WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE No 341 December/January 2021
In this issue: Remembrance services and Poppy Appeals Hilfield Friary celebrates its Centenary Hindsight: How Dorset inspired Enid Blyton
CHRISTMAS POEM Helen Maria Williams (1759 – 1827) strong supporter of abolitionism, setting was a poet, novelist and translator her apart from the conservative English who became a somewhat controversial establishment of the day. Her support of figure in her time. the French Revolution became Her father having died qualified over time (at one when she was two, she was point she was imprisoned in brought up, in her own words Paris during the Reign of ‘in a family of women’ Terror). She nevertheless spent having had a ‘confined the rest of her life in France, education’. Perhaps these apart from a brief spells in early constrictions were Holland and Switzerland. what led her to so fiercely The poem here may seem exercise her will as her slight when set against the career developed, through Williams: she knew her mind.. novels, poems and papers the intellectual salons of literary London, she produced on political and social to her establishment as an iconoclastic topics, but between the lines are notable of Paris. themes only too understandable after She was a religious dissenter and the turmoil of revolution. Rural Reader
To Mrs K____, On Her Sending Me an English Christmas Plum-Cake at Paris What crowding thoughts around me wake What marvels in a Christmas-cake! Ah say, what strange enchantment dwells Enclosed within its odorous cells? Is there no small magician bound Encrusted in its snowy round? For magic surely lurks in this, A cake that tells of vanished bliss A cake that conjures up to view The early scenes, when life was new When memory knew no sorrow past, And hope believed in joys that last! — Mysterious cake, whose folds contain Life’s calendar of bliss and pain;
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That speaks of friends for ever fled, And wakes the tears I love to shed. Oft shall I breathe her cherished name From whose fair hand the offering came For she recalls the artless smile Of nymphs that deck my native isle; Of beauty that we love to trace, Allied with tender,modest grace; Of those who, while abroad they roam Retain each charm that gladdens home And whose dear friendships can impart A Christmas banquet for the heart!
CONTENTS Thoughts on COP26 p9
EDITORIAL 4 NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES Batcombe Beer Hackett Chetnole Hermitage Leigh Ryme Intrinseca Yetminster
Chetnole Flood Resilience Scheme p14
Little Leigh Store opens p22
5 7 11 21 22 31 32
CLUB NEWS
45
POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS
48
NATURE NOTES
49
OTHER NEWS
55
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
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OUR CHURCH COMMUNITIES 61 Music performances for the festive season p55
PLANNING 66 REGULAR EVENTS
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ADVERTISERS’ REGISTER
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ADVERTISING IN THE WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE Advertise your business and reach almost 1300 homes. Included in the rates is a 150 word promotional feature and FREE advertising on our website www.wrigglevalleymagazine.co.uk. Contact:gojan@btinternet.com Rates: 1/6 page (62x62mm) £120pa (10 issues) One-off £30 1/3 page (62x128mm landscape or 128x62mm portrait £230pa (10 issues) One off £50. Other sizes by negotiation. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this magazine’s content we cannot accept responsibility for information given or claims made by our contributors and advertisers. Should you have any complaints please send them to the Chairman of the magazine, Graham Plaice.
WVM
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WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE
Dec '21/Jan '22
e: wvm.editor@gmail.com www.wrigglevalleymagazine.co.uk Chairman: Graham Plaice gplaice@gmail.com 01935 872921 Editor: Kathryn Edwards wvm.editor@gmail.com Secretary & Diary: Judith Palmer ja_palmer@btinternet.com Treasurer: Rob Barfoot 01935 873306 rbarfoot48@gmail.com Advertising & Villages coordinator: Gordon Ratcliffe 01935 872996 gojan@btinternet.com Design & Production: Left Field / Remous Print Distribution: David Wallace 01935 873077 djdwallace@gmail.com Copy Deadline: 12th of month prior to publication, 5th of month if artwork required Maximum article length: 400 words Photographs: either jpeg (300dpi minimum) via e mail or originals Village news please e mail /deliver to your village rep (see contact details under each village heading) Collection points for handwritten or typed articles: WVM Box Old School Gallery Yetminster (On the Boyle cafe) 1 Cloverhay, Yetminster Printed by Remous Print, Sherborne
November was a busy month, with clubs and societies’ gatherings, talks and presentations, and Harvest suppers and lunches. The Remembrance services and events were all well attended and, together with the Poppy Appeals, which were generously supported by the Wriggle Valley residents, an amazing £4,730.98 was raised for the Royal British Legion. Early in November, COP26 took place and Beer Hackett’s Ben Keene attended; he has written up his thoughtful reflections on the climate change conference and what we each of us can do – see page 9. Chetnole unfortunately bore the brunt of the dramatic weather on the last day of October, which also saw Beer Hackett completely cut off. The photos show clearly the severity of the Wriggle River’s rise and damage caused; details of the Flood Resilience Scheme and the consultant surveyors can be found on page 14. On a more cheerful note, plans for the festive season are in place, with musical performances and carol services; there are also walks in Ryme and Yetminster after Christmas to compensate for any over indulgence! I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and New Year.
Kathryn Edwards Editor 4
REP & DISTRIBUTOR: Johnny Gibbs jg@intramar.co.uk 83187
BATCOMBE
Blackmore Vale taken from Telegraph Hill
Batcombe Church We’ve had just one service in the last month, taken by Rev’d Lynn Fry and with a thought-provoking sermon from novice Brother Patrick, who is currently staying at Hilfield Friary.
Photo: Johnny Gibbs
Welcome to new Batcombe residents We’d like to welcome Martin and Maureen Newman to Harris Farm – lovely to have Newmans back in the village again. A warm welcome also to Justine Algar, who has moved to Oak Tree Cottage from Hilfield.
Poppy Appeal
Photo: Johnny Gibbs
A huge thank you to everyone who, once again, gave so generously to the Poppy Appeal this year – and indeed have done so every year that I have been knocking 5
at your doors. You are not only generous with your donations but also with your time – what I really love about being Batcombe’s Poppy collector is catching up with you all and enjoying a good old chin wag. So, thank you for making it fun and interesting as well. See you next year.
Kerry
Bolster the Beams – forthcoming events Our fundraising is going reasonably well; after nine months, we have raised about two-thirds of our target of £75,000, so still have some way to go. We have a programme of planned events over the next nine months (some dates still to be confirmed): • A Quiz Night on 18 February in Leigh Village Hall. It would be brilliant if people could take a table of six (great fun in gloomy February), questions not too challenging, supper provided, bar and raffle. £10 per person. Individuals are welcome and will be allocated to a table but ideally book a table; either way, through Andrew Graham (01935 83397). • Before Easter there will be an evening event presenting the Mesopotamia Campaign of 1916/17 from the unique perspective of a participant – original diary, paintings and sketches, medals. • Tattie Isles, the owner and inspiration behind the celebrated events floristry company Tattie Rose Flowers, and one of the leading advocates for Sustainable Floristry, will give a unique demonstration of her work and ideas in the church. • Michael Karam, author of the book ‘Lebanese Wines’, has agreed to give a talk in the summer on the subject with a chance to taste ‘the good stuff.’ 6
• Our spring jumble sale will be in April. However, another firm date for your diaries: Batcombe Cream Teas will be from 3.00-5.00pm on 26 June at Hilfield Friary.
Batcombe Church Lottery The prize-winners were: October 2021 1st
No. 37 Tom Shelford
2nd
No. 59 Ted Cameron
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No. 7
rd
Sholto Isles
Thought from the Rise of the Wriggle: I agree that my single-minded approach was a failing in life, but if I upset people, it was never intentional – it was just the unfortunate result of a burning desire to get the best out of myself and achieve as much as possible. Geoffrey Boycott
Johnny Gibbs
BEER HACKETT
St. Michael’s Church
REP: John Parker johnwincanton@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Susan Ferdinand
We look forward to seeing you and to celebrate the blessings of this holy season. John Bingham
Our Carol Service will be in church on Wednesday 15 December at 6.00pm. We are looking forward to welcoming St. Andrews Singers from Yetminster to join us in our festive celebration service of Six Lessons and Carols. The Singers will also be performing two of their own carols. You are invited to stay after the service for mince pies and seasonal refreshments. Other services in December are: Second Sunday in Advent, 5 December, Holy Communion at 10.00am; and Christmas Day Christmas Eucharist at 10.00am. 7
Our Rottweiler road to Crufts (Happy, sad, happy) In 2012, we bred a litter of Rottweilers and kept a male puppy, Chudley, who grew into the most super dog ever, not only with his placid attitude but as a happy dog always wagging his tail. Everybody loved him. His showing career started at eight months and at 15 months he had gained his first Challenge Certificate (CC). A dog needs three CCs, given by different Championship show judges to become a KC Registered Champion. By the time he was three, he had achieved this. Chudley went on to gain 22 CCs and 11 RCCs and, in 2015, won Best of Breed at Crufts and qualified for the Working Group at Crufts. He was the Rottweiler shown on TV that year running around the ring. We were so proud of him. We attended the Windsor Championship Show in June 2018 and Chudley was given the ticket. Sadly, this turned out to be his very last CC. Travelling home on the M25, he developed symptoms that turned out to be heatstroke. The traffic was horrendous, so it was very difficult to get off the motorway, but we eventually managed to turn off and, with the help of our son and Sat Nav, found a local vet. Chudley was in a dreadful condition upon arrival, so we had to leave him there. To our total disbelief 8
we lost him overnight. An enormously sad time for us both. Moving on, Chudley had been used as a stud dog the week before we lost him and, with so much grief from losing him, I just had to have one of the prospective puppies. Chudley was first and foremost an extremely lovely pet, not just a show dog. So Sherman was born, the only male in the litter. I still could not face showing again but, with Covid prevalent, this wasn’t possible anyway. This year, with Covid restrictions lifting, and after three years since our last show, we decided to enter Sherman at the South Western Rottweiler Club Championship Show on Saturday 23 October. It turned out to be such a lovely day catching up with lots of friends in the ‘Rottie’ fraternity. Sherman’s breeder took him into the ring and to our amazement, Sherman was placed second in a class of eleven entries. This win qualifies him for Crufts 2022. Having owned about 13 Rotties over the years, we have now reduced our numbers to just two males. Rottweilers are lovely, though should not be taken on lightly as they are so strong. But, providing the owner is the pack leader, they are a wonderful ‘people loving’ breed, much mistaken by the media and we can say this from experience. Olive and Norman Davison
Happy Hacketteers Once again, the village ‘WhatsApp’ group proved its worth as our tiny hamlet suffered a planned but unfortunately extended power cut quickly followed by a day when we were totally cut off by floods! Villagers could keep each other informed and pass on information to those without smart phones.
