Valley News July 2022

E E FR

Issue 181

July 2022

for Whitechurch, Whatcombe, Clenston, Stickland, Houghton, Turnworth & Milton Abbas

Helping to inform and unite the Community

EVENTS

Winterborne Whitechurch Jubilee Party On the Sunday of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend many of the residents of Winterborne Whitechurch came together to celebrate this momentous event.

It was a great joy that so many villagers, both old and new, came along to the village hall in the afternoon. There was a lucky dip, face painting, crafts, free ice creams, lollies, sweets and lots of games. The children’s crown competition was a delight, as was the balloon modelling contest for the adults.

Matt Black, Piano Man entertained us all royally with his great musical ability and humorous asides. What a talent to have in the village!

During the event guests were invited to partake of the goodies displayed in front of the stage. All the food was brought by the partygoers and shared. We definitely have some of Dorset’s best bakers in this village! Yum Yum The party finished with the loyal toast and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem.

Thanks to the generous grant from the Parish Council which enabled the event to be completely free and a big thank you to everyone who helped make this a most memorable occasion, but most of all thanks to Her Majesty for all her years of service.

God Save the Queen.

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EVENTS

QUINFEST charity event will take place at Milborne St Andrews Sports Pavilion.

Quinfest is a family music festival in memory of Amy Quin to be held on 8-9th July (Saturday as the main day) to raise much needed funds for the Poole Hospital Charity and Marie Curie.

Quinfest was formed in 2019 as a fund raiser for Brain Tumour Support who had given help to Amy, Amy, after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016. Very sadly she lost her battle in 2020.

The festival now carries on in memory of Amy and to raise money for cancer charities.

The fun will start at 11.30am. There will music through the day from bands and solo artists, with dancing. It will be an ideally safe place for children who will have plenty to do and see and acres to run and play in. And for their Mums and Dads there will be traders and food and drink stalls. Camping will also be available for those who wish to make a weekend away from Friday night to Sunday morning with some entertainment by Matt Black Friday evening from 7pm £5 on the door. Saturday Day Tickets £15 KIDS GO FREE UNDER 12. TICKETS AND INFO WWW.QUINFEST.CO.UK

DEADLINES for the August Edition Adverts Articles

SUNDAY 10th JULY FRIDAY 15th JULY

Disappointment – or new opportunities?

The current Valley News Team has decided that the time is right to seek new volunteers to manage the magazine. Many of the team have been involved for some 10 years or so, and Mark Steele and Graham Case for over 16 years. Once discussions on where to take the magazine were started, it became apparent that the most sensible route to prevent the magazine ‘withering on the vine’ would be to announce the decision in good time and hope that someone else would come forward to take over the running of the Valley News – or a new magazine. We plan to continue until the December edition – this would give time for a new and revitalised team of volunteers to come forward.

Our decision was not taken lightly. We do understand that there are many in our community who have really appreciated having a free community magazine every month and will be very sad if we have to cease production. When things were going really well, we were able to make often generous donations to community groups for local projects. Sadly, the appeal of the magazine in general terms seems to have been waning, perhaps as a result of the pandemic and the ever-increasing use of the internet; it has been increasingly difficult to attract contributions from the community and also advertisers (who are also hard hit by the current cost of living crisis.)

We realise that if we cease publication it will leave a hole in local information so we are very keen that someone comes forward to keep the magazine going. Financially the magazine is in good order and there are no debts involved as the finances have been wellmanaged over the course of 16 years! So we can guarantee that none of our advertisers will lose out financially.

Everyone involved in the Valley News is a volunteer, and that includes all our deliverers – we are continuously grateful for their support which has allowed the magazine to be delivered to you, free of charge because of the advertisers who have used us. We thank them all.

There is an effective infrastructure in place just looking for a new team with new ideas to seize this opportunity and move the magazine forward.

If anyone is interested, please get in touch via our usual email address – news@valley-news.co.uk – for an initial informal chat.

We hope that you enjoyed the Jubilee celebrations that were organised by many teams of volunteers, and we thank them for their hard work. The weather stayed (mostly!) kind for the four days so we hope that you were able to make the most of the events.

