Dates for your diary .....,.....,.....,~~~~~ ...... ,.....,.....,.....,.....,~ ...... , ...... ,.....,.....,....., ...... , ...... ,.....,.....,---.....,

January

1 New Years Day 10 Mobile Library 10 Country Dancing, 2.15pm, Memorial Hall 17 Country Dancing, 2.15pm, Memorial Hall 20 School Open Morning + Opening of the Foundation Base and 9.30 -12.00 21 Piddletrenthide Lunch Club, Memorial Hall 24 Mobile Library 24 Country Dancing, 2.15pm, Memorial Hall 24 Gardens Club AGM, Wine + Cheese, 7.30pm, Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall 25 PV Parish Council 7.30 28 Coffee Morning 10.30-12.00, Memorial Hall 29 French Evening, 7pm, Piddlehinton Village Hall 31 Country Dancing, 2.15pm, Memorial Hall

February

3 Over 60s Talk "Crazy Man on a Bike" by Jonathan Risley 2.30pm Memorial Hall 7 Mobile Library 7 Country Dancing, 2.15pm, Memorial Hall 11 Coffee Morning 10.30-12.00, Memorial Hall 13 Jumble Sale, 2-4pm, Piddlehinton Village Hall 18 Piddletrenthide Lunch Club 21 Mobile Library 24 - 26 'Comedia Nocturnus' Piddle Valley Players 7pm Memorial Hall 25 Coffee Morning 10.30-12.00 Memorial Hall 28 Country Dancing, 2.15pm, Memorial Hall 28 Piddle Valley Gardens Club, Japanese Gardens Jenny Short, 7.30pm Memorial Hall

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

5 Introduction from your new editors ------­

With the arrival of a new year, so too a new challenge for your new Editors! We would like to thank Heather Bland for her sterling work over the years in editing and maintaining the Piddle Valley News & Views.

We hope you will bear with us as we become more proficient in our new roles. As you will see, we are adopting a new format and a new style. While we recognise that change might take some adjusting to, the new size is intended to be less wasteful of paper so helping our environment.

Over the coming months, we hope to evolve the publication further - welcoming new members to the PVNV team, expanding the content to be more inclusive of Valley activities, establishing contacts in each of the communities to regularly update the comings and goings throughout the villages, strengthening the contacts with groups, clubs, organisations and sportspeople. And finally, to achieve an online version which will enable a far wider audience to know about life in the Piddle Valley.

We would welcome news from other amateur journalists, particularly in Piddlehinton, Piddletrenthide & White Lackington. So please, do let us know more about the activities throughout the Valley

Dot Browning + Ros Charlton I Co Editors

Contents Dates for your diary- News from the Vicarage -Services - News, comings & goings in the valley - General news & notices - Clubs, Groups, organisations - Sport ­ Parish & District Council- School- www.piddlevalley .. - Surgeries

Editorial Editor Dot Browning T 01300 348280 } E [email protected] Co Editor Ros Charlton T 01300 348063 } Advertising Vacant Distribution Linda Hoyle T 01300 348978 Copy deadline March I April issue 15th February 5pm, future copy dates 15th April. June, August, October; 10th December The Editors would appreciate all copy submitted earlier! By post or PVNV Postbag, Piddletrenthide Post Office & Village Stores, by hand Piddletrenthide, DT2 7QF Printed by Creeds of Bridport

7 News from the Vicarage ------­

BLESS THIS HOUSE

The first of the major Christian festivals in the New Year is the Feast of the Epiphany on the 6th January. Its name, being derived from a Greek word, reminds us that the origins of the feast are to be found in the eastern or 'Orthodox' Christian Churches. The eastern churches used the festival (originally based on the Jewish Feast of Lights) to celebrate not only the birth of Jesus but also the arrival of the wise men or Magi, the baptism of Jesus and his first miracle at Cana when he turned water to wine. When the western Church (effectively the Roman Catholic Church) came to adopt the festival, they already had a feast for celebrating the birth of Christ, namely the 25th December, and so the notion of the twelve days of Christmas arose - spanning the period from the 25th December to the 6th January.

Exactly who were the mysterious visitors from the east has been a source of debate over the centuries. Their arrival is recorded only in Matthew's gospel where they are seen as astrologers who recognise that the birth of Jesus is of cosmic significance. Over time, the Magi came to be thought of by some as philosophers or priests disaf­ fected with the inadequacy of their own religion and drawn to the true God. Around the eighth century, they came to be seen as kings fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah that 'kings shall come to your dawning brightness'. They also acquired names: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, and their remains are reputed to be buried in Cologne cathedral which acquired them in the 12th century and so established itself as a pilgrimage destination.

