February 2021 No.332 by Wriggle Valley Magazine

WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE No 332 February 2021

In this issue: The Wriggle Valley celebrates Christmas outdoors Christina Rossetti poetry special Time for tree – planet-saving planting plans

CONTENTS EDITORIAL 5 Christmas windows p16-17

Pointing the finger in Leigh p29

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES

Batcombe 8 Beer Hackett 10 Chetnole 12 Hermitage 21 Leigh 23 Ryme Intrinseca 35 Yetminster 37

CLUB NEWS Church renovations in Yetminster p39

POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS 52 OTHER NEWS

OUR CHURCH COMMUNITIES 62 PLANNING 66

Cheer yourself up and settle down with a funny book p57

REGULAR EVENTS

ADVERTISERS’ REGISTER

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

WVM

32 years

99% of our readers find this magazine appealing. So this is an appeal. Our recent research revealed a very involved and loyal readership. You find WVM a rewarding community magazine and very handy when you want to contact one of the many local traders who advertise in it. And that brings us to the point of this page. Thanks to careful management and loyal advertisers, WVM has always been free, as advertising revenue pays for all the printing and production. Not surprisingly, the pandemic has impacted on many of the companies and sole traders who support us. And in some cases, they are in no position to renew their advertising for 2021. While we have a small reserve to fall back on, in the year to come, for the first time since we started in 1988, we will not generate sufficient ad revenue to cover costs. That’s why we’re making this exceptional one-off appeal for voluntary contributions. What’s a copy of the WVM worth to you? 20p? 50p? A pound? That’s Two, Five or Ten pounds for a whole year’s WVM. Whatever you can afford, the WVM volunteers will be hugely grateful that you will help them keep your WVM going. Cut out this form and send to Graham Plaice, Chairman, WVM, 1, Cloverhay, Yetminster, Dorset, DT9 6LB or hand to your Village Rep. I have passed my contribution of £.......... to my village rep I enclose a cheque for £......... payable to Wriggle Valley Magazine I am making my payment via BACS to Wriggle Valley Magazine Account Number 68951612 Sort Code 60 19 12 Ref. WVM Appeal Name Address

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WRIGGLE VALLEY MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2021

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

Frosty robin

Photo: Sarah Knowles

Having gladly seen the back of 2020, it’s not the start to 2021 that anyone would have wished for, as another national lockdown holds us in its grip. But, as we are told, there is a glimmer of hope with the continued roll out of the vaccines and Wriggle Valley community members are getting their jabs as promised. There are strong threads of strength and optimism in this issue of your magazine. The Christmas spirit was undimmed, with many villagers braving freezing temperatures and sudden deluges to celebrate and sing carols outside. There were spectacular Advent window displays and houses and gardens dazzled with light from early December. There was also, as Julie Simpson says, ‘an abundance of generosity,’ with special Christmas box deliveries, food bank collections, and philanthropic donations. With plans for summer fetes and the restarting of club activities, for planting trees on a grand scale, and the restoration of buildings and signposts, the Wriggle Valley is taking a positive view and gearing up for a much better year to come.

Kathryn Edwards Editor 5

POETRY PAGE SPECIAL We had planned to run Rossetti’s ‘A Pageant’ through 2021, with her paean to the twelve months of the year appearing in the relevant issue of WVM. But then John Bingham of Beer Hackett suggested Rossetti’s ‘New Year’ as being particularly appropriate for this issue.

Christina Rossetti Which presented a dilemma, given we had already set up for ‘A Pageant’. Which to include? We decided on both. ‘New Year’ was published in 1856, when Rossetti was 26. It appears, providentially, to reference the year that has passed and our hopes for the year to come.

New Year New Year met me somewhat sad: Old Year leaves me tired, Stripped of favourite things I had, Baulked of much desired: yet farther on my road to-day, God willing, farther on my way. New Year coming on apace, What have you to give me? Bring you scathe or bring you grace, Face me with an honest face, You shall not deceive me: Be it good or ill, be it what you will, It needs shall help me on my road, My rugged way to heaven, please God.

Rossetti’s ‘A Pageant and other poems’ was first published in 1881, by which time she was considered one of the most important women poets of the age. Pageant - ‘a public entertainment or performance of a historical scene’ included a cast of ‘personifications’ (the months) which were to be played by Boys and Girls. There were also detailed stage directions indicating actions, but as our emphasis is on verse, we include only those necessary 6

to follow proceedings. This month has the text for January and February. Each WVM, from March to the Dec/Jan issue, will feature the verse Rossetti wrote for that month. Right: The First Edition of ‘A Pageant..’ 1881

January: (seated by the fire) Cold the day and cold the drifted snow, Dim the day until the cold dark night. Crackle, sparkle, fagot; embers glow: Some one may be plodding through the snow; Longing for a light, For the light that you and I can show. If no one else should come, Here Robin Redbreast's welcome to a crumb, And never troublesome: Robin, why don't you come and fetch your crumb? Here's butter for my hunch of bread, And sugar for your crumb; Here's room upon the hearthrug, If you'll only come. In your scarlet waistcoat, With your keen bright eye Where are you loitering? Wings were made to fly! Make haste to breakfast, Come and fetch your crumb, For I'm as glad to see you As you are glad to come. When a knock is heard, January opens the door to February, who appears with a bunch of snowdrops in her hand .... January: Good-morrow, sister. February: Brother, joy to you! I've brought some snowdrops; only just a few, But quite enough to prove the world awake Cheerful and hopeful in the frosty dew And for the pale sun's sake.

She hands a few of her snowdrops to January, who retires into the background. A soft bleating is heard outside. February opens the door, and sees one foremost lamb, with other sheep and lambs bleating, crowding towards her.. February: O you, you little wonder, come - come in, You wonderful, you woolly soft white lamb: You panting mother ewe, come too, And lead that tottering twin Safe in: Bring all your bleating kith and kin Except the horny ram. The lambkin tottering in its walk With just a fleece to wear The snowdrop drooping on its stalk So slender - snowdrop and lamb, a pretty pair, Braving the cold for our delight, Both white, Both tender. How the doors rattle, and the branches sway! Here's brother March comes whirling on his way With winds that eddy and sing. She turns the handle of the door, which bursts open, disclosing March, both hands full of violets and anemones February: Come, show me what you bring For I have said my say, fulfilled my day And must away. To be continued.... 7

BATCOMBE

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

Photo: J Gibbs

2021 dawns over Batcombe, bringing light with a hint of foreboding

Batcombe Church The work in assessing the damage to the nave roof of the church and the cost of repairing it continued over the weeks leading up to Christmas. Fortunately, the various appraisals have now been completed and we were able to have the scaffolding removed in mid-December. We will shortly be moving into the fundraising phase prior to the repair project itself, which is likely to take place in 2022.

had two fabulous soloists who raised their beautiful voices up to the rafters, thank Photo: J Gibbs you Issy Hodge and Jasper McWatt.

Carol service Susie Graham writes: It was a very different carol service in our simply, traditionally decorated church last Christmas; for a start we were unable to sing carols! Secondly, we were limited with the number of people we could safely accommodate. Despite this we did have music, wonderfully performed by Lucy Hodge and her children. We also 8

Carol soloists

The rest of the children read the Nine Lessons incredibly well and Tony Gilbert led the service for us. A huge thank you to Kerry Straughan who each year coordinates this happy service for us. The service inside the church was followed by carols, mince pies and mulled wine all safely sung, eaten and drunk around several fire pits in a very cold church yard. The spirit of Christmas certainly visited us and is a reminder of the importance of this ancient building. Although our church is situated at the edge of our village it is still, after almost one thousand years, the centre of our community.

Rather wonky church sign

The Batcombe church lottery prizewinners were: November 2020 1st

No 53

Paddy O’Riordan

No 6

Archie Cameron

3rd

No 7

Alfie Isles

December 2020 1st

No 9

Sholto Isles

2nd

No 57

Louisa Macpherson

3rd

No 5

Isla Cameron

January 2021 1st

No 41

Will Shelford

No 18

Thomas Straughan

No 51

Marion Fudge

Carol service

Church sign Our sign to Mary Magdalene Church at the junction of Stile Way with Haydon Lane has befallen a nasty accident resulting from icy road conditions. We wondered whether anyone locally may have the skills and time to repair the sign so that we can reinstall it in its former glory. If so, please get in touch with Johnny Gibbs.

