Wriggle Valley Magazine April 2021 No.334 by Wriggle Valley Magazine

WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE No 334 April 2021

In this issue: Finally – some dates for your diaries 'Kiss-me-John-at-the-garden-gate' to 'Eve's Tears' – all is explained... St. Andrew's, Leigh – Eco church

POETRY PAGE

Christina Rossetti’s ‘The Pageant’ cont.

Rossetti’s text for A Pageant included a cast of ‘personifications’ (the months), to be played by boys and girls, along with stage directions - we include only those necessary to follow proceedings. This month has the text for April; each WVM in 2021 will feature the verse Rossetti wrote for that month. April: (appearing at the open door) Good-morrow and good-bye: if others fly, Of all the flying months you're the most flying. March: You're hope and sweetness April April: Birth means dying, As wings and wind mean flying; So you and I and all things fly or die; And sometimes I sit sighing to think of dying. But meanwhile I've a rainbow in my showers, And a lapful of flowers, And these dear nestlings aged three hours; And here's their mother sitting, Their father's merely flitting To find their breakfast somewhere in my bowers. As she speaks April shows March her apron full of flowers and nest full of 2

birds. March wanders away into the grounds. April hangs over the hungry nestlings watching them. April: What beaks you have, you funny things, What voices shrill and weak; Who'd think that anything that sings Could sing through such a beak? Yet you'll be nightingales one day, And charm the country-side, When I'm away and far away And May is queen and bride. (May arrives and gives her a kiss) April: Ah May, good-morrow May, and so good-bye. May: That's just your way, sweet April, smile and sigh: Your sorrow's half in fun, Begun and done And turned to joy while twenty seconds run I've gathered flowers all as I came along, At every step a flower Fed by your last bright shower She divides an armful of all sorts of flowers with April, who strolls away through the garden to be continued

CONTENTS EDITORIAL 5 REACH Alternative Education – see p.10

Chetnole – 74th Flower Show see p.14

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES

Batcombe 6 Beer Hackett 8 Chetnole 11 Hermitage 21 Leigh 22 Ryme Intrinseca 33 Yetminster 34

CLUB NEWS

Benjamin Ferrey POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS 51 – the forgotten NATURE NOTES 52 Wessex hero see p.42 OTHER NEWS 60 OUR CHURCH COMMUNITIES 62 Nature notes for spring – see p.52

PLANNING 66 REGULAR EVENTS

ADVERTISERS’ REGISTER

ADVERTISING IN THE WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE Advertise your business and reach almost 1300 homes. Included in the rates is a 150 word promotional feature and FREE advertising on our website www.wrigglevalleymagazine.co.uk. Contact:gojan@btinternet.com Rates: 1/6 page (62x62mm) £120pa (10 issues) One-off £30 1/3 page (62x128mm landscape or 128x62mm portrait £230pa (10 issues) One off £50. Other sizes by negotiation. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this magazine’s content we cannot accept responsibility for information given or claims made by our contributors and advertisers. Should you have any complaints please send them to the Chairman of the magazine, Graham Plaice.

WVM

32 years 3

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PISTACHIO SLICE (V)

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Our range of premium artists’ paints: For children who want to be painters. And painters who want to be professional. We supply high-quality gouache paints made by the famous ‘Novskaya Palitra’ in St Petersburg. They include a premium, fine-ground ‘Master Class’ Range, with a high colourfast rating, for the most demanding artist, and a natural, non-phenol and safe ‘I Am An Artist’ Range for budding virtuosos. We can despatch same day as your order. See our website for details of colour ranges, specifications and children’s paints: https://paints.art or visit us on OLGA GOVER ARTISTS’ PAINTS info@paints.art 07463 802253 Facebook: www.facebook.com/paintsartsuppliers 4

WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2021

e: wvm.editor@gmail.com www.wrigglevalleymagazine.co.uk Chairman: Graham Plaice gplaice@gmail.com 01935 872921 Editor: Kathryn Edwards wvm.editor@gmail.com Secretary & Diary: Judith Palmer ja_palmer@btinternet.com Treasurer: Rob Barfoot 01935 873306 rbarfoot48@gmail.com Advertising & Villages coordinator: Gordon Ratcliffe 01935 872996 gojan@btinternet.com Design & Production: Left Field / Remous Print Distribution: David Wallace 01935 873077 djdwallace@gmail.com Copy Deadline: 12th of month prior to publication, 5th of month if artwork required Maximum article length: 400 words Photographs: either jpeg (300dpi minimum) via e mail or originals Village news please e mail /deliver to your village rep (see contact details under each village heading) Collection points for handwritten or typed articles: WVM Box Old School Gallery Yetminster (On the Boyle cafe) 1 Cloverhay, Yetminster Printed by Remous Print, Sherborne Front cover photo: Historic church at Stockwood

Hedgelaying

Photo: Faith Bellamy

The equinox has passed and, by the time you read this, the clocks will have gone forward. The beautiful Wriggle Valley is bursting into life – blossom, bulbs and buzzing bees – as well as newborn lambs. Our local vaccination programme continues with astonishing efficiency and, finally, there is the optimism and confidence to start to put dates in diaries as Wriggle Valley villages make plans for summer events; cream teas, parachuting teddy bears, flower shows, fetes, festivals and pop up pubs. Easter Sunday sees the return of church services and a full schedule for April is on p.65. In the magazine this month there are some interesting articles on both personal history, from the origins of a house name in Hermitage to what censuses past can reveal about a Leigh resident’s ancestors, as well as local history, with the story of Benjamin Ferrey, who built much of Dorchester. There are also updates on the great work being done to preserve our village wild places for the future, planting trees and creating wildflower areas. The lovely – and hilarious - traditional Dorset names for some of the wildflowers are memorably described in Nature Notes. Thank you to everyone who has sent in such amazing photographs of the wildlife and wild scenery around us; I’ve included as many as possible throughout this issue. I wish you all a very Happy Easter.

Kathryn Edwards Editor 5

REP & DISTRIBUTOR: Johnny Gibbs jg@intramar.co.uk 83187

BATCOMBE

Great Head and Batcombe Ridge above the mist

Batcombe Church

We are looking forward to an Easter Day Service in Batcombe church at 10.15am on 4 April. We will be taking all appropriate Covid precautions. This will be our first service in the church since the Christmas Eve Carol service, so the more people who come the merrier.

Photo: J Gibbs

Batcombe Cream Teas

In line with the Government roadmap, we are planning to hold Batcombe Cream Teas at 3.00pm on Sunday 27 June at Hilfield Friary. (Our traditional Father’s Day date has been scuppered this year as restrictions are unlikely to lift until the day after!)

Photo: Carole Potter Photo: Susie Graham

Batcombe – early morning moon

Please put the date in your diary and we look forward to seeing as many as possible. This year, all the proceeds will be going to the Batcombe Church – Bolster the Beams. We have now started fundraising for the roof repairs that we are planning due to the deathwatch beetle damage to the oak roof timbers.

Batcombe Church Lottery The prize-winners were: February 2021 1st

No 3

William Graham

2nd

No 39

Tom Shelford

3rd

No 24

Hilary Brocklehurst

query, you can send this to us using the dropdown ‘Contact us’ tab on the website. David Whiteoak Chairman High Stoy Parish Council

Thought from the Rise of the Wriggle “Meetings are indispensable when you don’t want to do anything.” John Kenneth Galbraith

Johnny Gibbs

March 2021 1st

No 56

Emma Shelford

2nd

No 28

Pete & Lou Gordge

3rd

No 4

Emily Graham

High Stoy Parish Council update You may know that High Stoy Parish Council (HSPC) comprises three parishes – Hermitage, Hilfield and Batcombe – with a total population of about 400. HSPC is looking at several on-going issues, including flooding and noise issues in Hermitage, the damage caused to verges by tractors, footpath issues and, jointly with Leigh Parish Council, extending the 40mph speed limit on the road from Leigh to south of Three Gates Farm. It is anticipated that this is not going to be a straightforward matter so any support on this would be welcome by Leigh Parish Council or ourselves. Minutes of our meetings and more information on HSPC is on our website www.highstoypc.org.uk and if you have a

Photo: Susie Graham

BEER HACKETT

St. Michael’s Church

REP: John Parker johnwincanton@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Susan Ferdinand

Palm Sunday is on 28 March. There will be palm crosses in the open church porch and you are welcome to take one. Easter is a time of resurrection, renewal and hope – never more so than this year. John Bingham

Friends of St. Michael’s Church First AGM

Photo: Jean Parker

We look forward to services in our Three Valleys Benefice restarting from Easter Sunday (4 April) onwards. Please see the benefice service schedule in this magazine on p.65 for information on our first service at St. Michael’s. 8

Held on Saturday 21 February via Zoom and was well attended, without any technical hitches. Our Chair, Simon Clothier, thanked all for attending and restated that the aim of the Friends’ is to raise funds for St Michael’s Church and its upkeep, so our village community can make full use of the building. Before Covid the Friends had planned several events including a music event all of which, unfortunately, had to be cancelled. The ‘Village Lottery’ will resume as soon as possible.

Website Our Treasurer, John Trench, has kindly set up a website, to use as part of

the village hub for the benefit of Beer Hackett residents; however, if someone wanted to use it from neighbouring villages, we would be happy to include their information subject, of course, to committee approval. https://www. friendsofstmichaelschurchbeerhackett.org

Oil Club Friends had also joined the Oil Club with the ultimate aim to lower residents’ heating bills.

Treasurer’s Report and Financial Statement

Both were duly accepted. The Treasurer said that at long last, he has received an acknowledgement from the Charities Commission to apply gift aid. ‘Friends’ is now a registered Charity, number 11585135. This is good news as we can now claim back gift aid from those subscribers that pay tax, which should be a real asset for the Church.

Subscription

It was agreed that the yearly subscription would continue at the current rate of £10 per person. At the moment, all incoming monies remain intact and the Trustees bear all out of pocket expenses themselves. In April, the Secretary will be sending out membership renewal reminders and we do hope that later in the year, if restrictions are lifted, we can actually organise some events. We warmly welcome new members.

New Trustee

A vacancy occurred this year after the resignation of a Trustee. We therefore very warmly welcome Mrs Sylvia Whitman who kindly agreed to become a Trustee.

Church PA System grant bid

Very kindly John Parker had applied for a Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest Grant for a PA system for the Church but unfortunately this was unsuccessful. We sincerely thank John for his work in this connection – it is very time consuming and involves such a lot of paperwork. It was agreed that this subject would be placed on the Agenda for further discussion at our next Trustees’ meeting.

Village Defibrillator

Lastly, but importantly, we need more volunteers to step forward and be prepared to fetch the defibrillator from the church porch should the need arise. Please seriously think about offering your services, as we never know when we may need the use of the defibrillator ourselves. Let the Secretary have your details: Olive Davison 07552818389 or firemoon2015@hotmail.com A tentative refresher course is being considered on the use of the defibrillator, subject to Covid restrictions.

Future meetings

At this time, future Trustee meetings will be held online.

Beer Hackett Village Handbook – revised edition for 2021 Beer Hackett’s unique Village Handbook, packed with information about our hamlet and surroundings, was first published in 2019 as part of the Lottery Community Fund supported ‘Village Hub’ project. After two eventful years it is now due 9

for an update, particularly regarding local organisations, responsibilities, memberships and useful information/ contacts. If you have any suggestions or amendments, please email John Parker johnwincanton@gmail.com by the end of April. There are still some copies of the first edition available in the Church porch. The new version should be ready in May and each household will receive a copy.

