April 2022 No. 344 by Wriggle Valley Magazine

WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE No 344 April 2022

In this issue: Support for Ukraine Taking the (very cold) plunge Plans for The Queen’s Jubilee

CONTENTS EDITORIAL 3 Pat Hinton’s Centenary p27

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES Batcombe Beer Hackett Chetnole Hermitage Leigh Ryme Intrinseca Yetminster

The Dorset quiz p60

Wriggle Stones – have you found any? p58

Wriggle Valley

WVCC fixture list p51

4 6 10 22 24 33 34

CLUB NEWS

POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS

NATURE NOTES

OTHER NEWS

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

OUR CHURCH COMMUNITIES 64

Wriggle Valley Cricket PLANNING 69

Club

Fixtures for 2022 76

REGULAR EVENTS C R I C K E T C L U B

ADVERTISERS’ REGISTER

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33 years

WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2022

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: 1 Cloverhay, Yetminster Printed by Remous Print, Sherborne

Most of us are deeply shaken by the unconscionable horror of events in Ukraine and deeply moved by the courage and resilience of its people. The Wriggle Valley villages have responded with tremendous efforts to raise funds, and to gather and transport donated supplies of all kinds. In shows of solidarity, churches are flying the Ukrainian flags and some villages have been ‘twinned’ with Ukraine. The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and Shelagh Mitchell of Yetminster has suggested that we all grow a sunflower or two in our gardens in support – there is still time to plant the seeds and perhaps the Wriggle Valley could become a sea of sunflowers in a few months’ time? On a lighter note, this summer is looking to be a busy one, with The Queen’s Jubilee celebrations being planned as well as the annual fairs, flower shows and fetes to look forward to. Finally, I would like to thank Johnny Gibbs of Batcombe for all his excellent reports, wonderful photos and thoughtful quotes from the Rise of the Wriggle, that he provided as the WVM rep. He has handed the baton to Paul Attwell – welcome Paul, and thank you for taking it up.

Kathryn Edwards Editor 3

BATCOMBE

REP & DISTRIBUTOR: Paul Attwell pcattwell@gmail.com

Lorry loaded with donations

I have been handed the baton as the Batcombe rep for the Wriggle Valley Magazine, taking over from Johnny Gibbs. I would like to thank him for his dedication in reporting all the Batcombe news, I will do my best to keep up his excellent work.

Support for refugees from Ukraine We suffered from having no internet for at least a week last month, but with the invasion of Ukraine, our problems seemed insignificant in comparison; we had the freedom to enjoy and admire the snowdrops and early primroses. The crisis prompted swift action from the village to support refugees fleeing from Ukraine. Donations of clothing and toys and a collection of money enabled supplies for young children and babies 4

Children's supplies for Ukraine

to be purchased. The items were split between collection points at Evershot and Leweston Schools and the rest was taken by Susie and Tattie in Tattie’s lorry, picking up more en route from Sturminster Newton, and then on to the collection warehouse in Southampton. It is heart wrenching to hear news of the tragedy unfolding and hope that our donations may provide a little comfort to those who have had to leave everything behind to find safety. Well done and thank you to everyone involved.

Eileen Starr Sadly, Eileen Starr, formerly of Batcombe, passed away in early March. Latterly, she had been living in Holwell, after moving with her husband Dennis from Highlands Farm. Our thoughts go out to Dennis, Chris and the family.

Batcombe Platinum Jubilee The Batcombe Platinum Jubilee ‘Bring and Share Picnic’ lunch party will be held on Sunday 5 June at 12noon, at Batcombe Hill House. Dress: Garden Party, or Regal Fancy Dress for children

Batcombe Church Lottery The prize-winners are: February 2022 1st

No. 17 Echo Graham

No. 28 Paul Jones

3rd

No. 25 Derek Gorge

Paul Attwell

Bolster the Beams The Batcombe quiz held in February managed to go ahead on the day of storm Eunice, and the evening turned out to be an excellent distraction from the weather, raising over £1,000. Further events are being held in April in support of Bolster the Beams: • The masterclass on Sustainable Floristry being run by Tattie Isles, a leading advocate, will be held at Leigh Village Hall on Monday 4 April 6.30-9.00pm. Tattie has designed and created installations across much of Europe and all of Great Britain, including the installation for the entry gate at the Chelsea Flower Show 2021. • The Batcombe Jumble Sale will also be held at Leigh Village Hall on Saturday 23 April at 2.30pm.

Jumble Sale Saturday 23rd April 2.30pm Leigh Village Hall

Bric-a-brac, tombola, raffle, cake stall, refreshments All proceeds to Batcombe Church Any donations of jumble, bric-abrac, cakes, prizes etc. please drop at Hall on morning of sale from 10.30am. Or for collection contact: Carol Attwell on 07815008796 5

BEER HACKETT

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

Photo: Newton Family

Ukraine

St. Michael’s Church

Beer Hackett, like every other community large or small, has been shocked and saddened by events in Ukraine. Thanks to resident Jo Newton, villagers have been able to donate contributions towards the Yeovil based collection/delivery initiative transporting vitally needed items for refugees fleeing the conflict to Przemysl on the Polish/ Ukrainian border.

Good Friday Meet at 3.00pm by the noticeboard and postbox. Join us on our ‘Way of the Cross’ walk, finishing at Manor Farm, Higher Knighton, then sharing tea and hot cross buns, hosted by the Johnsen family. Easter Sunday Please see the benefice service schedule on p67. Diary note Maintenance/Working Party Day Saturday, 14 May. More details in the May issue. John Bingham

“Come and Sing” One-day Classical Choral Workshop and Concert Do you love to sing? Then don’t miss the opportunity to join this joyful one-day Classical Choral Workshop on Saturday 23 April at St. Mary’s Church, Bradford Abbas, from 9.30am–5.00pm. This 6

workshop will be under the expert musical direction of Alice Dicker BMus (Hons) DipABRSM(perf), Musical Director for the South Petherton Combined Arts Society Choir and the Mid-Wessex Singers, and with accomplished organist Kris Emmett BA (Hons). It will culminate in an evening concert to be performed in St. Mary’s Church at 7.00pm; works include Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and Handel’s ‘Messiah’. The cost of the workshop is just £20 which includes a refundable deposit of £5 for music hire. Tickets £5 on the door, or £4 in advance. Application forms for participants are available from retail outlets in Yetminster, Thornford and Bradford Abbas, or download from www. friendsofstmichaelschurchbeerhackett.org Sponsored by Brotherwood, Beer Hackett, in aid of St. Michael’s Church, Beer Hackett. We look forward to welcoming you for an enjoyable day of singing, or at the evening performance.

Friends of St. Michael’s Church AGM The 2nd Annual General Meeting of the Friends of St. Michael’s Church, Beer Hackett took place in the church on Tuesday 22 February. After the Chairman’s welcome from Simon Clothier, the Minutes of the last AGM were adopted. The Chairman then gave a verbal report on the accomplishments of Friends during the preceding year, in particular the Village Get Together in September, which was well attended. He reiterated that the aim of the Friends continues to be to raise funds towards the upkeep of the fabric of the church building. Our Treasurer, John Trench, circulated

his report and the Income and Expenditure Account for the period. The year began with a balance of £806.60 and ended with £1629.77 as at 31 December 2021. Income was made up from subscriptions, events and donations whilst expenditure related to the running of the Village Get Together and the monthly website costs. Subscription renewals are welcomed for the coming year, together with Gift Aid declarations as appropriate. Please download at https://www. friendsofstmichaelschurchbeerhackett.org John touched on activities for 2022 which include a “Come and Sing” event to be held on 23 April at St. Mary’s, Bradford Abbas; a Platinum Jubilee celebration, and plans to revitalise the village lottery. Agreement was obtained to adopt the Accounts and also the proposal of the Annual Subscription Amount remaining at £10 per person. Regarding Trustee positions, Olive Davison resigned from her role as a Trustee last year. A replacement Secretary is sought. John Trench wishes to relinquish the role of Treasurer but is happy to continue as a Trustee. Simon confirmed that he was happy to carry on as Chairman for the forthcoming year, and Sylvia Whitman, Wendy Smith and Kathy Smyth also agreed to continue to serve as Trustees. John commented that we should have a minimum of at least four Trustees, but preferably six in line with our constitution. No nominations were received at the meeting, but subsequently we are delighted to confirm that Helen Whitman has offered to join as a Trustee. In Any Other Business, there was comment from the floor regarding the format of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations that Brotherwoods have offered to host in June. 7

The Parish Council website is being redesigned, and an offer was made to have a link to the Friends website. A reciprocal offer was made. It was stated that possible limited funding opportunities exist via the Parish Council on completion of relevant documentation. This offer was welcomed and will be investigated further. There was discussion around the Quinquennial report and how best to achieve the urgent repair work and address several important health and safety issues. A Maintenance/Working Party Day is being proposed for Saturday, 14 May. The meeting closed with light refreshments, courtesy of the PCC. With thanks to all who attended.

Thornford Halt (alight for Beer Hackett) An update on the improvement plans for pedestrian access to our local railway halt. Pedestrian access to Thornford Halt has been much improved since the early 2000s with two phases being built: firstly, a footway between the layby on Longford Road and the top to the railway bridge at Thornford Halt; and secondly, a pedestrian access from Powell’s Garage to the layby, thereby connecting an offroad footway all the way from Thornford to its railway station. 8

These two projects combined to win a national railway project award for the person who inspired the scheme, Dr Terry Gough of Beer Hackett, and the Dorset County Council Engineer, Sue McGowan, when it was completed in the early 2010s. There was always a third and final phase envisaged. This was to provide a level, DDA compliant access to the station, as the steps are quite steep for people with mobility issues. Terry’s old neighbour, Thornhackett Parish Councillor Kevin Cheleda, took on the challenge to get this third phase delivered in memory of Terry, who sadly passed away in 2018. Just before Terry’s passing, the project was broadened to include improvements to the junction to Beer Hackett and provide some additional parking on the verge on the north side of the road to Beer Hackett, on highway land from a previous improvement in the 1960s. An estimate to provide the final phase was sought from Dorset Council and a feasibility scheme was undertaken by the Sustainable Transport Scheme at County Hall in Dorchester in 2018. The project, as it was presented, did not rank high enough to receive funding by the then Dorset County Council, owing to a misapprehension that the project would be solely funded by them. However, Kevin and a fellow ex Thornhackett Councillor John Parker, had access to apply for grants for such projects from Great Western Railways (GWR), from their work with the Heart of Wessex Rail Group. If the project had additional funding, then it would more likely receive the green light from Dorset Councils Sustainable Transport Scheme. The first application for this grant, put together in 2018, wasn’t successful but,

from feedback and through some good contacts that had been made within the Heart of Wessex Group a second application was submitted in late 2019, which was much more thorough. Sadly, before any grants were considered from that year, Covid struck and GWR withdrew all funding for any minor schemes. It is possible that the grant system will be reintroduced in late 2022; in the meantime, other funding ideas are being explored, including The National Lottery, as well as the possible use of some funds that Thornhackett can tap into following the development of the housing to the east of Thornford. So, there is renewed enthusiasm that something may come together to be able to fund and complete the final phase, maybe in 2023. With the continued support of the Parish Council and adjacent landowners, it is hoped this project can be delivered to make Thornford Halt far more accessible and user friendly for many years to come.

Bag it in Hackett A polite reminder to all dog walkers – please bag up your dog’s poo and take it away to dispose of.

Photo: Courtesy of the late Dr Terry Gough

CHETNOLE with

Hamlet, Melbury Bubb & Stockwood

REP: Liz Tebbatt 873140 tebbatt.towers@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: David Wallace

Supplies for Ukraine are loaded up

Nobody can have missed the terrible situation currently happening in Ukraine – Chetnole residents have shown their compassion by donating supplies and raising cash at the Wednesday coffeemorning. We are thinking of those who have lost their lives and homes and pray for a swift resolution. Sylvia Rose sends sincere thanks to so many people who have sent cards, telephone messages and offers of practical help. Sylvia is making a good recovery after breaking her hip and is very grateful to the kind and caring villagers of Chetnole. On a lighter note, congratulations go to Dr Sophie Rajinder (formerly Danby) and her husband Gautham on their recent wedding and congrats also go to the Danby family of Neals Lane – see p12. Ronnie and Dianne Page moved into Hope Cottage (on the day of Storm 10

Photo: Liz Tebbatt

Eunice!) We hope they will be very happy in their new home and welcome to Chetnole. We have a great schedule of events coming up this year – check the Dates for your Diary section on p62 for all the details

What’s on in Chetnole this month: 10 April – Annual Church Meeting, St. Peter’s Church, 11.00am 15 April – Good Friday 17 April – Easter Sunday 18 April – Easter Monday bank holiday Liz Tebbatt

St. Peter’s Church The St. Peter’s Chetnole APCM will be held in church at 11.00am on Sunday 10 April. All welcome (free coffee and biscuits)

If anyone would like to join the PCC (church committee) or become a sidesperson (occasional help in church), please contact Stephanie (873798) or Aly (kozowyk@btinternet.com) 

  

    

St. Peter’s Church, Chetnole Music Concert Series 2022   

 Present The Gates of Bristol on Sunday 1 May Before they open the Bristol Early Music Festival, There Be Dragons, a new supergroup of four internationally acclaimed musicians specialising in music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, will bring their first ever programme to Chetnole, in the second of our concerts. This will be the first time that two of Chetnole’s residents, Uri and Kate, will be performing in their professional capacity in Chetnole. Uri leads the Wriggle Valley Voices choir. Inspired by an ancient image showing the four medieval gates of Bristol they will take you on a tantalising journey through each of these gates. Following pathways both sumptuous and simple, they bring their signature fiery improvisational approach to music that might have been heard on the streets of the city in medieval times. A cast of merchants, sailors, drinkers, lovers, saints and sinners will accompany you on your way. Against the backdrop of the mellow sandstone walls of the medieval

nave and chancel of St. Peter’s, this performance promises to be a treat for all lovers of music. The There Be Dragons ensemble comprises: Uri Smilansky (medieval fiddles) As well as being a scholar of early music, Uri has performed as a Musician of the Globe. He is a founder-member and codirector of ensemble La Basile. Jeremy Avis (voice) Jeremy is a tenor soloist and is a regular musical director at Shakespeare’s Globe. Leah Stuttard (harp and voice) Her career has taken her around the world, from Mexico to Madrid including appearances at the York Early Music Festival and the South Bank Centre in London. Katharine Hawnt (voice) Katharine has many recordings and broadcasts under her belt with Collegium Vocale Ghent, Ensemble Plus Ultra and, in particular, a number of celebrated discs with the allfemale ensemble Musica Secreta with whom she still works very closely.