The Valley News Team 3

In the words of the poet Mary Oliver’s ‘Instructions for living a life’: “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”

With prayers for all who live in this area Rev’d Lewis Pearson revlewispearson@gmail.com 880482 Rector of the Winterborne Valley and Milton Abbas Benefice

Milton Abbas Surgery 24th July 2022 is Samaritans Awareness Day No matter what you are going through the Samaritans are there to listen, 24/7, without judgement or pressure. So, if you are struggling and don’t know who to turn to, please just pick up the phone and dial their free helpline: 116 123.

You may also want to consider calling the surgery and speaking with Kelly, our Social Prescriber. She will be happy to be a listening ear and may be able to signpost you to support and help with whatever concerns you are facing.

Whatever you are facing, remember you are not alone. #TalkToUs Plant and Veg Swap We have set up a plant/seedlings swap where people can donate any spare seedlings or plants they have, and then anyone who comes to the surgery can pick up a plant on their way out.

We would like to say a BIG thank you to all of you who have already contributed to our plant and veg swap here at the surgery.

So far already we have had tomatoes, courgettes, dwarf green beans, purple sprouting broccoli, salad leaves, dahlias... the list goes on!

Please keep bringing them in to us.

And once you have potted your new plant at home, if you can bring the empty pots back to the surgery for them to be used again that would be great. Thank you everyone!

Are you a Carer?

The beginning of June saw the annual carers week take place with various events taking place across Dorchester to support carers locally. We know caring for someone can be difficult and isolating.

If you care for a family member or friend who has a disability, illness or needs support in later life, please let us know.

It is important that we know that you are an unpaid carer so that we are aware of the extra pressures you are under and can offer you appropriate support and information. Please contact Kelly or speak to any of the team who will be able to help you.

Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall Firstly, I would like to say thank you to everyone who supported our Jubilee party on 3rd June. It was a fantastic evening.

A few dates for your diary. Bingo is on 16th July, cash, and prizes to be won.

Coming up in August we have a quiz night on the 6th, keep an eye open for our poster or contact for details. On 20th we have a Race night with fish and chips, this event must be booked.

Another event which must be booked is Steve Marks Live tribute on 24th Sept with buffet.

Both are £10.

We are happy to have secured a booking with Matt Black, Piano Man, in December.

Our regular events which are popular are New Age Kurling on Thursdays at 10am, all welcome.

Crafty Natter is fortnightly, pop along with or without a craft, chat, drink tea, make friends. Learn to crochet, knit etc. we have crafters happy to show you how. Next sessions are 1st 15th 29th July 12th 26th August.

Hall maintenance is still ongoing; a warm thank you to Chris & Vlad who maintain our front garden - it looks lovely.

Other maintenance includes a new fire exit pathway, new guttering, new entrance porch & front doors, new arch window and painting the hall outside. If anyone can provide us with a quote for any of this work, please get in touch.

Please see our new website for details of all events & activities.

Our hall is a great venue for your private hire too.

100 Club Winning numbers: June: 87, 74, 84 info.wwvh@gmail.com • 881416 • www.wwvillagehall.com

Churches in the Winterborne Valley and Milton Abbas

There’s no such thing as a free lunch….

As I write I am preparing to go away for a few nights on retreat.

I do this once a year and this time I will go to a new place for me, Tinkerbell Cottage in the grounds of Lee Abbey It’s a time to slow down, to pray, to write, to read and to be re-created. It’s not always easy to slow down and this week I find myself trying to tie up various things that should be done before I go away, safe in the knowledge that I will forget something. As the to-do list has felt like it’s continued to increase rather than decrease I have caught myself at various times thinking that it would be easier not to go. Fortunately it’s an expectation that I do this as part of my role and I know it’s something that the Bishop may ask me about, and deep down I know that I need these times. It’s often in these times where God seems to work in terms of new idea and thoughts, bringing that which has felt hazy into a clearer focus.

Slowing down isn’t always easy and most don’t have retreats booked into their schedule. Yet to slow down and become aware of our internal condition is paramount as soulful people. The writer Evelyn Underhill speaks about the sacrament of the present moment. By this I think she means taking the time to stop and to be thankful even for the seemingly insignificant moments, a conversation with a friend, a walk, a pint at the pub (insert whatever works for you).

