The November is a month of remembrance. Good old Guy Fawkes on the 5th (though I suspect to most it’s simply ‘Bonfire Night’ and less so connected to the Gunpowder Plotter from 400 years ago). Team Then we have Remembrance Sunday on the 8th November (a day to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth Vicar military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts) and on the 11th Remembrance or Armistice Day (the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First world War at 11 Writes... am in 1918). On the first of the month we celebrate All Saints’ Day, which comes the day after the now widely popular Halloween (deriving its name from the eve of All Saints - All Hallows Eve) and on the 2nd All Souls’ Day, commemorating all those who have died. All these are specific, singled-out times for remembrance – some national, some in the Christian church. And yet remembrance means something different to us all and is important because it roots us in who we are. The memories of those we love but see no longer may be vivid and still raw, or may be fond but faded over time and as I preside at Remembrance Services year after year I am mindful that each person in front of me has a different memory; their own story revived in that moment of remembrance. This year All Saints Day falls on Sunday 1st November and we commemorate both All Saints and All Souls on that day. In addition to the usual morning services, there will be a special service for All Souls at 3 pm at St Martin’s Church, Martinstown. During that service there will be time and space to remember loved ones now departed, to hear their name read out and to light a candle in commemoration. All are welcome.
Yours in Christ, Jean Saddington Remember... Remember...
– 6 – The Parishes of The Winterbournes & Compton Valence
TEAM RECTOR TEAM VICAR Rev’d Canon Thomas Woodhouse (01305 267944) Rev’d Jean Saddington (01305 889992) ASSOCIATE PRIEST Jo Lacy-Smith (01305 889476) The Parish of the Winterbournes There is a single Parochial Church Council for Martinstown, Steepleton and Abbas but each parish church retains its own local church committee. Churchwardens Dick Corbett-Winder (889410), John Crawford (889377), Joy Parsons (889611) PCC Hon. Secretary Alison Crawford (889377) PCC Hon. Treasurer Bruce Robertson The Parish of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Compton Valence Churchwarden & Treasurer – Jeremy Russell (01308 482227) Churchwarden & Secretary – Peter Steel (01308 482782) Any of the above can be approached in the first instance for Baptism, Marriage, Home Communion or just a visit and they would welcome being told when anybody has been bereaved or is ill. They have answerphones for you to leave a message. If you want us to remember anything or anyone in the public prayer of the Church, we would be glad to do this as long as permission of the person involved is assured.
CHURCH CALENDAR November 2015 SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER – ALL SOULS 10.00 Parish Eucharist Winterbourne Abbas 11.00 Parish Eucharist Winterbourne Steepleton 15.00 All Souls service Martinstown
SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER – REMEMBRANCE 08.00 Parish Eucharist (Order 2) Martinstown 09.30 Parish Eucharist (Order 2) Compton Valence 10.55 Parish Eucharist Martinstown
SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER – 2nd BEFORE ADVENT 10.00 Parish Eucharist Winterbourne Abbas 11.00 Parish Eucharist Martinstown 18.00 Taizé Winterbourne Steepleton
SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER – CHRIST THE KING 11.00 Parish Eucharist Martinstown 11.00 Parish Eucharist (Order 2) Steepleton Manor
SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER – 1st OF ADVENT 11.00 Parish Eucharist Martinstown 18.00 ‘Darkness to Light’ celebration Martinstown
PLEASE NOTE: 1. The Remembrance Day service will start on Martinstown village green at 10.55 with the Act of Remembrance and Silence, before continuing in St Martin’s. 2. Change of church for the 11.00 services on the 1st and 8th November. SERVICES - Morning Prayer is said on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8.30am at Martinstown church.
– 7 – ;DD976C@JeYViZ;DD976C@JeYViZ;DD976C@ Many thanks to everybody who contributed so generously to the Food Bank at the Harvest Festival service last month at Winterbourne Steepleton. Thank you also to Charlotte Crocker, who asked the guests at her wedding on 10th October to bring contributions to the Food Bank – an original and wonderful gesture. (The weight of these 2 collections in my car put it right down on the springs and was a magnificent effort which has a made a very real difference to the stocks available for distribution to those in need.) This month and next, the Food Bank focuses on Christmas, so please include a few seasonal items among the things you buy. Many thanks – John Crawford.