If you’re not already on the group – do please think about joining.
COP26 Reflections Beer Hackett villager, Ben Keene recently managed to attend the recent COP 26
is awful’ or ‘this is brilliant’ doesn’t recognise the complexity. When we drive a car, we track more than one data point: speed, fuel level, water temp etc. We can recognise the reality of the crisis and those who are suffering at the same time as being inspired by hope and action.
event in Glasgow and has kindly agreed to share his ‘takeaway’ thoughts and reflections: Over the three days I spent in Glasgow, I met some brilliant people, discovered a (sunny) city and learnt a lot. 1. Don’t just do your bit. Do all that’s necessary. There is no in-between. All our actions need to consider the crisis and the opportunities to behave differently. This means changing our consumer habits, being an active citizen and putting climate at the centre of our work. 2. We can do more than one thing at once. Climate is complicated and reaches all parts of life – security, health, work, business, finance, food, biodiversity, education, sport… Reducing it to: ‘this
3. Our money matters. How we save and invest is 21 times more powerful than combined actions of switching diets, travel habits and energy suppliers (which we should also do). Often, we’ll be cutting waste but unknowingly have pensions invested in fossil fuels – see www. makemymoneymatter.co.uk 9
4. Climate start-ups explosion We will see a flourishing of ‘climate’ businesses. Creativity, empathy, resilience, comms – the entrepreneur skillset has never mattered more. Biz models, tech and leaders will adapt fast to the new opportunities www.raaise.co
which seemed focused on the difficult reality of the crisis as well as all the positive action.
5. How can we be good ancestors? When we spend time close to nature and art, we connect to the deeper feelings of the ‘long now’, taking on board the significance of decisions we make today for future generations. Our culture has lost so much of this, but we can re-access.
8. Glasgow’s gated villages Hosting a global summit in a pandemic would never be easy but the heavy security and ‘lockdown zones’ made it feel like two worlds in one town. It seemed a missed opportunity that activists, politicians and business leaders couldn’t be safely in the same spaces. It increased the sense of division. Understandable that many saw it as greenwash.
6. Invest in communities If, in the end, most of the funding cleans up energy systems but doesn’t support and protect those already suffering the consequences of climate change, then it will be for nothing. The great thing is that if it does happen, it creates benefits for all.
9. Tell better stories A constant theme was that a greater focus on storytelling is needed, to bring people along on the journey to all the climate actions. The science is vital to understand but it often overwhelms us. We mobilise best when we feel part of positive stories for change.
7. ‘In-person’ vs online There’s more cynicism and optimism online than at the events themselves,
[Ben is Co-founder of Rebel Book Club & Raaise | Startup & Community Builder]
Photo: Linda Bell
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CHETNOLE with
Hamlet, Melbury Bubb & Stockwood
REP: Liz Tebbatt 873140 tebbatt.towers@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Stan Darley
A spooky night
Welcome to Molly and Mark Watson of Thurlands, we hope you will be very happy in your new home. We send our love to Malcolm Pickard of School Lane who is poorly – we are thinking about you Malcolm. And our condolences go to the family of former Chetnole Inn landlord, Dave Lowe, who passed away recently – love to Jane and all the family. And we send our condolences to Ian Fawcett and his family on the recent loss of his wife Lesley. The flooding on 31 October this year was horrendous, causing property damage and inaccessibility yet again; Mill Lane was particularly badly hit, and we send our love to those whose lives and precious homes have been turned upside down once more by these increasingly frequent deluges. There are agencies out there to contact for information on how to prevent flooding in your home if you’re at risk and we include their contact details in our article.
Diary dates: Showing now until Christmas Linda Carroll Art Exhibition at the Old School Gallery, Yetminster Friday 3 December Artsreach presents Bowjangles, 7.30pm at the Village Hall Sunday 19 December Melbury Bubb Church, Carol Service at 2.30pm Tuesday 21 December St. Peter’s Church, Chetnole Carol Service at 6.30pm Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at 11.30pm Christmas Day Family Service at 9.45am Don't forget to take a daily stroll around the village and spot the Advent windows again this year! I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. Liz Tebbatt 11
Join the Wednesday Coffee Morning Team In these uncertain times we need one or even two extra volunteers to join our team who take it in turns to organise the Wednesday Coffee Mornings. This involves opening up the hall for the Post Office as well as checking and monitoring supplies of tea, coffee and biscuits. If you can help for one or two months a year, please contact Sally Lingwood on 01935 872998.
St. Peter’s church
A lay-led service was followed by ‘Pimms in the Pews’ – though the weather was fabulous and we were able to be outside. Along with Pimms came delicious nibbles courtesy of the PCC. We were delighted by a turnout of over 50 including those who help as visitors, flower arrangers, lockers and unlockers, cleaners, financial donors, clergy, the benefice office, organists, account examiners, cream tea makers and setters up, bell ringers, choppers and, of course, the Friends of St. Peter’s. It was lovely to see so many and to demonstrate that the church really is an important part of Chetnole’s life. Richard Charrington
Melbury Bubb Carol Service
Photo: Gudrun Tweedy
On 26 September, Chetnole PCC held a service of thanksgiving combined with a harvest festival. This was an opportunity for our community to show its appreciation for the many people in the village (and beyond) who support the church.
Sunday 19 December 2.30pm The lovely Melbury Bubb Church Christmas Cards will once again be for sale in the back of the Church from the end of November. Please buy some and support our beautiful Church. Thank you!
St Peter's Church, Chetnole
TUESDAY DEC 21st 6:30 pm CAROL SERVICE followed by mulled wine and mince pies
CHRISTMAS EVE 11:30 pm Midnight Mass CHRISTMAS DAY 9:45 am A short family service for all ages (supporting a children's charity)
At all services, masks are not compulsory but are encouraged.
We at St. Peter's church would like to wish you peace, joy and good health this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
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Chetnole floods On 31 October the River Wriggle rose to 2.29 metres, only 50cm below the record high level recorded on 7 July 2012. As a result, Chetnole residents’ homes were flood-damaged and access in and out of the village cut off once again. Living in an area with a high water table and poor drainage, we have grown used to the sight of a torrent of water flowing down the main street, breaching our bridges before subsiding, but it is becoming more frequent and more devastating with it. Our village residents at risk of flooding 13
need help now. The Environment Agency is providing free surveys to those whose houses are at risk of flooding – see details below: Chetnole Property Flood Resilience Scheme If your property is at flood risk, or has experienced flooding in the past, you are eligible for a Property Flood Resilience (PFR) survey to assess flood risk at your property. These surveys aim to understand flood history and identify PFR products that may be suitable to reduce the impact of flooding. PFR can help to protect homes from flooding through the application of resistance and/or resilient adaptation measures which aim to either prevent floodwater from entering a property (resistance), or limit the damage caused if it does get in (resilient adaptation). The Environment Agency has commissioned JBA Consulting to carry out these initial individual property surveys as part of the Chetnole PFR Scheme. The surveys offered will be carried out free of charge and will make recommendations for options to install protection measures designed to reduce the impact of flooding on your home and family. There is no obligation to proceed with any recommendations made but the Environment Agency are proposing to purchase and arrange for installation of the appropriate measures to the eligible properties. If you are interested in proceeding with a PFR Survey, please respond to www.jbaconsulting.com/ JBA Consulting 01392 904040 | 07435 983205 JBA Consulting, Arlington House, Park Five, Harrier Way, Sowton, Exeter, EX2 7HU 14
Friends of Chetnole Halt A small sign... Following several reports of visitors to the village asking directions to the station, the Friends of Chetnole Halt (FoCH) decided that a sign on the fingerpost at the junction of Batcombe Lane and Stockwood Road would help the situation a little. The Highways Department of the Dorset Council were unwilling to erect such a sign (apparently for budgetary reasons). However, they would allow FoCH to arrange it themselves, subject to permission being given by Chetnole and Stockwood Parish Council. This was granted by the Parish Council, who kindly agreed also to cover the cost. The Friends arranged for the purchase of a suitable small sign, now installed on the fingerpost. Ian Wood
Chetnole in the past
Chetnole Flower Show Thank You and AGM
More ‘Chetnole Past’ photos. Nice to see the Old School steps and railings. The Beer sisters took photos. It could well be one of them posing near Foys. Linda Carroll
Chetnole – now The Chetnole Inn is famous! Here is a review of our brilliant pub from the Independent (thanks Bee) and Maria is delighted.