The Friends of St Peter’s look forward to seeing you at the concert. Tickets cost £10 and can be obtained from Gwen Adair (gwen.adair12@gmail. com or 07979 010332), Di Murphy (murphydi1950@gmail.com) and Bee Grant Peterkin (beegp@btinternet.com) 11

Much awaited wedding finally takes place

On Saturday 26 February, Sophie Danby (of Neals Lane, Chetnole) married Gautham Rajendar at the Marriott Arden Hotel, Meriden, West Midlands, a much-

awaited event after nearly two years apart and a Christmas postponement. Gautham’s parents and sister made an epic journey from Chennai to Heathrow after their visas came through at the 11th 12

hour and so were able to undertake a marathon 36-hour dash, arriving at the venue a mere hour before the ceremony took place. It was a very emotional time as we had all been resigned to their watching via the internet. So the in-laws met for the first time just before the bride walked down the aisle. Bridesmaids were Mia and Nandhini, sisters of the Bride and Groom. It was a lovely gathering of family and friends from all over the globe – from Dorset to Paris, Berlin, Las Vegas, Chennai, London and many other parts of the UK, and with many more watching by video link if they were unable to join us on the day.

Karen Danby

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FRIDAY 6TH MAY EYES DOWN 7.30PM CHETNOLE VILLAGE HALL £5 Entry for 5 Lines Prizes for All Winners. Cash Bar Brought to you by

Chetnole Fete & Flower Show

The Chetnole Flower Show & Fete Join us on Saturday 6 August 2022 for our 75th Flower & Produce Show, along with a variety of stalls, entertainment & refreshments. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ChetnoleFlowerShow

and a spring in your step. With roots in Gypsy Jazz, and influences beyond, they bring you irresistible rhythms, evocative melodies and playful improvisation to create a lively and heartwarming sound. Featuring soaring violin (Gina Griffin), masterful double-bass (Ron Phelan), bouncing rhythm and hot lead guitars (Sam Stennett/Tom Brydon-Smith), they have delighted audiences at venues and festivals throughout the UK. Their live show combines energetic original music with imaginative interpretations of classic jazz tunes. Their most recent album ‘Awaken’ (2019), a collection of original compositions, was ‘Played throughout with much gusto, and projects an infectious joie de vivre that will, no doubt, healthily up any heartbeat’ (*****, Morning Star), and was described as ‘Excellent musicianship, laidback and accomplished…played with love and abandon’ (Folkradio.co.uk). Tickets available £10 from John Head 01935 872555, or Ian Lingwood 01935 872998

The Chetnole Village Hall Jazz Café

Saturday 16 April 2022, 7.30pm The Chetnole Village Hall Jazz Cafés season continues. Conjuring up the mood of 1930s Paris, fused with flavours of Eastern Europe and a liberal sprinkling of high energy folk, The Schmoozenbergs’ uplifting music will put a smile on your face

Chetnole Oil Group If you would like to order some domestic heating oil, please email your orders to info@pearce-energy.co.uk or call Gill and Val on 01935 816966. 13

The Ukraine Appeal (Save the Children) The tragic circumstances in Ukraine prompted a pop-up bring & buy stall at the Chetnole coffee morning on Wednesday 2 March. A huge number of people came along at very short notice and an incredible £750 was raised – this could be a record for a coffee morning! Thank you so much to everyone who so generously supported this event. Bee Grant Peterkin

Ukrainian Refugee Collection in Chetnole We can’t all fail to be alarmed and moved by the news coming out of Ukraine, and it’s hard to know what we can do to help. Thankfully some enterprising people in Dorset were quick to arrange a delivery of essential aid to the Polish Ukrainian border in early March. With collection points in Blandford and Stur, a shout went out to Chetnole residents to muster donations of children’s clothing, food, bedding, baby bottles, sanitary wear and toiletries, batteries and torches. They didn’t disappoint. At our village collection point we were overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. Even those on holiday arranged to make donations in their absence. Hats off to Lance who scoured the charity shops of Sherborne, buying up all the sleeping bags he could find, therein benefiting more than one needy cause. Maria arrived with a boot brimming with toothbrushes, shower gel and many other goodies bought at the Cash and Carry. One lady went to several supermarkets and shops on a hunt for much needed baby bottles and milk. All donations were of a high quality, new or washed. Your generosity also extended to 14

giving your time and help. Big thanks to those who provided boxes as we started to realise quite how much stuff we had! Molly also spent a good few hours sifting through clothes and categorising, packing and labelling goods. It was quickly clear that the main collection points were becoming overwhelmed and the kind people at Reads Coffee Roasting outside Sherborne became a new collection point. Thanks to Aly and James T, we managed to take three large car loads and a trailer full of goods, where it was loaded on to lorries and dispatched to Southampton Docks. Our help is still needed but now financial assistance is needed by the various organisations helping them. The best place to donate is to the Disasters and Emergencies Committee website: www.dec.org.uk who are also have an appeal for Afghanistan which is still suffering a terrible humanitarian crisis. Thank you to the wonderful, generous folk of Chetnole. Nick and Naomi

It’s all right once you’re in! Marlise Jolliffe discovers the (chilly) joys of winter sea swimming

So brave: Marlise (second from right) and Liz (second from left)

Before 2021, if anyone had suggested I join them for a swim in the Channel, even in the height of summer, I would have thought: “You have got to be joking!” Swimming in the sea has never been a favourite pastime of mine; I don’t enjoy the salt water, having my head submerged, or getting out of my depth. However, a friend said she had recently joined The Bluetits group of wild swimmers in Weymouth and so, 15

persuaded by her and another friend, off I went on 29 September 2021. Initially, I didn’t relish the thought but, having experienced the exhilaration when you emerge and the thrill of the achievement of getting myself into the freezing water each week, I have continued. The exercise is good too, as it is quite exhausting and sometimes hard work to get back to shore with the pull of the waves, depending on the tide; not that I go out too far. For my first swim, I had good guidance from more experienced swimmers, and was told to go up to my waist and wait a few minutes to acclimatise before submerging my top half. As you push yourself in to totally submerge, you exhale hard to prevent a sharp intake of breath as your body reacts to the shock of the cold water. In those autumn months, we stayed in for around 30 minutes as the sea was at its warmest but now our sessions have become shorter and will continue to decrease to a quick dip in the height of winter, if we’re still braving the icy cold waters then. You’ll be familiar with the well-worn phrase: “It’s all right once you’re in” but clad in only a swimsuit (and as the months progress and the water cools, a long-sleeved rash jacket), entering the freezing water in Weymouth is a bit of a shock. After a few minutes the body does acclimatise, and then it’s a case of swimming and having fun. With a group of about 30 to 40 ladies most weeks, there is a lot of camaraderie and encouragement from other swimmers. You need to be aware of your body and ensure you don’t stay in too long as hypothermia can set in quickly. The body also continues to cool for around 20 minutes after you get out, so you 16

need to dry and dress quickly in lots of warm layers, and have a hot drink and something to eat. This gets the body working to warm itself up from the core. A few pieces of kit become necessary if you continue to swim as we have: a large towelling changing robe is easier than struggling with towels and trying to maintain your dignity, and on the pebbles of Bowleaze a pair of surf shoes or sandals is useful. A lot of swimmers invest in a dryrobe – large coats with a waterproof outer and fleece lining which also provide room beneath to get changed. As time went by, I was determined to enter the water on 1 December, and I did! Hopefully I will be brave enough to persevere through the winter months as the water temperature drops to its lowest, even if not every week depending on the weather. Sea swimming all year round is not new and is enjoyed all over the world. In fact, The Bluetits is a worldwide organisation with more than 30,000 members. There is no membership fee and it’s free to meet at a site and swim. If you want to give it a go, check out their site at https://thebluetits.co.uk

Chetnole and Stockwood Parish Council March 2022 Meeting Notes At the start of the Parish Council meeting, we have an open forum for villagers to ask questions on topics of interest or concern. The focus this time was to understand why the PC had voted 3/2 (with one abstention for a declared interest) in favour of the development between School Lane and Foys. The Parish Councillors are representatives, not delegates, and

as such have to use their personal judgement when reviewing planning applications. It is not possible to take referenda before making decisions. The three members who voted in favour of the development will have considered that the village will not be disadvantaged by the proposed developments. If you have strong views on any matter which might affect the village, or villagers, then please either attend the Parish Council meetings and raise the matter in the public forum, or email Sue Woodford clerk@chetnoleandstockwood-pc.gov.uk. We reviewed a letter from Chris Loder MP to Hilary Jordan, Service Manager for Spatial Planning, Dorchester Council, responding to the Dorset Local Plan Consultation. It appears that he is against the large development planned for the north of Dorchester in favour of growth focused on developing rural villages. He goes on to say that he cannot support urban extensions and that our village communities need modest and affordable housing to enable people to work locally, thus ensuring the longevity of these communities and their amenities. The flood meeting held in the village hall and organised by The Environment Agency and The Farming and Wildlife Trust was extremely successful and very well attended. We will be working with both organisations to develop flood calming measures on the Wriggle and its tributaries to reduce the risk of the flood events experienced last November. The rubber matting in the children’s play area on the playing field will be refurbished. The cheapest option was agreed as, during the next five years, some of the play equipment will have to be renewed and the matting replaced. The PC agreed donations to the Chetnole Parochial Church Council, and

the Wriggle Valley Magazine. We also agreed a donation of £1,000 in support of the Queens Platinum Jubilee. The Queen’s canopy will involve a ring of seven trees on Stockwood Common and some replacement trees in the Jubilee Garden. Oaks and Hornbeam were some of the suggestions. The next meeting is on 11 May 2022. Owen Pope

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Bespoke doors Bespoke Windows Fitted wardrobes Bespoke Bookcases Bespoke Tables and Chairs

Philip Legge, of Batcombe, offers Chimney Sweeping and Video Inspections using the latest equipment and techniques. Safety and cleanliness are paramount. Fully Insured. Certificates issued. Master Sweep & Group Expert Member of the Chimney Sweep Academy.

HERMITAGE

REP: Tom Beels

tom@beelsandco.com

photo: Jeremy Cozens

Watching the news from war-torn Ukraine has brought a tremendous reaction from the people of Hermitage. From the collection made at our evening service on 6 March, with further generous donations from our community and from PCC funds, plus the addition of Gift Aid, the church was able to donate £700 to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The Village Hall and Village Green Committees have added a further £400 to bring that total up to £1,100. We have also taken supplies of food, hygiene items, sleeping bags etc. to a collection point in Dorchester to be transported to Poland and into Ukraine.

Open church Our church is open for everyone, all day, every day. It is there for the whole community, for regular services and festivals, for weddings and funerals. It is not a private club and everyone is welcome; anyone can go in for quiet reflection or enjoy the spring flowers in the churchyard. We are now a very small Parochial Church Council and George Grazebrook is stepping down as Secretary with plans 22

to move; we are grateful for his minutekeeping and information-sharing, and our newly-reprinted service sheets will be a continuing reminder of his work.

PCC – new members We very much need some new members on the PCC to help keep our church going – can you join us? Could you take the meeting minutes, co-ordinate our ecochurch plans, or bring fresh ideas and energy to running events now that we can meet up again? Do talk to Elizabeth Kenton (churchwarden), Jan Pescott (Treasurer), Joss Buck (Safeguarding) or Martin Savage (Fabric). We are a friendly lot! Elizabeth Kenton

Photo: Faith Bellamy

HILFIELD Hilfield Church Easter service will be on Easter Day, 17 April at 4.00pm, to which all are very welcome. During the summer there will be a Hog Roast and Croquet event to raise funds for the church. The date is yet to be confirmed, so watch this space. A special thanks to Joyce Dibble for the lovely article about the Vickery family and Church Farm, Hilfield. How it has changed over the years.