The true meaning of Christmas The Journey to the Stable is an interactive experience helping to explain the true meaning of Christmas. This is ideal for adults and children alike. The journey takes 20 - 30 minutes. There are seven stations focusing on a person or a part of the Christmas story with readings and reflections. At each there is a small activity or object for you to take away, so you leave with a bag of reflections and goodies. Open at the United Church, South Street, Dorchester on Sat 12th Dec, Wed 16th Dec and Sat 19th Dec 11am - 3pm
– 8 – Winterbourne Abbas Christmas Tree Festival December 5th marks the start of our recycled materials including wire coathangers!). Christmas Tree Festival in St Mary’s Church at We do have a small number of donated artificial Winterbourne Abbas and we are hoping that, trees available for those of you who do not have with the help of local families and households a tree or feel unable to make one but they will the church will look the best it ever has done for be allocated on a strictly first-come-first-served Christmas! basis. We are inviting you to bring a small Christmas It is not a competition and there will be no prizes, tree along to the church on the morning of the most important thing is to join in and together 5th December, decorate it (or bring your tree make our lovely church look really wonderful for already decorated if you prefer!) and set it up in this the most special time of the year! the church. Later the same day the trees will be The church will be open (as it is every day) blessed in a very informal celebration which will for people to come and see the trees and any include refreshments for children and adults and donations received will go to Winterbourne Valley some ‘messy’ craft activities for the children. School to help buy Forest School sessions for The trees can take whatever form you like – the children as part of their outdoor education real or artificial, bought or homemade – the activities. more creative the better! (There are loads of If you would like to take part and for full details instructions online for making trees out of please contact Joy Parsons on 01305 889611 .
St Mary’s Church, ADVENT CRAFT DAY Winterbourne Abbas For children 5+ More Saturday 28th November ‘SUPPER AND SAGACITY’ 10.30am – 2.30pm at A QUIZ NIGHT St Martin’s Church, Martinstown WITH SUPPER Tickets: £1.00 Saturday 14th November 7.30pm Please wear old clothes. Lunch provided. Martinstown Village Hall Parents are invited to view the children’s work and join us for tea Teams of up to 6 people and Carols at 2.45pm
Tickets £10 each If you would like to attend please (includes delicious complete an entry form, available 2 course supper) from the Village Shop, the Vicar (Jean) or Dick (889410).
– 9 – Martinstown Cricket Club - Chairman’s Report
It is not usual to write a Youth Teams report that looks forward ?jc^dgeVgi^X^eVi^dc^hcdlVeegdVX]^c\ rather than backwards 100 as we continue to attract players but on this occasion that from a wide area. certainly is the case. '%&*egdkZYidWZi]ZbdhihjXXZhh[ja The main reason for this season ever as we fielded teams across opening salvo is to the full range of age groups. highlight the strength of I]ZjcYZg&&BVgkZahldci]Z^gaZV\jZ young talent that we have seen coming with our other team, the Mavericks as through the club this season. With this in runner ups mind I look forward with great excitement I]ZjcYZg&(BVgkZahVahdldci]Z^g as an increasing number of our young league whilst finishing runner ups in the players continue to occupy significant roles Archie Masters knock out competition. in the first and second teams. I]ZjcYZg.h^YZheaVnZYVkVg^Zind[ However my first task is to acknowledge friendly games developing their skills the outstanding work over the past years and understanding of the game. by our outgoing chairman John O’Brien. I]ZjcYZg&*h^YZÃc^h]ZYi]ZhZVhdc His efforts and direction has helped the with a credible mid table position. club reach its current position and he continues to provide a guiding light for the 6cjbWZgd[i]ZXajW¼hndjc\hiZgh]VkZ future. regularly represented West Dorset and Dorset. It has been a busy season for the club both on and off the pitch. We have continued to Thanks must go to the parents of our invest in both players and facilities with a young players who have whole heartedly number of activities: supported both games and training sessions; and to the junior coaches and 6ii]Zi^bZd[lg^i^c\ildcZl\gVhh team managers whose combined efforts strips have been established and have helped to make this the Club’s best seeded which will add weight to our junior season ever. junior facilities. I]ZXajWgVcV]^\]anhjXXZhh[ja?jc^dg Senior Sides Summer Camp in the school holidays which will be further extended next year. It was the club’s first season in the top Dorset Premier league. LZ]ZaYVlZaaViiZcYZY8ajW9Vnl]^X] brought together players, both past and After a solid start which found the 1st present, supporters and sponsors. team in a respectable mid table position it proved harder in the second half of the GZcZlVad[djg8ajWbVg`hiVijh^c season to consolidate the earlier success. recognition of our playing and coaching Nevertheless we have held our place in the facilities for young players league which has given the Captain and I]Zdji\d^c\8]V^gbVc?d]cD¼7g^Zc players a clear picture of the expectation was made a Life Vice President in and requirements to compete at this level. recognition of his contribution to the club. Our 2nd faced the sometimes challenging task of playing their own games and at the
– 10 – November 2015 A Thankyou from the same time keeping the 1st team supplied Pilsdon Community when their players were either injured or The Pilsdon Community would like to say not available. Much credit must go to the big thankyou to everyone who donated numerous young players who participated, to us at the Winterbourne Abbas Harvest their application and commitment was a lunch at St Mary’s Church. Your gifts of fruit wonderful sight to see in the face of some and vegetables have been enthusiastically strong competition and says much of the received ( “oooh oranges and kiwis, we can’t tremendous support and coaching they grow these!” ) and your generous donations have had throughout the season. have helped fund our ongoing work helping Our Evening League side performed well, give refuge to people in crisis. augmented with players both mature and young, winning a number of key games. In the coming year we plan to undertake the following: I]ZZhiVWa^h]bZcid[V?jc^dg8g^X`Zi Academy to provide additional training and coaching 8dci^cj^c\^ckZhibZci^cYZkZade^c\djg coaching skills 6cZmiZch^dcd[djgXajW]djhZ[VX^a^in· (plans for these have been submitted). 6Xdbb^ibZciidZmeadg^c\i]Zk^VW^a^in of a girl’s side. 8dchda^YVi^dcd[djg&hiIZVb^ci]Z Dorset Premier Division
Finally no season would be complete without acknowledging the unstinting effort of the numerous individuals who maintain the ground, the facilities and the various behind the scenes activities such as teas, fund raising and advice. Our ground staff work tirelessly to present a wonderful playing environment which is routinely acknowledged by visiting players and umpires alike. We look forward to the 2016 season whilst always continuing to value the standards and ethos that has made the club what it is.