Friday 12 November was our general meeting and thank you to all those that contributed to the flower show this year. We had such a successful show with sponsorship from Dockside Personnel, Ashfield Property, Stockwood Lettings and CS Gardening which enabled us to support several local charities. The AGM, although a lower turnout than in previous years, was well received with lots of nibbles, wine and some cracking feedback from the attendees. It was a positive event, the members were reelected and we can’t wait to plan our next show which will be the 75th. Look out for our Bingo night in the spring where we hope to raise funds for the show. Finally thank you again to all those that support the event both financially and physically. We can’t do this without all the villagers help and support. Chetnole Flower Show
Chetnole and Stockwood Parish Council Wednesday 10 November 2021 The Parish Council meeting was very well attended, mainly due to the recent 15
flooding many people have experienced. The public forum prior to the start of the meeting was spent discussing flooding issues and possible solutions to the problem. The bridge in Mill Lane is clearly not fit for purpose as it is proving to be a choke point for any debris rushing downstream, and this, together with the sheer volume of water resulting from the extremely heavy rainfall recently caused extreme flooding on two occasions. Discussion included suggestions involving a redesign and rebuild of the bridge, and projects to slow up the flow of water. To reduce debris, villagers in the vicinity of the river are encouraged to ensure that loose garden items such as furniture, and log piles are stored so that they cannot be dragged into the river flood. Apart from rebuilding the bridge, it will help if we could slow down the flow of the river by introducing projects further upstream such as woody dams, flood plains, lakes and bunds etc. We are working with Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and liaising with farmers in the upper valley to determine what can be put in place to ease the flow, thus reducing flooding in the vulnerable parts of the village; this project will be moving forward in December. It was suggested that an action plan be developed to ensure that we are approaching all individuals or agencies who might have responsibility and / or expertise to assist in our efforts to obtain more control over the flow and damage caused by the flooding river. The Council discussed the current planning applications and were assured by the representative of the development in School Lane that the proposed three 16
bungalows would not add to our flood problems. The PCC voted against this planning application. There has been some discussion over a change to village boundaries whereby Hamlet could become part of the Chetnole/Stockwood parish, if the residents of Hamlet were in agreement. However, we need to determine the procedure to be followed before any further consideration of the matter. The next meeting is on 12 January 2022, and all are welcome. Owen Pope Chetnole and Stockwood Parish Council
Chetnole Oil Group We are keen to continue the good work of John Sanford grouping oil orders together for local villages. We intend to have monthly orders through the winter months and for you to join in, we need your orders by the last day in the month for delivery during the first two weeks of the following month. Please email your orders to info@ pearce-energy.co.uk or call Gill or Val on 01935 816966 We look forward to supplying your group with oil at competitive prices. Gill and Val at Pearce Energy
Photo: Stan Darley
• • • • •
Bespoke doors Bespoke Windows Fitted wardrobes Bespoke Bookcases Bespoke Tables and Chairs 17
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HERMITAGE
REP: Tom Beels tom@beelsandco.com DISTRIBUTOR: Faith Hervey
I am hoping to get together a small band to go carol singing around Hermitage in December. Please let me know if you would like to come and sing – you don’t have to be a churchgoer or a chorister, just someone who enjoys singing traditional carols. The date will depend on when the majority can do it and, of course, the weather. Our services for December have not been firmly fixed at the time of writing but will probably be shown in the list in this magazine. The provisional arrangements are for Holy Communion on 5 December and our Carols by Candlelight at 7.00pm on Christmas Eve. All are welcome, please take appropriate Covid precautions. Wishing everyone a happy Christmas. Elizabeth Kenton Churchwarden 21
LEIGH
REPS: Philippa Toulson philippa.toulson@gmail.com Eddie Upton upton.eddie@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Judy Tuke
It isn’t often that Leigh hits the headlines in the august pages of the (New) Blackmore Vale Magazine, but that is exactly what happened on 12 November. To be precise, it wasn’t the village that made news so much as the village shop and, to be even more precise, it wasn’t so much the shop as Brenda, Steve and Sica. Bridge Stores/Leigh Village Shop is now The Little Leigh Store, and Brenda has handed over the keys of the shop to Sica Burton. It is difficult to overstate what Brenda and Steve Addison have done for the village. Ask people from the neighbouring
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area what they know about Leigh, and they are likely to list the shop/garage, the village hall, the cross, and the church, in that order. Brenda and Steve brought all their creative thoughts to setting up the shop, post office and garage as the hub of the village. They deserve huge thanks from us all, and they have fully earned the rest that retirement should bring them. Brenda also must be thanked for the great help and encouragement she has given Sica in handing over the shop. Sica and Johnny Burton were married in the village and live at Three Gates. In just over a week, they transformed the shop and the place is already the talk of the village. You can now get everything that Brenda stocked plus fruit and vegetables, alcohol, home baked cakes and pastries AND you can meet your friends there for a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake. The transformation is remarkable. For Post Office customers, the mobile Post Office will visit every Monday from 1.00-3.00pm.
For the time being, Leigh Little Store’s opening hours will be: Monday 9.00-16.00 Tuesday Closed Wednesday 9.00-14.00 Thursday 9.00-14.00 Friday 9.00-18.00 Saturday 9.00-13.00 Sunday Closed
A reminder that the great folk musician and entertainer John Kirkpatrick will be bringing his brilliant Christmas show, ‘Carolling and Crumpets’, to the Village Hall at 8.00pm on 3 December. Contact Phil on 07778 119663 or email stanchesterquire1@gmail.com to reserve tickets (£10.00 each). The organisers of the Fish Supper, due to be held in the Village Hall on 1 December, have decided that there is too much going on in the run up to Christmas and too much uncertainty over Covid infection rates and so have postponed the event until spring. Watch this space for more news. The same fate befell the last Pop Inn of the year, at the end of November. It is such a shame after all the energy that went into restarting everything in August and the enthusiasm of all the customers. The October Pop Inn took place during some horrible weather, but still attracted more than 100 customers – a sure sign that this is a highly successful and popular initiative! Make a big note in your diaries for the restart of the Pop Inn (fingers crossed and double crossed) on Friday 28 January. Keep an eye on the Leigh Life Facebook page for more news nearer the time and look out for posters round the village. 23
THE
POP INN Leigh’s Renowned Pop-up Pub.
Dates for 2022 JAN 28 JUNE 24 FEB 25 JULY 29 MAR 25 AUG 26 APRIL 29 SEP 30 MAY 27 OCT 28 NOV 25 Looking forward a little, remember to keep 11 February free. Charlie Read will be running one of his celebrated Race Nights in the Village Hall. This will be raising money for church funds. The Pop Inn people will be in attendance and admission price will include a Ploughman’s Supper. Look out for posters and news on Facebook. It will be a great night! The next time we write something for the magazine, we will be well into 2022. Have a very happy and peaceful Christmas and, as they say in Odcombe, “a bright and prosperous New Year”. Philippa Toulson and Eddie Upton
St Andrew’s Church, Leigh Thank you so much to everyone who made our Harvest Festival such a great success. The church looked lovely, there were lots of people for the service, the singing was both tuneful and robust, 24
and we were treated to a dynamic and thought-provoking sermon from Brother Hugh of Hilfield Friary. After an outburst of chatting and craft activities, we served a cooked lunch in the church to a record number of people A special thanks to all the cooks and the washers up, and to all of you who came to eat.
Christmas is just round the corner. Services will be held on 5 December (8.30am), 12 December (6.00pm) and 19 December (10.00am). We celebrate Christmas with our very special Village Carol Service at 6.00pm on Christmas Eve and then our traditional Midnight Holy Communion at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve. Last year the Carol Service took place in the churchyard and we may well have to do the same again this year. Much will depend on the weather and the prevailing rates of COVID in the area. We’ll keep you up to date on the Leigh Life Facebook page and on the church notice boards. If we are out of doors, wrap up warm, dress for wet weather and bring a torch. Whether we are in or out, it will be a joyful occasion and one to talk about for the year ahead. We will again be celebrating the passing of the year with a short, informal ceremony in the churchyard at 4.30pm on New Year’s Eve. Finally, we’re very sorry that we have had to cancel the Fish Supper in the Village Hall on 1 December. We were conscious of people’s concerns about the rising Covid rates in the area and this, coupled with the number of events being cancelled in the run up to Christmas, persuaded us that it would be better to postpone the event until spring. The draw for Angela’s magnificent quilted bed cover will still take place at 9.00pm on 1 December outside the Village Hall. We are very grateful to Charlie and Michelle Read who will be holding a Race Night in the Village Hall on 11 February to raise money for church funds. Keep the date free. Alaistair Cumming & Eddie Upton Churchwardens
Afghan Crisis tea party We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who came and supported our
Tea Party in October in Leigh Village Hall in aid of the Afghan Crisis. There were so many people involved in that afternoon but especially we want to thank Sue Fudge for her help in planning it all. We received so many wonderful cakes and raffle prizes which all helped to make the afternoon the success it was. We raised the incredible total of £1088.30 which we gave to the Chetnole branch of Save the Children to send to their Afghan Crisis Appeal. We are very grateful to Bee Grant-Peterkin and her committee for the brilliant Bring & Buy stall they ran, which raised over £300. We really cannot thank you enough for the amazing team effort and especially with the recent dreadful news of the state of Afghanistan, we pray that the money will be used to help the people of that country. Anne Reason and Jo Barlow-Poole
Leigh Village Hall – Covid awareness As you are aware, the statistics for Covid in Dorset and, in particular, our neck of the woods are showing cases currently running higher than at the worst of the pandemic. Therefore, in the absence of any official directive the Village Hall remains open BUT all who use the premises must be aware that they do so at their own risk. Users: for the record, please remember to put your name in the book on entering the Hall. By so doing, you accept that it is your decision to partake in whatever event is scheduled, whether social or sporting. In essence use your common sense: maintain a social distance, wear a mask where practical and wash your hands regularly. Julian Turnbull Co-Chairman of the Village Hall Alaistair Cumming Co-Chairman of the Village Hall
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Sylvia Bryan When, nearly 30 years ago, Sylvia Bryan retired from teaching, she and her husband, Philip, moved to Brook House in Leigh, where her love of gardening and her knowledge of plants were put to good use in transforming a large and neglected plot into a delightful garden, which she regularly opened for Leigh Open Gardens and for the prestigious National Gardens Scheme. It was also the venue for several village and church fundraising events, including a most amusing Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, with Sylvia, as the formidable Queen of Hearts, ‘encouraging’ guests to play a game of croquet (though NOT with hedgehogs and flamingoes) before tea, and an entertaining performance of ‘The Most Lamentable Comedy of Pyramus and Thisbe’ from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Not surprisingly, Sylvia was very much involved in the Leigh Flower Show. She was its Treasurer for many years, as well as a regular cup winner – especially when it came to the floral classes! A talented flower arranger, she was on St. Andrew’s Church flower rota, producing beautiful and impressive arrangements for the church porch, 26
