Piddle Valley News & Views

March / April 2014 Above Feathers Pre-School children in high vis and learning about hospitals © Cathy White Below Having fun in the Rver Piddle, Swimming in the River Piddle - in January and Transport on the Piddle ! © Claire Hudson           th Saturday 8 March 2014 & '  ' ()$     Doors open at 7pm Quiz starts at 7.30pm              £8 per person            Quiz teams of up to 6 people –            !  " #  $%          

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4 Dorset Youth Association Sunninghill Community Lubbecke Way Centre Dorchester Culliford Way, Dorchester Mondays 5.30pm, 7.30pm Thursdays 7.30pm Tel: Sharon 01300 320299 Tel: Sue 01305 757020

Dorchester Community Cheap Street Church Hall Church Cheap Street Acland Road, Dorchester Sherborne Wednesdays Wednesdays 9.30am 3.30pm; 5.45pm. 7.30pm Tel: Merys 07834 547578 Tel: Sharon 01300 320299 Fridays 9.30am, 11.30am West End Hall Tel: Tracie 01300 348589 Littlefields Sherborne Broadmayne First School Thursdays 7pm Boadmayne Tuesdays 7.30pm Tel: Natalie 07500 962667 Tel: Merys 07834 547578

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6 D. J. Chutter LTD

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Please contact Mark Chutter on 01963 210354 Email: [email protected]

7 Philip J. Ralph Agricultural & general contractor, groundworker and excavations Footings and foundations, Drives and concrete. Garden landscaping. Walls and patios. Fencing. Tree work and stump removal. Welding and metal fabrication. Paddock topping. Plant Hire incl : JCB, Mini digger. Tractor & trailer. Mini tractor and rotavator. Hydraulic log splitter. 8” Wood chipper. Ride on Mower. No VAT : Fully insured Plush Dorset 01300 348730 0789 9928461 [email protected]

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9 10 Dates for your diary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

March 3 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton various 3 Mon Cerne Sheep Group The Piddle Inn 7 pm 6 Thurs Piddle Valley Over 60s P’thide Mem Hall 2.30 pm “The Swannery” 8 Sat Coffee Morning + Sale United Church Hall, 9.45 – South St, Dorchester 11.45 am 8 Sat Annual Big Quiz Piddle Valley First 7 pm for School 7.30 pm 11 Tues Twinning AGM + The Thimble 7.30 pm Dinner 14 Fri Coffee Morning P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 17 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton various 21 Fri ‘A Balkan Adventure’ PV First School 7.30 pm 25 Tues Parish Council Meeting P’thide Mem Hall 7.30 pm 28 Fri Lunch Club P’thide Mem Hall 12.30 pm 29 Sat Spring Jumble Sale P’thide Mem Hall 2 pm 31 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton various 31 Mon PV Gardens Club P’thide Mem Hall 7.30 pm

April 1 Tues Lent Lunch Pydel Nook, P’ton 10 – 12 3 Thurs Piddle Valley Over 60s P’thide Mem Hall 12.00 “Osteoporosis” 4 Fri Artsreach ‘On the Edge’ P’thide Mem Hall 7.30 pm 9 Wed NGS Open Day Ivy House, P’thide 2 – 5 pm 11 Fri Coffee Morning P’thide Mem Hall 10.30 am 12 Sat PV Gardens Club Spring P’thide Mem Hall 2 pm Show 14 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton various 21 Easter NGS Open Day Ivy House, P’thide 2 – 5 pm Mon 25 Fri Lunch Club P’thide Mem Hall 12.30 pm 27 Sun NGS Open Day Butts Cottage, Plush 2 – 5 pm 28 Mon Mobile Library AP, P’thide, P’ton various 29 Tues Parish Council Meeting P’thide Mem Hall 7.30 pm

Dates + events ahead 4th + 5th May, NGS Open Days, Ivy House, Piddletrenthide Saturday 10th May, May Fayre Music Fest, PV First School Saturday 24th May, Alton Pancras Village Fete 24th + 25th May, 7th + 8th June NGS Open Days, Butts Cottage, Plush Saturday + Sunday 14th & 15th June, Piddlehinton Open Gardens Weekend Sunday 22nd June, Piddletrenthide + Plush Fete

11 ! PIDDLETRENTHIDEPIDDLETRENTHIDE POSTPOST OFFICEOFFICE ANDAND STORESSTORES

THE VILLAGE SHOP Order your Hot Cross Buns and bread for Easter now We supply speciality breads from Evershot Bakeries (such as Cottage Loaves, French Sticks, large wholemeal cobbers) We receive fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries daily We stock in-season fruit and vegetables Our prices are very competitive Our free range chicken is supplied by Creedy Carver Order your meat for Easter now - Balls the Butchers are happy to cut meat to individual customer’s requirements We have a range of boxed biscuits, sweets and chocolates, greeting cards, wrapping paper and much more - so why not come in and give us a try Shop Opening Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 7 pm, Saturday 8.30 am – 1 pm

Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday 8.30 am - 12 noon

THE POST OFFICE COUNTER Post Office Services - Stamps, Parcels, Postal Orders, Gift Cards, Euros and other Currencies to order, PO Card Account and Pension and Benefits, PO Savings Accounts, ISA’s, Telephone and Broadband, Car, Travel, House, Pet Insurances, Moneygrams, Mortgages, Top Ups, Electric Key, Bill Payments eg electric, telephone, water rates, Council Tax, Income Tax.

Post Office Opening Hours Monday 8.30 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 5.30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8.30 am – 1 pm Saturday 9 am – 12 noon

We would like to thank our customers for their continued support

Telephone no 01300 348330 Caroline and Carol

12 From the editor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blue skies and sunshine have been in very short supply in recent weeks though as you will see from our cover and colour photographs, some Valley residents made the most of both ! We have endured incessant rain interspersed with hail and ferocious winds, sometimes all day and all night, but certainly for most days since the beginning of the year, and for some the impact has been desperate with the need to move out of their homes.

Walking through the Piddle Valley, water is much in evidence with a flooded Millennium Green, bridleways, gardens and fields. But the excess water sadly has not been confined to the outside, as some houses in the Valley have endured flooding from ground water and natural springs. The media offer many causes, as do experts and politicians. In this issue, an Egypt resident explains in detail his position; we include a Wessex Water response to another Piddletrenthide resident as well as an example of flood alleviation to the north of the Valley.

We are very pleased to announce that the 2013 PVNV accounts have been examined (many thanks to Rupert Edwards) and Susan Chance (our Hon Treasurer) suggests that as new advertisers have replaced others who have dropped out and the costs of printing and website have been accommodated, the current advertising rates can continue. Our thanks to Susan for handling the finances and a warm welcome to Gill Bingham who has joined the team as proof reader. We hope to have even more good PVNV team news in the next issue

Dot Browning

Contents Dates for your diary ~ Editorial ~ News from the Vicarage ~ Services ~ News from the Villages ~ General News & Notices ~ Clubs, Groups, Organisations - Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan ~ Towards curing flooding problems in the Piddle Valley ~ Letters ~ Piddle Valley Parish Council ~ Sport ~ Piddle Valley First School ~ Surgeries ~ What the papers say ~ www.piddlevalley.info

Photographs Front The Millennium Belle’ on Millennium Green on the 4th January 2014 © Rob Murphy Inside © Ian Condon, Claire Hudson, Mandy Joslin, Les McVey, Tony ‘ Monds, Cathy White

Editorial ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Editor Dot Browning T 01300 348280 } E [email protected] Deputy Editor Ros Charlton T 01300 348063 } Advertising vacant Treasurer Susan Chance T 01300 348311 E [email protected] Distribution Ann Jordan T 01300 348015 Copy deadline May / June issue – adverts 10th April; posters + content, 15th April Future advertising + content dates – 10th + 15th June, August, October, December, February, April By post / hand PVNV Postbag, PO & Village Stores, Piddletrenthide, Dorset DT2 7QF Printed by Creeds of Bridport

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14 News from the Vicarage ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage is a practice recommended to the adherents of many of the world’s great faiths. The hajj is the major pilgrimage to Mecca that every fit Muslim is encouraged to undertake at least once in their life. At around three million pilgrims, it is the largest gathering of Muslims in the world. But even this figure is dwarfed by the numbers of Hindus who, every twelve years, make pilgrimage to Allahabad, the confluence of three of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism. It is estimated that some thirty million pilgrims took part in the last pilgrimage in 2013. Before its destruction in 70AD, the Temple in Jerusalem was a focus of Jewish pilgrimage with every able adult male Jew being required to visit to offer sacrifices there at certain times of the year. The Wailing Wall, the retaining wall of the Temple mount in Jerusalem, is still the most sacred site for Jews. Christians often make pilgrimages to the Holy Land to visit sites associated with the life of Jesus. Indeed, Jerusalem is a favoured destination of pilgrims from each of the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In Jerusalem are to be found sites which are sacred to each of these faiths.

Another great destination for Christians is Santiago de Compostela in north west Spain. Tradition has it that the remains of Saint James the Great, one of our Lord’s disciples, are buried there in a shrine in the cathedral. In 2010, Martin Sheen (of The West Wing fame) starred in The Way, a film directed, written and produced by his son, Emilio Estevez, which follows four pilgrims on the Way of St James or El Camino de Santiago as it is more commonly known. During Lent this year, we in this benefice will be using extracts from this film as a basis for a Lent course. As it follows the pilgrims’ journey of inner transformation, the course examines Biblical accounts and images of salvation – past, present and future – and addresses the questions: What are we saved from? What are we saved for? Who can be saved? What do we have to do to be saved? and How are we saved? We start on Thursday the 6th March at 7.30pm at Quinces, London Row, Piddlehinton and continue for five weeks until the 3rd April. Do join us on this spiritual pilgrimage without having to leave the valley !

