FIPPENNY NEWSNEWS the Community Magazine F O R the Parish of Okeford Fitzpain E

FIPPENNYFIPPENNY NEWSNEWS The Community Magazine f o r The Parish of Okeford Fitzpain e

February 2017 50p

THE OKEFORD BENEFICE serving the parishes of:- St. Nicholas, Child Okeford St Paul, Hammoon St. Nicholas, Manston St Andrew, Okeford Fitzpaine Church of the Holy Rood , Shillingstone

in the Blackmore Vale Deanery of Salisbury Diocese. Benefice website: www.okefordbenefice.org Facebook: @okefordbenefice The Ministry Team Rector: The Rev’d Lydia Cook email: [email protected] 01258 863774 Please direct enquiries regarding Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals to Lydia

Licensed Lay Minister: Mrs Sue Le Riche 01258 861830 Licensed Lay Minister: Mrs Sue Rawlinson 01258 863733 Lay Pastoral Assistant: Ms Carolyn Angelucci 01258 860049 Lay Pastoral Assistant: Mrs Abi Rudd 01258 861367 Lay Pastoral Assistant: Mrs Ruth Allen 01258 860068 The Eucharist (Order 2) is celebrated in Millbrook House, Child Okeford at 10.30am on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. St Andrew’s Okeford Fitzpaine Churchwarden: Mrs Sue le Riche 01258 861830 Churchwarden: Vacant Secretary: Mrs Elizabeth Colls 01258 860743 Treasurer: Mrs Carol Landricombe 01258 860858 Editor: Derek Day eMail: [email protected] Address: 3 Castle Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, DT11 0RL Tel.: 01258 861979 Twitter: @FippennyNews The deadline for copy is 17:00 on the 20th of each month. Copy can be accepted in any format but is preferred as a Microsoft Word compatible or text file. Images can be accepted in any digital format, or on paper up to A3 size (297mm x 420mm). 2

Rector’s Ramblings How are all those New Year resolutions bearing up? Was Dry January as arid as you planned? How’s the diet?

Perhaps some of you got new shoes or boots at Christmas and I while I expect they are fab-u-lous they might need a bit of breaking in. Brand new needs wearing in a little! There is something irresistible about new things – a new car, new furniture, new clothes. How about the New Year? A year full of possibilities, a year of new promises and resolutions – now we are well into 2017, I wonder how many of these have already been “worn in” a little?

What about good “old” church? Our Christian faith is now 2000 years old; should we think about exchanging it for a nice shiny alternative in the near future? Or should we stick to the old ways of doing things, leaving everything as it has always been? Considering how quickly new things can age and prove disappointing we may be tempted to choose the latter.

However, God answered that question for us when he said “See I am making all things new.” This may come as a surprise to some of you as the church is often perceived to be stuffy and old fashioned, but in fact at its heart is a God who looks for the new, the changed, the transformed.

We build on the faith and traditions of the past: we do not live in them. Our parish churches always seek to engage with their place and community. A Church that is inclusive, socially aware and liturgical will always seek to respond to the wider culture for which it exists to serve. Parish communities are on a pilgrimage with Jesus, an adventure of going into the unknown with him.

The God at the centre of our faith is always present tense. Eternal God and Father, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Rev’d Lydia

Ed.: If you would like an introduction to some of our public rights of way feel free to contact Jeremy Gartside ([email protected] / 01258 860157) or me ([email protected] / 01258 861979).

Christmas services Thank you to everyone who worked so hard making our church look beautiful, sound wonderful and be so full! Record attendance at our Crib and Christingle service means that this year we will hold two services to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the service in a safe way. Facebook The Okeford Benefice now has a Facebook page. The address is https://www.facebook.com/okefordbenefice Please have a look! Spring Cleaning at Holy Rood church Friday 10th March 10am – 12 noon. Please bring cleaning equipment. Ash Wednesday 1st March Holy Communion at 12 noon at Holy Rood church. A simple, quiet, said service at the start of this holy and solemn season of the Church’s year. Lent Groups Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Child Okeford (starts March 8th) and Thurs- days at 2.30pm at the Shillingstone Church Centre (starts March 9th). A five week course looking at Ethics and Christianity. For more information please see the benefice website okefordbenefice.org or contact the Rector 012258 863774

From the Editor’s Desk We’re Now Online The first stage of the plan to put Fippenny News online is complete. The current edition, and an archive of older copies as far back as January 2013, can be found at: http://okefordfitzpainepc.com/fippenny-news This is intended to fulfil a legal obligation (Legal Deposit) all publishers of publically available material have to the British Library. It also gives an interesting insight into much of the recent history of the parish. In future a pdf copy of the current magazine will be added to the Parish Council web site within the first day, or so, of publication. Certainly not a complete on-line presence, but a step in the right direction.

Two older ladies were sitting on a bench outside the village hall where a flower show was in progress. One leaned over and said, "Life is so boring. We never have any fun anymore. For £5.00 I'd take my clothes off right now and streak through that stupid flower show!" "You're on!" said the other old lady, holding up a £5.00 note. As fast as she could, the first little old lady fumbled her way out of her clothes and, completely naked, streaked through the front door of the flower show. Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause. The naked lady burst out through the door surrounded by a cheering crowd. "What happened?" asked her waiting friend. "Why, I won first prize for Best Dried Arrangement."