as well as being part of the teams that organised St. Andrew’s two highly successful Flower Festivals. Always generous with her flowers and greenery, she was happy to allow her garden to be regularly ‘raided’ and would also provide table arrangements for the monthly Senior Citizens’ Leigh Lunch Club, together with being one of the group who, led by Connie Wallis, both cooked and served the lunches. When, some years ago, it was decided to replace Leigh’s well-used old Village Hall, Sylvia, an active member of the Hall Committee, was instrumental in tracking down a wide range of grants that could be applied for, and, as many of the applications proved successful, her hard work made a tremendous difference when it came to the building and fitting-out of the new Hall – now as well-used as its predecessor. She also assisted Philip, a skilled computer user, in designing and printing the village map, an invaluable source of information for newcomers to Leigh and anyone doing deliveries in the area, in addition to producing posters and tickets for most village clubs and events. Sadly, however, over the past few years, increasingly poor health very much limited their activities. Sylvia will be greatly missed by her wide circle of friends, both in the village and beyond, not only for having done so much for Leigh, but also for being such a tremendous character, whose first love was definitely gardening, especially the garden at Brook House, which was very much her signature. Every sympathy goes to Philip and to all her family for her loss. Dorothy Baldock
If you would like to take part, please contact: Julian Turnbull on 01935 873846 or Alastair Cumming on 01935 872401 It is only £1 per month.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOVEMBER WINNERS. Winners for the November draw: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Ball Ball Ball Ball
No No No No
45 57 46 35
Karen Moore Michael Arthur Mark Read D. Ellis
£40 £20 £10 £5
We have decided that as from the start of next year’s lottery, we will present the winners with cash instead of a cheque. However, to keep tabs on our accounts and to be ‘transparent’, we will have to ask you to sign for your winnings. And remember, next month is the BIG one. Julian Turnbull & Alaistair Cumming
Photo: Morag Orchard
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872982 gml.wilson@btinternet.com RYME INTRINSECA REP: Gilly Wilson DISTRIBUTOR: Sue Goldsworthy 872699
Christmas services Carol Service: Sunday 12 December, 6.00pm Midnight Service: 24 December, 11.30 pm Christmas Day Family Service 10.00am At last we were able to have our biannual village meeting back in the church, which was well attended. As usual, traffic was a hot topic and it is now understood that DCC is reviewing its view on 20mph zones, having been very resistant in the past (county wide), so there may be some hope. But don’t hold your breath! However, there is better news about getting a Speed Indicator Device (SID) and if there is anyone who would be willing to give up a little time to help with the speed watch teams,
please get in touch with Andy P or Mike Batten. Every little helps, as they say. The Neighbourhood Watch report reminds us to check our security – are the windows locked? Security lights on and working? Sheds etc. locked? Remember – do not go down the garden and leave the door unlocked. Statistics show that luckily we are a low crime area with the biggest threat actually coming from scams by phone, emails, and fake websites; be very alert to these. The New Year Annual Walk will be on Sunday 2 January. Meet at Caswell Farm yard at 10.30 am. To newcomers to the village, this is a lovely, guided walk across private land, followed by light lunch back at the farm. Dogs on leads welcome. Please book in with Mike Batten nearer the time for numbers for catering. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Mr July Well done to Andy Templeman (Mr July) for taking part in a charity ‘Calendar Girls’ style calendar, organised by the Antiques Bazaar, Crewkerne, from where he and Sue trade. The calendars are priced at £10 and are available from the Antiques Bazaar. 100% of sales go to support Cancer Research UK. Gilly Wilson
PLEASE let 2022 be the year you all decide to help me by sending in news for the magazine. 31
YETMINSTER
REP: Michaela and Graham Plaice: gplaice@gmail.com 872921
Upbury House, showing the old doorway shape and old long windows behind the dark shrub
A very warm welcome to David Morgan and his stepson Ellis, the new owners of the White Hart Pub. I am hoping that, by the time you receive this magazine, the pub will be open. David and Ellis had hoped to open much earlier but have been plagued by bank and VAT registration difficulties. Ellis will be the man in charge and, with his many years of trade experience, intends to return the White Hart to a true heart-of-the-village local; in other words, back to its former glory. They have created a lighter tone to the bar areas with refreshed and more colourful pictures and paintings. Three real ales are on offer and a fully stocked bar with a range of bar snacks. 32
David and Ellis are taking a softly, softly approach to the future of the pub, listening to the opinions and comments from as many people as possible before making any radical changes. David is very community minded and has proposed the possibility of opening the
pub one morning a week for a mother and toddler event. He has previously looked for community projects to support which has included funding to his local Scout/Cub/Guide groups for a specific project to be completed. I implore the community to get behind the White Hart team, give them a generous Yetminster welcome and support this vital village asset. Once settled in, I hope David and Ellis could write an article about themselves and their vision for the White Hart for the magazine. Once again welcome David, Ellis and the White Hart team.
Remembrance events for 2021 started with the village ceremony on 11 November, which was attended by approximately 60 people, followed by the church service on Sunday 14 November, which drew a congregation of 95 people and raised £350 for the Royal British Legion. An outstanding achievement and we were delighted to support such a wonderful organisation who are celebrating their centenary. Sarah at the Yetminster Gallery is thrilled that the Art for All classes have started again. In November, there were two events with local authors: Arminel Dare came to chat one morning with people about her book, Mayflower Marriage, and Toby Hartwell of Daredevil Books spoke one evening about one of their recent publications, Full Throttle. Sarah says
the wood burner is now lit, decorations are up, and they wish all their customers and friends a very happy Christmas. As we hurtle towards the festive season there is so much to look forward to – the Sherborne brass band event, the carol service, St. Andrew’s school event, the pub opening and much, much more. Keep reading the magazine for further details.
We have not beaten Covid-19, the number of cases is rising rapidly across the country and in our area, so now is not the time to throw caution to the wind. Be careful and enjoy the festive season. All that remains is for Michaela and I to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Michaela and Graham Plaice
St. Andrew’s Church Advent, Christmas and Epiphany This is one of the busiest seasons in the church year and we have lots of services, with our traditional Christmas Carols on Sunday 12 December, starting at 4.30pm. This year, the St. Andrew’s Singers will again be joined by the school choir, and we hope to start with tea and mince pies before the service. If you are new to the village, do please come along and join us! 33
SUNDAY 12th DECEMBER
4.30pm CAROL SERVICE St Andrew’s Church Yetminster Tea and Mince Pies
C a rol S e rvic e
Yetminster Methodist Church Monday 6th December 7.00pm Followed by mince pies
Everyone welcome, especially newcomers to the village! There will also be the Millennium Hangings Christmas cards on sale in aid of the church, at the Christmas Coffee and Cake morning on Wednesday 1 December, from 10.00am-12noon. This is always very popular, so do come along and enjoy delicious home-made cakes and meet your neighbours. All other Christmas and New Year Services are in this magazine’s church schedules, on our website www. threevalleysteam. org and in your weekly Yetminster round robin, so do please keep an eye on them. If you would like to receive the round robin, please let me know on the email address below. 34
All members of the PCC wish you a very Happy Christmas, and prayers for a peaceful New Year, full of promise for the future. With my best wishes Churchwarden Clare Churchwarden.yet@gmail.com
Coffee and Cake Christmas Coffee and Cake morning is on Wednesday 1 December, 10.00am12noon. There will be a raffle – donations welcome on the day. We will also be collecting Christmas themed items for the Lords Larder, so please bring items on the day. We are hoping the school choir will be joining us to sing a few merry tunes to get in the festive spirit. We look forward to seeing everyone. Angela and Grace INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED TIM KLIPHUIS TRIO CLASSICAL, GYPSY, JAZZ AND FOLK MUSIC
Award-winning Dutch violinist with a guitarist and double bass player. Suitable for all ages JUBILEE HALL – YETMINSTER FRIDAY14 JANUARY 2022 7.30PM Tickets from the Artsreach website: www.artsreach.co.uk
Dorset Moviola in association with YETMINSTER FILMS NIGHTS presents
Yetminster Fair Association 50/50 Club draw OCTOBER WINNERS 1st prize of £50
No. 61 Mr & Mrs Crocker
2nd prize of £30 No. 11 Miss D Kemp 3rd prize of £20
No. 28 Mr D Donaldson
NOVEMBER WINNERS 1st prize of £50
No. 58 Mr K Horswell
2nd prize of £30
No. 53 Dr I Latham
3rd prize of £20
No. 31 Mrs S Goldsworthy
St. Andrew’s Primary School November 2021 Looking back on the last month in school, I am amazed by how much we were able to pack in. We celebrated Black History Month by focusing on black women who have made a significant contribution to our world. Our children learned about Dr Shirley Thompson, Mae Jemison, Tessa Sanderson, Katherine Johnson and Simone Biles; maybe you could look them up and find out about their achievements. The children of the Environmental Explorers Club have planted saplings,
DREAM HORSE (PG)
Tuesday 7th December 7.30 We end the year with this feel-good film, a lovely story of the triumph of the underdog, guaranteed to send you home happy. Jubilee Hall, Doors Open 7.00 pm Tickets £6 available from the Spar Shop, Yetminster
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which were kindly donated by the Woodland Trust. We are very hopeful that they will thrive and grow as a sign of our commitment to improving our school environment.
A huge thank you to Alfie and Maisie who laid wreaths at the war memorial in Yetminster to commemorate the sacrifices of our men and women in service to their country.
At the time of writing, we are beginning our preparation for the Christmas festivities. With only 28 school days until the end of term, there is much to be done! 36
The rising cases of positive Covid infections has impacted on our planned activities and we are quickly adjusting our plans to ensure a safe environment for everyone. Sadly, we have decided not to hold a Christmas Fair in school this year, but we will be selling raffle tickets and celebrating the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ as we lead up to the end of term. We are preparing two Nativity performances for parents and carers to watch and our school choir will be joining with the St. Andrew’s Church Choir in their Carol Service on 12 December. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to sing with a four-part adult choir and promote a love of singing. On 3 December, we are supporting a national fundraising project called ‘999Cenotaph’. Children and staff at St. Andrew’s School will be dressing in style on Friday to support the charity’s efforts to raise £3.2m towards the building of the UK’s first monument to honour everyone who has served, or is serving, in the NHS and emergency services, including volunteers. Kindhearted children and staff will pay £1 to wear red, blue, green, or orange clothing – the colours of the emergency services – to show their support. Almost two million people serve in the emergency services today, including 250,000 first responders – those who are at the front line when you dial 999. If you would like to donate towards the building of the 999Cenotaph, please do bring your donations to the school by 3 December. Many Blessings Julie Simpson
Yetminster and Ryme Walking Group What a wonderful autumn to be walking around the villages. This month we had something different – two History Walks around Yetminster. Paul Birbeck from Sherborne Walks came to give us a guided walk around the village. These were very popular and filled fast, hopefully another walk or two will be arranged for the spring. Watch out for advertising on Facebook and in the WVM. We all walk around in our own little worlds, but did you know there used to be eight wells, six pubs, a bakery, a haberdashery and more. Have a look at the tiles on the roofs, the window lintels, doors. 37
What you can’t see from the street view are the old buildings and orchards behind the houses. Google maps gives you an idea and www.explorer. geowessex.com 1888 Historic Map.