REACH Alternative Education We are a support service working with young people across Somerset and Dorset, commissioned by schools and the Local Authority to create bespoke packages of support for young people through small group work or 1:1 sessions. We build self-esteem, resilience and engagement in the young people we work with by creating safe connections and environments that promote development. During the pandemic, our frontline staff have continued to work with and support some of the most at risk and vulnerable young people in the area. We are currently looking for an opportunity to support the local community through tree planting projects and are looking for anyone locally that might need the manpower to enable such a project.

Nick MacBean SEMH Lead & DDSL REACH Alternative Education SW Ltd t: 07944751626 10

Thornhackett Parish Council – vacancy Parish Clerk/ Responsible Financial Officer: closing date for applications April 30 2021 Thornhackett Parish Council is seeking someone to take on the position of Parish Clerk/ Responsible Financial Officer. The Clerk is the sole employee of the Parish Council and works largely under his or her own initiative. Responsibilities include the preparation and negotiation of agendas, recording and publishing minutes at parish council meetings held every other month. The Clerk also deals with Council correspondence and transmits local government information to members of the Council. As Financial Officer, the Clerk is responsible for the prompt payment of invoices, providing a framework for budgeting, and supplying members with regular financial updates. The Clerk is responsible for preparing accounts for annual internal and external audit; operating systems for the retrieval of VAT and the payment of PAYE. An additional Annual Parish Meeting is also held every April for the discussion of community affairs; the Clerk sets up this meeting on behalf of the Council. The successful candidate will be both a competent communicator and computer literate. The post is for 18 hours per month; pay is negotiable according to local government scales. Applicants should apply in writing (including a Curriculum Vitae and contact details of two referees, to: Thornhackett Parish Council, 6, Sarum, Thornford, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6SU.

CHETNOLE with

Hamlet, Melbury Bubb & Stockwood

REP: Liz Tebbatt 873140 tebbatt.towers@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Stan Darley

Melbury Bubb in the mist

Glad to see the days are getting longer at last – I derive great pleasure from looking at the scheduled sunset time getting later as the weeks go by on my BBC weather app, yes here comes spring at last and much-welcomed it is too. Hopefully by the end of this month life may be looking a tiny bit like it used to, fingers crossed, and we can start to plan things. The Wriggle Valley Cricket Club is getting ready for a new season and you can read all about it in this issue along with the preparations for this year’s flower show with ideas of how you can start now on your entries for the show. Some of you may remember

Photo: Jennie Greenwood

former Chetnole resident Jackie Brushatt (formerly Mullins and Cull) who sadly died recently; her son Julian has kindly provided us with her story. Thanks to all the litter-pickers who tidied up the village in March and to the Friends of Chetnole Halt for their hard work smartening up our little railway stop. And last but most definitely not least, many thanks to my lovely friends in the village for their well wishes after lost my mum in February, they really did make me feel much better. Happy Easter. Liz Tebbatt

Save the date Sun 28 March Sun 28 March Mon 29 March Fri 2 April Sun 4 April Mon 5 April Mon 12 April Thurs 15 April Wed 21 April Sun 4 July Sat 7 August

British Summertime begins Palm Sunday Step 1 of Boris’ Roadmap Out of Lockdown (see www.gov.uk for details) Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Step 2 of Boris’ Roadmap Out of Lockdown Chetnole Fuel Group oil delivery St. Peter’s Church AGM on Zoom 8.00pm – open to all Cream teas and teddy-bear parachuting in St. Peter’s churchyard 3.00-5.00pm Chetnole Flower Show

St Peter’s Church 2021 EASTER AT ST PETER'S, CHETNOLE 

PALM SUNDAY

Crosses will be available in the porch. Please help yourself.

 The church will be decorated for Easter.  EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE Sunday Apr 4th 10:00am Village service - all welcome (please wear a mask).        



er. 

With best wishes from St Peter's church, Chetnole

Several posies and cards were delivered around the village for Mothering Sunday. Palm crosses will be available for collection at church on Palm Sunday, 28 March, for anyone who would like one. A village service will be held in 12

church at 10.00am on Easter Sunday, everyone is welcome (please wear a mask). Continued thanks for food bank donations – the organisers appreciate the many donations from Chetnole. The Chetnole church Annual Meeting (APCM) will be held on Wednesday 21 April at 8:00pm. This meeting is open to all and will be by Zoom, so please contact PCC secretary Aly at kozowyk@ btinternet.com for the link if you would like to attend. Aly Kozowyk

Chetnole fuel group Withlike best wishes from If you would to order some domestic heating call John Sanford on Chetnole St oil, please Peter's church,

01935 872973 at least five working days before the next delivery date which is 15 April.

Friends of Chetnole Halt Users of our local Heart of Wessex Line railway will be interested to learn that one of our members, Bob Owen, is to be Chairman of the new South Wessex Community Rail Partnership (CRP). The Friends of Chetnole Halt (FoCH) volunteer group is a member of the national Community Rail Network supported by the operators (in our case Great Western Railway) and the local authorities that the line runs through. Until last year, we were represented by the Heart of Wessex CRP, which covered the whole railway line from Bristol to Weymouth. However, that CRP has now been dissolved and, for our area,

we have a new CRP that will cover only the Southern section from Westbury to Weymouth. This will enable the partnership to focus more on our own communities, while maintaining the familiar Heart of Wessex Line identity. Covid has inevitably delayed the setting up of the new CRP, but it is now expected to be up and running by June. We offer our congratulations to Bob and wish him success in his new role. Separately, much time has passed since the Friends of Chetnole Halt notified GWR that the felt-covered wooden walkway leading onto the platform at the Halt was starting to break up and was becoming rather dangerous. We were recently surprised and pleased to find that GWR has finally addressed the problem and the work has now been carried out. It is a welcome improvement.

Lane and opposite St. Peter’s Church. Delivery is promised by the end of April. Thanks to a handful of generous Chetnolians, two thirds of the cost was raised very quickly to supplement a grant from Dorset Campaign for Rural England. Thank you too to all those who assisted in an extensive search for old photographs showing the original roundels, not forgetting the good people at Dorset A.O.N.B., Sherborne Museum and Dorset Historical Records. Gordon Ratcliffe

ST PETER'S CHURCH CHETNOLE

CREAM TEAS in the CHURCHYARD (in village hall if wet)

with TEDDY BEAR PARACHUTING

Sunday July 4th from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. Once again Teddy Bears will be jumping off St. Peter’s church tower. Bring your parachute and teddy bear (or any other soft toy) and have a go! Any size or design will do, provided it fits into the basket for hoisting up the tower. Make sure your Teddy’s name and your family name are clearly marked.

Halt platform approach

Refurbished fingerposts Two replacement roundels are now on order from Bridport Foundry, for the refurbished fingerposts at Dunch

Children and adults of all ages welcome. All entrants get a certificate and the slowest descent (that lands in the churchyard!) will win a prize. £1 per jump for church funds.

Congratulations Dr Hawnt

Dr Kate Hawnt

Not only has fabulous Mill Lane resident Kate Hawnt been kept busy by juggling her roles of professional singer, music teacher, music historian and choir leader (to name but a few) with family life in Chetnole but she has also now passed her PhD, so we have great pleasure in being able to address her as Dr Hawnt, no less. Here are a few words from Kate about how she did it and what her subject is: “My thesis is called, ‘Strange Luggage: Raymond Russell, the Harpsichord and Early Music Culture in the Mid-Twentieth Century.’ I undertook the PhD at the University of Southampton funded by an Arts and Humanities Research Council Collaborative Doctoral Award, with the National Trust. I’m most proud of the fact that I managed to hand it in whilst homeschooling both children in the midst of a global pandemic. In fact, having started in 2014 with only one 14

child, I’ve since had my second child, moved house three times, and only had both children in full-time education for six months throughout the whole period of research and writing, whilst juggling multiple jobs. Nice to have proved to myself that something I never thought possible for the likes of me was achieved, despite complicating circumstances. And, I learnt during my viva, that my work has transformed how the National Trust at Mottisfont Abbey represent the Russell family there, which is nice.” Congratulations Kate on your fantastic achievement – we’re very proud of you – and thank you also for keeping the Wriggle Valley Voices in song during the pandemic; we can’t wait to all get together again. Liz Tebbatt

Chetnole Flower Show & Fete – start flexing those green fingers! We’re delighted to tell you that the Schedule for the 74th Chetnole Flower Show & Fete can now be found on our Instagram and Facebook pages, or on the Parish Council website. Hardcopies will be posted around the village and are also in the Village Hall. Now that the frosts are behind us, April is a busy month for fruit and vegetable growers, so we thought we’d give you a heads up on what will be in the Schedule. There are some new classes for you to tackle such as a rainbow vegetable plate, a salad plate and we are looking for some imaginative ways to display three kinds of vegetables. I’m sure we won’t be disappointed! In spite of last year’s exploding elderflower champagne, the judges are looking forward to sampling some interesting homemade tipples again,

and gents, we know how competitive you can be, so get practising for a carrot cake bake-off! In the children’s sections, as well as cress creatures, we have an ocean theme with a fishy mobile and a boat which must be able to survive the choppy waters of Chetnole! For the under 16s we’re curious to see what you think are Chetnole Landmarks in the photography section. No age limit for the rather bizarre muffin recipe, which has been tested and we can attest to its deliciousness. Let your imaginations run riot with scarecrows of any theme as well as the ‘In Disguise’ photography class. There’s something for everyone and we’d love to see how you are getting on as you sow, plant, make and bake wonderful entries for the show. You can share your progress by adding #chetnoleflowershow to your posts on Facebook and Instagram, where we’ll also be putting some top tips and inspiration. Good luck with all your efforts! The Chetnole Flower Show & Fete Committee

Join us on Saturday 7 August 2021 for our 74th Flower & Produce Show, along with stalls, entertainment & refreshments. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @ChetnoleFlowerShow

Annual Parish Litterpick Over the first weekend in March, 18 hardy Chetnole Oldies, suitably hivis adorned and insured, sallied forth wielding picker-uppers and black bags to give the verges and ditches a clean-up. About 16 heavy, half-filled bags of litter were collected in all, mostly takeaway food and drink containers, plastic bottles etc. The quantity of discarded Polish vodka and beer bottles was insignificant compared with the 2020 haul. This year’s (virtual) prize goes to the Woods, for the collection of a car bumper, along with the usual detritus, from the lower end of Stockwood Road. The overall impression was that roadside litter was less evident than in spring 2020 – not surprising, since traffic levels were down during Covid-19 lockdown periods. Sadly, the opposite applies on the grass verges of the A37 – what is wrong with vehicle drivers and passengers who think 15

it is acceptable to ‘chuck it and forget it’? As to (the minority) of dog walkers who pick up and then hang filled poop bags in the hedgerows........aaargh.!! One final thought – the 2021 Chetnole Litterpick Volunteers are not getting any younger – and aspire to hand over next year to a group of younger retirees. To paraphrase Delia Smith – “Where are you? Gordon Ratcliffe