David Gargrave - Chairman
– 11 – The Notice Board
MONDAY Table Tennis 2.30pm - 3.30pm Contact: Margaret Hearing - Tel: 01305 889346 Beavers, Cubs & Scouts 5.30pm - 7.30pm Contact: Sue Gower - Tel: 01305 889388 Valley Club 7.30pm - 10.00pm Contact: Pat Willets - Tel: 01305 889597 (3rd Monday in month) The small Theatre Group 8.00pm - 10.00pm Contact: Matt Singleton - Tel: 07807 905966 (1st, 2nd, 4th Monday in month)
TUESDAY Botanical Art Group 9.30am - 12.30pm Contact: Geoff Roberts - Tel: 01305 815735 (term times only) Dance Group 2.30pm - 4.30pm Contact: Ann Matthews - Tel: 01305 889248 Badminton 7.30pm - 9.30pm Contact: Trevor Elliot - Tel: 01305 267897
WEDNESDAY Pilates 9.30am - 10.30pm Contact: Sammie McFarland - Tel: 07807 090013 Chair-based Excercise 11.15am - 12.30pm Contact: Suzanne Fellows-Joyce - Tel: 01308 426390 W.I. 6.45pm - 9.00pm Contact: Jan Griffiths - Tel: 01305 889783 (2nd Wednesday in month) Beginners Dance 8.00pm - 10.00pm Contact: Ann Matthews - Tel: 01305 889248
THURSDAY Art Group 10.30pm - 12.30pm Contact: Betty Hoddinott - Tel: 01305 262217 Dance Group 8.00pm - 10.00pm Contact: Ann Matthews - Tel: 01305 889248
FRIDAY Keep Fit Class 10.15am - 11.30am Contact: Suzanne Fellows-Joyce - Tel: 01308 426390 Bingo 7.00pm - 9.30pm Contact: Ann Matthews - Tel: 01305 889248 (Every other Friday)
Chairperson: Jane Jones – Tel: 01305 889202 Bookings: Ann Matthews – Tel: 889248 or email: ronann.matthews @btinternet.com
– 12 – To book the hall, contact: Ann Matthews - Tel: 01305 889248 The Notice Board cont. Email: ronann.matthews @btinternet.com
– 13 – To book the hall, contact: Ann Matthews - Tel: 01305 889248 The Notice Board cont. Email: ronann.matthews @btinternet.com
THE VALLEY CLUB
For our September meeting we had a very of money in those days. The late Queen interesting and enjoyable presentation by Mother named lifeboats and followed up Sue Hennessy on “Women of the RNLI”. lifeboat disasters by speaking personally to Sue joined the RNLI in 1991 and worked the families involved. Our present Queen for them for 17 years. On her first night has also given lots of gifts to the RNLI for she went to Ramsbottom as Regional charity events. It was not until 1967 that Manager for NW England for a fundraising women took part in a small lifeboat crew. meeting and found out how incredible The Seafarers of old believed if women women were at fundraising for the RNLI. were on a lifeboat the sea would be mad Once retired, Sue began researching into and lives would be lost. Sue’s book makes what women did and produced her book a fascinating read, and shows just how far “Hidden Depths, Women of the RNLI” in women have come in today’s RNLI. 2010. Throughout the generations it was the women who watched, waited and Our next event on Friday 27th November at worried about the men risking their lives 7.30pm in Martinstown Village Hall will be to save others. “The Martinstown Players” in an amusing spoof on “The Hound of the Baskervilles”. Sir William Hillary founded the RNLI in the This will be the first of a two night 1820’s and he did not have any government presentation of this play. Tickets are £8 funding so he went to the general public. and are available from any Committee Queen Victoria was a supporter of the member or Ann Matthews, Tel. 889248. RNLI and in 1891, in Manchester, the first charity street collection for the lifeboats Pat Willetts - Tel 889597 was started and the women collected £5,000 which was an enormous amount
– 14 – To book the hall, contact: Ann Matthews - Tel: 01305 889248 The NNotice Board cont. Email: ronann.matthews @btinternet.com
FRIDAY LUNCH CLUB 2015 DATES Enjoy a two-course meal, gentle background£6.00 Please music arrive and by a 12.30pm convivial atmosphere – all for just . Future dates: 6th Nov, 4th Dec We are very keen to recruit more cooks or teams of cooks. If you wish to come along, please contact: Please contact Jan 889738. at least 4 days before the event. Cedric Moorcroft on 889438 Everyone in the valley is welcome! This will help prevent any disappointment.