Thought from the Rise of the Wriggle “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.” Ronald Reagan

Johnny Gibbs 9

BEER HACKETT

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

Photo: John Parker

News from St. Michael’s Church Outdoor Carol Service Being prevented by Covid regulations from singing in church and reluctant to forgo our annual Christmas carol service, we decided to hold our service outside in the church grounds. Our neighbour families Keene, Whitman and Johnsen kindly provided hot welcoming braziers and John Derrick loaned us a small guitar amplifier with microphone which we used to amplify the bible readings. The heavy rain on the morning of 16 December gave way to a clear afternoon and a short heavy rain shower just after the service began at 6pm didn’t dampen our spirits. Richard Mentern’s enthusiastic organ playing carried successfully outside and Rev. Tony Gilbert led a welcoming and enjoyable service which everyone appreciated, to put us into the spirit of Christmas. It was even suggested we should hold the service outside every year! We thank Folk South West for joining us again this year and for singing two anthems – Blissful Theme and Shepherds Rejoice. 10

Church Opening We plan to continue opening the church for private prayer and reflection on Wednesdays and Sundays between 10:00 and 16:00 as long as the lockdown regulations permit this. For information on future services when permitted, please keep up to date on the Three Valleys website www. threevalleysteam.org John Bingham

Friends of St. Michael’s Notice of AGM: 20 February 2021 Despite 2020 having been a washout as regards activities, “Friends” is still alive and kicking and we look forward to easier times later in the year post-vaccination roll-out! For now, the Trustees are pleased to announce that the rescheduled first AGM of Friends will now take place via a Zoom meeting on 20 February 2021 at 6.00pm. An invitation to participate in the meeting will be circulated by email to members during the next two weeks. The invitation will include the agenda and voting instructions. The meeting will also be open to nonmembers provided that they register their e-mail addresses with Olive Davison, Hon Secretary of Friends (email address: firemoon2015@hotmail.com) by 15 February 2021. The Trustees look forward to seeing you on the 20th.

of a nasty parasite called neospora. Neospora Caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes disease primarily in cattle, potentially causing abortions, stillborns and weak calves. Cattle can become infected by ingesting oocysts (the early egg stage of the parasite) from contaminated pasture and feed. The oocysts originate from dog faeces and can survive for a long time in the environment. Dogs can become infected when they ingest meat/tissue containing the parasite and feeding raw meat to dogs can be a common source of infection. The parasite eggs are then shed in the dog’s faeces for two to three weeks. There is no treatment for neospora in cattle so if they tested positive, they may continue to abort or pass the disease on to their offspring – with culling from the herd advised if the cattle are to be used for breeding. The public’s role in reducing the spread of neospora is: • always carry dog poo bags with you on walks so you can pick up your dog’s waste promptly • place dog faeces in allocated bins or take it home • spread the word, not the neospora, on why it is important to pick up after YOUR dog(s) PLEASE

Why you should pick it up (this extract is produced by kind permission of Jenny Gibson MRCVS of Kingston Vets, Sherborne) Picking up after your dog not only prevents smelly surprises on your walk but is also crucially important in reducing the spread 11

CHETNOLE with

Hamlet, Melbury Bubb & Stockwood

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

Advent window in Chetnole

Happy New Year to you all and here’s some much-needed happy news to cheer you all up. We send congratulations to Tom and Jade Lloyd of Old Barn Cottage on the safe arrival of their lovely new baby Penelope Grace on the 28 December at 1.12pm, weighing 8lb 11.5 oz. The couple would like to thank St Peter’s church for their lovely card and for any well wishes that have been sent their way. We would like to wish the new family lots of happiness. 12

However, sadly, Chetnole lost a much-loved and longstanding resident on the 14 January 2021 when Sylvia Frampton, who had lived at The Nook for many years with her late husband Doug, passed away at her Bridport nursing home. We send our love and condolences to David, Beverley and all the family. During the Christmas period you won’t have been able to miss the 24 Chetnole Community Advent Calendar windows glowing in the dark throughout the village. Brilliantly organised by Aly Kozowyk, each night from 1 December Chetnole gradually became its very own festive nightlight as another window displayed its occupants’ creation – some biblical, some sentimental, some

comical or a mixture. It certainly lifted our somewhat deflated spirits during this stressful time. Well done Aly and please can we do it again next year? More pics on p.16 and 17.

St Peter’s Church Chetnole church will remain open on Wednesdays and Sundays, with book exchange and foodbank as usual. However, the door will be closed, as it is still cold and blustery. Hand sanitiser is provided. The smart new bench opposite the church has been provided by the parish council and set up by David Orton. Aly Kozowyk

Yeovil Yompers for Save the Children The Yeovil Yompers for Save the Children raised £524.80 from yomping locally and along the Jurassic coast; we exceeded our target of 97 miles. The money raised makes up for the postponement of The Greasy Spoon Café, which we hope to hold again in the future. Thank you to everyone who supported the walk and donated so generously. Whilst beside the seaside, I did some drawing, making paintings in the following week. These will be for sale with all proceeds to STC at Dorset Art Weeks (22 May – 6 June) at Chetnole Mill. Bee Grant Peterkin

Vaccine reaches Chetnole

Keep safe in February and I hope you all get your vaccinations very soon! Liz Tebbatt

On behalf of all the Chetnole Senior Citizens who received the Covid-19 vaccination in Sherborne (via Yetminster Health Centre) in January, I would like to congratulate all the medical staff and volunteers involved for their superb organisation at the Digby Hall. The 13

whole procedure – parking, registration, vaccination, resting and leaving the site, was efficient, friendly and seamless, including being given an appointment for the second jab in a few weeks’ time. Well done, everyone involved. It makes you proud to be British! Gordon Ratcliffe

Chetnole fuel group If you would like to order some domestic heating oil, please call John Sanford on 01935 872973 at least five working days before the next delivery date which is 26 February.

Tim-berrr … splash …

Well done to the Environment Agency for its prompt action in dealing with a large tree trunk washed down the river Wriggle. It had become lodged under the bridge in Neals Lane during the recent heavy rain. The tree had to be cut into sections to remove it from the river.

Chetnole Flower Show & Fete Thank you to everyone who helped us last year. We are delighted to have made donations totaling £1500 to: Chetnole Village Hall; Friends of St Peters; Leigh Brownies; Guides; Scouts; Wriggle Valley Cricket Club; Abbey FM; Gryphon School D of E Group. 14

This was raised through the sale of over 1000 prize draw tickets, support from our sponsor Stockwood Lettings, and the generous (and often anonymous) donations from our community. We’re looking forward to holding our 74th Annual Chetnole Flower Show & Fete on Saturday 7 August 2021. Please add it to your diary.

Happy New Year and thank you for continuing to support Artsreach. Whilst we still find ourselves in challenging times, there’s plenty to look forward to this year. We are busy talking to artists, performers and volunteer promoters and starting to plan an exciting summer season of activities for our rural communities – watch this space! Thanks also to those of you who supported our digital Christmas season of events – if you have only just discovered Artsreach, you can find out more about us and the work we do in Dorset through our short film – link https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=sAke7n_9g8c&feature=youtu.be

For now, we will endeavour to keep you connected with culture by sharing as many creative, alternative and online events as we can. Located on the home page of our website, our Digital Diary includes all the latest news and releases from some of our much-loved touring performers. Find out more about digital concerts, podcasts, audio adventures and more, all of which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home until we can welcome these performers back to Dorset. Here you’ll find just a few highlights to help keep you entertained over the coming weeks. https:// artsreach.co.uk/news/digital-diary

Chetnole and Stockwood Parish Council Update The Parish Council is meeting via Zoom at the moment due to the current COVID restrictions. Members of the public can attend the Zoom meeting by following instructions on the PC website. If you are interested, email clerk@ chetnoleandstockwood-pc.gov.uk, and Sue Woodward will give you an access code to click into the meeting. The main agenda item was the precept for the coming year. In view of the current state of the finances, and taking into account foreseeable expenditure for the coming year, we agreed to keep the precept at the current level. This means it stays at the Band D Equivalent parish rate of £53.44, or £1.03 per week. Dorset CC have banned dogs from their playing fields, but as we own our playing field we are not bound by this rule. It was agreed that we will continue to allow dogs to be exercised on the playing field and trust owners to act responsibly by placing all dog mess in the bins provided.

The hedge on the Stockwood road has been trimmed but still does not allow two vehicles to pass without one or other pulling into a driveway. We will approach those responsible and determine if the hedge can be cut back to allow free passage for passing vehicles. The PC has recently paid for new pads for the defibrillator kept at the entrance to the Parish Hall. There will be a continual need for maintenance, and it was agreed at the meeting that a member of the PC will take on the task of checking and testing the machine, with the PC now taking responsibility for its servicing and general upkeep. The problem of flooding in the village is well known and, having seen some of the work that has been undertaken in Leigh to regulate the flow of the river through the village, we have enlisted the help and advice of a Resource Protection Adviser from the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West (FWAG). Angelique McBride and I spent a very wet Tuesday recently walking the upper reaches of the tributaries into the Wriggle, and the Wriggle itself, looking for sites to develop structures to slow down the flow of the main river through Chetnole and beyond. Fortunately, as it was very wet, this enabled Angelique to get a clear idea of the direction, flow and strength of the various parts of the Wriggle system. She will be producing an initial plan for discussion later in January, early February, which we will make available in due course. The next PC meeting is on Wednesday 10 March 2021 at 19.30. Instructions for joining the Zoom meeting will be on the PC website. Owen Pope

Chetnole Community Ad

dvert Calendar Windows

HERMITAGE

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

Covid Support

Christmas Spirit!

Hermitage Community Group was set up during the first lockdown in 2020 to help those residents of Hermitage and Hilfield who are over 70, or vulnerable or shielding, by doing grocery shopping and prescription collections. This group continues to offer assistance and if you need something, please contact George Grazebrook on 01963 210253 and he will make arrangements with one of Sara Beels’ group of volunteers. The church is still open on Sundays and Wednesdays but all services in the benefice are suspended until further notice, due to the current lockdown. The village hall is also currently closed.

Two of the youngest residents of Hermitage put in a of preparation and legwork to deliver little boxes of Christmas goodies around the village. The village WhatsApp group was used to invite people to nominate a person or household who they felt would appreciate and enjoy a bit of cheer, delivered in a Covid-safe way on the festive cart, complete with decorations, lights and music! Well done Penny and Rosie! 21

Big Garden Birdwatch If you live in Hermitage and managed to capture some good photos of bird life during December and January, please send them to Tom so that the best can be shared in the March issue of WVM. Tom Beels

Blue Tit

Robin

Photo: Faith Bellamy

Green Woodpecker

Walk on the wild side

Greenfinch

Wild boar have been spotted again in the fields around Hermitage. If you are out walking and spot them, give them a wide berth, particularly if you are walking with a dog. Dave Whiteoak

LEIGH

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

Sunny Christmas Eve

In this time of terrible news dominated by the seemingly relentless march of COVID, it is worth reminding ourselves of some of the good things that continue and of the people who make them happen. We are thankful for our food, not just to the farmers but the people who work in the supermarkets and food shops. Locally there are the people who set our village market on Wednesday lunchtimes. They all seem to be key workers, and deserve our thanks and respect. Don’t forget that the Leigh Life Line is still in operation on 07942 646052, and the church still opens daily as a haven of quiet, as well as hosting a village emergency box.

