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

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

May 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 and Assistant Rural Dean: Rev’d Lydia Cook Email: [email protected] Tel: 01258 863774 Please direct enquiries regarding Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals to Lydia 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 size2 (297mm x 420mm). Leader I’d forgotten how well-nigh impossible it is to have a good night’s sleep in hospital. During a recent and unexpected short stay in Dorset County Hospital, I could be forgiven for thinking I was sleeping on a demolition site! I discovered later that part of the noise was the clattering of a system designed to send files from one ward to another. But then there was the lady in the next bed who kept the tv on all night – admittedly quite softly but loud enough for me to think, ‘now I know that advert! Whatever is it?’ every ten minutes. And among my ward mates there seemed to be at least one person who could snore for England! The doctors and nurses (bless them – marvellous all of them!) talked at normal pitch in the wee small hours, even though they were only feet away from a bay of ‘sleeping’ patients. On my first ward I searched for a bible – the Gideons place them in all hospitals of course, but the Assessment ward had been missed out, and as my admission was fairly sudden, I hadn’t brought one with me. In the long and endless hours of the night I was thrown back on using as prayers hymns known from childhood. A verse that came instantly was: ‘But the slow watches of the night not less to God belong; and for the everlasting right the silent stars are strong’. I wonder if the hymns young people learn today will have the same sustaining power in the hours of darkness? Somehow I don’t think I would gain much comfort from, ‘I’m not a grasshopper, I’m a giant in the Lord.’ When we are in hospital we are vulnerable; we often feel helpless: instead of being in control, we allow things to be done to us. We are truly the patient (the word comes from the Latin ‘patior’ which means I allow or I suffer). Jesus was the prime example of patience, i.e. suffering or allowing. He allowed himself to be betrayed and crucified so that God’s great plan for humanity could be fulfilled. Furthermore, he showed us that it was good to allow others to do things for us and to us: by washing the feet of his closest friends on the night before his death, he gave us the model of true service. I give thanks for the NHS, for the God-given skills of the staff, and for the dedication of the army of people involved in its work: the cleaners, the porters, the paramedics, the doctors, the surgeons, the nurses and the chaplains, amongst many others. I was glad to come home, but I know I learned quite a few lessons from my hospitalisation.

Sue Rawlinson Licensed Lay Minister

3 Rector’s Ramblings Having barely recovered from the splendour of Easter there is so much to look forward to in May.

Sunday May 21st is Rogation Sunday - 10.30am at Hammoon Church. Rogation Sunday was born out of natural disasters in France in the C5th. The then Archbishop called on his people to say prayers while processing around their fields to ask for God’s protection and blessing on the crops that were just beginning to sprout. The Latin word means “to ask”, thus these were “rogation” processions. In an agricultural society, closely connected with the soil and highly vulnerable to the uncertainties of nature, this was an idea that took root quickly, and the custom spread around Europe and over to Britain. Rogation Sunday developed into a popular festival celebrating the arrival of spring. The route of the procession was often round the boundary of the parish and was known as “beating the bounds”. We can’t do this on one Sunday’s walk in our benefice setting as the walk would be very long, so we have developed the tradition of going to one church and processing round the parish visiting where possible, farm land or allotments, orchards and the river. At Harvest Festival we give thanks for the grown crops, so on Rogation Sunday we give thanks for the planting of crops and offer prayers for all those who tend and steward the land. We end our procession with Holy Communion and then we all gather round the outside of the Church ringing it with people and ask God’s blessing on it too. Please bring food and a picnic rug or chair for a shared lunch after the service.

Bible Study Please join in a five week course looking at the Books of Amos and Hosea. These were C8th BC prophets who fought hard against societal injustice and seem incredibly relevant today. May 11th, 18th, June 1st, 8th and 15th. 2.30pm – 3.30pm in the Shillingstone Church Centre. If you’ve never tried a Bible study before why not give this a go?

Pilgrimage 2017 Do you enjoy walking, talking and eating? Then the Pilgrimage is right for you! Over a 10 day period there are lots of walks planned for all abilities covering quite a large part of our local area. Why not come and enjoy a ramble, have a natter, see inside churches you may never have had a chance to see and spend a bit of time thinking about what it might mean if God’s kingdom really were to flourish in the world. Christians all over the UK are taking this time to do just that and the Pilgrimage is a small part of a greater whole. We all know the problems of society – the Pilgrimage is part of the solution. New Christian, Old Christian, Questioning, Need Convincing – everyone is welcome. There are leaflets in all our local churches or drop me an email rec- [email protected] if you want any more information. 4 An Amble through Okeford’s History 20th May 7pm at Okeford Fitzpaine Church You are warmly invited to an Illustrated talk by Susie and Robin Clay based on Bernard Trowbridge’s vast store of memories. Tickets and more information from Susie on 01258 861063 Tickets £5 (includes wine and nibbles)