Our soul is in constant wonder and wants to slow down and appreciate all that we see, feel, hear and taste. It wants us to slow down and enjoy what’s happening around us and in us. It wants us to wonder. If we keep hurrying, keep doing, keep being busy, we lose that sense of wonder. We lose the deep peace and satisfaction that wonder can bring. Ultimately, we lose the connection with our soul, with who we are and with God. There’s nothing wrong with working hard. God has given us all gifts and talents and he enjoys it when we use those. But he doesn’t want us to keep running without ever taking a break. He doesn’t want us to be so busy doing, that we never have time to just be. God wants us to wonder. It’s God who has created our souls with that very longing.

… however, you can get a perfectly good two course meal (and a glass of sherry) for as little as £5 on the second Wednesday of each month in the Milton Abbas Reading Room.

A small group of ladies (supported by Trevor Payne) take it in turns to test out their culinary skills on unsuspecting residents of this and neighbouring villages. The problem is “too many cooks” who are now outnumbering their customers!

Before Covid-19 there were always around 20 or so participants but sadly, since the re-opening of the Milton Abbas Lunch Club a few months ago, the numbers have dwindled to 6 or 7.

So, why not come along to the next lunch – you never know you might like the food – and you can also take the opportunity to meet some of your neighbours on Wednesday 13th July between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m.

As is customary when more than three people meet in Dorset, there is a raffle (50p a ticket) so attendees are encouraged to bring a small raffle prize to put into the draw. All profits are set aside to subsidise a Christmas Lunch.

To book your place at the next Lunch Club please register your name with Milton Abbas Post Office by Monday 11th July to give the cooks time to buy the food.

Jennifer Harrisson

Items for Sale For sale: metal framed headboard, brass top rail and ivory paint elsewhere, to fit 5’ double bed. Excellent condition. £50 ono. Buyer to collect.

Contact Graham on 880074 For sale: 3 Belfast sinks suitable for use in the garden. £10.00 each and buyer must collect.

Contact Zena on 880433

Pamela Hambro Memorial Hall 100 Club June 1st 118 Hazel Lappin 2nd 166 John Felstead 3rd 117 Lynne Rainford 4

July 1st 191 Kevin Morgan 2nd 136 Beth Young 3rd 107 Sheila Pilkington

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Milton Abbas, 19:30, will feature some new evidence about the long four hundred year, and complex history of Milton Abbas Grammar School. Do come along and see what we are up to.

Stickland Table tennis for adults The table tennis club meets on Tuesday afternoons from 2-4pm, and most Fridays from 7-9pm. We have been experiencing a drop off in numbers and would welcome new players - we are a friendly club and don’t play in a league, so everyone enjoys their play at whatever level! Do come and enjoy the sport that is good for both mind and body.

Graham Case 880740

Viva Las Vegas Last year I told you how I'd won the chance to play in a big poker tournament in Las Vegas, and I thought it only fair to let you know how I got on!

The whole thing was organised by a company called Redtooth who run various tournaments and competitions throughout the year, flying 100 winners from around the country to Las Vegas for a play off to find their UK champion. I was entered into 2 tournaments, the first being the 'Welcome' event, open to the 100 winners and their guests. It was a knock out event, with 156 players starting, the last man or woman standing winning another 2 week holiday in Vegas and entry into the World Poker Tournament next year.

I was at a table with people who seemed to play in a fairly straightforward manner, making bets when they had a decent hand and folding poor hands. This was definitely my comfort zone. The secret to doing well in these circumstances is to win as much as you can when you get that elusive great hand, and minimise your losses when it looks like you are beaten. After a gruelling 7 hours of play, I was astonished to make 13th place, winning $100, and the privilege of having my photo on the Redtooth site.

The second tournament, played 2 days later, was the main event and open to just the 100 winners. The prize for first place was £8,000 cash, £5,000 worth of goodies, and the chance to be the 'face' of Redtooth for the coming year, although my own goal was to just come in the top 50.

This time I was at a table where there was lots of aggressive raising and within around 30 minutes I'd folded three pretty decent hands after players had made huge raises, losing about half my chips. I was looking at potentially being the first to be knocked out! Then I found myself with a pair of 10's, a prettty decent hand so, deciding it was time to make a stand, I raised big!

