had been delivered Jesus was not there, He had risen – by Jesus from ‘seven devils’ – New and the others drifted off. Mary Testament language for some dark stayed, reluctant to leave it like that. and horrible affliction of body, mind She became aware of a man nearby, or spirit. As a result, her devotion to whom she took to be the gardener. Him was total and her grief at His She explained to Him that the death overwhelming. body of ‘her Lord’ had been taken In church history Mary Magdalene away and she didn’t know where to became the ‘fallen woman’ a harlot find Him. who was rescued and forgiven by Jesus. The man simply said her name There is no evidence to prove she was a ‘Mary’ and she instantly realised it was ‘fallen woman’ but the contrast is sublime, Jesus. She made to hug Him, but He told Mary the virgin mother, the symbol of purity. her not to touch Him because his Mary Magdalene, the scarlet woman who was saved resurrection was not yet complete. She was, and forgiven, the symbol of redemption. Surely, we all however, to go to the male disciples and tell them she fall somewhere between those two extremes. had met Him. She did – but they couldn’t believe her. The dark cloud from which she was delivered may Her words – ‘I have seen the Lord’ – echo down the have been sexual, we are not told. What we do know is centuries, the very beating heart of the Christian gospel.

This month there has been a Friday13th Rosemary Skevington

Friday13th has always been other historic things have been on a twelve months in a year, twelve considered unlucky, but why? Friday, including, I read, Eve bit into disciples following Christ, twelve I thought it was an urban myth the apple on that day, and offered it labours of Hercules, twelve days of handed down by word of mouth to Adam, would you believe! Christmas, we used to have twelve since King Philip of France decided Buckingham Palace was bombed pennies to the shilling, but thirteen the Knights Templars were too during WW2. Apparently even Oh no no No. wealthy (he had previously asked for Chaucer made reference to it being It was about 1800 that it was first a loan of money and it had been an unlucky day to start a journey or recorded that the two unhappy refused) and had them attacked, that a new project. My husband used to times were put together, and the happened on Friday 13th 1307 and I say if a car or something was always Victorians really made the most of thought it was marvellous that this going wrong that it must have been Friday13th yet I can still hear the incident should still be remembered made on a Friday echoes of those Knight Templars and had survived orally, for over Thirteen apparently has also who were attacked and put to death seven hundred years. So I decided I always been unlucky. There were on Friday 13th 1307. had better check my facts on the thirteen at the last supper if you P.S. Since starting this article I internet. count Jesus and the last supper guest have been told of a lady who was I found that the two fateful times Judas Iscariot sitting in the born on Friday 13th and all her life were not put together until about thirteenth place. Even in the Nordic had amazing good luck – guaranteed two hundred years ago. Folklore there were tales of thirteen to win a raffle etc. and of a man It seems that Friday has always being an unlucky number. Most of who had a life threatening operation been as a fateful day. Jesus was us have some Viking genes in us. on the aid day and has made a crucified on a Friday, and several Twelve was a round happy number – wonderful recovery.

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A look at the Winterbournes and Compton Valence Peter Wilkinson

Stretching away from Dorchester along the Winterbourne Steepleton at 6pm on the third Sunday Winterbourne valley and beyond lie the four churches of of the month. St. Martin, St. Michael, St. Mary and St. Thomas a Then on the evening of the fourth Sunday at 5pm in Beckett that are under the care of Revd Jean Saddington, St. Martin’s in Martinstown (in May on the 31st), supported by Licensed Lay Minister Allen Knott and something quite different, which we’ve called (primarily at St. Mary in Winterbourne Abbas) by Church@5. One attraction is that it’s preceded by Revd Joanna Lacy-Smith. At the heart of the worship in coffee and cake! – but that’s then followed by around all of those churches lies, of course, the service of Holy 45 minutes of prayer, praise and reflection. We’ve been Communion, celebrated each week within the parish able in this more relaxed setting to learn and use some (and once monthly in accordance with the Book of of the many good songs written since our hymn book Common Prayer). was published. Whilst it’s a form of worship unfamiliar But over recent times, we’ve set out to explore other to much of our congregation, it’s been refreshing to see forms of worship. On the morning of the third Sunday how it has been embraced and become valued over the of each month in Martinstown, we now gather for past months. Worship Together, a service still with its own liturgy, So we continue to explore how we come together but, with a rather less formal structure and without before our God and to look for ways that will best communion, aiming for perhaps a broader appeal. For enable those who live in the Winterbournes and those who find a more peaceful and meditative service Compton Valence parishes to offer their praise and helpful, we hold Taizé worship monthly in the lovely, worship. If one (or more) of those might appeal to you, small and atmospheric church of St. Michael in you would be very welcome to join us!‘