Sewing & Craft Group

Our next meeting will be on Monday 20th February at 2.30pm at No 15 Bowey by kind invitation of Margaret Horton. Do feel free to join us. We are pleased to see any one who is keen on any fabric craft. For more info ring Jane on 01258 860095

ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION STURMINSTER NEWTON & GILLINGHAM BRANCH To join contact Tony Edmunds 01258 473823

WITNESSES SOUGHT FOR CAR INCIDENT A car parked outside St Andrew’s Church was significantly damaged on Sunday 22nd January. The owner was attending church when the incident occurred between 09:15 and 09:55. The car front near side window was smashed with significant damage to the window frame and bodywork. An auction was being set up in the village hall around the same time. If anyone witnessed the incident they can contact Councillor Dilys Gartside, in confidence, on 01258 860157 or by email at [email protected]

Funding For Your Project or Small Business Both Northern and Southern Dorset are fortunate to have Local Action Groups. These Groups were set up to manage funds available from The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development; despite a blip caused by the Brexit vote last summer, this funding is currently available to us for a short while longer. Northern Dorset LAG gives grants (not repayable loans) to projects which create jobs, help businesses to grow and benefit the rural economy in its area. Grants are for projects which:  support rural tourism,  provide rural services,  support increased farm productivity,  support cultural and heritage activity,  support increasing forestry productivity, or  support micro and small businesses and farm diversification.

If you have a project in mind which you think may tick one or some of the above criteria, then act soon before our Exit Vote ends this funding stream. WHAT TO DO NEXT: Visit: www.dorsetleader.org.uk eMail: [email protected], or Phone: 01305 225525 Talk to: Dilys Gartside - Parish Councillor, Okeford Fitzpaine LEADER is an acronym in French meaning ‘Links between actions for the development of the rural economy’. 6

Ian Watt Guitarist Born in Aberdeenshire, Ian Watt came to international attention when at 18, he was awarded 2nd prize at 2009 Parkening International Guitar Competition (USA), the world’s preeminent guitar competition. Since then, he has appeared as a soloist throughout Europe and the world, performing as a concerto soloist with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia and Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra. As well as performances on BBC Radio, Watt was featured in a BBC 2 documentary which included a performance of Rodrigo’s Concerto de Aranjuez and his performances have also been seen and heard on television and radio stations in the USA, Austria and Holland. This tour follows the release of Ina’s latest album with Nimbus records, and will feature and exciting and extensive repertoire.

On: Saturday 25th February (7:30pm) An At: The Village Hall, Ibberton, DT11 0EL

Bookings: Annette Newman event. 01258 817269 [email protected]

Tickets: Adult: £8.50 Raffle, Light Refreshments. U18/Child: £6.50 Welcome to bring a bottle & a cushion! Family: £25

Examples of Ian’s work can be found via his web site at http://ianwattguitarist.com

Fippenny Garden Club Next Meeting: Monday 13th February 2017 At: Castle Gardens, Sherborne. Meet: 2.00pm (at Castle Gardens) for a 2.30pm start. We will be “entertained” by a talk by one of the Castle Gardens staff, followed by a cup of tea/coffee and then the very popular discount buying experience with 25% off everything!

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to Ian Berry who volunteered and was elected as our new Garden Club Chairman at our January AGM - we trust he will enjoy his tenure of this position. Many thanks to Fred for his hard work over the years in serving as our Chairman and the Committee who organise the Club behind the scenes.

Forthcoming Meeting: Monday 13th March 2017, 7:30pm At: Village Hall Stephen Candy will be visiting the Club to give us an insight on the History of Kingston Lacy.

A message from the Chairman. I must add to the considerable appreciation of Fred’s tremendous work and enthusiasm, as Chairman, and hope that I can live up to his standards! I really volunteered to take over when we were faced with the Club being closed. Marilyn and I really appreciated the welcome that we received when coming (with some trepidation) to our first Club meeting some 10 years ago. We were pleasantly surprised that it was not all about when to prune a clematis or how to revive a “dead” shrub, but was a relaxed social event. It was an opportunity to listen to some very interesting talks on a variety of topics, while meeting other people in a convivial atmosphere. Long may it continue! I hope that we can continue this very valuable village club. We all need to do our bit to ensure that everybody in the community knows that they can just come along and see what it is all about. Our next meeting at Castle Gardens in Sherborne would be a very good start! Best wishes, IAN BERRY 8

Okeford Village Stores Follow us on Facebook!: @okefordvillageshop The Okeford Village Store is run by Vince and Sharne and offers a wide range of everyday essentials, groceries, local produce, newspapers/magazines, greetings cards, tobacco, hot food, tea/coffee to go and an off-licence. There is a daily delivery of fresh bread from Leakers in Bridport and orders can be taken for specialty breads. We offer a selection of fresh meats from Else’s in Stalbridge and fish from Mere Fish Farm. Orders can be taken for specific requirements. We welcome ideas and suggestions in order to continually improve our service. Please feel free to give us a call on 01258 722179 to reserve newspapers/magazines or place orders for anything else. Our Opening Hours

Monday - Friday 07:00 19:00

Saturday 07:00 17:00

Sunday 08:00 12:30

A local delivery service is available for the elderly and infirm.