Rev Tony Monds The Vicarage, Piddletrenthide T 01300 348211 E [email protected]

For any changes to services, events and notices, see www.piddlevalley.info

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

Piddle Valley Three Churches

nd 2 March Piddlehinton Cheselbourne Sunday next 9.30am Family Service 8.30am Holy Communion before Lent Green Piddletrenthide Hilton 11.00am Morning Prayer 9.30am Family Eucharist Psalm 99 Exodus 24.12-end Alton Pancras Melcombe Horsey 2 Peter 1.16-end 5.30pm Evening Prayer 11.00am Parish Communion Matthew 17.1-9

5th March Piddlehinton Hilton Ash Wednesday 6.30pm Parish Eucharist 6.30pm Parish Eucharist Purple (with optional Imposition of Ashes) (with optional Imposition of Ashes)

2 Corinthians 5.20b – 6.10 Matthew 6.1-6, 16- 21 / John 8.1-11

9th March Alton Pancras Hilton Lent 1 11.00am Parish Eucharist 8.30am Holy Communion Purple Piddlehinton Cheselbourne Psalm 32 6.00pm Evening Prayer 9.30am Family Eucharist Gen 2.15-17 & 3.1-7 Melcombe Horsey – (use as epistle)

Matthew 4.1-11 Old Brewery Hall 10.30am Songs, coffee and buns

16th March Alton Pancras Hilton Lent 2 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Morning Prayer Purple Piddlehinton Melcombe Horsey Psalm 121 9.30am Parish Communion 11.00am Parish Communion Genesis 12.1-4a (use as epistle) Piddletrenthide Cheselbourne John 3.1-17 9.30am Family Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer

23rd March Piddletrenthide Cheselbourne Lent 3 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Family Service Purple Alton Pancras Melcombe Horsey Psalm 95 9.30am Family Eucharist 11.00am Morning Prayer Exodus 17.1-7 (use as epistle) Piddlehinton Hilton John 4.5-42 6.00pm Evening Prayer 6.00pm Evening Prayer

30th March Piddletrenthide Cheselbourne Mothering Sunday 8.30am Holy Communion 10.30am Mothering Sunday Service / Lent 4 Purple Alton Pancras 10.30am Mothering Sunday Service

Evening Office at 5.00pm on 7th & 28th Mar (Alton Pancras), on 14th Mar & 4th Apr (Piddletrenthide), on 21st & 11th Apr (Piddlehinton)

Compline at 6.00pm each Friday from the 7th Mar to the 11th Apr incl (Hilton)

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

Piddle Valley Three Churches

th 6 April Piddlehinton Cheselbourne Lent 5 9.30am Family Service 8.30am Holy Communion (Passiontide begins) Purple Piddletrenthide Hilton 9.30am Family Eucharist Psalm 130 11.00am Morning Prayer

Ezekiel 37.1-14 Alton Pancras Melcombe Horsey (use as epistle) 6.30pm Evening Prayer 11.00am Parish Communion John 11.1-45

13th April Piddletrenthide Hilton Palm Sunday 11.00am Parish Eucharist 8.30am Holy Communion Red Piddlehinton Cheselbourne Psalm 118.19-24 / 6.00pm Evening Prayer 9.30am Family Eucharist Psalm 31.10-20 Isaiah 50.4-9a Melcombe Horsey – (use as epistle) Old Brewery Hall Matthew 21.1-11 / 10.30am Songs, coffee and buns Matthew 26.14- 27.end

17th April Alton Pancras Cheselbourne Village Hall Maundy Thursday 6.30pm Parish Eucharist 7.00pm Agape Supper White tba

18th April Piddletrenthide Hilton Good Friday 2.00pm Devotion 12 noon Devotion Hangings removed tba

th 19 April Easter Eve Lyscombe Chapel White 7.30pm Easter Vigil tba

20th April Alton Pancras Cheselbourne EASTER DAY 9.30am Family Eucharist 9.30am Family Eucharist White Piddlehinton Hilton Psalm 118.14-24 11.00am Family Eucharist 9.30am Family Eucharist Acts 10.34-43 (use as OT reading) Piddletrenthide Melcombe Horsey John 20.1-18 / 11.00am Family Eucharist 11.00am Parish Communion

Matthew 28.1-10

27th April Piddletrenthide Cheselbourne Easter 2 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Family Service White Alton Pancras Melcombe Horsey Psalm 16 9.30am Family Eucharist 11.00am Morning Prayer Acts 2.14a, 22-32 (use as OT lesson) Piddlehinton Hilton John 20.19-end 6.00pm Evening Prayer 6.00pm Evening Prayer

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18 From the Registers

Funerals The funeral of Rosina (‘Rose’) Frost of Cheselbourne took place at St Martin’s, Cheselbourne on the 23rd January 2014 followed by burial.

The funeral of Carolyn Claire Waddy of Piddletrenthide took place at All Saints’, Piddletrenthide on the 11th February 2014 followed by burial.

The funeral of Joyce Marion Dean of Ansty took place at All Saints’, Hilton on the 19th February 2014 followed by burial.

News, comings & goings in the valley ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alton Pancras

AP Despite the pre-Christmas gales and torrential rain, 41 people braved the floods to attend AP’s carol service, a truly amazing! example of dedication.

AP Hopefully the weather for our village fete 24th May, start time 1 pm, yes one o’clock, will have some divine intervention, as it is being held in the gardens of the former vicarage, later called Beechmead, now The Old Rectory. It was built as such in 1846 and lasted until 1941.

AP When David and Jane Ridgway, along with children Hugh and Toby, moved into West Barn, Alton Barton a few years ago, they must have thought this was meant to be, as they looked across the road and saw that the bungalow opposite was named after them, albeit that Mike and July Squires have an ‘e’ added to their Ridgeway.

AP Does the Dorchester region Post Office have a particular policy in the selection of those staff employed to deliver through our valley ? The question arises because we always seem to have the most cheerful, friendly, helpful and efficient posties, most recently Nathan, Paul, Gemma and Rich. Are we just lucky or are all staff this good?

AP Jim Elsworth, brother of Rose Cosh, has told how, when he was a lad living at The (Old) Post Office, his mother was the church organist and Jim was organ pump boy. “The advent of electricity and an electric blower made my job redundant” he says. Today’s organist, Pat Kenrick, has to manage all on her own. AP While the other valley settlements get mentioned by Thomas Hardy, the closest Alton Pancras gets is a mention of Barnes Lane, by Narn Farm on our northern boundary. Can anyone tell us in which of Hardy’s titles please ?

[email protected]

19 !

PIDDLEHINTON VILLAGE HALL

BREAKFAST CLUB

SUNDAY 23 March 2014

From 9.00am to 11.30am

Join us for a delicious Full English breakfast We use best quality, locally sourced produce. It’ll set you up for the day - for only £5.00 !

Everyone Welcome

20

Piddlehinton

Found A wedding ring has been found near the Thimble Inn, also a pair of silver heart ear-rings. Please contact Cynthia Legg / 01300 348591

Lent Lunch The Lent Lunch will be on Tuesday 1st April at 12 noon, hosted by Fay Lord at Pydel Nook, Piddlehinton. Everyone is very welcome, but to give her an idea of numbers, please phone ahead Gay Hanbury / 01300 348335

Calling All Flower Arrangers ! Piddlehinton is hosting an Open Gardens weekend on 14th & 15th June. We always decorate the church as an extra attraction and this year it just happens to be Fathers Day, so we have a fabulous theme, "Sports". It is going to be great fun - arrangements could depict rugby, football, hockey, riding, shooting, fishing, sailing, running, skiing, etc so let your imagination run riot !

I have an offer to do a fish and fishing theme at the altar, so could I have some more offers of help and ideas please from Valley or non Valley people - the more the merrier. Gay Hanbury / 01300 348465

Piddlehinton Open Gardens, Saturday 14th + Sunday 15th June

A number of garden owners have kindly agreed to open their gardens. but more are needed. Tickets will cost £5 for the two days and children under 16 go free. Refreshments will be available all day at the Village Hall including coffee and teas, cakes and a choice of lunch menus, including a picnic pack. There will also be an ice cream stand, plants for sale and a chutney stall. Scarecrows will be placed around the village and in some of the gardens, with a scarecrow workshop for children. The Church will be open with a special display for Fathers Day.

If you would like to open your garden or are willing to help in some other way to make this weekend a fun and successful time for all please contact

Rosemary Agg / 01300 248835 or Cynthia Legg / 01300 348591 or Gay Hanbury / 01300 348465

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

21 ! Event in Piddletrenthide at The Memorial Hall

Kepow Theatre presents On The Edge

On The Edge! explores all those moments in life when we are on the edge. Falling in love, leaving home, getting a job, bungee jumping - you name it, this show explores it!

Essentially a comedy, with touching moments, 'On The Edge' premiered at the Edinburgh Festival, where it garnered 5 star reviews, had a sell out run and received standing ovations.

Kevin Tomlinson is now recognised as one of the UK's leading comic improvisers. His career took off in 1999 when he performed alongside the cast of Whose Line is it Anyway?

"Heartwarming comedy theatre that all the family can - and certainly will - enjoy!" Evening Standard.

