Valley News November 2019

E E FR Issue 152

November 2019

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

AUTUMN IS HERE Picture by BILL PLATTEN

Helping to inform and unite the Community

Editorial

Winterborne Houghton Parish Council

The Valley News has always tried to bring news and information for our readers from across our circulation area. This has proved somewhat difficult when we don't have representatives from every village on the team, as we don't have reporters to go out and about! If, like us, you enjoy hearing of the news from across the patch and you would be willing to send this in to us, do please get in touch. We are always hoping to be able to represent as wide a spread of information and interesting articles as possible.

Many of our villages have, in the recent past, had to contend with the village pub being closed - albeit temporarily - for one reason or another; currently we are lucky with all three of them being open and popular, a real asset to each village. Indeed, the Valley News team appreciates that we are made welcome for our monthly meetings at The Crown in Stickland. This pub has just been designated as a 'community asset' by Stickland Parish Council; when it was closed in the recent past there was a great deal of local support for the pub to be reopened and Marstons Brewery (who own the freehold) agreed that it should be.

However, with rumours being what they are, there appears to be some concern about what might happen in the future as the Brewery appears to be closing a significant number of their outlets - whether The Crown will be one such is not as yet clear. In order for these issues to be explored more fully in an open meeting, this has been arranged for October 30th at 7.30pm in the Pamela Hambro Hall; everyone who believes that a village pub is an essential community asset (however much you may or may not use it yourself) is urged to attend and find out the latest news and whether any further action may be needed to secure its future long-term.

More interesting news from Stickland - St Mary's Church has recently had a replacement organ installed, and there is an interesting article about it in this month's magazine. Although not a new organ, it has an enhanced number of 'stops' available which allows the organists to play a wider range of musical styles. We are grateful that the team at the church have sent in this article for us.

Please don't forget that our next issue - coming at the end of November, for December and January - is the 'double' issue; we don't publish a magazine in January. Remember to get any articles/adverts/photos in in good time so that you are not disappointed - especially if you are planning events in January! Thank you.

VN

A meeting of Winterborne Houghton Parish Council was held on 17th September 2019, the minutes from this meeting can be found on the Winterborne Houghton Parish web site www.winterbornehoughton.org.uk and on the WH Parish Council noticeboard next to the local payphone.

It has recently come to our notice that BT have published a notice stating their intention to decommission and remove the Winterborne Houghton BT payphone. The WHPC have written to BT requesting they reconsider. The letter has been posted on the PC notice board and copy is also available on the Parish notice board. The WHPC consider the payphone as an essential facility, with mobile signal poor or sometimes non-existent in the village, the payphone is often the only reliable facility to make a 999 call.

The village defibrillator will soon have a new cabinet; as an interim we have posted the key code number externally, to avoid wasted time in an emergency situation. We are also in the process of trying to identify training in the use of the defibrillator and basic CPR and will advise as soon as we have more information.

It has been noticed that a number of posters advertising events are being attached to telegraph poles in the village. All too often the notices are left in place for some time after the event has occurred, eventually becoming detached and falling to the road as litter. In an attempt to remedy the problem, the village notice board (to the right of the telephone box) has been cleared and the lock removed; it is hoped that in future, Parishioners wanting to advertise forthcoming events will avoid posting on poles and instead make use of this facility.

Future dates for WHPC meetings are: November 19th 2019, January & March 2020 dates to be confirmed.

We look forward to meeting you.

The Blandford Surgeries Why parents need to vaccinate their children Vaccination is important, because: • vaccines are the most effective way to prevent serious infectious diseases • diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus, that used to kill or disable millions of people, have gone or are rarely seen.

• the UK has lost its measles-free status 3 years after the virus was eliminated in the country.

• if people stop having vaccines, it's possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.

Sadly, anti-vaccine stories are being spread through social media and may not be based on scientific evidence, putting your child at risk of a serious illness.

Things parents need to know about vaccines: DO • protect your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases • protect other people in your community - by helping to stop diseases spreading to people who cannot have vaccines • get safety tested for years before being introduced - they're also monitored for any side effects • sometimes cause mild side effects that will not last long - some children may feel a bit unwell and have a sore arm for 2 or 3 days • reduce or even get rid of some diseases - if enough people are vaccinated DO NOT • cause autism - studies have found no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism • overload or weaken the immune system - it's safe to give children several vaccines at a time, reducing the amount of injections needed • cause allergies or other conditions - all the current evidence shows that vaccinating is safer than not vaccinating • contain mercury (thiomersal) • contain ingredients that cause harm in such small amounts - but ask your doctor if your child has known allergies such as to eggs or gelatine So, please don't ignore the appointment letter telling you when your baby or child is due for a routine vaccination.

Winterborne Stickland Parish Council The September meeting was held with nine members of the community present.

The speed indicator device will return to WS on 1st Oct and will remain for the next two months The DC tree officer has agreed to check the permission for the cutting back of trees on the development land south of the Malthouse to ensure the agreement has been adhered to.

It is hoped that WS councillors will get the opportunity to attend a training course when Hilton PC install their village defibrillator.

A number of residents attended the meeting to raise concerns over recent flooding in North St and at the bottom of West St. The Clerk will contact Highways to request all drains in this area are cleared and to ask if a larger outlet pipe could be installed in the area of the Triangle.

It also seems that flood warning signs were not put out which would have slowed vehicles down. (These need to be requested through a flood warden.)

The Clerk will again contact Highways to clear the culvert at the bottom of Chalky Lane.

Retrospective planning permission for the timber shed at the Hollow, Chalky Path was refused and the property owner should now have a set period of time to remove the unauthorised structure.

The WSPC has received a notice from Marstons stating that they intend to dispose of the Crown. As this is registered as an asset of community value the WSPC will write to Marstons to give notice of an intention to bid. This will allow further time to form an action group to look into the feasibility of the various options available. Cllr Drammis has offered to represent the PC in this group.

The next meetings will be 28th Oct and 25th November at 7:30pm in the Pamela Hambro Hall.