A White Painter & Decorator Excellent professional Service

 33 years experience  Interior & exterior decorating Reputable, Local Plumber, Serving  No job too small Blandford & Surrounding areas  Very reliable service

ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING &  Top standard of workmanship HEATING  Fully insured SMALL JOBS ALWAYS WELCOME Call Adrian on: NO CALL OUT FEE Tel: 01258 268735 Mob: 07718 370024 TEL: 01258 45 92 43

Or Visit Proud members of Checkatrade.com www.plumbersinblandford.co.uk Where reputation matters

Supper and Talk Penrose Halson on her book. Penrose’s book Marriages Are Made in Bond Street – true stories from a 1940s marriage bureau tells the extraordinary story of the bureau’s first decade. Heather and Mary’s intention was to help expatriate men – soldiers, businessmen, planters of tea and indigo, missionaries, colonial servants – who came on leave to England to find a wife. Five months after the bureau opened, war was declared. In the growing uncertainty and fear, clients of all kinds sought the Bureau’s help: debutantes, the owner of a factory making artificial limbs, foreign servicemen, Lyons’ nippies, a rat-catcher, a trapeze artist, lady’s maids, munitions workers. The Bureau blossomed into a national institution.

Penrose and Bill Halson present the book and its contents as a twosome with Bill reading the male parts and Penrose the female ones. The talk is accompanied by photographs of the people and places mentioned. I found it a very entertaining evening when I went to Dorchester to listen to them. Lesley Gasson

Venue: Shillingstone Church Centre Date: Friday 17th February Time: 7pm Tickets: £8 from Anne Powell (01258 861690)

Self-Catering Holiday Cottage Painting & Decorating in Okeford Fitzpaine. Interior & Exterior Converted 2 bedroom Coach House Sleeps 4. James Witcher Graded 4 star VISIT BRITAIN Linen◦Heating◦WiFi◦TV provided Small Private Garden Free Estimates Details: Proprietor Sue Godden Email: [email protected] Phone 01258 860970 Tel: 01258 860763 Mobile 07712 416 067 10

Casseroles for Slow Cookers or the Bottom Shelf of the Oven What is better when coming home on a cold winters evening, than to be greeted by the lovely smell of stew! I’ve included a couple of vegetarian dishes here. Although not a vegetarian I do enjoy good vegetables.

Winter Vegetable Ragout with Lager. A slow cooker recipe. 1½ oz (40g) butter: 1tbsp oil: 7oz (200g) shallots, halved: 1 leek, thinly sliced (keep white & green slices separate): 1 oz (25g) plain flour: 11floz (325ml) lager: ½ pt (300ml) veg stock: 3 tspns wholegrain mustard: 12oz (375g) each of swede, parsnips, carrots, cut into ¾” (2cm) dice: 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry: beaten egg to glaze: 3½ oz (100g) strong Cheddar cheese, grated: salt & pepper. Heat ½ oz(15g) butter in large frying pan, add shallots & white leek slices, fry until lightly browned. Remove from pan with slotted spoon. Melt remaining butter, stir in flour, gradually mix in lager and stock, mustard, seasoning, bring to boil, stirring. Put veg into crockpot, add shallots & leeks and pour over the sauce. Ensure veg are covered by liquid, cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours. Unroll pastry, cut into quarters, brush with egg, and sprinkle with a little cheese. Bake on greased baking sheet in pre-heated oven, 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6, for 12-15 mins, until well risen and golden. Stir remaining cheese and green leek into stew, cook on high for 15 mins. Spoon into bowls and top with pastry lid.

Rosemary Pudding with Mushrooms & Chestnuts. Slow cooker Sauce:- ½oz(15g) butter: 1 tab oil: 1 onion thinly sliced: 1 tbsp flour: ½ pt (300ml) veg stock: 5 tbspns ruby port: 1tsp Dijon Mustard: 1 tspn tomato puree: salt & pepper. Melt butter &oil in pan, add onion, fry for 5 mins, stir in flour; then mix in stock, port, mustard & tomato puree. Season, bring to boil, stirring, remove from heat. Pastry:- 10oz(300g) SR flour: ½tsp salt: 5oz(150g) shredded veg suet: 2tbspn finely chopped rosemary: approx 7fl oz(200ml) cold water. Mix flour, salt suet and rosemary, gradually add cold water and mix to a soft dough. Knead lightly, then roll out to circle approx 13 inches (33cm) across. Filling: 1 large flat mushroom, & 4oz (125g) chestnut mushrooms, all

11 sliced: 7oz(220g) vac pack (or tin.) whole peeled chestnuts, Grease 2¼pt(1.25lt)basin. Cut ¼ segment from pastry, reserve for lid. Line basin with remaining pastry, overlapping edges, press to seal. Layer sauce, mushrooms and chestnuts into basin, finishing with sauce. Pat lid into circle, dampen edges and press into place. Cover with buttered foil, domed slightly to allow pastry to rise, tie in place with string, allow extra string to make a handle across top, lower into cooker. Pour in boiling water to come half way up side of basin. Cover cook on high for 5-6 hours.

Wellington Stew One for the oven 2lb(900g) best end of neck of lamb, in chops, trim excess fat: 2oz(50g) fat; 2oz(50g) flour: ½oz (13g)sugar: Small tin chopped tomatoes: Clove garlic, crushed: 8 each small onions, small potatoes, small carrot: 4oz frozen peas: 1 orange, thinly sliced: chopped parsley. Fry lamb in fat, put into casserole. Fry veg, add to meat. Pour off fat, sprinkle sugar into pan, heat until brown. Work in flour and then chopped tomatoes. Stir in hot water to make enough sauce to cover meat, season, add garlic, pour over meat and veg. Cover and cook for about 2 hours med hot oven 325°F/170°C/Gas Mark3. Reduce heat if needed. Add peas, cook for 5 more mins. Garnish with orange slices and parsley.