In some parts of central Europe, around the 6th January, one may see the symbol +C+B+IVI+ with two numbers before and two numbers after (for example, 20+C+B+M+ 11) written in chalk above the doorway of Christian homes. Not only are the letters the initials of the traditional names of the Magi, they also stand for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat (" May Christ bless the house"). The beginning and ending numbers are the year, 2011 in the example above. lVIay Christ bless our homes this Epiphany and throughout the coming year.

Rev Tony Monds

The Vicarage, Piddletrenthide

T 01300348211 E [email protected]

9 SERVICES and THE BENEFICE of THE PIDDLE VALLEY, HILT~O' READINGS CHESELBOURNE and MELCOMBE HORSEY 2nd January Hilton Mekombe Horsey The Epiphany 8.30am Holy Communion II.OOam Morning Prayer ! White Cheselbourne Pidd!etrenthide Ps 72.10-15 9.30am Family Eucharist 11.OOam Morning Prayer Isa 60.1-6 Eph 3.1-12 Piddlehinton Alton Pancras Matt 2. 1-12__-,-_9___.3-,0-,-a_m_F_a_m_i l1--yS_erv_ic_e____ 6.00pm Evening Prayer

9th January Cheselbourne Piddlehinton Epiphany 1 8.30am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evening Prayer White Hilton Ps 29 9.30am Family Eucharist Isa42.1-9 Acts 10.34-43 Mekombe Horsey Matt 3.13-end 11.00am Epiphany Readings and Epiphany Carols .---_____-.-.>.:(a:...::.t_N-.:;e.c:.cW!.on farm, ~nsty 01258 880609)

16th January Alton Pancras Melcombe Horsey Epiphany 2 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Parish Communion White Piddlehinton Piddletrenthide Ps 40.1-11 9.30am Parish Communion 11.00am Family Service Isa49.1-7 1 Cor 1.1-9 Hilton Cheselbourne John 1.29-42 11.OOam Prayer 6.0Opm Evening Prayer

23,d January Piddletrenthide Melcombe Horsey Epiphany 3 8.30am Holy Communion II.OOam Parish Communion White . Alton Pancras Hilton Ps 27.1-12 9.30am Family Eucharist 6.00pm Evening Prayer Isa 9.1-4 1 Cor 1.10-18 Cheselbourne Piddlehinton Matt 4.12-23 11.00am Family Service 6.3Opm Evening Prayer

30th January Melcombe Horsey Candlemas 11.OOam Parish Communion White Piddlehinton 6.00pm Service for Candlemas

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

6th February Hilton Melcombe Horsey 5 before Lent 8.30am Holy Communion 11.OOam Morning Prayer Green Cheselbourne Piddletrenthide Ps 112 9.30am Family Eucharist 11.OOam Morning Prayer Isa 58.1-12 1 Cor 2 Piddlehinton Alton Paneras Matt 5.13-20 9.30am Family Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer (Snowdrop Sunday)

13th February Cheselbourne Melcombe Horsey 4 before Lent 8.30am Holy Communion 6.00pm Evening Prayer Green Hilton Piddlehinton Ps 119.1-8 9.30am Family Eucharist 6.3Opm Evening Prayer Deut 30.15-end 1Cor3.1-9 Piddletrenthide Matt 5.21-37 11.00am Family Eucharist

20th February Alton Pan eras Melcombe Horsey 3 before Lent 8.30am Holy Communion 11.OOam Parish Communion Green Piddlehinton Piddletrenthide Ps 119.33-40 9.30am Parish Communion 11.00am Family Service Lev 19.1-2, 9-18 1 Cor3.10-11, Hilton Cheselbourne 16-end 11.OOam Morning Prayer 6.00pm Evening Prayer Matt 5.38-end

27th February Piddletrenthide Melcombe Horsey 2 before Lent 8.30am Holy Communion 11.OOam Parish Communion Green Alton Paneras Hilton Ps 136 9.30am Family Eucharist 6.00pm Morning Prayer Gen 1.1-2.3 Rom 8.18-25 Cheselbourne Piddlehinton Matt 6.25-34 11.00am Family Service 6.30pm Evening Prayer

Note • Services shown in Old English Text are taken from the Book of Common Prayer published in 1662 . • The Family Eucharists (based on Common Worship Order One) Family and other services are in contemporary language.

11 From the Registers Holy Baptism India Joan Leeming and Amelie Rose Jacqueline Leeming were baptised at St Martin's, Cheselbourne on the 24th October 2010. Holy Matrimony Stephen George Brackstone and Leah Gmiterek were married at All Saints', Piddletrenthide on the 16th October 2010. Funerals The funeral of Rose ('Rosie') Cunningham Clapp took place at All Saints', Piddletrenthide (followed by cremation at Weymouth crematorium) on the 20th October 2010.

The funeral (followed by burial) of Kenneth Thomas Arthur Legg took place at St Andrew's, Melcombe Horsey on the 3rd November 2010.