Martinstown Scout Group Indoor and outdoor activities for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Meeting Mondays 5.30pm - 6.30pm (Beavers), 6.15pm - 7.30pm (Cubs & Scouts) • Martinstown Village Hall For more information call SUE GOWER - Cub Leader on 01305 889388 or 07800 537722 • Adult helpers sought (no previous experience necessary). SERENDIPITY STARRING - John Cusack & Kate Beckinsale Thurs 19 November 2015 Brewer’s Arms, Martinstown Starts 7.30pm
FREE to all our customers but space is limited. BREWER’S ARMS Why not enjoy a Brewers meal before the film? FILM NIGHT FILM NIGHT at the BREWERS ARMS NEW SEASON’S PROGRAMME 2015/16 Third Thursday of each month (except December) 28th Jan 2016 Cabaret - Liza Minelli and Michael York 18th Feb Reach for the Sky - Kenneth More and Muriel Pavlov 17th Mar You’ve Got Mail - Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan 21st Apr Oklahoma - Gordon McCrae Shirley Jones
– 15 – Toni Cook and her sponsored “Slimability” Community Speed For the past months Toni has been undergoing Watch through a sponsored slim with the proceeds being donated to”Woofability”. Following the BBC’s Martinstown “Inside Out” programme which took a critical look at this Charity’s training methods, she has Vehicles speeding through the 30mph decided that money raised will not be given to zones in Martinstown, particularly in the “Woofability”. Instead she will be handing over areas with no pedestrian pavement, are all funds to “Julia’s House”. causing danger in our village. Setting up a community speed watch in conjunction with Julia’s House is a children’s hospice located in Dorset Police will give us the opportunity Corfe Mullen, Dorset. It is a hospice for children to improve the safety of our villagers and with life-limiting conditions. It costs £1.9 million neighbours, have a visible effect to raise the to maintain. Only 3% of the costas are provided awareness of road users to comply with the by the Government. 30mph speed limit and also improve safety Anyone wishing to sponsor Toni can contact her for all other road users as well. on 889499 . We need volunteers to take part. Volunteers will be trained by our PSCO Sarah, and we will only use locations that have been risk assessed in advance as being suitable. Each speed watch will have three volunteers and we will form a rota to suit the availability of volunteers, each speed watch will generally take less than an hour, it is very much up to the availability of the volunteers how often a speed watch is undertaken. We will only do a speed watch in daylight hours. If you are willing to volunteer or want more information please contact Debbie Wiltshire on 889610 or mrsdebbiewiltshire@gmail. com Debbie Wiltshire
The Brewers Arms would like to thank everyone for making, buying and eating cakes at the MacMillan Coffee Morning. Together, we raised a magnificent £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
– 16 – WINTERBORNE ST MARTIN PARISH COUNCIL November 2015
Speed Calming. ploughing but these have to be reinstated The Parish Council’s attention was drawn to within a legal time-span. Obstructions may be the lack of progress in implementing a local reported to the Parish Council footpath liaison speed calming project in the village. After due officer who will then investigate and take consideration it was agreed that the project appropriate action. For this purpose please would now be progressed with guidance from telephone 01305 889445. the local PCSO. Accounts. In the meantime please drive carefully and BDO LLP the Parish Council External Auditors within the speed limit in the area. had reported that there were no matters that required issuing a separate issues report on Newspaper Collection. the accounts for the year ended 31st March A report was given to members at their recent 2015. meeting which indicated that the quantity of used newspapers being placed in the Future Waste Disposal Sites. collection bins had greatly reduced. This was The County Council proposals for future presumed to be that used newspapers were sites for Waste Disposal were displayed at a being placed in the house recycling bins. “drop-in” exhibitions at various locations and comments were invited thereon. The Parish There is a financial benefit to village Council concluded that of the sites suggested organisations gained from newspapers in the immediate area the one at Poundbury, being recycled via the local scheme. Please east of the Industrial buildings, would be the support your village scheme by saving your most convenient for the area in and around newspapers and tying them in full-sized Dorchester. A modern well constructed bundles approximately 150mm deep and complex would be easily accessible both for placing them in the green bins, one located by a Household Recycling Centre and a Waste the parish office and one in the village hall car Transfer Station. park. Thank you in anticipation. 2015 Tidy Village Competition. Footpaths. The village was unsuccessful in this The condition of field footpaths in the parish is competition this year but thank all those who generally acceptable for a rural environment helped keep the area litter free. Better luck and can be walked comfortably. Some routes next year. may be temporarily difficult to cross following