We are looking forward to the next walk around Melbury Sampford (parking in Evershot), 10.30am on Wednesday 29 December. Meeting at the triangle. All are welcome. Our January Walk is Saturday 29 January 10.30am at Minterne Magna, parking in the car park opposite the Church.
Calling all gardeners…
Vegetable plot available at Methodist Chapel, Yetminster Contact June on 01935 872974 38
Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council Chairman’s Notes – November Meeting It is pleasing to report that our request to Dorset Highways for an update on planned works has resulted in the repainting of the road markings in the vicinity of the school. Our next target is to get a date for the extension of the 30mph limit in Thornford Road. The first serious rainfall of the winter brought the usual flooding problems and highlighted that phase 1 of the work carried out by Wessex Water at Brister End has not been successful. Councillor Hollick will continue to drive this project forward in the hope that the replacement of some of the surface drainage pipe between Chapel Lane and Beer Hackett will improve the situation. Although there was flooding at Bow Bridge, it was not as severe as in previous years, despite the water level being higher than it has been for some years, suggesting that the work carried out so far is starting to have an effect. We will be working with the Environment Agency to encourage landowners to undertake further works. Due to Covid travel restrictions it has not been possible for the Dorset Payback Scheme to carry out the re-painting of the children’s play area so we will seek another contractor to carry out the work. Rather than undertake short-term work on the safety matting, it has been decided to carry out a full upgrade, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to the crowd funding that will support this improvement. Our call out for suggestions for projects which could be funded from the Community Infrastructure Levy grant attracted some very thoughtful ideas which have been discussed by the Working Party.
There are strict criteria which need to be followed when selecting suitable projects and recommendations will be presented for approval at the next meeting. There has been a disturbing increase in vandalism in the village with the destruction of planters at the station, a break-in to the shed on the sports field and damage to crops that were laid out on the table at the allotments. It is possible that these acts were committed by three youths, two boys and a girl; we believe they travel to the village on the train from either Yeovil or Dorchester. Please make us aware if you see them in the village. It has been decided that meetings will now be held on the last Wednesday of the month rather than the first Wednesday as this will give more time for the monthly accounts to be presented. Therefore, the next meeting will be on the first Wednesday in December and the one after will be held on the last Wednesday in January 2022. Andy Perlejewski Chairman of Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council
Want some local information? what’s going on what you should know where it is when it is
Go the Parish Website – the answer to all your queries!!!
Yetminsterparishes.gov.uk 39
Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca Neighbourhood Plan
Following the consultation on our submitted plan, the Planning Authority received a total of ten comments and these are to be considered by the independent examiner Andrew Mead. One of the submissions argues that the Land North of Chapel Meadow should be reinstated as suitable for development (it was removed following concerns from Dorset’s Conservation
Officer which were supported by our own AECOM Conservation Advisor) and another proposes two new sites adjacent to the Folly Farm development extending northwards towards Thornford. The YRIPC NP group is satisfied that there is a sufficient supply of new housing without the inclusion of these sites and will be providing a response to the Examiner clarifying our reasons for this. All being well, the examiner expects to produce his draft report before Christmas. Copies of the Examiner’s correspondence, together with the Neighbourhood Plan itself and the supporting documentation are available on the dedicated plan pages on the Parish Website – https:// yetminsterparishes.gov.uk YRIPC Neighbourhood Plan Group
YETMINSTER HISTORY SOCIETY From Romans to Ronald Searle From classical times to the present day, the combination of animals, people and musical instruments represent almost a set of secret codes. The unravelling of these codes was undertaken by our guest speaker, Jeremy Barlow. On stone monuments, in the margins of religious books, in paintings and cartoons of various eras the threads and themes were brilliantly laid bare for us by Jeremy. These images could be used to mock, satirise, or create a smile with their incongruity. In the crypt of Canterbury Cathedral from 900 years ago we can see creatures playing the rebec (a sort of fiddle) and the shawm (an ancestor of the oboe). Pagan images appear in decorations of religious texts. In one 40
mediaeval psalter decorating the text is a woman playing the bellows with fire tongs and she has a distinctly lizard-y tail. In another, an angel points (giving the finger?) to a bells-playing devil. The message here is clearer than with the bellows player: was she there to distract or warn? Interestingly, this same bellows-and-tongs imagery was picked up by the 19th century cartoonist, Cruickshank, accompanied with the truly awful pun of ‘a grate singer’! Down the centuries the theme repeats. In the 14th century French satire, Roman de Fauvel, mocking the political corruption of the day, the ‘hero’ (a horse) gets above himself and marries Dame Vainglory. The locals object and protest with musical instruments such as pots and pans beaten with ladles and other kitchen implements; compare the Skimmington ride in Hardy’s novel. In Breugel’s paintings, the poorer people are playing mock instruments such as the knife and gridiron. In Italy from the Commedia dell’ Arte, Pulcinella, who evolves into our Mr Punch, plays the gridiron with tongs. In 18th century England, Hogarth marks social differences at richer weddings where drummers and butchers’ boys compete, the latter playing marrow bones and cleavers. The 19th century cartoonists had a liking for mixing instruments, animals
and people referencing nursery rhymes, or larded with terrible puns. The magazine Punch, which lasted well into the 20th century, famously contained many prime examples. In the 20th century, the standout exponents of the art are possibly Gerard Hoffnung and Ronald Searle: Hoffnung mocking the musical trends of the time with his Vacuum Quartet in A Flat (The Hoover) and Searle with his satires on the middle classes, not to mentions his famous St. Trinian’s schoolgirls. I have to say that I will now view artistry involving animals and musical instruments (of whatever sort!) in a totally new light. John Ferretter 41
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CLUB NEWS Chetnole and Leigh Garden Club For our first gardening talk in a long time, Ben Candlin and his Adventurous Plants was a plunge into the unusual. Amorphophallus Titanum with its rotten odour and enormous inflorescence is one of the Aroide family that Ben specialises in! Happily, they are a wide range of intriguing plants suitable for the garden or house, without any foul smell. He took us through the range: Arisaema, Arum, Amorphophallus, Colocasia and Zantedeschia, telling us how to use them in our gardens, which ones were hardy, which were good houseplants.
Among his many excellent photographs, the purple black foliage of Colocasia Black Magic stood out, a real temperamental ‘wow’ plant. The delicate Zantedeschia Picasso was very tempting with Arisaema Cobra Lily being another wow plant.
Ben has a nursery near Exmouth, where he grows and experiments with new varieties. He publishes articles, has a very busy show season, and is an excellent speaker. I think everyone learned something and enjoyed the evening. The next meeting is at 7.30pm on 6 December, in Chetnole Village Hall. A seasonal demonstration from the Black Shed with Christmas atmosphere. Anna Awdry
Yetminster & Ryme Garden, Arts and Crafts Society It’s not that often that a Society describes the outcome of their AGM as the highlight of the year. Perhaps it was down to the enthusiastic support from our members, or the influx of lovely newcomers to the 45
village. Or very possibly the generous helpings of mulled wine, courtesy of Robin Debell, that helped to raise the mood. Whichever way, it was a terrific evening – never has our AGM been so well attended. The chairman, Carol Debell, announced significant changes to the Committee, most notably the departure of Pam Burt who, after many years as a member of the Society, took on the role of Treasurer in 1996. An admirable achievement which was gratefully applauded by everyone. Having held the seat for ten years, Carol confirmed that she herself was standing down as Chairman and is being replaced by Jane Hartwell. Jackie Tinney takes over Pam’s role as Treasurer. Celia Brayfield and Kate Oram also joined the Committee. So new faces to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to carry the Society forward. With the business of the evening swiftly over, we were given a practical demonstration on how to make beautiful Christmas floral decorations by Philippa Louden. Philippa comes with many 46
medals to her name, most recently from Chelsea 2019 when she was awarded a Gold Medal for her stunning floral entry. Gold was very much the theme of her demonstration with an array of dramatic leaves, all growing in our gardens, which had been dried and sprayed with gold.
Philippa was full of practical advice with tips about what equipment to use, a good source being Oasis which supplies a useful range of products for floral arrangements. We all went home inspired to try a little harder, and perhaps more important, to be a little more ambitious. We expect our Christmas Party in December to live up to expectations! The new year kicks off with our afternoon meeting in January and the annual Tea Party with a complimentary array of delicious homemade cakes and sandwiches to feed up our hungry members after the Christmas break! We were delighted to welcome 15 new members to the Society at our AGM. If you have not yet joined us, do come along to one of our meetings to find out what we are about. Whilst we are a gardening, arts and crafts club, the emphasis is really on having fun. Carol Debell
Chetnole Chuckers As the year draws to a close, the intrepid members of The Chetnole Chuckers continue to play on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, whenever weather permits. We can look back on a good Boules year, Covid-19 restrictions notwithstanding. With a healthy membership, fiercely fought club competitions yielding new champions, (not forgetting winning the annual Chetnole v. Leigh match) we count ourselves fortunate to play and socialise in such lovely, bucolic surroundings.
Although the pandemic caused some disruption and temporary suspensions, members have retained their sense of humour – the glue that binds us together. We owe a big thank you to Andy Lovell and Rob Bamford for joining forces to provide the transport of new surface material for the playing area (‘the terrain’) and also to the Parish Council for supplying another new bench for spectators. You are good people! Almost two years have gone by since the club held an AGM, for obvious reasons, and the next one has been scheduled for some time in March 2022. It goes without saying, new members are always welcome. We look forward to our annual Christmas dinner at the Chetnole Inn on 17 December, when dear departed old friends will be remembered, trophies will be presented to the new club champions and, this being Chetnole, there will be a raffle! Gordon Ratcliffe Chairperson, Chetnole Chuckers 47
POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS We have had really lovely Muddy Monday sessions since the beginning of July and these finished at the end of November. We will see how the weather is and probably start again in February. Holiday club has also been fabulous and we will probably start again during the Easter Holidays.