The ashes of Suzanne Mary Elizabeth Stanzl were interred at St Andrew's, Melcombe Horsey on the 21 st November 2010.

The funeral (followed by burial) of Doris Joan Walker took place at St Andrew's, Melcombe Horsey on the 23rd November 2010.

Benefice Churchwardens Alton Pancras Cheselbourne Susan Cheyne 01300343327 Chris Quarrie 01258837731 Sally Dangerfield 01300 348880 Nina Shaw Porter 01258837422 Hilton Melcombe Horsey Justin Langham 01258817446 John Langham 01258 880808 Anthony Wyld 01258880261 Margaret Smail 01258880609 Piddlehinton Piddletrenthide Liz Carter 01300348266 Michael Howard Tripp 01300348234 Sara Milne 01300348400 Prue Jakeman 01300 348316 St Mary's Church Piddlehinton The church's financial year finished on 31 st December and I would very much like to thank all who have so generously donated monthly, quarterly and annually to the church funds by standing order through their bank and all those who give through­ out the year using the yellow envelope scheme. The gift aid claimed back from Inland Revenue is a major source of income. Like everyone else at the moment, we need every penny possible! If anyone feels they can start contributing to the scheme or would like to increase their donation, that would be wonderful. All donations are absolutely confidential don't be shy about tiny amounts, it all adds up! Gay Hanbury (Treasurer 01300 348465)

13 News, comings & goings in the valley ------

Alton Pancras

AP Greetings from the Best-Kept Hamlet in Dorset, which we were officially awarded in the Autumn. The independent judges particularly liked the fact that we were litter-free, their not knowing that a couple of village worthies got wind of their intended visit and black-sacked it. We were surprised that they didn't comment on the over-grown pond and parts of the river frontages, but perhaps they didn't spot there was a river there at all! Apparently they particularly admired the area around the church, its grounds kept neat all-year by John Squibb, and around Austral Farm and the Manor. The irony is that a hamlet is generally described as a small village, usually without a church!

AP This new regular column aims to focus on comings and goings in Ap, news of previous residents, any individual or collective successes, and like any news media, plenty of villagers' names. We were asked recently if our village (hamlet?) had any locals, which set us thinking. Define a local. Someone born in AP? Or lived here a long time? And how long is a long time? Your views are sought. And by the way, the questioner didn't mean that at all. He meant "any pubs?"

AP At a gathering at Parkstone, Poole recently, among an audience of 65 'local' people, not one had been born in Dorset. Yet here in Ap, there are at least three who were Parkstone-born Eric and Jean Groome and me! Anyone else? We await your contributions for the March/April edition, deadline 5 pm 15th February. And if you would prefer to write this column, come to the village meeting on 18th April (venue to be announced through your doors later) and offer your services. Until then ......

AP In February, JJ Olley, Jennii Bland and Joseph Krolski are among those on their way to Moscow and St Petersburg, while Jon Coombes and George Brazier are in the party destined for Florida. all courtesy of school trips. Comparing cultures and temperatures spring to mind!

Colin Dean, 8 Holcombe Mead [[email protected]

Piddlehinton

Royal British Legion My humble apologies to the people in Piddlehinton who weren't visited by the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal collectors. The omission was a combination of late arrival of collection boxes and two of my stalwart collectors being absent. I sincerely hope I will be better organised for 2011 ! David Saxby Piddlehinton Village Representative Royal British Legion

15 Millennium Green The trustees w is h to than k all those who generously gave up their Sunday morning to help w ith thei r recent annual river clearance. Special than ks to Will Molland for his support with this event

Thank you also to all who supported our recent John Pilkington tal k which was a joint event with Piddlehinton Village Hall. f 100 was donated to Practical Action, a charity which John Pilkington supports helping people in the developing wmld to set up sustainable projects. Linda Bell ini, Millennium Green trustees secretary

Piddletrenthide & White Lackington

Remembering Piddletrenthide The fourth exh ibiti on of t his project, focusing on Middle Tything & the busi nesses of Piddletrenthide, attracted ever more vlsitorsl 'Star of the Show' on this occasion was 90 ye ar old Eva Fay, one time Lady 's Maid to Lady Jackson at West House. Other 'old faces' to appear included the DAVIS fam ily: Pete r, Rosemarie and Marga ret, the latter sur­ viving being 'bombed out' of the butchers shop owned by her parents, in 1940 Early memories of the Methodist chapel, which boasted a Sunday School of 120 members and a young men's evening class, but is now sadly a building site, included Ralph Wightman's descriptIOn of the Sunday routi of his childhood and more recently, Janet Burt's memories of Sunday School Christmas parties and Nativity Plays. Joan Hunt (left) Eva Foy (right)

Each exhibition prompts more photos to be recovered from old family albums. For the first exhibition, nearly two years ago, it was difficult finding enough photos to cover the smail set of screens we had borrowed; thiS time, the newly acquired set of seven screens were augmented by a further five, courtesy of Dorset Community Action!