Photo: Sarah Knowles

While sticking closely to government rules, we should continue to try and help each other in whatever ways we can, and remember how lonely and frightened people can be. Let’s hope that the vaccination programme flourishes. Stay safe! Philippa Toulson and Eddie Upton

St Andrew’s Church, Leigh We were uncertain as to what worship might be possible under Covid-19 restrictions but mercifully we found a way of gathering safely in Advent. First, for a service of Holy Communion taken by George Moody on 6 December and then, subsequently, two services with the limit of six people on the 13th. 23

Philippa’s Carol Service in the afternoon of 20 December attracted 50 folk. Spread out around the churchyard were “stage” productions of music, readings and playlets at different stands that told the Nativity story. Everyone brought their own mulled wine and mince pies and we conversed joyfully….at a distance.

Photo: Patrick Reason

Sadly, fewer were tempted to come to either the Christmas Eve Mass or for Christmas Day’s morning communion which our long suffering Tony Durkin conducted but, at least for those few, greetings were exchanged to maintain the long-standing tradition of being at church on Christmas Day. On this occasion, Tony blessed our beautiful new oak gates and offered prayers that they will remain undamaged for many years to come and that the design will keep the water out of their joints. Thank you, Mark Chutter, for your team’s superb craftsmanship.

Lastly, we held a small celebration to mark the passing of 2020 in the churchyard, gathered around a small bonfire to consume all the worst of the old year and its worries, and pray for better things to come. By the time this report reaches your doormats, January will best be forgotten as no services have been possible under the stricter restrictions. We hope and pray that we will have something more cheerful to report for March. The church remains open for prayer daily between 10.00am and 2.00pm. Alaistair Cumming and Eddie Upton Churchwardens

Wriggle Valley Lunch Club Connie Wallis has run the popular Wriggle Valley Lunch Club for the past 11 years at Leigh Village Hall but has decided she cannot do it any longer. Judy Tuke has also been bearing much of the work in recent times but cannot continue either. This is very understandable but a great shame for those who have attended each month. For some local residents (mostly from Leigh and Chetnole) who live alone it was a welcome opportunity to chat to other people over a home-cooked meal. We also had a regular group from The Old Vicarage joining us and there were usually between 25-35 people enjoying the occasion. My sincere thanks to Connie who has done a wonderful job for which I, and many other frequent attendees, will always be grateful and remember fondly. She worked tirelessly and achieved a 5-star hygiene food rating for the Village Hall kitchen, which has done much to help the promotion of the hall as an events venue. Thank you also

to Judy Tuke, Sandy Burton and all the volunteers who have helped to make the Lunch Club such a success. I would very much like to ask for volunteers to take over the running of the Wriggle Valley Lunch Club. Duncan Moore duncancmoore@aol.com 01963 210154

Leigh Parish Council update As many will be aware, Longbridge Drove has for some while been closed to motorised traffic due to the damage that off-roaders and the like have caused. Nonetheless, some drivers still attempt to use it; during the early hours in late November a vehicle smashed through the fence adjacent to the gate at the Batcombe Road end and further damaged what is a designated 300m SNCI: Site of Nature Conservation Interest. A byway in Yetminster was similarly abused. The police responded rapidly to a 999 call and, as the licence plate had been noted, a ‘S59 Notice’ was served on the owner/driver. This warns that if the driver engages in similar anti-social driving in any vehicle in the next 12 months, then police can seize that vehicle from them. Thank you to all involved in what hopefully will be a deterrent. Longbridge Drove is, unfortunately, classified as a BOAT: Byway Open to all Traffic. Some years ago the parish attempted to have it downgraded, but this was defeated in court. Dorset Council will no doubt therefore one day have to make repairs; it is considering how the SNCI might be protected, while opening up a track across it that keeps vehicles to a prepared surface. Thank you to all of those who once

again responded to Paul Orchard’s annual call for volunteers in January to remove the accumulated litter from our verges. As I write, indications are that the large amount of annual detritus due to the ‘serial bottle chucker’ that we (and Batcombe) have previously suffered from has abated. Whether this is down to an individual amending their behaviour, or a move away from our immediate area, I do not know. But either way, thank you to anyone involved in helping to achieve this result. Our villages are much the better for it. You may have noticed that late in December, the signpost at Totnell suddenly sprouted three beautifully restored fingers. Several residents

kindly responded to the call for funds in the last WVM to support this work, and it is marvellous to see this post now refurbished. Graham Fudge and his team continue to progress work on the dilapidated posts at the village cross and by Club Corner cottages – a further thank you to his team, and to all subscribers to the cause to date. Further funding is sought; if you would also like to contribute, please contact Graham Fudge (grahamfudge51@gmail.com). The recent cold snap highlighted once again the lack of associated treatment on our local roads; around the New Year we had at least three significant accidents within the parish on account of this. The parish council has again written to the CEO of Dorset Council, drawing attention to the fact that much through traffic uses the narrow Stockwood-Chetnole-Leigh-Leweston route, and that there are no pavements within these villages. We are working with adjacent parish councils to see if we can have this route again scheduled for gritting, as it always used to be until about six years ago. Leigh Parish Council consists of up to seven unpaid Councillors, who are subject to re-election every four years, the last being May 2019. Resignations occurring between the main election dates create casual vacancies. Councillor Graham Bugler, who has been a councillor since 1999 (and served as chairman for four years), has understandably decided it is now time to step down. A casual vacancy has therefore now occurred. Anyone interested in filling this vacancy should contact the Parish Clerk on leigh@ dorset-aptc.gov.uk for more information. Alan Bennett arcbennett@hotmail.co.uk 26

Photo: Faith Bellamy

Time for tree You may well have seen an item on TV’s Countryfile a few weeks ago about planting trees to counter climate change. I hope many of you think, as I do, that it’s a good idea, and that we should do something about it. It may not be much in the grand scheme of things but we should try – for our sakes and our children. So here is the deal: The LVH Committee have agreed that the ‘profit’ from the Village Lottery which is set aside for the maintenance of the Hall will be available to buy and plant trees. We normally collect approx. £2,000 per annum, half of which goes in prizes and half to the Hall. So now, half your Lottery ticket will go towards a tree or trees and we’ll attempt to buy and plant for two years, giving us a budget of £2000. We could possibly plant 1000 saplings, but I fear that this is too many to protect and nurture until they are mature.

Why not therefore go for a young tree which will still need our nursing. On top of the cost of the trees we will need posts, ties and plastic guards to protect them from rabbits and more especially deer. We should target 250 trees this year and a similar amount in 2022. So where do we plant? I’m sure that those with large gardens could use the length of your hedges, those with a small field that is ‘unproductive’ might consider a small cider apple orchard. The idea of a village cider press is not new, or a copse of mixed trees. The farming world has miles of hedges which were once full of elm trees and their symbiotic rooks! It would be difficult to cut into the hedge line to plant a tree but not impossible.

and volunteers. The Parish Council’s tree representative, Annabel Ward, and I are happy to join forces to get planting. Finally, it would be so good if we were to name each tree after a loved one or someone from Leigh who had contributed to our village life. Your thoughts and support would be very welcome. It will be an interesting project, one that we should embrace and complete. Julian Turnbull

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DECEMBER WINNERS.

Any young trees in the bare fields are at the mercy of cattle, sheep and deer, so the hedge is the only safe environment apart from the farmer’s hedge cutting. The cost to you is still £1 per month. Your lottery collector will contact you this month. It would be useful if you could indicate whether you want a tree, or trees, whether you are willing to join a team of planters or even if you would like to contribute to the project as well as your ticket. You will have read in the magazine’s December issue that the Parish Council is planning to plant around the Village Green and have asked for sponsorship

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

Winners for the December draw:

1st Ball 2nd Ball 3rd Ball 4th Ball 5th Ball

No No No No No

67 65 53 6 25

Mr & Mrs Tacon £100 Tim Holde £80 Mrs Hinton £50 Mrs Vickery £30 Richard Taylor £20

AND TO OUR JANUARY WINNERS. Winners for the January draw: 1st Ball 2nd Ball 3rd Ball 4th Ball

No No No No

73 49 25 77

Joe Barlow Poole £40 Michael Morrell £20 Richard Taylor £10 Alan Winding £5

Leigh Village Lottery Please note that the Lottery Collectors will be calling over the weekend of 12–14 February to collect your subscriptions. Due to the Covid rules and restrictions it would be of great assistance if each household had their monies ready in say, an envelope. It is only £12. Collectors will have a prepared receipt so there will only be an exchange of paper. In addition – if you have read the article on trees and are willing to volunteer, want to order a tree(s) or are prepared to add a donation, please let us know through your envelope. Telephone Julian Turnbull 01935 873846 or Alaistair Cumming 01935 872401

and soap, fresh produce from a greengrocer; for cleaning, use refills, less cleaning products and alternatives such a white vinegar or borax. In the garden, we plant trees and shrubs, collect rainwater, re-use water, limit hose pipe use and make compost; grow flowers and foliage for bees, butterflies and insects, and fruit and veg for us; cut the grass less and let the lawn flowers grow. I don’t use insecticides or herbicides.