Although we are approaching a very busy few months, it can look as if we aren’t really up to much! Our term time weekday groups carry on and in between them there are plenty of jobs to do. We have already started to fell our ash dieback trees and will be planting a new native mixture of hazel, small leaved lime and larch in the new year. If you fancy donating to the cost of a few trees, then do please get in touch. It is such a lovely way to mark special events, births and deaths as well as a wonderful way to do your bit for the climate. The Tuesday boys are busy making things to sell at Leigh St. Andrew’s coffee morning which will be at the church on 7 December. They are hoping to raise some money for some new fire steels and another spooncarving knife. 48
We have done a few parties and have a few more during the winter, hopefully. Please keep an eye of our Facebook page for up to date information. A very Happy Christmas everyone. Philippa Toulson philippa.toulson@gmail.com Facebook: Pogles Wood Explorers
NATURE NOTES As much wildlife watching now is likely to be through a window, our quieter gardens may bring into view some rarer species searching for much needed food. Watch for sightings of migrant thrushes such as Fieldfare and Redwing, often seen together flying in flocks and sometimes feeding on decomposing apples in gardens as berries become harder to find.
beneficial to wildlife. Compost heaps generate warmth enabling many small creatures to survive harsh weather if left intact until spring. Redesigning garden features can result in disruption for hibernating slow worms, newts and much insect life.
Fieldfare
Slow worm
Redwing
Siskins and other small finches appreciate sunflower hearts and the tiny, hard to spot Lesser Redpoll, often flying with them, will sometimes visit garden feeding stations especially if nyjer seed is offered. At this time of year, leaving our gardens undisturbed can be more
Any accidentally exposed reptiles and amphibians should be returned or relocated into similar environments away from hungry predators. Stacking bundles of any cut plant stalks or hedge clippings together with heaps of fallen leaves at the base of a hedge will provide shelter for many invertebrates and small animals. Voles are active throughout the year and, although mainly nocturnal, you may see them taking advantage of spillage from bird feeders. If we care about wildlife, we shouldn’t forget foxes, badgers and the sometimes unpopular members of the crow family, 49
There are few moths on the wing now, most overwintering only in other life stages, however the striking Angle Shades moth, clearly identifiable by Its unusual outline and beautifully patterned wings can still be seen.
Bank vole
including carrion crows, jays and magpies. These are all important members of the food chain and perform an essential role in ‘cleaning up’ the countryside.
Angle Shades moth
Magpie
Carrion Crow
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The December moth, on the wing from October to January, is possibly our hardiest species and has even been observed flying in snowstorms. Gill Nash
December moth
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POETRY PAGE Rossetti’s ‘The Pageant’ concluded Rossetti’s text for A Pageant included a cast of ‘personifications’ (the months) to be played by boys and girls, along with stage directions - here we include only those necessary to follow proceedings. This is the text for the final month, December. November: Ah, here's my youngest brother come at last: Come in, December. (December enters, loaded with evergreens in berry) Come, and shut the door, For now it's snowing fast; It snows, and will snow more and more; Don't let it drift in on the floor. But you, you're all aglow; how can you be Rosy and warm and smiling in the cold?
When all is sun within? (Begins making a wreath as he sings) Ivy and privet dark as night, I weave with hips and haws a cheerful show, And holly for a beauty and delight, And milky mistletoe. While high above them all I set Yew twigs and Christmas roses, pure and pale; Then Spring her snowdrop and her violet May keep, so sweet and frail; May keep each merry singing bird, Of all her happy birds that singing build: For I've a carol which some shepherds heard Once in a wintry field.
December: Nay, no closed doors for me, But open doors and open hearts and glee As December concludes his song, all To welcome young and old. Twelve Months emerge, join hands in a circle, and begin dancing as the Dimmest and brightest month am I; Curtain falls. My short days end, my lengthening days begin; What matters more or less sun in the sky, THE END
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OTHER NEWS
Chetnole Village Hall and Artsreach present:
Bowjangles – Dracula in Space Friday 3 December at 7.30 pm (suitable for all ages) We are delighted to welcome Bowjangles back to Chetnole. The award winning, internationally acclaimed quartet proudly present their new sci-fi horror musical comedy Dracula in Space (warning: contains scenes of graphic violins).
In this brand-new show for 2021, the intrepid foursome are blasting off into outer space to meet a mysterious benefactor, whose proposition seems a little too good to be true. But what happens when their lead violinist starts to act a little strangely? We are grateful to Artsreach for all their hard work in supporting the arts in rural area. Tickets £10 from John Head 01935 872 555 or Ian Lingwood 01935 872998. Tickets also available online at www.artsreach.co.uk
Yetminster Jubilee Hall and Artsreach present: The Tim Kliphuis Trio Friday 14 January 2022 at 7.30pm The award-winning Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis has created a brand new style that embraces classical, gypsy, jazz and folk music. Hailed as a ‘currentday improvising Paganini’, his inclusive approach has united audiences and is influencing a new generation of string players. The Tim Kliphuis Trio return to Yetminster with a brand new programme – expect an exhilarating journey with moments of sheer beauty.
Bowjangles is an irreverent, anarchic group of genre-spanners, bringing music, theatre and comedy together in a way you’ve never seen before; they dance whilst they play, they sing whilst they play, they leap, tumble, juggle and joke whilst they play! 55
Stanchester Quire presents: John Kirkpatrick Carolling & Crumpets Friday 3 December at 8.00pm Leigh Village Hall (doors open 7.30pm) Tickets £10.00 For ticket reservations email stanchesterquire1@gmail.com or contact Phil on 07778 119663
Leigh Art Show 2021
Maiden Castle, by Rachel Graham
Artists from Langport to Ferndown, and from many villages and towns in between, exhibited their artworks at this year’s Leigh Art Show in October. The venue for the Show, Leigh Village Hall, was resplendent with 175 colourful, diverse exhibits displayed. The variety and standard of work was exceptionally good, as was the knowledge that Dorset and Somerset are home to such talented artists. The Show kicked off with Friday’s Preview evening with a short welcome address by Andrew Little, joint organiser with his wife Carole. The venue was buzzing from start to finish with the 56
many visitors viewing and, in some cases, purchasing artworks. Delicious canapes and wine were served by local volunteers and a representative from this year’s chosen charity, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, arrived to give a short talk on the work of the charity. Saturday and Sunday’s Main Show was equally well attended, with a good number of artworks sold; many people commented on the high standard of exhibits and were pleased that the Art Show, an established and cherished Leigh event, could go ahead this year in view of the pandemic. The success of the Show meant that over £1,300 was raised for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Leigh Village Hall to share. Being a biennial event, the next Leigh Art Show is due to take place in October 2023.
Wriggle Valley Women’s Group On a very wet and windy evening on 19 October, we met at the Gallery for a crafty evening with Daryl
making remembrance poppies out of four different colours of natural wool. We all produced poppies to bring home to wear on Remembrance Sunday or before. Thank you Daryl for a fun evening. Our next get-together will be our Christmas celebrations at the Chetnole Inn. Ruth Sanford
2021 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal – Hermitage, Hilfield, Batcombe and Leigh A huge thank you to all those who have given so generously once more via our band of local collectors. And an equally heartfelt thank you to all those that again did the collecting. Kerry Staughan raised £186.24 from the generous inhabitants of Batcombe, while Geoffrey Kenton and Sarah Bennett similarly encouraged Hermitage to kindly donate £132.39. As ever, Chris Keohane and Anna Awdry ranged far and wide around Hilfield and along Batcombe Road to collect a further £181.79. From the relatively large metropolis of Leigh (including Totnell and Three Gates), Anne and David Reason, Adam Ditch, Alaistair Cumming, Cate Dixon, Liz and Julian Turnbull, Sica Burton and I together raised a further £936.67. Overall, a wonderful effort. Thank you! On the evening of 12 November in the Leigh village hall, it was a particular pleasure this year to welcome back Admiral Sir George and Lady Zambellas, who had previously been residents of Leigh parish for some 17 years while
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their young family were growing up. Sir George, recently retired First Sea Lord, treated us to a highly amusing yet hugely informative narrative, encompassing some of the many highlights of his remarkable career. High calibre questions then flowed thick and fast, and the Admiral responded with notable relish. It was, without question, one of the best such evenings ever held here. This was endorsed with remarkable generosity by all who attended; the event raised £1141.89. In total, the above efforts raised a most impressive £2,578.98 for the 2021 RBL poppy appeal. As ever, the money will help commemorate those of the Armed Forces who have given their lives while serving our country and provide vital support to those badly injured in body or mind. Thank you to all who have once again so generously supported this most worthy of causes. I would very much like to be able to offer some of the more senior members of our collecting team the opportunity to pass their annual fundraising baton to someone younger, so please do contact me if you feel you too might help in November 2022. A couple of hours of your time is all that is asked; I will provide you with all the necessary wherewithal. Thank you, in anticipation! Alan Bennett arcbennett@hotmail.co.uk
2021 Poppy Appeal – Chetnole, Ryme Intrinseca and Yetminster A huge thank you to the Royal British Legion poppy appeal collectors for their doorstep collections for this year’s appeal, and of course for the generous donations made by everyone who contributed. The Primary School made a particularly 58
strong effort in selling badges, poppies and stationery, and it was an honour to visit them and collect their donations in person. Coupled with the collecting tins in the GP surgery, On the Boyle Cafe, the Sports club, the Spar and the Church, the villages of Ryme Intrinseca, Chetnole and Yetminster managed to raise an impressive £2,152.00! Thank you all very much. Steven Gilmore