Such an exhibition takes many hours to stage and several visits to the homes of pres­ ent and past members of our village, to hear and record their memories of former times. We are greatly Indebted to Ian Condon for all his hard work copying the pho­ tos and improving them to the point where a sepia haze becomes the focussed up face of a former resident.

17 Our next exhibition, in a year's time, will focus on the farming community and ex plore the extent to which it has changed since 1901 . Pl ease look out any ph otos you have that we co uld display and do com e forwa rd to be interviewed as part of this on -going proJect. Dave & Bridget Bowen (01300 348255)

Yet an other bumper cro wd turned up to this extremely popular event Over 70 people visi ted the Mem orial Hall to view the exhibition, meet old frien ds and have conversations that begin "Do you remember when ...) One happy reunion was between two former members of the Buckla nd Newton sch ool football team . Robin Foy fro m Bournemouth, hadn 't seen Tony Wareham since they we re in the school football team . Just a bit of a coincidence, pa rtic ularly as Tony lives in Western Austra lia.

Robin is pictured holdi ng a photo of them in uck land Newton Primary School football team. Ian Condon

Plush P Readers may have noticed that the smallest village in the valley has just taken over the PVNV - although it's taking a good percentage of the population to do the job that Heather Bland did single-handed. The new ed itor Dot and her back-up Ros live here, plus linda Hoyle, one of our many recent arrivals, w ho has volu nteered for the new post of Distribution Manager.

P Linda and Jeff came down from Aberdeen in the autumn of 2009, when Jeff was posted to Wytch Farm by BP, and seem to have brought Grampian winters With them ... as well as their son Jonathan.

P More recent Plush arrivals are Drs Christopher and Caroline Burnham who moved into Plush Bottom in the autumn and promptly swelled the population f urther, With the arrival of their beautiful firstborn, Emily, on 22nd November. Many of you Will know Dr Chris Burnham from the Puddletown surgery, while Dr Caroline IS a GP In Yeovil . Chris hails rom the New Forest but they have moved to Plush from Maiden Newton

19 P Medical writer Theresa Brothwood has moved from her home of 25 years in Dulwich to Astra, so a big change from metropolis to hamlet and which her two daughters have warmly applauded. She is relishing the rural idyll with partridge and pheasant roaming the garden.

P This very wintry winter makes Plushers (any better collective name for us is welcome!?) especially grateful to those who organize our heating co-operative. What's that? It began with Harry Whittle, then Peter Chance (01300 348311) took over for several years collecting heating oil orders from enough residents to order a whole tanker load, saving enough on delivery costs to negotiate a worthwhile discount for us all. John Browning (01300 348280) has now taken over the reins, but not one to sit back and rest, Peter has gone on to arrange a group boiler service over a couple of days, resulting in another price discount because of the cost of reaching us in the far-flung depths of The Valley ... If you would like help or advice in setting up a similar scheme in your patch, Peter or John would be happy to pass on a few tips. Ros Charlton

Plush Cricket Club are always on the look out for new players to join our enthusiastic and successful cricket teams. With the brilliant pavilion nearing its internal completion, 2009 has been a spectacular year for the club, so if you are 14 years or older, and you would like to come and join our warm and friendly club, set in some of the most beautiful surroundings to play village cricket, then please contact either: Graeme Stephens: 07899 663773 Tim Mitchell: 0779 857744 or Riou Baxter: 07976328916 all of whom will be more than delighted to explain what Plush Cricket Club is all about

21 General News & Notices ------

Dorset Police We would ask all to be mindful of any neighbours who may be vulnerable during the current cold weather. Please take the time to check on them and see if you can be of any assistance. Also, do not accept any offers of work from people calling door to door, offering to clear snow off your drive and pathways. If you see anything suspi­ cious or have any concerns please contact Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Do something amazing, be a Blood Donor, give the gift of life! Did you know that although most of us expect blood to be available to save our lives should we ever need it, the UK's blood supply is donated by just 4% of the eligible population? You are eligible to give blood from the ages of 17 to 65, subject to a health check at the donor session, so why not put some in the bank - someone you care for may need blood one day. You can make an initial check to find out whether your health allows you to donate by calling 0300 123 2323 or on the Blood Transfusion website www.blood.co.uk. The website explains what to expect at a donation session and how blood is used. DORCHESTER sessions are held at the United Church Hall, South Street (near Goulds household store) and all are from 13.30 - 15.25 and 16.30 - 19.00. Next dates Thursday 6 January Thursday 27 January Thursday 17 February There are no sessions at STURMINSTER NEWTON during January or February. Potential donors are recommended to call 0300 1232323 or visit www.blood.co.uk to check session details. You can book an appointment time which speeds up the donation process and minimises waiting time. Rosalyn Charlton Dorchester Mobile library Mondays January 10 + 24 February 7 + 21 Alton Pancras Holcombe Mead 11.25 - 11.45 Piddletrenthide Poachers Inn 11.55-12.10 Wightmans Orchard 1.20 1.50 Piddlehinton Paynes Close 2.00 - 4.00