WINTERBOURNE ABBAS & WINTERBOURNE STEEPLETON PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council have not accepted an offer from BT to purchase the telephone kiosk situated on land near the junction of the B3159 and the A35 as there was no response from residents to proceed. The War Memorial in St Mary’s churchyard in Winterbourne Abbas has been formally listed on the national Heritage List for England. Winterbourne Steepleton had been unsuccessful in this year’s Tidy Village Competition. Thanks were accorded to those who had taken time to pick-up litter and keep the area tidy. BT has provided information to the effect that Superfast Broadband is now available in the area and would like the message in this regard broadcast. Cards will be delivered to properties in the area detailing the information.
– 17 – Martinstown Women’s Institute November 2015
Martinstown Women’s Institute
At our meeting in October we enjoyed a session of indoor Kurl- ing. Most efforts ended well short of the target, or went way beyond - I’m sure that with a little more practice we could get the hang of it – but I don’t think we are ready to join the Kurling league just yet! However we did have a win- ning team pictured proudly displaying their chocolate medals!
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 11th November when we will be hearing about the work of the Portland Coastguard. This should be of general interest and so will be an Open Meeting – all visitors (men included) welcome at 7.30pm. Cost £2.00.
Angela Barrett - Secretary
MINI PUZZLE November 2015
Across 1. Perspicacious 5. Inactivity 6. Idiom 7. Voter
Down 1. Scam 2. Foreword 3. Adjure 4. Quisling
ANSWERS IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE - no prizes... just for fun!
– 18 – Valley & Valence Parish News November 2015 Latest position (September 2015) regarding the bus Service X31 (now X51) through the Valley...
Residents should be all too aware of the it seeks to effect the economies being set by loss of the First Bus Service 31 in May Central Government which is committed to 2014 and that before and subsequent eliminating the country’s financial deficit. to that loss a residents’ group, the These pressures are being felt throughout Winterbourne Valley Transport Group all of local government and are not unique (WVTG), has been seeking to secure to Dorset. They are of such a nature that improvements in the standards of the they are causing Local Authorities to review service. This article is to update residents how they themselves should be structured. on the latest position following a meeting As an example of such considerations, with representatives of the County Council reference was made to a recent on 22 September 2015. For details of the announcement suggesting that the eastern bus timetable please see elsewhere in group of the county’s District Councils could the Newsletter and note that the service be working very closely together, and such was re-numbered X51 with effect from 27 considerations are also part of the work of September 2015. the County Council. WVTG met Matthew Piles and his The nature of these considerations inevitably colleague Andrew Shaw at the request of impacts upon the work of the Transport WVTG to review progress upon our seeking Review. It readily became apparent from an improvement in the service. Matthew the discussion that the scale of the work Piles, the Head of Economy for the County required of the County Council and the Council, is a key member of staff of the amount of possible change are so great that County Council and of its main Review the WVTG is not in a position where it can Board dealing with the issues attending at this time seek to influence the outcome the Council’s Transport Review and of the Transport Review. Transport needs affecting virtually every department of the are substantially dependent upon the as-yet County Council. Transport currently costs unresolved issues of the future shape of the the County Council £24 million per year. Local Government in Dorset. Due to the transport needs of the services provided by the County Council the Review WVTG has agreed with Mr Piles that we will is a major undertaking for the County maintain contact and review the matter in Council as it seeks best value-for-money about a further 6 months when we hope to in its transport activities. be able to produce a further updating report. Therefore, it is with much regret that we It was very clear from Mr Pile’s comments cannot take this matter further at this stage that the Review is a major component of but we will seek to ensure the interests of the the work of the County Council and has a Valley and its transport needs are kept in mind very large degree of inherent complexity. by those undertaking the Transport Review. This is now set against the very difficult financial position of the County Council as Winterbourne Valley Transport Group
– 19 – Winterbourne Valley CE VA First School PTFA November 2015