All but one player folded. The next card came so I bet another sizeable chuck of my chips, hoping to scare him off. But it didn't work and he called my bet. What on earth did he have? When the last card came, I didn't dare 'invest' any more of my chips and declined the chance to bet. That was all he needed - he could see me running scared and made a large bet himself. Every fibre of my body wanted to fold, as to bet more chips then to lose this hand was to effectively seal my doom. But folding at this point would leave me with a pretty meagre stack of chips anyway. Also, this chap had seen me fold to big bets previously. Was he trying it on?! With my heart in mouth I called his bet to find he'd been bluffing! There were murmurs of appreciation from those around the table as I scooped up the large pile of chips. I was back in the game!

This was a real turning point for me and I'm not sure if it was my imagination, but from that point on people didn't try and raise me quite so much. But it remained a tough game and as more people were knocked out, only the stronger players remained. I was eventually knocked out in 25th place so was pretty happy with the result. Overall it was a nerve wracking experience but one I'll never forget - and something to tell the grandchildren about.

My final word on the subject is, if you've not played poker, give it a try. It's a very easy game to learn with no cards to remember or collect, and great fun if played with friends for small stakes. All you need are basic maths skills and the ability to tell if someone is lying or not!

Nick Allen

Rose Grant I just wanted to say a big thank you to Rose Grant for everything she has done for our villages over the years. When we first came to live in Winterborne Stickland some 15 years ago, we discovered her wonderful cidery, where she made delicious cider and apple juice.

Every May, we were welcomed to the May Queen Festival and what a colourful and uplifting country affair that was, with traditional music, Morris dancers and, of course, cider! It also gave a lovely opportunity to local lasses who wished to become the May Queen.

Throughout the summer, we continued to drink the cider, storing some away for the dreary winter months. Each January, we were invited to Rose’s Wassail, another splendid, traditional event which brightened the winter season. Twelve fires were lit for each month of the year, plus a smaller Fire of Renewal. A truly spectacular sight and celebrated with more cider! We have continued to attend these events when possible and had a wonderful time. Rose has always worked so hard to produce her award-winning cider and has given so much pleasure to so many with her traditional events, which are part of our national, as well as local, culture. On behalf of us all in Winterborne Houghton, Winterborne Stickland and beyond, Rose, we wish you a well deserved and happy, healthy retirement.

Carolyn Walsham

Milton Abbas Local History Group So now we know!

One of our members gave a presentation at our June meeting about the building of the lake and dam in Milton Abbas by Joseph Damer, Lord Milton. The excavations were started after Capability Brown had died, although it might already have been planned by him - unfortunately his designs do not survive. With just manpower, shovels and wheelbarrows this was a massive undertaking, similar in scale to the 18th century canal building, except paid for by just one man, with the profits from his Irish and Milton Abbas estates.

After the construction came the filling - which is a great story in itself since Lord Milton shut the sluices to the Milborne Brook which stopped several water mills functioning, and cut off the supply to the farms downstream and Edmund Morton Pleydell's manor at Milborne St Andrew. Despite judgements against Lord Milton from 1795 onwards, he carried on regardless, and the Morton Pleydells gave up and moved to Whatcombe House.

We have shown that the story by the Rev Pentin, vicar of Milton Abbas, published around 1904 concerning the flooding out of the last leaseholder, William Harrison, is just that - a story with no evidence whatsoever.

This was a super piece of research and shows just what can be achieved by a close examination of surviving documents. There is more to this story because there were further court cases and proceedings against Lord Milton's heirs, including Caroline Damer and Lord Portarlington.

By the way the lake never did fill to its design as you can see today; the lake is about 30 feet below the height of the dam. The Abbey Church and mansion house were surely meant to be viewed from the three arched bridge looking across the lake and reflected in its surface, an absolutely typical Brown design.

New members are still joining our group and the latest recruits are adding considerably to our knowledge by transcribing and using the latest LiDAR images. Many thanks to all our transcribers over the years - because of their hard work we now have over a thousand documents available to search by our members. This makes research so much easier and more reliable.

Do follow our website to see the latest findings.

Our next meeting on Wednesday 6th July in the Reading Rooms, 6

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Seeing her glide in a ghost-like way along the corridor one of us would approach her, link her arm and continue walking towards the exit, chatting to her all the while, making a 'U' turn at the end of the corridor, before walking her back to her room. She would settle then but she always had a defeated look on her face, and I felt sad for her. Mavis's family are aware. Sometimes they stay a little longer to keep an eye on her, but today is different because Sonya, Mavis's granddaughter, is here, causing a stir in her ‘short Goth’ attire. I've never understood the dyed black hair, pierced blackened lips and Gothic dress sense but each to their own.