Artsreach Advance Notice Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall Commiittee is pleased to announce that an Artsreach pro­ duction will be shown in the Hall on the evening of Friday 4 March 2011. "What Would Helen Mirren Do?" is a play by Anita Parrry and has been touring the village halls of Dorset this autumn to much acclaim. More information in March/April News & Views but do look out for posters throughout the Valley in February telling you about tickets Heather Bland

23 WINTER WHOOPEE"

A FRENCH EVENING I th Saturday , January 29 , 7pm. Piddlehinton Village Hall.

A four-course supper I with Bar I and

Musical Entertainment I led by the Valley's own Dave BowenH.

Pates au choix Carbonnade de Boeuf Tarte aux fruits Fromages £10.1 OPEN TO EVERYONE ... BRIGHTEN UP A JANUARY EVENING AND BRING ALONG SOME FRIENDS!

Tickets from Piddletrenthide PO, Dave Bowen (01300-348255 ) or Bernard Roughton ( 348434 ). Piddle Valley Twinning Association.

24 Clubs, Groups, Organisations ------­

Piddle Valley Country Dancing Group We started this group in 2001, so next term will see our 10th anniversary. The term will start on Monday 10 January 2.15 - 4.15 pm at the Memorial Hall as usual, and every Monday (except 14 Feb) and end on Monday 4 April.

We are always keen to recruit more members to our enthusiastic group men are especially welcome as we only have 2 at the moment. My ambition is to achieve a regular attendance of at least 16 dancers so that we can have two full sets dancing simultaneously. Absolutely no experience is necessary as every dance is walked through first (sometimes 2 or 3 times) and the emphasis is always on enjoyment and keeping fit. Flat, well-fitting shoes recommended.

At only £1 - SOp per meeting, which includes tea/Coffee/squash and biscuits during the much-needed break, this must be one of the cheapest forms of entertainment in the Piddle Valley or anywhere. Do come along and join us, you will be made most welcome. Note there will be no meeting on 14 February. Jane Preston, 01300 348 545

Piddletrenthide Lunch Club I think we have all just about recovered from our 'fifteen seconds of fame' on BBC South Today!

We all enjoyed our Christmas lunch at the beginning of December. Thank you to Rebecca Green and her staff for producing this delicious meal. We would also like to thank the children of Years 2 and 3 from Piddle Valley First School for entertaining us with Christmas carols and songs from their Christmas Show. We certainly have some talent in the valley.

The lunch club is now going into its 4th year, and I would like to thank all the volunteers who have made it possible and kept it going from strength to strength. 21 st January menu Piddle Hot Pot + Trifle 18th February menu to be decided. A Happy New Year to you all. DiLee

Piddle Valley Over 60s No meeting in January. On 3rd February there will be talk by Jonathan Risley "Crazy Man on a Bike" at 2.30pm in Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall.

25 Piddle Valley Gardens Club - Bee keeping and gardens

On a bitterly cold evening in November the Garden s Club were given an fascinating ta lk by Mervyn Bown, Preside nt of the Dorset Beekeepers Association. He explained that there are over 240 species of bee and most of these are solitary bees. Honey bees li ve in co lonies of about 50 to 60 thousa nd bees with one queen. When other queens develop in the hive. the old queen wi ll fly out and cause a swarm as the other bees leave the hive after her. Honey bees have a very sh ort li fespan of only 9 weeks. The queen can live for up to 5 years but usually is re placed after 3 years. The first hives were made in early 1800's by an American to enable extraction of honey.

Bees eat nectar and produce honey and wax. As bees co llect nectar they also help with pollination, very useful for gardeners and commercia l frui t growers. Apple grow­ ers pay for hives to be put in their orchards during blossom time to ensure effective pollination with 2 hives to the acre for two weeks, significantly increasing the apple crop weight.

Honey bees only see the ultra violet spectrum so they prefer blue and pink flowers; they do not visit red f lowers or complex flower shapes. They will continue to visit a particular flower while it is in bloom. Bees will work around an apple tree systemati­ ally collectin g nectar and pol linating at the same time The flower type depicts the type and flavour of the honey produced. Bee keepers take hives to specific crops for short periods to give a distinct flavour to their honey.