Chetnole and Stockwood Parish Council March Meeting Notes We have a 10-minute session at the beginning and end of our Parish Council meetings during which members of the public can raise matters of interest/ concern for discussion by the Council. On this occasion four members of the public tuned in to our Zoom meeting. All are welcome and joining information can be obtained prior to each meeting from Sue Woodford. Hopefully, we will be meeting in the Village Hall again before too long. There were three planning applications 16

for discussion, all of which were supported, with some reservations, by most of the PC. The village litter picking party has recently been in action and suggested a recycling litter bin in the layby between Mad Mowers and the A37. After some debate it was reluctantly agreed that a bin in this remote spot might be stolen, vandalised, or attract fly tipping. The suggestion was not, therefore, supported by the PC. On the matter of flood management. I had a Zoom meeting with Angelique McBride of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) to review progress on proposals for flood management in the upper reaches of the Wriggle and its tributaries. Angelique has identified several areas where effective obstacles to the flow could be installed. During the next few weeks, we will be approaching the owners of the land concerned to seek their support and approval of the scheme proposed. When an overall plan has been agreed, I will make it available in this magazine and on the Parish Council website. We are plagued by rabbits on the playing field and our use of ferrets to try and reduce the population was not successful. Suggestions would be welcome. The Parish Council website has recently been updated and I understand that pages are available; if any group, club or society is interested, please contact Sue Woodford. If there is anything that you would like the Parish Council to discuss/consider at future meetings please call either Sue Woodford, or me. Contact details are on the website. The next meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 12 May. Owen C Pope

Jackie Brushett 1947 – 2021

Jacqueline Theresa Brushett (Mullins/ Cull), aged 73, passed away peacefully on 3 March 2021 due to a massive stroke on top of her battle with Alzheimer’s. She leaves behind a son (Julian Mullins), a husband (William Brushett) and a mum (Yvonne Cull), a daughter-in-law for whom she was also mum, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Jackie was born in Dorchester in October 1947. Daughter of Yvonne and Toby Cull, Jackie lived in Chetnole and attended the village school, where she was the only girl in the class. Jackie then went to St Gildas, Yeovil, and then onto St. Aldhelms School in Sherborne. While not always the bestbehaved pupil, she was well-liked by classmates and teachers. Jackie had several jobs after leaving school, but she was never a career girl. She married Bryan Mullins from Frome St. Quinton at Chetnole Church in June 1966. They lived in Maiden Newton before moving back to Chetnole in 1973. They had a son Julian in 1971. Jackie married again in July 1998 to William Brushett, having moved to Chantmarle in 1997.

Everything changed in February 2015 when Bill suffered a stroke meaning that Jackie then became a carer, looking after the house and Bill. Early in 2019, she felt her memory was going, and it was confirmed later in the year that she had Alzheimer’s. It progressed quickly, and she started to need help with herself and Bill. Luckily a live-in carer moved in just before the first Covid lockdown in March 2020. The time when she needed more hugs was now a time when she could not even have visitors. She deteriorated quickly and had to go to Alderney hospital, Poole, who were great with her. She was just about to move to Grove Lodge care home, Frampton, in January when she contracted Covid – she beat it, much to everyone’s relief! Once she’d had a negative test, she moved in on Thursday 18 February. She was dancing and laughing on the Friday and had a lovely day before succumbing to a stroke on Saturday. She had a short stay in Dorchester hospital before being moved back to the home on the following Friday. During the last few days, the family could visit her before she passed away peacefully on 3 March. Jackie was the life and soul of any party, always full of conversation. Dancing, art, horses and dogs were her passions. Always full of life and energy. She always had cold hands but a warm heart. She hated cold drinks and even wanted ice cream warmed up. Jackie will be greatly missed. Please, if you have any stories or messages you wish to share with the family, please email them to jackie@ shogun.co.uk. Julian Mullins 17

HERMITAGE

REP: Tom Beels tom@beelsandco.com DISTRIBUTOR: Faith Hervey

Photo: Jeremy Cozens

History of a name Many people have wondered at the name of our house – Coasters Cottage – as we are so far from the coast. My wife and I chose it when we started, in 1953, to purchase this cottage; in those far-off days we were working in the British colony in West Africa called the Gold Coast, before it became the independent country of Ghana. It seemed an appropriate name then, and we have kept it ever since. Our daughter was born in January 1954 in the Gold Coast, and I remember we were advised to pay ‘half a crown’ (1⁄8th of a pound) to register her birth at Somerset House, London.

In those days, malaria and other tropical diseases were common in West Africa, and we had annual leave to UK. As conditions improved, this became biennial leave, nine weeks in the UK every two years. For each leave, we returned to Coasters Cottage. In the intervening time we let various friends live in it at a reduced rent, with the proviso that if we were unexpectedly deported from Ghana we could return to Coasters at short notice. I remember the great kindness of David and Joyce Chutter who, in those days lived in the adjacent cottage, and whose two sons Mark and Andrew were contemporary with our two daughters Kristina and Sheena. The unusual spelling Kristina was from a famous Danish missionary because we worked in Denmark before going to West Africa. Alan Ward If you have an interesting tale about your house name or other village history, please send to Tom by email. Tom Beels

Coasters Cottage

LEIGH

REPS: Philippa Toulson philippa.toulson@gmail.com Eddie Upton upton.eddie@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Judy Tuke

Leigh Village Festival Update

Photo: Morag Orchard

We know that we live in a special place, but from time to time it is good to be reminded of just how special it is and Cate Dixon’s article, Leigh Life, will bring a smile to your face. There is an underlying theme running through Cate’s article – the notion of a helpful and supportive community. If we lived in a large town, things would probably be quite different – almost certainly we would have to listen to The Archers to get a taste of what community means. Until she had her terrible accident, much of the drive behind Ambridge’s community initiatives was provided by Linda Snell. Every village needs a Linda Snell but, think a little bit more about where we live, and we reckon you’ll agree that we have lots of Linda and Robert Snells to help move things on. Now for a quiz question. What do the following have in common – Di Morris, Gordon Morris, Cathy Purcell, Graham Purcell, Philippa Toulson, Eddie Upton? Answer: we provide the very well drilled service of washing up the glasses at the village pop up pub. And … breaking news …. we have heard that the Leigh Pop Inn is returning to the Village Hall on 30 July! Philippa Toulson and Eddie Upton 22

The regrettable postponement from June 18th to 20th this year to June 24th to 26th 2022 proved wise - as June 21 is the Government’earliest date for removal of restrictions. The date may have changed but all the exciting planned events remain. Make a note of the date - further announcements to come.

Leigh Village festival

June 24 - 26 2022

THE

POP INN Leigh’s Renowned Pop-up Pub.

Reopening evening: Friday 30 July Then on the last Friday each month: August 27 September 24 October 29 November 26

St Andrew’s Church, Leigh We are delighted to invite you to a special open air Easter Communion service at 10.00am on Easter Sunday, 4 April. A hand-made wooden cross will be placed by the base of the old stone cross on Good Friday (2 April) and for the rest of Easter. During the service, the area round the cross will be decorated with spring flowers and other colourful tributes. Please bring a posy or small jar of flowers to add to the decorations either during or after the service. The church has a few chairs, but it would be helpful if you could bring a garden chair with you. Dress for the weather; we won’t be going indoors if it rains. The hope is that Easter will mark the return of regular services across the Benefice, so look out for more details on the church notice board or on the village Facebook page.

If you prefer a service in the safety and comfort of your own home, we are assured that the clergy will be continuing their programme of online worship, which has been attracting high numbers. The Easter service will be on Zoom at 10.00am, but you will be able to catch up with it when you get home from our churchyard service by going on to Facebook. These online services will be continuing until further notice. None of us wants to count our chickens too early, and plans are in the hands of government rulings and local data, but we hope our popular coffee mornings will start again with an open air get together in the churchyard on Tuesday 1 June at 10.30am. Thereafter, we might be able to return to meeting in the church for a coffee, cake and chat on the first Tuesday of every month. Fingers crossed! Alaistair Cumming and Eddie Upton Churchwardens

God’s Acre and Eco Church Last month, Rose from the Leigh Climate group wrote an interesting article about her vision of a River of Flowers. To help us help her towards her vision there will be envelopes of seeds in the church porch. If you would like to grow some flowers, please help yourself. There will be a mixture of garden and wildflowers so pick up an envelope and get growing. In 2017, we started our Eco Church journey, looking at the way we did things and thinking seriously about what we should/could change. One of the most noticeable transformations has been in the churchyard. Last year, partly because of our Eco commitment and partly because of a lack of volunteers due to Covid-19, we let most of the churchyard grow. An astonishing number 23

of wildflowers flourished, and numerous people commented on how beautiful and cheerful they were, at a time when we all needed some cheering up. Caroline and I photographed and catalogued as many flowers as we could and we were thrilled to have two different types of orchid, amongst others. In September we cut all the grass and, by the time you read this, the March cut will hopefully have taken place. We can then decide, from our notes of what grew last year and our list of willing mowers, which areas to allow to grow and which to keep shorter. We are always looking for more volunteers so do let a churchwarden know if you can help with strimming or mowing.

meadows which has had a catastrophic effect on many insects and pollinators. There are nearly 500 parish churches in the Salisbury Diocese. About 400 of those have churchyards and each churchyard is about an acre. If each of those were managed with wildlife in mind, that would be 400 acres of improved habitat for wildlife. When I was a girl that was 2/3rds of our whole farm. It’s not enough but it is a start.

Peacock butterfly

wildflowers

In July 2018 we were proud to get our Bronze Eco Church award. It is often hard to make changes, even when you know it’s necessary. In the last 30 years, we have lost 97% of our wildflower 24

Photo: Gill Nash

Through an organisation called Plantlife, many towns have altered the cutting regime of their verges and devoted these areas to growing wildflowers (look at www.plantlife.org. uk or google Sheffield Living Highways). These projects have in effect restored the equivalent of 15,800 acres of meadowland. Other cities are embracing the idea, but it has found less favour in country areas. Leigh is always a trail blazer at supporting community ideas, so why not collect some seeds from the porch, scrape a little piece of turf away from towards the back of your verge and plant a few wildflower seeds so that Leigh can be even more of a joy to us and to all those valuable pollinators we depend on. Philippa Toulson

Photo: Morag Orchard Bound Lane in Spring

Leigh Life… Taking time over the last 12 months to appreciate life gets me thinking how Leigh is such a special place. After three years living here, I’m not taking it for granted. We are in the gorgeous Dorset countryside with all its natural beauty within easy reach. The village itself is a strong community. We are lucky to have the shop and post office, where you can buy any number of essentials. The garage makes sure our cars get fixed. The village hall, village green and play park provide a central hub for the many varied clubs, societies and events, the fabulous Friday Leigh Pop Inn (how we’ve missed that!) the Wednesday market for fresh fish, fruit, veg, meat, flowers, pies and cakes. We even have a village veg box scheme …

Village shop

To keep us in the know, we have the Leigh Village website and Facebook, WhatsApp groups (Leigh Chatter and Leigh Free and For Sale), Leigh Lifeline (support through lockdown). Our charming village church is open and welcoming, running a range of services and social activities. Blowing a fanfare here ... it is the only church in the area to have achieved an Eco Church award! We’re not resting on our laurels. Things are afoot to keep Leigh moving forward. Our parish council has declared support for the Dorset Climate & Ecological Emergency Strategy. A group are planting trees (64 trees have been planted on the village green, a new woodland with 900 trees has gone up at Totnell and more ideas are in the pipeline). A new Leigh Climate Group is working to support the Dorset strategy. Above all, the villagers are friendly and genuinely caring. One new resident says, “Coming to Leigh and living on my own was a big step. The community spirit and friendliness have made me happy here already. Leigh Chatter, veg box scheme, pop up market, countryside, peace and quiet are part of this special community.