I had countless happy days working at Church Farm. I was educated by Geoff Perry on many things about Hilfield. Geoff lived there for several years and we would sit down over a cup of tea talking about land drains, sheep, the Second World War and numerous other things. Richard Vickery was a good topic of conversation with the things he did and did not do. We had so much fun and laughter with both of those lovely characters. Mick Harris

LEIGH

REPS: Philippa Toulson philippa.toulson@gmail.com Eddie Upton upton.eddie@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Judith Palmer

While we get ready to enjoy the season of Easter, let’s not forget the perilous plight of those poor people in Ukraine. Many are already supporting the appeals to raise desperately-needed money to help alleviate their suffering. It seems likely that they are going to need money now and next month, and the month after, and for many years to come, so please support all the numerous fundraising activities wherever you can. Profits from last month’s Pop Inn are already donated to Ukraine. 24

Remember our churchwardens’ reminder that the church is always there and open to everyone as an island of peace and calm. Plans are rapidly taking shape for the Grand Picnic which will take place on the Village Green on 5 June. as part of the celebrations of Queen’s 70-year reign. Be sure to keep the date free. The event is FREE, but you are all asked to go to the Village Shop as soon as possible to get your Free lucky ticket, which will enable you to be eligible for a Jubilee prize (as well as giving the organisers some idea

of numbers). Sica and Amelie at the shop are part of the organising committee and the shop is the place to find out all you need to know about the event. Michelle Read asks us to remind you all that the Leigh Pop Inn will be opening the Village Hall doors again from 7.00pm on Friday 29 April. She and Sue Fudge will be cooking up delicious hot dogs for everyone so, if you haven’t been yet, make sure you go this time. If you have been, you won’t need any persuading to go again! And all the volunteers who serve you, who set up the bar, who do the washing up and who put it all away again until next month, will know that their efforts have been greatly appreciated.

THE

POP INN Leigh’s Renowned Pop-up Pub.

Friday 29th April 7.00pm plus great hot dogs! There have been several For Sale signs going up in the village recently. The first people to welcome to Leigh are Rob and Sam Sanderson who have move into The

Old Post Lodge. We hope you will be very happy in your new home. Philippa Toulson & Eddie Upton Sunday 5th June 2-6pm

Leigh Village Green BIG JUBILEE LUNCH ICE-CREAMS LAWN GAMES MUSiC & DANCiNG BOUNCY CASTLE CREAM TEAS

A N SiG N DE OW R C

FREE EVENT

FOR LEiGH RESiDENTS & THEiR FAMiLiES

TICKETS, FLAGS & MORE iNFORMATiON AVAILABLE AT THE LITTLE LEIGH STORE

LEIGH’S POP INN SELLiNG REAL ALE & PiMMS

BRIN GY OUR OW NP ICN IC

St. Andrew’s Church We are writing this with the shocking news from Ukraine ringing in our ears and disturbing our hearts and minds day by day. Many of us will be having sleepless nights and wondering what we can do apart from give money. Obviously, we hope and pray for a rapid resolution to this awful situation. Many people turn to the church for comfort at times of major crisis, and we would like to remind you all that the church is open every day to offer a haven of peace and tranquillity in a troubled world. Please feel free to come in whenever you wish to experience the quiet calm that the church offers. At the time of writing, we hope to have prayers and to light a candle for Ukraine at 9.30am each morning from Monday to Friday for the duration of the crisis, while the Ukrainian flag will be flying from the church tower. You are very welcome to join our morning prayers. For many people, Easter is the most important festival in the church calendar. This year we invite all of you to join us for our Easter Communion service at 11.00 am on Easter Day, 17 April. We will gather in the church and after an opening hymn, children 25

will join Philippa and friends for their own special Easter service with craft activities in the churchyard. At 1.00pm we will be serving a twocourse cooked lunch in the church for up to 30 people. We need you to tell us in advance if you would like lunch. Please book with Eddie (upton.eddie@ gmail.com 07813 089002) before 10 April. Attendance at the service is not a condition for having lunch! The following week, 24 April, our layled Community Spirit Sunday service at 10.00 am will be followed by drinks and nibbles in the churchyard and the presentation of a special trophy to acknowledge Leigh’s outstanding achievements at last year’s Ride + Stride event, winning the Morshead Trophy. It seems that we collected the most sponsorship in the whole of Salisbury Diocese – an extraordinary feat. The church Annual Meeting will take place in the church at 7.30pm on Thursday 28 April. Please come. We have had a message from Anne Reason about the church Electoral Roll. If you would like to have you name added to the Roll, please contact Anne. Anne is also the brains behind our monthly Coffee Morning, which will be at 10.30am on Tuesday 5 April. Alaistair Cumming & Eddie Upton Churchwardens

Red Cross Appeal for Ukraine A huge thank you to all those who contributed so generously to the above Appeal at the March Coffee morning in St. Andrew’s Church, Leigh. We were able to send £290 off to the Red Cross and with the present ongoing situation, I am sure they desperately need money to help with the huge humanitarian crisis. Anne Reason 26

Lent lunch There will be a Lent Lunch in Leigh Village Hall on Wednesday 6 April from 12.30- 2.00pm in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society. There will be a delicious range of soups, bread and cheese plus teas and coffees and it would be so good to see as many as possible coming to this lunch. If you wish for further information, please contact either Jo Barlow-Poole (872220) or Anne Reason (873726)

St Andrew’s Church, Leigh invite you to a

Len Lunch

Wednesday 6th April 12.30 to 2pm Leigh Village Hall

In aid of Alzheimer’s Society Please do come and support us

Lottery Grant for Leigh Climate Group Excellent news to share. Leigh Talks! is about to be launched with a grant from the National Lottery Fund. Leigh Parish Council, supported by the Leigh Climate Group, has received funding through the Together for our Planet programme. Thanks to all you #NationalLottery players for funding this project. More information in next month’s magazine. Cate Dixon

Happy 100th birthday Pat!

Pat Hinton recently celebrated her 100th birthday at The Old Vicarage care home Leigh. Mrs Hinton, who grew up in London and trained as a nurse towards the end of WWII, has lived in Leigh for almost 40 years. She and her late husband, formerly a hospital doctor and professor at one the of London teaching hospitals, adored their home and garden on the edge of the village. They identified and recorded all the plants, butterflies and other wildlife in its neighbouring orchard and contributed many local natural history records to countrywide surveys and publications. Also a qualified archaeologist, Pat set up her microscope and computer at home to study soil samples passed to her from professional excavations across southern England, teasing out and identifying the seeds of plants from millennia ago. Nowadays she enjoys her room overlooking The Old Vicarage garden and the care of staff there.

Leigh Parish Council update Councillor Annabel Ward, who has served on Leigh parish council since November 2019, has had to step down due to increasing work demands. Leigh PC is very grateful to her for all that she has contributed, in particular with the establishment of the village green. There is therefore now a vacancy on the Parish Council. If you are a resident of Leigh and are prepared to give some of your time supporting the work that the Parish Council does, please contact the Clerk leigh@dorset-aptc.gov.uk by 10 April. Leigh PC is aware that there are two sites within the parish that appear to have been or are being significantly developed without appropriate planning permission: ‘The Poplars’ at Three Gates, and a dwelling on the Leigh– Batcombe Road, just south of where the River Wriggle flows under that road. Dorset Council has now served Planning Contravention Notices on the persons identified as holding Title to the land at both locations. Traditionally, Leigh PC meetings have been held on the third Tuesday of alternate months (January, March, etc). However, this means that decisions made cannot feature in this magazine until at least six weeks later (as the WVM submission deadline is the 12th of the month). To reduce this delay, the PC is considering moving the date of its meetings to the second Tuesday of the associated months – and is also considering an earlier start time of 6.30pm. If such changes are agreed, they will likely be implemented from July. Every year, parishes are required by law to hold an ‘Annual Meeting’. This village meeting is entirely separate from Parish Council business (although the Chairman of the Parish Council also 27

chairs the parish Annual Meeting). Leigh’s next Annual Meeting is scheduled for 7.00pm on Tuesday 18 May in the village hall. If there are any issues that you’d like to see considered by village

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

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Ball Ball Ball Ball

No 53 No 183 No 120 No 125

Lorraine Jordan Carol Ford Mrs K Brazier Pat Castleman

£40 £20 £10 £5

Thank you to all the collectors for taking time to do the ‘rounds’ and thank you too to all those in the

Constance (Connie) Wallis 1942–2022 I met Connie in the Carpenter’s Arms in 1961. Together with a friend, Connie had cycled from Ryme Intrinseca to Leigh to listen to the latest hits on the pub’s juke box. The weather was awful, and so I drove them home. I decided to ask Connie out but, being shy, I couldn’t pluck up the courage to ask - a friend from Yetminster did it for me. Slightly to my surprise, and pleasure, Connie accepted. Our life together began in August 1963, only ending on 28 January, when Connie died suddenly, and peacefully, nearly 80 years after her birth in 1942. 28

residents at this Annual Meeting, please notify the Clerk, Beverley Harrison (email as above) before 8 May. Alan Bennett village who have contributed to the lottery fund. We have banked this year, so far, just over £2,000 which, assuming there are 200 houses in the village, shows a healthy 82% who are involved in the lottery. Thank you again. To the Amnesiacs: please see me or Alaistair Cumming. Last year’s ‘profit’ went towards a donation to the new hedge supporting the extension to the new Churchyard and more trees. And forgive me if I am repeating myself, we are now presenting the winnings in cash. Nobody has volunteered to take over the fund. So if you had thoughts and forgot, now is the time to come to the aid of two ‘old men’. Julian Turnbull & Alaistair Cumming

Connie and her twin, Eva, the fifth and sixth of nine children, were born at Bovington. Daughters of a sergeant major in the Tank Corp, they lived the army life before moving to Blandford Forum, where Connie, a natural athlete, represented North Dorset in the county hurdling championships. The family moved to Ryme in 1958. Next door was the MacCulloch family, whose son, Mac, together with Bob Common, Bonnie Sartin and Pete Shutler, founded The Yetties. Pete was also an accomplished folk dancer, as was Connie. Together, in 1962, they danced at the Royal Albert Hall as part of an international folk festival. We were married in Ryme church by my godfather, the Rev’d Back, one time Rector of Leigh. It was a wonderful day, but it had its moments: it rained all day, my mother-in-law’s chimney caught fire (fire brigade required!), the organist’s music was inspired (she having had a drink beforehand to calm her nerves) and, to cap it all, the church hall, where we held our reception, was requisitioned as a coroner’s court. Having survived all this, we headed to London for a week’s honeymoon. As Connie had only been to London once, we made sure we went to the theatre and cinema, and took in all the sights. A couple of weeks after our return, and having spent time decorating, we moved into ConLes. Connie was not one to be idle. In addition to lifelong membership of the WI (the third of three generations of the Wallis family who were members at the same time), Connie was a foster carer for seven years, results secretary of a local skittle league (and captain

of her own team), a dinner lady at Leigh school, the school cook at St. Andrew’s, Yetminster, and Peter Mills’ assistant in Leigh’s corner shop (now part of Cross House). In the early 1970s, Connie helped Stan Waterfall run, first Leigh’s youth club, and then Yetminster’s, which opened in 1976. In 1991, on her retirement from the club, Connie was awarded Dorset County Council’s Distinguished Service Certificate. In between times Connie gave birth to the lights of our lives, Wendy in 1965, and Deena in 1967, and managed to find the time to knit everything from baby clothes to the Nativity in the church. More recently Connie was a key member of the village hall kitchen team that organised and managed the monthly Lunch Club. Eventually her worsening health forced her, reluctantly, to slow down. During the pandemic, Connie and I played a daily game of crib. Occasionally, and always much to her surprise (and some suspicion!), I would win. (For those interested in serious sporting statistics, we played about 1,500 games.) Finally, Wendy, Peter, Deena, Neil and I would like to thank everybody, far too many to mention by name, who have helped our family cope during these past weeks. The messages of condolence and support, and the amazing and supportive congregation at the funeral, have told us all we need to know about how much Connie was liked, loved, and respected. May she rest in peace. Les Wallis

Bridge Garage, Leigh DT9 6HW

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

Frankham Farm spring garden

National Garden Scheme Open Garden Sunday 24 April sees Frankham Farm gardens (DT9 6JT) open as part of the NGS Open Gardens, from 12noon– 5.00pm. There will be delicious homegrown BBQ lunches, tea/coffee and homemade cakes, as well as three and a half acres of lovely gardens and woodland to enjoy. NGS Open Gardens main donations are to Macmillan and Cancer Care, two very worthy charities. Money from the lunches and teas go to support our lovely little church, which is open daily so do call in there too. Frankham Farm gardens will also be open on Sunday 5 June and Sunday 16 October.

Annual litter pick Sorry, the date for the annual litter pick will need to change, from the one given in the March issue. The new date is still to be decided; once it’s confirmed, Mike will email and the word will be passed round.

New grandson Dennis and Vanessa Lill are delighted to welcome their new grandson, Leon Nukui-Lill into the world. Leon was born in Tokyo on 5 March, weighing a very healthy 9lbs! Mother Shiho and father James both are well and very happy. I am sure Dennis and Vanessa are eagerly waiting their return to the UK so they can meet him. Gilly Wilson 33

YETMINSTER

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

I couldn’t start my piece without mentioning the horrendous situation in Ukraine. I have never felt so privileged to live in Yetminster, surrounded by green fields, living in a warm home, having fuel for my car and able to feed and protect my family. I applaud the hundreds of thousands of people who have offered to support Ukrainian families in their homes and there are wonderful stories of local people driving to Ukraine with vehicles full of humanitarian aid. The people of Ukraine are in my thoughts and prayers. Well done the Neighbourhood Plan team, finally over the line, to successfully conclude the recent Referendum. There is more information 34

on page 43. We are so lucky to live in a village where people care and volunteer their time and resources to safeguard our way of life. Planning is underway regarding celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer. The Committee (I'm sorry if this is not the correct title) met on the 15 March (too late for our deadline) to outline plans and to give advice and guidance for a leaflet to be produced and distributed in April. If you are able and want to volunteer to help, look on the Parish Website to find out more details. There are a couple of articles provided by Toby in this edition. I can only repeat what superstars the 1st Yetminster Scout Group are. The Cubs have received a letter of commendation

from the Queen recognising their efforts in the design of their own Platinum Jubilee congratulation cards and celebratory stamp.