Casserole of Pork. Another for the oven. 1½lb(675g) loin of pork, in chops: 1oz(25g)lard: 2 small onions, sliced: ¾lb(325g) cooking apples, peeled & sliced: 1oz(25g) flour::¾pt (350ml) stock: seasoning: little made mustard: 4 cloves. Fry apple & onion slices in fat until golden, remove from pan and fry chops until golden on both sides. Remove from pan and stir in flour, adding little more fat if needed. Cook flour until brown, stir in stock, until boiling then season. Place chops in casserole, cover with apples & onion, pour over gravy. Cover and cook in oven300° F/150°/Mark 2 for about 1½ hours until chops are tender. Serve with creamed potatoes. “Guten Appetit” “Bon appétit!’’ “Smakelik!” “Bene sapiato!” “Hyvää ruokahalua!”

The Nail Workshop Leo’s Logs Are you ashamed of your nails? 19 Years experience in the nail industry. Nail enhancements to suit all Quality Barn-stored, Seasoned lifestyles. Hardwood Firewood

Acrylic, Fibreglass, Silk & Gel nails Loose Load from £80 Shellac/Gelish Manicures & Pedicures Kindling and Nets also Stunning & original hand pained Available Nail Art Specialises in bitten nails High Definition Brows 01258 861 197 Facial & Brow Threading 07881 434440 Eyelash & Brow Tinting Based in Child Okeford Please call us on 01258 863854 Or visit thenailworkshop.co.uk

Derek J Andrews Green Man Gardening Electrical Contractors For a mature, friendly and reliable

service you can trust. Paul R Andrews (Partner) [email protected]

7 Nethermead Okeford Fitzpaine Contact Paul: Dorset DT11 0TP 01258 860218

01258 863744 07712 157082 07792 613383 [email protected]

No job too small. No job too small References available on request.

Directory - Parish Council

Parish Council WWW okefordfitzpainepc.com Facebook: facebook.com/okefordfitzpainepc Twitter: @okefordfitzpain Cllr George Weeks Chairman, DAPTC Representative Telephone: 01258 860493 Email: [email protected] Cllr Robert Corben Vice Chairman and Bowey Field Email: [email protected] Cllr Steve Corben Recreation Ground and Pavilion Email: [email protected] Cllr Paul Banning Planning and Neighbourhood Plan Lead Email: [email protected] Cllr Dilys Gartside Highways, Rights of Way and PCC Liaison Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01258 860157 Cllr Beth Fox Finance Email: [email protected] Cllr Rachael Rowe Communications and Village Hall Representation Email: [email protected] Mrs Sandra Deary Parish Clerk for general enquries Telephone: 01258 459863 Email: [email protected] Jeremy Gartside Footpaths Officer Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01258 860157 Mike Wood Village Community Group Leader and Homewatch Coordinator Telephone: 01258 860146 Email: [email protected] Mrs A Calcott Transport Telephone: 01258 861071

Please keep this directory for future reference. It is published quarterly and whenever there are significant changes. February-2017.

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Child Okeford and Shroton WI DORSET BUTTON MAKING WORKSHOP Our next meeting is on Monday 13th February, 2pm at Child Okeford Community Centre. Brenda Skaife, President of Shaftesbury Morning WI will lead a session on Dorset button making. A Dorset button is a style of craft-made button.Their manufacture was at a peak between 1622 and 1850. Shaftesbury was a key centre for button making, employing over 1000 people at its height. To learn how to make a Dorset button, come along and join us. Non members are welcome for a small fee of £3.50. The cost of the materials will be covered by the WI. It promises to be a fun, lively and informative ‘hands on’ craft session, making something that has historical significance to our locality. We will also be having a ‘Bring and Buy’ stall so dig out those unused Xmas gifts and any items for our Heyday ‘Jambola’ stall. (Items for ‘Jambola' need to fit easily into a glass jar).

For further details Contact : Liz Smith, President on 01258 860432 or your local contact Dilys Gartside 01258 860157 Go to our website: www.childokefordshrotonwi.wordpress.com Send us an email: [email protected] Have a look at our Twitter feed: @ChildOkShoWI

Goddard Landscapes Ltd. J & T Window

Cleaning Your local traditional window cleaner.

Water features, Patios, Walls, We also clean guttering and Fencing & Driveways conservatory roofs. any job considered. Tel 01258 861046 Phone Jess and Tim Email On [email protected] 01747 590090 / www.goddardlandscapes.co.uk 07724455128

PaddleBoat Theatre Company presents Margo & Mr Whatsit at St. Nicholas School Child Okeford 4pm Friday 17th February Did you ever have an imaginary friend? A little piece of mischief only you could see? Sophia's imaginary friend is called Mr. Whatsit, and he's always there with a new joke to tell and a new game to play - that is, until the day she unimagines him. Now there's a new imaginary friend in town - the tea-drinking, lipstick-wearing, ever-confident Margo. Can Mr. Whatsit's childish playfulness keep him from being unimagined forever? And as Sophia's imagination goes to war, will she manage to find peace in her new home? PaddleBoat Theatre Company presents a lively and imaginative tale full of mime, puppetry, music, clowning and object play and invites you to enter Sophia's world, where the real and the imaginary collide and friends are never far away! Tickets: The Cross Stores, Child Okeford from mid-January. Adult - £6, U18 - £5, Family (2A2C) - £20. Bookings on : 01258 861612