Bluebell path

Looking forward to meeting people and exploring in the summer.” Another says, “This is a very friendly village in a lovely country setting with beautiful walks straight from our door. Everyone has been very welcoming and we’re looking forward to getting to know people better.” As I said at the start, I’m appreciating it all! Cate Dixon

Leigh Parish Council update I am both humbled and uplifted by how many people in our parish have responded so generously to recent articles in this wonderful magazine regarding Leigh parish council’s recent requests for help in funding various ongoing projects. Due to the efforts of the Playpark committee over the past few years, the Phase 2 expansion of the equipment is now almost complete. You may have seen the slide and castle recently installed on the previously overgrown mound; all that’s left is to add some protective matting through which the grass on the mound can grow. Hopefully, our youngsters can soon enjoy a carefree summer on all the playpark’s facilities. Thank you to Graham Bugler, Julia Jepson and all the Playpark committee for bringing this latest addition to fruition. You may also have noticed the numerous small trees now planted and staked around much of the perimeter of the Village Green. Bob Cutler has been most generous with his time and pocket in planting these; species include cherry, rowan, alder, birch, maple, dogwood, hazel, Scots pine and oak. In addition to Bob’s personal contribution, several others in the village have also subscribed to these embryonic trees – £400 has to 26

date been received via Annabel Ward (who kindly leads on Village Green issues), and more is still coming in. The village lottery has contributed a further £250. Thank you to all who have been so generous in support; it will be wonderful to see this initiative grow and thrive. Following Annabel’s piece on the Village Green in last month’s edition, the invitation to sponsor benches has also already borne fruit, with more in the offing. As funding allows, these will be installed at various spots around the perimeter, to provide peaceful rest spots for anyone to enjoy. Thank you for the most generous support already received. The Fingerpost Restoration Project continues to attract funding; at the time of writing, a total of £1,355 has been donated. The team, led by Graham Fudge, continues its skilled work, and I know we will in due course see the Cross and Club Corner posts revitalised. A traditional roundel will also soon be fitted to the Totnell Corner post. Thank you again to the restoration team for your ongoing effort.

Les Wallis, Graham Fudge and Gordon Morris

I am sure that all in Leigh will wish to join the Parish Council in thanking all those who have been so generous in their support of these most worthwhile initiatives. Alan Bennett arcbennett@hotmail.co.uk

The Leigh Flower Show – 4 September 2021 The

LEIGH FLOWER SHOW will be on

Saturday 4th September 2021 CAN YOU HELP? We need more committee members or “the show won’t go on!” The Flower Show, now in its 84th year, is an annual celebration of village life, people and skills, and after the Covid year it is needed more than ever. But we need new members urgently or we won’t be able to put on a show. It is a great way to meet new people, have fun and support local causes. Meetings initially will be by Zoom and we will follow government guidelines.

Leigh Village Lottery Thank you so much for supporting the Village Lottery and the proposal of planting trees in the village. We had a bumper lottery ‘crop’ and our thanks to the collectors’ and your generosity. And especially to those who donated an extra ‘acorn.’ So much so that we are increasing, as a one off, the prizes for July’s draw. Namely: 1st prize £60; 2nd prize £40; 3rd prize £20; and 4th prize £10. The fund has given the Parish Council £250 towards the trees on the Village Green, and trees have been ordered for the Playpark, the Marsh Meadow and a number of individuals in the village. As I write the planting season is over. However, we still have a surplus so do not despair. We can order through the Woodland Trust for planting in November. Julian Turnbull and Alaistair Cumming

Many hands make light work – so can you help? For further information or to join please contact either: Julia Jepson: julialjepson@gmail.com 01935 873824 Or Emma Harris: emma.harris27@btinternet.com 01935 873563

It is a fantastic celebration of village life and has been going for 84 years. But it is in desperate need for members – and if no one comes forward, we will have to stop, which will be a shame as it is a great event. So, can you find the time to help plan it (via Zoom meetings) and help on the day? The programme that was published last year is being rolled over, but we will be republishing it too. Please contact Julia Jepson Julialjepson@gmail.com or on 01935 873824 if you can help.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MARCH WINNERS. Winners for the March draw:

1st Ball No 122 Mr & Mrs T Cooke £40 2nd Ball No 170 Mr & Mrs R Jepson £20 3rd Ball No 159 Mr Hemsley £10 4th Ball No 161 Mrs Fox £5

If you would like to take part, please contact: Julian Turnbull on 01935 873846 or Alastair Cumming on 01935 872401. It is only £1 per month

Censuses and beyond

Ginny Goodall

Thank goodness for the 2021 census. Now the 1921 census figures and details will be released and thousands of genealogists will be able to find answers to questions and queries that might have been evading them for the last 10 years. I have been a genealogist for over 25 years and have made many familial discoveries, some surprising, some unpleasant but, mostly, rather mundane and boring facts. But, no matter how deeply I delve, some questions remain unanswered because the information is just not available. Where did so and so go after 1911? Were more children born after the census date? What happened to them? The publication of the 1921 census won’t provide all the information needed but it will help. Our censuses began properly in 1841. They were carried out and written by people who travelled around the country asking questions and recording the information as given, sometimes 28

misspelt and misheard. The first census gave the head of the family, the family members and the occupations. Some of the writing is more of a scrawl and often difficult to read but at least it is a starting point for family research. The 1851–1891 censuses are recorded in a larger, clearer format than that of the original 1841 census, giving the birth places, occupations and ages of all the family members. From 1911 the format changed again – the same information was recorded but each family was on a single sheet. I was born in New Mexico, USA to an American father and English mother. The people who settled in America came from all over Europe and began recording their histories from the moment they landed on the continent. I have records going back to the 17th Century. Some of my forebears left wills, kept slaves, survived famines and witchcraft trials. I have lots of literature, land records, probates and stories which tell me a great deal about my relatives’ lives. For my English side I depend on the censuses and information recorded by other facilities. There are many records kept by churches – baptisms, marriages and burials. I have been able to find old photographs of the public houses which my grandfather owned or managed, my mother having been born in one. I have visited locations for church records and sites where people to whom I am related once lived. It is all grist to the mill. When starting your family research, seek out your oldest living relatives, ask questions, visit churches, villages and old schoolhouses and use all the on-line facilities available. I can’t promise you’ll find any money but ….. Ginny Goodall

David Stanton IAC ICPT ISOCS ISSUP Senior Psychotherapist/Counsellor. Mental Health Consultant. Trainer. Counselling for individuals, couples, children, adolescents, families and groups. Face to face and online. 40+ years’ experience. Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Self Esteem, Relationship problems, Family Dynamics, Bereavement, Eating Disorders, Substance/Alcohol Abuse, Addictions. Isolation, Loneliness, PTSD, Bi-Polar, OCD, Fear, Sexual/Physical Abuse, Self-Harming, Death Anxiety, Sex Issues. Lack of Meaning & Purpose, Anger, Phobias, Gender, Sexuality, Social Justice. Conflict Resolution. Crisis Management. Available for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Workshops, Retreats, Seminars, Training and Talks. CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED. www.tatvacenter.com www.edas-addictionservices.com or telephone – David 07584 711488

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With Spring on its way, now is the perfect time to think about roof repairs If you are a homeowner, you know that your roof is an integral part of keeping your home protected from the elements. A sound roof, guttering and fascia boarding will ensure your home stays dry, and prevent internal water damage to ceilings and walls. We know that regular roof and guttering maintenance is not at the top of anyone’s to-do list, but it is critical to ensuring your home remains dry. If you’ve been putting off repairing your leaky roof or replacing structural roof damage, Lendology CIC may be able to help. Social Enterprise lender, Lendology have worked in partnership with Dorset Council since 2005 to provide sensible loan solutions to homeowners to enable them to make home repairs, improvements, adaptations and energy efficiency measures. For an informal chat or to book a free no-obligation telephone appointment, contact Lendology on loans@lendology.org.uk, call 01823 461099 or visit www.lendology.org.uk.

872982 gml.wilson@btinternet.com RYME INTRINSECA REP: Gilly Wilson DISTRIBUTOR: Sue Goldsworthy 872699

We have passed the anniversary of the first Covid lockdown and hopefully we can look forward to a more normal summer and beyond. We are so lucky to have been living in this lovely area plus having low infection rates. Keep on being careful. On Easter Sunday, there will now be an 8.30am communion BCP. If anyone would like to attend, please book in with Mike Batten on 07971 187812 for social distancing rules.

Please note this time of 8.30am is correct and supersedes the time shown in the schedule on p.65. The church is also open daily (approx 8.00am– 5.00pm) for private visits. Please use the hand sanitiser in the porch. We’re hoping to have a bit of a churchyard tidy up and a village litter pick by the end of April – socially distanced outside. Mike will post on email what can be arranged. Gilly Wilson 33

YETMINSTER

REP: Michaela and Graham Plaice: gplaice@gmail.com 872921

I start this month’s article with a huge thank you to our family of distributors, volunteers all, who brave every weather to deliver the magazine to your door. My apologies to the residents of Linda Manaton and Valerie Rowsell’s round – I have undertaken Linda’s round for the last couple of months and totally mixed up her round with Valerie’s, which meant double accounting and, for some residents, no magazine; this has brought home to me how valuable the distributors are. A level of competence has been reintroduced with the welcome return of Jenny Hoppe and Linda. Once again, thank you. May I ask all Yetminster residents to pay particular attention to the details in 34

the Dorset Local Plan and the information laid out for proposed further housing for Yetminster. I recommend reading David Torrance’s article regarding the YRIPC Neighbourhood Plan (p38); although it allays many of my fears regarding the number of new houses being quoted (150), I still have my placard used during the Gladman application. There was an excellent article and radio presentation on Abbey 104 regarding this issue, from a councillor from Sherborne who championed the need to consider building new houses in select developments within our villages and not just stick large developments on the fringes. Examples of this can be seen in Yetminster, Thornford, Sherborne and Yeovil.

It seems the condition of the finger post on Ryme Road is generating some discussion. I drove past Ray Drewett carrying out maintenance of the finger post, well done Ray and, in the short term, a crowd funding appeal to carry out repairs is being considered; count me in. In the longer term, I know that this issue is firmly on the Yetminster and Ryme Parish Council’s agenda.

We bid au revoir, not goodbye, to Judy and Boney Pyke (Gable Court), as they have taken up temporary rented accommodation in Somerset. Although not a betting man, I would not be surprised to see Judy and Boney back in Yetminster when the appropriate property becomes available. We send them our best wishes for the future. Carole and Jim at the White Hart have already done much to get the pub shipshape and are now concentrating on the outside area, given it will be an important part of any relaxation of lockdown. We hope for nice sunny weather and warmer evenings which will hopefully attract customers to the outside space.

White Hart pub

On your behalf, I welcomed the new residents of Upbury Grange. It is now the turn of the centre of the village, especially a lot of the properties surrounding the triangle. We stand by to welcome the new residents of Gable Court, Cross Farmhouse, the old Oakhouse Stores and the School House in Church Street. A belated welcome to the new residents of Church Street and Queen Street and to any other residents who have arrived.