The next PTFA meeting is scheduled for card), they still have time, but these must be Monday 9th November at 7pm at school. returned to the school office no later than 3pm on Wednesday 4th November. The meeting will focus on the Christmas lunch for the children, presents from Santa, and The PTFA are a friendly bunch so please plans for events in the Spring Term. pop along to a meeting if you can. Everyone is welcome. If you don’t believe me, then Already this term, the children have enjoyed come along to the Christmas meal at the the Life Education Van, which was funded by Brewer’s Arms in Martinstown on Friday 18th the PTFA and they will soon be benefiting from December. Letters about this will be in book lots of lovely new books in the library. We hope bags soon. to be able to donate more money for library books later on in the school year, depending Beverley Smith - Chairperson on funds. Contact via: The photographer from Ashley Wood Studios offi[email protected] visited the village hall last month. It is the same photographer who takes the school photos so the children are very relaxed with Winterbourne Valley First School will again him and he always seems to get great results. be collecting the tokens from Flora 500g I hope those of you who had photos taken are original, buttery and light promotional tubs pleased with them. If you missed out this year, in an attempt to gain sufficient tokens to then be sure to try to book up when he visits receive a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. next October. Anyone wishing to hand in their tokens, I hope the children have enjoyed taking part can do so at either the village school, or in the Christmas Card project. They have Martinstown village shop. obviously been busy over the half term holiday The promotion runs from as there are already lots of lovely artworks coming in. If your child hasn’t made a card 24th September to 24th November. yet (and it doesn’t have to be a Christmas Many thanks for all of your support with this initiative.
Christmas Craft Fair 01305 861495 or 07900 988344
– 20 – Seventy One Years Ago... by Terry Hearing
The first time I glimpsed Maiden Castle it was kind, and we were given chewing gum and from the back of an American army truck six chocolate. Meanwhile the truck accelerated weeks after D-day. to catch up with the convoy. When we got to the hairpin bend above Upwey, the truck went I lived in London and in the summer of 1944 round on two wheels with all of us clinging on Hitler’s flying-bombs were pounding the for dear life. capital. A friend in my Scout troop We got off at suggested we might Broadwey, and found hitch-hike down a barn which we to Weymouth to shared with a horse. visit our former The following day we Scoutmaster who walked into Weymouth was in the army rather late – neither and billeted on the of us had a watch – seafront. We would found our bemused camp somewhere, Scoutmaster, and and after a week we viewed Weymouth would hitch-hike on Bay. to Plymouth and stay The Harbour and with his aunt in her flat on the Hoe. Then we most of the beach were out-of-bounds behind would hitch-hike back to London. barbed wire. The beach was covered in The extraordinary thing is – we did just landing-craft, just back from landing troops in that. I cannot understand how my usually Normandy. I have a poignant memory of the very protective, strict and careful parents scene at night in the black-out, with no light could have allowed their fourteen-year-old other than the moon and the only sound that of not very worldly-wise son to go off hitch- a black sentry as he sang a popular song of the hiking for a fortnight. This was at a time moment… “Is you is, or is you ain’t, my baby…” when communication could only have been We spent our days on the remaining beach, ate through the post since neither of our families lunch at the British Restaurant in King Street possessed a phone. Perhaps the possible (cheap subsidised meals, run by the WVS), hazards of such a trip seemed rather small and became friendly with a mother and child compared with the dangers of life in buzz- on holiday. She suggested we should all go to bombed London. an afternoon dance at the Pier Pavilion (now Wearing our Scout uniforms we got several pulled down), and we did, though neither of us hitches and arrived in Dorchester in the late had learned to dance. afternoon. We waited outside the cemetery in After a week we hitch-hiked on to Plymouth, Weymouth Avenue, but there was hardly any and had a much more comfortable time traffic until a convoy of American high-sided watching the Sunderland flying-boats landing trucks came by. The last one stopped, and in the Sound after their long patrols searching we rushed round to the back. The American for U-boats. Finally we hitched back to soldiers reached over, grabbed us by our London, to our bunks in the street shelters rucksacks, and hauled us up. We stood and the frequent air-raid sirens. But what an there terrified – the soldiers were black, adventure! Twenty-two years later I came to and neither of us had ever seen a black man Martinstown and a closer acquaintance with before, except in films! They proved to be very Maiden Castle.
– 21 – Martinstown Mileaters ON TOUR By Cathie Seigal Mileaters Circumnavigate Portland.