Making a Difference A new group has recently formed in Leigh. Our purpose is to support the Dorset Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and help it become a reality on the ground. Our interests include: gardening with wildlife in mind; self-sufficiency; birds; plastic reduction; sustainable agriculture and campaigning. We want to network with other people to reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate climate change. There are lots of little things that we can do that make a difference, many of them quite easy. Here are some things three of our members try and do, always asking ‘Can this be done more sustainably?’ Our choices so far include home heat without fossil fuel, good home insulation and a plug-in hybrid car; reducing the number of consumables in plastic, making own yoghurt and hummus, doorstep milk in glass, dried food in cellophane wrap, paper or own containers, solid shampoo, conditioner 28

We use Beeswax food wrap and have a kit for making our own and where possible we re-use plastic food bags. We have currently dispensed with teabags and use loose-leaf tea and have noticed that many companies are improving their bags and packaging. We now use a smart meter for analysing electricity consumption, have altered the boiler clock to reduce usage and are completing an online carbon audit. Here in Leigh, we are trying to do our bit. We buy our energy from a company which supplies electricity from 100% renewable sources. We are about to plant over an acre of trees and we actively encourage biodiversity in our garden including a large swathe of wildflowers.

We have a deep desire to make sure that we repair the thoughtless damage we’ve all done to our surroundings, to leave the world a better place. If you’d like to find out more, or join us, please email cate.m.dixon@gmail.com Cate Dixon ‘I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.’

Pointing the finger! In early 2020 I was asked by our Parish Council chairman, Alan Bennett, if I would be willing to organise the restoration of the directional road signs in Leigh, otherwise known as ‘Fingerposts’. Dorset County Council had announced that they could no longer fund the upkeep of these signs; if parishes wished to retain them, they should maintain them. In common with many perhaps, I had always taken our Dorset Fingerposts for granted, only noticing them if they were missing fingers or looked particularly unloved.

Where to begin on such a project? Contacts provided by Alan proved most helpful, as was Ned Kozowyk, who restored Chetnole’s signs. Roger Bond at Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (DAONB) also offered guidance, providing us with most of the materials needed for the work entailed. Given its size, Leigh has a surprising number of Fingerposts, seven in all. A survey revealed that five of these posts needed work to restore them and I quickly realised the project would require more than a team of one! After a few phone calls, an able crew of four village ‘retired’s’ was formed, two with skills in working with wood and one in engineering. I was the fourth member of the team – no formal skills in this type of work but very willing! As usual, closer inspection of the job before starting revealed that more work was required than originally expected – new wooden fingers are needed on all the posts together with replacement of most of the lettering. Over the years, councils used cheaper materials to repair fingerposts. For instance, oak was originally used for the fingers but now they are pine, and once-metal letters and numbers are now plastic, with a self-adhesive backing glue, and thus some letters are missing on posts!

As a team, we wanted to restore the posts to original specification if we could; they would be more authentic and longer lasting. DAONB produce a guide to restoring Fingerposts using traditional materials, which they can also supply. Last year Leigh Parish Council purchased new oak fingers and metal letters from them for our first two posts, at Totnell Corner and Leigh Cross. Restoration work is like the swan swimming on water – all the frantic work is going on beneath the surface or, in our case, in someone’s garage, where we cannot see. After some months, just before Christmas, the new fingers – complete with resplendent black metal letters – were bolted onto the post at Totnell Corner. Its new roundel, to top off the summit of the post, has been ordered and should arrive in early spring.

Restoring Fingerposts to their original specification is expensive, even when carrying out the work ourselves. The cost of the oak for the fingers is almost trifling when compared to the price of newly forged aluminium letters.

Les Wallis, Graham Fudge and Gordon Morris

We are fortunate in Leigh that various parishioners have offered to sponsor the restoration cost of our first two posts, but we have more to restore and would be delighted to hear from anyone else who feels they could help in this respect. You don’t need to sponsor a whole post! Contact grahamfudge51@gmail.com for more details. Graham Fudge

Much of the background work for the post at Leigh Cross has been done and, weather and Covid permitting, completion should take place shortly. The next post for restoration during 2021 is at Club Corner, at the bottom of Totnell Hill. 30

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

Congratulations to Colin and Jan Millward who became first time grandparents when their daughter Rachel and her husband, Jamie Randell, welcomed a son Nathan into the world on 1 December. Welcome to Chris and Miranda Pascucci who have come all the way from Blackpool to move into Barley Barn with their two dogs. Chris is a train driver, busy learning the routes to London and Bristol from Yeovil.

Miranda is a dental hygienist for the NHS and she is working on Test and Trace too. Welcome also to Georgianna and Ton Sol who join us from Hertfordshire at Violet Cottage. They are retired from running a florist business and are keen walkers, gardeners and classic cars enthusiasts. We hope they will all be very happy here. Gilly Wilson 35

Leslie Gillard obituary Leslie Arthur Gillard 1924 – 2020 Leslie Gillard, a long-time resident of Ryme, died on 27 Nov 2020. Leslie was born in Hinton St. George in 1924, moving with his parents to Netherton Farm at Closworth; his father was the carter on the farm, looking after six carthorses and two hunters. On leaving school at 14, Leslie began working for Mr. Tolley on the farm, helping with 250 sheep. His lifelong love of horses began walking miles in the fields behind the cart horses used in his youth for all farm work, though he did admit the arrival of tractors made his life a lot easier. When the War came, being in a reserved occupation he wanted to do his bit, so he upped his age from 16 to 18 and joined the Home Guard. In 1941, a young lady called Edna House came to help in the farmhouse at Netherton. Soon she was also helping on the farm and so began a great partnership that was to last over 73 years. Leslie and Edna were married in 1947 at Sutton Bingham and had two children, Terry in 1948 and Rachel in 1950. In 1949, they left Netherton and went to work on neighbouring Darvole Farm for Mr. Snook at East Coker. 1960 saw the beginning of Leslie and Edna’s long association with the Batten family when they moved to Aldon on the edge of Yeovil, where Leslie became groom/gardener for Mr and Mrs Henry Batten, with Edna helping in the house. In 1965 the two families moved to 36

Church Farm at Ryme Intrinseca. The Gillards were stalwarts of all Ryme activities including the village parties, cricket and rounders games. Many people locally will have memories of Leslie exercising horses on his regular route through Yetminster and back through Chetnole for many years, on two home bred greys that he adored, plus many others. As well as the hunters, Leslie looked after the children’s and later the grand children’s ponies, and also got ready the ponies that went weekly to Prince’s Place for Riding for the Disabled. He gave up riding in 1992 but continued to be a fount of information about all things equestrian. He continued with his gardening at Church Farm, managing two huge vegetable plots - one for the Battens and one for his family - and took great pride in caring for the lawns, spending hours walking miles behind the mower before a ride-on variety arrived. In later years he amused the grandchildren riding his mower across the fields to visit Terry’s family at Downfield. Leslie was a great lover of sport, particularly football and horse racing and was a keen and well-known hunt follower. He also played skittles for the Rest and Welcome at Melbury and evening cricket at Closworth. In 2015 Leslie and Edna moved to Brister End, Yetminster but the horses from Ryme were still calling in on him. He will be greatly missed by all his family, Rachel and Terry, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. The photograph shows Leslie after receiving his long service award in Agriculture at the Bath & West Show in June 2000.

YETMINSTER

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

A belated Happy New year to you all.

Well, what a year 2020 was and what a way to start 2021 with another lockdown. Hold on to your hats, by the time you read this, the COVID-19 vaccination programme will have started. A huge vote of thanks goes from me on your behalf to all our NHS staff working tirelessly to deliver it as quickly as possible.

Christmas 2020 was different, families had to cancel plans to be together at quite short notice, a much smaller affair for many of us. It was wonderful to see the St Andrew’s Singers performing carols whilst walking around the village. Simon Eadon led a group starting at Upbury Grange and working eastwards towards the middle of the village and Jane Robotham took another group starting at Brister End and working its way east. A very brave effort in such awful weather and in aid of such a worthy cause – Sherborne Food Bank. Thankfully, the singers were rewarded by Sarah Hedin providing mince pies and mulled wine. I don’t know if leaving the lights on the village Christmas tree was deliberate but it lifted my spirts coming home from Yetminster railway station late at night. Thank you to St Andrews Primary School for continuing to provide face-toface teaching for vulnerable children and children of critical care workers. Also, 37

It is with much regret that I have to report the sad news that Terry Fellowes passed away on 12 January. Terry was very involved in short-mat bowls, having set up the Yetminster club. He will be a sad loss to the village.

during lockdown. It will be for workshops, classes, small public and private events, as well as being extra seating space when not being used for events. It will have a small reading area with new books for sale and books to swap – as well as board games and we hope to hold some business support events there as well. There is a bell outside the gallery if you do not want to venture in to collect your orders. Sarah and the team wish you all health, peace, and happiness for the new year. Finally, I look forward to my vaccination whenever it arrives and the ability to get back to enjoying all that Yetminster offers. I have missed the coffee mornings and other events in the Jubilee Hall, the pub, joining the sports club, coffee and cake in the gallery café, going to church and taking my grandson up to Bath and down to Weymouth on the train. Michaela and I hope to see you out and about in the nottoo-distant future. These musings have been input on the 13 January so may have been overtaken by events by the time you receive your February edition of the magazine. Michaela and Graham Plaice

News from the Gallery

White Hart Pub

The gallery was delighted to take part in the Village Christmas Advent Calendar. Their day was 8 December and they decorated the gallery door and campervan windows. The gallery is now decorated in more ‘springlike’ theme, in anticipation of brighter days for all. At the moment, there is an exhibition of Susie Wright’s (a Yetminster textile artist) work, a series of birds, butterflies and fruit. Good news regarding the Flying Pig vacated space, Sarah is taking this over and the ‘new’ room will be called ‘The Drawing Room’. It is slowly being redecorated

We hope that everyone will remain safe and well in these trying times. We would like to thank all our customers for their support during our December opening, even though it was on a much more restricted basis than we would have liked. We are now at the beginning of a new lockdown, but as soon as it is safe and we are allowed to do so, we will reopen and look forward to your continuing support during these difficult times. Please stay safe and we look forward to seeing you at the pub soon. Jim & Carole

to the Lower Covey Montessori Nursery for remaining open. This cannot be easy in such demanding circumstances, with the added responsibility for protecting the health of staff, parents, children and their families.