They now have a prospective tenant who is keen and enthusiastic, with the challenges ahead, to make the pub a thriving and successful venue for the community. Details are being finalised and they hope to announce when the pub will be re-opening. It was lovely to see the posies left in the St. Andrew’s Church porch for Mothering Sunday. These flowers were not only for mothers but also for all those stuck at home during lockdown. Thank you so much to the Mothers Union for organising this and to the many people who made the posies and donated flowers. 35

I hope the Covid-19 data backs up the Government decisions regarding lockdown. We are seeing more dates being forwarded for the 2021 calendar of events, church services re-starting at Easter, plans for the White Hart Pub to re-open, Yetminster Fair Plans for 2021 and a whole lot more. Fingers crossed that this is just the start. Michaela and Graham Plaice

St. Andrew’s Church April … our joyful Eastertide. Easter Day on Sunday 4 April brings the church’s most joyful day ... not to mention a few Easter eggs. We will have a Family Service of Holy Communion in church at 10.00am with Easter eggs for all! It will be our first service in the church for many months so a special celebration. 36

Our church is now open again daily for personal prayer from 8.00am to midday, and we very much hope to extend the opening hours soon. Social distancing must still be maintained in the church, and masks worn. The pattern of worship is still being decided as I write, but the clergy hope to have one service in church every Sunday in each part of the Benefice in April, which means there will be a church service not far away from you. Online worship will continue as well, and please see the schedules in the church porch and online at www.threevalleysteam.org Our APCM (AGM) is coming up on Sunday 18 April; we hope to use the church or have a Zoom meeting. All details will be in the weekly round robin. If you don’t yet get the robin, or are new to the village, please let me know and I will add you to the distribution list. We will be saying a fond farewell to both David Price and David Gould who have served this church faithfully for many years, as Treasurer and as Church Warden. Our thanks go with them and we wish them a peaceful retirement. We will be welcoming three new PCC members this April, as Graham Simpson takes up the reins as Treasurer, and we welcome back Graham Plaice, together with Amy Whittlesea. Looking ahead .... our annual Tower Tea party will return in the summer with the new and exciting churchyard mapping plans, come along and find your ancestors. In September we hope to have another car boot sale, by popular request. With my best wishes Churchwarden Clare Churchwarden.yet@gmail.com

Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca Neighbourhood Plan

Some have queried whether the draft Neighbourhood Plan was ‘thrown out’ by Dorset Council when they were asked to comment on it as part of the Community Consultation. This is simply not the case, particularly as we have already had a ‘Health Check’ done prior to the Community Consultation and it was generally found to be satisfactory. Dorset Council is one of the statutory consultees in the consultation. As usual and as expected, they have made several suggestions (as have some other consultees) which should ensure our Plan is successful at the independent examination later in the year. Their comments included a requirement made by their Conservation Officer for us to undertake further evaluation of the effects of our identified development sites on the nearby heritage properties – it appears that the officer with whom we originally consulted has left, and it is a new Conservation Officer who is now requiring this. We have been fortunate in obtaining further technical advice from AECOM and have now met their Conservation Consultant who has been able to

undertake the necessary site visits and his report and recommendations are expected shortly. Natural England asked in their response, for us to undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment. This is a recent requirement for all new developments and is to evaluate the potential pollution from phosphates from any new development draining to the Somerset Levels. With technical help from AECOM, this work has been completed and a draft sent to Natural England for their comment prior to inclusion in our draft Neighbourhood Plan. As you are hopefully aware, Dorset Council are consulting on the draft of their new Local Plan which it has been necessary to produce following the organisational change to Unitary Authority. This draft Local Plan identifies that, during the period of the plan, the parish will need approximately 150 houses based on “completions” after April 2021 – we have clarified that Folly Farm numbers can be included in this figure meaning that the amount of new housing, with an allowance for windfalls, would therefore equate to 76. This would be spread over the life of the Local Plan, but we could deduct 11 off this number as our Neighbourhood Plan only runs until 2036! We do have some concerns as to how the deemed housing need has been calculated and are endeavouring to clarify this with Dorset Council’s planners. Once this is done, we will able to comment accordingly based on our own figures. YRIPC Neighbourhood Plan Working Group 37

Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council Chairman’s Notes – March Meeting It has been reported that the future of the Millennium Woods is seriously threatened by a severe case of ash dieback disease, that is affecting a significant number of trees. The Parish Council will work with the Woodland Trust over the next few years to establish a long-term replanting scheme that will preserve the woodland as a valuable community asset. Quotes received for the replacement of the safety matting at the children’s play area were much less than anticipated which means that the work can be actioned in this financial year. There should also be enough in the budget to provide a picnic bench and a small grant will enable the damaged swing seat to be replaced. A positive report from the Scouts was received in which plans to replace the existing building with a new single storey premises, with a slightly extended footprint to the rear (east) of the property, were detailed. This would allow the Group to have two additional rooms, thus encouraging more activities. The Scouts would like to consult with local residents before committing to this project but were looking for approval from the Parish Council before initiating their plan. It was unanimously voted to agree in principle to this development, subject to planning permission, to agree to a larger footprint for the building and to extend the length of the lease on the land to match the requirements of any grant application. A couple of local residents have, for several years, been producing a welcome pack for new residents but 38

it was felt that, given the number of properties involved, the Parish Council should take on this role for the new Folly Farm development. When approached, Burrington Estates indicated that they would produce and distribute the welcome letter for us. A copy of the letter, which includes brief details of the Parish Council, local businesses and clubs, will be added to the parish website. The recent bad weather has resulted in sewage leaking from drains in Brister End and Brierley Hay during periods of excessive rain. This has been an on-going problem for several years but appears to have been occurring more regularly of late. Wessex Water does have a permit to discharge liquid effluent into the River Wriggle during periods when the levels in the sewers are overloaded and have undertaken water checks to confirm that levels of ammonia are well within permitted levels. It is possible that pipework running across the fields may have shifted, causing an airlock and the Parish Council will be communicating with Wessex Water and the Environment Agency to press for remedial action. Finally, we are happy to report that the Meadens open space now has some new trees to replace the three damaged ones which reluctantly had to be felled. The open space now has some ornamental flowering cherries and plum trees which should provide wonderful blossom in spring and a spectacular colour display in autumn. We hope all the residents in Clovermead will enjoy them. Andy Perlejewski Chairman of Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council

Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council Yetminster Play Area The Parish Council Working Group has, for several months, been reviewing and discussing the improvement of the play area next to the Scout Hut near to Brierly Hay and Sussex Farm Way. It is extremely popular with families and their children throughout the year and has needed some TLC for a while. The equipment is periodically inspected by members of the Council and professionally inspected annually and, although it is old, it is in exceptionally good condition for its age; once it is rubbed down, prepared and painted, it will look amazing once again. Some work has already been carried out and the larger swings and chains have been replaced with new. Once the weather improves and current restrictions have been relaxed then planned work to repaint the equipment will be going ahead. Work to replace the old rubber safety matting with new rubber grass matting will be carried out this spring to improve the safety of the play area and make it easier to maintain. It is planned to replace the existing rocking-type play equipment with a new similar piece. A new wooden picnic bench is going to be purchased and installed at the site to provide a seated area for families to meet and sit, have a picnic or just relax whilst watching the children play. The working Group would like to hear from any members of the Community who would like to join the Group, they would become actively involved in discussions regarding the play area’s development, ideally it would be beneficial that interested parties have young families of their own and use the

area. The Working Group would also like to hear from members of the local Community who would be willing to assist the Group with any voluntary work that is carried out. If you would like to become involved with the Working Group, then please contact Councillor Paul Hollick by email at paulhollickparish@btinternet.com Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council Play Area Working Group: Councillor Sarah Cox; Councillor Michaela Plaice; Councillor Paul Hollick.

50/50 Club Result of the March 2021 Draw 1st Prize £100 No. 2nd Prize £50 No. 3rd Prize £30 No. 4th Prize £20 No.

16 37 60 12

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

A. Rolls G. Goater G. Orton R. Drewett

Want to join? – forms available at http://yetminsterparishes.gov. uk/a-z/yetminster-fair-association The Association raises money for local organisations and is nonprofit making and run entirely with voluntary support yetminsterfair@aol.com 39

1st Yetminster Scout Group The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have been involved in a variety of activities throughout the past month, via Zoom. Just before the half-term break, all sections took part in a pancake bake off and there were some remarkably interesting fillings. I have never seen so many pancakes successfully flipped, it was enjoyed by all. The Cubs had great fun preparing their own cheese swirls and cooking them to celebrate National bread week, and they looked very tasty. The Scouts have been investigating geocaching and have started, whilst

out exercising, to hunt for the caches and record them once found. Over the coming weeks they will be designing their own caches and planning to place these in suitable locations; they will be recorded on the National site and then published for people to find. We are aware that our neighbouring village of Leigh has an active Village Geocache walk which some of the Group have already explored and found it fun to complete. We would like to plan and organise a similar thing in and around the Yetminster area and add details of this to the Parish Website.

The whole Group is looking forward to returning to face-to-face meetings after the Easter break, it will be good to see everyone again and get back to all the fun activities and challenges we have, until now, taken for granted.

There are two adult volunteer roles with the Executive Committee becoming vacant in July this year as our current Chair and Treasurer will be stepping down, after several years with the Group. The roles are essential for the running of the Group and, as a Committee, normally meet four times a year together with the Group Scout Leader. More information can be found at the following link or contact me at gsl.1styetminster@gmail. com or at https://www.dorsetscouts.org.uk/ get-involved/adult-volunteers-18/1styetminster-scout-group-volunteervacancies We continue to open the doors of the Scout Hut on a Monday evening between 5.00-6.00pm to act as a drop off point for food donations that we forward to Sherborne Food Bank. We would like to thank everyone who has donated so far for this very worthy charity. The

Group is also now a registered Terracycle collection point for used clean crisp packets, which can also be dropped off at the hut on Monday evenings. The Group is still collecting used postage stamps for the RNIB and collection boxes are located at Thornford Post Office, Yetminster Spar shop and the Boyle café in the Old School Gallery. We have already sent off two large envelopes full of stamps for RNIB, so thank you all for your donations. Please contact me to find out more gsl.1styetminster@gmail. com or 07815 135602. Paul Hollick Groups Scout Leader Gsl.1styetminster@gmail.com 07815 135602

YETMINSTER HISTORY SOCIETY Wessex’s forgotten hero At the mention of Wessex, the first name that usually comes to mind is Thomas Hardy or, possibly, Alfred the Great. However, there is a person who, during the 19th century, almost alone transformed the built environment of Dorset and Somerset and whose legacy is still available to us today. He built, or rebuilt, over 390 churches, around 200 country houses, as well as schools, cemeteries, hospitals, railway stations and even railway tunnels. His name was Benjamin Ferrey. His life and many of his more outstanding works were eminently described to us by Dr Francis Burroughes. Of course, it was a virtual meeting again and Francis was beamed into our individual living rooms by the wonders of Zoom – all the way from Yeovil. 42

Benjamin was born in 1810 in Christchurch, the youngest son of a draper. At the age of 16 he was apprenticed to Augustus Pugin, famous for his design of the interior of the Houses of Parliament, from whom Ferrey possibly developed his love of the Gothic Revival style of architecture. In 1832 on the death of Pugin, he transferred to William Wilkins, architect of the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column. Perhaps because Wilkins much preferred the Classical style, Benjamin left two years later to set up his own practice with Thomas Walker. In 1835 he was commissioned to design a seaside resort in the place of some coastal scrub land and a few old cottages.

We now know it as Bournemouth. Central Bournemouth, Westover estate and the Forest and (now Royal) Bath Hotels are all Ferrey’s work. By 1842 he had become better known as a church architect, his hallmark being steeply pitched roofs with elaborate beams and trusses.