Heather honey is a rich dark colour with a strong flavour but does not granulate

The Gardens Club AGM IS on Monday January 24th 2011; Gardens Club talk on Japanese gardens is on Monday February 28th 2011 . All welcome. Secretary Ann Jordan

Ann

27 Plush Cricket Club - End of Season Newsletter

Unfortunately. the 2010 cricket season is now over but what an incredibly successful season it has been both on and off the field. The Final Results for the season are better than 2009 (in brackets) and speak for themselves: Won - 29 (21) Lost - 7 (9) Drawn - 0 (2) Cancelled - 7 (11)

We WON division 3 of the Dorchester Evening League having only lost 1 game so we now look forward to the tougher challenge of division 2 next season. We were unbeaten in all games until the end of May, which is the 2nd successive year we have achieved this stat.

Well done and thank you to all the players who made themselves available week-in week-out and played really well. In virtually all games we fielded at least 7 players aged between 16 and 23 and these younger players did us proud - Jonny Stuart, Will Rumsey, Rob Smith, Luke Raines, Mike Driscoll, Declan, George and Owen Chubb. Thank you also to Vice Captain, Roger Edmonds, who assisted and captained on many occasions. Well done Will who hit his maiden century and then top-edged the ball into his face - he now has a permanent reminder of when he hit his first ton! !

Our Sunday cricket also went fantastically well winning most of our games. It was our 1st year in the 3 counties league (40 over cricket) and we finished equal 3rd in this 10 team league. We started really well and were 2nd most of the season but we lost our last 3 games. Well done to all the players lets win it next season. We finished the season off in style by beating local rivals Gaggle of Geese and Puddletown. Due to the good weather we played through until the end of September! !

Big thanks goes to our long standing fixtures secretary, Phil Ralph. Our annual cricket tournament held in July was again a huge success. We had a great day with some superb cricket and a tense final won, by touring team, Phene Philanderers. A massive thank-you to all the 'helpers' and the local pubs that support­ ed our day. The following day we held our annual clay pigeon shoot, ably organised by Andy Langlands and his team of professionals from Northampton. It was a lovely day which started with bacon butties (thanks Ralpher) and there was some good shooting. We attracted quite a few teams and the event raised about £1,000.00.

These 2 fundraisers (along with the subs and match fees) will enable us to complete the floor screed, disabled access ramp and full decoration within our pavilion. We now want to raise more in order that we can construct our own practise net.

Graeme Stephens 07899 663773 - 31 Parish + District Council ------­

Piddle Valley Parish Council Meetings The Piddle Valley Parish Council continues to hold its monthly meetings in the Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall, normally on the last Tuesday of every month, beginning at 7.30 pm. Every meeting starts with a 'democratic half hour', when any local resident may personally raise matters that affect the Valley community direct to the Council. So if you think you have something important to say, please contact one of your local councillors, or deliver it in person at the next meeting! Next meeting is Tuesday 25th January 2011

Parish Councillors - Re-Election Reminder In May 2011, Re-Elections for the Parish Council are due to take place. So if you are interested in serving your parish and wider community, please contact one of your local councillors for further details, or come to the next meeting.

2011 Census Every ten years, we hold a census in England and Wales which gives decision-makers a clear picture of the communities their decisions will affect. 2011 is set to be the biggest one yet. If you can spare a bit of time to get out into the community and help gather census information, it may well be worth your while. If you want to find out more, and apply, go to www.censusjobs.co.uk.

Dorset County Council (DCC) Winter Maintenance Season 2010/2011 DCC has reviewed its policies and procedures for dealing with winter weather, and salt stocks have been increased. See more information on the 'Dorset For You' website at www.dorsetforyou.com/winter. A "Snow Code" has been published giving advice to householders on clearing snow and ice outside their properties. Access these details via www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nll/newsroom/DG_191868

New this winter "Gritter Twitter" giving frequent updates about road salting, weather con­ ditions and changes to services: www.twitter.com/dorsetforyou If you have questions or want to report a problem on our roads, please call 01305 221020 or email [email protected]

Piddlehinton War Memorial There have been complaints that children have been climbing on the War Memorial at Piddlehinton crossroads. While it is appreciated that the location is a school pick-up point, please remember that this memorial is dedicated to those former residents of the village who lost their lives in the 1914-18/1939-45 World Wars, and they deserve our respect.

Piddle Valley Parish Plan Update Dorset Community Action (DCA) facilitated a 'Valley' meeting on 23rd November in the Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall. The aim to identify the most popular topics highlighted from the questionnaire responses, and to further discuss the way forward. Special thanks go to the 26 residents who attended and expressed an interest to move this project on. The DCA will convene a meeting in 2011 to establish a Parish Plan 'steering committee'.

