The
Hill SEPTEMBER 2020
A MAGAZINE FOR ALL WHO LIVE AROUND HAMBLEDON HILL IN CHILD OKEFORD, MANSTON, HAMMOON AND HANFORD
A MAGAZINE FOR ALL WHO LIVE AROUND HAMBLEDON£1 HILL IN CHILD OKEFORD, MANSTON, HAMMOONNon Subscribers AND HANFORD FIRST ISSUED IN 1967
VOLUME 53, NUMBER 9 CIRCULATION 525
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LEADER LETTER from Sue Rawlinson (Licensed Lay Minister, Retired) I love hymns. I love singing hymns. And for me, ‘hymns’ don’t include many worship songs, although I know younger church members find these more accessible and many people enjoy the choruses. No, I mean wonderful melodies combined with profound words that, after seven and a half decades of singing them, are inscribed in my heart. On my deathbed I don’t think I shall be singing, ‘God made a boomerang and called it love’! Before anyone starts muttering, ‘grumpy old woman’, I claim the right to my preference, even though I acknowledge that some Victorian hymnody (rather like Victorian pews) has no place in our worship – both are of their own time, and can safely be set aside. Even the ubiquitous ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ is usually printed omitting the verse, ‘The rich man in his castle, the poor man at his gate: God made them, high or lowly, and ordered their estate’. No, he didn’t! But I digress…. Hymns, or at least their words, have sustained me over the past months. The greatest sadness is that we are no longer permitted to sing them in our distanced church congregations, and all choirs are all on hold. So much has changed in the past six months! This time last year I was going to a Prom Concert in the Royal Albert Hall and looking forward to a holiday cruise at the end of September. Now it’s Staycations all round and a goodly supply of face masks and hand sanitiser. I recently found an old Saga magazine from February – the circumstances portrayed therein suggest a totally different world from the one we inhabit today. Sometimes praying is hard (an understatement!) and when the going is tough I want to shout at God. I often do, in fact! I gave Him an ear-bashing last week when my beloved cousin was taken into hospital to die, my friend’s wife died after three weeks in a coma, and my son’s fiancée left him. Happily, I know from a lifetime’s experience that God can take our ranting and complaining. His people have always given Him an earful when things go wrong and times are difficult – the Bible is full of such instances. But we have to remember that all this trouble, this foul plague, this distanced way of life is temporary. It will pass. And even if things become worse before they become better, it’s all happened before. When the apostle Paul write a letter to the people of Thessalonica – present day Thessaloniki – in northern Greece, he told them that the present is tough, and the future may be tough, but ‘in everything give thanks to God.’ In EVERYTHING give thanks to God. So even if I can’t sing it in public, I can still pray the words of a much-loved hymn: Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ. Stay safe – and sing in the shower!
4 RECTOR’S RAMBLINGS It has been a great joy to be able to return to church services and we have now a fairly equal split between those able to come physically and those worshipping virtually. We’ve now worshipped in each church in the benefice (albeit outside at Hamooon) and it was especially encouraging to have near capacity at our benefice Evensong at Manston. Works have been going on in our churches – roof repairs at Child Okeford and Manston, a new vestry floor in Manston, and of course the well documented internal works at Okeford Fitzpaine. The wildlife areas in our churchyards have been a source of great inspiration to many visitors: the pyramid orchids in Child Okeford were particularly beautiful this year. APCM Child Okeford with Manston APCM will take place in Child Okeford church on Wednesday 16th September at 7.30pm. All are welcome and please observe social distancing and wear a mask. Service pattern Due to ongoing changes to regulations I’m finding it impossible to plan more than about a month ahead. Please keep an eye on the Pew News and website for up to date details. If you don’t receive the Pew News and would like to please send me your email address. You will then receive the weekly audio sermon too. Annual Leave I will be away on annual leave from 21st September until October 13th. We have managed to secure a raft of senior clergy to take our services and I will provide online audio services on the website for those not able to attend church during this time. Blessings, Rev’d Lydia YOUR CHURCH September 2010 It has been fantastic to have real church services again. The bells have been ringing on a Sunday morning and church begins to feel more normal again, with worshippers joining together in celebration. Zoom services continue and are well attended by people across the benefice, with a great range of ages from 7 to over 80. The churchyard has looked amazing all summer. We have had a steady stream of visitors taking time to tell us how much they have enjoyed passing through. They enjoy the peace, the beautiful flowers and the hum of activity from the wildlife. I have noticed common spotted and pyramidal orchids have spread into the newer wildflower areas. These flowers would never have had the chance to bloom if we had not introduced the new mowing regime. Mark, the mowing contractor, has started giving the wildflower areas their late summer/autumn cut, now that the flowers will have set seed. He has been busy all summer keeping the newer part of the churchyard looking immaculate and we are grateful for his hard work. The volunteers have been working all through the very hot weather, keeping up with mowing around the church. They are a small but diligent and enthusiastic team, who are doing a brilliant job. Please take time to thank them if you happen to meet them at work.