In early September a small group of seven The sun did its best, it stayed dry and hardy Mileaters and an equally hardy Holly Portland is such a strange and beautiful the dog parked at Chiswell and walked the place. Where else do you encounter a whole way round Portland. (starting at the prison, wallabies, an Anthony Gormley top is cheating) sculpture and crab sandwiches in the We walked at a leisurely pace, so it took a same day? To say nothing of the most few hours with a coffee break on the beach breathtakingly beautiful sea views. at Church Ope Cove and lunch at the lovely We loved it. Lobster Pot at Portland Bill.
AGE UK DORCHESTER …would WELCOME your ADVICE! Age UK Dorchester has need of volunteers If you: to join its Advocacy team to provide A^`Zid^YZci^[negdWaZbhVcYhdaji^dch information and advice to older people. in meeting the needs of older people Advocacy is identifying with and =VkZhdbZheVgZi^bZid\^kZ representing a person’s views and concerns, and respects people’s rights :c_dnkdajciZZg^c\ to control their own lives and make 7Vh^XXdbejiZgh`^aah their own choices. Its emphasis is on empowering people; not solving their 7ZegZeVgZYidigVkZaVcYbV`Z]dbZ problems for them. visits This may include enabling individuals to Please contact Peter Lindsley on 01305 write letters or make phone calls and/or 269444, [email protected] representing their wishes or negotiating with an outside agency. Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester DT1 1PW
– 22 – This month’s musings by Frances Taylor FRAN’S Autumnal BLOG... A couple of blogs ago I reported a sighting bottom.. Just sit, relax and contemplate. of an “Albino “ badger in the Ashton AW]_QTTJMIUIbML5ZIVL5Z[2WPV area. Since then I have been advised that Crawford and I have already tried it the Valley has been home for many years W]\IVL_M_MZM^MZa[I\Q[ÅML_Q\P\PM to “erythristic badgers”. The common result. Perhaps, if there is high demand badger that can be seen late at night and queues forming, more could be lolloping along or, worse still, dead at strategically placed.Thus sorting out this the side of the road has the recognisable ongoing topic of thoughtless parking! black and white striped face and grey body. Erythristic badgers are a result Finally, I have received news from of a genetic mutation. These animals the ArtsReach team that the publicity have no black pigmentation. The black pack for the production of “Behind The ends of the fur are replaced by varying Mirror” is now ready for collection. shades of ginger which gives this very Based on the story of Alice Through The light colouration. The eyes remain Looking Glass, “Behind The Mirror” black whilst the eyes of the very rare is a high-paced, quirky and beautiful albino badger are pink. Many thanks to adventure where two characters enter a John Elliot who provided me with this surreal environment of large chessboard information. pieces, tiny tea sets, bottles of magic potions and hundreds of jam tarts. Their Returning to journey involves puzzles, questions and yet another blog random meetings for both audience and topic. Last month performers. I commented on After the performance there will be a the appearance question and answer session followed of a large boulder by tea and cakes for all. A show not to be on Martinstown’s missed on Saturday 21st November at village green. 2.30pm. Tickets are now available from Since then I have me on 010305 889963 received more anonymous information about this lump of rock. It is known as a “Stone of Contemplation”. Prior to its arrival it had lived all its long life in a hidden valley just north of the Ridgeway. Then one day sensing that there was a developing problem in the village it was picked up by some philanthropist and placed in its present resting place. This solid mass is soothing to touch and skilful at listening to problems. There is I_MTT̆PM_V[MI\KZMI\ML\WÅ\IVa[QbMWN
– 23 – – 24 – CUT OUT AND KEEP EXTRACTS OF THE X51 TIMETABLE - FROM 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015 (a) 08.27 added on weekdays and Saturday, (b) note added for weekday 07.51. X51 – AXMINSTER to DORCHESTER MON. to FRI. Schooldays only W’bourne Abbas 06.25 07.25 07.44 08.20 Martinstown PO 06.32 07.32 07.51 08.27 Poundbury QM Sq 06.40 07.40 07.59 08.35 D. C. H. 06.43 07.43 08.02 08.38 Dorch. Sth. Station 06.53 07.53 See note below. 08.48
Note: The 07.51 bus continues to Weymouth as a Service 10 operating via Bridport Rd, Williams Ave, Damers Rd, Great Western Rd, Weymouth Ave. Customers can disembark at Brewery Square.
