Batcombe

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

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

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.’ • 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 3rd No. 7 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