Tickets £8.00 tel (01300) 345252 or from the Post Office Friday 4th April 2014, 7.30pm

22 Piddlehinton Village Hall – What’s on every week

Tuesdays TABLE TENNIS 7.00 – 9.00pm Contact Beryl Ellis / 01305267394

Thursdays OPEN COFFEE MORNING with homemade cakes 10.00 – 12.00 Contact Margaret Packer / 01300 348640

POST OFFICE 2.00 – 4.00pm

SHORT MAT BOWLS 7.30 – 9.30pm Contact Sheila Hornyak / 01300 348264 To Hire Very reasonable hire rates for groups, parties and events, 15 large and 5 small tables, tea urn and other equipment

Bookings Contact Vickey Steven / 01300 348294

Chair Pam Lock / 01300 348474 Treasurer Fay Lord / 01300 348335 Secretary Sue Nicholas / 01300 348436

Vickey Steven / 01300 348294

Piddletrenthide + White Lackington

‘No Room At The Inn’

There was no room at the Inn for Mary and Joseph and almost no room at the Christingle Service at All Saints Church on Christmas Eve. How wonderful to see the church overflowing. As each Carol was sung, the children created a nativity tableau and delighted us with their fantastic singing. The Christingles were lit, children processed around the church and Jesus “the light of the world” was amongst us. What a lovely start to Christmas.

Elizabeth Jolliffe

Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall

Coffee Mornings 14th March - Seville Orange Marmalade for sale 11th April - Easter Raffle

Janet Keen Trustee / 01300 348851

National Garden Scheme Open Days: Ivy House 9th + 21st April, 4th + 5th May - see General News

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24 Piddletrenthide & Plush Fete This year at The Manor House, Piddletrenthide on Sunday 22nd June; special feature, an evening event for all the family with food, live singing and music.

Great Expectations Met

We came with expectations of the latest Artsreach performance, in this quiet rural valley memorial theatre, but perhaps not quite as great as this. Hall chairman John Waterman’s introduction in front of a bare stage, except for small table and chair, was merely to announce “David Mynne.” David makes a solemn entrance, shyly, appearing lost. He carries a battered suitcase from which he takes a candleholder and nervously strikes a match to light it. He is Charles Dickens’ Pip and he slowly tells of his life, from impoverished rural youngster to wealth, London – and back again. There are lots of characters, of both sexes, each with their own quickly recognisable voices and gestures, yet the only props are a battered bowler hat, a piece of lace and a hand mirror used to good effect when depicting female characters. The range of sound effects, from the hubbub of a pub bar to the sound of a large paddle-steamer about to collide, all come from within the performer.

The audience of 40 neatly created the required atmosphere, boosted by the traditional home-made tea and cake during the interval. The Memorial Hall committee seems to have a talent in selecting what works in the Valley; eventually there will be few residents who have not attended at least one of their choices.

For more about David see www.mynne.com

Colin Dean

Plush

P Advance warning from WDDC’s Paul Eastwood of possible road disruption through Plush; their water jetter found a serious blockage (which couldn’t be removed) under the road connecting the drains to the stream. An order has been placed for the blockage to be removed which might involve digging into the road. The timetable is 28 days with the proviso that other flood matters around Dorset may take priority. Hopefully this will be dealt with before the end of March. David Glass

!P National Garden Scheme Open Days: Butts Cottage 25th April, 24th + 25th May, and 7th + 8th June - see General News

P Fete this year will be at The Manor House, Piddletrenthide on Sunday 22nd June; special feature will be an evening event for all the family with food, live singing and music.

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26 General News + Notices ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Appeal for Cakes and Bananas

We are looking for donations of cakes, home-made or shop, big or small and also bunches of bananas. 600 cyclists will be doing a 54 mile sponsored cycle ride from Watchet in Somerset to West Quay in Dorset on Sunday 18 May to raise vital funds to keep the Air Ambulance flying. Air Ambulance volunteers run “pit stops” for these cyclists offering cakes and bananas to refuel their efforts; we will be stewards at Ilminster Ambulance Station for this event.

It takes £1.7 million per annum to keep this vital service operational and we are reliant on donations and fund raising efforts (no funding from Government or Lottery). If you are able to help by donating cakes or bananas, please could you bring them to Piddlehinton Village Hall between 10:00 – 12:00 on Saturday 17th May. Alternatively, if this time is not convenient, they can be delivered on the Saturday to our home. Thank you for your continued support.

Susan + Terry Dredge (Volunteers, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance) 22 Paynes Close, Piddlehinton / 01300 348120

Community Message from Dorset Police Police and Crime Commissioner invitation to attend Bournemouth Police and Crime Commissioner Forum on Monday 24th March, between 1.30 -3.30 pm, at Dorset Youth Association HQ. Lubbecke Way, Dorchester DT1 1AL. For details please contact Susan Bickle 01202 223743 or email [email protected]

Dennis Fox (former Landlord of the Poachers Inn)

Dennis passed away on the 15th December 2013 at his home in Buckland Newton, just a day after his 87th birthday. Liz and all the family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, letters and cards and especially to those who took time out of their day to attend his funeral on New Years Eve. Special thanks go to Rev. Johnathan Still for conducting a beautiful service and Dr Wakeham and all of his colleagues at Cerne Abbas Surgery for their care of Dennis over the last 30 years. Thanks as well to Paul and his team at the Gaggle of Geese, who at short notice and on one of their busiest days of the year put on a lovely buffet lunch for family and friends.

Dennis or ‘Grandad’ as he was known to many, will be greatly missed by all of us but this has being made easier by the wonderful support that we have all received over the last few weeks from the village communities of the Piddle Valley and Buckland Newton. Please accept this as our personal message of thanks. Paula Harding

27 ! Spring Show Opens at 2.00 pm Saturday 12th April at Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall

Come and join us to see some of the best local garden and home produce in the Piddle Valley. Have a go yourself and enter one of the many classes: Vegetables (7 classes) Flowers (34 classes) Floral art (3 classes) Photography (3 classes) Refreshments will be available Full details from Jean Groome tel 01300 348598

* most classes open to all

28 National Gardens Scheme Open Days Venues + dates in the Piddle Valley

Ivy House Garden, Piddletrenthide As I sit writing this, looking out on a weather-lashed garden, it seems hardly possible that we shall be opening for the National Gardens Scheme in a mere eight weeks. Twelve months ago it was severe cold that we were complaining about. But the miracle was performed and on a sunny early April day, a record number of eager punters, keen to allay the winter blues, surged up the slopes.

The recent torrential rain, far from gushing down our plot, as sympathetic friends imagine, simply disappears without trace into deep underground streams, only to resurface as clear springs, inside our house !

So fingers crossed, the miracle will again occur and we shall be ready and willing to welcome you and yours to a restored Ivy House Garden on Wednesday 9th April We’re also open for business on Easter Monday 21s t April early May Bank Holiday, Sunday 4th May & Monday 5th May.

All openings from 2 - 5 pm. As always we shall be selling home-made teas, plants and hive products.

Bridget Bowen / 01300 348255

Butts Cottage Garden, Plush We are opening the garden - if it ever recovers from the winter's wet weather - on five occasions this year and hoping for plenty of visitors to help raise money for the charities, including Macmillan Nurses, Help the Hospices, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Caring for Carers, which the NGS supports. Last year we raised over £1000 and we'd like to try and beat that total in 2014.

Our opening dates, all 2-5 pm and entry will be £3-50.

Sunday 27th April Saturday and Sunday, 24th and 25th May Saturday and Sunday, 7th and 8th June

Jane + John Preston / 01300 348 545

Climate Week 2014 | Michael Fish + Matt Harvey in Dorchester

Climate Week 2014 (3rd – 9th March) is Britain’s biggest climate change campaign. Michael Fish MBE (the world's longest serving TV weather man) will be talking about climate change and extreme weather and Matt Harvey will be performing his unique and highly entertaining sustainable verse from 6.30 pm on Monday 3rd March at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester. Free event

29 ! CCharminster GGarage THE FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE Servicing MOT’s & Preparation Repairs _ Diagnostics - Alternators - Radiators - Clutches – Brakes – Batteries – Exhausts Welding - Timing Belts – Tow Bars & Accessories _ All Makes & Models – New & Old Cars, 4x4’s, Imports, Sports & Light Commercial _ Free Courtesy Car & Collection Service Available 01305 268858 Wanchard Lane, Charminster DT2 9RP

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30 Dorset’s Best Village

The search has begun for Dorset’s Best Village with the launch of the 2014 competition, organised for 27 years by Dorset Community Action (DCA). Entries are welcome from parish councils and parish meetings, village hall committees and any other active community group. Last year, 55 villages took part in the competition. Magna Housing has been the major sponsor for the competition since 2010 and has renewed its support this year.

In addition “The People’s Project” category continues (the village judged to have entered the best project involving local active people) and “Environmental Champions” (the village judged to be doing the most ‘Green’ initiatives) has been enhanced to inspire and recognise villages working to reduce their impact on the environment at home, and in community buildings. There is also a new category, sponsored by the Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, of “Best Village Shop” where communities are asked to nominate the village shop which serves them best.

The deadline for entries is 5 pm on Monday 7th April 2014, apart from the Environmental Champions Award when entrants have to register an interest in taking part by 7th April, with a final entry date of 22nd August. DCA is encouraging groups to save paper and postage by entering the competition online, otherwise contact DCA on 01305 216407 for a copy by post. Entry details and to download entry pack see http://www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/dorsets_best_village For further details contact Competition Organiser, Rita Burden

01929 459417 / [email protected]

Blood Donation

Blood stocks always tend to run low in winter because even regular donors are distracted by Christmas preparations or prevented from attending sessions by bad weather, so now is an especially good time to decide to become a donor. Make an initial check to find out whether your health allows you to donate blood by calling 0300 123 23 23 or on the Blood Transfusion website (www.blood.co.uk). The website also explains what to expect at a donation session and how blood is used. You can book an appointment as well, which minimises your waiting time at the session.