Rev’d Lydia

Would you, your family, your community, or workplace like to understand more about scams and why people can become scam victims? If so then join others to become one of a growing number of ‘Friends Against Scams’. Financial abuse through scams affects the lives of millions of people across the UK. More than £5 billion is lost to scams in the UK each year. People who are scammed will lose money and may also suffer a loss of independence, of good health and of wellbeing. Many people do not report being a victim, but silence is a scammer’s best friend. Championed in Dorset by Dorset County Council Trading Standards Service, ‘Friends Against Scams’ is a national initiative that aims to:  Highlight the scale of the problem by getting communities talking about scams.  Change the perceptions of why people become scam victims.  Prevent people from becoming or continuing to be a scam victim.  Recruit people to join the fight against scams, turning knowledge into action. For more information on how to become a ‘Friend Against Scams’ visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk Anyone can become a scam victim, if it has happened to you contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 who will take this situation seriously. This helpline is the first point of contact for consumers seeking advice or wishing to report a problem to trading standards.

5 From the Editor’s Desk Going Online We’re now in the final stages of putting Fippenny News online. You can find us at www.fippennynews.co.uk. For a few days you may encounter a ‘Coming Soon’ page, but very soon we’ll switch that off and you will have full access to a far more comprehensive calendar than we could ever bring you in the print edition; quality colour images and a growing wealth of information about all the groups and activities in and around the parish and beyond). If an event venue, date or time changes, or you have a late-breaking event that will be over before it can be published in the print edition, we can get the word out. Advertisers (yes - there will be some adverts) may find that the reach of their advert goes well beyond anything the print edition could hope to achieve. That’s why, until we contact each advertiser, we will not insert their contact details. We don’t think any will want to turn away additional business - but we don’t think any will appreciate unplanned, even if pleasant, surprises. If we haven’t already contacted you, we will soon unless you contact us first. We will be keeping the print edition for those readers who, for whatever reason, need or prefer it. If you’re a contributor, the copy deadline will remain the same (17:00 on the 20th of each month). Don’t delay getting your item to us though. Get it to us as soon as possible. The sooner we get it online - the sooner online readers will see your news or find out about - and plan to be at your event! If you don’t want an item published online before a particlar date - tell us. We can prepare it in advance and have our system publish it automatically (even if we’re asleep or away from the ‘office’). If you only want your item in the print edition we can do that too. As always - this is a community resource. It will evolve and develop to meet the needs of the community. It’ll never be perfect - and it’ll never be ‘finished’. Where it starts is a timely, responsive, accurate and (hopefully) useful information hub. Where it goes is, largely, up to you. Let us know if there’s something you’d like us to add or change. If it makes sense, we’ll do our best to oblige.

Derek (Editor - Fippenny News) Email: [email protected] Tel.: 01258 861979

ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION STURMINSTER NEWTON & GILLINGHAM BRANCH To join contact Tony Edmunds 01258 473823 6 News From Sturquest Over 40 organisations gathered together at The Exchange on Monday 20th March to a free community event organised by SturQuest, providing an opportunity for groups to display and exhibit. The day also included demonstrations and talks from Sturminster Newton Floral Group, Dorset Community Action, North Dorset Trailway Network and Home Start North Dorset. Yewstock School Choir and a group Zumba demonstration, led by Nicola Thommes, provided additional entertainment. Exhibitors had a most enjoyable day, acquiring new members and volunteers and look forward to the next SturQuest organised community event. Would you like to help SturQuest get projects up and running? Or, support and help community events like the Big Lunch, Stur Show or Stur Car- nival? If so, then call in and find out more by contacting the SturQuest Community Office on 01258 471456 or email [email protected] or visit the SturQuest website at www.stur.org.uk

Jacqui Wragg Community Resource Worker

Men at the Mill The first event was a success we had 6 attend which was encouraging. We all shared different things to talk about such as hobbies, the past & the present all very interesting everyone stayed & talked together from 11am to 1pm. Tea, coffee & Cakes went down well, many thanks to Steve Oxford of Oxford Bakeries for supplying the cakes. The group discussed future ideas like various speakers, bird watching, art, and, perhaps, woodworking in the warmer summer days, etc. We meet fortnightly (11am to 1pm) so come along and meet new friends and be part of something new. Our next informal meeting is on 8th May. Any questions contact Peter on 01747 854355.

7 Breakable There was a very gracious lady who was posting an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country... ‘Is there anything breakable in here?’ asked the postal clerk.

‘Only the Ten Commandments,’ answered the lady.

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

8 NEWS UPDATE

Sturminster Carnival is not complete without the majesty of Carnival royalty and this year the selection process is taking place at the Sturminster Scout Show on Saturday 17th June. So, in the meantime, start practicing your regal waving and we’ll tell you more about how to apply in the next issue of this magazine. Children’s Parade There will be a change to the usual order of the children’s judging on Carnival Day. This will now take place at 6pm in the Rec prior to the evening parade. Be a part of the Carnival Team We need help this year not only on Carnival Day, but, also, during the week at the various events and activities. No experience required, but, a huge smile absolutely necessary. Want to know more? www.facebook.com/sturcarnival – Keep informed. Be involved.

The Carnival Team

Sewing and Craft Group News After a general discussion, we have decided that our meetings will in future be on the third Tuesday of each month. All else stays the same.

9 Child Okeford and Shroton WI At our Annual Meeting we reviewed and reflected on the past year and shared our achievements. We began the year with 22 members and have since grown to 34 ! We have enjoyed a range of demonstrations, walks, trips and festive celebrations. We even won a silver medal at a WI skittles tournament, raised funds, through various activities, for local charities at Heyday and made vast amounts of tea and cake for a large group of very hungry Dorset ramblers. It’s been a busy, entertaining, challenging and lively year! We welcomed two new committee members this year – Ann Pearce (Campaigns) and Liz Thomson (Events). We also said farewell to two long standing members who are stepping down from the Committee after many years loyal service :Brenda Martin and Kate St George. They have guided us through challenging times and supported us with their invaluable expertise as we evolved into a new WI group. Thank You Ladies – your experience, wise counsel and extensive WI knowledge has helped us to become a healthy and lively WI group with a bright future. Proceedings concluded with a Logo Quiz – challenging members on their knowledge of well known brands and products. It was a competitive session where the winners, after a tense tie break question, were rewarded with chocolate treats! This WI is now in a healthy position to look to the future, to welcome new members and take on new challenges! The WI would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate St George for her contributions to The Hill. She is stepping down from her reporting duties, having recorded many WI meetings over the years. Her keen observational style, an eye for detail, careful use of vocabulary and a neutral tone has given villagers a unique glimpse into our WI. Thank you Kate.

Congratulations to 3 WI members who won awards at the Child Okeford Gardeners Club Spring Show: Trisha Samuel and Pam Crooks won their groups and Liv Shonfield won with WI Centenary Cup for Best in Show.

For more details or a chat about joining, contact: Liz Smith, President: 01258 860432 or Dilys Gartside: 01258 860157

Our Website: www.childokefordshrotonwi.wordpress.com Our WI Email Address: [email protected] Our Twitter Feed: @ChildOkShoWI

10 A Thank-You From Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School PFA Group We would like to say a big thankyou to everybody who supported us at our recent events. Please keep an eye out for our next events and support our lovely little village school. Thankyou

Mrs S Miller Okeford Fitzpaine PFA Group Chairperson

Circular Walk Come and join us on the evening of 23rd June when we are leading a walk around the perimeter of the village aimed particularly at those not familiar with many of our footpaths. The walk of 2.5 miles is pretty level and will last about an hour. Maps will be available if required. This event, which is allied to fund raising for our church St Andrew’s, will start and finish in the churchyard and will be followed by al fresco refreshments, weather permitting. There will be a charge of £5 per head. Please spread the word especially to the many newcomers in the village. Full details will be published in the June edition of Fippenny News and on the Fippenny News website (www.fippennynews.co.uk).

Jeremy Gartside Footpath/Rights of Way Officer

11 Village Characters - Greenhayes Many of the old village photographs have a Mr. G. Trowbridge written on them. He was a carpenter in the High Street with a shop beside the road. He sold all sorts from the shop. To begin with it was all to do with carpentry – nails, screws and tools – but over the years, sweets and groceries were introduced, and also postcards. George Trowbridge’s property ran from the High Street all the way back to Greenhayes, which was a playground for children. The story handed down over the years is that two elderly ladies called Miss Green and Miss Hayes had left the land for the children of the village to play on, with the Parish Council to look after it. George Trowbridge had an entrance off Greenhayes through a pair of staved, upright, slatted gates. Right next to the entrance was the sawpit which was alongside Greenhayes and was partly covered by a shed. On the outside wall of the shed, boys had goalposts and cricket stumps painted. One day a row began between George Trowbridge and the Parish Council because George had left timber on Greenhayes and was told to remove it, pronto. George said that he had always left timber there. It was his right. However, a solicitor’s letter advised him to remove the timber as it was a village green. So George obeyed and peace was restored. When the business ended Claude Green was working there at the time. He said that all the saws and old tools were thrown into the saw-pit and it was then filled in. I expect it is all still there, covered over. I have quite a lot of George’s original old photographs which I passed to professionals who enlarged and framed them. You can now buy them at the Dorset Steam Fair, Dorchester Show, Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival and many other outlets. We would refer to the shop, when I was a boy, as Top Shop or Annie Jew Jews. That was because Annie Trowbridge and her sister, known to us as Addie, ran the shop for George Trowbridge. They carried on running the shop long after George’s death. I remember the men in the butter house at the milk factory gave one lad sixpence and asked him to go up to Top Shop and get a rubber hammer and two dozen cardboard nails, which he innocently tried to do. When he returned to the factory he said “She’s sorry, she’s run out but she will have some in next week”. So the workman said “All right then, I think you ought to go and buy yourself some sweets”. So off he went, none the wiser. It was some years later when he saw the funny side of the joke, but he said that sixpence worth of sweets made up for the laugh. The shop was later owned by Mrs Cob and then Mr Litwitz. It eventually closed and it is now a private house called Well Cottage. NB. i) Greenhayes may well have been donated by two kind ladies. However, it is referred to as ‘Greenhaye’ and the ‘Playing Place’ in a survey of 1584, when it separated the grounds of the ruined medieval manor house, Close Court, from the village. ii) The old sawpit and contents are now presumably in the garden of Okehill, whose present garden runs between Well Cottage and Greenhayes.

12 Citizens Advice

The next North Dorset Citizen Advice drop in session takes place the SturQuest Community Office, in Sturminster Newton, on Friday 5th March (10am-12noon). Advice is available on the following: – Benefits; Work; Debt and money; Consumer; Relationships; Housing; Law and rights; Discrimination; Tax; Healthcare; Education. To book an appointment. Contact the office on: 01258 471456 or Email: [email protected].

Email Address Change. The address of the Parish Clerk (Sandra Deary) is now:

[email protected]

Dorset Wildlife Trust - North Dorset Events May Dawn Chorus Walks Saturday 13th May and Saturday 20th May. Meet at Bere Marsh Farm at 4.45am for a 5am start. These events include a full Farmhouse Breakfast after the walk. The cost is £12 per person, payable in advance. Booking is essential as numbers are strictly limited. Appropriate clothing and footwear for uneven ground essential. Binoculars recommended.

Anna Aubrey Tel: 07970903679. 13 GARDEN OPEN – Monday 29th May 2017 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Stalls Café serving lunch and light refreshments Dogs on leads welcome Assisted wheelchair access Admission: Adults £3.50 / Friends and Under 16’s Free of charge

PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE - GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE On Monday 29th May 2017 10.00 am - 1pm

PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE - PEOPLE AND PLACES On Monday 29th May 2017 2.00 pm - 5pm

Edward Parker will be running two photography courses entitled “Garden and Landscape” and “People and Photography”. These are suitable for people of all abilities and with any type of camera. The idea is to demonstrate when and how to get the very best out of any sort of camera and explain the basic principles needed to get great pictures. During the course you will be shown how to change the settings on your camera to improve the results. For example, the lens zoom settings are particularly important.

It is possible to get excellent images with almost any sort of camera with a bit of tuition. In many ways compact cameras are as good as DSLR’s for general photography.

A lot of the success of general photography relies on understanding a little about composi- tion and the use of foreground, background and lighting, all of which are equally relevant irrespective of the type of camera used.

A tripod and reflectors will be available for participants on the day, but do bring your own along too if you have one. Outdoor shoes and a coat are also recommended.

£25.00 per person (payable on the day – cheque or cash)

To book Contact the office on 01747 811853 or email [email protected]

14 Looking After Our Churchyard

As many of you will know and have seen for yourselves the St Andrews churchyard is much tidier and less of a jungle than it was only a year ago. This is mainly thanks to a group of volunteers who have put in many man/ woman hours to reach this stage. Lydia our rector has also employed a contractor to remove 2 trees which needed to go for different reasons. There is no longer a paid person to mow and prune. We need more help. While we have a hard core of volunteers not everyone can commit on a regular basis. Unfortunately the grass and brambles grow on a constant basis over the summer months. If you are willing and able to give an hour or two a month please get in touch. Many thanks.