Make sure you mark 4 April in your diaries. The Old School Gallery and Café team celebrates their 10-year anniversary, not bad for Sarah who was only going to open it for six months. There will be celebrations on the day and on Saturday 10 April, Ray D’Inverno will be playing jazz at the Gallery in the afternoon. The Gallery is preparing for Dorset Art Weeks in the middle of May and will also have an exhibition of St. Andrew’s School artwork throughout April. The White Hart pub team go from strength to strength, Ellis is proving to be a great landlord. The next initiatives are taking shape with acclaimed chef Bakerman Dan now operating the catering kitchen at the White Hart. The

initial trial run of the Gourmet Burgers on a Saturday has been a wonderful success, despite minimal promotion either locally or on social media. The famous English Sunday Roast is now in full swing, with service both for standard lunch time and throughout the afternoon for those who need sustenance after a bracing Sunday walk. They have almost doubled the number of external seats and fingers crossed for some decent warm weather next month. The pub is sponsoring the Yetminster Scout Group to design and build two big upright planters for the suntrap rear patio. Progress reports as and when. The free to enter FORMULA ONE club is up and running with full details at the bar. Initially I had a few doubts/fears regarding the running of the pub, in such a difficult commercial climate, recovering from Covid and other external pressures. However, I must commend Ellis on his vision and hard work, well done. The refurbishment of the Hamcrate play park is almost complete. The new matting is down and the painting of the equipment started on 7 March and should be complete by the time you read 35

this. Favourable comments are already being received, with one mum saying she felt that the new surfaces to the equipment were great and had much improved the play space. She was also happy to demonstrate its ‘springiness’ and praised the painting of the equipment, provision of the bench and a replacement bouncer as being good ideas. Well done the Parish Council. I would like to appeal to the younger generation to get involved in village life. Make your voice heard. I am very amenable to creating a page (not running it) for families and those who have recently moved into the village to have a place specially for them. I talk a good job, but I would have to get the rest of the Committee to approve – but I like the idea.

Mercy Ships’ new vessel, Global Mercy (37,000 tons) arrived in the port of Rotterdam in the last week of February. She sailed from her boat yard in China, through the Suez Canal, with a short courtesy visit in Malta, and on to Antwerp for further fitting and crewing. Sue Footner from Ryme Intrinseca was invited to Rotterdam where the ship was to be presented for public and private viewing, rubbing shoulders with Princess Anne and the tenor Andrea Bocelli. Sue has a long history with Mercy Ships and I have asked her to provide an article for the May magazine. 36

Finally, the church has organised ‘Secrets of an Antiques Auctioneer’, a morning with Garry Batt, Duke’s Senior Valuer, on Saturday 9 April, 10.00am–12.30pm see the poster on p37. Michaela and Graham Plaice

Coffee, Cake and Chat

Coffee, Cake and Chat is Tuesday 5 April 2.30-4.00pm in Yetminster Village Hall and we look forward to seeing many of you. Peanut the pony will be joining us how exciting! We will also be holding an Easter raffle; any prizes will be gratefully received, bring along on the day. We will be collecting for the Sherborne food bank so please bring any dry food/ toiletry donations. We had a good turn out last month when the School choir joined us to sing some lovely cheerful songs. They will be back again soon, watch this space. Thank you for your continued support. Angela and Grace

St. Andrew’s Church

April ... our joyful Eastertide.

Easter Day on Sunday 17 April brings the Church’s most joyful day, not to mention a few Easter eggs! On Maundy Thursday, 14 April, there will be Stripping of the Altar with Holy Communion at 7.30pm, and then Meditations at 2.00pm on Good Friday. We will be preparing the church on Easter Saturday, and if you would like to bring some flowers and join in with the flower arranging, you are very welcome. Before the Easter preparation however, please come and join us on Saturday 2 April for our spring churchyard clear up from 10.00am. Please bring your own weapons of choice, and coffee and biscuits will be served at 11.00am. Thursday 7 April will see the School choir giving their concert, The Three Trees, at St. Andrew’s Church at 6.00pm. This is open to the whole community to enjoy, with free entry, and a donations bowl in aid of our year-long FUN raising for church and clock repairs. Are you fascinated watching the Antiques Roadshow? If you are, then come along and discover the secrets of an antiques auctioneer on 9 April. Join us for a morning with Garry Batt, partner at Duke’s of Dorchester. Garry is hugely entertaining and with his wealth of knowledge, the morning promises to be informative, as well as having lots of laughs. Have you ever wondered how a 50p car boot purchase could turn into being worth three figures, or even more? Garry will have some stories to tell. This FUN raising, fundraising event is for church repairs, including the clock. Tickets are £10 and are available from the Spar shop and The White Hart, by ringing 01935 873421 or emailing pccsec.yetminster@gmail.com Fresh coffee and delicious croissants will be served on arrival at 10.00am. The

Friends of St. Andrew’s look forward seeing you and welcoming you on 9 April. As I write in April, there is hopeful news of a new Churchwarden, to be elected at our AGM ... you will know by now! With my best wishes Churchwarden Clare Churchwarden.yet@gma

Memorial service at St. Andrew’s Church Anne Bayley Anne died suddenly but peacefully, at home in Yetminster, on 18 December 2021. All are most welcome at her memorial service on 25 April at 2.00pm, at St. Andrew’s Church, Yetminster. Enquiries to annebayleyestate@gmail.com

Yetminster Methodist Church Some may be under the impression that our local church is closing but this is not the case at all. We have recommenced our regular services on the second and fourth Sundays in the month. We are also holding a coffee morning on Saturday 23 April, 10.00am–12noon, to which you are cordially invited. The Church – to those who are new to the village – is at the end of Chapel Lane and was built in 1849, for £200. Just imagine that. At a time when there was no electricity, no telephone and no cars. Yetminster’s existence was based on farming. Over the following 173 years the Church has seen many changes. Heating and lighting of course plus the addition of a kitchen, removal of the pews (after much discussion) and an access ramp instead of steps. We have a WWI Memorial of which we are very proud and a poppy from the Tower of London display donated by a local resident. We have donated to the Food Banks in Sherborne and Yeovil over many years and continue to do so with a collection basket in Church. Even with a small congregation I have been amazed at the generosity of people to this cause. We intend to hold our Candlelit Carols again this year which is a very popular event in the village. Times are hard for everyone and even threatening now, as I write, but we continue to offer a welcome at our services for as long as we can. We hold on to our faith in every situation in these most difficult of times. So please come along to our Coffee Morning on the 23 April. You can be assured of a warm welcome. Barbara Driver Church Secretary 38

Yetminster Methodist Church

Saturday 23 April 10.00am–12noon Enjoy a coffee and conversation with friends, old and new. Dorset Moviola In association with

Yetminster Film Nights presents

THE FRENCH DISPATCH (15) Tuesday 5thApril 7.30 From the director of The Grand Budapest Hotel, and sharing its idiosyncratic visual and narrative style, The French Dispatch received a 9-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festive. It brings to life a collection of stories from the final issue of a fictional American magazine published in a fictional 20th century French city – described by the critics as an eccentric delight.

Jubilee Hall, Doors Open 7.00 pm Tickets £6 available from the Spar Shop, Yetminster, or on the door.

Yetminster Fair Association 50/50 Club draw MARCH 2022 WINNERS 1st prize of £100 No. 64 Mr D Thomson 2nd prize of £50

No. 23 Mr H Robothom

3 prize of £30

No. 06 Mr B Crumpler

4th prize of £20

No. 06 Mrs S Goldsworthy

Yetminster Fair is back this year after a successful delayed event last August. This year’s Fair will take place on Saturday 16 July at the Yetminster Sports Ground. There will be something for all the family during the afternoon with children’s activities, musical entertainment and an even wider range of stalls. The dog show will return as will the classic car and motor bike display.

• • • • • • • •

Guides and Rangers St. Andrew’s PTFA Yetminster Jubilee Hall St Andrew’s Church Clock Art for All Group Abbey Radio Yetminster Table Tennis Club Yetminster Methodist Church

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

A lipsmacking range of food, cakes and drink will be on offer and, from late afternoon through the evening, there will also be live bands performing at the Sports Club. It promises to be a great day out! The proceeds of the show are distributed to groups and organisation around the village and last year the following benefitted from the funds raised.

Plans are underway for the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Yetminster. A recent meeting of volunteers keen to help came up with a number of ideas for the extended 2-5 June Bank Holiday. It is hoped that the lighting of a beacon on Thursday 2 June will kick off the weekend, joining over 1,500 others being lit around the country at 9.35pm. Friday 3 June sees a Treasure Hunt and tea for children and families around the village and on Saturday 4 June, there will be a family fun and sports day at The Sports Ground. Plans are at an early stage but expect a range of activities for during the day which will culminate with some musical entertainment in the evening. 39

Yetminster Summer Show

Music is a bit of a theme throughout the weekend with a special church service in St. Andrew’s which will feature some stirring hymns and anthems; some of which were sung at the Queen’s Coronation. The church will also host a flower festival over the course of the extended holiday. On Sunday 5 June, it is planned to hold the ‘Big Lunch’ along a buntingstrewn High Street, subject to Dorset Council approving the road closure. Villagers will be invited to bring food, tables and chairs and line the street for the day. There will be music from the decades of the Queen’s reign during the afternoon and then a band to get everyone on their feet and dancing in the evening. A crowdfunding site has been set up to support the costs of the events and raise money to plant trees in support of the Queen’s ‘Plant a tree for The Jubilee’ initiative. The events are open to all residents of Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca and if you would like to help with any of the activities, there is a special Jubilee Facebook site set up (just search for ‘Yetminster Jubilee’) or you can message 078 1236 2238 and leave your details. The next edition of the Wriggle Valley Magazine will include the full programme of events and timings. 40

Each year the Yetminster Summer Show is a glorious celebration, not only showcasing the green fingers in the community, but also their craft skills and artistry. This year’s Show is on Saturday 20 August and is genuinely a community event. Entry is not confined to members of the Yetminster & Ryme Garden Art & Craft Society and their family but is open to all residents in Yetminster and Ryme and surrounding villages. To give everyone plenty of time to plan their entries we are publishing, below, the classes for the craft, art and photography sections. So, don’t leave it too late. Now is the time to start planning your entries and help make the 2022 event a real showstopper. Craft Classes Jubilee Bunting – minimum of 10 pieces A greetings card using pressed flowers Knitted or crocheted garment A soft toy A picture using cross stitch An upcycled product – something new from something old A small piece of embroidery Junior Classes (12 and under) A landscape collage made from recycled bits and pieces Create a model bumble bee in any form Decorate a crown for a Jubilee Queen

Photography Classes Any subject The Coast Inside a building Transport Junior Classes (12 years and under) What I saw on my walk Party time Painting and Drawing Classes A botanical painting An abstract painting. Any medium A collage incorporating a found object(S) or media A portrait in ink or charcoal (not pencil) on the theme of a hero (or heroine) A land or seascape. Any medium A painting on the theme of emotion. Any medium A painting in one colour only. Any subject or medium Junior Classes (12 years and under) A picture of a wild animal A silhouette A self-portrait

Yetminster and Ryme Walking Group The Yetminster & Ryme Walking Group had a wonderful walk up on Ham Hill, above Stoke sub Hamdon. A short walk but so much history and beautiful views. Finishing with coffee and cake in the car park. Paul Birbeck is running Part 2 of the Autumn History Walks at the end

of March but is also running another History Walk in Yetminster on Thursday 14 April. Contact paul@sherbornewalks. co.uk to book in. On Easter Saturday, we are organising a Treasure Hunt around the village, with lots of treasure to find and prizes to the winners. Starting at the Pub at 3.00pm, we will be raising money for maintenance of our Rights of Way and the church clock and renovations. So bring the family or come on your own and have some fun. The April Walk will be from Montacute around Hedgecock Hill Wood and up St. Michael’s Hill. Please feel free to join us – just turn up or contact yetpaths@gmail.com 41

Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council Chairman’s Notes – February Meeting After a process lasting over six years which required over 3,500 hours of work, the residents voted in the Referendum to adopt the Neighbourhood Plan, which will now go to the County Council for final approval. A Planning Working Group will take on the role of monitoring its progress and implementation. A meeting led by Councillor Hartwell to discuss activities to be delivered as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations was attended by 30 people. Outline information on the activities planned can be found on p40. The meeting approved the terms of reference for the Community Infrastructure Working Group and, in doing so, has created clear guidelines on how the group will work towards delivering the projects approved previously by the Council. Pleasingly, the first of the CIL projects has, with the recent installation of the new surfaces to the play area, now been completed. CIL funds were used to partfund this, and other projects are now being finalised and it is hoped that they will start in the next few months. Having taken on full time employment, Charlotte Blocke has resigned from her position as Parish Clerk. We would like to thank her for the enthusiastic way in which she has performed her duties and wish her every success in her new job. Please see the advertisement for this paid position below; anyone interested in further information should contact us at yetminster-ryme@outlook.com. I end this report with the very sad news that Councillor Garth Hentley passed away on 1 March after a long illness. Garth has served on the Parish 42

Council for over 10 years, taking an active role in planning matters and as a representative on Boyle’s Trust. Our thoughts are with Garth’s family and friends at this sad time. Andy Perlejewski Chairman of Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council

Looking for something?

