FFIIPPPPEENNNNYY NNEEWWSS The Community Magazine for The Parish of Okeford Fitzpaine and is OCTOBER 2018 50p THE OKEFORD BENEFICE serving the parishes of:­ Child Okeford with Manston, Hammoon, Okeford Fitzpaine and Shillingstone Benefice Website: www.okefordbenefice.org Facebook: @okefordbenefice The Ministry Team Rector and Assistant Rural Dean: The Rev'd Lydia Cook Email: [email protected] Tel: 01258 863774 Lydia's day off is Saturday Assistant Curate: Rev'd Karen Wilson Email: [email protected] Tel: 01258 861051 Karen's day off is Monday Licenced Lay Minister: Mr Mark Riley 01258 860718 Lay Worship Leader: Mr Steve Vestbirk 01258 860910 Lay Worship Leader: Mr Peter Willetts 01258 861065 Lay Worship Leader: Mrs Abi Rudd 01258 861367 Lay Pastoral Assistant: Ms Carolyn Angelucci 01258 660049 Lay Pastoral Assistant: Mrs Ruth Allen 01258 860068 Please direct enquiries regarding Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals to Lydia The benefice is grateful to be served also by retired Lay ministers St. Andrew's Okeford Fitzpaine Churchwarden: Mrs Sue le Riche 01258 861830 Churchwarden: Mr Brian Lawrence 01258 863749 Secretary: Mrs Elizabeth Colls 01258 860743 Treasurer: Mrs Carol Landricombe 01258 860858 Editor: Derek Day eMail: [email protected] Address: 3 Castle Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, DT11 0RL Tel: 01258 861979 Twitter: @FippennyNews The deadline for copy is 17:00 on the 20th of each month. Copy can be accepted in any format but is preferred as a Microsoft Word compatible or text file. Images can be accepted in any digital format, or on paper up to A3 size (297mm x 420mm). Leader ­ October 2018 Simon and I used to run a 32 acre smallholding and we used to greet October with a small sigh of relief. The harvest was mostly over, winter feed would have been made, straw delivered, turkeys growing nicely, pigs fattening on apples and garden produce and always a bit of time to take stock and marvel at what such a small acreage can actually produce. What strikes me from my diary entries of the time is how much we relied on our own strength and also the time and gifts of others: contractors who managed to squeeze our bales into our tiny yard, farming friends who gave us winter logs for a cut of grass, an unexpected gift of 10kgs of field mushrooms (that was a busy cooking afternoon…). It was a mixed time of year for us: the harvest was in, but we also looked forward to bringing the ewes into lamb, so it was always a pivotal time. Harvest is this gift to us – it reminds us to thank God for the bounty of the earth, and to feel that sense of connection to the passing of the seasons which roll on and on with a seamless, measured pace that cares nothing for the life of politics, and other man­made vacuities. What has always struck me when talking to farmers, or indeed allotment holders is how well they know “their” patch of land. Many local farmers have farmed in our area for generations and have a deep understanding of the way their fields work. Even on a small scale, gardeners and allotment keepers know how best to nurture food and flowers from their soil and how best to keep the land healthy and productive. This is knowledge on the micro scale and how important that is. While we may not be able to influence wider climate change and the issues and problems of waste and agri­economics, we can make a difference in our gardens and fields. God wants us to be good stewards of our land. Ultimately, we don’t own the land we live and work on – it is God’s and to God it will return in the fullness of time. Our job is look after it to the best of our abilities, in our time and place. This is a holy responsibility. Rev'd Lydia - 3 - The Village Community Group are pleased and proud to announce that Okeford Fitzpaine has been awarded "The Best Large Village in Dorset 2018" presented by Dorset County Council in association with Dorset Community Action. The event is sponsored by Magna Housing Association with over 40 villages entering the competition. This is a fantastic accolade and is as a result of a concerted effort by community volunteers and residents in presenting and keeping our village up to a very high standard. Thanks to everyone who gave their time over the past 4 months to cleaning and tidying up the village and to those who planted and maintained the flower boxes/baskets. A plaque will be installed in the centre of the village to commemorate this event. In addition we were awarded the runners up title in the Environment Award where the Little Lane Project was judged in great esteem. Congratulations to Dilys and Jeremy for their efforts in achieving this award. All in all this has been a wonderful year in recognising the Beauty of our village and the pride