Jeremy Gartside. Tel.: 01258 860157 Email: [email protected] 15 60 Million Trebles! No - don’t panic. This is not sixty million boy sopranos bellowing at the top of their voices, but an attempt by women in the UK to draw attention to the fact that there are sixty million displaced persons in the world due to famine, flood, poverty, earthquakes and of course conflict, by making 36”x36” square blankets. The blankets can be crocheted or knitted, hence the title as a treble is one of the most common stitches used in crochet. If you have ever seen a crocheted Granny Blanket, you have seen a treble. It is called a treble because the yarn is taken over the hook three times to complete the stitch. I’m sorting wool ready to start my contribution and my daughter is already well on the way to finishing hers. The aim is to have blankets containing 60 million stitches to represent 1 for every displaced person. When completed, the individual blankets will be distributed where they are needed, half to UK charities and the rest for refugee children in Syria. All children need a cuddly blanket. For full details and information to take part please go to: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/sixtymilliontrebles

Jane

Is your garden falling silent? Where is all the wildlife? When did you last see a fox, mouse, frog, squirrel, bumblebee or even butterfly? If you have to stop and think, you will understand the problem: 51 per cent, or more than half, of Britain’s gardeners did not spot a single hedgehog, owl, frog, fox, mouse or bat in their gardens over the past year. That compares with 48 per cent in 2015. As for birds, 29 per cent of people did not see any of the birds on the RSPB’s red list, which lists those in need of protection, such as starlings and sparrows. And sightings of ladybirds are down five per cent in just the last year.

16 FIPPENNY WILDLIFE GROUP SPRING PLANTS and BIRDS of POUND LANE, OKEFORD FITZPAINE

A gentle walk to help you identify bird songs and wayside plants in the Pound Lane area, meeting at the allotments gate, Back Lane.

6.00am Sunday May 14th

Limited numbers so please book your place.

For booking and more details contact Kevin Cook 01258 861557, email [email protected] or go to www.fippennywildlifegroup.co.uk to see any other events in the future to include a bat evening and chalk plants of Okeford Hill.

17 Okeford Fitzpaine – An Amble Through History

An Illustrated Talk with Wine and Nibbles.

20th May at 19:00 Tickets £5 on the door. In aid of Church Reconfiguration Work.

18 Wonderful Watercress!

Watercress, along with parsley, is one of the most nutricious of plants. Full of vitamins and trace elements and above all, very tasty. Wash well and use in salads, sandwiches, for garnishing steaks and chops etc. Very good chopped into scrambled eggs.

Watercress Soup. A Dorset recipe. 2 bunches watercress, well washed and chopped: 1 onion, skinned and chopped finely: 1 oz butter: 1 tbsp cornflour: 2 pints stock, ham for preference but whatever you have: salt & pepper: 2 tbspn cream. Melt butter in pan and gently soften onion, add watercress and cook gently for about 3 mins. Stir in cornflour, cook gently for another 2 mins then gradually add stock. Season well and simmer for about 10 mins. Stir in cream just before serving.

There are variations on this soup where potato is used, not too much, omit cornflour. Also with parmesan cheese grated over before serving.

Watercress & Parsley Roulade. 2 bunches watercress, washed, & trimmed: 1oz(25g) parsley sprigs, washed: both chopped finely: 2oz (50g) flour: 2oz (50g) butter: ½pt (330ml) milk: 2 eggs, separated: salt & pepper: 2 firm tomatoes, skinned & chopped: 8oz (225g) cottage cheese. Grease and line 14x10 inch (35.5x25.5cm) Swiss roll tin. Place butter, watercress and parsley in pan and cook for 5 mins, stirring occassionally. Stir in flour, cook for 1-2 mins. Remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil, stirring, and cook for 1-2 mins. Cool slightly and then beat in the egg yolks and seasoning. Whisk egg whites stiffly and fold into the watercress mixture. Turn mixture into prepared tin, smooth surface and cook in oven at 200°C/400°F/Mark 6 for 20-25 mins, until risen and golden brown. Turn out roulade onto a piece of damp greasproof paper, trim edges. Stir chopped tomates into cottage cheese and season to taste. Spread onto roulade and roll up like a Swiss roll. Return to oven for 10 mins to reheat. Watercress & Egg Flan 8oz(300g) shortcrust pastry. Roll out and line a 8” (20.5cm) flan ring

19 and bake blind for 20-25 mins. 200C°/400F°/Mark 6. Filling: - 1oz(25g) butter: 6 spring onions, trimmed & chopped: 2 bunches watercress, washed & trimmed: 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced. Melt butter in pan, add spring onions cook for 5 mins. Add chopped cress and cook for 5 mins. Spoon cress mixture into flan case and arrange egg slices in layer on top. Sauce: - 1 oz(25g) butter: 2 level tbsp(30ml) flour: ¼ pt(159ml) milk: salt & pepper: 3oz (75g) grated mature Cheddar.. Melt butter in pan. Stir in flour and cook gently for 1-2 mins. Remove from heat, gradually stir in milk and seasoning. Bring to boil, stirring and cook for 2-3 mins. Pour over egg slices, sprinkle with cheese and return to oven for 15-20 mins until top is golden.