More locally he built the church of Holy Trinity in Yeovil and, in Dorchester, the original Dorset County Hospital (now converted to flats) and All Saints Church on High West Street (now a store for the museum). In fact, he built so much in Dorchester that for a while it was known as Ferreytown.

All Saints Dorchester Ferrey Roof

He went on to become the diocesan architect for the see of Bath and Wells and completed a range of restoration works on Wells Cathedral, notably the statuary on the West Front.

Wells Cathedral

There was even more on his other buildings in our area and across the county. Fortunately, the meeting was recorded. Elizabeth Jubb has sent out an email if you would like to see the presentation and find out about them. Next Meeting: 8 September 2021 – AGM followed by Robin Miller on the Battle of Jutland. Hopefully we will meet in the Jubilee Hall at 2.30 but if restrictions are still in force, then via Zoom. The summer visits planned for April and May will not be possible but if we are out of lockdown, then there will be visits in June and July – look out for emails. John Ferretter 43

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CLUB NEWS Wriggle Valley Cricket Club With the new season beckoning the WVCC team will certainly look the part. Never has the sound of leather on willow been so eagerly anticipated. Along with the rest of the nation, we are keeping everything crossed that the planned roadmap navigates us out of lockdown and back to some form of normality. We have been thinking and acting positively, so the wicket has been loamed, the mowers and heavy roller are being Rob Bamford and Steve Fudge look forward to the serviced, the blades sharpened and new season a stock of new shirts and caps are strike fear and trepidation in the hearts now running off the loom. The WVCC faces annual running costs of the opposition teams as we take to that include our ECB insurance, the the field. The shirts are available to purchase of loam (£370.00 worth), the players and supporters alike (RRP £27 servicing of our mowers etc and general but available for just £15 in S/M/L/XL); upkeep costs. Due to the restrictions in do please let us know if you would like place last year, we were unable to carry to order one. The team’s sartorial elegance will be out our normal fundraising activities and so this year we are more reliant topped off by our traditional baggy style than ever upon the generosity of our WVCC caps, back for another season sponsors and our members. So a very by popular demand and once again big thank you once again to our long available for players and supporters at serving and steadfast sponsors, Rob and £15 in medium or large sizes. We are seeking sponsorship of the Clare Bamford. They have been our loyal sponsors since the club was formed back match balls at £20 per match. We in 2017. Over these past few years, need a fresh supply of balls for each their support has enabled us to invest match as they do take a hammering and in new kit, new net and, particularly, occasionally are never to be seen again our fabulous bowling machine. They as they fly off into the undergrowth or, have very kindly continued their support on rare occasions, into the depths of the for the club this year helping us again River Wriggle (Jeff our skipper is still smiling). If any WVM readers would be towards some of our costs. In recognition of this, our new willing to sponsor the match balls for supply of Surridge Cricket Shirts will be any of our home fixtures, do please let emblazoned with the Bamfords and the us know, your sponsorship will be very WVCC logos. They are guaranteed to gratefully welcomed. 49

There is also the opportunity for any residents with a keen interest in supporting the club to become Patrons of the WVCC (we ask for a £40 donation per year). As with the sponsorship, as a club we can offer little more than our heartfelt thanks for such support, it is much appreciated. We hope that along the way we can provide some level of entertainment to all who choose to watch us play either through celebrating cricketing skills or joining us in the humorous recognition of our limitations! For the coming season we are looking at a full fixture list and, all being well, starting

in May and running through to September (we will be publishing our finalised fixture list in next month’s WVM). If you are new to the area and would like to know more about the club do please get in touch, we would be delighted to welcome you to the club. For shirts, caps and sponsorship please contact Tony Jones, anthonygjones@ btinternet.com For new members contact Jeff Beaumont, j.beaumont645@btinternet.com Will Henry

run sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and are keen to welcome new members. If you would like to come and have a look around the farm to see what we have to offer, please give me a ring or send an email. We are at present running small groups under strict Covid regulations, but we hope to welcome new members as the years progresses and as restrictions hopefully ease. Photo of Nick, one of our amazing volunteers contemplating life, in We tailor sessions to the company of one of the goats meet individual needs, so you may just enjoy The Countrymen’s club, leaning over the gate checking the cattle Rylands Farm, Boyshill or may want to get involved in the many I am sure many of you are aware of the activities we have on offer. Don’t worry, Countrymen’s club at Rylands. The club we will take it at your pace! is open to men from a rural background Jan Millward or who just love the countryside. Many of 01963 210789 our group have underlying health issues, jan@countrymenuk.org such as dementia and Parkinson’s, and Also check out the Countrymen UK have found the farm to be a place where Dorset FB page! they can get back to being themselves. We 50

POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS As I write this it is blowing a gale and the children have just gone back to school. I don’t think the two things are connected! It is usually a joy to watch children making friends with others from different schools during holiday club sessions but, as things are, it seemed sensible that we will keep children from different schools separate this Easter. Many children have really missed their friends during lockdown, so I am going to do a few ‘friends come and play’ days during the holidays. If you could get together a group of friends (minimum four, maximum eight) from the same school, then get in touch with me and we will sort out a time when they can come. I haven’t got masses of days so please let me know as soon as you can.

Pogles Foster placements At the moment, we are providing temporary home to three bossy hens and a small pony! The hens are visiting whilst the avian flu restrictions dictate that they must be locked up. At their usual home their house is very small, but they are free to roam around the garden. During

their lockdown they are confined to a small bird proof run and a palatial hen house. They are laying well and eating plenty so they can’t be too unhappy. Quite a few children are having eggy-bread thanks to them! This week Piglet the pony arrived. She is here temporarily, having moved (with her family) from her previous home in Wool. Although the children love her already, she is not too sure about us yet as she is fenced into the forest garden and it has been spectacularly windy and rainy. She is hoping for an upgrade as soon as possible so do let me know if you have a small paddock that she might like better. Thank you so much to the young people who have contacted me about the Leigh Youth Eco Group. We will have our first meeting during the holidays and will report back next month. Now I’m off to tidy the workshop before the swallows arrive to repair their nests in there and try to keep me out. Philippa Toulson philippa.toulson@gmail.com Facebook: Pogles Wood Explorers 51

NATURE NOTES Springing proud – pollinators and other insects April will be bringing new life into the countryside and our gardens, helping us look forward to the new season with optimism following the difficulties of 2020. Sunny days enable the emergence of many insect species that have spent the past few months in stages of dormancy in their winter hiding places. Early spring flowers such as Pulmonaria, Brunnera, dandelion, primrose and daffodil are invaluable sources of pollen and nectar for early bee species, bee-flies, moths, and the occasional butterfly, together with so much other wildlife enticed from hibernation.

Brunner

More important, our gardens in these times offer an opportunity to do more for nature, and in turn for us even the chance to see some of our rarer species. There are so many beautiful native plants and it could be such a worthwhile project to create and establish them in places where little else would grow happily, such as stony areas or gravelled drives. To introduce at least one such plant each year will create essential links for insects that may be dependent on just one native plant species to complete their life cycles. 52

Brindled Beauty Moth

Some to watch out for are Dark-edged and the scarcer Dotted Bee-fly, Hairyfooted Flower Bee and other early bumble bee species, Shieldbugs and Ladybirds.

Dotted Bee-fly

Hairy-footed Flower Bee

Early season moths, such as the beautiful, aptly named Streamer

Micro Moth

Stitchwort

Streamer Moth

moth, and the fascinating micro moth Ypsolopha mucronella, will now be flying, with species and numbers increasing as the spring progresses. Nationally, moths are declining at an alarming rate especially in Southern Britain, due to factors including pollution, land management, climate change and habitat loss. Don’t forget that those undisturbed often hidden areas of our gardens provide safe havens for wildlife, including moths and butterflies. Gill Nash

‘Kiss-me-John-at-the-gardengate’* … or Dorset plant names Do you know your ‘Goosey Ganders’ from your ‘Shirt Buttons’? No! Then you don’t know early purple orchids from stitchwort, for these are their traditional Dorset names. Some plants of course have countrywide traditional names – Daffydown-dillies (daffodils) for one, though

here they’re ‘Lent Lilies’. But others have definite links to their counties and here are some that belong to Dorset. ‘St. Candida’s Eyes’ (periwinkle) refer to Candida, a Saxon hermitess, renowned for her charity and healing skills. Murdered during a Viking raid on Charmouth, her shrine in Whitchurch Canonicorum church became a place of pilgrimage and, being one of the few to survive the Dissolution, is well worth a visit. Hopeful young men would offer their intended a posy containing ‘Lad’s Love (southernwood) though its other name, ‘Maid’s Ruin’, warned her against allowing him to be too hopeful. Adolescent boys however, rubbed their chins with southernwood to encourage beard growth, while dried and mixed with lavender, it makes an excellent moth-repellent.

Southernwood

Elder, ‘God’s Stinking Tree,’ is cursed to remain forever stunted, partly because Judas hanged himself from one but mainly because it formed Christ’s cross. Yet, conversely, kindly ‘Mother’ elder gives protection against evil spirits, even Satan himself, and provides cream, muscat-scented flowers for ‘champagne’ and shining purple berries for ‘port’. But always ask before picking! Beautiful but deadly, ‘Wolfsbane’ (aconite) was once used to kill wolves yet has the charmingly inappropriate name of ‘Lady Dove in her carriage’.

because they resemble a jester’s cap, ‘Folly’s Flower’. While cowslips are ‘Boys and Girls’, as girls would use Titsytotsies (cowslip balls) to discover their future husband’s name. Their appearance makes teasels ‘Brushes and Combs’ and Michaelmas daisies, flowering when they do, mark ‘Summer’s End’, but other names stem from folklore or legend. Picking ‘Thunder Flowers’ (field poppies) causes a thunderstorm while the first snowdrops sprang from ‘Eve’s Tears’ when banished from Eden. The loathing of invasive plants is obvious from wild clematis and bindweed both being ‘Devil’s Guts’ and couch ‘strial’, something that destroys good soil. Though why pretty germander speedwell should be ‘Hawk-yer-mother’s-eyes-out’ remains a mystery.