Citizens Advice Energy supply problems As you will know from the press, all of us will be facing higher energy bills this winter. Some suppliers have already folded and there may be more to follow. If your energy supplier has gone out of business don’t panic, your gas and electricity will not be cut off and any money that you have already paid will be secure. Ofgem will contact you to tell you who your new provider is. Make sure you have your latest bill so you know whether you are in credit or how much you are owed. If you pay by direct debit there should be no need to cancel. Unfortunately, your payments will almost certainly be higher but there is an energy cap in place and providers cannot charge more than this. The transfer may take some time, but it is sensible to wait until you have arrangements in place with the supplier you have been allocated before doing anything. You can then contact your new provider to ensure you are on their cheapest tariff. If you need help with energy issues or any other problem contact Citizens Advice. Telephone our freephone Dorset Adviceline number on 0800 144 88 48 between 10.00-4.00pm, Monday to Friday or alternatively visit www.citizensadvice.org. uk or https://centraldorsetca.org.uk/
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY DECEMBER Fri Fri Mon Tues Tues Sun Sun Wed Tues Sat Sun Tues Fri Wed
3 3 6 7 7 12 12 15 14 18 19 21 24 29
John Kirkpatrick in Concert Artsreach event Bowjangles Carol service & mince pies Coffee morning/bring&buy Yetminster Film Night Dream Horse Carol Service Carol Service Carol Service Y&RGS Christmas Party Community breakfast Carol Service & refreshments Carol service, mulled wine, mince pies Carol service Y&R Walking Group Melbury Park
8pm 7.30pm 7pm 10.30am–12 7pm 6pm 4.30pm 6pm 6.30pm 9-10.30am 2.30pm 6.30pm 6pm 10.30am
Leigh Village Hall Chetnole Village Hall Yetminster Methodist Church St Andrew’s Church, Leigh Jubilee Hall, Yetminster St Hippolytus Church, Ryme St Andrew’s Church, Yetminster St Michael’s Church, Beer Hackett Jubilee Hall, Yetminster Glanvilles Wootton Village Hall Melbury Bubb Church St Peter’s Church, Chetnole St Andrew’s Church, Leigh Meeting place
10.30am 10.30am–12 7.30pm 10.00–11.30am 7.30pm 7pm
Caswell Farm, Ryme St Andrew’s Church, Leigh Leigh Village Hall Jubilee Hall, Yetminster Jubilee Hall, Yetminster Leigh Village Hall Hermitage Village Hall Minterne Magna
JANUARY 2022 Sun Tues Tues Wed Fri Fri Sat Sat
2 4 4 5 14 28 29 29
Ryme New Year Walk Coffee morning/bring&buy Leigh Discussion club Coffee and cake Artsreach event Tim Kliphuis Trio Pop up Pub New Year Party Y&R Walking Group
10.30am–12
FEBRUARY 2022 Tues Wed Wed Fri Fri Sat
1 2 9
Coffee morning/bring&buy Coffee and cake YHS Stained Glass Charlie Read’s Race Night for St 11 Andrew’s Church Leigh 25 Pop up Pub 26 Y&R Walking Group
10.30am–12 St Andrew’s Church, Leigh 10.00–11.30am Jubilee Hall, Yetminster 2.30pm Jubilee Hall, Yetminster Leigh Village Hall 7pm 2pm
Leigh Village Hall meeting place tba
SAVE THE DATES – 2022 5 February Rectory Cream Teas 10.30am-4.30pm The Rectory, Holwell 11 February Race Night tbc Leigh Village Hall 14–29 May Dorset Art Weeks 2022 Chetnole Mill 26 June Batcombe Cream Teas 3.00–5.00pm Hilfield Friary Please remember to email me before copy date at ja_palmer@btinternet.com with details if you would like a diary entry
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HINDSIGHT. Enid Blyton: Light tales, local places, dark sides. Born in London in 1897, Enid Blyton She would sign copies of her works in never lived in Dorset, but many of her what became McColl’s, on Institute Road. 600 books are set in fictional locations inspired by our county’s countryside. Other Dorset landmarks which appear under ficticious names in her books are She owned Manor Farm at Stourton Stair Hole, near Lulworth Cove, Caundle, near Sturminster Newton, and Studland, whose village policeman of visited Dorset frequently. the 1940s, Christopher Manor Farm was the Rone, inspired PC Plod in setting for the Famous the Noddy stories and Five book ‘Five on Brownsea Island, home, Finniston Farm’. In another in Enid’s day, of the book in the series ‘Five reclusive Mrs Bonham Fall into Adventure’, the Christie. Hence ‘Keepchildren take a picnic away Island’ in the book down to the sea where ‘Five have a Mystery there are rocks and to Solve.’ pools, thought to be Kimmeridge Bay, one of In recent years Blyton’s the best places for reputation has been clouded rock-pooling in Dorset. with her work re-evaluated A ‘dour grey-stone buildas unchallenging and ing’ described in the same book, is a lacking in literary merit, and by reference to Clavell Tower, built in 1831 accusations of racism, elitism and as a folly, now a holiday venue. xenophobia. Views conflict even within her own family. Her younger daughter, Corfe Castle is believed to have been Imogen, has a very different perception the inspiration behind Kirrin Castle, first to that of her elder sister, Gillian, mentioned in ‘Five on a Treasure describing her mother as "arrogant, Island”. And Blue Pool, a flooded disused insecure, pretentious, very skilled at clay pit, now part of the Furzebrook putting difficult or unpleasant things out Estate, features in ‘Five go off in a of her mind, and without a trace of Caravan’. In ‘Five go to Mystery Moor’, maternal instinct”. One contemporary the location is thought to be based on biography, ‘The real Enid Blyton’, by Stoborough Heath, between the Blue Nadia Cohen, published in 2018, Pool and Ridge. The Isle of Purbeck explores this darker side. provided background for many of her characters and settings, including The Despite this controversy, it is hard to Famous Five and Noddy. In Swanage argue with book sales of more than 600 she would stay at The Ship Inn (then million in 90 languages, with titles that the Ship Hotel), as well as the continue to sell today. Dorset Scribbler Grosvenor Hotel, and the Grand Hotel. 60
CHURCH NEWS News from the Three Valleys team Holiday: “a day on which ordinary occupations (of an individual or a community) are suspended; a day of exemption or cessation from work; a day of festivity, recreation, or amusement.” Oxford English Dictionary
Christmas is approaching fast now together with its associated holiday and I thought the season demanded more than just a rather bald definition. It seemed appropriate to look at this word ‘holiday’ and talk a bit about its origin. ‘Holiday’ is truly an English word, deriving from the Anglo-Saxon language spoken in the 6th Century. In fact, the word ‘day’ which we see in days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, etc...) as well as a stand- alone word, comes from the Old English dæg “day” (so M¯onandæg, T¯ıwesdæg, etc...). H¯aligdæg is a combination of the Old English H¯alig (meaning holy or sacred) and dæg. Thus, a holiday literally is a Holy Day. The word’s spelling transformed over the centuries and the word ‘H¯aligdæg’ ‘haliday’. And then the ‘a’ in ‘haliday’
Our Church communities was lost in favour of an ‘o’ to give us the familiar word holiday. Initially either holy day or holiday (first recorded in 1460) were used interchangeably. But still, holiday referred exclusively to special religious days. However, the definition expanded to include secular days as well, such as ‘Bank Holiday’. You might be interested to know that the name of the fish, halibut, comes again from the Middle English h¯alig (holy) and butte, meaning (flat) fish. Once it was not uncommon for people to eat halibut on a holy day and so the fish became known as halibut, the holy fish. Whatever you do this Christmas, remember that it is first and foremost a Holy Day. Happy Christmas from all the team. Rev’d Tony Gilbert Team Vicar Three Valleys Benefice
Hilfield Friary – celebrating its Centenary Franciscan brothers first arrived here in 1921 to establish a home of refuge and rehabilitation for the large number of displaced men who were then tramping the roads of rural England.
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An 1838 map names the site of today’s friary as ‘Flower’s Ground’, on farmland on the Batcombe/ Hilfield Parish boundary. In 1888, Flowers Farm was built here, around the courtyard. In 1913 George Montague, (later the ninth Earl of Sandwich) established the Little Commonwealth here; a radical community, with a Montessori school attached. Three cottages were built. In 1919 the County Council leased it for ex-soldiers. Montague, still hoping to use it altruistically, offered it to Br Giles. On 17 December 1921 Giles founded the Brotherhood of St. Francis of Assisi, to minister to homeless men.
We were once called Batcombe Friary, or the Home of St. Francis, Cerne Abbas, but in 1976 became Hilfield Friary. The Friary is now a retreat centre and welcomes people of all backgrounds and faiths, or none, from all over the world, for rest, retreat, and renewal of life. The emergency provision for ‘wayfarers’ ended in 2004, but the Friary still provides a place of acceptance and supported living for those in particular need. The Friary is not just a beautiful, peaceful oasis; the Community has 62
a concern for promoting justice and reconciliation in a troubled world, and for proclaiming a wise ecology in the face of our culture’s environmental foolishness.
In 2014, solar panels and the biomass heating system were installed. There is now a wood-chip barn and a workshop. In 2015 we bought two adjoining fields, which are now part of a ‘conservation cluster’ with neighbouring landholdings. Over a century, every decade has brought fresh challenges – may we continue to adapt and evolve. Br. Hugh
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. DECEMBER 2021
SUNDAY 5th
SUNDAY 12th
SUNDAY 19th
FRIDAY 24th
SATURDAY 25th
SUNDAY 26th
2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT
CHRISTMAS EVE
CHRISTMAS DAY
ST STEPHEN
10am CW Holy Communion
BATCOMBE BEER HACKETT
3pm Children’s Carols
10am CW Christmas Eucharist
10am CW Holy Communion
BRADFORD ABBAS
10am Holy Communion
6pm Carols
CHETNOLE HERMITAGE
4pm CW Holy Communion
10am CW Holy Communion 5pm Carols for Christmas
HILFIELD LEIGH
8.30am BCP Holy Communion
RYME INTRINSECA
6pm BCP Evensong
10am Welcome2Worship
YETMINSTER
10am CW Holy Communion
10am Second Sunday in St Andrew’s School 4.30pm Lessons and Carols
5.30pm Outside Nativity
11am CW Christmas Eucharist
11.30pm CW Midnight Mass
9.45am Christmas Family Service
7pm Carols by Candlelight
10am CW Holy Communion
6pm Carols by Candlelight 11.30pm CW Midnight Mass
10am CW Holy Communion (said)
11.30pm CW Midnight Mass
10am Christmas Family Service
3pm Carol Service
7pm CW Christmas Holy Communion
10am Christmas Family Service
10am CW Holy Communion
11.30pm CW Midnight Mass
10.00am CW Christmas Day Communion
6pm Carol Service
THORNFORD
10.15am CW Christmas Eucharist
CW= COMMON WORSHIP
BCP= BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
Extra and weekday Services Mondays
6th, 13th and 20th
6pm
Compline
YETMINSTER CHURCH and ZOOM
Wednesdays
1st, 8th, 15th
5pm
Rectory Tea Room followed by
On-line via Zoom See website for details. Please email for link.
Wednesdays
1st, 8th, 15th
6pm
Celtic Night Prayer
On-line via Zoom See website for details. Please email for link.
FRIDAY
4th December
7.30pm
Christmas Singalong
BRADFORD ABBAS CHURCH
WEDNESDAY
15th December
6pm
Carol Service
BEER HACKETT CHURCH
THURSDAY
21st December
6.30pm
Carol Service
CHETNOLE CHURCH
Services and times are correct at the time of going to press. Please continue to check website (see above) and church noticeboards.
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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.