Watercress Dressing A variation on French Dressing which would be very good with any salad including oily fish, mackerel, trout salmon etc. 2 hard-boiled egg yolks; 1 level tsp(5ml) French mustard: ½ level tsp (2.5ml) English mustard: 1 tbsp(15ml) lemon juice: 2 tbsp(30ml) wine vinegar: 1 level tsp salt: pepper: 1 clove garlic, skined & crushed: 6 tsp (90ml) oil: ½ bunch washed & trimmed watercress. Sieve egg yolks into bowl and blend to smooth paste with mustards. Whisk in lemon juice, vinegar, seasoning and garlic. Gradually whisk in oil, drop by drop. Stir in watercress. Chill for 1-2 hours or ovenight. Strain before using as salad dressing. Alternatively, blend all ingredients except oil in blender until smooth and creamy then reduce speed and add oil drop by drop. Chill and strain.

Personally I love a sandwich made with good white bread, spread with butter, not marg, as much cress as it will hold, and a scant pinch of salt. A simple pleasure!

Vitamins & Minerals found in watercress, just out of interest.

VitA Biotin VitC VitD Vit E Chlorine Fluorine Iron Magnesium Manganese Phosphorus Potassium Sulphur

Jane

20 The murky world of village fetes Growing giant vegetables must surely be the most peaceful hobby in the world. Mustn’t it? Don’t you believe it. For it turns out that giant vegetables are only one of several hobbies that can turn village fetes into hotbeds of rivalry, rule- breaking and outright cheating. Cake baking and flower arranging are also full of scheming and skulduggery. Such are the findings of two academics from Cranfield University’s defence and security department. They have prepared a paper for the Academic Archers conference, in which experts from various disciplines investigate themes raised on the BBC Radio 4 soap.

(Continued on page 30)

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.

The Pilgrim Parishes of the Blackmore Vale

ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE 2017 MAY 25-JUNE 4

Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement which the Archbishop of Canterbury is inviting people around the world to join. The wave of prayer will start in May and run for 10 days between the Christian festivals of Ascension and Pentecost. Our local programme will include walks, prayer stops, short church services and shared food. We start on Ascension Day Thursday 25 May with Holy Communion at St Peter and St Paul, Mappowder followed by an afternoon walk to Stoke Wake and return. On 26th some Pilgrims will visit schools in the area. On other days Pilgrims will hold a long walk on Tuesday 30 May and a Walk of Witness in Stalbridge on 31 May. Saturday 3 June is a Celebration day with a family afternoon walk/ride along the Trailway from Sturminster Newton to Shillingstone Church Centre followed by a barbeque and children’s entertainment. The Pilgrimage will conclude with the Covenant Renewal Service on Sunday 4 June at St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton. Full detailed programme and timings will be made available in local churches and on the website (www.pilgrimparishes.btck.co.uk) during March. ALL EVENTS ARE OPEN TO ALL, WALKERS AND NON-WALKERS ALIKE. YOU MAY JOIN AND LEAVE EVENTS AT ANY PLACE AND ANY TIME. SOME TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE!

DIARY IT NOW Self-Catering Holiday Cottage Painting & Decorating in Interior & Exterior Okeford Fitzpaine. Converted 2 bedroom Coach House Sleeps 4. James Witcher Graded 4 star VISIT BRITAIN Linen◦Heating◦WiFi◦TV provided Free Estimates Small Private Garden Details: Proprietor Sue Godden Email: [email protected] Phone 01258 860970 Tel: 01258 860763 Mobile 07712 416 067 22 A White Painter & Decorator Excellent professional Service

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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 07712 157082 01258 863744 07792 613383 [email protected]

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

23 Fippenny Garden Club

Village Hall

8th May 2017 7.30pm

“My Life in Watercress” Talk by Tom Amery

Tom Amery is the Managing Director of the UK’s leading watercress, baby leaf and wasabi producer based at Dorchester and a governor of Kingston Maurward College.

Includes sample bag of cress.