Hebrew month of Nisan, which equates to late March or early April. Sir Isaac Newton was one of the first to use the Hebrew lunar calendar to come up with firm dates for Easter the Good Friday: Friday 7 April 30 AD or Friday 3 April, 33 AD, with Easter Day falling two days later. Modern scholars continue to think these the most likely. moveable Most people will tell you that Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring feast Equinox, which is broadly true. The precise calculations are complicated and involve something called an ‘ecclesiastical full moon’, which is not the same as the moon in the sky. The earliest possible date for Easter in the West is 22 March, which last Easter is the most joyful day of the year for Christians. fell in 1818. The latest is 25 April, which last Christ has died for our sins. We are forgiven. Christ happened in 1943. has risen! We are redeemed! We can look forward to Why the name, ‘Easter’? In almost every European an eternity in His joy! Hallelujah! language, the festival’s name comes from ‘Pesach’, the The Good News of Jesus Christ is a message so simple Hebrew word for Passover. The Germanic word that you can explain it to someone in a few minutes. It is ‘Easter’, however, seems to come from Eostre, a Saxon so profound that for the rest of their lives they will still be fertility goddess mentioned by the Venerable Bede. ‘growing’ in their Christian walk with God. He thought that the Saxons worshipped her in ‘Eostur Why does the date move around so much? Because month’, but may have confused her with the classical the date of Passover moves around, and according to dawn goddesses like Eos and Aurora, whose names the biblical account, Easter is tied to the Passover. mean ‘shining in the east’. So, Easter might have Passover celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt meant simply ‘beginning month’ – a good time for

and it lasts for seven days, from the middle of the starting up again after a long winter.

14, Deacons. 15, Psyche. 16, Stolen. 18, Dance. 20, Debar. 20, Dance. 18, Stolen. 16, Psyche. 15, Deacons. 14,

April Candace. 13, Deliverer. 9, Sphere. 7, Moist. 6, war. Holy 5, Issue. 3, Scholar. 2, Cliffs. 1, DOWN:

Crossword Answers Prison. 24, Eleven. 23, Broil. 22, Centaur. 21, Radiant. 19, Sidon. 17, ACROSS: 1, Cosmic. 4, Thomas. 8, In his. 9, Delaiah. 10, Falwell. 11, Water. 12, Recovered. 12, Water. 11, Falwell. 10, Delaiah. 9, his. In 8, Thomas. 4, Cosmic. 1, ACROSS:

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Dorchester Churches Together Compiled by Val Potter 264416