Child Okeford Flower Film Night at Arranging Club Child Okeford Village Hall ‘Buds, Bark and Lichen’ Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) Date: 21 February Starring Renée Zellweger At: 2.15pm Gemma Jones Venue: Jim Broadbent Child Okeford Village Hall Date: 24 February 7.30pm For more information contact Tickets: £5 at the door or book in advance on 01258 Sue on 01258 863775 or 860518. [email protected] 16

Dorset Wildlife Trust North Dorset Group Events - Wednesday 15th February 2017 New technology has opened up the world of photography to many more people, but sometimes with varying success. Whilst most of us are happy to simply ‘point and shoot’ to capture a special moment, others strive to create an image of the living world around us, and that takes a great deal of patience and preparation. Stewart Canham leads DWT’s Photographic and Video group and is an experienced wildlife photographer. On Wednesday, 15th February 2017, he will give an illustrated talk on Wildlife Photography at Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 0JU), starting at 7.30pm. This will be the perfect opportunity to discover the art of wildlife photography and learn from a highly skilled practitioner. We ask for a small donation of £2 (including tea/coffee & biscuits) to help cover expenses, but there is no charge for children under 16. We ask a small charge of £2 (including refreshments); no charge for children under 16. Date for Your Diary - Wednesday 15th March 2017 An illustrated talk on ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ by DWT Community Conservation Officer, Briony Baxter, in Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 0JU) at 7.30pm. £2 (including refreshments); no charge for children under 16. Jumble Sale in aid of Adam Bailey Rescues and Rehomes Gillingham Join us for a massive jumble sale. Grab some bargains, a slice of cake and a cup of tea at Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall on Saturday 04 February (12:00 - 14:00) Adam Bailey Rescues and Rehomes is a non-profit, non-destruct rescue dedicated to providing the best care and finding the best homes.

16 January 2017 – 1 April 2017 An Exhibition of Merrily Harpur’s Artwork Dorset County Museum is pleased to present an exhibition by Merrily Harpur, the well-known cartoonist and illustrator, her work having appeared regularly in all the national broadsheets, and in books by Kingsley Amis, Miles Kington, Gerald Durrell, John Michell and others. She also found time to write the authoritative study of Britain’s mystery big cats – the panther- and puma-like creatures regularly spotted in our countryside, not least in Dorset. However she has always been a secret painter of landscapes, and upon moving to this county fell hopelessly in love with its beauties and surprises – the unexpected changes of angle and perspective that West Dorset offers with each half mile travelled. She paints en plein air or, more accurately, in situ – sitting in the car, enjoying the scent of turpentine and listening to Radio 3. If you spot a mossy, mud-bespattered car in an unlikely corner of a field or lane, this could be her – probably paint-bespattered – attempting to conjure up, in paint, the genius loci – the particular magic of our place. She now lives and paints in Cattistock, where in 2013 she inaugurated the Fox Festival, and wrote the libretto for Nick Morris’s acclaimed oratorio The Fox That Walked on Water. Merrily’s work will be for sale during the exhibition, and it will be free to come and view.

Nautilus Exhibition Extended to 30th May 2017 Dorset County Museum’s spotlight exhibition ‘Nautilus: Beautiful Survivor - 500 million years of evolutionary history’ based on the forthcoming book by Wolfgang Grulke has been extended until the end of May this year to enable even more people to come and enjoy it. This exhibition showing many of the cultural objects, fossils, shells and artefacts featured in the book, celebrates the long history of Nautilus, its role in human culture and the realities of its life today. Wolfgang said “The Chambered Nautilus is one of the oldest living things on our planet. Since the dawn of civilisation its form has inspired artists, designers and architects. Nautilus has survived whatever the world has thrown at it for more than 500 million years, persisting even as dinosaurs and many other life forms vanished. Now, however, some believe it could become extinct within a generation. We are donating 100% of the proceeds of this book to Nautilus research and we hope that one of the projects will help find this rarest of animals and film it for the first time.”

GARDEN OPEN – WEDNESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2017 The garden will be open on Wednesday 15th February as part of the Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival. Come and see the beautiful drifts of snowdrops growing here.

10.00 am – 5.00 pm Light lunches available Stalls Assisted wheelchair access Dogs on leads welcome Admission: Adults £3.50 Friends and Under 16’s Free of charge

GARDEN AND FLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE On WEDNESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2017 EDWARD PARKER will be running a photography course entitled “Garden and Flower Photography”. This is suitable for people of all abilities and with any type of camera. The idea is to show budding photographers how to change some of the settings on their cameras to improve the results and to explain how to take the best images possible on whatever equipment they use. It is possible to get stunning garden and flower images with almost any sort of camera with a bit of tuition. Edward will explain how to get the very best images with each of the different cameras you bring along and also how professional garden photographers set up their cameras. In many ways compact cameras are as good as DSLR’s for many types of photography. A lot of the success of garden and flower photography relies on understanding a little about composition and the use of foreground, background and lighting, all of which are equally relevant irrespective of the type of camera used. A tripod will be available for participants to try on the day. £25.00 per person (payable on the day – cheque or cash) 10.00 am – 1.00 pm To book: Contact the office on 01747 811853 or email [email protected]