DORCHESTER sessions at the United Church Hall, South Street (near Goulds household store) are all on Thursdays; next dates 13 + 20 March, 17 April STURMINSTER NEWTON session at The Exchange on 26 March Venues open at the same hours, 13.30 to 15.25 and 16.30 to 19.00. Blood donation website also has links to websites giving information about registering as a potential donor of tissues such as skin, bone and bone marrow.

Rosalyn Charlton

31 ! ALTON PANCRAS VILLAGE FETE 24TH MAY 2013 NEW TIME ! 1 PM TILL 4 PM NEW LOCATION THE OLD RECTORY

DOG SHOW, LIVE MUSIC, BOUNCY CASTLE, BRIC A BRAC CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES, WELLY WANG, B-B Q SKITTLES, CAKE STALLS, PLANT STALLS, TEAS, ICE CREAMS AND STACKS MORE TO DO AND SEE A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU AT THIS FANTASTIC LOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR ! A GREAT AFTEROON FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS BY KIND PERMISSION OF ROLAND & SALLY DANGERFIELD

A

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY SUNDAY 22ND JUNE PIDDLETRENTHIDE & PLUSH FETE AT THE MANOR HOUSE, PIDDLETRENTHIDE LOTS OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY PLUS A SPECIAL EVENING WITH FOOD, LIVE SINGING AND MUSIC

ALL IN AID OF DORSET AND SOMERSET AIR AMBULANCE AND OUR CHURCH

32 Clubs, Groups, Organisations ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dorchester & District Bible Society Action Group

Invite you to their Coffee Morning and Sale on 8th March at The United Church Hall, South Street, Dorchester 9.45 am to 11.45 am

Lesley Horne

Dorchester Disabled Club

Our Spring Jumble Sale is to be held on Saturday 29th March at 2 pm in the Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall. There will be clothes, bric a brac, toys, books, a raffle and teas. If you have any of the above to spare, please bring them along to the Memorial Hall on the morning of the sale between 10 am - 12 noon or contact Eileen Cuff for more details. Grateful thanks to all those who have supported us in the past

Eileen Cuff / 01300 348407

Piddle Valley Country Dancing Group Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall, Mondays, 2.15 - 4.15 pm

Our numbers have increased considerably recently and we welcome our new members most heartily. At last we can muster two sets of eight dancers with, occasionally, one or two 'spares' for the sake of anyone who needs a rest. Still room for a few more so please come and join us - for only £1.50p we can guarantee an afternoon of laughter, good exercise and free tea/coffee into the bargain.

Jane Preston / 01300 348 545

Piddle Valley Gardens Club

About 40 members attended the AGM on the 27th January. The meetings had been well attended and members were happy with the 2013 programme. Members shared ideas for the future speakers and a new committee was elected. Following the formal part of the meeting there was a slide show, provided by Ian Condon, combining Garden Club events, ‘Winter in the valley’ and the Dorset Coastal path. This was accompanied by wine and cheese.

The March meeting ‘How to make a butterfly garden’ will be on Monday 31st March at Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. All welcome, non members £2.

Ann Jordan (Chairman)

33 ! Visit our showroom Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9.30am - 4pm Closed Sunday and Monday

34 Piddle Valley Over 60s

Our first meeting of the New Year was at the beginning of February when Mrs Mollie Rennie gave a very interesting talk on the Women’s Refuge. We welcomed three new members at this meeting. If anyone else is thinking of joining us please feel free to come along to our next meeting on Thursday 6th March at the Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall.

In February, Waitrose Dorchester, chose the Piddle Valley Over 60s Club as one of the participants in their monthly token collection to receive a donation. Thank you to all who supported us.

6th March ‘The Swannery’ by Swanherd David Walker 3rd April ‘Osteoporosis’ by Mrs Ridley

Hilary French / 01305 848501

Piddletrenthide Lunch Club

Lunch Club dates for March and April

28th March – Turkey and Ham Pie, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables; Lemon Pudding.

25th April – Chicken in Lemon Sauce with vegetables; Trifle.

Everyone concerned with the organisation of the Lunch Club is delighted to announce that we have been awarded 5 stars (the top rating) for Food and Hygiene once again. Thanks to the Cooks on the day of the inspection and Ann, our table designer, booking clerk and jack of all trades for ensuring that our standards were upheld.

New members welcome and extra cooks very welcome indeed !

Janet Keen / 01300 348851

Piddle Valley Theatre Group - calling all theatre lovers

Do you enjoy theatre ? Would you like to be taken by coach to the theatre door ? We usually arrange two outings during the Autumn/Winter period to Salisbury Playhouse, always on a Monday evening when ticket prices are cheaper. Muriel Pike first started the Theatre Group and we are trying to carry on with the tradition. New members are always welcome, but in order for the outings to be at a reasonable cost and financially viable, we must have a full coach.

So if you would like to register your interest for the Autumn/Winter visits, please telephone Mary Foulds / 01300 348511 or Susan Chance / 01300 348311

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36 Newsletter 7

During a period when we have been only too aware of the fragility of the valley infrastructure, we have been taking note of your comments and advice in seeing how our Neighbourhood Plan can incorporate additional measures to help make the landscape of the Valley more sustainable in these extreme but perhaps recurrent conditions, by managing the power of the water, run-off and soil drainage, planting and natural absorption. This clearly affects housing design but this is not new so we need to work with the authorities to develop this programme and include plans within our new policies. Housing, community and business needs continue otherwise to provide the greatest focus otherwise for our attention in view of the complex issues surrounding these subjects but we believe that real progress is being made and this enables us to concentrate on formulating policies that will underpin the basic structure of our Plan. At the same time as this all moves forward, we still address the effects of fast mov- ing traffic and alternative, safer means of circulation within our countryside. The schoolchildren’s ‘Keep Us Safe’ placards still encourage drivers to keep speeds within limits, particularly now that speed monitoring is also in operation. High Speed Broadband has come to a more informed head recently; we now know what people manage with at the moment and what is planned for 2016, if in a less than complete way and two years ahead, but it may be possible to bring a scheme forward earlier and more comprehensively. A private technology company is operating effectively elsewhere in Dorset and might work here. You will find a form in this issue inviting you to express your initial interest in exploring this further. The community energy investigation is now combining with landscape and climate change considerations to outline a way forward by giving this whole subject some backbone for future plans. More will be available soon on this subject.

John Browning Working Group Chairman telephone 01300 348981 email [email protected] [email protected]

Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan 37 Transport, traffic speed, footpaths, cycleways and communications led by Neil Herbert [email protected] / 01300 348479

Broadband Speed As reported in previous editions of PVNV Superfast broadband should be available to the majority of properties in the area by September 2016 and will deliver speeds of at least 24 Mbps. It is currently understood that the following postcodes will only receive improved broadband, which will be available for those who have a download speed of less than 2Mbps :- • DT2 7QZ – Egypt area of Piddletrenthide • DT2 7RW – Alton Pancras south of Keepers Cottage • DT2 7UA – Enterprise Park, Piddlehinton A local rural Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in North Dorset has made us aware of their interest in providing an alternative super-fast fibre & wireless Internet service coverage to the Piddle Valley area. We understand that this ISP is fully operational in the Lyons Gate and Glanvilles Wooton area and have recently commenced installations in Ansty and Melcombe Bingham. Their service is based on an installation cost (dependant on the number of users in an area) plus a monthly rental. We now ask residents to let us know of their possible interest in this alternative service by filling in and returning the form enclosed with this issue of PVNV, to the PVNV Postbag at the Piddletrenthide PO Stores. Depending on the response, we will arrange a meeting with the provider and invite all those interested if they wish to attend. Traffic on the Valley Road (B3143) The results of the traffic survey carried out by Dorset County Council at Rectory Road, Piddlehinton have now been received and are currently being analysed.

Business and community needs led by Colin Dean colinsuedean@ btinternet.com / 01300 348524

It is still early to identify specific trends and needs and compare them with potential space that might become available but this is now ongoing and further reports will keep you informed. It may be enough to say that the interests of current users of Enterprise Park are incorporated as well as current business and community functions in the Parish as a whole. It has been noted that there is a demonstrable need for new small business units within the villages to allow small firms and work- shops to develop and provide future employment and to provide for a wider range of community activities.

Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan 38 Environment, landscape and farming led by Peter Chance [email protected] / 01300 348311

There can be little doubt that Valley residents greatly appreciate the surroundings in which we live, although most of us would be hard pressed to identify all the factors which contribute to the enjoyment of living here.

Change in our environment is inevitable but properly structured can be a force for good. The Focus Group is working on the basis that a Neighbourhood Plan developed within the community provides the opportunity to bring together policies more sensitive to our needs than distant National, County and District Plans.

Building in the five communities has, with a few exceptions, taken place very close to the Valley bottom. Our splendid Valley landscape consists of relatively steep slopes and higher level areas which were determined by geology and today’s appearance results primarily from the development of agriculture over many generations. Fortunately, our farming can still be described as mixed in terms of the combination of livestock and arable enterprises with its contrasts of grassland and arable crops – far more attractive than the monoculture of the eastern counties. Within the five communities green open spaces are also important features we need to protect. The substantial area of woodland combines relatively small woods and is another factor adding to the value of our landscapes. Appropriate management can increase the contribution this makes and as a source of fuel. There are many Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation and Land of Local Landscape Importance for which we can encourage additional protection.