2

FRAMPTON DEVELOPMENTS LTD • NEW BUILDS

• RENOVATIONS

• EXTENSIONS

• EPDM FLAT ROOFING

• ORANGERIES & SUN ROOMS • PATIOS & LANDSCAPING • ALTERATIONS

• ROOFING

FIND US ON FACEBOOK OR CALL STEVE 01258 459134 • 07786 808628 3

for this and the 'Team of the Year' Award. Dr Longley and four of the staff are attending a glitzy award ceremony at the end of November in London where we will hopefully be picking up a prize… watch this space to find out the results!!

Dunbury Academy News Time is flying by and we're racing towards half term already! We have had a visit from Peter and his helpers from Trees for Dorset. Maple class had a wonderful day collecting seeds and berries from the school grounds and the surrounding area before identifying them and planting them to grow our own woodland area at Winterborne Whitechurch base. We will have several more visits during the year and the children from all year groups will have an opportunity to help develop our outdoor area

Winterborne Arts and Crafts Winterborne Arts and Crafts had a great meeting on the 2nd October. Fiona Humphreys led a fantastic workshop on fabric covered boxes. She had put a huge amount of work into preparing work packs for the evening and ensuring that everyone could have a successful night. Before long all attendees were sewing and snipping, with Fiona always on hand with advice. Thank you so much, Fiona.

Our next meeting, on Wednesday 6th November at 7.30pm, will be book-folding with a Christmas theme! If you would like to have a go at this craft, please bring along a book (one that you no longer need perhaps a novel from a charity shop?), a ruler and a pair of 'paper' scissors.

As always, if you prefer, you can bring along your own craft work while others are folding!

The Valley Gardening Club The 86th year of The Valley Gardening Club began with our Annual General Meeting, following by nibbles and a quiz.

Sadly we said goodbye to our treasurer, Michael Trevett, who due to other commitments, has left the committee. We thank Mike for performing this role efficiently and we’ll miss his entertaining reports at the AGM! This does mean that we are looking for a new treasurer (along with new members and committee), so if you can help, please contact us.

Thanks also go to John Scott for being our auditor and to Steph Fowler, who has joined the committee.

Our full list of events and more information about the club can be found at our website - sites.google.com/site/vgcdorset - where you can download our events to your mobile.

Membership fees for 2019/2020 are now due, £10 for the year.

Visitors are always welcome to our talks for a £3 entrance fee.

Our next talk is on Wednesday 20th November (7.30pm, PHH) and is about Winter Hanging Baskets and Tubs.

Mark Steele, Chairman

The children have been producing some fantastic writing so far this term, inspired by their topics or just by being in school!

Dashing Dunbury by Mollie Do you love days that are jam-packed with fun learning? Come to Dunbury. We have a wide range of topics to educate you with. Uniform that's so comfy you'll want to wear it at weekends and much more.

If you're feeling lazy after your fun filled break! Take the lift to your lavish classroom, with big comfy chairs you can sink into, while you get taught a wide variety of topics. The teachers are probably some of the friendliest people you will meet.

We have the most amazing selection of food for you to stuff your faces with! The meals include nutritious roast dinners and steaming hot brownies.

If your parents can't get you to school we have the most luxurious school buses you can take.

Dunbury is a very friendly school. Hope to see you soon!

Date for the diary - Christmas Fair run by the Friends of Dunbury Academy, Friday 29th November, Winterborne Whitechurch school Hall, from 3.30pm

Milton Abbas Local History Group Our new season of monthly meetings started on 2nd October with our AGM and a whistle stop tour of our documents related to Milton Abbas. The earliest written document dates from 934, which is the grant

by King Athelstan of lands to Milton Abbey, and ending with the maps from the sale catalogue of 1932 which includes most of Winterborne Houghton, Winterborne Stickland, Winterborne Whitechurch and HIlton. These maps are superbly detailed with plot numbers coloured in and relating to the lots described in the sale catalogue.

Documents are the lifeblood of history and we would not be able to tell the story of the people and places before the 20th century without them. We also find it exciting to read and transcribe these documents which illuminate life hereabouts which was not known before.

Talking about transcribing, we have some very prolific transcribers helping us, so that now we have almost all of the wills transcribed. The wills are surprising because they show that there were some quite wealthy people. In the 18th century they were leaving up to £1000 to their relatives, and in the 19th century they had accounts at the Bank of England, and securities and owned land throughout Dorset, although not on the Milton Abbas estate as they could only lease the land here.

We have examined the 120 Ale House licences which give the names of the inns and the tenants. All these records are in spreadsheets which can be searched for names. This is a tremendous bonus for the many family historians who are researching their Milton Abbas ancestors. They can now find what their ancestors' occupation was, how poor or wealthy they were and where the property was in which they lived and tenanted. Contact us for more information.

Visitors are welcome to come to our next meeting, which is on the 6th November in the Reading Rooms, Milton Abbas at 7pm. There will be a presentation by one of our members on their personal experiences of a recent battle field tour, and other updates on exciting new finds.

Bryan Phillips

The Milton Abbas Surgeries Boys will now get the HPV vaccine From September 2019 boys in school year 8 will be offered the free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for the first time, which can help prevent a number of cancers. If you're a parent of a child aged 12 or 13, look out for information from your child's school about the vaccine and timings for the jab. If they miss out on the vaccination for any reason, talk to the school nurse or immunisation team about getting the vaccine later.

More information about HPV for boys: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hpv-vaccine-to-be-given-toboys-in-england Be up to date on vaccines The UK has recently lost its 'measles free' status. It's important to be up-to-date on vaccines and to be protected from measles, children and adults should have been immunised with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

We are asking that parents and carers look at their children's Red Book to ensure their children are up-to-date with scheduled immunisations.