33 Petanque Piste Site Meeting A site meeting will be held at the School on Saturday, 8th January 2011.

Planning Matters (1) l/DI1 01000687 - Land adjacent Brace of Pheasants, Plush - Site temporary mobile home ADDITIONAL PLAN (2) l/D/l01001762 - Kestrels, Alton Pancras - Relief of condition C of P.P l/E/75/000430 restricting occupancy by an agricultural worker (3) llD/l 01001753 Listed Building Consent Fleet Farmhouse, White Lackington - single storey extension & internal alterations (4) l/D/l 01001752 - Fleet Farmhouse, White Lackington Single storey extension (5) lID/10/001110 Brook House, Piddletrenthide Replacement porch, alterations to outbuilding to form annexe accommodation & rebuild garden wall - Amended plan (6) Proposed revisions to National and Local validation checklists for Planning Applications Anthony Trevis

Piddle Valley Speed Watch A Community Speed Watch has been trialled in Warmwell, with volunteers trained by the Police in the use of a "radar" speed gun. Residents took down registration num­ bers of vehicles driving over the speed limit, whose drivers then received a warning let­ ter from the Police. Figures indicated that 62 % were local to Dorset. The idea of the scheme is not to catch as many as possible but to encourage drivers to lower their speed.

I have approached PCSO Vickie Hedges with a view to running a similar scheme in the Piddle Valley and she is happy to help us with our endeavours but I will of course, need willing volunteers! PCSO Hedges emphasised that "vigilante" types are not needed. A cool, steady person is required so as not to antagonise drivers. If you are willing, have time and patience to take part in this scheme. please, either email or phone your details to [email protected] or 01300 348528. David Saxby, Chairman Piddle Valley Parish Council

local District Councillor for the Piddle Valley Nicki Barker

Contact Details Phone: 01300 345238 Fax: 01300345250 e-mail: petroleumeng@btinternet

35 - The Bridge Educational Trust (Registered Charity No 1068720)

The Trust was set up in 1990 by the late Mrs Diana Bridge in memory of her husband, John Edward Maurice Bridge, the last of the family which founded the Piddle Valley School in the middle of the 19th Century and which lived at that time at the Manor House in Piddletrenthide.

It is able to provide a limited number of single or recurrent grants each year for the edu­ cation of students of any race colour or creed who were born or who have their main res­ idence in the County of Dorset, priority being given to those who come from the parishes of the Piddle Valley.

Trust objectives are educational. Grants are given primarily to those wishing to study at a school, college, or other educational establishment. Normally applicants should be near­ ing the end of their school careers or have left school, though younger children with spe­ cial educational needs may be considered. At the Trustees' discretion, expeditions or travel groups for young people organised for scientific or cultural purposes may be eligi­ ble, provided they contain an educational element.

Priority is given to cases involving hardship or difficult family circumstances, and where without some assistance the desired education or course would not be possible. Special consideration is given to older people who may wish to start training for a particular career or other purpose after normal education has been interrupted. All grants are dependent on the Trustees' assessment of need in relation to that of other applicants in the same year, in order to make the best use of the resources available.

Applications (available from the address below) should preferably be submitted about 6-8 weeks before one of the regular Trustees' meetings, which are normally held in June, October and February. If the application is successful, arrangements for payment of the grant to the appropriate establishment or supplier can be made shortly after the Trustees' meeting. For a course of study of over twelve months, a fresh application is required for the second and subsequent years. Three years is normally the maximum period for a grant to anyone person.

Application form to be completed by the applicant (or by a parent in the case of children under 16). A personal letter is acceptable, provided it includes all the information requested on the form. Applications please to Mr John McCormack, Brookside Cottage, Kington Magna, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5EW (Tel 01747 838131)

If further details are required before submitting an application, you may like to speak to one of the Trustees living in the Piddle Valley: Rex Goddard (348363), Sue Nicholas (348436) or Tony Monds (348211). All information supplied is treated as confidential.

Trustees: RE Goddard (Chairman); JF McCormack (Executive Trustee); AD Zeal; Mrs 50 Nicholas; Mrs 5 Johnson; The Rev AJB Monds; P5P Claxton; Coutts & Co.

37 Piddle Valley School ------­

There is snow on the ground and the children are extremely excited as Christmas approaches. There have been many changes at the school this year with a lot of activity over the summer and several new developments.

Building work We have had quite a change around and are thrilled with how the school looks and feels now. With the integration of the ., pre-school' into the main body of the school to form what is known as a 'Foundation Base', we now have the Feathers (pre-school') and Robins (Reception) housed in two adjoining classrooms. Lots of work on the schools internal courtyard has created an outdoor play and learning zone for our youngest children. Woodpeckers (Year One) and Buzzards (Year Two and Three) are housed in the other two classrooms with Owls (Year Four) in the mobile classroom. Also the children's toilets have been redeveloped and are greatly improved.

Feathers and Robins It has been so lovely to welcome the staff and children from Feathers base into our school. The Piddle Valley Foundation Base structures its commit­ ment around the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (a government document) committed to children from birth to five years old. Children are offered a wide variety of learning opportunities accessed as a child is developmentally ready which allows children to move smoothly through this important stage.