The Valley environment is enhanced by amenities: an excellent school, shop, four public houses, well structured farms, shooting syndicates and business activities at Enterprise Park, Piddlehinton. Developing appropriate policies to protect and enhance aspects of the environment we appreciate, will also attract visitors who could generate additional income within the Valley, as well as for our own present needs.

Our Neighbourhood Plan must be inspirational to be acceptable to the community. Objectives can be supported by protection and enhancement of our landscapes, containing future development within natural boundaries.

Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan 39 Community energy generation and low energy design led by Dot Browning [email protected] / 01300 348280

Hydropower Outstanding survey work on the River Piddle and visits to hydro schemes have been put on hold due to local water level and flows and significant flooding.

Woodland energy By agreement with landowners, an assessment of Valley woodlands is to be undertaken by an experienced woodland consultant and will include the potential for wood fuel. Existing models for wood fuel generation are being studied and a plan will be put forward showing how a community scheme could operate enabling logs and kindling to be available for purchase in the Valley. We have accepted a Woodland Trust invitation to take part in a training event in Bristol to better understand the opportunities for managing woodfuel for the community.

Reducing energy costs Guidance for existing, listed and new buildings with sustainability advice to reduce the energy required avoiding throwing energy away switching to renewable or low carbon energy use of air thermostats

Climate Change Workshop Following National Climate Change Week 2014 (3 - 9 March), DDC are offering a workshop for residents in the Piddle Valley to explore the possible local impacts of severe weather associated with climate change and then identify possible solution. Please do get in touch with me by email or telephone if you would like to attend. Once we have an agreed date (7th,8th 9th April are possible) and venue, full details will advised to all registering an interest and will also be included on www.piddlevalley.info

Recycling A reminder that the new refuse arrangements commence through the Valley on Friday the 7th March. Plastic bottle tops from cartons as well as plastic bottles can now be included in your Recycling wheelybin (green lid). See http://www.dorsetforyou.com/recycle-for-dorset/recycling

Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan 40 Housing - both for open market and low cost for local people led by Malcolm Johnston [email protected] / 01300 34869

Our work over the past two months has been primarily concerned with gaining better understanding of the present Defined Development Boundaries and future developable sites. The former provide an outline around areas within villages that are considered to be suitable to allow development, subject to normal planning applications and procedures. Developable sites can be designated within or outside these boundaries and are where applications to build will be assessed positively provided they comply with defined environmental and design restrictions which will be similar to those being adopted for Neighbourhood Plans emerging in other areas of the country. We are also reviewing the natural boundaries of the villages as they meet the countryside and their relationship to previous Defined Development Boundaries. In considering potential developable sites we have been identifying land that might well be considered appropriate for building with regard to likely services availability, vehicle and pedestrian access and, most importantly, the factors of visual impact, availability of services and building density. Owners of land in these sites may have no current interest in development but as the Neighbourhood Plan will be adopted over 15-20 years there will be potential for future use of this land. Others have identified land they own for consideration in this regard. To provide a degree of objectivity we are developing the assessment criteria which we shall propose in order to establish whether a piece of land is appropriate and graded within such designation during the plan period

Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan Timeframe remaining

Information gathering ends March 2014 Drafting Plan Policies ends May 2014 Strategic Environmental Assessment June 2014 Statement and Summaries by end July 2014 Liaison with WDDC ends July 2014 Approval from Parish Council August 2014 Community Consultation for 6 weeks September 2014 Independent Examination October 2014 Further adjustments November 2014 Submission to WDDC December 2014 Referendum January 2015

Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan 41

              May Fayre Music Fest        

    

     

                             

    

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42 Towards curing flooding problems in the Piddle Valley ~~~~~

In past centuries land management controls were in place insuring that at times of high rainfall, water was diverted and pastures were used as sponges. With the changes in land use and management, we have seen the old systems fall into disrepair and nothing to replace them. In consequence, farm tracks have acted as conduits carrying massive quantities of water down into the road and the stream at the bottom of the valley which have not been able to take the volume, and have flooded. This raises the question, is it possible by introducing inexpensive high level water diverts on tracks to reduce the amount of flooding in the valley bottom during periods of intense and prolonged rainfall ? It does seem that there are some partial solutions available and we have several examples in the top end of the Piddle Valley where with the support of the Environment Agency (EA), we have started to introduce stone concrete diverts at high level. In the case of Austral Farm, we were motivated about 8 years ago to divert water run off on Ripps Lane to prevent flooding cottages at the south end of the village. These initial concrete diverts cost in the region of £3k and were designed by local engineers Hanford; they succeeded in the principle objective of diverting water into the stream but did increase the potential for flooding further down- stream. In the last two years, the EA have sought to implement water diverts at high level, ie, the beginning of the slope and half way down the slope on those same tracks. We were able to agree an inexpensive design using curbstones and concrete channels, so installed a 5 metre divert for a cost of around £300; in some cases, we used men, materials and machinery already on site for other construction reasons which further reduced the cost. This is the first year we have seen these diverts hav- ing substantial impact and despite the extraordinarily high level of rainfall, there has been practically no flooding at the south end of Alton Pancras. The primary motivation for installing diverts has been the protection of our own buildings and infrastructure. The secondary driver has been the involvement of the EA who have put money and works into not just Austral Farm’s run off problems, but other farms in the parish. The question is whether an extension of the programme that we have experienced could be utilised further down the Piddle Valley, so that the saturation of land occurs at a higher level thus reducing the potential for flooding at the valley bottom. Andrew Graham, Alton Pancras

43 A recent rise in the number of properties sold by our West Country offices suggests the property market is showing real signs of optimism. If you want to take advantage of the opportunities the growing property market offers you, now is a good time to consider your options. Please contact us for a free confidential market appraisal of your property.

Please call Julian Bunkall FRICS Dorchester 01305 262 123

Philip German-Ribon BSc (Hons) Sherborne 01935 810 141

Ashley Rawlings MRICS Bridport 01308 423 133

Residential Sales, Surveys Spring & Professional Valuations People forward Property jackson-stops.co.uk Places Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

44 Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall

Coffee Mornings 14th March - Seville Orange Marmalade for sale 11th April - Easter Raffle

Janet Keen Trustee / 01300 348851

The Twinning Association – our 21st anniversary year Twinned with Longueville, Normandy

Many thanks once again to Richard Kay for asking the questions at our annual quiz, held in the Thimble on January 31st. The evening was a great success and raised enough through our quiz and raffle ( thanks to Hilary and John, raffle organisers par excellence ) to take our French visitors on a guided tour of Wells Cathedral in May.

During the anniversary weekend, from 29th May – 1st June, there will also be local visits with host families and traditional evening events such as skittles and roast beef, plus a gala dinner with entertainment.

Our AGM & dinner will take place at the Thimble on Tuesday, March 11th at 7.30pm.

Everyone is welcome at the start of our 2014 – 2015 season, when we shall look at photos of our most recent visit to Longueville and discuss plans for the rest of the year. Please come along and see what we do !

Lisa, the new manager at The Thimble, will be looking after us and giving us a warm welcome. For more information, please contact

Jo Thornton / 01300 348670

Cerne Sheep Group

Last month a brilliant meeting with Dawn Warr, followed by the AGM – same committee now with welcome additions - Gerhard and Jackie Wallis. The treasurer reported that we are solvent but 2014 subs are now due - £15 single, £25 double (same email address). Send cheques to Steve Tanner, 24 Cattistock Road, Maiden Newton DT2 0AG.

Monday, 3rd March 7.00 for 7.30 pm (note different time) at The Piddle Inn. Peers Davies MA, VetMB, MRCVS, is coming from Uttoxeter to talk about new developments in ovine medications, plus preparation for lambing. A sheep consultant, formerly for Mole Valley Farmers, he now runs three practices.

No April meeting. Sue Wreford (secretary) 01300 320007 / 07976 968195 [email protected]

45 ! WWWPLANKBRIDGECOM  3HEPHERDSHUTSUPPLIERSTO 4HE.ATIONAL4RUST

46 Letters ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Editor Bessie Hansford

This is a long shot on my part but I wonder if you know of anyone who could help me regarding my great grandmother Bessie Hansford nee Higgins ?

Bessie lived in Piddletrentide with her younger husband Robert and died there in the 1940s. It might be that there is an older resident who knows something about her, which cottage she lived or where in the church she was buried as I am sure there is no stone. Perhaps there were clubs at that time and she might appear in a picture but any help at all would be marvellous.

I live in Nailsea near Bristol but the family lived for generations around Cerne Abbas / Buckland Newton.

Very many thanks

Mark Foot / 01275 853612 / [email protected]

Dear Editor Piddlehinton Gym

Further to my attendance with Al Mailer at the Parish Council meeting last Tuesday (28th January), may I thank the Councillors for listening, and for their verbal support of our quest to improve the gym facilities.

My address for written support is 3 Hurricane Close, Crossways, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8TY. Might I add that I lived in Piddletrenthide from 1971 - 1982, and have used the gym since 1993. I have a personal interest in the Valley, as well as my interest in maintaining and improving the gym.

Colette McKenney / [email protected]

Dear Madam Problems in Egypt

I believe there may shortly be a proposal to build up to at least 25 new houses in the Piddle Valley. This figure has to be included in a village plan approved by a Government Inspector although there is only a proven need for perhaps 6. While I am sure that no-one is against building houses where there is a proven need, one might well ask why the Government should be insisting on such an excess ?

47 ! PIZZERIA RISTORANTE BED & BREAKFAST

Mario and Joanna are delighted to welcome you to the Piddle Inn where you will find a warm welcome, with home made Italiano food and traditional English food from Monday to Sunday 12 noon till 2.30pm in the afternoon AA FINEand 6-9.30pm DINING in AWARDthe evening. 2012

The open fire is a warm and inviting place to sit on our comfortable chesterfields, avoid the weather and sample one of our Cask Marque awarded Ales, served straight from the barrel or one of our handpicked wines from LWC. Mario sources the best quality, local produce to create seasonal menus with our Fresh Fish and SundaySpecials boards Traditional offering dishes Roast to Lunch tempt your taste buds.