Information about the MMR vaccine: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/measles-protectyourself-protect-others Those of you who voted for Milton Abbas Surgery in the 'Surgery of the Year' awards will be pleased to know we have been shortlisted 4

C.W. ABBOTT & SON

Available Now Pot grown Christmas Trees Fresh cut Christmas Trees Handmade Holly Wreaths Christmas/Gift Shop Burning Peat/Turves Logs and Coal Peanuts 25kg £29.99 Bird Seed 20kg £10.50 Sunflower Hearts 22kg £22.50 Shrubs, Perennials, Pansies, Violas & Polyanthus Autumn Onion Sets, Shallots, Broad Bean seed IOW Garlic and a good selection of Spring Bulbs Compost

COPIES AVAILABLE FROM • • • • • • • •

Winterborne Whitechurch Church East Farm Shop, Winterborne Whitechurch Milton Abbas Post Office Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland Winterborne Stickland Church The Crown, Winterborne Stickland Blandford Tourist Information Centre Hall & Woodhouse Visitors Centre, Blandford St Mary

Langton Long, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 9HR Telephone 01258 452513

5

furthest winning first prize.

The final activity was the lighting of the huge bonfire at 5pm which seemed to be the signal for the rain, which had held off all day, to gently start bringing the proceedings to an end. Tributes have been coming in since then to thank the organisers for a great community event that was much enjoyed -- but they say thank you to everyone for coming over to support it, and especially to the generous sponsors who donated fantastic prizes.

Debbie Albery, Winterborne Whitechurch PCC

Winterborne Whitechurch 100 Club September 1st 69 Mr Bryan Tucker 2nd 41 Mr Martin Dodd 3rd 4 Mr Chris Mullen

October 1st 54 Mrs Judy Barzaghi 2nd 8 Mrs T Wade 3rd 15 Karen Dunk

Pamela Hambro Hall 100 club September 1st 157 Mr J Fisher 2nd 125 Mrs J Huish 3rd 105 Mrs A Whitehall

October 1st 145 Miss Valerie Ashford 2nd 122 Mrs S Shannon 3rd 178 Mrs L Brown

news@valley-news.co.uk Streamwatch

Thank you from Irene Webb

Autumn has definitely arrived: hedges trimmed, leaves falling, plant life fading and the verges becoming saturated with water and soft.

We begin this month with the condition of the verges and a warning to pedestrians of uneven and unstable footing on the verges. Due to vehicle damage, significant lengths of the river bank have been eroded.

Previous efforts taken, in bygone eras, to reinforce the banks with sandbags and concrete blocks are failing having been dislodged by traffic rolling onto the verge. The River Winterborne is recognised by the Environment Agency (EA) as having river status and as such is protected from any intervention that alters the ecology of the river.

Simply dumping top soil onto the banks is not an option because of set EA regulations. Ongoing enquires by the Stickland Parish Council are being made with various agencies with increasing frustration to resolve the situation. We ask motorists to be aware of this situation and realise that pedestrians may have to seek firm footing in order to allow vehicles to pass.

In the Streamwatch report last month statistics were given for the Government monitored bore hole at Delcombe Wood. After significant rainfall in October the recorded groundwater level rose by 2 meters to 127.2m. Take heart, this does not mean we had the equivalent of 1.6m of rain during this period but the natural underground reservoir of saturated chalk had collected to this depth. Rather like a wet sponge, water domes rather than remaining flat as it would in a lake. If you are interested in following these figures yourself you can find data at: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/station/9049 Thanks to the volunteers who have cleared the river along Water Lane and to Tim Martin for cutting the hedge. Debris removed consisted largely of brambles, leaves, dislodged vegetation and trimmings from the hedge which had collected forming mini-dams along the course of the river. It was important to clear these as soon as possible as the increase levels caused by blockage diverted water to banksides increasing the risk of further lateral erosion. This preventative work did reduce the amount of work that was needed on the annual clean-up day.

Irene Webb would like to thank everyone for their messages of sympathy, kind visits, cards and flowers on the sad loss of her son, Sid 'Lordy'.

For Sale 32” Samsung LCD TV HD ready. £20 22” Linsar LED TV with built-in DVD player. £15 Both in full working order and in excellent condition, with manuals available. Also available, Humax DVR, excellent condition. £15 Call Graham 880740 to arrange a viewing

Companion dog show A huge Thank You, to everyone who helped make our companion dog show a happy and successful one.

We made £124.83 towards our charity Julia's House.

Special thanks to the committee at the Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club for allowing us to use this beautiful venue.

Also to Kevin Oakley for setting up the ring, and P A system, and doing a wonderful running commentary throughout the day.

A big thank you to Damory Vets for sponsoring our rosettes Also to our Judges Bill Dyball and Nicky Smith, for doing a sterling job.

Best in Show came all the way from Taunton, a Whippet called Arrow owned by P Quant. Best Puppy in Show came from Weymouth, a Havanese called Kinzle owned by Sheila Lane. Reserve Best in Show came from Poole, a Rhodesian Ridgeback called Tandy, owned by Sue Whitelock.

Best Novelty in Show came from Bournemouth, a collie called Jasper owned by Jill Whitaker. Reserve Best Novelty in Show came from Poole, a Cocker Spaniel called Acorn owned by Margaret McWilliams.

Best Local Dog was Bertie an Airedale Terrier, owned by Terry Whitelock from Shillingstone.

Well done to all the main winners, and to everyone who took part.

Jackie Grearson

Fun in the Field More than 200 people braved the elements to enjoy a fantastic fun-filled event at Whatcombe House on Saturday 28th September.

The activity was organised by the Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Winterborne Whitechurch, the Dunbury Academy, Blandford Scouts, and an army of volunteers who ensured that visitors were fully entertained throughout the afternoon.

Visitors were able to enjoy the music provided by Tim Kingsbury with singers from Milton Abbas and Helen King from Stickland before having a go at welly throwing, beat the goalie, hook-a-duck, the raffle and tombola as well as face-painting, hair braiding and the coconut shy.

Bleat the Sheep and a chance to name the Shetland ponies were an added attraction, plus a chance to buy Eco-products and more.

The Milton Arms kindly supplied a beet tent and delicious barbecue and the ladies from the Whitechurch Cup and Cake team ran the even more delicious tea and cake stall. Kevin Oakley, who was MC for the event, assisted with the judging of the best made hat competition and organised several tug of war competitions which were very popular with both adults and children.