Oyster Shells During the restoration of the church pointing, some oyster shells were found embedded in the original C.15th pointing. At the time, such shells (some have also been found in Salisbury Cathedral) were used by the stone masons as wedges to ensure the stones were level. Oysters were a common food for the poor, so it is entirely possible that the mason ate the contents of the shells for lunch before using them!

Terry Fellowes

February.....winter coming to an end and spring around the corner....

As the weather improves, with spring just around the corner, and the number of vaccinations growing, there will be many Blessings to enjoy and look forward to. We will win this battle with the virus! With my best wishes Clare

churchwarden.yet@gmail.com

St Andrew’s Church Yetminster Restoration

At the time of writing in early January, it is hard to see what February will bring. It is a time of Battles and Blessings! This phrase is taken from the Bible in One Year by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel from Holy Trinity Brompton, in London, available free via the App Store, and recommended by Rev George Moody. You can read the text online or listen to it being read. Our Clergy took the decision to have online services only during January and will review this for February. Service details are published weekly in the Yetminster Round Robin, and online on our website www.threevalleysteam.org. Details are also on the church notice boards and in this magazine. Personal Prayer opening times: with PCC agreement, I took the decision to open our church for personal prayer on two days for longer hours, which gives the church time to self-clean in between. The priority at all times is the safety of our parishioners and volunteers. The church therefore will remain open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 8.00am to 6.00pm. This will be reviewed regularly according to the latest updates from Government.

I hope that by the time you read this, the restoration of the church tower and other parts of the building will be complete, though there is still some work to do by ‘roped access’ on the east and north walls of the tower which has been delayed by the cold weather. As you know, we did not raise enough money to carry out the internal changes, however it has been possible to add a few extra repairs including: South Gate: replacing the damaged gatepost and rehanging the gate South Wall: repointing and refixing the capping stones by the gate South Door; carrying out significantly more repairs than first envisaged South Path: replacing damaged stone slab outside south door The new pointing on the tower and on the walls is very obvious, particularly on the south side when the sun is out. It is as near as possible the same as the original C15th pointing. A piece of undamaged original pointing was removed, analysed for mix and colour and then replicated. The water ingress in the tower was found to be coming from the tower roof, not through the walls as first thought. This has been rectified and hopefully the tower will remain dry internally. Having said that, the pointing required 39

replacement as much of it was either in poor condition or the wrong type of mortar, so the work will not be wasted. The rotten lower parts of west and south doors have been replaced with best English oak, a bit bright at present but it will weather in a couple of years. As mentioned in Graham Plaice’s report on p.38, some C.15th oyster shells were found in the mortar around the tower parapet. Whilst they acted as wedges to keep stones level, they also help strengthen the mortar. The technical term for this is ‘galleting’, In some parts of the country it is known as ‘cherry cocking’ or ‘cherry caulking’ and, in East Anglia, small flints are often used for the same purpose and to provide decoration. Some of the shells have been framed and are displayed along with photographs in church.

I would like once again to thank all of you who helped in whatever way with raising funds to keep the church going for many more years, be it serving on the committee, organising or helping 40

with events, donating to the fund and, last but by no means least, attending the events. This is also an opportunity to commend the SSH Conservation (contractor) team who carried out the work. They worked hard in all weathers, from very hot at the start with frost and rain at the end of the year. They were a pleasure to talk to and nothing was too much trouble. David Gould

News from St. Andrew’s School What an interesting start to the new school term it has been. What a pity the Government sent the children back to school on Monday 4 January 2021 only then to tell them to stay at home on Tuesday 5 January! I am incredibly grateful to the amazing staff at St Andrew’s School who worked through the night to have the children’s remote learning ready for them to use at home, the next day! They have shown such courage and determination over the last year and should be celebrated in the media – criticised and judged. I feel such empathy for the parents and carers who are now having to support their children at home with their learning. Again, the Government gave them no warning so that they were able to make adequate plans for another

period of remote learning. They are now faced with the daily task of encouraging their children to complete schoolwork as well as trying to juggle working from home and occupying an age range of children. Rant over! What has shone through for me over the last three months is the abundance of generosity and community spirit I have witnessed. First of all, Alison Moody organised the Advent Windows across the village of Yetminster. These were a beautiful display of the hope that the Christ-Child brings to our weary world. Then the wonderful villagers of Yetminster donated food and gifts so that we could make up parcels for our families. We filled eight large boxes with crackers, candles, Christmas cake, mince pies, wine, gifts for adults and gifts for children. I was overwhelmed by the generosity. We received 25 parcels of food from ABP Ltd, in Yetminster to distribute to our families. The parcels contained a full ‘dinner’ complete with a leg of lamb, vegetables and all the trimmings. The families were bowled over by the fabulous gesture.

Upon return to school, I was contacted by David Savage, of True Potential Wealth Management, who expressed his concern about the lack of technology available to children, who were once again, having to work from home. David then announced that he was donating £1,000 to the school to help us to provide technology, where needed. Well, I was also bowled over by this incredibly generous gift and deeply grateful to David and Tracy Savage for their kind consideration. In the very same week, a Ryme Intrinseca resident brought a Kindle to the school office to be used for home education purposes. Thank you so much to Alison Fox for thinking of us at this time. That device will make such a difference to a child in our school family. I am convinced that we are surrounded by angels. They come in different shapes, sizes and colours and will appear when we least expect them, but when we most need them. Thank you to the angels that have been looking out for our families over the last year!

I want to celebrate that fact that I am privileged to be a member of a very special school and local community. “You shall surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and to your poor, in your land”. Deuteronomy 13.11. 42

I feel blessed every day to witness the kindness and love. Thank you to everyone who has come forward, in love, to support us and share the burden. Julie Simpson

Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council Chairman’s Notes – December Meeting The report of our meeting with Dorset Highways in the last issue has resulted in several new volunteers for Community Speedwatch. Unfortunately, patrols have been suspended until the current restrictions are lifted, after which we will be arranging training for the volunteers and planning patrols on roads where excessive speeds have been reported. It has been suggested that consideration is given to a 20mph speed limit on several stretches of road and we will be discussing this with the authorities in due course. It was agreed to set aside funds for several projects: a new gate will be provided at the Pound on Ryme Road, Yetminster; the damaged boundary hedge at the Meadons Open Space will be replanted with suitable hedges and bushes; three trees that were removed from the Meadons will be replaced and the equipment in the children’s play area will be repainted. As it is the wrong time of year to be planting or painting, these jobs will be completed in March or April. At our last meeting it was decided to create a sub-committee to oversee the way in which income from the Folly Farm development will be spent. The Parish Council feels that the local community should have a say on the projects that are given financial support and would like to invite volunteers to be co-opted

onto this sub-committee. Please contact the Clerk if you are interested in joining the group at yetminster@dorset-aptc. gov.uk providing details of the experience you would bring to the group. We were hopeful that we would be able to retain the 2021-22 Precept at the same rate as last year but increases in maintenance and insurance costs have necessitated a slight increase. We are fortunate to have such an extensive network of footpaths in the parish which have been used more than ever in the last few months. A group of committed enthusiasts has formed a Rights of Way group to ensure that our footpaths remain accessible. The Parish Council regards our rights of way as a fantastic asset that needs to be safeguarded and developed. Information on local footpaths and bridleways can found in the ‘About Us’ section of the Parish Website. The next virtual meeting of the Parish Council takes place on Wednesday 3 February and members of the public are welcome to attend and air their views at the start of the meeting. Please contact the Clerk for joining instructions.

Andy Perlejewski Chairman of Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council

Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca Neighbourhood Plan – February report Unfortunately, Covid has again rather slowed progress with completing our Plan although we have been successful in our application for further Technical Support from Locality / AECOM in the form of a Habitats Regulations

Assessment (this is needed due to the way wastewater is treated and subsequently drained into Somerset Levels and Moors). We have also been successful in applying for a “Facilitation Package” and AECOM have appointed a Conservation Consultant who will review the selected development sites in the light of the concerns raised by Dorset Council. We are pleased to report that the Habitats Assessment has been completed and the conservation work is underway although, as it is necessary to visit the sites, an initial desktop study is being undertaken pending the easing of travel restrictions. We requested further parish funding for this additional work; although this has been granted it is now unlikely, due to this further support from Locality, that we will need it. As reported previously, we are grateful to all those who responded to the Community Consultation in September / October, and the c.20% return rate was felt to be good for this sort of initiative. We hope to be able to provide some feedback on the results of this soon. With the need to revise the NP plan to consider the recommendations made, and to arrange both the Habitats Assessment and the Conservation review, and the ongoing Covid problems, we have to accept it is unlikely that the plan would be ready for adoption and formal submission by YRIPC before April at the earliest. YRIPC NP Working Group 43

1st Yetminster Scout Group Happy New Year to everyone from all at 1st Yetminster Scout Group. Prior to the current lockdown all our Sections were able to meet face to face under strict guidelines. We manage to take the cubs and scouts on a local night hike and all enjoyed the experience. The cubs and scouts learnt some basics about planets and star constellations whilst on their hikes, as well as listening to night sounds. The beavers had a night hike to the woods where the new beavers were invested.

Secret Santa and his helpful elf delivered the presents Covid-19 friendly.

Since lockdown, the scout hut has been open as a collection point for Sherborne Food Bank, which we agreed to assist during these very difficult times. If you would like to donate food, please visit their website to see what food is wanted and then drop it off at the Scout Hut situated off Sussex Farm Way between 5.00–6.00pm every Monday evening. Place food in a carrier bag or box and, after knocking the door, please leave outside. The food will be taken inside and there is no requirement to enter the building.