Very Large Take Away Menu ~ Served from Noon until 3.00pm freshly cooked - £9.95 one course EntertainmentAvailable During Restaurant Hours

Start the evening with our luxurious Steaks only £9.95 (on Fridays) served with all the trimmings, then enjoy atmospheric pub with Happy Hour from 5 till 6pm Monday to Friday. To finish the evening why not have a game of pool or darts Steak Nightwith every live musicFriday, events Pizzeria held Take regularly. Away Service Rooms to Let

01300 348468 Email [email protected] www.piddleinn.co.uk Open every day from 12 noon till closing

48 The point I wish to make is that just considering the Egypt area of Piddletrenthide, the planning of this area has been a public disgrace for which one can only blame the WDDC and its predecessors, for their complete failure to not only implement a proper surface drainage system but also to their exacerbation of the ground water problem and then its consequent adverse effect on the soil water (sewage) system. That is due to the continued imposition of new development lacking the appropriate infrastructure, and in particular requiring those developments to dispose of their surface waters by means of soakaways. It is acknowledged, by all technically literate persons, that soakaways become useless with high ground water levels and additionally by the Environmental Agency (EA) when rainfall exceeds a one in ten year probability of occurrence.(BRE digest 365)

The events quoted by the Authorities, even in the last two years, are substantially above that figure. Nevertheless, the WDDC Planning Committee require the continued use of soakaways in this area. It should have been apparent to a Planning Committee that these new properties are thereby increasing the groundwater levels as surface waters are not being discharged directly to surface drains and thence to main watercourses. The EA have stated categorically that the responsibility for surface drainage rests with the PC. Are the PC just being simplistic or is it worse than that ? Perhaps the PC felt that their obligations were satisfied once they had added to the groundwater problem. No of course it is far worse than that. Who in their right mind would construct a roadway across a valley without the provision of a cross drainage structure whose absence will only inhibit surface runoff from the valley above ? Being on a chalk aquifer, any surface water retained upstream of the roadway will then also infiltrate and add to the groundwater levels on the other and low-lying side of the roadway. The result is that springs emerge beyond the roadway, sometimes even within those houses. These happenings are not just recent occurrences, similar events have occurred as far back as at least 2000. I have also observed, along with many others, official as well as unofficial, the result of run-off which did not have time to infiltrate and so reach surface levels where they might have entered one particular house. In that instance, the vendor claimed that water did not enter but the purchaser demurred. That issue was never resolved.

When these individual planning issues do come up it is not particularly helpful for the Ward and Parish Council representatives to claim that without recourse to a soakaway, these houses could otherwise connect to the existing small access road drain. This notwithstanding that the WDDC had already stated that the only drain was already full.

Wessex Water do have responsibility for the operation of the sewer system in the Piddle Valley. The sewer runs from Barcombe Farm at Alton Pancras to the works at Piddlehinton, a distance of approximately 4.3 miles. Composed of 6 and 9 inch pipes (the proportions of each are not currently available), it has an average grade of 1 in 150 which is the minimum stipulated grade if the pipes were all 6 inch. It is therefore adequate in terms of minimum grade with an added safety margin provided by some of the length being in 9 inch. At a meeting last summer WW produced a report “C9608 Piddle Valley Inflow

49 ! 50 Management Plan Report 2012/2013” - the map enclosed indicated the position of their proposed water level monitoring boreholes along the river. It was hoped that the concurrent observation of level would suggest points of potential groundwater inflow, if there were few and large but if, on the contrary there were many and they were distributed along the whole length, then flows would need also to be measured. There appears however to be no facility for flow measurement that could be discerned. Furthermore, although this proposed monitoring by WW will give information on the performance of the sewer line, it will not otherwise address the additional continuing problem in Egypt which it is believed has been inflicted on the residents by WDDC. Perhaps if the PC wish to refute this, they should, like the WW, produce the appropriate monitoring evidence?

Clearly WW are doing their best on their own to solve this problem which is as much a leakage problem as a groundwater problem whereas WDDC have not achieved any of their obligations. Clearly in the absence of any responsible activity from WDDC, WW were forced to install the two permanent pump station as in effect, merely a palliative measure at a cost to you all of £1.3 million, rather than as a permanent solution. If WDDC should ever think of improving, rather than apparently obstructing the surface drainage system, we might then obtain a more satisfactory sewage system. Until that time I suggest that Central Government instruct WDDC to desist from any more development until both systems are substantially improved and WDDC do what they are paid for or otherwise emolliated. Anthony N Jolliffe / [email protected]

Wessex Water’s email response to Neil Herbert on 10th January 2014

I am sorry you have experienced further drainage issues in Piddletrenthide. Following the flood alleviation scheme in 2011, Wessex Water implemented an Inflow Management Plan and we report annually to the Environment Agency. The plan involves monitoring groundwater levels and flows in the system and identifying and eliminating significant infiltration in the public sewers. The Inflow Management Plan is ongoing and we will continue to work with the EA and DCC to improve the situation in the Piddle Valley.

We carried out further CCTV surveys last year and, as a result, more sealing works will be carried out. We will also re-visit the flood alleviation scheme to see if any upgrades or additional works could be carried out to improve the situation. In the meantime, our Operational team are working hard to mitigate the flood risk by tankering and over-pumping. Unfortunately, groundwater levels over the Christmas period exceeded the levels recorded 12 months ago and I understand the river overtopped its banks; both conditions resulted in the overwhelming of the foul sewer system.

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52 Piddle Valley Parish Council ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meetings The Piddle Valley Parish Council meets in Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall,! normally on the last Tuesday of the month, at 7.30pm. Meetings start with a “Democratic half-hour”, during which any local resident may personally raise direct to the Council any matter that affects the Valley community. So, if you have something important to say, please either contact your local Parish Councillor or raise it during the start of the next meeting.

Next meetings 25th March 29th April

New Refuse Collection arrangements By now you should have your new refuse containers. Please remember that the special bio-degradable liners for your food caddy are available from Piddletrenthide Post Office & Shop – please support your local resources and purchase your liners from them.

Charminster Wind Farm ( Slyers Lane) The planning application for this development has still not been made. It has become clear however that these windmills will be visible from a tremendous distance around – allegedly from most of Dorset. If you have any feeling either for or against, you are requested to contact the developers direct via their web page below and register your opinion in advance. It would also be helpful if you could let the Parish Council know your feelings, so that we can make an informed response when the application is actually made. www.charminster.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Windfarm-Information-and- Survey.pdf

Sandbags The Parish Council have a strategic supply of sandbags available to residents in the Valley. If you have need of sandbags, please contact the Chairman John Cox on 01300 348454. Or if he is not available, your Parish Councillor (www.piddlevalley.info/pc_councillors.php)

Wessex Water - Supply improvement works Wessex Water have advised that to improve security of supply in the area, they have started on works to lay a major new main from Forston to a new reservoir being built alongside the existing St Catherine's Reservoir (on the hilltop adjacent to Piddle Lane between the Sherborne Rd and Cerne Abbas). The works are scheduled to take until November 2014. Further details can be found at www.wessexwater.co.uk/grid

Parish Councillor vacancy – Piddlehinton Following Dave Saxby moving away, there is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor to represent Piddlehinton. If anyone is interested and lives either in the Parish or within 3 miles of it, please contact the Chairman – John Cox 01300 348454.

53 !

ACTIVITIES AT PIDDLEHINTON GYM ENTERPRISE PARK, PIDDLEHINTON

New members always welcome

Monday Evening Badminton from 8pm Contact Alan and Chris Wiseman on 01258 817512

Tuesday Afternoon Badminton 2pm – 4pm Contact Hilary French on 01305 848501

Tuesday Evening Badminton from 8pm Contact Pauline Adams on 01300 345459

Indoor Bowls Monday mornings Contact Gordon Fermer on 01300 348902

Dorchester Drama Contact Ann Ottaway on 01305 772187

Frome Valley Archery Club Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings Contact John Holt on 07970 459169

Crossways Archery Club Sunday afternoons Contact Sheila Ryall 01258 837504

Zumba classes Thursday evenings Contact Janice Sloyan on 07920 841107

Remote Control Car Club Friday evenings Contact Al Mailer on 07787 380541

Indoor Junior Tennis – various times Contact Caroline Gossage on 07887856462

If you are looking for premises to run a club Contact Colette McKenney on 07769 041248 To discuss bookings availability

54 PLANNING APPLICATIONS Approved 1/D/13/001510 2B Rectory Rd, Piddlehinton - demolish existing car port and erect new garage 1/D/13/001434 Brownsville, Main St, Piddletrenthide - erect timber framed workshop and garage.

Refused None

Pending WD/D/14/000115 Bourne Farm, Piddlehinton – construct in-ground slurry lagoon with covers and loading apron. WD/D/14/000090 Manor Gate Cottage, Plush – alterations to previously approved scheme, including basement, lift, garage and new dormer window. WD/D/14/000005 Little Platt, Plush – demolish and replacement of existing house to more closely reflect the needs of applicant. 1/D/13/001605 Enterprise Park – reserved matters by Smart’s for new Agricultural Machinery Depot. 1/D/13/001693 Middle Thatch, Piddletrenthide - create bedroom 3 with dormer window to rear elevation.