The Great Ball Roll took place on the higher ground: pre-purchased balls were raised high by the telehandler and dropped in spectacular fashion, assisted by 2 men with leaf-blowers, and the ball travelling the

Before and after pictures by Karen Marchant By mid October, egrets were again wading in the stream, grey wagtails were present and the chiffchaffs were once again seeking overwintering opportunities. A number of patches of ranunculus have survived the summer season which gives hope for the continuing good health of the river for the year to come. Now that there is a clear flight path over the entire length of the river, you can hope to catch sight of the kingfisher.

Stickland River Management Group 6

Pat Butler

7

are not difficult to grow on a bright south facing window ledge or balcony. You can buy pots of herbs ready made and providing the roots are not disturbed they should keep going through the winter. Chives, parsley, basil, thyme, sage and rosemary can all be grown indoors but turn the pots regularly to keep both sides in the light and give them a drink when they need it, not too much or too little. If you have chives or mint in the garden a small amount can be dug up and put in a pot indoors for the winter. At this time of year it is also possible to raise coriander, rocket and dill from seed and they will be happier in your home environment than supermarket herbs which miss their intensive 'factory' conditions.

Any pots which stay out for the winter need to be raised on pot feet or bricks so that they don't sit in water while other indoor plants which have been enjoying a summer break outside need to be brought indoors before the first frosts. An empty pot merely adds to the depression of winter and so I try to have an interesting plant in the centre surrounded

by Spring bulbs. There is a surprisingly wide choice apart from cyclamen and violas, primulas and baby shrubs with variegated leaves are readily available. A Sarcococca near the door ready to flower in February will provide the most amazing perfume.

If, like me, you haven't finished planting Spring bulbs, it's not too late. Shallots and garlic need to go in this month and onion sets can be put in pots for overwintering in a greenhouse ready for the Spring but it often feels that both time and weather are conspiring to hinder you from completing all those jobs before it's time to light the fire and retreat indoors for hibernation!

Claire Scott

Tennis Club Opened April 1981 Mr John Feaver, Davis Cup Player, officially opened the All Weather Court on Saturday, and played a short demonstration match before the snow fell.

This was followed by a buffet lunch in the pavilion of the Winterborne Sports Club, which was attended by guests, and members of the Tennis Club.

Mrs Alison Feaver cut the official cake and was presented with a bouquet and Mr Feaver was given a pottery bowl made for the occasion.

It brings back happy memories.

Joan Wellstead

What's Cooking?

November is a month of transition between Autumn and Winter and also seems a time of year when more substantial meals are needed to keep the winter chill at bay.

This year, despite being quite dry for much of the summer, seems to have produced fruit which has been plump and very sweet. The damsons were large and so sweet that they could be eaten straight off the tree and consequently they were perfect for damson cheese, a change from the more usual quince cheese which is more readily available. Preserves make ideal Christmas presents and are a great way of using defective fruit which won't keep and of reducing the volume from a glut of fruit. Pears can be tricky to keep, going from hard and unripe to soft and black in the blink of an eye. Pears and dates make a delicious combination, either as a jam or in a crumble, and can also stand up to spices such as cardamom and star anise. Poached pears with a little muscovado sugar, star anise and cinnamon make a lovely breakfast dish with a dollop of yogurt while pear sorbet makes a refreshing alternative to custard paired with a pear crumble.

It always surprises me that pheasants are not more widely available to buy and I have even heard it say that sometimes shoots end up burying unwanted birds but maybe people are deterred by the thought of skinning them and perhaps have neither the time nor the inclination to cook them in these days of pre-packed ready meals. One dish which I make quite often is to take the breasts, lay them on the work surface on greaseproof paper and them beat them with a rolling pin to form an escalope - also very satisfying as a way of relieving tension after a hard day! Then put sliced mozzarella and basil leaves on the breasts and roll it up like a sausage. Wrap this in streaky bacon and bake. The fat from the bacon keeps the pheasant moist and I am always surprised at the amount of liquid produced. It looks good, tastes good and is easy and quick to make and tastes even better washed down with a robust red wine.

There are many other dishes which are equally quick to make and are much better for you than 'fast' food. Many people's view of liver was coloured by having to suffer overcooked dried up liver at school which is why so much offal lands up in dog food in this country. But lamb's liver takes only about a minute to cook on each side with the middle still being pink, soft and moist. Served with steamed vegetables and some crisp grilled bacon it makes a very quick supper dish and it is remarkably cheap to buy - next time take a look in the discounted section of your supermarket and save even more money!

The small green or orange squashes which become available this month make a perfect container to stuff and bake. Rice with onions, garlic and mushrooms makes a delicious stuffing with your preferred herbs and the same mixture can be used to stuff sweet peppers or marrows to make a change from the usual mince.

Claire Scott

Local History Part 3 Women's Lives in rural Dorset It has to be admitted that women in England have had a poor deal since the time of William the Conqueror. It is only in the late twentieth century that they have regained the rights they had in Anglo-Saxon times. That is 900 years of oppression. It seems outrageous to us today that by law all women's property and estate automatically became that of her husband's when she married. This law persisted up until 1882. It is equally outrageous that universal women's suffrage did not become law until 1928. I am ashamed that Britain was one of the last countries in Europe to grant women full voting rights with the Equal Franchise Act. We know that from the 15th century women competently ran large estates, and defended them. The letters of Margeret Paston of Norfolk to her husband, who was in London for many years, testify to this.

Looking at the wills of local people of the 17th and 18th century it is clear that the men who left wills (and it was mostly men, occasionally widows) referred to their 'much beloved wives', these men bear witness in their wording and bequests which shows how much they appreciated their wives. The men loved their wives and children every bit as much as today.

Many widows continued to run the family business after their husband's decease, especially, but by no means exclusively, inns and brewing. They could also take over the farms and manage them successfully.