5 CHURCH SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER
06/09/2020 9am The Thirteenth Sunday Holy Communion Child Okeford Rev’d Lydia after Trinity 06/09/2020 10am The Thirteenth Sunday Morning Worship Zoom Mark Riley after Trinity
13/09/2020 9am The Fourteenth Sunday Morning Worship Zoom Rev’d Lydia after Trinity 13/09/2020 10.30am Holy Rood Day Patronal Communion Shillingstone Arch’d Penny
20/09/2020 9am The Fifteenth Sunday Morning Worship Zoom Rev’d Lydia after Trinity 20/09/2020 10am The Fifteenth Sunday Holy Communion Okeford Fitzpaine Bishop Karen after Trinity
27/09/2020 10am Harvest Morning Worship Okeford Fitzpaine Mark Riley 27/09/2020 6pm To be confirmed Mighty Okes SCC Steve Sexton 27/09/2020 6.30pm Harvest Evensong Manston Mark Riley
04/10/2020 10.30am The Seventeenth Sunday Holy Communion Child Okeford Arch’d Penny after Trinity
BATTLE OF BRITAIN SUNDAY During September we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Britain, the first battle to be fought in the air. As explained in the August 'Hill' if the German's had achieved air supremacy by destroying the RAF's ability to attack a seaborne invasion fleet, we could have been invaded and the war may have been over before it had hardly begun. The end of the battle was formally commemorated on Sunday, September 15th, 1940 and I understand that national events are planned for Sundays, September 13th and 20th and Tuesday, September 15th. At 11.00am on Tuesday, September 15th, a wreath will be laid on the War Memorial in Child Okeford. Names of the fallen will not be read - but they will be read on Armistice Day. We will stand in silence for two minutes in tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of The Few, the 3,080 pilots from at least 14 different countries, 30% of whom died or were wounded during 10 short weeks of intense air fighting. All readers are invited to join us for this simple ceremony. Those who do should, of course, obey the 'social distancing' rules that may be in place at that time. Pat Soward - 860647
6 HOME COOKING WITH MRS SIMKINS Courgette Boats Aka les petits farcis* August is generally the glut month for courgettes. By the start of September, things are beginning to calm down but then you start to feel wistful because the season is coming to an end and an early frost could put paid to everything until next summer. Here’s a lovely recipe for our favourite summer squash. So much tastier and more delicate than a hefty stuffed marrow this dish really is in the luxury class and yet it’s actually very economical to make, especially if your vegetable plot is over-run with courgettes. Serve these tasty little morsels for lunch or supper with crusty bread, or as a starter or side dish. Serves 2 but easy to increase quantities 2 medium-sized courgettes (length approximately 15cm) 1-2 tablespoons oil 1 small onion, diced 1 red chilli sliced 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 50g stale bread, whizzed into crumbs in a food processor and dried in oven for 3-4 minutes 1 medium egg, beaten Coarsely ground black pepper 60g mature Cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 180C (fan oven) or equivalent You will need a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper Trim the ends from the courgettes and halve them lengthwise. Score a central channel down each half with the tip of a teaspoon, removing the pulpy centres. Brush with oil and bake for 8-10 minutes until almost tender. Set aside. Fry the onion slowly in the remaining oil until soft but not coloured. Add the chilli and garlic towards the end of cooking time. Remove from the heat. Combine the breadcrumbs with most of the cheese, the onion and the chilli. Bind with egg and season with pepper. Fill the boats with the mixture, scatter with the remaining cheese and bake for around 10 minutes until golden. Serve immediately. *Endearingly, ‘les petits farcis’ translates from the French as ‘little stuffed things’ www.MrsSimkins.co.uk www.twitter.com/mrssimkinscooks
7 GOLD HILL ORGANIC FARM Ridgeway Lane, Child Okeford, Dorset DT11 8HB, 01258 861916 www.goldhillorganicfarm.com Email: [email protected]
How to look friendly behind a face mask? I touched on the subject in the last issue. But one month on and more experience my thoughts on the subject have changed. It is lovely to see all the brightly coloured and sometimes humorous masks that people have donned. Especially our friendly customers waiting patiently outside the farm shop. Reading the signs behind the mask was brought home when I was in hospital last week having a total hip replacement. I might have been able to cycle 75miles but could hardly get my leg through the dropped cross=bar. If I hit a pothole or extra bump the agony was so much that a few times I ungracefully toppled off my bike or my trip ended up as a fall. All too boring to chronicle but of course in Hospital everyone uniformly had a large white mask on that seemed to cover half the face. This is now true uniformly in Supermarkets, cafes and pubs. Lying up and doing a few forays into Blandford and having to wear a mask all day in the shop I am now acutely aware of how body language now plays a part in our interaction. Yet whether it was the surgeon, anaesthetists, nurse, kitchen staff, pub or shop owners. The minute they walk into the room I can feel their personality. . The way they walk/talk and move says a lot. One of the kitchen staff made me feel as if I was in the Ritz. The way they checked my table was clear, I could reach everything and even poured out my tea. Had a smile to the voice, things were done quickly but not in haste. Even before masks, a stomp to the foot fall, the door opened with a bang and things plonked down. Would make me smile and think, why are they in the service/hospitality industry. No smile to the voice It made me realize, as we can't see peoples faces we have to make more effort that the rest of our body language says the right things. It also shows how much we rely on seeing people's lips move as part of understanding what people are saying. The elderly and hard of hearing must be having many confusing conversations because I am!. The first thing I yearned for when out of hospital was really fresh fruit and veg. So french beans, oven chips and a minute steak went down well, along with one sweet corn cob a day boiled for 2mins and drizzled with butter. The plums straight from the tree have yielded well this year. Lovely. We should be having sweet corn for another month and its such a quick meal. The savoy cabbage and swede are now on the menu. I hope Phil and I give off the right vibes behind our masks.
Apple Days at Gold Hill Organic Farm Sat 26 Sept 10-4pm Sun 27 Sept 10 -4pm Book your 1/2hr time slot at [email protected] Bring your own sterilized glass bottles and we will pasteurize the juice for you. 50p/bottle Sara 8 WITHOUT A PADDLE Just thought as I have now got the flour, that I would make some bread in the bread maker (so much easier.....!) and then we could enjoy a home-made loaf...yum! Got all the ingredients out, measured them and switched on...... 4 hours later should have a lovely loaf. I then went outside, phew...hot and watched as the pest controller climbed the ladder to exterminate a wasps nest. Poor wasps but they were in the wrong place very near the bedroom window where the grandchildren are going to sleep. A very awkward place to get to too but hopefully they have now been dealt with and will no longer come into the house and buzz around. Anyhow I then went and picked some of the lovely looking figs off our tree. Went back to see how the bread making machine was getting on. Shortly after I heard this very strange noise, quite loud and I thought it must be some amazing exotic bird that had flown onto the house! It sounded just like a turkey making a gobbling noise, how weird is that in the middle of summer. Suddenly realised that it was actually the bread maker which was making the noise, doesn't normally! Doesn't normally, oh gosh, I have forgotten to put the blade in the bottom of the bread pan. So stopped the machine, pulled out the bread pan turned out the contents, now really goey and like elastic, stretchy and sticky and going everywhere and put them in a bowl. Cleaned out the pan, put in the blade...... of course I can't put the dough back in the bread maker because the timing will have gone and the machine will start all over again. So into a loaf tin it goes and on top of the boiler to try and rise...... and that is were I have left it at the moment, fingers crossed that it will behave. Hopefully it will eventually turn into a lovely looking, edible loaf?! Next time I will definitely check that the blade is in the loaf pan. Jo Gardner
THE SAXON Thank you for your support as we all work towards the new normal! The government “Eat Out To Help Out” scheme has been a huge success, it has been a lot of fun having the garden full again! The beer garden is in full swing and tables spaced out inside. We are open for longer hours – 12-close on weekends. The new menu is up and running and going down well!
All the very best, Craig and Emma.
THE CROSS STORES After many years of dedicated service to the village, Rose has stepped down from the position of Subpostmaster and has passed on the role to me. We would all like to thank Rose for her hard work over the period that she has been Subpostmaster and to wish her well in her next endeavour. We have embarked upon a project to replace the majority of our fridges and freezers. Our new freezer units are much more energy efficient and the glass door fridges have allowed us to be more confident about stocking fresh meat, especially during these hot summer days. We have had a number of requests for us to stock fish, and we now plan to stock a limited range as well. You may also have noticed the little flower posies which are on display outside the shop. These are supplied by Emma from Just Gro, who are a local florist. She plans to keep us stocked up regularly.