that has been shown by residents. Both The Daily Echo and Radio Solent will be reporting on this event Mike Wood Village Community Group The Friends of Blandford Hospital hold their final fundraising event of the year on Thursday 29th November. Doors open for their Christmas Bingo in the Hospital Dining Room at 6.30, with eyes down at 7.30pm. The seasonal prizes will be better than ever and all guests will receive a complimentary mince pie and mulled wine or juice. Further info from 01258 451456. - 4 - At the Dorset Best Village Awards ceremony on 25 Sept, LITTLE LANE LINK to TRAILWAY project was RUNNER UP in the 'Environmental Champions Award' category receiving a cheque for £75. and a framed certificate which will be proudly displayed in the village. Supporters of Little Lane Upkeep Group invites you to become a SLLUG to help with regular weeding and maintenance for the enjoyment of all. Contact Dilys or Jeremy Gartside. dgartside@okefordfitzpaine­pc.gov.uk Dilys Gartside I would like to thank the very kind person who popped a treasure through my letter box. It was an unopened cellophane packet of unused printed greaseproof ‘Oakford’ butter wrappers from the dairy of Phillips & Son. On the wrapper it says ‘National Butter’ which could mean a wartime issue? I will be making further enquiries but I can see it in a glass display case with other historic village artefacts in the village museum when it has been re­vamped on acquisition by the Parish Council. I would love to know who you are, to thank you personally for parting with such a historic item so that it can be shared by others. Susan Clay - 5 - - 6 - - 7 - Living in a cold home can be bad for your health. Consistently low temperatures in your home may exacerbate existing health issues (particularly respiratory and cardiovascular conditions) and make it harder for you to recover from illnesses. It can cause you and your family to feel miserable at home, affecting concentration, dexterity and mental health. Dorset County Council has been working to address these issues and make it easier for people struggling to heat their home to a healthy, comfortable temperature to access free advice and support and free insulation. Residents can now contact Healthy Homes Dorset ­ a one stop shop for all cold home and energy queries. The service aims to provide free, impartial advice about keeping your home warm, understanding your heating system and energy bills, switching energy supplier and making energy saving improvements – eligible households will receive free loft and cavity wall insulation. The service also aims to prevent isolation worry by signing residents up for power cut advice so that in the event of a power cut, they have the support that they need. Energy advice can be given through home visits as well as over the phone. Fire safety alarm and appliance checks can also be organised in partnership with Fire and Rescue for eligible residents. Healthy Homes Dorset will also be working closely with relevant organisations to ensure that the team are able to refer and signpost residents for additional support. This could include ensuring you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to or support in making essential improvements to your home. Insulation is one of the best ways of lowering your energy bills as well as replacing old, inefficient heating systems. Healthy Homes Dorset can let you know if you’re eligible for funding to help towards the cost of making your home warmer and more comfortable. Please contact the team if you would like any advice or you know anyone who would benefit from a referral. Call: 0300 0037023 Email: [email protected] Web: www.healthyhomesdorset.org.uk Healthy Homes Dorset is a service provided by Dorset County Council, funded by Public Health Dorset and managed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy in partnership with Evolve Home Energy Solutions. Paul Winney Healthy Homes Dorset - 8 - Quiz Night FRIDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2018 DOORS OPEN 6.30PM ­ QUIZ STARTS 7PM £6 per person ­ 6 to a team Please bring your own drinks Food will be provided (cheese,crackers etc) Raffle Childrens Toys and Clothing Sale SATURDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2018 STARTS 2PM £5 PER TABLE To book a table please phone the school office (01258 860530) Xmas Bingo FRIDAY 16th November Xmas Fair 14th December More details next month PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL - 9 - Join us for lunch on Friday 05th October at 12:30 Village Hall ­ £6 per head Chicken Pie with Vegetables Vegetarian Pie Lemon Posset Tea/Coffee Booking Essential Please: 01258 861830 / 01258 861063 The November First Friday Lunch will be on Friday 02nd November.