Beavers, cubs and scouts held virtual Christmas parties and more exciting Zoom meetings are planned over the next couple of months. We will soon be planning our return to face to face scouting in the spring. We would love to expand our group and if you would like to assist as an adult volunteer, please get in touch. Thank you Paul Hollick Groups Scout Leader Gsl.1styetminster@gmail.com 07815135602

50/50 Club Result of the December 2020 Draw 1st Prize £100 No. 9 Mrs. S. Drewett 2nd Prize £50 No. 17 Mrs. B. Driver 3rd Prize £30 No. 32 Mrs. S. Sparks 4th Prize £20 No. 56 Mrs. L. Manaton

Result of the January 2021 Draw 1st Prize £50 No. 23 Mr. G Plaice 2nd Prize £30 No. 5 Mr D Torrance 3rd Prize £20 No. 27 Mr D Price

Want to join? – forms available at http://yetminsterparishes.gov. uk/a-z/yetminster-fair-association The Association raises money for local organisations and is nonprofit making and run entirely with voluntary support yetminsterfair@aol.com 45

Gwen Fairney 16 November 1924 – 6 October 2020

Gwen’s father, Bill Fox, was a merchant seaman from Portsmouth who married Edith Neale of Weymouth, where Gwen and her brother Gerry were raised. Gwen was a woman of extraordinary intelligence and drive, whose tendency to be anxious was kept in check by her strong character. At 14 she tried hairdressing, millinery, exercised the horses of Lorton Farm riding over Bincombe Bumps, and enjoyed sailing, crewing for fellow members of the Weymouth sailing club. When WWII came, Bletchley Park attempted to recruit her, but she refused and joined the land army, eventually being stationed outside Sherborne at Lillington, where she met her close friend Joan Voss of Sussex Farm, Yetminster (subsequently Joan West). A lifelong friendship was forged 46

when an elegant hand was extended over the rump of a horse to reassure Gwenie that ‘if she was ever in a jam just grab my hand’! This friendship is the reason Gwen and Brian ended up in Yetminster and Susie Fudge (nee West) became Gwen’s god-daughter. After the war, Gwen studied psychology, worked for the Fire Brigade, and then local government at County Hall (in Education and Social Services) where she accepted the chance of adventure. She travelled to the Ugandan protectorate Kampala, where she enjoyed art clubs, parties and came to the notice of a rather attractive, shy young man, who shared her passion for art, Brian Fairney from Northumberland. They married and enjoyed a second tour when daughter Jane was born. Only leaving when Idi Amin appeared, they lived briefly in the home Gwen had set up years before for her parents in Weymouth (an incredible achievement as mortgages and loans were not readily available to women then) and then on to Yeovil, before moving for some years to Bath. Gwen and Brian were tied to Yetminster by Devon House, an utter wreck when they bought it in the late 1960s, but a labour of love over many weekends and years (some spent in a caravan) saw it turned into a family home, whilst living and working in Bath during the week. Gwen was the Billeting officer at Bath College of Domestic Science (Brian worked for the NHS as Area Supplies Officer). Eventually they moved back to a settled life in Yetminster in the 1980s and much fun with Joan West (who sadly passed away far too young).

Then in the 1990s they moved into Field House where Gwen and Brian were very ‘hands on’ grandparents to their beloved Hannah and Oliver Jeans (later Gwen became known to their friends as ‘Super Gran’, as she would often join in and circulate at 3.00am with trays of pizza at their various teenage house parties!) Gwen had a fierce regard for honesty and fair play and could be quite fiery on the subject, especially in her local community and at Parish council meetings. She never held grudges and had a kind heart, always telling Jane to think about others’ concerns and motivations before taking anything personally – a good philosophy. Gwen loved to socialise, enjoying family friendships with Kathleen Peace, the Barfoots, Colin and Pat King and Pam Clothier amongst many – imbibing in a glass of wine or three. She always loved art and started Yetminster’s first art group when she was widowed in the early 2020s. Jane and family moved in to help Gwen with her dementia and, after some years, she moved to the loving care of the Hayes Residential Home in Sherborne. On 6 October 2020, in the company of her daughter, she passed away in calm, loving serenity – never far from her beloved Yetminster and Weymouth and finally meeting up with her soul mate, Brian. Gwen always wanted to ‘see what’s around the next corner’ leading to unexpected trips to various B&Bs from Wales to Scotland. An adventurer whose anxieties never held her back.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? A series on the origin of Wriggle Valley Village Names No 4 Yetminster Yetminster is recorded as ‘Etiminstre’ in the Doomsday Book in 1086. The derivation is not definitively known; one opinion has it that ‘Yet’ is a corruption of ‘Eata’, perhaps the name of the builder of the original church. There was likely an earlier settlement, as the remains of a Saxon cross (indicating the 10th century) were found in the churchyard in 1938. ‘Minster’ can be found in Royal charters dating back to the 7th century, when it signified a group of clergy living a communal life ‘with an obligation to maintain the daily office of prayer’. In 1905, Sir Frederick Treves described Yetminster as ‘probably the most consistent old-world village or townlet in the county’. Treves, a famous surgeon, was credited with saving the life of King Edward VII in 1902 (through the first ever use of surgery on an appendix) and was also known for his friendship with Joseph Merrick, ‘the elephant man’ Yetminster was the birthplace of Benjamin Jesty, a farmer and vaccination pioneer (See WVM May 20 issue) 22 years ahead of the more celebrated Edward Jenner. Would that he could witness the role of vaccination today.

Jesty: pioneer, vaccine Treves: pioneer, appendix

CLUB NEWS Wriggle Valley Ladies Group

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I do hope you all had a good Christmas under the circumstances. Spring is just around the corner. Having been out for a walk this morning and seen daffodils, snowdrops, and celandines out (which you probably have poking through in your gardens), I feel it’s not far away. Hopefully, we will be meeting up in the not too distance future having had all our Covid jabs. Take care all! Ruth Sanford

The Club has been in existence for ten years and we play Golf rather than Association Croquet, a much simpler and more sociable form of the game. It is very easy to learn and newcomers are normally able to join a foursome on first appearance at the Club, after being shown how to strike the ball.

All equipment is provided by the Club although several members have their own mallets, and dress is optional though trainers are recommended.

Yetminster Croquet Club

Come and join the Yetminster Croquet Club which has two lawns, one full size and the other half size, situated at the Yetminster Sports Club. Our season extends from mid-April to the end of October and we meet each week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 3.00–5.00pm. Covid regulations allowed us to play during lockdown last year and we can expect to have a full season in 2021. We welcome new players, all ages, so come and give it a try – something to look forward to next season.

If you would like to know more, please contact John Strover on 01935 872437 or by email: jandmstrover@gmail.com 51

POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS Despite all the dismal news, we have had some sparklingly beautiful days already this month. When I last wrote I had hoped that by now we would be looking forward to a whole new programme of activities and all our school children would be back, bright eyed and bushy tailed after Christmas! Hey ho! So, once again. I cannot say what will happen or when our regular sessions will resume. I am not planning any holiday club activities for the February half term. Rest assured that while we have no visitors to cheer us, we are getting on with jobs. We have nearly finished the shelter make over and have thinned some trees and are just about to plant a few new ones to replace the ones sadly lost to ash dieback. As the days get longer, we can start to do some work in the growing area and we still have a few brambles that need a good bashing.

Please keep safe, get plenty of fresh air and keep an eye on the Facebook page for up to date information. Philippa Toulson philippa.toulson@gmail.com Facebook: Pogles Wood Explorers

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

T: 07788217521

www.cutflowersbykate.co.uk

BOOK PAGE. Rural Reader’s antidote to lockdown: humour. “Always laugh when you can” said Lord Byron ‘It is cheap medicine’. In that spirit and with the caveat that recommending a personal choice of ‘the funniest books’ is a risky business, here are ten equilibrium restoring long time favourites. We have to start with Evelyn Waugh. His six early novels are surely the most skilfully funny in the English language and Scoop is the funniest. Set in the midst of an African war (Waugh drew on his own experiences as a Daily Mail

correspondent in Abyssinia) its withering satire of newspaper magnates of the day (Rothermere, Northcliffe and Beaverbrook) and of tabloid idiocies and excesses is irresistible. Close behind must come his Decline and Fall and Vile Bodies, the latter featuring an MP called Walter Outrage, a Lady Throbbing, the society hostess Margot Metroland, and an American evangelist, Mrs Melrose Ape. The unique chapter 11 comprises just 47 lines; 173 perfect words of genius and pathos in equal measure. One of the best of P G Wodehouse’s comic classics is Code of the Woosters. Bertie Wooster finds himself in conflict with Roderick Spode (a thinly disguised Oswald Mosley, leader of the Fascist ‘Blackshirts’ in the 1930s). Wooster’s friend Gussie Fink-Nottle explains Spode’s

movement to him: Wooster: when you say blackshorts you mean shirts of course.. Fink-Nottle: No. There were no shirts left. Spode and his adherents wear shorts. Wooster: Footer bags you mean? Fink-Nottle: Yes Wooster: How perfectly foul. Nora Ephron, creator of marvellous screenplays (When Harry met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle) produces sparkling dialogue and killer one-liners in the partially autobiographical Heartburn. If you can’t laugh reading Mario Vargas Llosa’s Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, you need to see your GP. Onto the list must go What a Carve Up by Jonathan Coe; Porterhouse Blue by Tom Sharpe and Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon. The best is left to last: Joseph Heller’s irrepressible Catch 22, set in WW2. Doc Daneeka explains to hapless flyer Yossarian that he cannot be let off more missions because of his mental state.

Yes, he would be crazy to fly more missions and therefore didn’t have to, but if he didn’t want to he was sane and had to. “That’s some catch, that Catch 22” observes Yossarian, deeply impressed by the genius of Catch 22. “It’s the best there is” Doc replies. And so is the book. Find all titles online, as used or new paperbacks

OTHER NEWS Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said: “Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details of your bank account or to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”

How to protect yourself: In the UK, coronavirus vaccinations will only be available via the National Health Service. You may be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. The vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment.