“Why not look on the Parish website?” – simply masses of information on all things local!

yetminsterparishes.gov.uk

20 mph Speed Limits The Parish Council has been petitioning Dorset Council’s Place and Resources Overview Committee over the community’s concerns about excessive speeds on the roads through our villages. We have been keen to seek the introduction of a 20mph speed limit for the High Street and Melbury Road in Yetminster and for the Ryme Road where this passes through Ryme Intrinseca. Potential speeding is also of concern on the Thornford Road at the junction with Stoneyacres, although it is hoped to use CIL funding to install ‘Wig Wag’ lights with the legend ‘20mph when lights show’ to limit speeds here during school times. We now understand from Dorset that it was previously decided to develop the initial draft guidance on the principles and criteria for 20mph limits (to enable officers and councillors to assess and prioritise requests objectively through the Highways Board) and that this work has been completed. The revised guidance is now due to be considered by the Committee at their meeting on 21 April. Whilst we have not had sight of the guidance, it should be available with the agenda for the meeting when this is published; we hope to provide a further update, having read the guidance, for the May edition of the Wriggle Valley Magazine. We would also remind residents that we are always keen to welcome new volunteers to help with the Community Speed Watch initiative. At present we have a team of about 10 volunteers who have been trained. We conducted patrols in the late autumn last year and will resume in the next few weeks once the days get longer. Please use the contact form on the parish website to register your interest. Cllr Stuart Hughes YRIPC Transport (Lead)

Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca Neighbourhood Plan

Report from the YRIPC Neighbour Plan Working Group The results of the Referendum on 22 February, as to whether, ‘Dorset Council should use the Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca Neighbourhood Plan when considering development within the parish,’ are as follows: Electorate: 1095 Total Votes Cast: 361 Turnout: 32.97% Votes in favour of Yes: 348 Votes in favour of No: 13 Ballot papers rejected: 0 It was therefore declared by the Returning Officer that the vote was in favour. Now that the Referendum results have been announced, the \plan has gained full weight in the planning decision making process and is due to be considered in Cabinet at Dorset Council on 5 April 2022. The Working Group would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who took part in this important referendum. The work to archive the substantial number of documents that were created in the production of the Neighbourhood Plan has been completed. A copy of the plan has been placed on the Parish Website with the earlier YRIPC Parish Plan. YRIPC Neighbourhood Plan Group 43

YETMINSTER HISTORY SOCIETY A Tale of Two Towers Dr Amy Frost, Senior Curator at the Bath Preservation Trust, recounted the fascinating life of William Beckford, remembered for building the tower (now gone) at Fonthill Abbey and Beckford Tower at Bath. Born into a family of, by today’s standards, oligarch’s wealth in 1760, by 1822 he was heavily in debt and had to move to a cheaper Bath where he started again, as it were, buying and selling property, leaving behind at his death the building known as Beckford’s Tower. Having inherited vast wealth at the age of nine, he was educated at home for his own protection. He was brought up by tutors and Royal Academicians. But according to William he was taught music by Mozart – he would have been six at the time!! At the age of 17 he went on an extensive Grand Tour of Europe, collecting fine objects all the way. He also got involved in relationships with both men and women. On his return home at 21 and, as head of an extremely powerful family, there was a formal party for society. However, after this, the house was closed for a three-day bash with his friends, following which he wrote a semi-autobiographic novel in French, called Vathek, which had a great influence on later Gothic novels. When his relationship with William Courtenay was exposed, he had to escape to Switzerland (homosexuality 44

at the time was punishable with death). It was ten years before he was able to return to Fonthill. Once back, he built a spire to rival Salisbury Cathedral. It collapsed three times and each time it was rebuilt higher. After the abolition of Slave Trade Act in 1807, he had to sell off objects to pay for the upkeep of the estate. By 1822 he was £140,000 in debt and auctioned off his property – the auction of the year – and moved to Bath. With judicious buying and selling of real estate there, finances improved, allowing the building of Beckford Tower, his version of the garden shed. With the passing of the 1834 Abolition of Slavery Act, compensation for the loss of Jamaican properties flowed in and the buying of fine objects continued apace. He died in 1844 but only after designing his own sarcophagus, arranging for his body to be embalmed in the authentic Egyptian process, creating a scene of his treasures around his death bed and commissioning a painting of it – a showman to the very end. Next Event: 6 April 2022, a tour of the Dorset Museum, Dorchester. For further information or booking, contact us at yetminster8@gmail.com New members are always welcome: contact us at yetminster8@gmail.com John Ferretter

POETRY PAGE Swinburne: ‘fearless to the point of reckless’ Algernon Charles Swinburne, (18371909) was as famous in his day as Ed Sheeran today, though not always for the right reasons. Now out of fashion, save for a few of his epic poems, his subject choices later in his career would make even today’s critics blanche. However this poem, reflecting on a lost love, has a resonant beauty. ‘April’ A C Swinburne When the fields catch flower And the underwood is green, And from bower unto bower The songs of the birds begin, I sing with sighing between. When I laugh and sing, I am heavy at heart for my sin I am sad in the spring For my love that I shall not win For a foolish thing.

But the grace I have long time sought Comes never in sight, If in her it abideth not, Through thy mercy and might, Whose heart is the world’s delight. Thou hast sworn without fail I shall die For my heart is set On what hurts me, I wot not why, But cannot forget What I love, what I sing for and sigh.

She is worthy of praise, For this grief of her giving is worth All the joy of my days That lie between death’s day and birth, All the lordship of things upon earth. Nay, what have I said? I would not be glad if I could; My dream and my dread Are of her, and for her Swinburne: sake I would Sheeran lookalike? That my life were fled.

This profit I have of my woe, That I know, as I sing, I know he will needs have it so Who is master and king, Who is lord of the spirit of spring I will serve her and will not spare Till her pity awake Who is good, who is pure, who is fair, Even her for whose sake Love hath ta’en me and slain unaware. O my lord, O Love, I have laid my life at thy feet; Have thy will thereof, Do as it please thee with it, For what shall please thee is sweet. I am come unto thee To do thee service, O Love; Yet cannot I see Thou wilt take any pity thereof, Any mercy on me.

Lo, sweet, if I durst not pray to you, Then were I dead; If I sang not a little to say to you, (Could it be said) O my love, how my heart would be fed; Ah sweet who hast hold of my heart, For thy love’s sake I live, Do but tell me, ere either depart, What a lover may give For a woman so fair as thou art. The lovers that disbelieve, False rumours shall grieve And evil-speaking shall part. 45

CLUB NEWS Leigh WI – February meeting The Mayflower Marriage, Arminal Dare

We have, I am sure, all heard about the Mayflower, that plucky little ship that set sail in 1620 for America with 102 Pilgrims on board. They were heading to a new life, free from religious persecution, to a land of plenty where the rivers were full of fish and the forests alive with game. The Mayflower and her sister ship, the Speedwell, were due to set sail in June 1634 but they had to turn back to Plymouth twice as the Speedwell was leaking. They eventually got going in September by which time the westerly winds were blowing hard and they encountered many storms which hampered their progress and made their lives a misery. To make matters worse, their food supplies had been depleted with their long wait before setting out and starvation was a real concern. The book, The Mayflower Marriage, which was the topic of our WI Talk, by Arminal Dare, follows the two main protagonists – and real people – Priscilla and John, on board and travelling to America with all their hopes and

dreams. They are an unusual couple in that they see themselves as equals, where women in England were still the property of their husbands. After two miserable months at sea, the ship arrives in the wrong place and they are forced to spend the hard winter on board; many of them die of cold and disease, leaving only 53 passengers and half the crew alive. They call their new colony Plymouth and life in the early days is grim. Priscilla loses her father, mother and brother in quick succession to famine and disease, but John is her constant support and their relationship blossoms. The sweeping, heroic narrative follows them throughout the remainder of their long and eventful lives, but you will have to read the book to discover how they survived the many hardships. Although Arminal has written this as a novel, the historic facts are mostly true and well documented. She has the gift of turning bare facts into an uplifting and sometimes disturbing story.

The next WI meeting is 29 March at Leigh Village Hall at 2.30pm when Cindy Chant will tell us of the Life and Times of Sir Walter Raleigh. Morag Orchard 49

Wriggle Valley Women’s Group Pathways Through Life was the title of the talk the Rev. Anthony Durkin gave to the Wriggle Valley Women’s Group at their February meeting, and his account of his own life showed how diverse such ‘pathways’ can be. Adopted at the end of World War II, Tony was brought up in Kent, with his mother very much encouraging his early love of music. An enthusiastic reader, he would often help fellow pupils with their reading; maths, though, was another matter, especially mental arithmetic... It was while on a farm holiday that Tony fell in love with cows and learned how to milk which, being only seven at the time, would definitely raise eyebrows today. Yet it was the first step on a ‘pathway’ to agricultural college where he gained diplomas in tractor work and maintenance, plus a lifelong affection for the famous ‘Fergie’. It was around this time that, with the assistance of his parents, he ‘found’ his birth mother, and so gained a second family. He also discovered that his father had been a pilot in the US Air Force and hopes that, one day, it will be possible to track down a third family! Married at 21 to Frances, a nurse – they later had a son, Christopher and a daughter, Penny – Tony spent some years as a successful farm manager, before another ‘pathway’ led to him joining the police. He was stationed at Yeovil and was among the last officers to receive a cycle allowance. Later, exchanging police service for prison service, he became part of a team that dealt with young offenders, and it was during that time he suddenly felt the call to follow another ‘pathway’. With Frances’ wholehearted support, he began training 50

for the priesthood and, once ordained, became Vicar of St. Margaret’s near Dover, in Kent. Yet, tragically, it was there that he lost Frances to cancer, and it was not until some years later that he met Margaret, who had also been widowed. Eventually they married and, when Tony retired, moved from Kent to Leigh in Dorset, where they soon became very much part of the village community, with Tony regularly taking services in St. Andrew’s Parish Church. Finally, in summing up his illuminating talk, Tony said he felt his ‘pathways through life’ had, somehow, come full circle; though now, instead of milking cows, he is caring for two enchanting donkeys! Wriggle Valley Women’s Group May meeting, an outing to ‘Future Roots’ (taking their tea with them), is on Tuesday 17 May. Dorothy Baldock

WVCC: Spring and the season ahead “For it was as if cricket had called the life back to the land: as if cricket had restored warmth to the sun, as if the grass was growing because cricket had demanded it, as if candlestick flowers appeared on the horse chestnut trees so that cricket grounds could look more crickety… that cricket was responsible for making the things grow, and that the turtle doves purred in the trees because they were required to accompany the sound of ball on bat and the sudden hoarse shouts of the fielders. “The start of a new cricket season still fills me with hope and good cheer. But this mustn’t be confused with hope for victory...The real hope is to be found

in the fact that the whole process is starting again. It’s the continuation of the narrative that matters: the idea of starting again from where we left off. “Cricket is a game rich in nostalgia, but all the nostalgia in the world is nothing when compared with spring. Never mind the old days: what about the new days? What about the life and promise and hope of the new season? What about the newly warm sun, the newly laundered whites, the fact that it’s all about to begin and – this is the best bit of all – you have absolutely no idea what happens next.” From ’Spring is here’ by Simon Barnes, The Cricket Monthly, May 2015. I hope the above has encouraged you to dare to look forward to the spring and cricket season ahead. We have done the hard yards of January and February, and by the time we go to print, we will have March tucked under our belt too. As April and May beckon, we can start to plot dates and events to look forward to on our calendars: nets will start soon after Easter if the weather is kind, with ourWriggle Valley first fixture onWriggle 11 May. Valley Cricket Club Wriggle Valley C R I C K E T C L U B

Fixtures forCricket 2022Club Wriggle Valley Fixtures for 2022

C R I C K E T C L U B

May Buckhorn Weston Blandford Flies May Buckhorn Ibberton Weston Blandford Flies June Ibberton Stour Provost June Stour DorsetProvost Wanderers Montague Dorset Wanderers Montague Thornford

Wed 11th 6.15pm Wed 18th 6.15pm Wed 11th 25th 6.15pm Wed 18th 6.15pm Wed 25th 6.15pm Sun 5th 2pm

home home home home home home

T20 T20 T20 T20 T20 T30

Sun 5th6.15pm 2pm Fri17th Wed 22nd Fri17th 6.15pm Wed 22nd 29th 6pm

home away home away

T30 T20 T20 T20 T20

Thornford Weston July Buckhorn Sandon Strollers July Buckhorn Weston Bournmouth Tchs Sandon Strollers Thornford Bournmouth Tchs Aug Thornford Montague Stour Provost Aug Montague Stour Provost

Wed 29th 6pm 6th 6.15pm Sun 10th July Wed 6th 6.15pm Sun 17th 2pm Sun Wed10th 27thJuly 6.15pm Sun 17th 2pm Wed 27th 10th 6.15pm Sun 21st 1.30pm Wed 10th 6.15pm Sun 21st 1.30pm

away home away home home home home away home away

T20 TBA T20 TBA T20 T20 T20 T30 T20 T30

sponsors of Wriggle Valley cricket bamfordsyeovil.com

If you have played for the Wriggle Valley Cricket Club before, are a supporter or a Patron, we warmly welcome you back. If you have played before and want to find a new home for your talent or if you have not played before but would simply like the chance to give it a go, do get in touch with our captain (Jeff j.beaumont645@ btinternet.com).