9 ‘WE UNITE TO ASSIST EACH OTHER.’ Before the advent of the NHS one of the ways the poor could afford health care was to join a ‘Friendly Society’. For a modest monthly subscription they would provide you with access to a surgeon if you fell ill, pay your wages whilst you were ill and, if the treatment weren’t successful, enough money for your wife or husband to bury you. In 1827 the first such society was formed in Child Okeford as a branch of the wider, Dorset Friendly society. It held its first annual celebrations in 1828 when the members enjoyed an ‘excellent dinner’ at the Baker Arms, hosted by the landlord John Newman. Sadly he was to die in 1836 but before doing so he opened a new pub, ‘The Union Arms’, and almost certainly set up another benefit society, known as a slate club. Such clubs were usually established in pubs and were simpler in their operations, the rules and accounts being written up for all to see on a slate on the wall. When circumstances changed the slate was, quite literally, wiped clean. By the end of the 19th century the village appears to have had three benefits society. The ‘Child Okeford Union Benefit Society’ -which was almost certainly the same as the one Newman established- a branch of the Dorset County Friendly Society and the Society of Oddfellows. The annual meetings of these societies were always great occasions and in Child Okeford, as in most villages are the pre-cursors of the modern fete. One meeting of the Dorset County Friendly society held at Shroton in 1876 had a procession over three quarters of a mile long. From 1899 to 1904 the combined societies organised festivals in the village but they stopped after this time and nobody knows why. The last festival in which they all took part in was in 1937, on the occasion of the Coronation of George VI, when they met at the Manor House for tea, the children were presented with Coronation mugs and they all listened to a broadcast of the King’s Speech after which there was community singing. The clubs appear to have survived in good condition throughout this time though, with healthy membership roles and continuing to pay sickness benefit. Indeed in 1937 on the eve of war they were joined by a newcomer -the Women’s Slate club. The membership numbers suggest that it was not exclusively for women and indeed many people did join several slate clubs. From now on it is the Women’s Slate club that holds centre stage. Throughout the war they raised money through another innovation of the 1930’s -the whist drive. The Red Cross, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Aid to Russia, The Friendless Sailors Comforts fund and the RAF Pilots and Crew fund all benefited from their efforts. With the establishment of the welfare state, the need for these societies diminished and in 1848 the Dorset County Friendly Society closed, a century after it had been founded. The slate clubs however appear to still be going strong. The final newspaper reference to both the ‘Union Arms Slate Club’ and the ‘Women’s Slate Club’ came in December 1950. At the time the Union Arms had 183 members whilst the women’s club was doing even better with 311 members. After 1950 they are heard of no more. It seems unlikely that both clubs ceased to exist suddenly but there are no more records or anecdotes about them; we simply have no idea what happened to them.
10 THE CHILD OKEFORD UNION BENEFIT SOCIETY BANNER Banners were an important part of any 19th century organisation and led the procession that accompanied their meetings. This banner almost certainly belonged to the Union Arms slate club as it’s motto is different to that of the Friendly Society or Oddfellows. It was made in 1868 by the firm of George Tuthill, 83 Bow Street London. Tuthill was the son of a miller and was born in Yorkshire. He learned his trade as a painter amongst the showmen who attended the livestock fairs before moving to London and becoming the a regalia and banner maker. His work encompassed banners, collars, sashes and caps for all sorts of organisation including Friendly societies, trade unions and collieries. He is thought to have made over three quarters of all the Banners etc. made in this country. Despite working for organisations espousing the cause of the poor he died a very wealthy man leaving nearly £32, 000 in his will; the equivalent, in modern terms, of just over £2 m. The Child Okeford banner was found in the loft of the Union Arms in 1977. Thereafter it had a troubled history as by the 1990’s it was in need of repair and the cost, some £4300 + vat [about £8000 in today’s terms]was beyond the reach of the village and it was passed to the County Museum at Dorchester to preserve it, and where it is stored today. The front of the banner shows the classic cycle of country life; ploughing, harvesting and sewing. To emphasise the centrality of the agricultural labourer, there is not one machine in sight. There is however a windmill and one suspects that the banner was an “off the peg” design rather than bespoke commission. The back of the banner shows the a member of the Benefits Society, possibly a doctor, attending a remarkably well looking patient. In the background the representative of the benefits society, who bears a striking resemblance to the patient, is dropping money into the wife’s hand in order to pay the doctor. Over the bed is a canopy, hardly something that the average ‘Ag Lab’ would have had the space for in his bedroom, again suggesting perhaps an off the peg design. We cannot know for Tuthill’s business was bombed out in the war and all his records destroyed. The firm carried on as flag maker’s in Chesham into the early 21st century but has now closed the factory being turned into housing named, appropriately, “Flagmaker’s House”. This article has been prepared by the author using information provided by the British Newspaper Archive as part of a paid subscription to “Find my Past”. The author would also like to thank David Pope for supplying the photographs of the banner and additional information which is held in the Village archive. Larger versions of the picture can be found at https://childokeford.org/we-unite- to-assist-each-other/ Kevin Pearce
11 s PURPOSE MADE JOINERY Hopefield' Doors, Windows, Wardrobes, Kitchens etc The Hollow NIGEL BASTABLE LTD Child Okeford Quality Carpentry & Joinery Tel: 01258-860459 Property Alterations and Repairs www.nigelbastable.co.uk
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Manor Barn, Child Okeford, DT11 8EF Tel: 01258-860638 [email protected] www.manorbarnbedandbreakfast.co.uk Cari and Peter Sorby
Five Star luxury accommodation at the foot of Hambledon Hill. Easy access. Two ensuite ground floor bedrooms with private sitting room.
CHILD OKEFORD VILLAGE HALL Central village venue for all occasions Richard Rowe including parties, weddings, christenings, PICTURE FRAMING social events and meetings. Excellent advice and Expert framing The current regular users are: Badminton. Oils, water colours, prints, photographs etc Table Tennis. Short Mat Bowls. Wives’ Group. Gardening Club. Gilding, wash line mounts, dry mounting Flower Arranging Club. Lunch Club. Restoration of oils, water colours & prints For further information please contact Can collect and deliver Sandra Abbott 01258 861802 Tel. 07968 235566 [email protected] Unit 3, Vale Farm, West Orchard, SP7 0LJ www.childokeford.org
12 24 Hour Service Edward’s Taxis & private hire Serving the Three Okefords 4 to 7 seats – wheelchair accessible vehicles
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The Baker Arms, Child Okeford w 01258 860260. email: [email protected] Follow us on Facebook @Bakerarmsdorset, for updates & events. www.bakerarms.co.uk
James and Desi wish you a warm welcome.
We serve a freshly prepared, regularly changing menu and can cater for small seated gatherings of up to 15 people. We can also cater for buffets, wakes etc for up to 60 people, please contact us to discuss your requirements. If you have friends or family visiting then why not book Daisy Cottage, our ‘Home away from Home’ letting cottage, all details & images are available on our website.