Sonya is always matter of fact with her grandma, unlike the rest of the family. They fuss a little too much for Mavis. Attending to her needs, checking how her diet is going, has she gained or lost weight?

Is she still having the occasional lucid moment? Sonya isn’t that way inclined. She sits by grandma's bed and chats about her friends, her little weekend job, and isn't deterred by the lack of communication from Mavis, who always looks brighter during her visits.

Weeks pass by and Sonya and the family continue to visit, but not always together. I put Sonya's visits down to her interest in dementia. She is useful to have around and is with Mavis now so I am busying myself serving dinners, when Gladys calls out for a bedpan and Maureen is demanding a drink; we are all kept busy with constant requests for attention, when, on passing Mavis’s room, I notice that Sonya, and more importantly, Mavis, are nowhere to be seen. It’s necessary to find them before I continue my duties.

The bathroom is an obvious place and, as I make my way there, I see note on the back door; "I will help my grandma with the 5-bar gate - S". What was she thinking? I rush through to the garden. It's a mild evening and daylight is turning to dusk but I can see Sonya and Mavis heading slowly through the 5-bar gate, leading to the park. I call to my colleagues saying I will be gone for a few minutes and hurry after them. In the dim light I can see Sonya and Mavis approaching four or five other people, also dressed in Gothic style clothing. It's a sinister sight and I am anxious and confused. They are leading Mavis towards a bench overlooking the lake. In the dimming light I see that one of them is placing a cushion on the bench, another is wrapping a blanket around Mavis and the tall one with the Mohican hairstyle and chains hanging from his trousers is holding a bulging carrier bag.

Slowly, I make my way towards the group. The ever-brightening moon is casting a white glow onto the lake. The ducks are sleeping, their heads turned around, beaks tucked under a wing, and bats are beginning to circle overhead. On any other evening this would be an idyllic place to be.

The group, all sat on the bench with Mavis in the middle, are unaware of my approach. Close enough now to hear their muffled chattering, I can see the one with the Mohican is handing something to Mavis.

It's difficult to see what is going on but hearing the gentle buzz of conversation from the group I begin to wonder whether my fears are justified. The distinct smell of take-away food makes perfect sense... Had Sonya asked for permission to do this she knew the answer would have been ‘No’. So, she had colluded to give Mavis an evening to enjoy. Whether Mavis has the capacity to remember we shall never know, but I genuinely hope she will. Chrissy Adamson

Go peat free to protect the planet Peat has been taken from wild places for use in compost for many years, damaging some of the last remaining peatlands in the UK and overseas. This process releases carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. Sadly, more than 94% of the UK’s lowland peat bogs have been destroyed, causing the loss of a wealth of wildlife, and this vital habitat cannot easily be replaced.

Peat-free growing compost and soil conditioners are becoming increasingly available, however many suppliers still use peat as an organic ingredient.

Top tips on going peat free Take a little time to read the content information on compost bags, you may need to shop around. Be aware that peat is also used for potted plants, shrubs, soil plugs and pellets that often come in gift boxes. Again, always check the label.

Be vocal Help demonstrate consumer demand by asking for peat-free options. Avoiding peat products will encourage retailers to respond to consumer demand.

Potted plants There are a number of peat-free alternatives; all providing good conditions for growing. Decide what you would like to grow and find out the best peat free soil that works for your chosen plants. You may want to research and experiment with Bark chippings, Coir, Wood fibre, Composting.

I'm sure many of you will have bought the 3-bag money off deal thinking it will be enough, only to find ourselves going back several times during the growing season. Consider ordering more bags to increase the bulk order, saving yourself further trips, hauling heavy bags to and from the car.

Ask your neighbours (including your allotment co-operatives) if they would share a bulk order of peat free growing compost to achieve a large enough order to qualify for free delivery. Insist the compost/soil is all peat free. Suppliers are good at responding to customer demand. If possible, give a 5-star review for suppliers who provide a good range of peat free growing medium. Market competition is a good way of encouraging competitors to keep in step with market demand.