Piddle Valley School offers the benefits of a pre-school and a school reception class using one curriculum tailored around each child in the same base offering the combined knowl­ edge and expertise of early years staff, the extra resources required to meet all children's needs and essentially allowing children to develop and progress at a speed and level appropriate to the individual child!

Changes are unsettling and the possible worries about starting 'big school' for a child can cause a delay or even a step back in their progress. A foundation base minimizes that disruption as the children can view first hand some of the children and routines in big school which is a definite plus, even if your child will be attending a first school other than Piddle Valley. For details of costs and times for the Feathers base please contact the school on 01300 348219

Creative Curriculum Teachers have continued to work hard to ensure that our pupil's learning is as enjoyable and meaningful as possible. Topics have included The Scrumdidlyumptious world of Roald Dahl, Africa (inspired by Mr Higgins summer trip to that continent!) Australia and All About Me.

Golden Time We have made some changes to Golden Time this year. Part of our schools reward and sanction system, a Golden Time hour of enrichment activities on Friday afternoons is a reward for working hard and behaving well all week. Minutes of Golden Time can be deducted for those not complying with their class Charter of Rights and Responsibilities. We have invited parents into school to work with small groups of children on projects lasting a few weeks. Activities so far include making anima­ tions, art workshops, cooking, gardening, sewing and junk modelling.

39 If you have a skill to pass onto the next generation and an hour to spare on Friday after­ noon please contact the school.

Friends/PTA We have a super new PTA committee with plenty of ideas and energy for fundraising. Bonfire Night was a huge success and it was lovely to see so many of the local community at the Winter Shopping Event.

School Prospectus We have a new school prospectus if you are interested please view on our website or ask Claire in the office for a copy.

Open Afternoon Come along to our School Open afternoon on Thursday 20th January there will be a formal blessing and opening of the Foundation Base followed by refreshments and tours of the schooL We are really proud of our school and can't wait to show it off! For more details of what goes on in our classrooms, future events, the new school prospectus and other information go to www.piddlevalley.dorsetschooLco/uk Look out for posters and do remember Textile recycling, to be in school by Friday 4th March and thank you for your support.

Cath Rothman, Assistant Head Teacher 07300 348279 www.piddlevalley ------­

Change at the heart of News and Views has presented an ideal opportunity to re start the Piddle Valley website. Karen Kurg has expertise in website design and Ann Jordan previos experience in the set up of a village website, are working to get this up and running.

The new website will bring together all groups and services. activities. attractions and events in the valley. It will provide easy access to studios and galleries. where to eat and find accommodation, shops and businesses, doctors, clubs. schools and churches and provide links to existing websites including the schools. pubs, entertainment and the local council. There will be a photo gallery showing pictures of activities that have occurred in the valley and an up to date events diary. There will be an historical section and a Book Store with a list of publications from local authors like Tracy Chevalier. Most importantly there will be access to back copies of News and Views.

The new Piddle Valley website will be appearing very soon and should enable residents and the wider community to access information about the valley with ease and to communicate with the editors and other users of the site. Karen Kurg (07776 38 4254) and Ann jordan (07300348075)

41 Surgeries ------­ The (erne Abbas Surgery 01300341666

In case of emergency when the Surgery is closed, please telephone 0845 600 10 13. To contact the Dorset Emergency Care Seervice (DECS) or if you require health information or advice, please contact NHS Direct (a 24 advice line) on 0845 4647.

Puddletown Surgery 01305 848333 Open from 08.30 to 18.30 Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 11 am Saturday mornings

We run open surgeries in the mornings - just turn up before 10.30am Monday-Friday and lOam Saturday and you will be seen. Afternoon surgeries between 4pm and 6.1 Opm are by appointment.

Practice manager - Carol Taylor [email protected] www.puddletownsurgery.co.uk Puddletown Surgery Backwater Puddletown DT2 8SD

Images ------­ Front cover © Ian Condon Winter in the Piddle Valley Inside Ian Condon, Rachel Olley

JONATHAN GOODING PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOTS EVERYTHING

Local professional photographic services

Advertising Product Shots Art Publicity Family Portraits Weddings Individual Tuition Workshops Architectural

www.jonathangooding.co.uk 01300 348620. [email protected] 07775774610

43 PIDDLEHINTON's

MOST EAGERLY AWAITED ANNUAL EVENT IS BACK!!

The Twinning JUMBLE SALE Sat 12th February The Village Hall 2.00 - 4.00pm Admission stil150p, & includes cup of tea! Cakes & other Refreshments available. As ever, JUMBLE DONATIONS are much needed & very warmly welcomed!!

Please deliver Sat morning to Hall on day. If inconvenient, please leave earlier with Bernard or Julie at 2, Rectory Rd, Piddlehinton. Or tel 348670 if you need collection. Thanks!

Pre-VAT-Rise Prices!! Grab yourself a bargain!!

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