Wolfsbane

While lungwort’s lung-shaped leaves guarded against respiratory problems, their white spots made them ‘Our Lady’s Milk Sieve’ or ‘Pincushion’. In Dorset, bluebells are ‘Cuckoo’s Boots’, columbines are ‘Ladies’ Pettitcoats’ or, Germander Speedwell

However, ‘Welcome-home-husbandthough-never-so-late’ (sedum/houseleek) certainly paints an entertaining picture of a small-hours greeting, with frying pan attached! Dorothy Baldock *’Kiss-me-John-at-the-garden-gate’ is the Dorset name for pansy. Cowslips

Spotted …

in the Wriggle Valley Cloud formations

Startled deer

Photo: Faith Bellamy

Photo: Rebecca Cooke

Unique & Stylish BRITISH GROWN FLOWERS E: katewh1@live.co.uk

T: 07788217521

www.cutflowersbykate.co.uk

OTHER NEWS A Spring Rhyme for Spring Time

Chedington Compost This is a great opportunity to introduce ourselves – see our ad on p.58. We are excited to announce that we have taken over the much-loved Komit Kompost business. So far, we have enjoyed meeting our customers and have been busy behind the scenes getting to grips with running the business and working on its new look and feel. The core of the business remains the same, offering a variety of quality products including compost, manure, mulch and chippings. Keep an eye out for the new website where you will be able to find out more 60

Oh, to be in Wriggle Valley now that Spring is sprung. The cows out in the fields again with their new born young. The snowdrops are now waning but the daffodils alive, the trees are all a greening as nature starts to thrive. Crocuses are blooming in their multi-coloured hues. Days are longer, nights are shorter, as we lose those Winter blues. So let’s give thanks for all we have not grieve for what we have not, as we wander on our lanes and ways and watch the horses trot. Our highways, footpaths, byways are there for us to roam, taking in the pleasures as we circle back to home. Our valley is a lovely place, of scent and sight and sound. The Wriggle Valley has it all, just take a look around. Christopher Cook about Chedington Compost and order products online. Our knowledgeable team are happy to advise you on our products. Bespoke and bulk trade options are also available, so feel free to get in touch with us if we can help with arranging that for your business. We look forward to a busy summer and meeting lots of new faces across the South West. Tim and Louise Ford Chedington Compost www.chedingtoncompost.co.uk North Buckham Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH T: 01308 863054 M: 07974 943411

David Stanton – psychotherapist David Stanton (see David’s ad on p.29) started his career in mental health in the UK; volunteering for the Samaritans aged 18. Aged 23 he set up the first community based project in East Anglia; offering counselling, advice and information for drug/alcohol users/abusers. In 1989 he moved to Dorset. He has had a private psychotherapy/counselling practice for 40+ years. For the past 25+ years he has been an international senior psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, mental health trainer, lecturer, consultant, coach and public speaker. He has helped establish and manage several non-profit, private, community, local government, out-patient and residential mental health services in the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Africa and Asia. He’s worked with Relate, MIND, Emmaus, NHS, Action on Addiction, Hilfield Friary, CAMHS, Turning Point, GP Surgeries, Schools, Universities, Youth Services, HM Prisons and the Corporate Sector; facilitating counselling, retreats, workshops, training etc – on mental health awareness and emotional wellness. David is dedicated to furthering mental health awareness and support, through education and therapy. His goal is to continue helping people through his experiences, knowledge and research. He’s a father and parent to three children and lives near Sherborne.

Be alert to fraud and scam calls Unfortunately Dorset residents are being targeted by fraudsters claiming to be from HMRC. Fraudsters are clever, manipulative and they have done their homework. They know exactly what to

say to get you to trust them. Don’t engage in conversation with anyone you suspect to be a fraudster. The more you engage with these people the more chances you are giving them to take advantage. Please stay aware and stay fraud alert. Tell your friends, your family and your neighbours. Help us spread the word of this scam. You can visit the Action Fraud website to read about current scams. There are also various scams doing the rounds with calls purporting to be from BT, saying they will be suspending your Broadband service. These should be ignored. If you can report the number as a nuisance, please do. If you have the 1572 service do use it to restrict the access to your phone. Gordon Ratcliffe and Jim Aldhouse

Yeovil Breast Cancer Unit Appeal Please help to reach the £2million needed to build this unit. So far, an amazing £1,636,719 has been raised – but can you help with the final phase? Please look in your jewellery boxes for any broken or unwanted pieces of jewellery, watches or lace. I will collect any items donated and pass them on to the Breast Cancer Appeal volunteer. Thank you. Anna Awdry Calfhay Farm 07790 831640 61

CHURCH NEWS

Our Church communities Easter Presence In the silence of eternity a presence made itself known to me I am the truth, I am knowledge And I will show you all things. You are blind now But it will not always be so. Do not strive to see, you have not the power. It is I who will grant you sight. In the darkness of my prison a thought came to me I am freedom; I am the breaker of chains And you shall be set free. You are bound now but it will not always be so. Do not fight on your own, for you are too weak It is I who will be your strength.

News from the Three Valleys team I am delighted to inform you that Jenny Nelson, currently training for the ministry at Sarum college, will be joining our Three Valleys Team as Assistant Curate from June this year. She will be joining as a self-supporting Associate Minister which means she will retain her job as a teacher whilst exercising her ministry with us. As things stand, she expects to be made Deacon on 27 June and I look forward to welcoming her to the team, as I am sure you do. 62

In the roar of a rising sun I heard a voice I am the dawn, I am the morning light And I will come quickly You are in darkness now but it will not always be so Do not seek after me, for I am not to be found. It is I who will come to you. Yours Tony Gilbert Rector Three Valleys Benefice & Rural Dean of Sherborne

News from Yetminster Methodist Church The real meaning of Christmas is Easter. What on earth do I mean by that? We celebrate the birth of Christ, because of the significance of his death. The Shepherds and the Magi visited the newborn Christ, knowing something significant had happened, but not what the significance was. Prophets talked about a Messiah, a Saviour. On Palm Sunday, the Jewish people thought he had come – Hosanna they shouted – but they were looking for a powerful, militaristic leader. The Temple Authorities, valuing their cosy relationship with the Romans, stirred up the fickle crowd until the people cried “Crucify, crucify!”

away ... stricken for the transgression of my people ... although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.” (NRSV) Christians believe God himself was choosing to suffer, taking upon himself the anguish, failure, and misery of us all. Yes, our individual shame but our corporate humiliation too. Our culpability for a war in Syria, but failure to build an effective peace. The shame of cutting our expenditure on aid to the developing world when we are looking for cash to pay for a pandemic. Christians worship a God of compassion who takes the suffering and shame of the world upon himself and defeats it. How do we know? Resurrection, that is how. The Good News is that anguish, pain, and suffering were defeated, hopelessness transformed, and He is still in that business today. The scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV), Anglicized Edition Copyright 1989, 1995 National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Rev’d Kate Konrad Reading Isaiah 53: “He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.” (NRSV) He was a nobody, unimportant, gone the way of many troublemakers at the time Crucifixion. Good riddance, thought the chief priests and teachers of the law. “He was oppressed and, he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; by a perversion of justice, he was taken 63

THREE VALLEYS TEAM Team Office:

Team Rector:

Rev’d Richard Kirlew

Yetminster Jubilee Hall, Church Rev’d Tony Gilbert @RuralChaplain Street, Yetminster, DT9 6LG The Rectory, Church Rd, 01963 23570 01935 872600 Thornford, Sherborne. DT9 6QE e: rector3valleys@gmail.com

01935 873044 e: rector3valleys@gmail.com Jubilee Hall Yetminster ENQUIRIES: Three Valleys Opening hours Benefice Office, Team Vicars 01935 872600 Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri Rev’d George Moody e: 3valleysoffice@gmail.com The Rectory Church St, 9.30am – 12.30pm e:3valleysoffice@gmail.com w:www.threevalleysteam.org

Tues 1.30 – 4.30pm

Yetminster DT9 6QE

01935 873214 e: revgeorgemoody@gmail.com

Yetminster Methodist Church Chapel Lane, Yetminster DT9 6LJ

Treasurer: Mrs S Gilbey

Minister: Rev Kate Konrad 01935-415837 Worship co-ordinator: Mrs Barbara Driver Tel: 01935 873690

All services begin at 10:30am followed by coffee.

Roman Catholic Services Roman Catholic Church

Hilfield Friary services continue but are closed to all visitors at this time, due to the pandemic. However, we are on Zoom. Information can be found on our website https://hilfieldfriary. org.uk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/HilfieldFriary so please look to see what we are up to. Our Sunday Liturgy Zoom link is https://zoom. us/j/94844024511 You can use the same link every Sunday at 8.30am.

The Sacred Heart & St. Aldhelm, Westbury, Sherborne DT9 3EL tel: (01935) 812021

Weekend mass times: Saturdays at 6.00pm Sundays 10.30am Holy Days 10.00am and 6.30pm Parish Priest: Monsignor Canon Robert Draper e: sherbornerc@prcdtr.org.uk w: sherbornecatholicchurch.org.uk

THREE VALLEYS TEAM LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES For complete list see www.threevalleysteam.org go to Services page Services are correct at the time of going to press but please continue to check the website (see above) and with your churchwardens for up-dates SUNDAY APRIL 2021 BATCOMBE

4th

11th

18th

25th

EASTER DAY

EASTER 2

EASTER 3

EASTER 4

10.15am CW Easter Communion

10am CW Holy Communion 10am CW Holy Communion

BEER HACKETT

10am CW Holy Communion

8.30am CW

BRADFORD ABBAS Easter Communion CHETNOLE

10am Village Service

10am CW Holy Communion 10am CW Holy Communion

HERMITAGE HILFIELD LEIGH

10am CW Outside Easter Communion 8am BCP

RYME INTRINSECA Easter Communion THORNFORD

10am CW Easter Communion

YETMINSTER

10am CW Easter Communion

ON-LINE

10am CW Easter Communion via Three Valleys Team Facebook page

10am CW Holy Communion 10am CW Holy Communion 10am CW Holy Communion via Three Valleys Team Facebook page

CW= COMMON WORSHIP

10am CW Holy Communion via Three Valleys Team Facebook page

BCP= BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

MAUNDY THURSDAY – APRIL 1st On-line

7.30pm

Act of Worship

followed by the last session of the Benefice Lent Course

via Zoom

GOOD FRIDAY – APRIL 2nd On-line

Available from 12 noon

via Three Valleys Team facebook page

Meditation

REGULAR WEEKDAY ON-LINE SERVICES Mondays

On-line

6pm

Compline

Usually via Zoom

Wednesdays

On-line

5pm

Rectory Tea Room followed by

Via Zoom

Wednesdays

On-line

6pm

Celtic Night Prayer

Via Zoom

Fridays

On-line

6pm

Evening Prayer

via Three Valleys Team facebook page

PLANNING APPLICATIONS APRIL 2021 BATCOMBE P/PABA/2021 /00297

05/02/21

RED ROSES, BATCOMBE – 00297 Erect agricultural building. Prior approval not required – 25 Feb 21.

CHETNOLE WD/D/20/003075 02/12/20

CHETNOLE FARM, HIGHER FARM JUNCTION CHETNOLE TO HELL CORNER – Re-thatching of dwelling roof & installation of thatched dormer window to the rear. No Decision.

WD/D/20/002874 13/11/20

MANOR FARM, DEEP FORD LANE – Formation of gated access. No Decision.

HERMITAGE WD/D/20/002029 25/08/2020 NORTH COTTAGE, HOLNEST PARK, HOLNEST – Conversion of existing workshop to accommodation. No Decision. HILFIELD Nil LEIGH P/PABA/2021/ 00122

25/01/21

WD/D/21/000121 18/01/21

DRUMMERS FARM – 00122 BATCOMBE ROAD – Erection of roofs to 2 no. concrete yards. Prior approval not required 22 Feb 21. GREENHAM HOUSE, SHERBORNE ROAD – Develop the land by the erection of 1 No. dwelling. (Outline application to determine access and layout). No Decision.

MELBURY BUBB Nil RYME INTRINSECA P/HOU/2020/00398 30/11/2020 The Old Rectory, Access Road To Old Rectory – Erect single storey extension to house indoor swimming pool. No Decision. WD/D/20/003022 30/11/2020 CHURCH FARM, DOWNS LANE – Part conversion of garage/ workshop into self contained annexe (ground floor). PD. Within PD – 9 Mar 21. WD/D/20/002956 20/11/20

1 ELSFORD COTTAGES, FRANKHAM LANE – Certificate of lawfulness proposed to replace existing oil fired boiler, gas fired boiler, and electric radiators with renewable Ground Source Heat Pump heating system including a ground array. PD. Within PD – 9 Mar 21.