On behalf of Dorset Wildlife Trust

Greetings from Corfe Mullen Hope this finds you all fit and well!

Just recently - at the beginning of June - I unfortunately had to attend no less than three funerals in three weeks.I suppose for some of us in the 70's age group are going to have to face losing old friends and family members but it is always hard, and makes you realise none of us are getting any younger! At least I was comforted by the fact that all three dear people knew they were going to spend their afterlife with Our Lord Jesus. That in itself is a comfort for those left behind grieving.

The last of these farewells was to Dulcie House from Milton Abbas and my goodness! Didn't she get a good send off in the Milton Abbas church with beautiful music sung by a choir. That was so lovely!

We have lost so many of our dear friends in the Valley over the years - but they will never ever be forgotten. They made the whole fabric of the community so much richer with their different gifts and talents!

God bless you all, Heather Sims

Wish you were here There I am, flat on my face, the heavy gear on my back crushing me down into the filthy mud, water lapping around my feet. I can’t feel my legs. No point in trying to stand, I’ll be shot again.

Sorry, Mother. I told them I was 18 and they believed me. So, there I am now!

All I want is you to be here, with your golden curls and loving eyes.

“Sh, sh” you would say,” it will be alright”, holding my head to your heart like you do, did.

I'm scared. I love you.

I wish you were here.

Annie Thom

The 5-bar Gate One day Mavis may succeed in her efforts to slip away without being seen, not because our staff are incompetent or don't care but lack of funding has left us stretched, it only takes one or two urgent situations to render our care inadequate.

Mavis frequently leaves her bed, making her way towards the back door in her ambition to gain access to the grounds. We usually see her before she reaches the exit but on one occasion, she was caught climbing the 5-bar gate at the bottom of the garden. At 91 years old, no mean feat. Her only attire was vest and panties. It was a cold night, but she didn't seem to notice. If Mavis managed to climb the gate, what are the chances she would fall and hit her head?

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C.W. ABBOTT & SON

Bedding and Vegetable Plants Roses Perennials and Shrubs Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds Potting Compost Large selection of Pots Open daily 10am to 3pm Langton Long, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 9HR • 01258 452513

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CROSSWORD

Compiled by Nick Donnelly There are two sets of clues, Cryptic and Concise, but remember, you cannot mix the clues as the cryptic answers are different to the Concise ones.

Answers will be given in the next edition.

CRYPTIC Across 1. Gut the Spanish officer (7) 5. Need half of Army before ultimate David Coleman’s output (7) 9. Absolutely in the character of unfilled sudoku count around start of day (9) 10. Imagine 500 pages after another 500! (5) 11. Article with gold, even wackos may have worn these (7) 12. Hessian bag royalty (7) 13. Having lost one, drunk Minister confused tart on BBC for example (11) 16. Faded without soft drink (3) 17. Routine but exciting time (3) 18. Crazy Imam, mad hula, great boxer (8,3) 20. Lambasts wise men surrounding Virginia (7) 22. The French Navy stripped Macau port (7) 24. Starts the music with piece of Chopin trombone concerto (5) 25. First aider’s new advice, “wine for starters” (9) 26. Is training ship after blue perverts? (7) 27. Say bone soup to a vegan, its their favourite! (7) Down 1. The queen is after cleaner law beginning to thankfully improve Civil Service qualities (15) 2. The Spanish, in this way, used to catch horses (5) 3. Standard even taints invaders (7) 4. Female forger in South Africa (9) 5. People may as well give you the clue (5) 6. Cocktail with Norton, say (7) 7. Ace airman rummaging around in New Orleans tourist shop? (9) 8. Devil holding silver mesh is at the middle of Antioch to cancel attraction (15) 14. Switched on play consumed around four doughnuts initially (9) 15. Guides capital police back feet, according to East Londoner (9) 18. Horse love in coasters used by fishermen (7) 19. Competitors won’t win this (1, 6) if they let this happen (7) 21. Booty finally displays window decorations (5) 23. The writer will be heard separating blocks of seats (5)

CONCISE Across 1. Looked up to (7) 5. Shuffle (7) 9. Patience (9) 10. Shut (5) 11. Ancestry (7) 12. Floor covering near entrance (7) 13. Extravagantly (11) 16. Type of carp (3) 17. Affirmative (3) 18. Aspirin, for example (7,4) 20. Gangster (7) 22. Illusionist (7) 24. Port near Edinburgh (5) 25. Collectibles from US (9)

26. Completely (7) 27. Sinews (7) Down 1. Military projectiles (9,6) 2. Italian city (5) 3. Peruse again (7) 4. Wild flower (9) 5. Horse (5) 6. Small fish (7) 7. One who takes bets (9) 8. Musical instruments (8,7) 14. Pertaining to prison (9) 15. Most crude (9) 18. A knight of the round table (7) 19. Care (7) 21. Significant (5) 23. US state (5)

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across 1. Liberated 6. Rasp 9. Acer 10. Off-putting 11. Employ 12. Narcosis 13. Irritating 15. Seen 16. Thug 17. Dilettante 19. Unvoiced 21. Hardly 22. Ticketless 23. Ease 24. Anon 25. Establish Down 2. Incomprehension 3. Enrolling 4. Agony 5. Effendi 6. Ratio 7. Sentimentalists 8. Outright 14. Audacity 15. Stairwell 18. Lidless 20. Oaken 21. Hosta CONCISE Across 1. Qucikstep 6. Trot 9. Film 10. Apostrophe 11. Stumps 12. Iolanthe 13. Undertones 15. Able 16. Tilt 17. Expedition 19. Snowfall 21. Borrow 22. Plastering 23. Toil 24. Tyre 25. Ethnicity Down 2. Unintentionally 3. Camembert 4. Scams 5. Emotion 6. Thorn 7. Ophthalmologist 8. Utilised 14. Teenager 15. Antarctic 18. Palmist 20. Waste 21. Begin

COPIES AVAILABLE FROM DEADLINES for the AUGUST Edition

WHITECHURCH St. Mary’s Church, East Farm Shop MILTON ABBAS Post Office, The Hambro Arms, St. James’ Church, Steeptonbill Farm Shop, Milton Abbas Surgery STICKLAND St. Mary’s Church, The Crown BLANDFORD Tourist Information Centre, Hall & Woodhouse Visitors Centre ONLINE issuu.com/valleynewsdt11

Adverts (Business and Events) SUNDAY 10th JULY ads@valley-news.co.uk Articles and all other copy FRIDAY 15th JULY news@valley-news.co.uk Late submissions may not appear until the following edition 10

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NEW WORKS, EXTENSIONS and REFURBISHMENT. Richard Disbrow RIBA Blandford 01258 454879 www.bryanstondesign.co.uk e-mail bryanstondesign@btinternet.com

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Polly 'Bs' Local lady doing: Holistic Treatments, Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Ear Candling.

Also Beauty Treatments Facials, Waxing, Eyebrow/Lash tinting.

Manicure and Pedicure Nail cutting and Hard Skin Removal.

Appointments available during the day and evenings.

Some treatments can be done in your home.

Ring Pauline on 01258 880084 / 07760 303332 Gift Vouchers available.

The Winterborne Stickland Solar Fund Committee would like to remind residents of Winterborne Stickland that funding is available for community projects.

Applications for funding should be emailed to sticklandsolarfund@yahoo.com Decisions are made every 2 months.

The basic criteria are that ideas should have benefit to the community. A committee of volunteers select successful projects.

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The Studio, Cothayes House, Ansty, DT2 7PJ admin@jennybarnes.co.uk Tel: 01258 268050

With an expanding business, we are always on the lookout for extra help with our cottage ‘change-overs’.

We can offer variable and regular work especially on Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays, to suit.

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I wonder if I can get anyone’s attention

Turnworth in May 2022

A wonderfully balmy Saturday moming. I have been sitting here, on the park bench for a good half hour, watching the ducks in the pond, sipping a non-descript cup of tea out of a polystyrene cup. A very smelly old man has elected to sit with me. He is talking to himself and making no sense. I try to get the gist of his ramblings, to no avail. If I move away, is he going to follow me? Surely not, he hasn’t even glanced at me and probably isn’t aware that I am here.

Come to think about it, when do people notice that I am anywhere at all?

Take yesterday, when I went into the stationer’s to purchase a new artist's paintbrush. The place was heaving with customers.