Remember, the NHS will never:

Coronavirus Vaccination Scams report:

ask for your bank account or card details ask for your PIN or banking passwords arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills.

As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have received text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In most cases the online form has looked authentic and very like the real NHS website.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent – hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, do not open it – forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Forward suspicious text messages to the number 7726, which is free of charge. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud immediately by calling 0300 123 2040, or on line at www.actionfraud.police.uk

An old man’s disease? I am writing this article about a subject that is close to my heart, one that is often felt to be too delicate a subject to discuss or too personal to talk about. I refer, of course, to prostate cancer. Being a man, we are sometimes complacent when it comes to our own health, particularly when we are young and carefree or have a young family to provide for. We ignore the odd ache and pain, often putting it down to our busy lifestyle or work related causes. For many years, prostate cancer was thought of as an ‘old man’s disease’ because, in many cases, men would die of other non-related illnesses, such as heart failure, stroke etc. However, prostate cancer can strike earlier in life than you may imagine. My own experience started more than 20 years ago when I was only 40 and, luckily for me, was found purely by chance … and the insight of a young locum doctor. I have always had physically demanding jobs and, as a result, often experienced muscle strain and back pain. At that time, I had been suffering badly for a long period of time with an ache in my right hip. Living on painkillers, prescribed in higher doses, came to be the norm. However, the discomfort eventually became so bad that I went back to the doctor, only this time I saw a different GP, a locum in the practice. After reading through my notes concerning previous visits, he suggested an initial check of my prostate, followed by a blood test to check my PSA level. His concern, I discovered later, was that secondary tumours can sometimes develop in the hip bone. The PSA indeed showed a raised reading, and over the next few weeks

further tests were done including a biopsy, full MRI and bone scan. When the final results came back it was found that I had a very aggressive strain of prostate cancer, which can often be the case in younger patients. This was devastating news. But it had been discovered early and although various treatments were discussed, I opted to undergo an operation known as a Radical Prostatectomy, where the prostate is completely removed. As the cancer was entirely contained within the prostate, I did not have to undergo any further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but simply follow the consultant’s instructions to recover fully from the operation. I had annual checkups for some years afterwards but am delighted to say I remain cancer free. Remember that I was only 40 years old and had none of the typical symptoms. Since my treatment, much more research has been carried out and treatment techniques are being developed all the time. There is great attention and fund raising surrounding male cancers; this is one that is still affecting and taking away too many lives, young and old, because often we are too macho, scared, busy, or shy to talk about it with our wives, partners, other men or members of the medical profession. With the current understandable focus on Covid, it is sometimes easy to push other worries to the back of your mind. Please do seek help if you have any concerns. Further helpful information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/prostate-cancer/ Andy Whitman

A Brief Pageant of English Verse I won't arise and go now, and go to lnnisfree, I'll sanitize the doorknob and make a cup of tea. I won't go down to the sea again; I won't go out at all, I'll wander lonely as a cloud from the kitchen to the hall. There's a green-eyed yellow monster to the north of Katmandu But I shan't be seeing him just yet and nor, I think, will you. While the dawn comes up like thunder on the road to Mandalay I'll make my bit of supper and eat it off a tray. I shall not speed my bonnie boat across the sea to Skye Or take the rolling English road from Birmingham to Rye. About the woodland, just right now, I am not free to go To see the Keep Out posters or the cherry hung with snow, And no, I won't be travelling much, within the realms of gold, Or get me to Milford Haven. All that's been put on hold. Give me your hands, I shan't request, albeit we are friends Nor come within a mile of you, until this trial ends. Caroline Allen

Valley villages show this is a common problem. It shouldn’t matter where the dog decides to crouch, its mess should ALWAYS be picked up. Mown verges are part of someone’s garden; churchyards are public places; footpaths are for the use of everyone. Dog poo is disgusting, never more so than on the sole of your shoe. If you own a dog, picking up after it is part of the deal. If your dog poos, and nobody is watching – you still need to pick it up! Please.

The early days of January brought frost and wintry scenes ...

Picking up is part of the deal There is an excellent article by Jenny Gibson MRCVS of Kingston Vets, Sherborne, in the Beer Hackett section about the danger caused to livestock of dog poo that is not picked up in fields. Complaints from several Wriggle 60

Winter tree

Photo: John Parker

Photo: J Gibbs

Photo: Rufus Fox

Photo: R Edwards Photo: John Parker

Photo: Faith Bellamy

Photo: Sarah Knowles

CHURCH NEWS

Our Church communities

Letter from the Three Valleys Team – ‘Trust in God, trust also in me…’ “Everything is provisional.” Those words have been repeated on endless occasions by Tony Gilbert, our Team Rector, when referring to organising events and Services within the Benefice that have to be changed, sometimes at the last minute, due to Covid. That saying does seem to have been the watchword in so many ways over the last year, especially now we are in Lockdown 3. As I wrote this clergy letter, at the beginning of the year, I mused on what the situation might be like on New Year’s Eve 2021. Will we be free of Covid? Will we be able to meet without restrictions? Will we still have to socially distance? Whatever happens, the last year has been like no other in the memories of many folks. Many have suffered in so many ways. Restrictions, lockdowns, businesses failing, some after many years trading, and changes to lifestyles have abounded. Some may have become ill with the virus. Some may have tragically lost relatives. We, as a nation, have had a really bad time over the last year. We are very much down, but not out! We are made of sterner stuff than we might appreciate. We can move on after all of this. In the search for positivity, the people I have spoken to in the last few weeks, either as parish priest or as chaplain to the farming and rural communities, mostly say the same thing – be positive going forward into next year, with the vaccine being treated as a gift from God! Let’s keep going, keeping safe, looking after and loving one another – we’re nearly there! 62

By the time you read this we will be heading into February and a month will have elapsed since those New Year Resolutions were first hatched. Did we make one after all? How many of these resolutions are still intact? Have we broken any already? Have we lost any weight then? Are we texting less and talking more? What about those few extra drinks then? Are we really sticking to the resolutions ‘religiously’? In the Bible, Jesus says in St. John’s Gospel, “Trust in God, trust also in me”. (14: 1). But how many times do we trust in God, rather than the world, full of trickery and deceit? I don’t know about you, but I would rather hedge my bets on trusting Jesus than a bunch of rather shallow resolutions that really don’t mean much at all. For me, Jesus is the only one to trust, he can be leant on and will really be there when we need him. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest”. (Matthew 11: 28). With the wonder, awe and re-birth of Easter in the first week of April, and all the issues of the last year, let us look to that wonderful resurrection of a life for each one of us to be part of. Jesus said, “Trust in God, trust also in me”. In the weeks ahead, let us do just that. Vicar Richard

World Day of Prayer 2021 “Build on a Strong Foundation” Friday 5 March

Save the date As I write this article for the magazine the year has just turned and COVID-19 is still controlling much of our lives. Although we are encouraged by the prospect of vaccinations bringing the pandemic under control, I cannot see that we will be in a position to meet together as we usually do by the beginning of March. I have been wondering how we could still celebrate with the women of Vanuatu, who have compiled the service this year. The service sheets etc. were sent out some time ago, so my plan is to broadcast the service on Zoom. In previous years we have had meetings and a time of preparation. This may not be practical this year, but I know many of you have been willing to take part in the past and hope you may do so again by reading. We may be unable to do it exactly as it is in the book, but we will follow most of it. Anyone who is interested in taking part or simply joining us on the day please contact liz.kirlew@ btinternet.com or phone Holwell Rectory on 01963 23570, and I urge you all to keep an eye on the website at www.threevalleysteam.org for further updates. Many thanks Liz Kirlew

News from Yetminster Methodist Church Sermon – Philippians Chapter 1 VV 3-11 The pandemic has turned our lives upside down and perhaps you, with me, have spent time in 2020 thinking about what is important. I mean valuing key workers – in shops/delivering goods/ cleaners as well as consultants in hospitals. We saw that the New Year’s Honours list was not so much about celebrity (Linda Snell from the Archers notwithstanding) but for services to the food supply chain and to the vulnerable during the Covid-19 response. People such as Caroline Halfhide, recognised with an MBE, after she changed her pub the Bell in Ash, Martock into a village shop. Has 2020 taught us about what we value – relationships, going for a simple coffee with friends, handshakes? That is what is important. But it is our love for our family and friends, even for strangers, which keeps us at home now to stop the virus spreading. Presently, that is how we can show love. 63

Paul is setting the goal for the Philippian church: “That your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced a harvest of righteousness that comes through Christ Jesus for the glory and praise of God.” This prayer from Paul is about growth. If you are a Christian, you long for the church to grow: if you are not, this is exactly what you find scary. No-one wants to be manipulated into believing a lie. Look at those in America who believe President Trump won the recent election for example. Evangelism is a scary idea to those outside the church, who are frightened of persuasion by a charismatic character, who do not want to be disappointed. I agree. That is not Paul’s growth strategy though, that is not love. The growth strategy for the church is that we are abounding love more and more. Paul is not specific about who we love, good people, bad people, those in the church, those outside the church, our family, our enemies. Our love needs to be all encompassing, the refugee, the homeless person, the prisoner, the rich, those ridiculing our faith. Well, hang on, I hear you cry – how can we abound in love, especially now when we can hardly keep it together ourselves? By trusting the God of love who is at work within us. Paul sees love as the growing point of the Christian life. As a virtue to pervade our whole beings and characters as Christians, which will prompt and mark every action. The love of Christ has become the centre of Paul’s character; the greater heart, the 64

heart of Christ, has taken possession of his servant, Paul. All exceptionally good you may say, but that is Paul, an apostle, not me. But Paul does not speak to people who lack love and need to ask for it, but a people who possess love and need to grow it. And that is true of every Christian believer, it is what marks us out. Just as Lydia on first coming to faith asked Paul and his friends to be house guests and the jailer on becoming a Christian immediately bathed the wounds of the man he had previously put in stocks. Love is the new nature of the Christian; the seed is placed within us. The gift of God, that God wants to grow in us. The life of a Christian is a life of programmed growth because God is at work within us. He grows the love in us and keeps on doing so as we choose to spend time with him in prayer, reading scripture, sharing in a small group, going on retreat; the Holy Spirit does the miraculous thing of perfecting us in holiness as we abound in love. This is a daily walking in grace, practising the presence of God and persisting experience. It is challenging. Who wants to love their enemies? As we get closer to God, we realise our griefs, losses and pains and we can run away and hide. BUT he loves us and if we have the courage and make the choice to be in him, make space for Christ in the continuous present tense, look and keep on looking for his love, experience and keep on experiencing his love, well maybe just maybe he can use us to transform his world. Rev’d Kate Konrad