WD/D/20/001057 05/05/2020 LAND KNOWN AS, CLIFTON FARM, CLIFTON FARM LANE, CLIFTON MAYBANK – Installation of a renewable energy scheme comprising ground mounted photovoltaic arrays together with substation; onsite connection to grid network; transformer stations; access; internal access track; landscaping; biodiversity measures; security measures; access gate and ancillary infrastructure. No Decision.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS APRIL 2021 YETMINSTER P/PABA/2021/ 00565

25/02/21

MEADOW FARM, CHETNOLE ROAD – Erection of agricultural building. No Decision.

WD/D/21/000107 22/02/21

SPRINGMEAD FARM, BRISTER END – Convert double garage to annex and installation of windows & doors. No Decision.

WD/D/20/003084 22/02/21

KILBERNIE, CHAPEL LANE – Demolition of existing dwelling & erection of 3no. dwellings with associated landscaping and works. No Decision.

WD/D/20/002134 19/11/20

FIELD KNOWN AS HIRAITH, EAST OF CUCKOO HILL – Agricultural private way, hardstanding and store (Retrospective). No Decision.

WD/D/20/002933 19/11/20

SPRINGFIELD, BRISTER END – Alteration to roof increase in height for loft alteration, incorporating front dormers roof light and rear flat roof dormer. No Decision.

WD/D/20/002895 16/11/20

LAND NORTH OF MILL LANE – Erection of 1 No. dwelling with associated landscaping and parking. No Decision.

WD/D/20/002527 1210/20

BINGERS, RYME ROAD – Erection of 2 No. stables, Implement store and feed/hay store. No Decision.

WD/D/20/002439 16/09/2020 FOLLY FARM, THORNFORD ROAD – Modification of obligations on Section 106 agreement dated 12th July 2016 (original planning approval WD/D/16/000642). No Decision. The next Dorset Council – Northern Area Planning Committee meetings will take place on the 27th April at 2.00pm, this meeting is being held remotely as an MS teams live event. A full register of all past and present planning applications can be found at: https:// planning.dorset.gov.uk/online-applications/ applications. Note: due to publication deadlines these details only reflect the website records up to 12.03.21

Graham Plaice

Thank you NHS

Photo: Faith Bellamy

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN AN AWARD WINNING COMMUNITY MAGAZINE AND REACH 1300 HOMES ACROSS THE WRIGGLE VALLEY. See the contents page for details.

Regular Meetings, Events & Activities Name Every Mon Table Tennis Bev’s Core Vinyassa Flow Yoga Cummunifit Sit & Strengthen Leigh Short Mat Bowls Yetminster Table Tennis Club Bev’s Core Vinyassa Flow Yoga Yetminster Bell Ringers Every Tue Men’s Yoga Topsy Turvy Toddlers Drop in Coffee Morning & PO Chetnole Art Group (until Easter) Beginners Pilates Cubs (in term) Every Wed Yoga Fit Community Coffee morning Gentle Yoga Croquet Coach/Play Wednesday Club (in term) Chetnole Chuckers Pétanque Club Women’s Table Tennis Croquet Junior WV Players (in term) Beavers (in term) Scouts (in term) Beginners yoga Yetminster Short Mat Bowls Every Thur Tai Chi Advanced Pilates Yetminster Short Mat Bowls Leigh Rainbows (5–7yrs) Leigh Brownies (7–10yrs) Guides Dance Fit Wriggle Valley Voices Every Fri Table Tennis Croquet Club (May – Oct) Croquet Every Sun Second Sunday Informal worship Chetnole Chuckers Pétanque Club

Time 9.30–12.30pm 9.30–10.30am 11am–12 noon 2–5pm 10–12noon 6.30–7.30pm 7.30pm–10pm 9.30am–10.30am 9.30am–11am 9.30–12 noon 10am–1pm 1.10–2.10pm 6–7.30pm 9.15–10.15am 10.30–11.30am 10.30–11.30am 3pm (until Oct) 3.15pm–4.05pm 2pm 2–4pm 5.30pm summer only 6–7pm 6–7pm 7–9pm 7pm 7–10pm 10am 10am 2–5pm 5.45–7pm 5.45–7pm 7–8.30pm 6.30pm (term time) 7.30pm 9.30–12.30pm 3pm 3pm 9 for 9.30am 2pm

Venue Leigh Village Hall Chetnole Village Hall Yetminster Jubilee Hall Leigh Village Hall Scout Hut, Yetminster Chetnole Village Hall St Andrew’s Church Leigh Village Hall St Andrew’s Primary School Chetnole Village Hall Chetnole Village Hall Chetnole Village Hall Scout Hut Yetminster Leigh Village Hall Old Vicarage Care Home Leigh Village Hall Yetminster Playing Fields St Andrew’s Primary School Chetnole Playing Fields Leigh Village Hall Church Farm, Hermitage Leigh Village Hall Scout Hut Yetminster Scout Hut Yetminster St Andrew’s Primary School Yetminster Jubilee Hall Leigh Village Hall Chetnole Village Hall Yetminster Jubilee Hall Trim Room, Yetminster Yetminster Jubilee Hall Yetminster Jubilee Hall St Andrew’s Primary Sch Chetnole Village Hall Leigh Village Hall Yetminster Sports Club Yetminster Sports Club Yetminster Jubilee Hall Chetnole Playing Fields

Regular Meetings, Events & Activities Name

Time

Venue

1st Mon

Chetnole & Leigh Garden Club

7:30pm

Chetnole Village Hall

1 Tue

Leigh Discussion Club (wint)

7.30–10.30pm

Leigh Village Hall

2 Tues nd

Wriggle Valley MU (alt months) 7pm

Church Hall, Yetminster

Yetminster & Ryme Garden Soc. 7.30pm

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

Senior Winter Lunch Outings

Sue Footner 873610

7.30pm

(not July/Aug) Halstock & Distr. British Legion

3 Tues rd

Sheaf of Arrows

WV Women’s Group

7.30pm

Wriggle Valley Lunch Club

12.15–3pm

Leigh Parish Council – alt mnths 7.30pm Last Tues Leigh Women’s Institute Pub Quiz 1 Wed st

Gable Court Leigh Village Hall Leigh Village Hall

7.30–11pm

Leigh Village Hall

7pm

The White Hart, Yetminster

Coffee ‘n’ Cakes

10–11.30am

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

Batcombe Coffee Morning

11am

tba

[not Aug & Dec]

Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca PC 7.30pm

St. Andrew’s Primary School

2 Wed

Yetminster Historical Society

2.30pm

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

Police Support Unit

2–3pm

The Cross, Leigh

Chetnole & Stockwood PC

7.30pm

Chetnole Village Hall

2nd/4th Wed High Stoy Bible Study

7.30pm

Venue contact 872342

Last Wed Woodland Wednesdays

12.45–2.45pm

Pogles Wood nr Leigh

2nd Wed/alt mth

Police Community Support Yetminster Fair Association

By Church, Yetminster 7.30pm

Meadens Hall, Yetminster

Wed – Sat Friary Shop

2.30–4.30pm

The Friary, Hilfield

1st & 3rd Thu Yetminster Scribblers

6.30–8pm

Old School Gallery, Yet

Meadens Coffee Morning

10.30am

The Meadens

Leigh Short Mat Bowls

7–10pm

Leigh Village Hall

Pub Quiz

8pm

The White Haart

2 Thurs nd

Last Sat

District Council Members serving you in 2020 Cllr Mary Penfold Dorset Council e: mary.penfold@gmail.com Councillor for: Yetminster Representing the villages of Yetminster, Ryme Intrinseca, Chetnole,

Stockwood Leigh Hermitage Longburton, Melbury Osmond, Corscombe, Halstock and Evershot. 8 Waterside, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester DT2 9NY T: 01300341545

WVM ADVERTISERS’ REGISTER APRIL 2021 FUNERAL SERVICES

ART & ANTIQUES

Steve Mumford General Builder 68

Old School Gallery

Brister & Son

Neal Electrical Services

Olga Gover Artists' Paints

Grassby Funeral Services

JJP Plumbing

BED & BREAKFAST

AJ Wakely & Sons

Pearce Energy Heating Oil

Chetnole Inn

Sellick & Saxton

Hound House

GARDEN & OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

TS Boiler Services

Spearbuild

Burrow Water Treatment Plants 59

B.A Wallbridge

John Butler Master Thatcher

Westcountry Electrics

P. Houchen Dry Stone Walling

HOME, OFFICE & INTERIORS

KDS Garden Machinery Repair

KC Decorators

Chedington Compost

Sibley Kitchens & Bathrooms

The Log Man

Michael Sturmey Carpets

M&S Welding

SBF Curtains & Blinds

Wayne Timmins

CM Furniture

Perrett Fencing

Cut Flowers by Kate

Pestwright & Mole Catcher

A Clean Sweep, Roger Dodd

Rampisham Timber Services

i Sweep, & video inspections

SCR Tree Care

Steve White Chimney Sweep

Tree Surgery (Westree)

Wriggle Valley Fencing

CARE HOMES Old Vicarage Care Home, Leigh

BACK PAGE

CARS, VANS & MOTORCYCLES, HIRING & SERVICING Addison Motors

Brotherwood

Express Equipment Centre

N.S Autos

West Country Cars

CHIMNEY SWEEPS Alexander the Grate

COMPUTERS, MARKETING & IT Dalaric Managed Internet Services 56 DMDH Computers

PDC Computing

EDUCATION Barn Owls Nursery

WM Groundcare

MAD Mowers Paul Hambidge Contracting

Will’s Walls, Dry Stone Walling 29

HEALTH & WELL BEING David Stanton, Psychotherapist 29 Robert Frith Optometrists

Tania Geere Chiropodist

Therapy Barn Mandie Holloway 69

Lower Covey Montessori Nursery 19

Yetminster Health Centre

EVENT VENUES

HOME - BUILD & MAINTENANCE

Chetnole Village Hall Leigh Village Hall Yetminster Jubilee Hall

47 48 20

FOOD, DRINK & CATERING

LEGAL SERVICES Porter Dodson Solicitors

Professional Will Writer

PETS & LIVESTOCK Dog Grooming & Stripping

PHOTOGRAPHY Chetnole Drone Photography

POST OFFICES Chetnole Village Hall (Wed am only) 44 Leigh

Yetminster

PRINTERS Remous, Milborne Port

PROPERTY & HOLIDAY LETS

Lendology CIC

Holiday Home Nr Bordeaux

AD Renovations

Mallows Cottage, Yetminster

J Bennett Joinery

PUBLIC HOUSES & FOOD

Ian Crossland Property Maint.

Chetnole Inn

Dorset Plasterers

SPORT & LEISURE

Leigh Village Stores & PO

5 Star Bars & Catering

On the Boyle Café

Steve Jones, Carpentry & Joinery 19

Heart Of Wessex Railway

Spar Stores & PO Yetminster

Knott Roofing

Wriggle Valley Cars

Tu Casa Tapas Takeaway

Lawrence Electricals

WRIGGLE VALLEY MAG ADVERTISING

Stuart Goodier Boiler Servicing 68

Barfoots’ Bouncers

M Harris

TRAVEL

Wriggle Valley Magazine April 2021 No.334

Articles inside

REGULAR EVENTS

PLANNING

OTHER NEWS

CLUB NEWS

Chetnole

Yetminster

Ryme Intrinseca

Hermitage

POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS

NATURE NOTES

Beer Hackett