Some blocking the way, reading the article they want in the magazine they aren't going to buy, some fiddling indecisively with goods they aren't really interested in, pushchairs driven to wreck your ankles, clusters of friends, “Fancy meeting you here....how’s Joan?”, three, four, even five, right in the middle of the way.

Am I invisible? Why should I treat this gangway as an obstacle course? What do I need to do to get noticed and be allowed to get through?

Of course, my intended purchase is at the end of the shop. When I get there, the lad in charge hasn’t got a clue what a Kolinski series 7 sable watercolour brush is. He puts his mobile on hold and disappears at the back of the shop to “ask”.

After a long wait, he is back, his eyes roaming in search of me.

He obviously has forgotten what I look like, yet I am right in front of him, in obvious anticipation. Finally his eyes wander in my direction, “Sorry, we haven’t got none!’? Before he's finished his sentence, the phone is back in his hand, his thumb dialling like mad, his eyes glazed. I am discarded.

I fight my way out of there, burst out into the market square and am swallowed up instantly by the noisy kids and their screaming mothers, the giggly schoolgirls, the big issue seller and the walking stick brigade.

The clothes shop. Drat, they haven’t got my size! I can see 2 staff talking together.

Good, they don't seem too busy. Do you think I can butt in and get their attention?

They eventually tum to me with an impatient look on their faces: ‘If it isn’t on the rack, then we haven’t got itl” Then back to their conversation.

I finally find an altemative garment and queue up for ages.

Everyone is chatting around me as we inch toward the till. My queue is momentarily held up, the till roll needs to be replaced. “Sorry to keep you waiting”’ Oh no! The girl is off for lunch and a young lad is replacing her.

I am so embarrassed to submit my new knickers to his gaze. He is one of my last years school leavers. No need to worry, he doesn't even look at me.

Sitting on the bench on a balmy Spring morning, I wonder why on earth I went shopping on a Saturday anyway.

If I really wanted people’s attention, I could have managed to do it ....no problem!

Like now, if I wanted someone’s attention, I could grab one of these thuggish ducks that won’t leave their females alone and break its neck, or I could wade to the middle of the pond and submerge myself completely, my summer dress becoming transparent. I could stand on the bench and sing the Marseillaise!

When I get home in a minute, I'll get all the attention I need.

Labrador asking where l’ve been without him, husband wanting his lunch, children demanding help with homework.

You don't really need to call for people's attention, it is there if you want it. It is all down to strategy.

To tell you a secret, I rather like not getting attention: if I need it, then I can raise my issue. I find it such fun to stay in my comfort zone and watch others make a spectacle of themselves.

I know I can get someone’s attention, I no longer wonder if I can!

Annie Thom

After a two-year lull we were delighted to be back in the Old Rectory garden for Turnworth in May. The sun shone (nearly all of the time) and visitors arrived to find the treasures of the stalls – wonderful craft, plants, produce and bric-a-brac as well as the chance to have fun with the games and raffle. Those simply wishing to relax could sit in the lovely garden appreciating the music from such talented musicians while enjoying tea and cake. We are most grateful to all those who attended our Church fund-raising day (raising funds towards our planned electrical re-wiring) and are delighted to report that we raised more than £2,300 – thank you. A huge thank you, also, to all those who helped in so many ways - the planners, those who helped with the preparation and clearing-up, the musicians, cooks and gardeners, all those who helped in so many ways on the day and in the days before. A wonderful team effort.

There was a church service at St. Mary's, Whitechurch on Sunday 5th of June for Pentecost and the Platinum Jubilee. This included a procession consisting of members of the PCC and the Parish Council.

Steven Pringle

‘Royal Knitting’ Display in Dorset Libraries Earlier this year we started our ‘Royal Knitting’ Project, inviting people to knit and craft items to celebrate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, publicising it across Dorset and BCP. We have done similar projects before, but this one was special as HM The Queen is Royal Voluntary Service’s patron. We have had some beautiful items coming in, made and donated by RVS volunteers and clients, and people out in the community who have this special talent and wanted to be part of this celebration. We would like to thank everybody who has so kindly and generously contributed to our project.

We are currently setting up our display at Dorchester Library & Learning Centre, and it will then ‘tour’ a number of Dorset Libraries before the items will be sold to raise money for Royal Voluntary Service in Dorset and BCP. 15

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