Call to Prayer and Action eg the United Reformed Church www.urc.org.uk. The Methodist Church, www.methodist.org.uk, offers The Presidents of Churches Together in England issued a call weekly service sheets for a short service at home and to prayer in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic. live streamed services from Wesley’s Chapel, London At 7pm on Mothering Sunday people were urged to on Wednesdays and Thursdays 12:45; and Sundays, light a candle in their windows as a visible symbol of 9.45am and 11am. These are also available at any the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in time on YouTube. prayer. They write….. At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are An Offer of Help reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly From Ben at Dorchester Family Church: Father and the future that he holds. ‘With many of the churches having to close, our Whether you are continuing to worship as concern is for the church-based ministries serving the congregations or not, we have the great privilege and most vulnerable in our community. freedom to be able to call upon God, wherever we are, Therefore if there are any donations/volunteering individually and corporately, for healing in our nation. that any of the churches would value from us, please We would pray for all in leadership at this time, making let us know as we would love to help if we can. decisions about the containment of the COVID-19 Anyone is welcome to contact us via email: virus, for those working in health and social care, and [email protected]’. especially for the most vulnerable, whether elderly or those with underlying health conditions. There are already stories being told of wonderful acts Christian Aid Lent Lunches of kindness across neighbourhoods. Alongside your Sadly the Lent lunches have been cancelled. Please prayers, take the opportunity to telephone or email remember the ongoing need of those living in parts someone who is isolated, buy some additional food for of the world where diseases are endemic and life your local foodbank, or offer to deliver shopping for an always precarious. Christian Aid would value your elderly neighbour. We may not be able to touch contributions – perhaps the money saved from just physically, but we can make connections in so many one of those trips to a pub or restaurant that we other ways. cannot make at present. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you [1 Peter 5:7] Quiet Space For those who are ill, grant healing; For those who mourn the death of loved ones, bring The Quiet Space Board agreed to accept the Duchy comfort; offer of a measure of partnership and will discuss a For those who care for the sick, grant strength and new Lease, renewable annually. David Elliott is the endurance; new treasurer, and Canon John Wood has replaced For those who are isolated or whose livelihoods are Claire McClelland on the Board. threatened, give courage and hope; For all who take difficult decisions, from governments to health practitioners, give wisdom and compassion to Chaplaincy News accompany the knowledge and experience that they The chaplains will continue to support the shop bring. workers at this very anxious time while people are Deliver us from this disease, we pray, and enable all nations not out shopping. As Easter approaches we will be and communities to grow in collaboration and unity as we face this challenge together. taking cards and chocolate to bring much needed Grant a legacy of enduring common purpose in facing all cheer. that threatens our global common good. We pray in Jesus’ name, in the unity of the Spirit, Amen. Celebrating the Living Soil (Churches Together in England) The Dorchester Churches Ecology group have organised a half day conference, “Celebrating the Resources Living Soil”, with expert speakers and great activities All the denomination websites have prayer resources for and displays. The event has had to be postponed so this time and some have daily devotions or podcasts – look out for it when we re-schedule.

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Thoughts and Smiles from the Editor

The last month passed as swiftly as ever especially as it A big thank you to the retired clergy and the Hospital included half term when the children came to visit. Chaplain who on top of keeping the churches running One morning after a prolonged visit to Dorchester and smoothly, coping with baptisms, weddings and funerals suffering his sisters’ clothes shopping Rocco was are still finding time to provide me with magazine copy, reaching his sell by date, on normal behaviour, always very much appreciated and all so good tempered and so polite but rarely normal. We needed to visit Lidl on kind despite how tired they must be feeling . the way home, the last straw, the girls found a bin of ski jackets and came rushing to call me to look at them. I Smiles – think we are all much in need of these of course did and walked up to the jackets, standing next to a lady looking in the next bin. As I lifted two The Lord is my Shepherd jackets out, from under the pile shot two arms and a A Sunday school teacher decided to have her young yell “got you Grandma”. Well the woman next to me class memorise one of the most quoted passages in the screamed and nearly fainted on the spot. I could see Bible, Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to assistant heading down the aisle towards us as I tried to learn the Psalm, but little Charles did not find it easy to explain he was mine and apologise. memorise much of anything. I then had to abandon shopping and very quickly On the day that the children were scheduled to recite remove him from the shop before we were all banned, Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Charles stepped leaving the girls to deal with the trolley. I waited a few up to the microphone and began proudly, “The Lord is days before I dared venture back in, alone I may add. my Shepherd….” He knew that much, but the rest of I am sure like many of you the virus scare is never far the Psalm suddenly deserted him. So he concluded from my mind especially with the Easter holidays, three bravely: “… and that’s all I need to know”. of the grandchildren had holidays abroad booked one Death-bed Truth to Spain with his school and two others including A bishop had fallen seriously ill and was told by his Rocco to ski in Austria, obviously all cancelled and they doctor not to have too many visitors. However, when cannot even come to Grandma. I am in isolation, his long-term agnostic friend called he was ushered to enforced by my daughter who assured me she would the bishop’s bedside. “My Lord Bishop”, said the leave food outside for us. Well luckily do not have to visitor, “I do appreciate you seeing me when other risk that; already had stocks so will not starve. I did feel friends have not been admitted”. The bishop replied, very old though when she pointed out I was well and “Well, it’s like this; I feel confident of seeing my friends truly in the old and vulnerable category with asthma, in the next life, but I was concerned that this might be and rings me very often to check I am in, bless her. my last chance of seeing you”. The children are always astonished with my endless stories of “ when I was your age”, but this time they Words of a child were horrified, all brought on by the virus scare and Head bowed in prayer, the congregation at our Church panic buying of mainly lavatory paper. I regaled them listened in complete silence to the Minister as he said, with not only was our lavatory in a shed at the end of ‘Now let us pray in the words that Jesus taught us’. A the garden, it was a plank with a hole in it, no chain, little girl’s voice could be heard throughout the hushed no water but most of all no soft paper. congregation as she said, “Daddy, I didn't know Jesus I clearly remember, when I arrived home from had a tortoise”. Evensong, my Father had three tasks: bring in the tin bath, fill from the copper in the outhouse, refill copper A swimmers tale for washing next day and then cut up the old Radio He was a Christian and he loved swimming in the Times into squares and thread string through them to sea. One day, a passing boat saw him swimming in a hang on the lavatory door, no soft luxury paper in the rough sea a long way from shore and someone early and middle 40’s. shouted, “Do you need help?” The swimmer replied, Times and priorities have somewhat changed, we “No, I am sure God will save me”. Later, a fishing were brought up to manage and make do, not run to a boat passed near and the fisherman called out, “It’s supermarket and whinge when stuff was not sitting pretty rough out here, can I help you get back to waiting. shore?” The man replied, “It’s OK thanks, I know Sure this will bring back memories for some, bit like God will save me”. The story goes that the man memories of covering our books with blue sugar paper, drowned and went to heaven. He asked God, “Why still have one but over the 70 years the paper is now didn’t you save me?” and God replied, “Didn’t you see pink and of course very fragile. the two boats?