SUNDAY JANUARY 2022
2nd
9th
16th
SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
BAPTISM OF CHRIST / FIRST SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY also PLOUGH SUNDAY
SECOND SUNDAY THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY OF EPIPHANY
10am CW Holy Communion
BATCOMBE
23rd
10am CW Holy Communion
BRADFORD ABBAS
10am CW Holy Communion
CHETNOLE
10am CW Holy Communion
10am Welcome2Worship
10am CW Holy Communion 8.30am BCP Holy Communion
6.00pm CW Evening Prayer
10am CW Holy Communion
8.30am BCP 6pm BCP Holy Communion Evensong
10am CW Holy Communion
THORNFORD
8.30am BCP Holy Communion
10am CW Holy Communion
YETMINSTER
10am CW Holy Communion
HERMITAGE
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY also CANDLEMAS
10am CW Holy Communion
10am CW Holy Communion
BEER HACKETT
30th
HILFIELD LEIGH
10am Community Spirit
RYME INTRINSECA
10am Second Sunday at St Andrew’s School
CW= COMMON WORSHIP
5pm BCP Evensong for Candlemas
10am CW Choral Holy Communion
BCP= BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
Extra and weekday Services Thursday
6th January
4pm
EPIPHANY
CW Holy Communion followed by house blessings (as requested)
Monday
Every except 3rd January
6pm
Compline
Yetminster Church and on-line via Zoom
Wednesday
Every except 5th January
5pm
Rectory Tea Room followed by
On-line via Zoom See website for details. Please email for link.
Wednesday
Every except 5th January
6pm
Celtic Night Prayer
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.
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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 Rectory Church St, Yetminster DT9 6QE
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
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECEMBER 2021 BATCOMBE P/HOU/2021/04527 04/11/21
New Inn Bakers Moor Lane – Erect garage (demolish outbuilding). No Decision.
P/FUL/2021/02042 28/09/21 REDFORD FARM JUNCTION REDFORD TO MARTINSFIELD MELBURY BUBB – Erect replacement outbuilding for storage and vehicle parking, (demolish existing). No Decision. P/FUL/2021/02043 28/09/21 REDFORD FARM JUNCTION REDFORD TO MARTINSFIELD MELBURY BUBB – Demolition of existing outbuilding and erect 1 No. replacement building. Carry out all internal and external alterations in association to this. No Decision. CHETNOLE 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 1 FORD COURT, CHETNOLE – Installation of buttresses to support wall from leaning further. No Decision. HILFIELD P/FUL/2021/00318 02/02/21 THREE GATES FARM – Demolition of existing building & erection of 3no. dwellings. Granted 4 Nov 21. LEIGH 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 alterations 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. P/PAAC/2021/03731 30/09/21 ILES FARM SHERBORNE ROAD – Change of use and conversion of agricultural building to 1 No. dwelling (Class C3). No Decision. P/HOU/2021/02237 22/06/21 ROSENDALE, CHETNOLE ROAD – Erect Single Storey Extension. Granted 25 Oct 21. P/FUL/2021/01677 14/05/21 WHITEHALL FARM, SOUTH STREET – Change of use from 2 No. agricultural barns to commercial use (Class B8), one for engineering and one for furniture restoration. 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 P/NMA/2021/03982 12/10/21 SCHOOL COTTAGE, RYME ROAD – Non material amendment application against planning permission WD/D/19/002898 to allow adjustment of window sizes on west elevation. Granted 27 Oct 21.
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECEMBER 2021 YETMINSTER P/HOUA/2021/041320 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. No Decision. P/NMA/2021/03900 07/10/21 SPRINGFIELD BRISTER END – Non-material amendment to Planning Permission No. WD/D/20/002933 to change horizontal weatherboarding to vertical weatherboarding and to seek approval of external materials. No Decision. P/HOU/2021/03781 04/10/21 15 BUCKLERS MEAD – Erect single storey rear kitchen extension and refurbishment works. No Decision. P/HOU/2021/03781 04/10/21 BROOKFIELDS CUCKOO HILL – Erect replacement agricultural barn to provide housing for animals.. No Decision. P/CLE/2021/02695 26/07/21 HAMLET STABLES HAMLET HOUSE YETMINSTER ROAD – Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness to use Hamlet Stables as a single dwelling house in breach of Condition No. 2 of Planning Permission No. 1/N/88/0414. No Decision. 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. P/HOU/2021/02142 16/06/21 ROCK HOUSE QUEEN STREET – Erection of lean-to glasshouse (demolition of existing conservatory). No Decision. P/HOU/2021/02143 16/06/21 ROCK HOUSE QUEEN STREET – Carry out alterations for the erection of lean-to glasshouse (demolition of existing conservatory). No Decision. P/LBC/2021/01912 01/06/21 MINSTER HOUSE & OAK HOUSE HIGH STREET – Removal of existing slates over main roof and rear wings (excluding northern most section to eastern wing), re-felting and battening and recovering with natural slate. Cladding the existing painted concrete block flat roofed extension with larch and insertion of new door and windows. 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/20/002134
19/11/20 FIELD KNOWN AS HIRAITH EAST OF, CUCKOO HILL – Agricultural private way, hardstanding and store (Retrospective). 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 30th November, the next meeting will take place on the 11th January 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 12.11.21
Graham Plaice 67
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
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Regular Meetings, Events & Activities Name Every Mon Table Tennis Cummunifit Sit & Strengthen 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 Every Thur Tai Chi Advanced Pilates Yetminster Short Mat Bowls Leigh Rainbows (5–7yrs) Leigh Brownies (7–10yrs) Guides Dance Fit Wriggle Valley Voices Every Fri Table Tennis Croquet Club (May – Oct) Croquet Every Sun Second Sunday Informal worship Chetnole Chuckers Pétanque Club
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Time 9.30–1.00pm 11am–12 noon 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 Leigh Village Hall Scout Hut, 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
Leigh Discussion Club (wint)
7.30–10.30pm
Leigh Village Hall
Yetminster Film Night
7.00pm
Jubilee Hall
st
2 Tues nd
Wriggle Valley MU (alt months) 7pm
Church Hall, Yetminster
Yetminster & Ryme Garden Soc. 7.30pm
Yetminster Jubilee Hall
Senior Winter Lunch Outings
Sue Footner 873610
7.30pm
(not July/Aug) Halstock & Distr. British Legion
3 Tues rd
Wriggle Valley Lunch Club
Leigh Village Hall
Leigh Parish Council – alt mnths 7.30pm
Leigh Village Hall
7.30pm
venue tbc
7.30–11pm
Leigh Village Hall
7pm
The White Hart, Yetminster
Pub Quiz 1 Wed
12.15–3pm
Wriggle Valley Women's Group Last Tues 7.30pm st
Sheaf of Arrows
Coffee ‘n’ Cakes
10–11.30am
Yetminster Jubilee Hall
Batcombe Coffee Morning
11am
tba
[not Aug & Dec]
Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca PC 7.30pm
St. Andrew’s Primary School
2 Wed
Yetminster Historical Society
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
nd
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 2021 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
73
Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4FW
74
WVM ADVERTISERS’ REGISTER DECEMBER 2021 ART & ANTIQUES Old School Gallery
71
Burrow Water Treatment Plants 53
BED & BREAKFAST Chetnole Inn
18
Hound House
70
CARE HOMES Old Vicarage Care Home, Leigh
GARDEN & OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE
BACK PAGE
CARS, VANS & MOTORCYCLES, HIRING & SERVICING
Frost & Butler, Master Thatchers 43 P. Houchen Dry Stone Walling
30
KDS Garden Machinery Repair
53
Chedington Compost
52
The Log Man Family
19
M&S Welding
42
Brotherwood
44
Paul Hambidge Contracting
20
Express Equipment Centre
20
Perrett Fencing
51
N.S Autos
42
Pestwright & Mole Catcher
17
West Country Cars
17
Rampisham Timber Services
44
SCR Tree Care
17
Tree Surgery (Westree)
18
Wriggle Valley Fencing
43
CHIMNEY SWEEPS Alexander the Grate
71
A Clean Sweep, Roger Dodd
53
i Sweep, & video inspections
17
Steve White Chimney Sweep
19
COMPUTERS, MARKETING & IT DMDH Computers
68
PDC Computing
29
EDUCATION Barn Owls Nursery
19
Lower Covey Montessori Nursery 19
EVENT VENUES Chetnole Village Hall
44
Leigh Village Hall
43
Yetminster Jubilee Hall
68
Will’s Walls, Dry Stone Walling 28
HEALTH & WELL BEING
Pearce Energy Heating Oil
71
TS Boiler Services
51
Spearbuild
18
TGas Plumbing & Heating
29
B.A Wallbridge
29
Westcountry Electrics
27
Sherborne Joinery
17
Sibley Property Maintenance
43
HOME, OFFICE & INTERIORS KC Decorators
52
Michael Sturmey Carpets
28
SBF Curtains & Blinds
51
Wayne Timmins Painter & Decorator 51 CM Furniture
LEGAL SERVICES Porter Dodson Solicitors
70
Professional Will Writer
71
Robert Frith Optometrists
30
PETS & LIVESTOCK
Tania Geere Chiropodist
28
Dog Grooming & Stripping
Therapy Barn Mandie Holloway 69
PHOTOGRAPHY
Yetminster Health Centre
Chetnole Drone Photography
53
44
POST OFFICES
Lendology CIC
30
Chetnole Village Hall (Wed am only) 44
AD Renovations
20
Yetminster
J Bennett Joinery
42
PRINTERS
Ian Crossland Property Maint.
68
Remous, Milborne Port
Stuart Goodier Boiler Servicing 68
PROPERTY & HOLIDAY LETS
5 Star Bars & Catering
28
M Harris
Mallows Cottage, Yetminster
On the Boyle Café
71
Steve Jones, Carpentry & Joinery 19
PUBLIC HOUSES & FOOD
Spar Stores & PO Yetminster
52
Knott Roofing
52
Chetnole Inn
Lawrence Electricals
28
SPORT & LEISURE
70
69
Steve Mumford General Builder 68
Barfoots’ Bouncers
Grassby Funeral Services
69
Neal Electrical Services
20
TRAVEL
AJ Wakely & Sons
69
JJP Plumbing
42
Heart Of Wessex Railway
Brister & Son
70
HOME – BUILD & MAINTENANCE
FOOD, DRINK & CATERING
FUNERAL SERVICES
18
52
74
70
18
19
43
75