James & Desi
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Two holiday lets sleeping four and six people that can be rented separately or together Lucinda Sunnucks - Chisel Farm DT11 8HH Tel 01258 863413 [email protected] www.chiselbarn.co.uk
ZUMBA - Latin-Inspired, Fitsteps FAB – a fitness class based on Ballroom & Latin dances easy-to-follow, dance fitness class FITSTEPS Monday 9.30-10.30am Portman Hall Monday 10.45-11.30 Portman Hall Shillingstone Shillingstone FAB Wednesday 11.15-12.00. Marnhull Village Hall Tuesday 10.00-11.00am Community Centre £6.00 per class Child Okeford Thursday 9.30-10.15am Pimperne Village Hall Nicola Thommes - 0788 792-1717 Wednesday 9.30-10.30am The Exchange [email protected] S Newton All classes are suited to the over 50’s 13 REFLECTIONS FROM AMERICA Falling in Love During the War Years My Mom, Winifred Unity Tulk Devendorf, was fourteen years old when World War II started. She had left the school she attended in the wonderful building on the High Street in Child Okeford that is now a private home, in 1939, and found work as a maid in a local manor house. She was sort of a “middle child” with two brothers and two sisters who were older than she, and two younger sisters. One of her brothers, Arthur, was an infantryman in the Suffolk Regiment and, after capture by the Japanese, was forced to work on the Burma Railway also known as the Death Railway. Somehow, he survived the horrific POW camps and returned home in 1946. Another brother, Harold, was a member of the Home Guard in Child Okeford. Her two older sisters were already married and the two younger sisters were still in school in 1939. Fast forward a few years; the Americans had finally joined the war effort and troops were billeted in surrounding Dorset communities. It seems that many villages in the area provided activities that brought locals and servicemen together. My Dad met my Mom at a dance in the Village Hall in Child Okeford. He shared some memories with me before he died in 2013, including the fact that Mum was wearing a bright red jacket to the dance which, as he said, caught his eye. He told me that it was love at first sight and their courtship resulted in their wedding at St. Nicholas Church on July 31, 1945. Photo below of the happy bride and groom with guests on Hambledon Hill.
What strikes me about the picture is the fact that while eighteen people are in attendance, only three are men. At this point the war in Europe had ended, but it had not in Japan which came a little more than a month later. I also love the radiant smile on my Mom’s face, and my Dad’s handsome head of dark, wavy hair. I’m including some bits and bobs from a letter Dad wrote to his brother in America on August 2, 1945 from Antwerp, Belgium, because they depict a man deeply in love with his beautiful English bride. 14 “I left Antwerp, Belgium Wednesday night, July 18 to spend 7 days in England. Well the first nite (sic) was spent on a train going to Paris arriving there about 8:30 Thursday morning. We had a layover until 11 that nite where we got on another train to go to Le Havre. We arrived there next morning and spent about 3 days getting our leave papers in order, changing our money to British currency and drawing a complete new issue of clothes. Monday morning we got on a boat for Southampton and docked Mon. nite about 9 but they kept us on the boat until 10 Tues. morning but by Tues afternoon about 2 I was home. It came as a complete surprise to them all because I couldn’t let them know exactly when I would be coming but it worked out very well as Winnie was having her holiday that very week. Well the first nite was spent visiting with her folks and it wasn’t until Thurs nite we really decided to get married. Then it was rush, rush, rush until it was all over with Monday afternoon at 2:30.” We even had to travel to Salisbury to request a special dispensation since the banns could not be read on three successive Sundays because I had to return to my unit. “In the meantime, I had got a 2-day extension and when I reported back to Southampton, I found there wasn’t a boat leaving for about 4 days so I took off again and spent that time with Winnie so we had nearly a week together of married life. One of the happiest weeks of my life. We had thot (sic) to wait until perhaps I was discharged but after we were together for a few minutes we soon changed our minds about that and I am glad we did not because I wouldn’t trade that week for anything in the world. It was really wonderful and I have the sweetest wife a man could ask for.” A continuation of the story, with the tale of a birth, longing, a move, and settling in, in a new country will be included in the October edition of the Hill. Pat Stocker
OPEN AIR THEATRE AT THE SPRINGHEAD TRUST, 31 AUGUST Springhead Mill Lane, Fontmell Magna, SP7 0NU
We are delighted to be holding two outdoor performances of Great Expectations, a one man show with David Mynne, in conjunction with Artsreach at Springhead on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August, one at 2pm and one at 6pm.
Originally performed in 2013, Great Expectations was David’s first solo show. It has toured the UK, gaining excellent reviews, and a highly successful run in Los Angeles, in 2018. Most recently - following the government announcement that England’s outdoor theatres could reopen for live performances - Great Expectations was the first show of the new season of events at the Minack, Cornwall.
Ticket cost £12 adults, £8 children under 18. Numbers are very limited and can only be booked online at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/artsreach
Gates will open at 1.30 and 5.30 respectively and you will be shown to your seats which will be spaced so that you are in your own ‘bubble’. Hand sanitizer will be available and you are advised to bring a mask in case you want to use the facilities.
Kate Partridge
15 SHILLINGSTONE RAILWAY STATION Railways, the Cinema, Cine film, VHS and DVD By Jack Bath - Museum Curator at North Dorset Railway, Shillingstone Station Part 1 - “RAIL WHEELS TO MOVIE REELS and LATER DVD DISCS” Not many of us haven’t, at some time or other, watched a fine account of some archive or heritage railway brought to us by the marvel of DVD or YouTube, so where did it all start and what are the origins of seeing not only trains and railways in action but also the transport scene in general. Railways have always held an affinity with the cinema, there’s hardly a film that doesn’t depict a train or railway location somewhere in the storyline. Even at the dawn of cinematography back in 1896 the first bit of moving film was a short image of a train entering a station in France. People in the audience ducked when they thought they were about to get run over by an approaching train! In the late 1920’s and early 1930’s John Grierson of the Empire Marketing Board developed what we now know as the ‘Documentary Film’; stories about people’s lives, their workplace and their existence through times thick and thin. In 1934 Grierson headed the newly formed GPO film unit who soon got the job of making films about all kinds of jobs, social problems and work activities and during this period in 1936 the unit made a railway film not many of us haven’t seen called ‘Night Mail’ all about the travelling post office. The GPO film unit also made films for the major railway companies, film now seen as a great advertising medium promoting all sorts of advancements in freight and passenger services and achievements. The World War Two stepped in and prestigious train travel ceased. All the now experienced film makers taught by Grierson, such as Harry Watt, Basil Wright and Alberto Cavalcanti to name but a few now found themselves documenting for the Crown Film Unit of the Ministry of Information often in a propaganda role. After the war the major railway companies, trying to get back ‘on track’ formed film units of their own in an attempt to convey public confidence in rail travel and job opportunities. However, it was with the advent of transport nationalisation in 1948 that a big leap in transport film production took place with the creation of British Transport Films (BTF) and which has been a major source of film availability on our modern viewing platform of electronic home viewing. Heading the newly formed British Transport Commission film unit BTF in 1950 was Edgar Anstey, another protégé of John Grierson’s old GPO film factory and for the next thirty six years over 1,500 films, commercials, filmstrips and later on, videos were made extolling all the virtues of the transport scene’s modernisation plan of the 1950’s and beyond. Subjects were training films, latest techniques in engineering and public awareness of increasing travel comfort. In recent years it is these productions that have formed the backbone of DVD availability. The period of BTF from 1950 until its demise in 1986 can be divided into two periods of the first 12 years where BTC financed the film production nominating the subject matter followed by another 24 years whereby BTF became independent, financing itself by seeking commissions from various transport authorities, road sea, land and air. One hallmark of transport films, particularly archival titles were their photography in the black & white format but in the final years colour was introduced. 16 What may be surprising is that following BTF’s independence in 1962 they received commissions from organisations other than transport departments. Many Travelogues were made including far away exotic locations as well as home-grown holiday resorts and places of interest, after all, as film makers of renown, they had an order book to fulfil. Another surprise is the fact that by using colour film BTF received commissions to produce nature films and believe it or not, it was one of these titles, a film called ‘Wild Wings’ (1965) all about the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust in Gloucestershire that actually won an Oscar, the stars of the film being Mandarin and Pygmy geese and the like and not a train or locomotive in sight! The list of transport film titles is too long to list here but just about every topic of British Railways steam railway scenery, innovation and infrastructure of 1950’s and 1960’s has been recorded on film and many of the titles are available on DVD if not on YouTube. When you do manage to view any of the films look out for the little BTF logo at the end credits and closing title. One BTF railway film to definitely watch on DVD or search the web which featured the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway is called ‘Single Line Working’ and filmed at Shepton Mallet in Somerset and although attempts were made to generalise the location the type of locomotives used disclosed the actual whereabouts and of course the S&D line itself.