The War Years: One night I thought I Was Dreaming It was January 1941. Bang! Bang! Rattle! Bang! I sat up in bed to make sure it was real but, to my amazement, it was not the army shooting but the village school on fire. The flames were just coming through the roof at the far end. Running into Mother’s bedroom, I said “quick, the school’s on fire.” “Go back to bed,” said Mother sleepily, “it’s only a dream.” “No. No, “I urged, “come and have a look.” “What’s up?” said Father. “It’s all right,” said Mother, “he’s having a bad dream.” But when Mother stepped onto the landing and saw the flames she said, “Oh God! He’s right.” Father was out of bed in a flash, jumped into his slippers and was halfway down the stairs when Mother shouted after him “You can’t go like that.” She grabbed Father’s corduroy breeches and threw them down the stairs. He quickly got into them and ran down the front path shouting “Fire! Fire” Fire!” Well I thought everybody must be able to hear that. The whole place was lit up by the flames. I then remembered what Mother had taught me – ‘always wear your pyjamas, for if the house ever caught fire and you had to run out into the street, the ducks wouldn’t get your diddler.’ As Father was only dressed in his long-johns and woolly vest she made sure he had his breeches on. My Uncle Bob, a master thatcher who lived in Stockfold Farmhouse, was already up a ladder to his own roof and, with my cousin Ken, was keeping the thatch wet with a hosepipe. Their quick thinking saved Stockfold Farmhouse that night. My father next banged on the door of the village shop and I shall always remember the sight of Mr Morley looking out of his window in his Woolley hat with a big tassel hanging down over his ear. Father continued up the road banging on every door as he went. I then got dressed and we went out into the yard. Father had informed the fire watch centre at the milk factory of the situation. We were all running backwards and forwards with buckets of water so Father could throw it over a straw rick which we had in the yard opposite the Royal Oak pub. The Okeford fire engine was brought out and they had started pumping water from the brook opposite the school when the roof fell in on the main building and thousands of sparks went skywards. It was quite frightening. I remember Mr Fred Lemon, along with others, pumping the old fire engine and Mr George Oliver holding the nozzle, directing the water into the school. The trusty old fire engine had prevented the fire from spreading into the infants’ room long enough for the Sturminster Newton Fire Brigade to come and take over. The firemen were still there the next morning, damping it down and I went over and had a look at the mess. I had just started going to the school in Blandford. The thought went through my mind ‘why the hell did it not happen before!’ Mother soon put me straight. She said it was a good job Gerry had not seen it and dropped bombs on us. Helping to save the school was the last task of the Okeford fire engine. It is now proudly displayed in the village museum.

The truth about dates - ‘Use By’ and ‘Best Before’ Safety and Quality In general food law requires pre-packed food to have a date mark. Depending on the food type this is either a ‘use by’ date or a ‘best before’ date. The use by date is about safety and the most important date to remember! Foods can be eaten (and most can be frozen) up until the use by date, but not after, unless it was frozen before the use by date. You will see use by dates on food that goes off quickly, such as meat products or ready-prepared salads. For the use by date to be a valid guide, you must care- fully follow storage instructions. The best before date is about quality and not safety. The food will be safe to eat after this date but may not be at its best. Its flavour and texture might not be as good. The best before dates appear on a wide range of frozen, dried, tinned and other foods. The best before date will only be accurate if the food is stored according to the instructions on the label. After the use by date, don't eat it, cook it or freeze it. The food could be unsafe to eat or drink, even if it is stored correctly and looks and smells fine. For quick tips to save money, make time and reduce waste by eating, cooking or freezing food by its use by date visit https://www.food.gov.uk/science/microbiology/use-by -and-best-before-dates Shops can sell food once the ‘best before’ date has passed, however selling food past its ‘use by’ date is a criminal offence and can lead to prosecution. A supermarket in the Mid- lands was recently prosecuted and fined £75,000 for selling which was past its ‘use by’ date. If you would like advice about your consumer rights then please contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506. Simply FABULOUS cycle rides say it all! With longer and warmer days just ahead (the cough and 'flu bugs behind) why not join us? We grade our rides for three levels of ability. 'Buds' Slow 4-8 miles If you’re unsure of your ability or can’t yet cycle have 'Blossom’ 8-15 miles a 1:1 lesson courtesy of Dorset County Council. 'Full Bloom' 15-30 miles To find out more contact me directly or visit www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/adult-cycle. Forthcoming Rides Blossom Tue 14 Feb 09:45 Valentines Challenge to Milton Abbas café Buds Fri 24 Feb 09:30 To be decided Rides depart from Okeford Fitzpaine Village Stores. Contact me in advance if you plan to join us as rides may change. Rides are organised by Dorset Cyclists Network (www.dcn/org.uk)

Dilys Gartside - NSIQ CYCLEWISE 'change your travel habits' Bikeability Accredited 01258 860157 CyclewiseSouthampton.co.uk 21

The Religious Horse A lady responded to an advert for a horse she really liked the look of. “But,” the seller cautioned her, “there is something you need to know about her. Her last owners were very religious and have taught her some very odd ways! Do what you like, she will not move off until you say ‘Thank the Lord,’ and she will not stop until you say ‘Amen.’

‘That’s odd,’ she thought, but the mare was a super horse and she bought her. At their first outing she found her new buy was really spirited. A soft “Thank the Lord,” and they went off at a fast canter.

Suddenly a deep ravine opened up in front of them. She tried to slow the horse, all to no avail. In this moment of crisis she tried to remember what the previous owner had told her. It came to her not a moment too soon!