If you would be interested in becoming a Patron of WVCC, please contact Steve for more details (steve. fudge@outlook.com). Wriggle Valley For those Wriggle Valley who may be new to the area, Chetnole Playing Field serves as the home ground for the WVCC. It C R I C K E T C L U B is a wonderful ground bounded by the C R I C K E T C L U B River Wriggle, overlooked Your local village cricket by clubSt. Peter’s Church, with2022 the Fixtures Chetnole Inn beyond. Your local village cricket club The team is a great mix of ages and 2022 Fixtures talent and it is this inclusivity that is at the heart of the club. Whilst we always like to win, having fun along the way is equally, if not more important. The home matches are always well attended by Chetnole’s band of enthusiastic supporters, so do please join us as a player or supporter – we would be players drawn from delighted to With meet you. Batcombe - Chetnole - Melbury Bubb - Leigh - Hamlet With players drawn from Will -Henry Hermitage - Hilfield - Ryme Intrinsica - Yetminster Beer Batcombe - Chetnole - Melbury Bubb - Leigh - Hamlet Hackett - Stockwood Hermitage - Hilfield - Ryme Intrinsica - Yetminster - Beer 51 Hackett - Stockwood

Leigh Discussion and Social Club After the disappointment of the last two years, we are delighted to announce that the Club reopens on Tuesday 5 April at Leigh Village Hall, with a Social Evening and Valuation Competition from 7.30 to 10.00pm. We have a summer programme and are working on our Winter programme. All Club members and new members are very welcome. We look forward to seeing you all again. Mick Harris mick.hilfield@outlook.com 07970 730656

Yetminster & Ryme Garden, Art & Crafts Society With gardens just beginning to show signs of life, it was perfect timing for our annual buying trip to Castle Gardens, organised as part of their Gold Club scheme. Incentivised by a 25% discount, it is not surprising that there was an enthusiastic turnout, filling the Butterfly House where we were welcomed by Brian King. Brian gave us a quick introduction to what was on offer, starting with onion sets, through beans and potatoes and finishing up with a range of bulbs and plants. It is amazing how one can suddenly have a sudden, and very strong, desire for a plant which has never, previously, been on the list.

Then it was time to shop. It was a grey afternoon, surprisingly cold and with intermittent showers. Not the sort of day to browse but, despite the conditions, many trolleys could soon be seen weaving their way around the displays with determined shoppers dodging the rain and consulting their lists. And when the cold began to bite, we were able to take refuge in the beautiful new café, which has only just been opened at Castle Gardens, for a complimentary cup of tea. A very satisfying afternoon for all our members and a big thank you to Castle Gardens for their hospitality. And congratulations for managing to organise deliveries the very next day. Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday 12 April in the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm when we will welcome Jenny Short who will be talking about Rugs, Cushions and Carpets – ground cover planting. Carol Debell

Erigeron

Periwinkle

POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS

There are proper signs of spring! We have almond blossom already and although the snowdrops are over, the primroses and daffodils are beautiful. Early bees are enjoying the willow and the few celebratory dandelions. By the time you read this, the cherry trees will be a mass of blossom (fingers crossed). We have had to cut back a lot of blackthorn to reach some branches that Storm Eunice had helpfully dumped onto the fence. She also threw around a lot of small twigs and branches – 10 big barrow loads so far. Clearing up has been a long job but is done now. We hope to cut back some brambles before the birds start to nest seriously. As promised, the Tuesday boys have made various items to sell at the coffee morning on Tuesday 5 April at St. Andrew’s Church in Leigh. Hopefully we will see lots of regulars there. Easter holiday club dates (virus permitting) are: Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14, Thursday 21 and Friday 22 April. Sessions are from 10.00am–3.00pm and cost £20 per child. Please book as soon as you can as places are filling up.

Muddy Monday sessions for accompanied pre-school children have started. Sessions begin at 12noon with a bring your own picnic and finish at 3.00pm, cost £5 per child. Booking on the day is helpful but not vital.

We are looking forward to some spring and summer birthday parties and have a few dates still available. If you have a special date coming up, then please book as soon as possible. Philippa Toulson philippa.toulson@gmail.com Facebook: Pogles Wood Explorers 53

NATURE NOTES

Our garden wildlife is active now, preparing for the next stages of life cycles. Opportunities to help by providing suitable habitat, shelter, food and protection can make a huge difference to the survival of a wide variety of species that seek refuge in what can be the safe environment of our gardens. Many take advantage of ‘corridors’ created by garden boundary hedges and fences, enabling dispersal into new territories. These boundaries have provided winter protection for the species now waking from hibernation or dormancy during cooler months. The Herald is one of the moth species that you may see now following its hibernation in caves and outbuildings. The emergence of many pollinating insects and their larvae is perfectly timed to coincide with the needs of nesting birds to feed their young. Nocturnal moths are also a main food source for bats – of our eighteen resident UK species, seventeen are known to breed in Dorset. Slow worms are particularly suited to a garden habitat, seeking protection under walls, rockeries and similar dry 54

places. Placing a sheet of corrugated iron on the ground near south facing walls will often attract slow worms and enable them to absorb heat under the safety of cover on sunny days. Careful lifting of the sheet will often reveal one or several of these gentle legless lizards, remembering that even more care is needed to replace this to avoid injury to them. You may be lucky enough to see the rare form, always male and clothed in bright blue spots. All three native species of newt may occur in our garden ponds in this area. The Palmate newt is the most frequently seen species in gardens, Smooth newts less so. The Great Crested Newt, although nationally scarce, is often found locally and can live for over fifteen years.

All species have legal protection. Searching by torchlight after dark around pond edges is the best time to see newts and other pond life, if you approach quietly. Creating a garden with plenty of flowering plants and cover is so important, especially given that UK gardens total an area greater than all our nature reserves combined. Gill Nash

OTHER NEWS The WVM of 25 years ago – Wriggle Stones Exactly 25 years ago this month, we moved to Chetnole and have still have the first WVM that was pushed through our letterbox. From that edition, April 1997, number 94, here is a reprint of some extracts from an article by one Dennis Seaward. It's entitled ‘Wriggle Stones – what are they?’ and it might be of interest to those who have arrived in the area more recently. He wrote: “Mention of ‘Wriggle stones’ in several recent WVM issues prompts me to write this note about these fossils, which are pentagonal plates of stone about 8mm across and 2mm thick. The earliest reference I can find is in the second edition (1815) of Hutchins’ History of Dorset where, under the entry for Calfhay, the Editors say: ‘… A small brook runs through this farm called the Wriggle River, so named from the circumstance of numerous small vertebrae being found at the bottom of the brook, which if put in strong vinegar will move to and fro and, at length, collect together in a heap. These the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages call Wriggles.’ The editors of the third edition of 1861 suggest these may be ‘plates of the stems of encrinites?’ Some discussion follows but Dennis continues: “Wriggle stones are the fossilised remains of a part of a deep sea 58

animal called a crinoid, or because it is superficially plant-like, a sea lily. This belongs to the large Echinoderm group which also includes star fish, brittle stars, feather stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Imagine a ‘feathery’armed starfish upside-down on a long stem. Their arms would spread out to catch tiny planktonic animals, swept past in the current, which would then be transferred to the central mouth. “When they died, they disintegrated into their component skeletal parts which then became separated. The sea lily stems break up into individual vertebra-like plates, ’ossicles’, which are round discs in most crinoid species but in some cases are the five-pointed stars which we recognise.” A couple of species of crinoid were discussed but, without an actual example available, the species could not be identified. Dennis concludes: “In spite of attempts by Stanley Waterfall and myself to find someone who actually has some (rather than knowing someone who…), no wrigglers are forthcoming. There must be some out there somewhere – loan of a few for expert inspection would be much appreciated.” Footnote: After a bit of recent research on the internet, it seems possible that these crinoid ossicles are in fact segments of the stem of the species Pentacrinites fossilis, not specifically mentioned in the article. This is a well-known fossil species found in the Lower Jurassic rocks of Dorset’s south coast. Dennis’s description above is similar to the illustrations of ossicles found there, where they are often known locally as

‘star stones’. They are around 195 million years old. It is now known that these crinoids in the Early Jurassic seas originally lived adhered to pieces of driftwood, floating underneath filtering food particles from the water. The pieces of wood often also became fossilised together with the crinoids.

Apparently, the intricate star shape helped the ossicles to lock together in the stem. The head of the crinoid can be up to about 20 cm across. Here are some pictures of a pentacrinite ossicles and fossilised crinoids of this species from the Jurassic Coast.

Photos courtesy Dr Fiann Smithwick, fms fossils

I wonder, has anyone any further details or has come across any in the river Wriggle in the intervening years? Ian Wood

Friends of the Yeatman Hospital Special Events 2022

An invitation from The Friends of the Yeatman Hospital The Yeatman Hospital is at the centre of Sherborne and the town’s own charity, The Friends of the Yeatman Hospital is its lifeblood. Now more than ever, the Friends need what money can’t buy – your time! If you have ever thought about supporting the Friends, please think about becoming a Trustee. You will find all of the information you need to become a Trustee on our website – https:// friendsoftheyeatman.org.uk/ The Friends of The Yeatman Hospital – Registered Charity Number 1031326

1 May Car Boot Sale The Friends Car Boot Sale is back! Terrace Playing Fields. DT9 5NS Sellers from 8:00am, £5.00 per car Buyers from 9:00am–12:00noon, £1.00 per buyer Free parking Sorry no dogs. Further information can be found on www. friendsoftheyeatman.org.uk or Liz Turnbull on 01935 873846 4 May Art Event at Summer Lodge with Lawrence Belbin Landscape Oil Demonstration by professional local artist Lawrence Belbin at Summer Lodge Evershot Dorset DT2 0JR. Tickets £25.00 which includes a 59

Dorset Cream Tea. Tickets available from admin@friendsoftheyeatman.org.uk. 6 May Leweston Rugby Tournament Leweston School will be hosting a Touch Rugby 7’s tournament for Years 5/6 (Combined team) and Years 7/8 (Combined team). Each school is invited to enter two teams of 10 players. To begin with players will attend coaching seminars, thereafter will participate in a friendly round robin tournament. Visitors are welcome to spectate from the pitch side and refreshments are available from Cedars Café. More information from Mr Cannon via email: cannonl@leweston.dorset.sch.uk 14 May Thanksgiving Service in Sherborne Abbey Join us as we give thanks for 70 years of supporting the Yeatman Hospital. Procession starts at 2:30pm. Service in Sherborne Abbey begins at 3:00pm. Free tickets are available from admin@ friendsoftheyeatman.org.uk

Dorset poetry and Dorset accents Last month’s issue featured an article on two Dorset poets, Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, the latter of whom wrote wonderful dialect poems. David Stedeford is keen to know if any WVM readers still speak with a strong Dorset accent, so rarely heard today, who could read these poems aloud authentically, which is how they should be read. If you can, David would love to hear from you. Email: davidstedeford@gmail.com

Just for fun – Dorset quiz 1. Which castle, built by William the Conqueror, can be found on the Isle of Purbeck? 2. What is the full name of the market town commonly called Blandford? 3. What is Durdle Door? 4. Which teacher, poet and clergyman was most noted for his strong association with the cultural heritage of Dorset and its dialect? 5. A former world record holder at 1.5 million SHU, what is it? 6. Which town featuring ‘The Cobb’, is nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Dorset’? 7. Name the coastal World Heritage Site that stretches from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset? 8. Can you name the large Iron Age hill fort 1.6 miles southwest of Dorchester? 9. Name Dorset’s only professional football club? 10. What was the collective name given to the six 19th-century agricultural labourers deported for forming a trade union? 11. Which Dorset harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world, after Sydney? 12. Which iconic 1973 advert, directed by Ridley Scott, was shot in Shaftesbury? 13. Mary Anning was famous for her shop in Lyme Regis selling which products?

14. Poole Pirates are a topflight team in which sport? 15. Which famous author was born David Cornwell in 1931, in Poole? 16. What name is given to the three chalk formations located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck? 17. Name the small peninsula crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour well known for its high land value and house prices? 18. In 2007, which seaside town’s esplanade, featuring Georgian architecture and Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Clock, was redeveloped in time for the 2012 Olympic Games? 19. Boscombe Pier, and the grave of writer Mary Shelley, can both be found in which town? 20. The Cenotaph and St Paul’s Cathedral are made of stone quarried from which part of Dorset? 21. Hardy based his fictional town of Casterbridge on which Dorset town?