Child Okeford, DT11 8HB 01258 863866
www.theartstable.co.uk
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On Monday 10th August, 20 members of Child Okeford WI got together for a fun, educational, healthy & socially distanced Treasure Hunt and the weather was so good to us. During our Hunt, we saw where Sooty, Sweep & Soo lived (with Harry Corbett), translated a bit of latin & learnt a bit more about how the WI had contributed to village life. All Notice Boards, house names and signs were read for information and answers to the clues. A great way to learn about the village.
A big thanks to The Baker Arms and especially their patrons for their help with some translation. After a walk around the village, with lots of talking along the way, catching up not only with fellow members, but also villagers it was back to the Community Center field for self-provided refreshments, catching up and of course the answers to clues. Lots of laughter. It was so good to see so many members again and all agreed, it should be repeated and it will be on Tuesday 25th August when we will have a WISA (WI Social Afternoon). If you didn’t make the Treasure Hunt on the 10th, come along and have a go at the Treasure Hunt – a great way to see some of the village. What else is new: Check our web page for future events, update on the Bean Challenge, news & catch up with the latest video from NFWI featuring our own Gaynor Waring, netball host: https://childokefordwi.wordpress.com/our- sub-groups/ Ongoing Events: Three times a week some of our members get together for a socially distanced walk and a natter. There are so many benefits to walking, especially with friends, both mentally and physically. Why not join us?
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Next Meeting: In addition to our WISA (WI Social Afternoon) on Tuesday 25th, on Monday September 14th, Carrie Diamond will join us to tell us all about Getting Gold at Chelsea. Subject to Government guidelines, room availability & members wishes, we will be trying to meet (socially distanced) together. However, if this is not achievable, Carrie will do her talk via Zoom. At the time of writing, we are still keeping our options open! For further details of this, and future events, do go to our website. For more details or a chat about joining our lively, creative and busy WI please contact: Pam Morris, President : [email protected] Liz Thomson, Secretary : [email protected] Website : www.childokefordwi.wordpress.com @ChildOkWI
Sturfit is open - and members can now book gym sessions online!
We’re so happy to be back, and the feedback from everyone who’s been in over the last few weeks is that all the hard work preparing and planning to keep everyone distanced and safe is totally working.
• Sessions must be booked in advance, are 60 minute duration and are limited to 6 people per session. There is 15 minutes between sessions for cleaning. • There are no walk-ins. The centre will remain locked and access will be granted at the start of each session through the main door. At the end of the session you will leave by the fire exit. • No gym towels, showers or lockers. Please bring only what you need and keep it with you throughout. • No requirement for facemasks.
You can also now manage your bookings online – simply contact Mel or Roger to get set up.
If you haven't ventured back to the gym yet, then do take a look at Roger's walkthrough video tour on our Facebook page (just search ‘Sturfit’). Hopefully it's a reassuring look inside the gym so you can see the procedures in place to keep everyone safe. There has been brilliant feedback from those already using, and we're so pleased to see numbers increasing daily.
Any questions or queries then please do give us a call at the centre on 01258 471774 or drop an email to [email protected] and Mel or Roger will happily talk you through things.
Thanks Everyone, see you soon.
Courtenay
Chairman of the Trustees.
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The Japanese Anemone ( Chinese Anemone , Thimbleweed or Windflower) A Herbaceous perennial from the Ranunculaceae family flowering late summer to autumn providing much needed colour for pots and in borders. Its name derives from the Greek word ‘anemos’ meaning ‘daughter of the wind’. The Roman poet Ovid in his Metamorphoses suggests the plant was created by the goddess Venus who sprinkled nectar on the blood of her slain lover, Adonis. This romantic story is considered fitting for this delicate star shaped flower with its rich colours. William Turner in ‘A New Herbal’ of 1560 said ‘The Floure never openth it selfe , but when the wynd bloweth.’ Superstitious beliefs include the protection of evil ill wishes and diseases to gestures of forsaken love and bereavement. Tinctures were made to treat menstrual cramps and emotional distress. In Rome anemones were used as talismans to help prevent fevers. Anemones are best grown in full sun to part shade and in rich humusy well drained soil . They may need protection from the wind and need to be kept moist. They are a vigorous , fibrous rooted plant that grow 2 - 4 ft tall . They can be invasive in some areas. The large, single flowers are a final source of pollen for pollinators and the plant looks delicate and graceful. During the day the stunning blooms turn their petals upwards towards the sun and at night bow their heads to protect their seed pods from the rain. I found this Japanese Haiku for this lovely late summer flower by Lizzie Ballagher. flower flurry fire – petalled pink perfection-stars low as my shoulders At The Oasis Plant Centre we keep 4 cultivars all priced at £7.50 The compact Prinz Heinrich –an attractive dark pink with slightly shorter flower stalks. Queen Charlotte –a fabulous, soft, pale pink flower to bring colour to your garden. Andrea Atkinson an improved version of Honorine Jobert – a vigorous pure white single flower. Prolific bloomer over a long period. Whirlwind a gorgeous large, semi double, pure white flower head with large dark green leaves.
Val Harbour 01258 861325 [email protected]
20 BLANDFORD MUSEUM Henry Durden He has his own dedicated memorial plaque in Blandford but is now almost a forgotten man. His name is Henry Durden, he was the founder of the town’s first museum and many of his artefacts were discovered on Hod Hill. Henry Durden was born in 1807 and in the 1859 Post Office Directory he is listed as a grocer and seller of wines and spirits. The Durdens were a respected Blandford family and they played an active part in the town’s life. There is a Durden listed in a 1791 trade directory as a Blandford grocer. Henry’s father, John was mayor in 1837. Henry held the role on three occasions- 1863, 1874 & 1880 while his son, another John, was also mayor later in 1893. Above his shop at the corner of the Market Place and Salisbury Street, he opened a highly regarded museum. On display were 60 urns which were over 2,000 years old and all found within eight miles of Blandford. Most of the material in the museum was from Dorset including prehistoric items from Hod Hill and various local barrows. There were also flint arrowheads, bracelets and coins including a ten shillings piece of Elizabeth I’s reign. So respected were his acquisitions that in the archives of the British Library in London there is a book entitled ‘Catalogue of the Museum of Local Antiquities collected by Mr Durden of Blandford’ (George Payne 1892). Many of the items found at Hod Hill were as a result of ploughing. He would frequently buy items that were discovered by the locals. Henry Durden was little known outside of his home county until his work was discovered by Charles Roach Smith who was co-founder of the British Archaeological Society. In addition to items from Dorset, Durden acquired artefacts from Ireland, Denmark and the USA. He also purchased some items from Kent. In November 1880, Roach Smith wrote: ‘These thoughts have been excited by a very recent visit to the collection of local antiquities made by Mr Henry Durden of Blandford under most favourable circumstances. I had for many years known them and by the kind sanction of Mr Durden had repeatedly drawn attention to and commented on them in my Collectanae Antiqua but more than ever am I now impressed with their surpassing interest.’ Henry Durden died in 1892 with his son, John taking over the grocery business. Over 2,000 of his items were sold by John to the British Museum. He also had a large coin collection which was also sold while some other artefacts were sold to the Pitt-Rivers Museum. Appropriately, the blue plaque dedicated to Henry Durden can be found in Blandford in a place known as Durden’s Corner. Blandford Town Museum Bere’s Yard Blandford Forum [email protected] 01258 450388 21
Call Andrew on 01258 837092, weekdays or weekends
SARAH WARREN SPECIALIST PAINTER Hand-painted kitchens, bedrooms, studies & individual pieces of furniture
07842 412219 [email protected]
AUTO DIAGNOSTICS Steve Bealing ~ Painter and Decorator ~Interior & Exterior SERVICING, REPAIRS AND MOTs Friendly Professional Service TO ALL MAKES AND MODELS Competitive rates with no VAT (SERVICING CARRIED OUT TO NEW VEHICLES All jobs considered WITHOUT AFFECTING WARRANTY) Tel: 01258 861803 ~ Mob: 07815 957296 RENAULT SPECIALIST WITH 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE. COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE. FREE LOCAL COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE.
14D, SUNRISE BUSINESS PARK, HIGHER SHAFTESBURY ROAD, BLANDFORD FORUM DORSET DT11 8ST TEL: 01258 480456
Piper Brown Residential Cleaning 07488254215, [email protected] Weekly, fortnightly & monthly cleans Holiday lets, one off, after builders, move in/out cleans bed changing, ironing
Fully insured, reliable service, references available
SEAMSTRESS Clothing alterations & bespoke clothing. Curtains & cushions. No job too big or small. City and Guilds qualified. Call Rosie Lovell 01747229981/07780703641 www.facebook.com/rlneedlethread
22 The Saxon Inn Child Okeford Come to your friendly old village pub
Excellent home cooked food Good selection of Real Ales Cosy bars and log fires Large Garden and Superior Four en-suite Bedrooms Alfresco Dining Area Call 01258 860310 Craig and Emma welcome you
CHILD OKEFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE Monday – Friday Your venue for coffee mornings, childrens 8am – 6pm parties, family celebrations etc at Playing, Learning, Having Fun competitive rates All year round Full kitchen facilities For more information or to make a booking Baby Room Ursula Taxis 07581 041778 Toddler Room [email protected] Pre-school Room www.facebook.com/ChildOkefordCommunityCentre Breakfast, After School & Holiday Clubs High quality play and learning RB BURROWS & SON experiences tailored to meet each (ROGER BURROWS) child’s individual needs
PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER Good links with school and easy access to well -equipped outdoor GAS SAFE/OFTEC Registered installer play areas and countryside
www.thearkchildokeford.co.uk 8, Millbrook Close, Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset 01258 861066 [email protected]
M&M Stoves & Chimney Services Child Okeford Your local friendly HETAS Qualified Engineer ● Fully Certified chimney sweep ● Installation of Multifuel/wood burning Stoves ● Installation of liners and twin wall systems ● Chimney Construction, Pointing & Capping ● CCTV Surveying Call Jason on ● Free no obligation quote 01258 451067 ● Fully HETAS Insured ● For all your chimney needs. Man & Van A.R.O Cleaning Service A competitively priced & reliable fully insured service. Offering house moves, office moves or single items. Carpet Cleaning, Chimney Any distance 7 days a week. Sweeping, Domestic Cleaning, Contact Tim 01963 204205 0r 07745 858440 email [email protected] One stop shop for all your home & business cleaning needs.
Ring 07772231913. www.aroservicingltd.co.uk
23 CHILD OKEFORD GARDENERS CLUB August Report August does seem different this year, especially without the Annual Show which is an important feature of village life. However, if you are feeling bereft you could start planning for next year when hopefully ………… . This month’s help comes from John Mellor in the shape of a recipe, whether or not you have a surplus Marrow - an alternative use. No holidays and a new watering system has resulted in a glut of Marrows from my two plants of an F1 hybrid. Maybe you have had the same success and have exhausted most of the ways to eat them? My family has a tradition of making ‘Marrow Pickle’, based on my grandmother’s recipe. I cannot vouch that this is a West Riding delicacy, but I have never seen it outside the Huddersfield area. Here is Grandma Sally’s recipe: Ingredients 2lb/ 1kg Marrow flesh (from a peeled and de-seeded 4lb/2kg marrow. 3lb/ 1.5kg Pickling onions, shallots or onions 1 small cauliflower. 1oz /30g pickling spice 1oz /30g ground ginger 3/4lb / 350g sugar 3 pints / 1.5 litres brown malt vinegar Method Prepare marrow cutting into chunks about bite size. Place in a bowl and liberally salt. Cover with tea towel and leave overnight. Next day prepare the shallots/onions and cauliflower, again bite size. Mix the vegetables together in a large pan, add the vinegar and sugar. Tie the pickling spices into a muslin cloth and add to the pot. Place on the stove/hob and bring to the boil. Boil for 10 mins or until the marrow pieces are soft. Add the ground ginger and bring to the boil again, then bottle the vegetables making sure the liquor covers the veg. Label and date the jars and place in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks to let the ginger insinuate itself into the vegetables.