Note by the time these applications have been published here, the opportunity for anyone to make representations has generally passed. Planning applications are however also listed on www.piddlevalley.info as soon as I hear about them, and therefore may still be open for comments to the Planning Authority.

Andy Howard / 01300 348461

Sport ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SHORT MAT Thursdays Piddlehinton Village Hall 7.30 – 9.30pm BOWLS Contact Sheila Hornyak / 01300 348264

TABLE TENNIS Tuesdays Piddlehinton Village Hall 7.00 – 9.00pm Contact Beryl Ellis / 01305 267394

CRICKET CLUB Contact Graeme Stephens / 07899 663773 BADMINTON Tuesdays Piddlehinton Gym 2 – 4 pm Contact Hilary French / 01300 848501 TENNIS Visit www.piddlevalleytennis.googlepages.com Contact 01300 349277

Casterbridge Indoor Bowls in Piddlehinton Gym Join us for friendly, informal, weekly sessions of full length, indoor bowls; meet every Monday morning at 10 am for two hours. Everybody is welcome whether experienced or novice. Bowls are available to try and see if you can cope with the fun and gentle competition. Please ring or come along on a Monday morning. Mike / 01300 348610 Gordon / 01300 348902 Chris / 01300 348278

55 ! THE BRACE OF PHEASANTS PLUSH, DORCHESTER, DT2 7RQ

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Tel: 01300 – 348357 www.braceofpheasants.co.uk

56 Piddle Valley First School ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

February news

Here we are at the end of a wet and windy half term with some very real water surrounding our pirate ship ! However the weather hasn’t stopped some terrific learning taking place. Mrs Woods has continued to take pupils for forest school sessions on Friday afternoons - the topic has been ‘The Magic of Spring’. We are very fortunate to have such a fantastic outdoor area and the children have enjoyed the lessons outside.

There have been some fascinating topics this half term - Robins have been learning about animals and are having a visit from a vet; the Woodpeckers have been finding out about Africa; Mrs Mandy Joslin has joined us for two terms and she and the children have been very busy. Activities include building an African hut, learning African dances, making adinkra prints and creating tribal masks. Buzzards have been looking at the work of writer and illustrator David McKee; he is famous as the author of such works as Elmer, Not Now Bernard and the Mr Benn stories. As well as writing their own stories they have also made their own animation based on the 1970’s children’s classic. Owls have been focusing on history with their Time Travel topic learning all about the Saxons and Vikings.

This academic year we have been lucky to have some visiting PE experts come to school. Every week DASP sports advisors Mr Sawyer and Mr Daley have come into school to teach PE. Former professional footballer, Trevor Senior has also been running an after school football club. We are still are having a major focus on reading and are looking forward to our book week in early March. We always need reading volunteers so please speak to Claire in the office if you think you could offer some time.

Cath Rothman, Assistant Head Teacher

Photos © top Mandy Joslin bottom Cathy White

!

57 ! Street Services Killara Piddletrenthide Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7QL Call John or Maria Telephone 01300 348008 Mobile 07779 860258

Garden Maintenance Garden Designs Tree Surgery Grass cutting Decking Felling Hedge cutting Patios Tree Pruning Rotivating Pergolas Hedge cutting Pruning Rose Arches Hedge Laying Border Clearance Trellis Home Improvements Building Maintenance Painting and Decorating Guttering Repairs & Cleaning Tiling Repairs Paving Carpentry Concreting Garden Walls Plumbing Block work Wooden or Metal Gates New Bathrooms BBQ’s Stone Work

58 Feathers pre-school

The theme at Feathers pre-school for this half term has been 'keeping healthy' and 'people who help us'.

The children, aged 2 years 9 months upwards, have been building up their muscles, health and confidence with exercise on the gym equipment in the school hall. One of the parents, a theatre nurse, came in and supported the children’s learning about hospitals. The children have been engaged in role-play and acting out first hand and imaginary experiences.

Feathers have been lucky enough to borrow the road safety resources from the fire and rescue service. This set included traffic lights, hi-vis jackets and a very realistic road layout and the children have increased in knowledge of being safe on the road due to this experience.

Tracy Jones, Headteacher / 01300 348219 Photo © Cathy White

What the papers say, reproduced from the press ~~~~~~~~

“Driving down into Dorset on a dark December evening required extra concentration; there were sparkling lights to distract the eye on houses and trees, and a big, bright star off to the right on the top of Henstridge church tower. At Stalbridge, people were bustling along the pavements, children impatiently tugging parents towards the flood of light at the crossroads where the Christmas market had already attracted a crowd. But we could not stop; we were anxious to secure seats for a performance likely to be a sellout in Piddletrenthide village hall. At Stock Gaylard, each passing car’s headlights illuminated, just for an instant, fallow deer nocturnally grazing behind the park railings. At Piddletrenthide, one

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60 railings. At Piddletrenthide, one of the long, narrow villages strung along the valley of the little river Piddle, we needed to find the hall (“just past the pub”, we had been told). The performers, Chris Newman and Máire Ni Cathasaigh, guitarist and Irish harper, whose mastery sends crowds of thousands into raptures at international folk festivals, were here in a rural village hall to give about 100 of us “a fresh take on festive favourites”.

We found the hall in such good time we were the first there, apart from the harper tuning her harp, the organisers and people arranging the mince pies and drinks by the door. But smiling local couples and families, and some from further afield, soon started to fill the seats. People spotted friends; there were nods of recognition, cheerful hugs and a lot of laughter. Our neighbours had come from the nearby hamlet of Plush, where they said there were only 28 houses. And they had seldom seen the hall this full.

The first few magical chords produced a rapt response. People leant forward in their seats and smiled instinctively at the strains of familiar tunes hear afresh. Concerns such as mortgage payments, shopping queues, badger culls and bovine TB fell away in the communal contentment.

John Vallins, The Guardian Country Diary series

Piddle or Puddle ? A curious little English river

WQXR’s (New York) Classical Music announcer Naomi Lewin paid a visit to the area and met up with Neil Herbert.

It cuts through County Dorset or Dorsetshire, an area once occupied by ancient Celtic tribes. In more recent times, the English novelist Thomas Hardy took inspiration from this river and surrounding villages, according to a local Neil Herbert: “If you look closely, just outside the church, there are a couple of graves called the Dumbervilles. And Thomas Hardy used those grave names in his Tess of the d’Urbervilles. And just down the road, is Bathsheba’s house in Far From the Madding Crowd.”

I’m sitting by the banks of the River Piddle, in Piddletrenthide, in Dorset, England. “River” is a bit of an exaggeration – at the widest point, this is may be 12 feet. It’s a gentle stream – you can hear it bubbling in the background. I came to Piddletrenthide because Ogden Nash, in 1959, wrote a poem called “Paradise for Sale,” all about Piddletrenthide, in the valley of the River Piddle. My father, the composter Frank Lewin, set the poem to music for me to sing, when I was doing my master’s degree recital in voice.

In Piddletrenthide, you can drink a Piddle Ale at the Piddle Inn, and that’s where I

61

Mobile Library Mondays March 3, 17, 31 PICTURE FRAMING April 14 + 28 Paintings Alton Pancras Holcombe Mead 11.25 - 11.45 Prints Piddletrenthide Tapestries Poachers Inn 11.55 - 12.10 Mirrors Wightmans Close 13.20 - 13.50 Richard Drewe Piddlehinton 01300 348253 Paynes Close 13.00 - 14.40

62 caught up with Neil Herbert, who lives here. “Everybody thinks Piddletrenthide is a funny name. I’m used to it now, it doesn’t bother me but every time you meet somebody, and they say where do you live, and we live in Piddletrenthide, and they laugh. My understanding of the name is it’s from three parts: Piddle, trent, and hide. “Piddle”, in old Dorset-speak, to my knowledge, means “pidelle”, which is water coming out of the ground, like a spring. The “trent” is from the French “thirty” – trente, and the “hide” is a parcel of land, although I’m not quite sure what the parcel of land means. Taking the three things together you have Piddle-trent-hide, and that’s where the word was formed.”

There are two villages close together here – Piddletrenthide and Piddlehinton, about two miles downstream. And after that, the villages on the Piddle are called Puddle. There’s Puddletown, there is Affpuddle, there is Tolpuddle and Briantspuddle. And the story goes hat the names were changed from “Piddle” to “Puddle” because Queen Victoria was visiting this area as a young girl, and the locals thought that the word “piddle” might have been slightly offensive, so they changed the names to “puddle”.

Photo © Les McVey http://www.pri.org/stories/2013-08-19/piddle-or-puddle-curious-little-english-river

The Daily Mail

Its well-heeled readers would normally consider nothing less than a leading private school for their children. But now it appears these are getting too expensive even for the devotees of Tatler magazine. For among the features on society parties, luxury holidays and top restaurants in its latest edition, the magazine has published its first ever guide to state schools.

Andrew Levy, Daily Mail, 2nd January 2014

THE TATLER GUIDE TO STATE SCHOOLS PART ONE 2ND JANUARY 2014

More bang for no bucks: the smarter side of the fee-free system; a round up of the best non-public schools in the land.

We are not idiots. We know that Tatler is the last place you might expect to find a guide to state schools. But consider this: to put two children through the private system costs around £600,000 – that’s £1.2 million before tax. And is private really superior ? Not always, not any more. The state sector has some spanking-new buildings, strong discipline, sporting rigour and academic ambition. Plus your child gets a better preparation for the real world, the one where not everything is handed to them on a sterling-silver platter,

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64 where there is a cosmopolitan mix, where you will have to fight to get to the top. And best of all, when you do finally get into the Cabinet, everyone will love you because you didn’t go to Eton. So here they are, the crème de la crème of the British state system. Do everyone you can to get your children a place at one of these schools – you will not regret it.