SATURDAY W’bourne Abbas 07.25 08.20 Martinstown PO 07.32 08.27 Poundbury QM Sq 07.40 08.35 D. C. H. 07.43 08.38 Dorch. Sth. Station 07.53 08.48
X51 – DORCHESTER to AXMINSTER MON. to FRI. Non-School School Times Times Dorch. Sth. Station 15.45 15.45 17.15 18.11 Dorch. Trinity St. 15.49 15.49 17.19 18.15 D. C. H. 15.53 15.53 17.23 18.19 T. Hardye School --- 16.01 ------Poundbury QM Sq 15.57 16.05 17.27 18.23 Martinstown PO 16.04 16.12 17.34 18.30 W’bourne Abbas 16.13 16.21 17.43 18.39
SATURDAY Dorch. Sth. Station 15.45 17.15 18.11 Dorch. Trinity St. 15.49 17.19 18.15 D. C. H. 15.53 17.23 18.19 Poundbury QM Sq 15.57 17.27 18.23 Martinstown PO 16.04 17.34 18.30 W’bourne Abbas 16.13 17.43 18.39
These bus times are subject to change at a moment’s notice (it seems). If you have access to the internet, you can contact FIRST bus company at: www.firstgroup.com/wessex-dorset-south-somerset for timetables and travel updates.
– 25 – Valley & Valence - Bits & Pieces November 20120155
PDF files of this and previous issues 100 CLUB DRAW can be downloaded at: Compton Valence www.martinstown.co.uk/mag Martinstown October 2015 The village news website at: September 2015 http://martinstownnews.webplus.net £25 Toni Cook £25. Mrs D Honeybun £10. Honeybun Family submissions for this website to: £10 Di Bailward martinstownnews @aol.com £ 5. Chris Roberts PARISH MAG ON THE NET THE ON MAG PARISH £5 Elaine Hall Knit and Natter...
:kZgn;g^YVnViI]Z7gZlZgh6gbh&#(%eb"(eb Contact: Anne Bennett (01305 889613) for more details .
MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS Answers to last month’s Alternate Crossword Wednesdays 4th and 18th November 2015 Winterbourne Winterbourne Martinstown Abbas Steepleton 15.15-15.55 14.15-14.40 14.45-15.05 Village Hall The School Hamlands
Kerbside Recycling - November 2015 RECYCLING & food waste: Thursdays 12th & 26th RUBBISH & food waste: Thursdays 5th & 19th
Alternative transport, particulary concerning Steepleton & Martinstown 6"A>C:IVm^HZgk^XZI^bZiVWaZ[dgBVgi^chidlcIZa/%&(%*'+),), idWdd` Mondays and Fridays only From Martinstown Bus Stop to Dorchester A-LINE office - 10.15am & 13.15pm From Dorchester A-LINE office to Martinstown Bus Stop - 13.00pm & 14.45pm First come first served - will need to book - £1.50 single£3.00 return Damory 61 Bus Service Timetable - Wednesdays only TO DORCHESTER - Departs: Steepleton 10.45am Martinstown 10.50am - Arrives Dorch: 11.00am FROM DORCHESTER - Departs: 13.15pm - Arrives: Martinstown 13.23am Steepleton 13.28am Damory 211 Bus Service Timetable - Mondays to Fridays only DORCHESTER - WEYMOUTH - Departs: Martinstown (Post Office) 09.25am - (Corner) 09.26am WEYMOUTH - DORCHESTER - Departs: Martinstown (Corner) 14.47pm - (Post Office) 14.48pm
– 26 – TheValley Royal & Valence British Parish Legion Magazine News November May 20142015 Abbotsbury and Portesham Branch We will remember... Reg ASCOTT (Dorchester) (95 years). Reg was a member of our Branch for the past six years. He served his country during WW2 in various theatres of war, then returned to farming in the Bridport area. Many will know him from his days at West Mead Hotel and from his golfing association (Bridport & W. Dorset club Captain 1972), water polo, bowls and skittles involvement. We offer our condolences to his wife Maureen and all their family.
Future events: 8 November: a short act of remembrance and wreath laying will take place at Portesham Churchyard War Memorial at 10.15 a.m., followed by divine service at St.Nicholas Church, Abbots- bury, at 10.50 a.m. the same day, conducted by Rev. M.Preuss- Higham.
12 November: Branch A.G.M./Social Fund A.G.M. 7.30 p.m. Portesham Ron Doble Room. 20/21 November: visit to London, including “Miss Saigon” and Houses of Parliament. (Full)
26 November: Christmas Shopping day trip to Cardiff. (Open to non-members £23.50) Depart Abbotsbury 9 a.m., Portesham 9.05 a.m., London Rd. Dorchester 9.25 a.m.(Other stops as re- quested). Leave Cardiff at 4.45 p.m.
19 December: Coach trip to Exeter. A chance to do some last minute shopping and also to visit Exeter Cathedral (1PM-2PM) for their lunchtime Carol Service. Departs London Rd. Dorches- ter at 10 a.m. Portesham 10.20, Abbotsbury 10.25. Leaves Exeter at 4 p.m. (Other stops as requested – open to non-members.) Fare not exceeding £20. To book for Cardiff or Exeter please call 01305 267617.
Des Baker ·HdX^Va;jcY8]V^gbVcIZa/%&(%*'+,+&, or email: aveswood @sky.com COFFEE MORNING
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