22. Brownsea Island is most famous for the formation of which movement ? 23. Name Dorset's famous shingle beach? 24. Which market town in East Dorset is named after the C of E church in that town? 25. The fictional Sarah Woodruff, lives in Lyme Regis as a disgraced woman, in which historical novel? 26. What sort of museum can you visit at Bovington Camp in Dorset? 27. Which 2007 book by Ian McEwan, features Edward and Florence, honeymooning in a hotel on the Dorset coast in the summer of 1962? 28. Who were the Dorset Clubmen? 29. Roman roads were built between Dorchester and Old Sarum, Bath and Hamworthy. Where do they cross? 30. What was the name of the famous pirate of Poole who captured 120 French ships in 1406? Geoff Goater

ALTERNATIVE DORSET A series on the singularities of our county

Answers in the May issue

No. 3. Itching to get out of the house? Try Scratch Arse Ware. It’s not a traditional ointment. Or pottery for medicinal use. Scratch Arse Ware is a lovely spot on the Purbeck Coast close to Dancing Ledge on the South West Coastal Path. A ware is a name for land used for rough grazing. As for the other bit, it supposededly derives from reaching Dancing Ledge by sliding over rough scree. Well, that would do it, wouldn’t it? Go to naturalbornblogger.co.uk for a good description of the walk and some great pictures, one of which you see here, along with its caption from the Blog. (Thanks, Ian, Jake and Meghan) Above: Brown-backed Wall Lizard. There are two forms of Wall lizard in the UK. The brownbacked form originates from western continental Europe (the green-backed form from Italy) Neither of them are native and are thought to be descendants of deliberate releases which occurred in Victorian times. Arguably the only native colony can be found on Jersey.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY APRIL Sat

Leigh WI Special Spring Sale

2–4pm

Leigh Village Hall

Mon

Waste in Flower arranging Tattie Isles for Batcombe Church

6–8pm

Leigh Village Hall

Tues

coffee morning/bring&buy

10.30am–12

St Andrew’s Church, Leigh

Wed

Lent Lunch for Alzheimer’s Society

12.30–2pm

Leigh Village Hall

Sun

10 APCM

11am

St Peter’s Church, Chetnole

Tues

12 Y&RGS talk ground cover planting

7.30pm

Jubilee Hall, Yetminster

Sun

24 NGS Open Gardens

12–5pm

Frankham Farm, Ryme

Fri

29 Pop up Pub

7pm

Leigh Village Hall

MAY Sun

An evening of early music There be Dragons Ensemble

7.30pm

St Peter’s Church, Chetnole

Tues

coffee morning/bring&buy

10.30am–12

St Andrew’s Church, Leigh

Fri

Bingo event for Chetnole Flower Show

7pm

Chetnole Village Hall

Sat

Y&RGS plant sale

10.30am–12

Church Street, Yetminster

Tues

10 Y&RGS talk Illegal immigrants (plants)

7.30pm

Jubilee Hall, Yetminster

Sat

14 Start Dorset Arts Weeks

Fri

27 Pop up Pub

Sun

29 end Dorset Arts Weeks

Chetnole Mill 7pm

Leigh Village Hall Chetnole Mill

JUNE Sun

NGS Open Gardens

12–5pm

Frankham Farm, Ryme

Tues

coffee morning/bring&buy

10.30am–12

St Andrew’s Church, Leigh

Tues

14 Y&RGS afternoon outing to Keyneston Mill

Fri

24 Pop up Pub

7pm

Leigh Village Hall

Sun

26 Batcombe Cream Teas

3–5pm

Hilfield Friary

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY JULY Tues

coffee morning/bring&buy

10.30am–12

10 Flower Festival

St Peter’s Church, Chetnole

Sat

St Peter’s Church, Chetnole

Tues

12 Y&RGS Summer Party

Sat

16 Yetminster Fair

Fri

29 Pop up Pub

Classical Concert

St Andrew’s Church, Leigh

6.30pm

7pm

Leigh Village Hall

10.30am–12

St Andrew’s Church, Leigh

AUGUST Tues

coffee morning/bring&buy

Sat

Chetnole Fete & Flower Show

Sat

20 Y&RGS Summer Show

Fri

26 Pop up Pub

Jubilee Hall, Yetminster 7pm

Leigh Village Hall

Please remember to email me before copy date at ja_palmer@btinternet.com with details if you would like a diary entry

Photo: Faith Bellamy

CHURCH NEWS News from the Three Valleys team

There is an old saying, “Never give up.” As I write this letter for the magazine, my thoughts wandered towards retirement. I would imagine that most folk already know that Liz and I are due to retire from 25 June. We will be leaving our lovely home here in Holwell and moving to East Chinnock in Somerset to be nearer to our family. My mind also wandered on to thinking about Lent and wondering what I should sacrifice as part of the ‘forty days and forty nights’? I suddenly realised that these two things were intrinsically linked. There were two words that very easily linked the two thoughts together, and those words are ‘giving up’. We need to ‘give up’ something for Lent or do something more! Liz and I are also thinking of what ‘giving up’ parish ministry will mean and what the Good Lord is leading us towards now. I am not intending to ‘give up’ everything, as I am to retain my work in chaplaincy, particularly across at Salisbury Livestock Mart. Liz also has thoughts about ‘giving up’ working at Yetminster Health Centre. This is a role that she has enjoyed immensely over the last six years or so, being in and part of that community. We will both be ‘giving up’ several things. Equally, recent news over the last few days has also highlighted the words ‘give up’. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Ukraine, probably giving up for ever the homes and lives that they have loved and been part of for years. Much as I hate to admit it, many folks in Ukraine have ‘given up’ their lives for a country in which they believe. Please 64

Our Church communities hold them and the whole situation in your prayers from now on. This will be the last piece that I write for the magazine. Liz and I would like to thank you most sincerely for the love and prayers that you have given us during our time here. They have been appreciated hugely. We, in turn, continue to pray for you all, hold you in our hearts. So, it is farewell for now, but perhaps knowing us as you do, we haven’t really ‘given up’, well not totally anyway! Richard Kirlew Team Vicar Three Valleys Benefice

Rogation Service and Blessing of Farm Sunday 22 May 11.00 am at Westhayes Farm, Caundle Marsh. DT9 5JT This will be Richard’s last Service before he retires in June. It will be a Rogation Service and short Communion Service which will take place in a new building on the farm. The Preacher at the Service will be the Ven. Andrew Hillier RN, Archdeacon of the Royal Navy and Chaplain to The Fleet. Not only is Andrew well known in the Benefice, but he is a very good friend to Richard, as they were Curates together in Castle Cary. After the Service there will be a Bring & Share lunch. If you would like to, please bring a plate of food to share.

PLEASE – FINGER FOOD ONLY, AS THERE WILL NOT BE CUTLERY AVAILABLE It would be really good to see everyone there to join in saying goodbye to Richard and Liz as they leave our Benefice.

Rectory Tea Room

Many thanks to everyone who come to the Rectory Tea Room in February. We had a fairly quiet start but business picked up during the day and many good conversations with tea, coffee and cake were enjoyed by all. Vicar Richard was able to explain a little about his Chaplaincy work and our son Edward raised the profile of Dorset Search and Rescue, of which he is an active member. As a result of everyone’s generosity we raised over £430, which was split between the Benifice, Rural Chaplaincy and Dorset Search and Rescue. A very heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this event. Liz Kirlew

Stop press: The Rev Richard Kirlew is featured in the April issue of Country Living Magazine in his role as agricultural chaplain. If you don't have a copy of the magazine, Maggie Henry has kindly photocopied the article and pinned it up in the Chetnole church porch for people to read. It has a nice photo of Richard outside Yetminster church. News from Yetminster Methodist Church “May God, the source of hope, fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:3 Last month Rev Kate Konrad shared something of the love of Jesus for the world through His suffering and death on the cross. This is what Christians have been reflecting on during Lent – the 40 days before the great Christian celebration of Easter. We have had much to reflect on.

Two years of the pandemic have caused fear and isolation, bereavement and grief, the loss of business, security and relationships. Many around the world are still suffering. There has been flooding and storms, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, with many lives lost and many being made homeless. And now the horror of war in Ukraine. The images imprinted on our minds of families being separated, men staying behind to fight while their women and children flee to safety. Where is God in all this, some may ask. During the pandemic, there were many instances of people being imaginative in the way they reached out to one another, even during lockdowns. Who had heard of Zoom before 2020? Not only were Services relayed to thousands in their homes, Blessings’ were sung by ‘Zoom Choirs’ around the world; many musicians gave hour long weekly concerts from their homes to keep spirits high. Phone calls were made and letters sent to the housebound, especially those not connected to the internet. Food parcels were delivered. People began to care for one another in a new way. The same has been happening with those whose lives have been disrupted by natural disasters. As we move towards Easter, we are reminded that Jesus suffered at the hands of those who wanted power, who failed to see the way of love for all people, who shouted “Crucify” and who nailed Jesus to the cross. But as the Easter Hymn says, ‘There was no other good enough, to pay the price of sin’. Many of us pray the Lord’s Prayer, and we say, “Thy Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven”. His Kingdom, where there will be no more pain or 65

Hilfield Friary

suffering, no injustice, no death, where those who respond to God’s love as shown in Jesus, will live for all eternity, caring for one another, whatever their colour, creed, or background, in peace and joy. This is the hope we have because Jesus suffered on the cross, and the power of His resurrection from the Grave. Not hope as in ‘maybe’, where there is doubt, but the hope that we read of in Romans –an absolute confidence that the future is secure in God’s Hands, and can be experienced here and now. For the Christian, this hope, this confidence, is because our faith is built on the solid rock of Jesus’ death and resurrection, but we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the power of the Spirit to overflow with Hope to others. Have a very Blessed Easter. Rev Ruth Farrant Supernumerary Methodist Minister The Yeovil and Blackmore Vale Circuit 66

Br Vincent’s work continues. There is further pruning and clearing for ease of access and the benefit of the plants taking place in the Secret Garden. Pathways are being constructed and hopefully finished soon. Br Vincent’s snowdrops are looking fantastic and we’ve planted more daffodils. We’ve cleared the brambles at the top of the Secret Garden, and planted more grass seeds, summer snowflakes and alliums. Hilfield Friary 2022 programme Friday 8 – Sunday 10 April: ‘Grounded in God – Entering Holy Week held by the Psalms;’ a retreat with Canon Patrick Woodhouse. In this retreat we shall look again at the Psalms, exploring something of the meanings that they can offer, and how in these very turbulent times they can hold us, and enable us to see the world with hope. Suggested donation £140. Tuesday 12 – Sunday 17 April: Holy Week and Easter at the Friary; journey through Holy Week and Easter with members of the Hilfield Community, experiencing its depth of loss, mourning and joy together. Suggested donation £250. Further details, incl. booking, and more events: www.hilfieldfriary.org.uk/ programme

THREE VALLEYS TEAM LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES For complete list see www.threevalleysteam.org go to Services page Please continue to check the website and your local church in case things change. 3rd

SUNDAY APRIL 2022

LENT 5

BATCOMBE BEER HACKETT 10am CW Holy Communion 10am Village Service 10am CW Morning Prayer

BRADFORD ABBAS CHETNOLE HERMITAGE

10th

17th

PALM SUNDAY

EASTER DAY

10am CW Holy Communion 10am CW Holy Communion 10am Welcome2Worship 10am CW Holy Communion

HILFIELD 8.30am BCP Holy Communion

6pm BCP Evensong

THORNFORD

10am Holy Communion

YETMINSTER

10am CW Holy Communion

10am Second Sunday at St Andrew’s School 10am Second Sunday at St Andrew’s School

LEIGH RYME INTRINSECA

CW= COMMON WORSHIP

24th EASTER 2 10am CW Holy Communion 10am CW Holy Communion

9.30am CW Holy Communion 9.30am CW Holy Communion 6pm CW Morning Prayer 4pm Family Service 11am CW Holy Communion 10am CW Holy Communion

10am Village Service

10am Community Spirit

11am CW Holy Communion 11am CW Holy Communion

BCP= BOOK OF COMMON PRAYE

Extra and weekday Services Holy Communion and Stripping of the Thornford Church Altar Holy Communion and Stripping of Yetminster Church the Altar

Maundy Thursday

14th April

7pm

Maundy Thursday

14th April

7pm

Good Friday

15th April

2pm

Devotional Service

Chetnole Church

Good Friday

15th April

2pm

Devotional Service

Thornford Church

Good Friday

15th April

2pm

Devotional Service

Yetminster Church

Monday

11th April

3pm

Holy Communion tbc

The Old Vicarage Leigh

Monday

4 , 11 and 25 April

Compline

Yetminster Church and on-line via Zoom. Please email for link

Wednesday

Thursday

6pm

There will be no Rectory Tea Room and Celtic Night Prayer in April

7th April

7.30pm

Final Session of Lent Course

On-line via Zoom See website for details. Please email for link.

Services and times are correct at the time of going to press. Please continue to check website (see above) and church noticeboards.

THREE VALLEYS TEAM Team Office:

Team Rector:

Yetminster Jubilee Hall, Church Rev’d Tony Gilbert Street, Yetminster, DT9 6LG The Rectory, Church Rd, 01935 872600 Thornford, Sherborne. DT9 6QE 01935 873044 e:3valleysoffice@gmail.com w:www.threevalleysteam.org e: rector3valleys@gmail.com

Opening hours

Mondays: 9.30am – 12.30pm Tuesdays: 9.30am – 12.30pm or 2.00-5.00pm Wednesdays: 9.30am – 12.30pm

Team Vicars Rev’d George Moody The Vicarage Church St, Yetminster DT9 6LG

Rev’d Richard Kirlew

@RuralChaplain 01963 23570 e: rector3valleys@gmail.com

Jubilee Hall Yetminster

ENQUIRIES: Three Valleys Benefice Office, 01935 872600 e: 3valleysoffice@gmail.com

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

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

Hilfield Friary services continue. 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.