“Amen!” she cried and the mare skidded to a halt on the edge of the 300 foot precipice. The rider, utterly terrified, let out a long sigh, slumped down in the saddle, lifted her eyes towards heaven and said “Thank the Lord!”

Okeford United Football Club ‘Ton Up +’ draw Many thanks to all our supporters. Anyone interested in joining our monthly draw (cost £1 per month) - please contact Allan Frampton (860083) or any Football Club member. December 2016 1st [£50] (No. 124) James Andrews 2nd [£10] (No. 89) John Stewart 3rd [£5] (No. 15) Steve Corben January 2017 1st [£50] (No. 94) Chris Chaffey 2nd [£10] (No. 130) Will Mogridge 3rd [£5] (No. 116) Matt Pearse 22

Experience the Freeconomy With rising prices and a need to pay off bills after the festive season there are lots of ways to get something for free. Here are just a few of the opportunities out there to do something for nothing. Learn a New Skill There are hundreds of free online courses that run over a few weeks and are easily accessible. You can learn anything from Egyptology to quantum physics and Japanese with a free course from some of the best universities in the world who have collaborated under the Massive Online Open Course (or MOOC) scheme. You pay extra for a certificate but it is a great way to see if it floats your boat. Try Future Learn at www.futurelearn.com or EdX at https://www.edx.org/ . Alison at https://alison.com/ is another source of free courses. Join Freegle, Freecycle or FreelyWheely These communities all work on the same principle – what goes round comes round. An item you no longer need may be that same item someone else can put to good use, and vice versa. They’re good for the environment too. Less goes into landfill, and there’s no better way of recycling than passing an unwanted item on to a new owner. If you have something you no longer want, advertise it on the community website. It wil be available to people living nearby. When someone responds they will arrange to collect it from you. If something pops up that you would like request the item and if the donor agrees, make arrangements to collect it from them. If you would like something specific, advertise your need on the site. You might get lucky if someone is about to dispose of their unwanted item, or has one they no longer need taking valuable space up in a cupboard or spare room. Everyone wins. When joining check out the group’s FAQ/rules/etiquette before offering or requesting anything. You could be saved from embarrassment or disappointment. If you’re collecting items to sell on (e.g. at jumble sales, car boot sales or online) be sure to check with the donor. Some don’t mind in the least, some are happy for items to be resold for charity only, others regard any reselling as a clear and unforgiveable violation of their view group’s rules. Freegle and Freecycle require you to join a specific group (or groups) near your home or work. To save your fingers we’ve used shortened links to the groups most appropriate for Okeford Fitzpaine. You may find others more appropriate. FreelyWheely uses your postcode to make life a little easier. Freegle: http://tinyurl.com/z27gkcc Freecycle: http://tinyurl.com/j8c2ktt FreelyWheely: https://www.freelywheely.com/

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Streetbank – An Extra Dimension Streetbank not only allows members to give away or receive unwanted items but also adds another dimension. Members can share items and skills. If you have some tools you’re happy to make available for occasional community use, or you’re happy to share a skill, that’s exactly what you do. You can find Streetbank at https://www.streetbank.com Get a Free Book

The Bookcrossing community leaves books somewhere for free. A label inside the book identifies it as a Bookcrossing book, reducing the risk of it being treated as lost property or thrown away by cleaners. On a bus - in a ‘phone box - in a pub or café …. Popular locations can become ‘Bookcrossing Zones.’ When you leave a book, tell other Bookcrossers about it on the web site. When you find one, record that it has been found. This creates a trail that tells Bookcrossers where each book has been - this can be many miles, even across continents. You can find Bookcrossing at www.bookcrossing.com Alternatively, why not swap with friends, or visit the Mud Pie Café (most Saturday mornings at the Village Hall) where you will find a book exchange. If you have a Kindle, or another ereader, you will probably be aware that many of the ‘classics’ are available at no cost for ereaders. If you enjoy trying books by new authors you can find them at heavily discounted promotional discounts – often free. They’re often the first book in a series (to get you hooked) - and it’s not just new authors who give such discounts. Keep your eyes open and you could bag a bargain page-turner. Project Gutenburg (https://www.gutenburg.org) offers nearly 54,000 free downloadable works. Most are books on which copyright has expired, though many are works offered freely by their authors. Visit Somewhere For Free Dorset has an amazing number free attractions and beautiful places to visit. Check out Maiden Castle, Sturminster Newton Museum, Sherborne Abbey, and Tyneham which are all free. Or, go for a walk in the Blackmore Vale or along the coast path.

Movies in Local Venues. Date Venue Movie Contact Time 13 Feb Leigh VH | 19:00 Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) 01935 872323 £6.00 16 Feb Exchange | 19:00 Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) 01258 475137 From £3.50 24 Feb CO VH | 19:00 Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) 01258 860518 £5.00 28 Feb Marnhull VH | 19:00 The Girl on the Train (15) 01258 820381 £5.00 01258 820266 24