Come along and join us. Annual subscription £7 Visitors £1.50 each meeting.

Goddard Landscapes Ltd. J & T Window Cleaning Your local traditional window cleaner.

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

24 Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fund Raising for 2017:- Saturday May 6th 2:00pm at the Hall – Jumble Sale.

Saturday & Sunday May 20th & 21st – we will be in the craft tent at the Three Okefords Preservation Society annual rally at Shillingstone with Jams & Chutneys and a Tombola. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sunday June 18th 12 noon at the Recreation Ground, Castle Lane The 30th Fippenny Fayre with:- Shaftesbury Town Silver Band Novelty Dog Show (entries on the day) Car Boots A Variety of Stalls Grand Draw Refreshments Ice Cream And lots more …

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday September 23rd 2:00pm at the Hall – Jumble Sale.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Diane Burt, Treasurer/Secretary/bookings Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall Management Committee 01258 863474 - email: [email protected]

25 Friday Lunch If you’ve been enjoying our series of extracts from Bernard May 5th - Village Hall Trowbridge’s book ‘Boyhood Memories’ you'll be pleased to know that there will be a talk on Menu the history of Okeford Fitzpaine th Home Made Fish Pie in St Andrew’s Church on the 20 served with of May at 19:00. Peas followed by You may be surprised that the Fruit history of Okeford Fitzpaine goes with back at least as far as the Dooms- Vanilla Ice Cream day Book. The image below is of G. Please let us know in Mike Wood 860146 advance if you Sue Le Riche 861830 Trowbridge’s shop on Higher intend to come. Ian Berry 860656 Street circa 1910. (or by email)

26 Sturminster Newton Floral Group May

Sturminster Newton Floral Group has an in house event entitled “Challenge Cups and Cakes”. This will be held at the Exchange in the Stour Hall on 10th May at 7.30 pm. This event is to replace the annual show which will not take place this year. Visitors are welcome at a cost of £ 5. Any enquiries please ring 01258 472473.

Also this month the group will be busy decorating the Mill at Sturminster combining with their cream tea weekend. This takes place on 13th and 14th May.

An Introduction to Flower Arranging for absolute beginners. A six-week course explaining the basics of flower arranging – very informal. Thursday evenings 8th June – 13th July 2017, 7:30pm-9:30pm at Manston Village Hall, near Sturminster Newton DT10 1HB. £30 for the six weeks. A bunch of flowers and pair of scissors is all you need. Telephone 01258 472473 to enrol or for more details.

Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club 16 May 2.15pm Child Okeford Village Hall Julia Harrison - 'I’m in the mood for ...' Further details: 01258 863775

FILM NIGHT AT CHILD OKEFORD VILLAGE HALL FRIDAY 26TH MAY 2017 AT 7.30PM ‘La La Land’ (12A) Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Damien Chazelle, LA LA LAND tells the story of Mia [Emma Stone], an aspiring actress, and Sebastian [Ryan Gosling], a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams. Tickets: £5 at the door - or - Book in advance on 01258 860518

27 Okeford United Football Club ‘Ton Up +’ draw April 2017 1st [£30] (No. 64) Jake Andrews 2nd [£10] (No. 82) Jonathan Frampton 3rd [£5] (No. 75) Helen Coffin

From the Dugouts - Dorset Junior Cup Final The Butterboys won an exciting encounter in front of a large crowd at Shaftesbury FC - the support for both teams was fantastic. The Butterboys got off to a great start when Tim Westlake fired home in the fourth minute. As the half progressed Halstock gradually got back into the game, having two good chances before they equalised in the twenty fifth minute. Halstock should have taken the lead but were denied by the post. Both keepers prduced brilliant saves to keep their teams in the game, Westlake being denied for Okeford & Sam Pike the Okeford keeper doing the same. By half time the score was 1-1. Jamie Bugler replaced Kieron Dunseith at the break after he had picked up an injury early in the match. Within a minute of the restart the Butterboys were back in front when Chris Wareham fired home from a good clearance from Pike in the Okeford goal. The Butterboys were now on top and putting their opponents under a lot more pressure. Westlake & Bugler were both denied by the keeper, but Westlake was not denied in the 68th minute when he beat the offside trap to run through to slot past the advancing keeper. The game was now hotting up, the referee was busy with several cautions but eventually pulled out a red for a Halstock player after a nasty challenge on Ryan White which ended his part in the game. He was replaced by Jonathan Frampton who picked up a booking with his first tackle. Chris Cole was outstanding throughout the whole match as was Eddie Thomas the Okeford captain. The delight at the final whistle was shown by all from the Okeford side, with the Butterboys winning their first County Cup final since 1980 and the Junior Cup for the first time since 1931. As chairman of the club this has been a fantastic evening, sincere thanks to all the players for their 100% effort and to all the supporters who did our great club proud, I thank you all very much sincerely. - S. Corben.