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

PLANNING APPLICATIONS APRIL 2022 BATCOMBE P/HOU/2021/00264 03/02/21 SCOTLEY FARMHOUSE ROAD PAST SCOTLEY FARM TO DYERS FARM – Erection of two storey extension. Granted 28 Feb 22. CHETNOLE P/FUL/2021/04670

22/12/21 LAND WEST OF BATCOMBE LANE – Erection of 1 no. dwelling with vehicular access & associated works. No Decision.

P/FUL/2021/04671

22/12/21 LAND OPPOSITE CHURCH CLOSE – Erection of 1 no. dwelling with vehicular access & associated works. No decision.

P/OUT/2021/03177 26/08/21

LAND SOUTH OF SCHOOL LANE – Outline planning application for the erection of 3 No. dwellings and associated works including a new access. No Decision.

P/OUT/2021/01880 28/05/21 LAND ADJACENT FOYS HOUSE FOYS LANE – Develop the land by the erection of 1 No. dwelling with access and associated works (Outline application to determine access). No Decision. P/LBC//2021/00472

17/02/21 1 FORD COURT, CHETNOLE – Installation of buttresses to support wall from leaning further. No Decision.

HERMITAGE P/FUL/2021/03669

12/11/21 COMMON FARM. CHURCH ROAD – Erection of butchery unit and conversion of existing outbuilding to office/staff room (demolition of existing agricultural buildings). No Decision.

HILFIELD P/HOU/2022/01169 02/03/22 DAUGHTERS FARM, THREE GATES – Erect single storey extension & two storey extension, dormer & solar panels. No Decision. LEIGH P/FUL/2021/04994

23/11/21 LAND ADJACENT TO ROSE COTTAGE SOUTH STREET – Erect 1 No. dwelling with integral garage and form vehicular access. No decision.

P/FUL/2021/03243

20/10/21 CARPENTERS ARMS, CHETNOLE ROAD – Convert 2 No. dwellings into 1no. none bedroom dwelling, 3no. one bedroom flats and 1no, two bedroom flat and carry out alteratons to create parking and garden areas. No Decision.

P/FUL/2021/02492

11/10/21 BLACK BARN, BACK DROVE – Erect agricultural storage building (demolish pole barn). No Decision.

WD/D/21/000121

18/01/21 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 Nil YETMINSTER

PLANNING APPLICATIONS APRIL 2022 P/HOU/2022/00838 22/02/22 BOTHY COTTAGE, BRISTER END – Retain boundary, security fences and stone wall. No Decision. P/MPO/2022/00323 24/01/22 LAND EAST OF YEW TREE COTTAGE BRISTER END – Request to discharge Planning Obligations of a Section 52 agreement dated 24 August 1988 against planning approval 1/N/87/45. No Decision. P/LBC/2022/00408

21/01/22 THE OLD VICARAGE, CHURCH STREEET – Change 2 in number, windows to doors with access steps and balusgtrade. No Decision.

P/FUL/2021/05685

12/01/22 LAND EAST OF YEW TREE COTTAGE BRISTER END – Re-locate existing stable block. Granted 8 Mar 22.

P/FUL/2021/04975

24/11/21 WHITE HART HIGH STREET – Convert three attached dwellings into a one bedroom flat, en-suite room, office, store, WC and utility room and constructed a balcony. Granted 7 Mar 22.

P/FUL/2021/04926

22/11/21 AGRICULTURAL BUILDING SOUTH OF BRISTER END – Demolish existing redundant buildings and erect 1 No. dwelling with curtilage. No Decision.

P/HOUA/2021/04132 11/11/21

PRIORS CLEVE HIGH STREET – Demolish and erect replacement shed/outbuilding, repair and re-roof porch & re-pointing on the East, South, and West elevations. Carry out associated alterations. Granted 25 Nov 21.

P/HOU/2021/02250 23/06/21 HAMLET HOUSE YETMINSTER ROAD – Erect garden wall. No Decision. P/LBC/2021/03419

23/06/21 HAMLET HOUSE YETMINSTER ROAD – Erect garden wall. No Decision.

WD/D/21/000013

06/05/21 THE MILL HOUSE, DOWNS LANE – Change of use of existing room over existing garage from Studio as per Planning Application No 1/E/07/000522 May 2007 to dwelling (retrospective). 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/20/002314

16/09/20 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

Meeting took place on the 8th February, the next meeting will take place on the 12th April 2022 at 2.00pm, this meeting will be held in Stour Hall – The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton. 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 12.03.22

Graham Plaice 70

IYENGAR YOGA

At Yetminster Jubilee Hall Every Monday: 1.15pm - Suitable for beginners 3pm - For those with some experience of yoga Iyengar Yoga, a traditional system of yoga, is named after BKS Iyengar who is noted for bringing yoga to the West in the 1960s. Through his innovation of yoga props, the poses are accessible to all regardless of age, level of ﬁtness or ability and great emphasis is placed on good alignment in the poses.

Come and join my friendly classes to experience the many beneﬁts of yoga! Find me on Facebook: “Iyengar Yoga with Lisa Bartlett” Or Email: lisabartlett@mac.com Phone: 07837 258495

When we can do it for you! A long established company located in Yetminster specialising in: • • • •

BUILD AWARENESS OF YOUR BUSINESS. ADVERTISE IN WVM. Rates as low as £12 when you book for 10 issues, including a 150 word editorial and free advertising on our website. See the contents page for details.

Painting and decorating Wallpapering Interior and exterior General maintenance and repair Free estimates/ quotes References available Fully insured No VAT Please feel free to call if you have a specific job that needs doing as additional work is undertaken

Matt at Mobile: 07989 331278 Find us on Facebook@whydiydorset

Yetminster Jubilee Hall Clubs Meetings Talks Parties Entertainment

Available for hire

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Large hall, seats up to 120, standing 250 Meeting room, seats up to 30, standing 55 Kitchen facilities available Disabled access Parking available

Enquires: Three Valleys Benefice Office 01935 872600 3valleysoffice@gmail.com www.yetminsterparishes.gov.uk This advert has been largely funded with grant monies awarded by Dorset Council

We’re all about listening, understanding and advising

We work with our clients to understand their needs, support them effectively and deliver the best possible legal advice. Whether it’s commercial or personal matters you need help and advice with, the only thing that really matters is you. Call one of our nearby offices and let’s have a proper chat. BRIDPORT T: 01308 555630

SHERBORNE T: 01935 813101

DORCHESTER T: 01305 262525

YEOVIL T: 01935 424581

POUNDBURY T: 01305 262525 www.porterdodson.co.uk

Pearce Energy

Your local oil supplier • Heating Oils • Lubricants • Boiler Servicing

• Fuel Cards • Automatic Top-Ups • Tank Replacements

T: 01935 816966 E: info@pearce-energy.co.uk

Regular Meetings, Events & Activities Name Every Mon Table Tennis Cummunifit Sit & Strengthen Iyengar Yoga for beginners ILyengar Yoga for beginners Short Mat Bowls Yetminster Table Tennis Club Every Tue Yoga Topsy Turvy Toddlers Chetnole Art Group (until Easter) Beginners Pilates Cubs (in term) Every Wed Drop in Coffee Morning & PO Community Coffee morning Yoga Croquet Coach/Play Wednesday Club (in term) Chetnole Chuckers Pétanque Club Table Tennis Croquet Junior WV Players (in term) Beavers (in term) Scouts (in term) Beginners yoga Yoga Yetminster Short Mat Bowls Yetminster Bell Ringers Tai Chi Every Thur 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 9.30–1.00pm 11am–12 noon 1.15–2.30pm 3.30–4.30pm 2–5pm 10–12noon 9.30am–10.30am 9.30am–11am 10am–1pm 1.10–2.10pm 6–7.30pm 9.30–12 noon 10.30–11.30am 10.30–11.30am 3pm (until Oct) 3.15pm–4.05pm 2pm 2.00–5.00pm 5.30pm summer only 6–7pm 6–7pm 7–9pm 7pm 7.15–8.15pm 7–10pm 7.30pm–9pm 10am 10am 2–5pm 5.45–7pm 5.45–7pm 7–8.30pm 6.00–7.00pm 7.30pm 9.30–1.00pm 3pm 3pm 9 for 9.30am 2pm

Venue Leigh Village Hall Yetminster Jubilee Hall Jubilee Hall, Yetminster Jubilee Hall, Yetminster Leigh Village Hall Jubilee Hall, Yetminster Leigh Village Hall St Andrew’s Primary School Chetnole Village Hall Chetnole Village Hall Scout Hut Yetminster Chetnole 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 Leigh Village Hall Yetminster Jubilee Hall St Andrew’s Church Leigh Village Hall Chetnole Village Hall Yetminster Jubilee Hall Trim Room, Yetminster Yetminster Jubilee Hall Yetminster Jubilee Hall Leigh Village Hall 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

Coffee, Cake and Chat

2.30–4.00pm

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

Leigh Discussion Club (wint)

7.30–10.30pm

Leigh Village Hall

Yetminster Film Night

7.00pm

2nd Tues

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

Jubilee Hall

Wriggle Valley MU (alt months) 7pm

Wriggle Valley Lunch Club

Sheaf of Arrows 12.15–3pm

Leigh Village Hall

Leigh Parish Council – alt mnths 7.30pm

Leigh Village Hall

Wriggle Valley Women's Group

7.30pm

venue tbc

7.30–11pm

Leigh Village Hall

Last Tues 7.30pm Pub Quiz

7pm

The White Hart, Yetminster

Batcombe Coffee Morning

11am

tba

[not Aug & Dec]

Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca PC 7.30pm

St. Andrew’s Primary School

2 Wed

Yetminster Historical Society

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

Police Support Unit

2–3pm

The Cross, Leigh

2nd Wed/alt mth

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

2.30pm

Police Community Support Yetminster Fair Association Wed – Sat Friary Shop 2 Thurs nd

Meadens Coffee Morning

Last Thurs Leigh Short Mat Bowls Last Sat

Pub Quiz

By Church, Yetminster 7.30pm

Meadens Hall, Yetminster

2.30–4.30pm

The Friary, Hilfield

10.30am

The Meadens

7–10pm

Leigh Village Hall

8pm

The White Hart

District Council Members serving you in 2022 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

Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4FW

WVM ADVERTISERS’ REGISTER APRIL 2022 ART & ANTIQUES Old School Gallery

AJ Wakely & Sons 75

BED & BREAKFAST Chetnole Inn

Hound House

CARE HOMES Old Vicarage Care Home, Leigh

BACK PAGE

CARS, VANS & MOTORCYCLES, HIRING & SERVICING

GARDEN & OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE Burrow Water Treatment Plants 57 Frost & Butler, Master Thatchers 47 P. Houchen Dry Stone Walling

KDS Garden Machinery Repair

Chedington Compost

The Log Man Family

Brotherwood

M&S Welding

Express Equipment Centre

Paul Hambidge Contracting

N.S Autos

Perrett Fencing

Matt Templeman, Bridge Garage 30

Pestwright & Mole Catcher

West Country Cars

Rampisham Timber Services

SCR Tree Care

CHIMNEY SWEEPS Alexander the Grate

Tree Surgery (Westree)

A Clean Sweep, Roger Dodd

Wriggle Valley Fencing

i Sweep, & video inspections

Will’s Walls, Dry Stone Walling 30

Steve White Chimney Sweep

HEALTH & WELL BEING

COMPUTERS, MARKETING & IT PDC Computing

EDUCATION

Lyengar Yoga

Robert Frith Optometrists

Tania Geere Chiropodist

Neal Electrical Services

JJP Plumbing

Pearce Energy Heating Oil

TS Boiler Services

Spearbuild

B.A Wallbridge

Westcountry Electrics

Sherborne Joinery

Sibley Property Maintenance

Whitmarsh-Trew Plumbing

HOME, OFFICE & INTERIORS KC Decorators

Michael Sturmey Carpets

SBF Curtains & Blinds

Wayne Timmins Painter & Decorator 55 CM Furniture

LEGAL SERVICES Porter Dodson Solicitors

Professional Will Writer

PETS & LIVESTOCK Dog Grooming & Stripping

Therapy Barn Mandie Holloway 73

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lower Covey Montessori Nursery 20

Yetminster Health Centre

Chetnole Drone Photography

EVENT VENUES

HOME – BUILD & MAINTENANCE

POST OFFICES

Barn Owls Nursery

Chetnole Village Hall

Lendology CIC

Chetnole Village Hall (Wed am only) 48

Leigh Village Hall

AD Renovations

Yetminster

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

J Bennett Joinery

PRINTERS

Ian Crossland Property Maint.

Remous, Milborne Port

FOOD, DRINK & CATERING

5 Star Bars & Catering

Stuart Goodier Boiler Servicing 72

PROPERTY & HOLIDAY LETS

Little Leigh Store

M Harris

Mallows Cottage, Yetminster

On the Boyle Café

Steve Jones, Carpentry & Joinery 20

PUBLIC HOUSES & FOOD

Spar Stores & PO Yetminster

Knott Roofing

Chetnole Inn

Lawrence Electricals

The White Hart

FUNERAL SERVICES

Brister & Son

Steve Mumford General Builder 72

SPORT & LEISURE

Grassby Funeral Services

WHY DIY

Barfoots’ Bouncers

April 2022 No. 344

Articles inside

Ryme Intrinseca

Hermitage

Batcombe

Yetminster

Chetnole

Beer Hackett

CLUB NEWS

POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS