Going for Gold

For those interested in sport, 2012 most young people want to be out enjoying themselves. It Jean provides a veritable feast of interna- means getting up at some unearthly hour to train, perhaps tional sporting excellence. As I before a day’s work. It means pushing themselves physical- Saddington write this Euro 2012 dominates the ly to a point where it hurts. It means sometimes having to television channels and even those isolate themselves from their family and friends in order to of us who are not particularly interested in football can’t focus on the goal that is within their grasp. help but get caught up in the high and lows, successes and failures of our national team. But some time before all this, some time long before they set out on their road to success, they would have acknowl- Tennis fans too will be glued to their sets (or for the lucky edged their own talent and more than that would have few, sitting in the rain at Wimbledon) to see how their had to respond to what they were being called to do with favourite players fare in this most prestigious of tennis that talent. That response marks just the beginning of a tournaments. Will this be Andy Murray’s year? Will he process of growth for them that will feed and nurture their finally make it to the finals and at long last justify his fans’ talent. steadfast faith in him? Discipleship is a bit like training to be an athlete. Like And later this summer, athletes from all over the world athletes, once we have recognised the potential in us we will compete in the London Olympic Games. We will see should respond. That response marks just the beginning runners, jumpers, gymnasts, swimmers, sailors, rowers and of a process of growth for us as disciples and we should throwers and all manner of sporting dexterity, testing the feed and nurture our potential as disciples until we too athletes to their limits. can say we have reached our goal – to be true Disciples of Christ. There is one common denominator in these three great sporting events – the dedication and determination of the To become a top sportsperson means sacrificing a great sports men and women competing against each other at deal. To become a good disciple means sacrificing a great the very top of their field. deal. It takes a single-mindedness to succeed but not in a physical sense like the athlete but a single-mindedness of To become a top sportsperson means sacrificing a great heart and mind – to love God, to love each other and to deal. It takes a single-mindedness to succeed that is re- strive to be more like Jesus every day. markable. It means giving up a social life at a time when Have a wonderful summer…

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Margaret Morrissey Liz Green 9 Hessary Street, Poundbury 7 Sydenham Way, Dorchester DT1 3SF Dorchester DT1 1DN 01305 250366 01305 269610 [email protected] [email protected] 3

St George’s Fordington

Messenger Church Correspondent: Margaret Morrissey 250366

Dorchester Carnival Noah’s Ark achieved third place in the carnival, a miracle Delays considering we have won for three years and it had to be someone else’s turn. We had a fabulous afternoon. Noah Apologies if any of our readers were held up recently on was great and took to his role like a “duck to water”, no Clarence Road. I queued for ages to get through to collect pun meant. His animals stood in their pairs: fox, frog, the children from school, not feeling very happy about ladybird, pig, lion, badger, Abigail horse, Rosie cow, being made late. Isabella cat, Laura zebra, Margaret monkey, Alicia bunny, Clare tiger, Tyler lion, Ruby dog, and Elliot bumble bee. I arrived almost at the top of the road near my daughter’s house to find the hold-up was her large white chicken, The afternoon was made perfect when the Bee, alias amusing herself and courting death by playing dare, racing Elliot, asked if the fire engine directly behind us would do backwards and forwards across the road. After two rugby his “deeda, deeda” (his words not mine), and as we arrived tackles she was caught and deposited back behind the at the Junction, sure enough he did, making us all jump gate. out of our boots. An excellent event when the town all comes together and many of our congregation line the Moving on procession route - an afternoon of fun, laughter and friendship. Suddenly we are half way through summer and past the longest day. There will be no more magazine before Well done to all our children, the St George’s Dragons September, when we will have a new vicar at St George’s. and the Sunday School teachers, who with the children Interviews will be happening just after this double edition put hours of work into the float. All made possible by magazine is in church — more news next time. Burdens for their lorry, Henry Ling for paper and goods, Dorchester Carpets for carpet rolls for the giraffe and of course Dorchester Round Table who organise the Memories Carnival for the town. With all the events and looking back this year, I could not

resist this poem, as it describes my childhood exactly. Olympics I remember the cheese of my childhood, We look forward to the Olympic Torch passing through And the bread that we cut with a knife, Dorchester on the 12th of July. Fordington bells will be when the children helped with the housework, rung and the children from Manor Park School will be and the men went to work not the wife. using the church hall and grounds to have a picnic lunch on their way to watch the Olympic torch pass through The cheese never needed a freezer Dorchester at Grey's Bridge. The Thursday Group will and the bread was so crusty and hot, also be joining them. Another momentous day for young The children were seldom unhappy and old alike, or should I say children and adults. and the wife was content with her lot

Driving down the Dorchester bypass recently I did smile I remember the milk from the billy, th when I read this sign: “Delays on the Weymouth Rd 29 with the yummy cream on the top, July due to a Sailing Event” Our dinner came hot from the oven, Catch up Dorset County Council Highways Dept, “IT’S and not from the fridge in the shop. THE OLYMPICS” - slightly more than a sailing event ! [continued overleaf] 7 The kids were a lot more contented, A thought to leave you with they didn't need money for kicks, Just a game with our mates in the paddock, An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung and sometimes the Saturday flicks. on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was I remember the shop on the corner, perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the where a pen'orth of lollies was sold end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic, cracked pot arrived only half full. or is it....I'm just getting old? For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman I remember when the loo was the dunny, bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of and the pan man came in the night, course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. It wasn't the least bit funny But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own Going out the back with no light. imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. The interesting items we perused, from the newspapers cut into squares, After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it and hung on a peg in the outhouse, spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed it took little to keep us amused. of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.' The clothes were boiled in the copper, with plenty of rich foamy suds The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are But the ironing seemed never ending flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other as Mum pressed everyone's Duds pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, I remember the slap on my backside, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For and the taste of soap if I swore two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers anorexia and diets weren't heard of to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you and we hadn't much choice what we wore. are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Do you think that bruised our ego? Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks or our initiative was destroyed and flaws we each have that make our lives together so We ate what was put on the table very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take and I think our life was better enjoyed. each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

The 20th International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival 2012

The 2012 International Thomas Hardy Conference and The academic side of the programme will be interspersed Festival will take place in Dorchester 18th- 26th August — with music, song and dance at event venues that include a little later than in previous years in order to avoid the the Dorset County Museum and the Town Hall. Olympic Games. The week will provide a unique opportunity to meet with Once again the United Church in South Street will be the other people who are working in the same field or who main venue, where Hardy Scholars and enthusiasts from simply share a common interest in Hardy. Many of the many parts of the world will gather for all kinds of events events are open for the casual visitor to enjoy so please to celebrate the author and poet’s life and works. come along to one or two — we would love to see you.

On the first Saturday evening Roger McGough will open If you are interested in helping with accommodation, stu- the Conference at the Thomas Hardye School, and during dents and delegates are often hosted by local families liv- the eight day Festival there will be ample opportunity to ing in the town and are willing to contribute toward the join in with lectures and seminars by distinguished schol- cost. If you would like to offer this please would you con- ars from universities and colleges both in this country and tact the Society office. abroad. Their subjects will range over many different as- pects of Hardy’s life and works. For full details and information on the Society and Con- ference and Festival please visit www.hardysociety.org. 8

St Mary the Virgin The Open Door

The Mission to Seafarers – Sea Sunday, 8th July

There are many missions, causes, chari- The Mission has centres and Harold ties and organizations that call out for chaplains in many ports our support – financial, prayerful and round the world and a major Stephens practical – and the Mission to Seafarers role now is visiting ships and is there amongst them. The Mission meeting the crews on board, ministers to seafarers’ needs in a num- bringing things they need, ber of ways and this year, on Sea Sunday, it asks us to including phone cards which think of the loneliness and isolation of the men and wom- enable sailors to keep in en who spend so much of their lives at sea bringing us the touch with their families. things we need or want. 90% of our imports come by sea Pastoral and spiritual sup- and presumably the same proportion of our exports goes port is given to all, irrespective of race or creed, and Mis- out the same way, so the role of seafarers is very important. sion chaplains are respected and welcomed on virtually They are largely invisible to us on land but they are there every ship. and they have physical, emotional and spiritual needs like everyone else. Please support the Mission in your prayers and, if possible, financially. Several members of the congregation have col- There is an historic image of jolly seamen working togeth- lecting boxes and there are plenty of empty ones in which er in large groups and then going ashore to enjoy a lively new supporters can put spare coins from time to time. time socially. That image really is historic. Ships today are huge but crews are remark- ably small. Men work in shifts and rarely meet. Time spent in port is very brief – hours rather than days, with cargoes being People unloaded and loaded at high speed – so getting Baptisms in June at St. Mary's: ashore becomes difficult, Paige Fullbrook, Scarlett Harris, Poppy-Grace Harris, Levi increasingly so as berths are Rawlins (baptised at the special Traveller event in the Bor- often far from the towns ough gardens), William Wetherill, Samuel Wetherill whose names they bear. To be married in St. Mary's in July: So a man or woman may be at sea for months, perhaps on Jamie Oates and Laura Prankerd. the other side of the world from home, perhaps with lim- Those to be commissioned as Lay Pastoral Assistants and ited knowledge of other crew members’ languages, work- to be licensed to the clergy team – see under “Benefice ing very hard and, in some cases, living uncomfortably. News”. This isolation is intensified if a child is born and the par- ent is unable to join in the celebration, or if a wife or par- Congratulations ent is ill, if a storm has wrecked a house or village, if a At the very end of May, Rev Jean Saddington was awarded loved one dies and the sailor is unable to help. In the case the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by the of bereavement a good employer may organise the return Chief Constable. We would all like to add our congratula- home of the crew member but this may take days or weeks tions to Jean for this well-deserved award. Jean serves as co to be effective. -ordinating chaplain for Dorset Police as well has working professionally for them. 11

St Mary the Virgin

Happening at St. Mary's over the coming two months The New Sound System at St. Mary's July 1st 9.45 a.m. Celebrant and Preacher at the At the time of writing we have received conditional ap- Eucharist: The Archdeacon proval to install our new replacement sound system. 2nd 7.30 p.m. Emmaus Group meeting (discussing Hopefully by the time of the September edition we will the Methodist movement) report on the successful completion of this project! 4th 3.30 p.m. Fund-raising committee at the Rectory 4th 7.30 p.m. Eucharist with licensing – celebrant Jubilee Evening on 1st June and preacher, the Archdeacon. 7th and 8th Exhibition of Church Vestments and Many, many thanks to the Social Committee for the very Flowers for Friendship enjoyable Jubilee evening on 1st June. With even more 9th 7.30 p.m. Final session of Emmaus Group – present than were expected we were crowded out – but considering the Easter orthodox Church very pleasantly so! The winners of the most imaginative 10th 7.30 p.m. LPA (Lay Pastoral Assistant) Jubilee knickers went to Helen Wibley and to Alice Stew- commissioning service at St. Mary's, art-Sykes. Many of those on show were taken to the Carni- Charminster val the following weekend! This enjoyable social event 12th 7.30 p.m. Planning meeting for work with children involved much effort from lots of people. Thank you at St. Mary's. At rectory. again. 14th 1 p.m. Wedding at St. Mary's (Jamie Oates and Laura Prankerd) St Mary’s Senior Club 19th a.m. St. Osmund's CE Middle School leavers’ service in Church Our annual outing will take place on Monday 16th July August when we will be going to Athelhampton House. We will th 15 7.30 p.m. Feast of the Assumption: Mass at St. have the opportunity to look around the gardens and to Mary's. have a cream tea. If you would like to join us please con- th 26 Evening Special fund-raising concert in St. Mary's tact Rosemary 262615 or Audrey 262668 when we can by German Choir. arrange transport for you. th 27 Bank Holiday Healing Service A New Endeavour with Children The next Meditative Communion with Prayers for Whole- St. Mary's is hoping to pro- ness & Healing will be on Sunday 29th July at 6pm. when ceed with an exciting new the theme will be “New Life”. During the service there will venture for children in be an opportunity for prayer ministry and anointing for forming a new Children’s those who would like it. All will be very welcome. Choir.

We are exploring now the July 2012 Sanctuary Lamp Candles

possibility of attracting a grant to support the formation of this choir which will 1st Given by Di House in memory of her sister Linda follow the RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) scheme whose years mind falls on 4th July. “Voice for Life”. The children would receive voice train- 8th Given by Robert Potter to mark family birthdays ing for choral work, would sing with the adult choir in 15th Given by Joan Hodgkins in memory of her husband Church on Sundays and develop skills in music and Chris- Denys whose birthday was on 12th July. tian Education at the same time. 21st Given by Adrian and Gill Downton to mark their wedding anniversary. More details about this in the September magazine (and 28th Given by Joan Hodgkins to mark family birthdays publicity in our Middle Schools). 12

Another centenary at St. Mary’s The Children’s Society at the Carnival

Two years ago St Mary’s celebrated the laying of the foun- Every year the Dorchester Committee of The Children’s dation stone of the church in April 1910. It was a chilly Society have a stall in South Street on the day of the Car- day with a brisk wind but large crowds lined the route of nival. This the procession from the Corn Exchange to Top o’ Town year the stall and so to the church site on the hill. There the Earl of comprised Shaftesbury formally laid the stone on the real founda- homemade tions which were already in place. cakes and savouries Two years later the building was finished and ready for plus ‘Guess dedication. It couldn’t be consecrated until the building the Name of debt had been paid off, which didn’t happen until 1927. the Bear’ and some The last service in the Tin Tabernacle was held on Sunday jewellery. 7th July 1912 and in the afternoon the job of moving all Usually the the furniture and artefacts to the new church began. It stall is decorated in the theme of the Carnival but as there went on through Monday and Tuesday, a procession of was no theme this year we were very patriotic and every- individuals carrying things or using wheel barrows and thing was in red white and blue. Unfortunately our union carts where necessary. flag hats immediately blew off in the wind which was very strong.

The men moved all the wooden chairs, the altar, the big We usually avoid chocolate cakes or shelter them out of brass candlesticks, banners, altar frontals and vestments, the sun at the back of the stall but that was not a problem communion rails, reading desks and so on which all found this year, our challenge was making sure they did not blow their way up the hill and into the church where the ladies away! However, it is an occasion we all enjoy because it cleaned and polished things and set them in their places. gives everyone an opportunity to meet friends and visitors to the town as well as promoting the work of The Chil- At that time the entrance to the church was from Alexan- dren’s Society. We are very grateful to everyone who sup- dra Road, past the door to the vestry and down the north ported us in any way either providing things for the stall side to the main door in the north–west corner. The door or coming along and buying our wares. Our total profit we use now in the south-west corner led out to a chalk on the stall was £273.25. We were delighted to win the track and on the other side of that the fields and open cup for the Best Dec- ground stretched south to the ridgeway and westwards to orated Stall., and we Maiden Castle. The town has grown in the last 100 years! shall be there again next Carnival Day. th On Thursday 11 July the Lord Bishop of Salisbury (Bishop Frederick Ridgeway) came to dedicate the church In the evening we with much less publicity and ceremonial than the stone- entered a walking laying had involved two years before. This was after object- float in the Carnival ing to a statue of the Blessed Virgin and to the aumbry as procession which was then fitted, both of which had to be redesigned. cleverly covered with posters which said Once dedicated the building became a place of worship, a ‘Keep Calm and place set aside for a special purpose. In the words of the Keep on Supporting bishop, “we do now dedicate and set apart from all pro- The Children’s Soci- fane and common uses this church, in the name of the ety’. It was quite small as there were only 4 adults and 4 Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost”. children but they managed to be ‘Highly Commended’. We hope the weather is kinder next year as by the end of It is, I suppose, questionable as to whether the bishop the evening it was more like October than June but every- might regard some of the activities which take place in our one was still smiling and ‘keeping very calm’. church as profane or common but times change and we We have an extremely good Committee here in Dorches- have to let the church to other users to help to pay the ter for The Children’s Society who work very hard fund costs of maintenance. raising for children who need help and support at difficult times in their young lives. If anyone would like to join the There are another 15 years to wait before we can celebrate Committee we would be pleased to hear from you. As the consecration! well as working hard we also have a lot of fun. Dorothy Maggs—Chairman (01305 262436) 13

My Morning Glory Flowers

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies May I never forget that, like my Morning Glories, God’s never come to an end; they are new every morning.” love and mercies are new EVERY morning, fresh like each Lam. 3.22 R.S.V. new day. Joyce Badrocke, Broadmayne Every morning, exquisitely fragile blue flowers gently un- fold, created for one day only, and then fade at evening. Each one blue as the sky, fresh, new as the new day, a gift to surprise and delight me. Delicate, yet large and bold, not hiding away, but boldly saying “Aren’t I wonderful?”. Even as they fade, tinged with pink or mauve, they still look lovely.

How can God take such trouble making an exquisite flow- er to last for only one day? It must be because He loves them, and their beauty pleases Him too. At evening they seem to say “Don’t be sad: we know we have been here for only one day, but tomorrow there will be more, and they will be as fresh and new as we were this morning.”

God Bothering

In years gone by, we children were not my will but yours be done”. So, that gives us permis- Tony taught to “Say Prayers” morning and sion to ask for anything we wish as long as we add – like Wheeler evening, kneeling by the side of the bed. Jesus – “If you want me to have it.” “God bless Daddy. God bless Mummy. God bless me and make me a good boy. However one thing is worth saying. When did you last Amen.” I said a few more than that because my father was take a rest from asking for things and instead enquire the Vicar, and I knew - because God had told me - that I from God what he wants? Otherwise it is a bit one-sided, had to be a priest too whether I wanted to or not. don`t you think?

Sometimes prayers went deeper. Pamela and I waited so “Don`t be daft. How could he want anything? He`s God. long to get married. The war and other things got in the He`s got everything, hasn`t he?” way dreadfully for years. So when it gloriously happened we knelt down by the side of the bed to pray as usual. I Not quite. He doesn`t have our love. He waits to be given don`t know how Pamela got on. OK, I expect, she was that. He made the world. He could have arranged things always more holy than I. I couldn`t think of a thing to say so that we loved him automatically, but he didn`t. He except – “For what we are about to receive may the Lord wants people, not computers or slot machines, so it has to make us truly thankful.” More suited to a Christmas din- be our gift, our personal gift, from our heart. So we ought ner, perhaps? Even so, that prayer was gloriously answered to thank him, say we love him, ask what he wants us to do. for 52 years. However I am bound to admit that it was a In a way it is Gethsemane in reverse. God says – “Please prayer all about us – all about me. love me – but only if you want to.” That is amazing, isn`t it. God is so patient with us. Always he loves us. Seldom he complains at our obsession with ourselves, like the most How can God be so humble, so loving to us? I`ve been fretful and demanding of children, which results in “God thinking about it for years and I haven`t the answer yet. Bothering”. When you look at us, and what we do… sometimes we are not very loveable, are we. The media does not have to Please don`t misunderstand me. We should ask God for search for horror stories. But still God loves us. Of course what we need. Jesus himself told us to ask for what we people can sometimes be lovely. I like them myself, though need – for what we think we need – even for what we not as much as God does. would like but don`t actually need. But he did give us an example in Gethsemane. He asked to be let off the cross Anyway, why should I expect to understand why God does (and who could blame him), but added – “Nevertheless things? I`m Sales, not Management. 14

Benefice News

Benefice Service Sunday 15th July, 10 a.m. at St. Peter's. Teresa has accepted our encouragement to become active once more as an ordained minister of the Church. She (no mid-morning services at St. Mary's, St. George's will continue her leadership of work with children at St. or St. Andrew's) Mary's as well as with the young people’s group.

People St. George's – New Team Vicar At the time of writing we are preparing for the interview Those to be commissioned at Lay Pastoral Assistants days for the new Team Vicar of St. George's. Candidates

have been invited to come to meet us and look around on Following on from the LPA re-commissioning day at Salis- Thursday the 5th July and for formal interview the next bury Cathedral in which LPAs from St. Peter's, St. Mary's day. Please pray for the candidates and for a right appoint- and St. Andrew's renewed their diocesan commission to ment for St. George's and the Benefice. serve as LPAs in our various churches (see the June maga- zine), we now welcome three new LPAs in our Benefice. They have been following a training programme with oth- YP@D - The Young People’s Group ers through the Spring and early Summer and will now take up their work in their own churches. The commis- — See the YP@D website at http://ypad.finsta.co.uk — sioning service at St. Mary's, Charminster, is at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 10th July. All are welcome to attend. YP@D is having a busy year with much coming up on the programme. Highlights have included the special Break- th The Archdeacon will commission 12 new LPAs from all around fast and Communion at St. Peter's on June 17 and the “mini-pilgrimage” at Abbotsbury (climbing up to St Cathe- the deanery and beyond. The following come from our parish: th rine’s Chapel) on 24 – photos on the website later. Mrs Ellie Stephens – St. Mary's Mrs Christine Griffin – St. Mary's Our French Connection got under way with an initial Miss Yvonne Lee – St. George's planning meeting with friends of the Parish of Bernay in Normandy. Sadly the second panning meeting was can- To be licensed as members of the clergy of the Dorches- celled as the French leaders could not join us here in June. ter Team We are hoping for some of YP@D to spend the weekend at the end of September in Normandy with their French On the 4th July 3 members of the clergy Team will be for- opposite numbers. They will then return here for a week- mally licensed by the Archdeacon of Sherborne, on behalf end at the end of October, partly based at Hilfield Friary, of the Bishop of Salisbury. This will be at a special Eucha- The theme running through both weekends will be “Peace rist at St. Mary's at 8 p.m. All are very welcome to attend. and Unity in Christ”

th Those to be licensed are; Look out for YP@D at the Benefice Service on July 15 at St. Peter's. They are selling cakes in support of Rev Jean Saddington (who has completed her curacy and “LUNCH” – a local project to bring cooked meals in the is now associate priest in the Team) summer holiday period to all children in our schools who Rev Joanna Lacy Smith of St. George's also to be licensed normally receive free school meals. (There are leaflets as associate priest in the Team after the completion about this project in all of our churches.) of her curacy. Rev Teresa Stewart-Sykes – to be licensed as associate Team Deacon (see more below)

Teresa Stewart-Sykes, who was ordained deacon in 1989, has become a well-established member of St. Mary's con- gregation since joining us 18 months ago and, recently, become involved with our young people’s group “YP@D”. 17 Wholeness & Healing

‘No healing was ever designed to take you back to where Following the service ‘Celebrating Care in our Communi- you were but to move you on into new adventures with ty’ held at St George’s Church last year, the next Healing God, of healing our relationship with him, with each oth- Service on 30th September at 6pm at St Mary’s will con- er, with ourselves, with the community of which we are tinue this theme giving thanks for those who care for oth- members.’ Rev Dr Russ Parker, Director of Acorn Christian ers. Healing Foundation Those who are carers, paid or unpaid, from across the ben- The Meditative Communion with Prayers for Wholeness efice are invited to this service, particularly those who care & Healing at St Mary’s Church on 29th July at 6pm will for someone at home. Further details will be in the Sep- take as its theme ‘New Life’ — the new life and new adven- tember Magazine. tures which healing brings.

New Book from Local Author

‘For me, real history is the story of the ordinary person and their communities, especially when they find them- selves in extraordinary times. Most of the 98 images in the book have never been published before, as they were sourced from individual family archives. I really wanted to capture each personal story, and show how the families and town were together affected.’

On 7 July Brian will be in the Borough Gardens as part of the Veterans and Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Dorchester Remembers the Great War is published by Roving Press (01305 321531, www.rovingpress.co.uk) and priced £12.99. Author royalties are being donated to chari- ties Sense and Sightsavers.

Brian Bates has completed his mission. His fascination in the part Dorchester played during the Great War and the names on the town’s war memorials has led to years of research, piecing together the stories behind those names.

The result is a recently published book Dorchester Re- members the Great War. In it he presents a vivid picture of Edwardian Dorchester, through the men and one wom- an who lost their lives in the First World War – a timely reminder for Armed Forces Day. According to Brian there was a huge military presence in the town, including a Ger- man POW camp.

Brian and his wife Doreen have lived in Dorchester for 41 years and his enthusiasm and humour, despite the poign- ant subject, make him a popular local figure. His account of the impact of the War on the local community is an enjoyable trip into the past, particularly for those who love our county town. The War Diaries, letters and family epi- Brian with his assistant researchers, grandsons taphs are especially touching. Jacob and George.

18

An Interview with Jill Minchin

Jill Minchin has worshipped at St. words and be of a sufficiently high standard and interest David Peter’s since she came to Dorchester to be published in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural Bowen almost 40 years ago. During that History and Archaeological Society. time her skills as musician, adminis- trator and in pastoral care have be- Under the not very prepossessing title “Evangelical and come well known. To that list must now be added histori- Low Church : some later nineteenth century Dorchester an. Rectors”, Jill’s essay has won a prize and been recommend- ed for publication. The research has turned up some very In 1997 she completed her Open University degree in hu- interesting characters, like the Rev. Henry Jones, appoint- manities with a very creditable 2.1 But one module on the ed to All Saints in 1870. He was already 70 years old, but course particularly caught her attention: “Women and clearly had something about him. In his eighty-fourth year Evangelicalism”. She wrote her undergraduate disserta- he married a widow of 55 and seemed set to stay at All tion on Dr. Adams, incumbent at All Saints from 1886 to Saints for ever. However he then retired to Bournemouth 1892 and this led, with strong encouragement from the at the age of 85, where he outlived his wife! then Team Rector, Robin Johnson, to her signing up for a research degree at King’s College, London. Her topic? Not all the clergy in Dorchester got on. Often they fell Victorian Anglicanism in the three town centre churches out about abstruse theological matters of churchmanship. in Dorchester. The thesis, over 200 pages of it, was enti- Thus neither the Rector of St. Peter’s (the Rev. Mr. Pears) tled “Religion in a Changing Community” and covered nor his opposite number at All Saints (the Rev. Mr. Mil- the period from 1843 to 1900. Jill graduated as a Master ler) would attend the funeral of the incumbent at Holy of Philosophy, in a gown designed by Vivienne Westwood, Trinity (the Rev. Mr. Fisher) when he died in 1870. Why? in 2010. Because the choir was to chant two psalms during the ser- vice and neither man approved of such popish practices. That might have been enough, but Jill had caught the re- search bug, although she turned down the suggestion to Today Dorchester is one parish and the opportunity for do her PhD, preferring to pursue more detailed topics. As such disagreements does not arise. What will the histori- she wrote, “the modern church needs to heed particularity ans of the future have to research? Jill, however, knows and complexity such as that shown in … Dorchester rather what her next projects will be; first an examination of the than content itself with the generalities often previously Religious Census of 1851 and then a study of the Rev. expressed in broad and sweeping brush strokes”. While Charles Powys, father of the literary brothers. working as a volunteer in the County Museum, it was sug- gested to Jill that she might consider entering for the Man- There is much to find out about churches and churchmen sel-Pleydell Prizes established in memory of a founder of in Dorchester’s past and Jill is determined to find it. Her the Museum. These two essay competitions are open to approach to the study of history, looking at it through the anyone resident in, or connected with, Dorset. Submitted people concerned, makes it interesting even to those of us essays have to be original research into an aspect of who do not have her skills in research and historical meth- Dorset's local, cultural or natural history, be about 10,000 od. I, for one, look forward to reading the winning essay.

Pilgrimage to Northumbria

In 2013 from 9-15 September, a pilgrimage to the land of mostly ensuite accommodation, breakfast and dinner, and the Celtic Saints is planned. packed lunches. There is optional worship together, and of course the opportunity of visiting the shrine of St Cuth- Based in St Chad’s College in the shadow of Durham bert, and St Bede’s burial place in the Galilee Chapel, in Cathedral we hope to visit Whitby (home of St Hilda), Durham’s glorious cathedral. We owe so much to the Bede World at Jarrow (illustrating life and times of the giants of the Faith in the early centuries of our Nation, Venerable Bede) and passing the Angel of the North; Lin- and their examples are still an inspiration to journey as disfarne or Holy Island where Aidan’s monastic communi- pilgrims together in company with Christ. ty was founded and from where Cuthbert and others went out to evangelise the North. Hexham (Wilfrid and Ac- Places are going quickly—secure yours with a £50 deposit ca) and Rievaulx are also in the itinerary. payable to Dorchester PCC, sent to : Prebendary John Good, The Rectory, Martinstown, Dor- The cost is inclusive of coach travel from Dorchester, chester DT2 9JZ.

19

St Peter’s High West Street · Dorchester

Services during July & August

Sunday 1st July — Trinity 4 9am Holy Communion 10.30am Sung Eucharist Sunday 8th July — Trinity 5 9am Holy Communion 10.30am Sung Eucharist Sunday 15th July — St Swithun 10am Benefice Eucharist 6.30pm Evensong Thank yous from the ‘social team’ Sunday 22nd July — Mary Magdalene 9am Holy Communion “I am sure you would all like to join me in thanking the ‘10.30am 10.30am Sung Eucharist service volunteers’. These volunteers have worked hard, week in Sunday 29th July — Trinity 8 week out, to provide refreshments and to clear up after each service. 9am Holy Communion They have all committed to do so from September of last year to 10.30am Sung Eucharist August of this year and, as usual, they will be released from this Tuesday 31st July commitment on the 31st August. I am, therefore, on the lookout for 10:30 Mothers’ Union Wave of Prayer new volunteers. The tasks are not difficult and provide a wonderful way to get to know people, both other volunteers and members of Sunday 5th August — Trinity 9 the congregation. Until now we have asked everyone to commit to 9am Holy Communion one week a month but the more volunteers the less frequently indi- 10.30am Sung Eucharist viduals will be asked to ‘report for duty’. Sunday 12th August — Trinity 10 So if you feel you might be able to help or if you would like further 9am Holy Communion information about the duties required please contact me on the 10.30am Sung Eucharist number below or in person at church. Sunday 19th August — Trinity 11 Many thanks.” 9am Holy Communion Val Beavis — ‘Coffee Rota Co-ordinator’ 10.30am Sung Eucharist 01305 268756 6.30pm Songs of Praise plus refreshments (‘Hymns & Pimms!’) Also from Val, Beryl and the team who masterminded the Jubilee Sunday 26th August — Trinity 12 Fair in June: 9am Holy Communion “A huge thank you to all who contributed in any way - £1450 raised 10.30am Sung Eucharist for church funds and a super community event” - see photos below and overleaf. Thursdays - July and August: 10am Said Eucharist Wishing all our readers a happy summertime!

21

Pedal Power

On the third Friday in May I cycled into lic – not as marked as in Amsterdam but certainly giving Robert Dorchester. I saw no one else on a bike. equal facilities to cyclists and pedestrians as to cars; trams Potter Admittedly it was after go-to-school and of course provided the main public transport, with buses go-to-work time but it was a lovely morn- running to the suburban areas. It seemed the norm for ing with no wind and not yet hot and people to cycle everywhere with excellent tracks between there was a reasonable amount of traffic – but no bikes. towns along the banks of the river as well as in and around the towns. The reason it struck me so forcibly was that on the previ- ous morning Joyce and I had been surrounded by bikes, Admittedly some of our towns have much narrower streets bikes with people on them, people of all ages, pensioners, and adding a wide and safe cycle route would restrict car parents with children, shoppers, flow, but more could be done students, everyone. We had sat to make life safer for those road and watched ferries loaded with users who are not wrapped up cyclists and pedestrians and we in a steel case. The Times news- had walked miles along town paper is at present active in roads with wide cycle tracks (full promoting this in London and of busy cyclists) alongside the in major cities. Painting a white pedestrian ways. line on the road to denote a cycle way indicates a willingness That was in Amsterdam, a mar- on the part of the highway au- velous city in many ways includ- thority to acknowledge the pres- ing its transport systems. Trams ence of cyclists but it offers no reign supreme, usually in the protection from the wandering centre of the road, then there’s a car lane, then a totally motorist and cycle tracks so marked often peter out when separate cycle lane and then the pedestrian path. Cars are the road gets narrower and more dangerous! The new cy- few and far between in the city centre because there is lit- cle track to Weymouth is great – but, with the track along tle need for them.. Bikes outnumber cars by hundreds to the Yeovil road to Charminster, a rare example, and at one. Amsterdam is a big, busy and prosperous city and each end there is the town traffic to mingle with. people seem to move easily, peacefully and cheerfully with almost no pollution and very quietly. In view of the hazards here and elsewhere in England per- haps it’s little wonder that I was the only one brave A couple of weeks before that we had experienced similar enough or foolish enough to be cycling into Dorchester at arrangements in towns in Germany and the Czech Repub- that time on that Friday morning. 22

Vacancy: Guide Leaders

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long-term team players needed for HOURS OF WORK: Variable - ranges from 1.5 hours challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environ- per week to every available waking moment. ment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organisational skills and be willing to work variable POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMO- hours, which will include evenings and weekends and TION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same sometimes 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel position for years, dealing with individuals of different required, including trips to primitive camping sites on ages at different times, without complaining, constantly rainy and/or snowy weekends. Travel expenses not reim- retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your bursed. Extensive courier duties also required. charge can ultimately surpass you.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Must be willing to be hated at PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required. On-the-job least temporarily, until the next fun activity. Must be will- training offered on a continually exciting basis. Training ing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physi- sessions also available, to be taken with a wide variety of cal stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to people in exactly the same position you are. 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the other end of the room are not someone OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Must have a dining room just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating tech- table to give to Guiding, as well as bookcases, space for nical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously boxes, craft & camp supplies, and other paraphernalia. sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and co-ordinate production of multi- WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Money-wise - none. ple projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social This is offset by smiles, hugs and tears, either your own or gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. those of the people in your charge. Must be willing to be indispensable until the time comes to move on. Must handle assembly and product safety test- BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pen- ing of a half million "things" made from fun foam, wood, sion, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no string, wiggly eyes, feathers, glue and such like. Must al- stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless oppor- ways hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must tunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the play your cards right. end product. Responsibilities also include floor mainte- nance and janitorial work throughout the facility. Some Creatures Great and Small

The ‘pet’ chicken (commonly known as to the increase in international travel and the discovery of Ruth Backyard Poultry) is becoming ever more other breeds. Breed standards were then written and hen Chipp- popular in the UK both as a much loved shows and poultry sales started. Certain birds began to Marshall pet and a source of nutritious eggs. fetch quite high prices! There are 32 million brown hens on farms in the UK. Approx. 48% are Free Range, 3% Organ- We have quite a few ‘Backyard Poultry’ keepers at the sur- ic and 4% Barn. Rehoming ex-battery hens is increasing gery and the numbers are steadily increasing. Chickens with over 60,000 being homed last year alone. can make very entertaining pets with the added bonus of a nice fresh supply of eggs. A good, well ventilated house is Domestic chickens of today descended from the Jungle essential to provide shelter especially from draughts, pref- Fowl (Gallus Gallus) found in South East Asia and India. erably up off the ground to deter vermin and predators. All the behavioural traits seen in your pet chicken are root- The size of house will depend on the number of hens you ed from this wild bird. Nomads caught birds and therefore are keeping. As a general rule chickens need 1 nest box fowls were gradually distributed around the world to sup- per 3 hens and at least 25cms of perch space each. ply eggs and meat to man. Years later breeding pro- grammes have gone on to develop strains of birds suited to The house should be easy to clean out as good husbandry either produce meat or eggs. is vital to help prevent disease. All litter should be re- moved and the house soaked in detergent, washed well, Cockfighting (now banned) was quite relevant in the trans- rinsed and allowed to dry, then disinfected. Once dry, a gression of further breeding from the jungle fowl. Birds good layer of shavings for bedding should be used. Feeders bred for this purpose were cared for particularly well. Vic- and drinkers should also be cleaned and disinfected and torian times were the peak of chicken keeping mainly due houses periodically sprayed against mites. [continued over]

23 Hens also need a place to dust bath mite powder or spray. Coccidiosis is and space to exercise and scratch caused by a parasite and needs around. Quality food, water and grit prompt treatment. should also be provided. Grit in the form of oyster shell helps proper Moulting happens naturally once a shell production on the eggs and is year when all of the hens old feath- non-soluble for grinding feed in the ers will be replaced by new ones-this gizzard. process can take a couple of weeks. Moulting, feather pecking and dam- There are many ailments and diseas- age may also be a sign of overcrowd- es in the bird world. There are 2 ing and stress. groups of worms that effect chicken- That said, chickens are generally easy Gape worms (very rare) and intesti- pets to look after and it can be very nal worms-Capillaria, Ascarids and relaxing to watch them pecking and Heterakis. Signs of worms are weight scratching around. I would like to loss, mild diarrhoea and lack of eggs. have concluded with a ‘cracking’ Respiratory Disease caused by bacte- joke, but the only jokes I could think ria or viruses can be carried by hens of were ‘Fowl’!!! all the time and flare up at times of stress. Red Mite suck blood and bed- Ruth Chipp-Marshall is the ding will need to be burned, houses receptionist at Fielding and disinfected and birds treated with Cumber Veterinary Surgeons

Czech Stories

We all have the same problems!! and Eastern Europe” said the police. So the police and Robert railways are preparing for what could be a rowdy summer. Potter Recently I picked up a copy of the Pra- Trains will have police patrols and the authorities have gue Post, a newspaper produced for the carried out an exercise dealing with an outbreak of vio- English speaking community in that city. lence between hooligans at a station. The Olympic Games Its front page was not remarkably different from some of may not produce hooligans but the terrorist dangers are our papers with accounts of two demonstrations dominat- clearly a concern and we have a wide range of military and ing the headlines and a smaller piece about petrol prices police cover being planned and rehearsed. Again the prob- which, I had noticed, are about the same as ours. lems and the stories are similar, just with a different con- text. The demonstrations were about the right wing govern- ment and about a racist issue. The government, faced with debt, has increased taxes and reduced some wages and On our journey we went to Wittenberg, where Martin Lu- people are unhappy. The future of the government is un- ther taught and preached. We were given a page of his certain but has been strengthened for the time being by thoughts or sayings and I offer just 3 of them for your con- support from another party. There are also accusations of sideration. bribery associated with a senior politician. The racist issue - How soon ‘not now’ becomes ‘never’. concerned a brutal assault by an unpopular immigrant - You are responsible not only for what you say but also for group and brought with it anger about the reduction of what you do not say. the police presence as a result of budget cuts. How similar, - If you are not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don’t want to I thought, are the problems faced by people here and go there. across Europe. Indeed, since I started this the people of France and Greece have expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the economic problems are being dealt with. A postscript to my thoughts on lambing in May’s maga- zine. After all the work (and cost) involved, during a recent Page 3 of the newspaper was devoted to an account, with weekend with 36 hours of incessant rain, very low temper- pictures, of preparations for the European Football Cham- atures and a northerly wind, nearly 60 lambs, many of pionship to be held this summer. Although no matches them quite well grown, were lost despite every effort to will be played in Czech stadiums, “the Republic will be a keep them with their ewes and under the shelter of hedg- transit country for soccer fans from Southern, Western es. A big loss, emotionally as well as financially. 24

St Andrew’s Church West Stafford

Dates Good news for tea (and coffee) drinkers

1st July 10 am Parish Communion followed by Any of you who have visited St. An- Bring and Share Lunch Esther drew's Church will appreciate our diffi- 8th July 9am Holy Communion Brown culties when it comes to having tea/ 10am Morning Prayer coffee after a service. 15th July 10am Benefice Service St Peter’s 3pm Holy Communion For many years Eileen Edwards has persevered with basic 22nd July 9am Holy Communion equipment. The good news for Eileen and all who attend 10am Come and Worship and visit West Stafford Church is we are hoping to have a 29th July 10 am Parish Communion ‘servery’ installed.

5th August 10 am Parish Communion Obviously this will not happen over-night, but we have 12th August 9am Holy Communion opened a fund in anticipation, and we have just received a 10am Morning Prayer response from the DAC saying that they support the pro- 19th August 10am Parish Communion posals in principle. 25th August 11am-4pm Village Fete 26th August 9am Holy Communion 10am Come and Worship BBC plans to improve broadcasting services for Dorset Forthcoming dates 22nd Sept Harvest Supper The Dorset Broadcasting Action Group (DorBAG) is 23rd Sep Harvest Thanksgiving Service delighted that Jason Horton (Head of BBC South), who has worked closely with DorBAG for some time, has Come and Worship managed to get his proposal for a part-time Dorset Radio Station approved by the BBC Trust. We are most grate- The 10am service on the fourth Sun- ful for his support and the hard work we know he has Jane day of the month, known previously as put in to reach this point. DorBAG is also very grateful Culliford the Family Service, is now called Come for the substantial support it has received from its mem- and Worship. While families are al- bers, and from local MP Oliver Letwin who has very ways welcome and there will be special kindly and consistently acted as Chairman since the very family friendly services for occasions such as Mothering beginning of campaigning.

Sunday and Harvest, Come and Worship seems a better Oliver Letwin said: "This is great news. After a long cam- description of the service. paign, at last there will be some broadcasting aimed at the whole of Dorset". He added: "The next stage is the Come and Worship is a simple service of the word which provision of a full local radio service for Dorset". provides an opportunity to worship God with hymns, readings and prayers and includes a talk or drama usually The new programme has been approved by the BBC on a theme and sometimes with a visiting speaker. Themes Trust, which reviews each of the BBC's services every five so far this year have included ‘Prayer’ and ‘Pilgrimage’ years, and BBC Radio Solent have announced plans for while the theme for July is the ‘Olympics’ focusing on how the new daily morning programme dedicated to West the Church is involved both locally and nationally. In Au- Dorset. The weekday breakfast show will be broadcast gust the theme will be ‘Marriage’. live from studios in Dorchester and listeners will be able to tune in to the speech-led news programme on 103.8FM from next year. Young and old, those on their own and those with fami- lies are invited to Come and Worship, worship God who For more info, to help or make comments, go to made us, who loves us and who gives us life. www.dorbag.org.uk or email [email protected].

27

CHURCHES TOGETHER Compiled by Val Potter 264416 DORCHESTER

From our friends in Weymouth & Portland will also take part in Affinity events with various groups, including the prisons. Under the banner of “Refresh 2012” ‘The Church in Weymouth and Portland’ will engage with local people During the Paralympics (29th August – 9th September) we will and visitors through specific events and projects. We want have a lower profile based mainly around the hospitality to make known the love of God as we serve people and ministry of Bedouin Tents with one or two other reach out to them. 60,000 extra daily visitors, added to the activities). usual summer high of 60,000 per day, provide an Helping us are: Youth With A Mission from their boat, the extraordinary opportunity to connect with people over the “Next Wave”, (20th August to 10th September); period of the Olympics, the August Bank Holiday Moorlands Bible Students; More than Gold, (the Weekend, and the Paralympics. Churches’ organisation for the Olympics), for their expertise and advice.

Legacy We do not see the Olympic programme as an end in itself, The vision and aim is to be a refreshing, uplifting, but as an opportunity to set our own sails that the Holy transforming Christian presence through this once in a Spirit might blow us into God’s future in a way that lifetime opportunity. We are working ecumenically with continues to transform the lives of people and structures mainstream denominations and independent local in this area. A follow up Task Group is looking at churches to be a visible sign of the unity and relationships literature provision, how we connect with people after the that Christ can bring. events, introduction to the Christian Faith courses, continuing contact with local schools, and other ideas. The Programme During the Olympics fortnight (27th July - 12th August) : Because we felt legacy was so important the funding for - Hubs in church buildings with Messy “Olympics”, our employed worker continues for a year after the Olympics. children’s clubs, cafes, art exhibitions, bands, social action teams; In addition we believe that churches and society will - Street Pastors (our locally based Street Pastors with benefit from the way that Christians of all ages (including “reinforcements” from around the country) to be in the young ones) from local churches and further afield will midst of the night time economy throughout the period of have stepped up to the mark and found that God has the Games; developed gifts, skills and abilities, thus enhancing the - Bedouin Tents erected around Weymouth and on lives of local churches and helping to transform society. Portland to offer Christian hospitality; We hope that we will be training and encouraging - Our “Children, Youth and Families Task Group” will co- Christians of all ages to be evangelists. We also believe ordinate Messy Church events across Weymouth and that during the summer of 2012 people will invite Jesus to Portland in at least 6 venues, with youth outreach on the be their Lord and Saviour and that this will bring its own streets, youth café drop ins and various street and beach legacy for the world. activities. How you can Help - Team Refresh Village – a campsite for those coming from - Pray! around the country to help the local effort. They will be - Come along to any of the activities—especially the Big able to camp, worship and mission together. Worship Event on 26 August, 10.00 Over August Bank Holiday Weekend (24th - 27th August): - Volunteer to help with any of the events. Sign up at we have been invited to take over what will have been the www.Refresh2012.org.uk and come to preparation Live site on Weymouth Beach for the Olympics period (set sessions on 8th July (general volunteers), 9,11 July (Beach up to take 15,000 people). We will erect a stage and put Festival volunteers) 20th July (Bedouin Tent volunteers). on a full programme of bands, children’s activities, - Ask if your young people’s group would like to join the comedians, speakers (including The Great Big Worship youth camp Event on Sunday morning) with speaker and evangelist - Give. Donations via ‘Churches Together in Dorset’ can Andrew Palau taking part over the whole weekend. He claim Gift Aid on personal donations. 29

CHURCHES TOGETHER DORCHESTER

Pilgrim Trail Quiet Space

Following the launch of the trail on 1st July, the 10 We hope the ambitious plans for the garden can be participating churches will be open daily during the realised and any extra financial donations would be very summer so do encourage visitors to explore some of our welcome for that. By the autumn we would like to have beautiful and historically fascinating churches - and find a more volunteers for the rota. If you are interested and are few unfamiliar ones for ourselves too! The nearest to a good listener, please contact Alan Murray via the Baptist Dorchester is the Methodist Chapel in Tolpuddle. Leaflets Church office at 01305 262045. You will need the should be available from the Tourist Board. endorsement of your minister, but even an hour or two a month would help and be a good way to serve our local The Tax Justice Bus community. Church Ladies with Typewriters A bus from the national campaign by Christian Aid and Church Action on Poverty is passing through Dorchester “This evening at 7pm there will be a hymn singing in the on the morning of 7th September so do look out for it park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come and come along to learn about the campaign. Tax dodging prepared to sin.” is creating/exacerbating problems both in the UK and “Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the overseas. the media, politicians, church leaders and – of addition of several new members and to the deteriora- course – Christian Aid/CAP supporters are being invited tion of some older ones.” to speak with a UK tax campaign specialist and a “Scouts are saving cans, bottles and other items to be representative from one of Christian Aid’s overseas recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.” partner organisations, who will bring their unique “Please place your donation in the envelope along with experience from the global South. the deceased person you want to remember.” “The church will host an evening of fine dining, super The bus will start the day in Dorchester, move to Poole for entertainment and gracious hostility.” lunch and Salisbury for an event with the Bishop of “Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way Salisbury in the late afternoon. again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.”

St Simon & St Jude Winterborne Monkton

July always provides one high spot in Ursula the life of our Parish Church, when the Friends of St Simon and St Jude

Norman have their annual meeting in the Church Hall. This year it is on Sunday Diamond Jubilee Concert

July 8th at 3.30 pm followed at 3.50 pm by the traditional cream tea for everyone coming to attend the Benefice Evensong at 5.30 pm in the Church, led by the choirs DUNCAN HONEYBORNE (organ) from St Peter’s, St Mary’s and St George’s. and friends

A second high spot however, will be our Diamond Jubilee ROYAL MUSIC to CELEBRATE THE Concert in the Parish Church on 21st July when Duncan QUEEN’S JUBILEE Honeybourne will be entertaining us (with friends) with Royal Music. We invite everybody to come – see the adver- Church of St Simon & St Jude, Winterborne Monkton tisement on the Noticeboard page on how to apply for SATURDAY 21ST JULY — 7pm tickets. Tickets (to include refreshments) On Rogation Sunday, back in May, joined by visitors from £6 at the door or £5 in advance the caravan site, we set out for a short trip on a farm trac- from 30 Grosvenor Rd, Dorchester DT1 2BD tor trailor to bless the crops, with Charles explaining what or Southmead, Winterborne Monkton, DT2 9PS was what, before repairing back to the Church for hymns Cheques payable to Monkton Church PCC. and prayers. This outing is beginning to become a tradi- Please enclose SAE. tion for us, and very meaningful in a rural community.

WENDY SOUTHAM LWCMD, ALWCMD Singing, Flute, and Piano Teacher 20+ years experience Help with aural and theory also available

11 Cedar Road Charlton Down Dorchester

01305 266283 / 07811 417820 [email protected]

Bookworm

A good reader is a re-reader

In the late 1980s the publishing house the three set during the Second World War. These have Jean Fontana republished in slim paperbacks much greater depth– maybe because the war brings the Anthony Powell’s 12 volume set of novels narrator into contact with those outside his circle and he Lang “A Dance to the Music of Time”. The deals sympathetically and imaginatively with the Welsh front covers were all illustrated by the car- soldiers, NCOs and officers. In those three volumes An- toonist Mark Boxer. I bought them and read them all. thony Powell reminds me of Evelyn Waugh the bulk of Last month I re-read them all. whose novels are brittle and ephemeral but whose war trilogy “Officers and Gentlemen” has real substance. They cover exactly the period of the writer’s life. Anthony Dymoke Powell was born in 1905, the son of a soldier The second reason for reading the sequence is who fought in and survived the First World War. He was “Widmerpool”. Kenneth G. Widmerpool (we never find sent to Eton and from there went to Balliol, Oxford to out what the “G” stands for) is one of the three boys who read history. His first jobs were in publishing and script- join Nicholas at school arriving “wearing the wrong sort writing. In 1939 he was commissioned into the Welsh of raincoat.” He appears in every book. He is the butt of Regiment as a rather old junior officer. He was trans- other’s jokes but always manages to get onto the next lad- ferred to the Intelligence Corps working with the Allied der of advancement, scorned and with no friends, pomp- Forces in exile and at the end of the war had attained the ous, ambitious and boring. He is both fascinating and rank of major. He married Lady Violet Pakenham (sister repellent. His development and final downfall is the link- of Lord Longford) and after the war they left London to ing thread and the live in Somerset from where he pursued his successful strand which makes the writing career, publishing histories, novels, memoirs and sequence still worth diaries. He died in 2000. following.

The narrator of “A Dance to the Music of Time” is Nicho- las Jenkins and through his eyes we follow the interweav- ing lives of three boys with whom he went to boarding 12 novels by school as they live through the 20s and 30s and then the Anthony Powell war. Two of them fail to survive but the third achieves power in the army and in politics ending as a life peer and A Dance to the chancellor of one of the new 1960s Universities. The peo- Music of Time ple he records are upper class, raffish and literary. Re- reading the sequence I found that as a whole it had not (Fontana) weathered well. The group he describes are too insubstan- tial to hold the imagination, they surface, vanish and reap- pear in the sequence and have little depth. However there are two reasons to read these novels. The first relates to

Editor’s Comment

It is with great joy that we can announce that Dominic Thornton, who was the pro- duction editor and IT support for this magazine, is leaving us, and will be going to Westcott House, Cambridge to study for a degree in theology and begin the train- ing to be a priest. He will be there for three years.

Dominic has been a tower of strength over the last year and a half. I will personally miss him greatly, but my sadness is overcome by what a great joy this is for Domi- nic. We look forward to the day we attend his ordination.

Westcott House, Cambridge 34