The Entertainment+ Section What’s on in the district this month. Date Venue | Time Show / Event Contact Price 03 Feb Exchange | 19:30 Beatles with Wings 01258 475137 From £13.50 08 Feb Exchange | 19:30 SNADS Ali Baba & the 40 01258 475137 From £6.25 Thieves 09 Feb Exchange | 19:30 SNADS Ali Baba & the 40 01258 475137 From £6.25 Thieves 10 Feb Exchange | 19:30 SNADS Ali Baba & the 40 01258 475137 From £6.25 Thieves 11 Feb Exchange | 14:30 SNADS Ali Baba & the 40 01258 475137 From £6.25 Thieves 11 Feb Exchange | 19:30 SNADS Ali Baba & the 40 01258 475137 From £6.25 Thieves 12 Feb Exchange | 12:15 Shadow Making Workshop 01258 475137 From £3.00 12 Feb Exchange | 16:00 Malina’s Dream 01258 475137 From £5.00 13 Feb CO Comm Centre | 14:00 Dorset Button Making Workshop 01258 860432 £3.50 for non-members. (WI) 01258 860157 15 Feb Fontmell Magna VH | 19:30 Stewart Canham Ilustrated Talk on £2.00 donation Wildlife Photography 16 Feb Exchange | 19:00 Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) 01258 475137 From £3.50 17 Feb CO School | 16:00 Margot & Mr Whatsit 01258 861612 From £6.00 17 Feb Shill Church Centre | 19:00 Supper and Talk (Penrose Halson) 01258 861690 £8.00 17 Feb Exchange | 20:00 Ruby Turner 01258 475137 From £21.00 22 Feb Exchange | 14:00 Anita Harris 01258 475137 From £9.00 24 Feb Exchange | 19:30 6 Hands 01258 475137 From £20.00 25 Feb Exchange | 19:30 ELO Again 01258 475137 From £20.00 25 Feb Ibberton VH | 19:30 Ian Watt (Guitarist) 01258 817269 From £6.50 03 Mar Exchange | 19:30 A New25 Flame (perform the songs 01258 475137 From £15.00 of Simply Red) 17 Jan CO VH | 14:15 Child Okeford Flower Arranging 01258 863775 Club 18 Jan Fontmell Magma VH | DWT / Hawk Conservency Trust 19:30 illustrated talk

Village Calendar 03 Feb First Friday Lunch Village Hall 12:30 04 Feb Jumble Sale in aid of Adam Bailey Village Hall 12:00 - 14:00 Rescues and Rehomes 07 Feb Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 19:30 11 Feb Mud Pie Café Village Hall 10:30 - 12:30 13 Feb Fippenny Garden Club Castle Gardens (Sherborne) 14:00 14 Feb Simply Fabulous ‘Blossom’ Ride To Milton Abbas Café 09:45 18 Feb Mud Pie Café Village Hall 10:30 - 12:30 24 Feb Simply Fabulous ‘Buds’ Ride To be decided 09:30 25 Feb Mud Pie Café Village Hall 10:30 - 12:30

Services around the Benefice 5 Feb 10.30am Child Okeford Benefice Holy Communion 12 Feb 9.00am Hammoon Parish Holy Communion

10.30am Child Okeford Messy Church

3.30pm Shillingstone Evensong 19 Feb 10.30am Child Okeford Matins 10.30am Shillingstone Parish H Communion

26 Feb 9.00am Child Okeford Holy Communion 10.30am Shillingstone Family Service 3.30pm Manston Evensong 1Mar 12.00 noon Shillingstone Ash Wednesday H Communion

Matt 5:21

7 Rom 5:12 7 Rom

17; 3:1

9a 1 Cor 2:1 9a

58:1 Isa Matt 5:13 Allen S/M Deut Mrs F 30:15 Goddard 1 Cor 3:1 Mrs Z S/M ExodMr R Clay 24:12 17:1 Matt Gartside Mrs D 2:15 Gen Matt 4:1

Rev L Cook Rev L Cook Rev L Cook S le Riche Rev L Cook

Service H Comm Benefice Child Okeford H Parish Communion No Service Worship Morning H Comm Benefice Manston

Time 10 30am 10.am 10 am 10.30a m

Services Services Date 4 b/4 Lent 5 Feb 3 b/4 Lent 12 Feb 2 b/4 Lent 19 Feb Sun Next b/4 Lent 26 Feb 1st Lent 5 March

Directory - General Schools Acting Head Rhiannon Tidby 01258 860530 Chairman of Governors Mrs Diana Sale 01258 860230 Pre-school Manager Kerry James 01258 860023 Village Hall Secretary and Bookings Mrs Diane Burt 01258 863474 E: [email protected] Okeford United F.C. Chairman Stephen Corben 01258 861327 Allan Frampton 01258 860083 Fippenny Garden Club Chairman Fred Philpott 01258 863419 Secretary Barbara Knight 01258 817103 Short Mat Bowls Club Mrs Barbara Fry 01258 861524 Allotment Group Chairman Robert Corben 07580 626686 E: [email protected] Okeford Village Stores Proprietors Vince and Sharne 01258 722179 Royal Oak 01258 861561 GP Surgeries Sturminster Newton Medical Centre 01258 474500 Whitecliff Group Practice, Blandford Forum 01258 452501 Whitecliff Group Practice, Child Okeford 01258 860687 The Hill (Child Okeford) E: [email protected] Editor/Advertisements Kate Partridge 01258 863695 Editor/Advertisements Richard Muffett 01258 860010 Shillingstone Parish Magazine Editor/Advertisements Diana J Lewis 01258 472704 E: [email protected] Fippenny News Editor Derek Day 01258 861979 E: [email protected] T: @FippennyNews Distribution Mrs Barbara Fry 01258 861524

For Parish Council contact details (including councillors, officers and roles) please see our separate directory published quarterly.