Calling on all former Players & club members A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Friday 12th May , Club Presentation Night & Club reunion, Village Hall 7.30pm.

28 Beyond Okeford Fitzpaine - What’s on in the district this month. Date Venue | Time Show / Event Contact Price 05 May Exchange | 19:30 Meet Tommy Atkins 01258 475137 £10.00

06 May Exchange | 09:00 - 13:00 Crafts At The Exchange 01258 475137

06 May Exchange | 20:00 China Crisis 01258 475137 £16.00

08 May CO Comm. Ctr | 14:00 Child Okeford & Shroton WI - 01258 860432 ‘Feeling Good & Looking Fab’ 01258 860157

12 May Exchange | 19:30 Des O’Connor 01258 475137 From £22.50

13 May Bere Marsh Farm | 04:45 Dawn Chorus Walk 07970 903679 £12 pp. (Booking Essential)

13 May Exchange | 19:30 UK Beach Boys 01258 475137 From £16.00

18 May Exchange | 19:30 The Memory of Water 01258 475137 From £7.00

19 May Exchange | 19:30 The Memory of Water 01258 475137 From £7.00

20 May Bere Marsh Farm | 04:45 Dawn Chorus Walk 07970 903679 £12 pp. (Booking Essential)

20 May Exchange | 19:30 The Memory of Water 01258 475137 From £7.00

26 May Exchange | 19:30 An Evening With Jo Burt 01258 475137 From £10.00

27 May Exchange | 20:00 The Magic of Christian Lee 01258 475137 From £15.00

29 May Springhead | 10:00 - 13:00 Photography - Garden & Landscape 01747 811853 £25.00 (Booking Essential)

29 May Springhead | 14:00 - 17:00 Photography - People & Portraits 01747 822853 £25.00 (Booking Essential)

03 Jun Exchange | 09:00 - 13:00 Crafts At The Exchange 01258 475137 29 Village Calendar 04 May Dorset County Council Election Village Hall 07:00 - 22:00 05 May First Friday Lunch Village Hall 12:00 06 May Jumble Sale Village Hall 14:00 08 May Garden Club Village Hall 19:30 09 May Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 19:30 12 May OUFC Presentation Night & Reunion Village Hall 19:30 14 May Spring Plants & Birds of Pound Lane Allotments Entrance 06:00 16 May Sewing and Craft Group Meeting 6 Netherway Cottages 14:30 20 May Mud Pie Café Village Hall 10:30 - 12:30 20 May An Amble Through History St Andrew’s Church 19:00 27 May Mud Pie Café Village Hall 10:30 - 12:30 02 Jun First Friday Lunch Village Hall 12:00 03 Jun Mud Pie Café Village Hall 10:30 - 12:30 06 Jun Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 19:30

(Continued from page 21) One giant vegetable competitor for the ‘longest runner bean’ cheated by cleverly sticking two runner beans together. Another competitor was discovered using cake mix. Another competitor had their exhibit smashed in by a rival. Then there was the man who went to great lengths to tell the researchers that he never took any of it seriously. Really? His business card introduced him in bold letters: ‘Grower of large vegetables’.

Movies in Local Venues. Date Venue | Cost Movie Contact Time 22 May Leigh VH | £6.00 Lion (PG) 01935 872323 19:00 for 19:30 01935 873603 25 May Exchange | £3.50 Lion (PG) 01258 475137 19:00 26 May CO VH | £5.00 La La Land (12A) 01258 860518 19:30 30

Coffee Mrs Clay S Mrs Allen F Mrs Jay S

Sidesmen Fee Fee Allen Mr Clay R Mr Jay C

47;Peter1 2:19 60;Peter1 2:2

14; John14; 17:1

- -

Readings Mrs Z GoddardMrs Z and Mrs Clay S 2:42Acts Mrs D Gartside and Mr Clay R 7:55Acts Mt Jamesand R Mr Jay C 1:6Acts

Minister Rev’d Rev’d Lydia Rev’d Lydia Rev’d Lydia Mrs J Waite

Service Benefice Benefice Communion Parish Communion and Baptism Rogation at Sunday Hammoon Matins

Time

Date

May 7thMay

10.00am 10.00am 10.30am 10.00am

May 21stMay

May 14thMay 28thMay Services 31 Directory - General Schools Head Teacher Mrs Elaine Weaver 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/Advertisements 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.