24 Notes The result is a sweet, soft and gently gingery accompaniment to roast beef, cold cuts and strong cheeses. It is eaten a little bit like pickled beetroot. The proportions of the marrow, onion and cauliflower don’t have to be accurate. It is possible to use clear vinegar, but this results in a paler pickle. Kilner type jars are perfect for the bottling as they have wider necks. These quantities should make about 8 pints / 4 litres of pickle. The pickle will last for 12 months if the jar seal remains unbroken. JM 12/08/20 Handy Hints from Roger Hull I mentioned in the August removing tomato leaves below ripening trusses. Often the leaves are quite dense and, if you are cutting near the main stem, it can be difficult to see whether you are removing a leaf or a truss – disaster if you cut the truss. You can distinguish between the leaf stem and the truss stem; the leaf stem has a groove on its upper side whereas the truss stem does not. There have been reports this year that some courgettes are bitter because they contain a toxin called cucurbitacin which is in wild courgettes and bred out in cultivated varieties. The occurrence of the toxin may be due to the very hot weather or poor quality seed. The toxin can cause illness and the advice is to check by taking one courgette from each plant, cutting a small piece from the stem end and touching it onto your tongue. If it tastes bitter do not swallow and remove the plant. May I thank everyone who has offered advice and repeat that any tips or hints that work for you will be gratefully received if you care to send them to the Club email address. As I write this it looks as if the much wished-for rain is just arriving and will save on the daily round of watering, so hoping that all grows well in your garden and that we all meet soon in the months to come. Keith Leighton (Vice-Chair) ph 01258 861462
CHILD OKEFORD WALKING GROUP We are going to try a walk in late August keeping to the COVID advice of having no more than 6 people from different households and arranging an outside pub meal. If this is successful I will try to arrange a walk for the 17th September. Would anyone interested for this September walk please contact me by 7th September – the first 6 six people will have a place on it. Roger Hull Tel: 863418 Email: [email protected]
25 NATURE NEWS First hedgehogs. Homefield has for as long as I can remember been a bit of a hotspot for hedgehogs in the village, but recently they seem to have proliferated more widely. We have had them visiting our garden in Duck Street for the last few weeks, and in the last couple of weeks I have had reports of sightings from our neighbour, Bill Ebdon (on his trail camera), from further up Duck Street from Bill Morris (also on camera), and from Alf Strange in the High Street, and Alan Blundell reported seeing one crossing the road in Duck Street. Has anyone else seen hedgehogs in their garden recently? On the bird front, Alf Strange has seen a large flock of Linnets on the slopes of Hambledon Hill, and a Barn Owl in the day time, around ten o'clock, down at Bere Marsh Farm. Marilyn Peddle adds that the owls have had a couple of chicks this year. Other sightings reported: Bill Ebdon reported uncovering a lovely copper-coloured slow worm, about 8 inches long, on moving a small pile of hedge cuttings. Unfortunately by the time he got back with his camera, it had made its escape. Bill Morris reported capturing a young fox on his trail camera.. In his regular email regarding moths and butterflies, Roger Hull reported that he had seen over recent days numbers of second brood brimstones and holly blues; those sighted in March and April being the overwintering parents. He added that the second brood versions are more brightly coloured, with some differences in the colouring - the second brood holly blue having a much darker edge to the wing; possibly effect of temperature and/or light on their development. He also said that the warm evening had brought out many moths. In the last couple of days there had been a big flight of silver Y moths - it carries its name on it wings (see photo below).
26 Not a lot of reports in the past month; possibly the very hot and humid weather has resulted in lethargy and exhaustion on the part the village's nature watchers! I know it has with me. However, just before the deadline for my article I had an email from Jo Gardner containing some points of interest over the previous couple of weeks from her garden iin Haywards Lane. Most exciting must have been “Sitting on the terrace the other day we saw something move and there suddenly in front of us, about 3 feet away, was a weasel. It stood still for about half a minute and just stared at us as if to say who the blazes are you, and then scampered off - a lovely sight.” She has had various insect activity. Firstly cobwebs on apple trees containing lots of rather spooky, tiny caterpillars; then another web containing a beautiful hairy caterpillar with a streak of red and yellow down it's back, which she concluded on looking it up must be a Vapourer Moth Caterpillar. And then, rather scarily, Hornets nesting in one of the corners of her roof just by a gutter, which then began invading the house, and had to be got rid of. She subsequently saw a hornet in the garden, latching on to a bee and eating it. Finally, a pigeon fell down their chimney and landed in the fireplace, which they managed to get hold of and release. We also had a pigeon in the house. While sitting in the conservatory, engaged in a Zoom conversation on the laptop, I saw a Woodpigeon waddle round from the kitchen looking quite relaxed and at home. I shooed it out and shut the conservatory door, but then five minutes later it waddled back in again, having come in through the kitchen door. Quite what the attraction was I've no idea, and it has not attempted to return. A phenomenon I have noticed in the last couple of weeks (late July/early August) is the large number of grasshoppers that fly up when I'm walking through grass of any length. I'd not noticed this earlier in the year. Presumably they had not matured then? I saw on one of Marilyn Peddle's recent photographic diary emails that she had been up Hambledon Hill late in the evening a couple of times in early and mid July, looking to spot glow worms. She said that she had seen around 20 on the first occasion and around 40 on the second occasion. All of which reminds me of the occasion three or four years ago when the National Trust organised an evening visit to the Hill to see glow worms. A great success it wasn't. Unfortunately the visit coincided with there being cattle on the Hill, and most people were too engrossed in avoiding cowpats in the dark to really concentrate on looking for glow worms. Please keep emailing me interesting news, to [email protected]
CHILD OKEFORD FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB Update on COFAC, Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, for the immediate future the meetings will not take place. However, Sue Brown has been organising “The Flower Therapy Group”, which I gather has many followers and has been very much enjoyed. Sue sends out an email with the “ Design suggestion for the month and participants send their photos of their arrangement into Sue, either by email, text etc and she will judge who considers has achieved the best interpretation. For those who would like to participate contact Sue Brown 01258 863775 for more information. Best wishes Sandy Millard
27 MANSTON AND HAMMOON Parish Council meetings are scheduled every three months (March / June / September / December) on the first Wednesday of the month. ( 2nd September 2020/ 2nd December 2020 / 3rd March 2021/ 2ndJune 2021 ) The meetings take place at 6pm in the Manston and Hammoon Village Hall (Manston, Dorset, DT10 1EX). Please be aware that the dates and times of the meetings may change - Please check the dates and the agendas below / or on each village noticeboard. Joanna Ramsay Parish Clerk Manston & Hammoon Parish Council Manston Village Hall Coffee morning 5 Sept 10.30-12.00 Hello everyone and good news, we are having our usual coffee morning. Weather permitting it will be outdoors in our gardens where we also have a play area for children. If it rains we can go indoors and have enough room for social distancing. Please don’t feel you have to be from our village all are welcome from near and far.