In the 18th and 19th centuries almost every male in the country, from the Archbishop of Canterbury to the local Overseers of the poor, believed that women should be married. Single women were stigmatised socially and economically. Women were paid generally only half the man's wage for an equivalent job and employers before the industrial revolution preferred married women over single women. In Dorset by-work for women such as spinning, button, lace and glove making had their boom and bust times. They each went bust with the introduction of machinery. Even in the boom times women could earn only between 6d and 1s 6d per day - and that was a dawn to dusk job, six days a week. This could supplement the family's income, but with weekly rents at around 2s, and food and clothing to find, this left very little over. Single women could not afford accommodation unless it was really bad. Of course, for single women and widows in rural areas, they had the parish to fall back on. The Overseers of the Poor had to raise and collect 'Poor Rates' to distribute to the needy. Most of the occurrences of payments to the poor which we have studied concern payments to single women, widows and those too infirm to work.

Continued on page 12

Down the Garden Path By the end of September parts of my garden looked like a mini earthquake with large cracks in the soil but certainly October made up for it which makes it much easier to prepare for winter with stakes to help young plants and trees cope with the gales of winter. If the leaves don't all get blown away too soon, we should experience the joy of autumn colours as the diminishing sunlight lowers the levels of chlorophyll in the leaves and allows the other pigments to come to the fore. This kaleidoscope of colours doesn't just apply to trees and there are shrubs for all sizes of garden, as well as for pots, which enable us all to extend the palate before we settle in for the monochrome of winter.

Fresh herbs in cooking taste so much better than dried varieties and 8

VIVIENHORDER Estate Agents See the latest properties online:

www.horderproperty.co.uk www.rightmove.co.uk www.teamprop.co.uk A local family run business Established 1984 Dealing with all types of residential property "We pride ourselves on personal service" 4 Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AR Email: office@horderproperty.co.uk Fax: (01258) 454459

Tel: (01258) 454419

BRYANSTON design Chartered Architects Building design work Planning and Building Reg. Applications Listed Building works Feasibility studies

Project management

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

Conveyancing • Wills • Probate A friendly and efficient service Contact Paul Lowe, Solicitor 01258 881142 paul@lowelegal.co.uk www.lowelegal.co.uk

9

10

11

Continued from page 8 The Overseers were under great pressure from the rate payers to reduce their payments, with the result that they worked hard to get children apprenticed from the age of seven, families forcibly removed to other parishes and young women into service.

If we think that single women were stigmatised, then mothers of bastard children had a far worse time. They had to appear before the Justice to be questioned about the father. Most, but not all, of these mothers did give the name of the father. The man would then be called before the Justice and forced to pay for the child's upkeep, in some cases the Overseers paid for the marriage. In the records the child is always named as a 'bastard'. And in these local villages everyone knew everyone else, so there was no escape from the stigma, including in church every Sunday.

We have studied many of these documents to see how the poor faired. There are Bastardy Examinations, Settlement Examinations, Removal Orders, Overseers of the Poor Account Books for each of our parishes which reveal the lives of the ordinary people in rural Dorset.

Bryan Phillips

is a remarkable survival. It was built by Buckingham in 1824 and installed in St Alkmund's Church in Derby in 1825. This mediaeval church was replaced with a larger new building in 1847 and the organ re-erected.

The organ was then in Methodist Churches near Nottingham from at least 1904. Awsworth Methodist Church closed in 2014 and the organ was saved and removed at short notice to the workshop of Andrew Cooper, an organ builder from the Isle of Wight.

This organ by Alexander Buckingham had been 'rediscovered' in 1991 when it was in need of a major overhaul. An organ builder, with a particular interest in early nineteenth century instruments, examined the organ and was amazed to find that apart from some superficial alterations it had survived more or less as it had originally been built in 1824.

It is now possibly the only organ by Buckingham existing as it was originally conceived and so it is of significant historic interest and importance.

Richard D'Silva

Quasimodo Quasimodo to a dog show took Dandy.

Like his owner, he had a hump and was bandy.

To Quasimodo 's surprise, His dog won first prize, A bell, which he knew would be handy.

Going home Quasimodo was singing.

The new bell was gently ring-dinging.

Then, after a shower, Off to the bell tower, Where the little bell was very soon swinging.

Now you may think this a tall tale I tell.

About Quasimodo, his dog, and his bell.

But each morning and night, The bell rope gets pulled tight.

And young Dandy pulls the other one as well.

Round Robin Ramblers Walks are normally held on the first Sunday and the third Wednesday of each month. Please join us as we enjoy exercise, good company and the wonderful Dorset countryside. Any questions, please feel free to contact: Ian Bromilow, 01258 880044.

Sunday 3rd November, 2pm, Charlton Marshall Meet meet St Mary's Church in Charlton Marshall, on A350 from Blandford. Grid reference: ST 900041 on OS Explorer Sheet 117 (approx. 4.5 miles) Wednesday 20th November, 11am, Sherborne, Haydon & Folke.

Meet near the church in Haydon, 2 miles S.E. of Sherborne, off A3030.

Grid reference: ST 670157 on Explorer Sheet 129 (approx. 6.5 miles) Bring a packed lunch.

Sunday 1st December, 1:30pm, Minterne Magna & Cerne Abbas.

Meet in car park opposite the church in Minterne Magna. Grid reference: ST 769110 on OS Explorer Sheet 129 (approx. 4.5 miles) WHO All welcome including well-behaved dogs and their responsible owners. No pre-booking required just turn up. WEAR Suitable clothing for wet conditions and location, walking boots or Wellington boots. BRING Waterproofs and refreshments (packed lunch on Wednesdays). PACE We go at the pace of the slowest. TERRAIN Expect mud, inclines and stiles. AIM Keep fit, enjoy the Dorset countryside and each other's company. LEGAL We look after one another but in the end you are responsible for yourself.

Jackie Grearson

Book Review A River runs through it and Other Stories, by Norman Maclean These three short stories (combined in a new edition) carry the firm imprint of golden era Hollywood: portraits of single-minded, outbackmen, conveyed with wide-eyed admiration by a narrator who is considerably more sophisticated than his subjects. Yet he measures himself against the tough guys, and we with him (at least, while the story lasts). This creates an endearing sense of American youthfulness, enhanced by the occasional lyric description of mountain woods and pre-mechanical skills - such as fly-fishing or packing loads onto a mule.

The title piece was given a major popular boost when it was turned into a sensitive and visually beautiful film by Robert Redford in 1992.

The stories are closely based on the author's early life in Montana in the 1920s. They are deftly told, with terse and short dialogues which are brilliantly evocative of character. Above all, it is Maclean's singular and laconic style which attracts, as well as the vision of a simpler, more heroic world. There is also the occasional sighting of an underlying tenderness - close to nostalgia - in the author's relations with his family and, equally, with the straight-forward Rocky Mountain-lad which he once was.

At one point, the author speaks to us more or less directly, in the voice of his father, near the end of A River Runs Through It: 'we can seldom help anybody. Either we don't know what part to give or maybe we don't like to give any part of ourselves. Then, more often than not, the part that is needed is not wanted. And even more often, we do not have the part that is needed.' This opens up a necessary strain of compassion, which redeems the ultimately unattractive self-sufficiency of the main characters.

The last story, USFS 1929, is the most dramatic. It's about a mountain-lad of 17 working for 'the finest the early Forest Service had to offer', in the person of the ultra-taciturn Bill Bell. Man and story both exhibit great economy of style. With masterly dexterity, Maclean builds a laid-back tension, leading to a climactic poker game in a mountain town. As everyone expects - and wants - it ends in a sprawling back-room fight which is over minutes after it starts, but not before the narrator socks the one member of his own crew whom he can't stand, and gets clobbered by the other side.

Mark Hudson

The 'Buckingham' organ in Stickland

The purchase and installation of this historic instrument as a replacement for the organ previously in St Mary's Winterborne Stickland has been made possible with grants made/promised from the Erskine Muton Trust, ChurchCare, OnOrgan Fund, Stickland Solar Fund, Valley Players, and Valley News plus a very generous local donation in memory of many loved ones who have passed away over recent years and in the hope that their memories will live on in music.

Please visit our church and have a look!

We plan to have an opening recital, so please watch out for details, or send me an email so I can make sure that you don't miss it (richard@dsilva.net).

We still need to find a home for the previous instrument - going (free) to a good home!

Alexander Buckingham was one of the main organ builders in England during the early nineteenth century. He was born around 1777 and started work for an organ builder around 1791. From around 1818 he established himself as an independent organ builder in London.

The exciting replacement organ for St Mary's Winterborne Stickland 12

G P Lewis

D.YOUNG GENERAL BUILDER & MAINTENANCE

Interior/Exterior Painter & Decorator

BRICK & BLOCKWORK EXTENSIONS & PORCHES DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS

All aspects of painting and decorating undertaken including Domestic, New builds, Refurbs and Commercial.

Qualified and with over 30 years experience,will offer friendly advice if needed.

FENCING & CONCRETING 56 PHILIP ROAD BLANDFORD DORSET MOB 07779 827723 DT11 7NT TEL 01258 459042

1st class finish Free written quotes Fully insured No job too small or big No VAT If you require a job done hassle free, by an honest friendly tradesman, please give Gavin a call, Winterborne Kingston 01929 471704 or 07977 047314 Email g.lewis515@btinternet.com

13

The Winterborne Valley & Milton Abbas Benefice Years ago, a member of my congregation told me I should ensure a certain hymn was sung on Remembrance Sunday. I admit that the words say it all. If you don't know the hymn, please Google "O Valiant Hearts".

This month our six churches come together at St Mary's, Winterborne Stickland, for a Service of Light on the 3rd November, followed on the 10th by our Services for Remembrance Sunday.

Services of Light, are held around All Souls' day, and offer people an opportunity to remember those they love but see no longer, whether the loss is recent or long ago. While Remembrance Day, is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of our armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

These years of remembrance have helped new generations remember and understand. They give us a chance to talk about loved ones who have gone before us. The hardships they faced, the courage they showed and the faith they shared have become more real to us.

But as we reflect so we also want to look forward in hope. Hope is deeply Christian. It springs above all from our belief in the resurrection of Christ from the dead: if Christ is raised, nothing good is impossible.

Every day we're reminded that what was supposed to be 'the war that will end war' did not lead to that. Human pride, greed and folly has led to millions of deaths since 1918. But the Bible looks forward to a time when our hope for peace will be fulfilled. It speaks of the 'old order of things' passing away and God making 'all things new'. And it calls on

Christians to live today in the light of their hope for tomorrow.

In Revelation 21.3-5 John sees a perfect world from which everything false, corrupt and violent is banished and all wounds are healed. Here in words is a vision of God's new order of things. 3 I heard a loud voice shout from the throne: God's home is now with his people.

He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people. 4 He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever. 5 Then the one sitting on the throne said: I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted.

The Revd Sue Litchfield Service of Light Sunday 3rd November, at 3pm, St Mary's Church, Winterborne Stickland. This service offers everyone a time to come together to remember our loved ones.

If you have lost a loved one and would like the opportunity to remember them in a special way this service consists of prayers, readings, music, and silence, with the names of those who have died read out and candles lit.

Remembrance Sunday 10th November 2019 Turnworth 10.30am Whitechurch 10.30am Milton Abbas 10.45am Stickland 3pm Houghton 6pm Celtic Service of Remembrance FROM THE REGISTERS Funerals Stuart Anthony Lewis 19th Sept Norman James Tory 24th Sept James Dick (known as Jim) 24th Oct

For the November Service List, please visit wvmabenefice.uk

Whitechurch Whitechurch Milton Abbas

DEADLINES FOR THE COMBINED DECEMBER AND JANUARY EDITION ADVERTS SUNDAY 10th NOV ads@valley-news.co.uk ARTICLES FRIDAY 15th NOV news@valley-news.co.uk

COFFEE MORNING & CHARITY SHOP Mondays, 10.30am-12.00, St. Mary’s Church, Stickland WHITECHURCH YOUTH CLUB (7-14 year olds welcome) Mon, 6.30pm, Whitechurch Village Hall COFFEE STOP • Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.00, St James, Milton Abbas CUP & CAKE • Wed, 10.30-12.00, Old School Room, Whitechurch MILBORNE MOVIES presents 'WILD ROSE', Fri 8th Nov, 7.30pm, Milborne St. Andrew VH Bar open from 7pm.

Tickets £3.50 BINGO, Fri 15th Nov, 7.30pm, Whitechurch Village Hall In aid of the Air Ambulance 'FORGET ME NOT - THE ALZHEIMER'S WHODUNNIT' Fri 29th Nov, 7.30pm, Milborne St Andrew Village Hall Doors and bar open 7.00,

Valley News Information VN Team: Advertising: Distribution: Printing: Payments: Small Ads: Charity Events: Articles:

Graham Case, Valerie Ashford, Claire & John Scott, Barbara Luke, Jim Luke Anne Donnelly ads@valley-news.co.uk 01258 881261 Treasurer: Janet Snook news@valley-news.co.uk Sue Eggar and Angela D'Silva news@valley-news.co.uk Layout: Mark Steele news@valley-news.co.uk Purely Print www.purelyprint.co.uk 01258 459977 All advertising to be pre-paid. Cheques payable to ‘Valley News'. Internet Bank Transfers now accepted.

Private sellers only. Small ads will be included for a donation and confirmed for publication when the donation is received.

Events in the Valley News area will be listed free on the Events page. Normal advertising rates will apply for boxed ads.

Send by email to Mark Steele at news@valley-news.co.uk or to Valerie Ashford, 11 Fairmead, Stickland (DT11 OND) Please include name & contact number in case of any queries.

Deadlines: For Advertising : 10th of the prior month. For all other submissions (articles, pictures etc.): 15th of the prior month.

Late items may not appear until the next edition.

Websites: More information at sites.google.com/site/valleynewsdt11 Editions can be viewed at issuu.com/valleynewsdt11 © VALLEY NEWS 2019 CONTENT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE CONTRIBUTOR 14

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.

15

Pictures by Philip Minton-Smith

16

Jasmine Cars 07495 922821 Comfortable, Spacious Estate Car Experienced Lady Driver Local, Hospitals, Airports, Seaports Any Distance Pre-Booked only Just Ask For A Quote

07495 922821 jasmine.cars@btinternet.com

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.

17

TEXT ADS

Counselling and

ACUPUNCTURE 1:1 PILATES CLASSES HOPI EAR CANDLES

Psychotherapy

Clinics at: Blandford & Charlton Marshall 07913 985 495

Robert Kelso

DEBORAH MANNION

01258 881550

BA (Hons) Lic.Ac. MBAcC Foundation Pilates

Email: robert@kelso.org.uk

Are you building a new extension?

Are you doing alterations to your home?

Do you need some free advice & a quote for drawings?

WANTED

jo d designs Posters Advertising Planning Drawings Building Regs Drawings Call me:

01258 721347 or 07703 034127 or email: kempo79@sky.com

COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Fast Professional & Friendly Service for Business or Home use.

Advice, Health Checks, Repairs & Upgrades, Virus & Spyware Removal Networks - Wired or Wireless, Disaster Recovery Web Site Design / Hosting Contact Mark Watson on: Tel: 01300 308653 Mobile: 07437 054185 Problems Solved Fast

CASH BUYER SEEKS LAND ROVER DEFENDERS Prompt free collection Mature polite buyer No pressure or obligation DVLA paperwork completed Feel free to call for a chat

Tory Logs Seasoned logs sourced locally from managed woodlands, delivered to you.

Call Graham 07870 829160 or Richard 07766 913943

07967 245172

Logs Logs Logs Logs Logs Logs

WINTERBORNE WHITECHURCH VILLAGE HALL is available to hire

Domestic and Industrial J.I.B. Registered

Parties, wedding receptions, meetings and any function that needs a bit of space.

Kids birthday parties welcome.

Kitchen facilities, toilets and bar area.

Disabled friendly.

Booking charges are £7 per hour.

Also available to hire are marques and gazebos.

Bookings: Tracey S Cox 01258 881416

www.wwvh.co.uk

Robert Way Electrical Contractor Wyvern Cottage North Street Winterborne Stickland 01258 880363 07713 148896

Free Estimates 24 Hour Call out Service

J.P.L Gardens

Stickland Mowers

Home boarding & Day Care for Dogs

Professional Garden Services

We provide a caring and safe holiday home for dogs.

Lawn Mowing • Hedge Cutting Garden Maintenance • Garden Clearance Mole Catching • Landscaping and fencing Small tree work

Servicing and repairs carried out on all makes/models of Garden and Horticultural machinery, with over 27 years experience.

MUCKY BOOTS DORSET

Experienced, reliable, fully licensed and approved with Dorset Council Visit:

www.muckybootsdorset.co.uk

Email: julie@muckybootsdorset.co.uk

Call Jerry Legg 01258 489977 • 07940 895803

Tel: 07816 031280

23 May Grove, Charlton Marshall, jplegg48@googlemail.com

Carer Available

Rob’s Clearance

Experienced, and qualified carer available, for all personal care duties, respite care, cooking, shopping, domestic cleaning, days out, up to date training, DBS checked, and insured.

HOUSE, Shed and site clearance Rubbish removed Recycling carried out Good/interesting items purchased for cash Friendly and reliable

Please call sue: 01258 880149 Mobile: 07879 338334 Email: susancarolinerampling@gmail.com

Tel: 01747 839751 07956 414 896

Chimneys Professionally Swept

Complete Pest Solutions

Traditional brush and vacuum sweep.

No mess or fuss and nothing to do before or after.

Woodburners, inglnooks and Agas etc.

Reliable prompt helpful service.

Cowls fitted

07952 991966

Commercial and private sector, professional, discreet and punctual All pests dealt with including rodents, moles, rabbits, wasps, ants and flying insects etc.

Contracts undertaken Pubs, Farms etc.

07952 991966 18

Free collection and delivery

Call 01258 880149 Mobile 07879 338334 Winterborne Whitechurch Old School Room is available to hire.

This beautiful large room, ideal for parties, meetings and family or community gathering.

Come and visit to appreciate the charm of this lovely venue.

Full kitchen and cloakroom facilities.

Disabled friendly.

Booking charges £7 per hour.

Bookings : Ellen 880226 ellenandkeith@outlook.com

Catering Quality home cooked food for all your requirements also Cutlery & crockery hire Tessa 07759 219190 tessa.food@outlook.com

ALL FRAMING OPTIONS UNDERTAKEN PHIL HARLOCK 4 West St, Stickland Blandford, Dorset DT11 0NT Telephone: 01258 881290 philharlock@hotmail.com

CLEANER FOR DOMESTIC & OFFICE PREMISES REGULAR OR ONE OFF CLEANS UNDERTAKEN EFFICIENT, RELIABLE SERVICE ALL EQUIPMENT & CLEANING MATERIALS PROVIDED. CALL KAREN ON 07874 266213

news@valley-news.co.uk

•

ads@valley-news.co.uk

Valley Organisations & Contacts Abbey Swimming Club Milton Abbey Swimming Pool. Tue 1830-2030, Fri 1930-2030, Sat 1000-1200, Sun 8am-9am, Lynn 881443, Pat 880601, Stephen 881524, abbeyswimmingclub@gmail.com Aquacise and lane swimming for fitness Exercise in the water - safe and fun for all ages. Ladies and gentlemen welcome Fridays 6.30pm Maria 880895 secretary@masportsclub.org.uk Bere Regis Floral Group 2nd Tue each month, 2pm, Kingston Village Hall, Diane Edmunds 01929 472 331 British Horse Society (Dorset) County Bridleway Officer • 01258 880318 carolshoopman@btinternet.com Bus2Go Margo www.bus2godorset.org 01258 837749 / 07917 298321 Dunbury Church of England Academy www.dunbury.dsat.org.uk • 880501 Extend Exercise (to music for 60s+) Fri 10am-11am, PHH, Jilly Spencer 07971 755715 Golf Club Milton Abbey School, Laura Haim 881872 Jan’s Fun Art & Craft Classes 07836 639514 janodesigns@yahoo.co.uk Ladies Keep Fit Wed 7.30pm WVH. Mary Fripp 880416 Milborne St. Andrew Village Hall Events Alice Harrall 01258 837371 msavillagehall@gmail.com Milton Abbas Art Group Mon 7pm-9pm, RRMA, Elizabeth Walker elizziewalker@yahoo.co.uk Milton Abbas Local History Group 1st Wed each month, 7pm RRMA Bryan or Pamela Phillips 880385 Miltonabbashistorygroup.com

OSR PHH RRMA WVH

VENUE KEY Old School Room, Whitechurch Pamela Hambro Hall, Stickland Reading Rooms, Milton Abbas Whitechurch Village Hall

Milton Abbas Neighbourcar For your medical transport needs, 01258 470333 Milton Abbas Riding For The Disabled Friday 10am-12noon Term time, Luccombe Riding Centre, Sue Hodder 880229 Milton Abbas Sports Club Andy Smith 880310 Pamela Hambro Hall 880969 • pamelahambrohall.wix.com/home Patient Voice (the Patient Reference Group for Milton Abbas & Milborne St Andrew Surgery), Sec. Nigel Hodder 880229 Pilates 1 hr classes: Mon 10am; Tue 6.45pm; Wed 10am; Thu 12.00; PHH, Jilly Spencer 07971 755715 POPP Wayfinders for The Winterbornes Sue Inman 07920 650608 Sue.Inman@helpandcare.org.uk Richard Hewitt 07971 338129 Richard.Hewitt@helpandcare.org.uk Round Robin Ramblers Normally 1st Sun & 3rd Wed each month Ian Bromilow 880044 River Stickland Management Group Richard Marchant 881716 (Secretary) r.marchant@btinternet.com Short Mat Bowls Mon 1.00pm PHH Francis Dennett 880129 Sticklebacks Parent & Toddler Group Tue (Term Time) 10am-12pm, PHH Cheryl 07795 687151 cheryl_s84@hotmail.com Tai Chi & Chi Kung Thursdays 7.00 till 8.00pm Blackmorevale.taichi@gmail.com

To add or update a listing on this page please email news@valley-news.co.uk 19

Swimming Lessons Juniors and adults. Beginners and improvers.

Maria 880895 or Richard 837402 Table Tennis for Adults Tue 2pm-4pm & Fri 7pm-9pm, PHH Graham Case 880740 Tennis Club Winterborne Sports Club, Stickland Jerry Kelsey 07765 777451 Valley Ringers John Close (Tower Capt, WW) 880457 Ann Fox (Tower Capt, WS) 881156 Valley Computer Club Richard D’Silva 880118 Valley Gardening Club sites.google.com/site/vgcdorset Valley Players 881415, www.valleyplayers.co.uk Whist Drive 3rd Wed of month, 7pm, RRMA. Entry £1 Winterborne Arts and Crafts First Wednesday every month, PHH W. Stickland Sports & Community Club Vaughan Manners 880969 • wssc.club Whitechurch Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Tue, Beavers, Dunbury School Gym Girls & Boys 6-8 years Fri, Cubs 6.30-8.15pm, Dunbury School Gym Girls & Boys 7½-11 years Fri, Scouts, 6.30-8.30pm, WVH Girls & Boys 10½-14 years. Leader: Skip, winterbornewhitechurchscouts@gmail.com Secretary: Anna 880363 anna@annaway.plus.com Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall See Text Ads Yoga Thu 9.30-10.30am, PHH, Louise Hull 860381 Zumba WVH, Various classes, AM & PM, Tue & Thu Tracy 07971 636437 Parish Council Websites winterbornestickland.org.uk winterbornehoughton.org.uk miltonabbaspc.org.uk. winterbornewhitechurchparishcouncil.org.uk

Henry Cole has sent this picture from Italy. “Jan and I have just come back from a week in Sorrento. We of course took the Valley News with us and I was photographed holding it all over the place much to the amusement of the locals. I attach one of me holding the VN when we took a boat to Positano, probably the most picturesque village on the Amalfi Coast and certainly the most expensive.�

Jane Robbins sent this picture of a young Polecat which visited her Hedgehog feeding shelter on the nights of the 28th and 29th August.

Jane wonders if there have been any local sightings?

Valley News is printed by Purely Print incorporating Stour Print Tel: 01258 459977