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Bookworm Jean Lang

A Painter’s Eye President at the Royal Academy banquet in 1949 that “Summer in February” begins. Alfred Munnings is thought by many to be the greatest However, it is the time Munnings spent in Cornwall sporting artist of the 20th century, standing with that lies at the centre of this novel by Jonathan Smith. Stubbs as a painter of horses. He was born in It is told predominantly by Gilbert Evans an officer in Mendhem, Suffolk in 1878, his father was a miller and the Boar war who has returned to England to become a he was one of four sons. He left school at the age of 14 land agent on the local estate where a number of artists and was sent to Norwich to begin a six-year have rented houses. He becomes closely involved with apprenticeship to a lithographer. In his spare time he Munnings, a larger than life character who rides to attended the Norwich School of Art hounds, follows the local gypsies, pays and his watercolours were accepted by for his drinks by drawings on napkins the Royal Institute of Watercolours and dominates all he meets. whilst he was still in his teens. At the Florence Carter-Wood has come to age of 19 two of his oils (both river Cornwall having persuaded her family scenes) were accepted by the Royal to allow her the freedom to Academy. At 20 he was blinded in one accompany her brother Joey. He is eye lifting a foxhound puppy over a more of a marine biologist than an twig when it sprang back. artist but she works in Stanhope After finishing his apprenticeship Forbes studios progressing through and becoming bored of Norfolk he his life classes to paint outdoors. The moved to Cornwall in order to visit the relationship between Munnings and artists’ colony at Newlyn and he Florence which ends in tragedy with remained in Cornwall until the Gilbert as the helpless onlooker is outbreak of the first world war. He told compassionately and it makes a made lifelong friends with Harold and compelling novel. It also sent me to Laura Knight, Augustus Johns and met check what was fact and what was the Stanhope Forbes. It was while he was author’s embellishment and I was in Newlyn he met and married his first glad to find out that Gilbert was not wife an artist Florence Carter-Wood fiction and that some time after his who committed suicide (on the second death amongst his things was found a attempt) in the first year of their small photo of Florence and two blue marriage. His sight kept him out of France during the jays’ feathers carefully wrapped. An easy novel and a first world war and he spent his time first looking after good read. Canadian artillery horses and then as a war artist. After the war he became increasingly in demand to paint “Summer in February” racing and hunting horses, painting his first Grand Jonathan Smith National winner Poethlyn in 1919. The same year he moved to Dedham and married a second time. He received the supreme accolade from his fellow artists This is Bookworm number 175. Jean has been providing the reviews for when he was elected President of the Royal Academy in 17 years. Our thanks and appreciation to Jean who never fails to send, 1944 (beating his old friend August John 24 votes to 11) on time, interesting reviews. Please keep up the amazing effort, Jean. and it is with the infamous speech that he made as Your efforts are very much appreciated. Thank you. The Editor.

Please submit copy for the May issue by 14th April at the latest to the Editor at [email protected]

Dorchester Benefice Magazine has made a constant care to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in a good faith. Dorchester Benefice Magazine cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by and errors for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

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