HILL COPY DATE Please could we have your copy for the next edition by 19 September. We welcome contributions by email to [email protected] or please pop them through the door at Highlands, opposite the ‘old’ Post Office. It is also helpful if you would leave a phone number. The letters and articles published in The Hill are accepted in good faith and the views expressed are not necessarily the views of the Editors, whose decisions on publication are final. The Hill is published by the Child Okeford Parochial Church Council & printed by Sarum Graphics. The Hill Team DISTRIBUTION OF THE HILL We noted in the August Hill that we hoped to resume deliveries of hard copies of The Hill to subscribers homes locally with the September edition and this we have done! We must particularly thank our delivery team for their patience during the lockdown and enthusiasm for delivering The Hill once more. The Hill Team
CHILD OKEFORD CENTRE FOR CARE AND LEARNING (COCCL) Readers will be well aware of the current COVID restrictions on public gatherings and the use of public spaces. We are sorry that, in these circumstances, COCCL will be unable to present any talks this coming winter. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years and, of course, our many splendid guest speakers. The future remains a mystery but we will let you know if and when the Winter Talks may resume. The COCCL Trustees. 28
Whi ecliff S ge , Eagle Ho e S ge , Child Okefo d S ge , Whi ecliff Mill S ee , Blandfo d Fo m, Whi ecliff Mill S ee , Blandfo d Fo m, Uppe S ee , Child Okefo d, Do e , DT11 7BH Do e , DT11 7DQ Do e , DT11 8EF THE BLANDFORD GROUP PRACTICE NEWSLETTER AUGUST
FACTS AND FIGURES
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UPDATE FROM THE SURGERY FLU CLINICS 2020 The Blandford Group Practice will be starting the annual flu vaccination clinics in September 2020 Patients over 65 and patients with chronic health issues, such as asthma and diabetes, will be contacted by our Patient Services Team shortly to invite them to make an appointment This year our clinics will be much smaller and more robustly controlled to abide to social distancing regulations so please bear with us. We request patients do not arrive early for their appointment and DO NOT attend if you have any of the symptoms consistent with Covid-19 or don’t have an appointment Patients attending the surgery for their pre booked appointment should attend on their own (except for those requiring a carer), with no personal belongings, wearing a face covering and clothing easily removed to expose their upper arm We are awaiting further guidance for patients aged 50 to 64 and those who are identified as eligible will be invited LATER in the season for their vaccination The number of patients eligible for the vaccine this year is significant, and we request you are patient and wait to be invited Help us to help you stay safe and well this winter
CHILD OKEFORD PARISH COUNCIL There was no meeting in August. The next meeting will be 7th September via Zoom. Please contact the Parish Clerk for meeting details and login.
CLEANER WANTED
Child Okeford Community Centre
If you are interested please contacted Kirsty on 01258 860477
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LOCKSMITHS 24/7 Quantum Locksmiths • Locks changed/repaired, UPVC specialists • Key cutting, doors/windows repaired • Lock Out/Gain Entry, DBS Checked & fully insured, No VAT Reg Hogg 01258 721236, mobile 07900196427
Plumbing & Heating by Knight Plumbing & Heating Services Gas Safe no. 546449 07791303302 - 01258 861372 [email protected]
KEITH ALLEN BAFRA Member, City and Guilds Qualified Tel: 01258 860068 or Mob: 07717 827427
RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION WORK Repairs & Restoration to all Antique & Period Furniture, Longcase and Bracket Clocks Veneering and Repairs to Veneer, Marquetry Repairs French Polishing, Staining, Colour Matching & Finishing
ELM HOUSE STUDIO Child Okeford DT11 8EJ Pottery made in Dorset by Cath and Jerry Broadway Ceramic artists Brightly coloured Earthenware and Stoneware Ceramics Studio Pottery for all occasions Telephone: 01258 863662 Email: [email protected]
WELL TRODDEN PATH A lifestyle approach to being fit and well.
Offering Sports and Remedial Massage, Personal Training and Stott Pilates. An holistic take on wellbeing and fitness to work towards your goals and ambitions. With Matt and Kate, qualified and insured fitness professionals. Please call for more details (01747 811920) or look at our lovely website. www.welltroddenpath.co.uk or email: [email protected]
PEAKE PERENNIALS
BEHIND OASIS PLANT CENTRE, SHAFTESBURY ROAD CHILD OKEFORD, DT11 8EQ Stocking over 300 named varieties of unusual Perennials and Grasses New plants added throughout the season Vegetable seeds and Spring flowering Bulbs Open Weds to Fri 9am-5pm (Mon and Tues by appointment) Weekends and Bank Holidays 10am-4pm www.peakeperennials.co.uk Tel: 07708872918
THE OKEFORD BENEFICE www.okefordbenefice.org Facebook @okefordbenefice Rector and Rural Dean: The Rev’d Lydia Cook 863774 / [email protected] (Lydia’s day off is Saturday) Licensed Lay Minister: Mr Mark Riley 860718 Lay Worship Leaders: Mr Steve Vestbirk 860910; Mrs Abi Rudd 861367 Lay Pastoral Assistants: Ms Carolyn Angelucci 860049; Mrs Ruth Allen 860068; Please direct all enquiries regarding Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals to Lydia The benefice is grateful to be served also by retired Lay ministers Details of all services throughout the Benefice will be found in The Hill The Okeford Benefice takes its responsibilities surrounding the safeguarding of children, young people and adults who may be at risk very seriously and works in partnership with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure that we work in accordance with best practice at all times.
Our Benefice Safeguarding Policy can be viewed on our website. If you have any Safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact our Benefice Safeguarding Officer Sue Chandler on 01258 861432 or 07554 425971 or by email [email protected].
Child Okeford with Manston PCC Parish Council Clerks Secretary: Mrs Gaynor Cox 01258 861145 Child Okeford PC [email protected] Correspondence Secretary: Mrs Ruth Allen: 860068 Manston and Hammoon PC
[email protected] Churchwardens
Child Okeford Bookings Mr Simon Baird: 860477 Child Okeford Village Hall Mr Keith Allen: 860068 [email protected] Sandra Abbott 01258 861802 Hammoon Mr Charlie Poe: 860325 Child Okeford Community Centre Mr Steve Vestbirk: 860910 Ursula Taxis 07581 041778 [email protected]
Manston Village Hall Mrs Carin Ljungdell: 472825
The Hill Shillingstone Parish Magazine Subscriptions: Editor and Magazine Advertisements Alan Blackman: 860118 [email protected] Diana J Lewis: 472704 [email protected] Distribution: The Fippenny News Please contact Alan Blackman or Richard Muffett Editor: Derek Day: 861979, Editor and Advertisements [email protected] Richard Muffett: 860010 Child Okeford website:www.childokeford.org [email protected]
34 WHAT’S ON IN SEPTEMBER Church Services p5 2nd Manston & Hammoon PCM p27 5th Manston coffee morning p27 7th COPC meeting (Zoom) p30 14th CO WI meeting p18 15th Battle of Britain ceremony p5 16th CO with Manston APCM p4 17th CO Walking Group p24 26/27th Gold Hill Apple Days p7 31st Open Air theatre p14