Piddle Valley First School Pupils 84, Aged 4 – 8

In Dorset’s rolling hills, some 20 minutes from the sea, the Piddle Valley is enchanting And this is a sensational village school – it’s teeny-tiny but packs a powerful punch. Ofsted awarded it ‘outstanding’ in every single category in 2012. Head Tracy Jones is ‘brilliant – loved by the teachers, loved by the pupils’ and teaching is superb. There’s a fabulous range of after-school clubs – arts, sports, even the ukulele – and a really passionate PTA that works tirelessly to raise money for extra equipment and trips and, on one occasion, a circus. ‘I can’t speak highly enough of it,’ says a mum. ‘I feel really lucky that my children are there.’ A few pupils peel off to local preps but most march on to St Mary’s Middle School in Puddletown and then on to Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.

The Tatler, 2nd January 2014

www.piddlevalley.info ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To avoid a clash of competing events on the same date in the Valley, please email or ring me to “earmark” a date, no matter how far ahead. I can list it at short notice and it will then be available for anyone to look at on the website.

Andy Howard / [email protected] / 01300 348461

Muriel Pike’s Piddle Pate reproduced from Piddle Valley Cookbook

6 oz (170 g) chicken livers ½ pt (275 ml) chicken stock 6 oz (170 g) pig’s liver 1 oz (30 g) butter 1 onion (chopped finely) 2 tablespoons (40 ml) sherry 1 clove of garlic 1 teaspooon (2 ml) lemon juice

Saute the onion in the butter. Slice the livers and add to the onions with the crushed garlic and the stock. Simmer until tender. Cool, transfer to an electric blender and blend until smooth. Add the sherry and lemon juice and stir well. Add seasoning. Line a cake tin with streaky bacon and put in the pate. Put more bacon on the top. Cook in a moderate oven for an hour. Refrigerate until required.

65

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66 67 Dr C T Wakeham 51 Long Street Cerne Abbas Dr J F R Dobbs DORCHESTER Dr H M Taylor DT2 7JG Dr J Bubb Tel: 01300 341666 Mrs Lynne Dolder Fax: 01300 341090 when we are closed 111 At Cerne Abbas Surgery we are committed to providing patient centred medical care to all our patients. I am happy to help with any queries or comments you may have about the care and services you receive so please contact me through reception on 01300 341666. Lynne Dolder, Practice Manager NHS England & HSCIC Care-data Record Sharing g Scheme Every household will receive the NHS patient information leaflet explaining how confidential information from your medical records can be used by the NHS to improve services offered and provide the best possible care for everyone. Information such as your postcode and NHS number but not your name will be used to link your records in a secure system. This allows those planning NHS services or carrying out medical research to use information from different parts of the NHS in a way which does not reveal your identity. You have a choice. If you are happy for your information to be used in this way you do not have to do anything. For more information please visit www.nhs.uk/caredata. If you wish to prevent this from happening, please ask at reception for an opt-out form. Dorchester Citizens Advice Bureau at Cerne Abbas Surgery Every Monday morning Steve from Dorchester CAB is available to give free, impartial and confidential advice on many issues (Benefits, Debt and Housing, then Employment, Relationships and Consumer). He aims to give you some sort of answer, either there and then, finding out and getting back to you, or telling you who the best to ask is. Our relationship with Dorchester CAB goes back well over a decade. The principle of their relationship with surgeries is that good health goes hand-in-hand with financial security and a mind free from manageable worries. Make an appointment with Steve by phoning 01300 341666 during surgery hours; contact Dorchester CAB on 01305 751514, or Sherborne CAB on 01935 816218. Flu Season Fund Raising We raised £350 for Dorset Air Ambulance our chosen flu season charity - thanks to everyone for your generosity & support. Opening arrangements for Easter Holidays We will be closing only on GoodFriday 18th April, Saturday 20th April & Easter Monday 21st April.

68 News from Puddletown Surgery February/March issue 2014 Once again I am writing to keep you up to date with events at Puddletown Surgery and impart important health messages. If there are matters you would like us to address, please let us know by ringing to speak to Practice Manager Carol Taylor, on 01305 848333 or [email protected]. Opening Hours for Easter - the surgery will be closed on Good Friday, 18th April, Easter Saturday, 19th April and Easter Monday, 21st April. Please not the surgery will NOT be open on Easter Saturday, 19th April. If you are unwell while the surgery is closed, always ring 848333. Our recorded message gives you the new NHS 111 number who will take details of your condition and direct you straight away to the local service that can help you best. For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, call 999. The Practice Website www.puddletownsurgery.co.uk In our recent Patient Satisfaction Survey …… patients who currently book appointments by telephone expressed a wish that they could book online. Good news - you can ! On our Practice Website you can do an amazing amount of things that we hope will make your life a lot easier, reducing the amount of time you may have to spend in telephoning or visiting the Practice. If you have access to the internet, take a look; support can be given; ask if you need help. • Online booking of appointments • Online ordering of repeat medication • Surgery Latest News (useful in the event of a pandemic or other emergency) • Email consultation with the Doctors • Subscribe to Practice Newsletter • Access to health information about any topic under the sun! • Downloadable forms for Travel vaccinations Change of address or personal details • Advice on minor illness and what to keep in your medicine cabinet • Video content about almost any medical condition • Advice on diet and lifestyle • Patient Satisfaction Survey report • Practice Policies • Support and Information for Carers. • Information about our Patient Participation Group Surgery and Dispensary Opening Times Monday to Friday 8.30 – 6.30 and Saturday 8.30 – 11.00 Carol Taylor, Practice Manager

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o TIMBE R BU IILLDI NGS ± Sheds,S t ables,S umme r houses, Barrnns o AGGRE GATES ± Sand,S t one,Ba lllla ast, Scal pi ngs,1 -20 Tonne Loads

SPECIECI ALA OFFER 10% di scount off la sheds *

FAMIILLY RUN BUSIINNESS WIITTH 10 Y EARS EXPER IIEEN CE

FOR YOU R FREE EST IIMMATE OR ADVIICCE PLEASE CALL RYA N

01300 348890 07880 353347 WWW.RYANMULLINSLANDSCAPING.CO.UK *see webs ite fo r further detail s

Alastair Thomas is a professional Antique and modern furniture restorer, furniture maker and upholsterer restoring and making pieces for over 2000 customers across Dorset and Somerset for nearly 20 years. Please view his website @ www.thomasfurniturerestoration.co.uk for more information, photographs and testimonials. Based and living near Piddlehinton village, please telephone or email anytime for a free no obligation estimate.

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BUZZY B’S CHILDMINDING ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

Over 30 year’s professional experience Dress Agency Susan Buxton,Quality Assured & Accredited in The Old Chapel Stores, Buckland Newton We offer A local place where you can sell ‘Home from Home’ & ‘Out & about Fun’ your good quality clothes and Flexible by the hour childminding care accessories (including children’s We accept government vouchers entitling wear) and pick up a fantastic your child, if over 3 yrs old, to 15 hours of bargain at the same time. childcare free a week Open 7 days a week. Play, Explore & Learn with Us !!! Please call Emma Munday on 01300 345213 or For more information, please call Susan on [email protected] 01258 837560

76 ENTERPRISE PARK, PIDDLEHINTON, DORSET DT2 7UA

Light Industrial units and storage available to let from 700 sq ft to 3300 sq ft. Rents from £283 per month to £1300 per month Some units have office space included Containers available to let at £60 per month

Please address all enquiries to:

THE CONDUIT MEAD COMPANY LTD 3B NETTLEFOLD PLACE, WEST NORWOOD LONDON SE27 0JW

TELEPHONE: 020-8655 7650 FACSIMILE: 020-8655 7659 MOBILE: 07961 162276 E-MAIL: [email protected]

77 We have had an excellent 2013 season with a lot of fun and some great cricket and aim to build on this success next season. With a new cricket net and our under 11 youth teams to build on, we are always looking for new players to come and join our successful and family friendly club. If you and your friends would like to join, please ring either Graeme Stephens 07899 663773 Tim Mitchell 07796 857744 or Tim Gillitt 01300-345724

Piddle Valley News & Views Advertising rates, deadline + contact

Dimensions (mms w x h) page proportion annual (6 issues) single issue 128 x 180 Full page (b/w) £95 £25 inside front + back (colour) ------£35 back cover (colour) ------£50 128 x 88 Half page £80 £20 128 x 58 1/3 page landscape £60 £15 62 x 120 1/3 page portrait £60 £15 62 x 88 1/4 page £50 £12 62 x 56 1/6 page £40 £10 62 x 42 1/8 page £38 £10 Small ads per line £4

Advertising deadline – 10th February, April, June, August, October, December. Editorial deadline - 15th February, April, June, August, October, 10th December Advertising + Editorial contacts Editor | [email protected] | Dot Browning on 01300 348 280 Deputy Editor | Ros Charlton on 01300 348063

78 The Gardens Club Christmas Panto : Above left Bill ‘grows’ the beanstalk’ Above right top Janet, Sue, Marie + Ann Above right bottom Janet, Sue, Ann, Marie + Elizabeth Below left ‘Christingle Service @ All Saints © Tony Monds Below right Piddle Valley First School children © Mandy Joslin

79 For an ever changing market...

Are you unsure about which way to turn? For an expert view on any property matter, speak to one of our experienced teams to see how we can help.

Dorchester O ce Sales Richard Taylor 01305 265058 Lettings Emma Jane Shelton 01305 261171 Professional Patrick Woodford 01305 264172 www.symondsandsampson.co.uk

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