THREE VALLEYS TEAM Team Office:

Team Rector:

Rev’d Richard Kirlew

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

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

Tues 1.30 – 4.30pm

Yetminster DT9 6QE

01935 873214 e: revgeorgemoody@gmail.com

Yetminster Methodist Church Chapel Lane, Yetminster DT9 6LJ

Treasurer: Mrs S Gilbey

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

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

Roman Catholic Services Roman Catholic Church

Sundays:

Tuesday to Saturday

7.30am Morning Prayer followed by silent prayer 8.30am Sung Eucharist 12.30pm Midday Prayer 5.15pm Evening Prayer, followed by prayer time Night Prayer arranged at supper

7am Silent Prayer in Chapel 7.30am Morning Prayer 12 noon Midday Prayer and Eucharist 5.15pm Evening Prayer, followed by prayer time 9pm Night prayer (8.15pm -Thurs, 8.45pm-Sat)

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

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

PLANNING APPLICATIONS FEBRUARY 2021 BATCOMBE WD/D/20/003011 27/11/20

HARRIS FARM, STILE WAY – Request for confirmation of compliance with condition3 of planning approval WD/D/17/002763. Decided, decision not known, 14 Dec 20.

CHETNOLE WD/D/20/003246 22/12/2020 ROSE COTTAGE, YETMINSTER ROAD – Request for confirmation of Compliance with Conditions 4 & 5 of Listed Building Consent WD/D/19/002137. No Decision. WD/D/20/003119 08/12/20

BARN 5, HAMLET – Change of use of an agricultural building to a two storey single dwelling. No Decision.

WD/D/20/002174 08/09/2020 ROWAN COTTAGE, YETMINSTER ROAD – Proposed single storey side extension and associated alterations. Approved 30 Nov 20. WD/D/20/001802 18/08/2020 MANOR FARM, DEEP FORD LANE – Erect roof to cover the existing concrete yard to provide welfare for livestock. Approved 18 Nov 20. WD/D/20/000900 14/04/2020 NICKS NEST, BATCOMBE LANE – Erect a replacement commercial store. Refused 10 Dec 20. HERMITAGE WD/D/20/002029 25/08/2020 NORTH COTTAGE, HOLNEST PARK, HOLNEST – Conversion of existing workshop to accommodation. No Decision. HILFIELD Nil LEIGH WD/D/20/002509 08/10/2020 FORMER BUNGALOW, THREE GATES – Request for confirmation of compliance of conditions 1,2,3,4,5,6,7and 8 of planning approval wd/d/20/001296. Approved 3 dec 20. WD/D/20/002251 14/09/2020 GUYERS COTTAGE, CHETNOLE ROAD – Works to facilitate installation external air source heat pump and central heating. No Decision. WD/D/20/002109 03/09/2020 KEEPERS COTTAGE, BATCOMBE ROAD – Demolish conservatory, erect two storey & single storey extensions with linking garden room. Approved 18 Dec 20. WD/D/20/000941 20/04/2020 LOWER TOTNELL FARM, TOTNELL – Alterations to the former dairy building which forms additional living accommodation to the main house. Approved 27 Nov 20. WD/D/20/000942 20/04/2020 LOWER TOTNELL FARM, TOTNELL – Internal and external alterations to the former dairy building which forms additional living accommodation to the main house. Approved 27 Nov 20

PLANNING APPLICATIONS FEBRUARY 2021 MELBURY BUBB Nil RYME INTRINSECA WD/D/20/001057 05/05/2020 LAND KNOWN AS, CLIFTON FARM, CLIFTON FARM LANE, CLIFTON MAYBANK – Installation of a renewable energy scheme comprising ground mounted photovoltaic arrays together with substation; onsite connection to grid network; transformer stations; access; internal access track; landscaping; biodiversity measures; security measures; access gate and ancillary infrastructure. No Decision. YETMINSTER WD/D/20/002527 1210/20

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

WD/D/20/002439 16/09/2020 FOLLY FARM, THORNFORD ROAD – Modification of obligations on Section 106 agreement dated 12th July 2016 (original planning approval WD/D/16/000642). No Decision. WD/D/18/000819 23/04/2018 THE OLD COURT HOUSE, HIGH STREET – Request for confirmation of compliance of conditions 3,4,5,6,7 and 8 of planning approval WD/D/14/000548 (Compliance with Conditions). Under consideration. The next Dorset Council – Northern Area Planning Committee meeting will take place on the 16 February 2021 at 10.00am, these meetings are being held remotely as an MS teams live event. A full register of all past and present planning applications can be found at: https://planning.dorset.gov.uk/online-applications/ applications. Note: due to publication deadlines these details only reflect the website records up to 14.01.21

Graham Plaice

Photo: Faith Bellamy

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

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

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

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

Regular Meetings, Events & Activities Name

Time

Venue

1st Mon

Chetnole & Leigh Garden Club

7:30pm

Chetnole Village Hall

1 Tue

Leigh Discussion Club (wint)

7.30–10.30pm

Leigh Village Hall

2 Tues nd

Wriggle Valley MU (alt months) 7pm

Church Hall, Yetminster

Yetminster & Ryme Garden Soc. 7.30pm

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

Senior Winter Lunch Outings

Sue Footner 873610

7.30pm

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

3 Tues rd

Sheaf of Arrows

WV Women’s Group

7.30pm

Wriggle Valley Lunch Club

12.15–3pm

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

Gable Court Leigh Village Hall Leigh Village Hall

7.30–11pm

Leigh Village Hall

7pm

The White Hart, Yetminster

Coffee ‘n’ Cakes

10–11.30am

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

Batcombe Coffee Morning

11am

tba

[not Aug & Dec]

Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca PC 7.30pm

St. Andrew’s Primary School

2 Wed

Yetminster Historical Society

2.30pm

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

Police Support Unit

2–3pm

The Cross, Leigh

Chetnole & Stockwood PC

7.30pm

Chetnole Village Hall

2nd/4th Wed High Stoy Bible Study

7.30pm

Venue contact 872342

Last Wed Woodland Wednesdays

12.45–2.45pm

Pogles Wood nr Leigh

2nd Wed/alt mth

Police Community Support Yetminster Fair Association

By Church, Yetminster 7.30pm

Meadens Hall, Yetminster

Wed – Sat Friary Shop

2.30–4.30pm

The Friary, Hilfield

1st & 3rd Thu Yetminster Scribblers

6.30–8pm

Old School Gallery, Yet

Meadens Coffee Morning

10.30am

The Meadens

Leigh Short Mat Bowls

7–10pm

Leigh Village Hall

Pub Quiz

8pm

The White Haart

2 Thurs nd

Last Sat

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

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

WVM ADVERTISERS’ REGISTER FEBRUARY 2021 FUNERAL SERVICES

ART & ANTIQUES

Steve Mumford General Builder 68

Brister & Son

Neal Electrical Services

BED & BREAKFAST

Grassby Funeral Services

JJP Plumbing

Chetnole Inn

AJ Wakely & Sons

Pearce Energy Heating Oil

Sellick & Saxton

TS Boiler Services

Spearbuild

B.A Wallbridge

Westcountry Electrics

Old School Gallery

Hound House

18 70

CARE HOMES Old Vicarage Care Home, Leigh

BACK PAGE

CARS, VANS & MOTORCYCLES, HIRING & SERVICING

GARDEN & OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE Burrow Water Treatment Plants 56 John Butler Master Thatcher

P. Houchen Dry Stone Walling

Addison Motors

KDS Garden Machinery Repair

Autotech Garage Services

Komit Kompost

Brotherwood

Logs & Woodworking – Simon

Express Equipment Centre

N.S Autos West Country Cars

KC Decorators

Sibley Kitchens & Bathrooms

Michael Sturmey Carpets

The Log Man

SBF Curtains & Blinds

M&S Welding

Wayne Timmins

MAD Mowers

CM Furniture

Paul Hambidge Contracting

Cut Flowers by Kate

Perrett Fencing

LEGAL SERVICES

Pestwright & Mole Catcher

Porter Dodson Solicitors

Professional Will Writer

CHIMNEY SWEEPS Alexander the Grate

A Clean Sweep, Roger Dodd

i Sweep, & video inspections

Steve White Chimney Sweep

COMPUTERS, MARKETING & IT Dalaric Managed Internet Services 53 DMDH Computers

PDC Computing

EDUCATION Barn Owls Nursery

Lower Covey Montessori Nursery 19

EVENT VENUES

Rampisham Timber Services

SCR Tree Care

Tree Surgery (Westree)

Wriggle Valley Fencing

Leigh Village Hall

49 20

FOOD, DRINK & CATERING

PETS & LIVESTOCK Dog Grooming & Stripping

PHOTOGRAPHY Chetnole Drone Photography

Will’s Walls, Dry Stone Walling 31

POST OFFICES

HEALTH & WELL BEING

Chetnole Village Hall (Wed am only) 50

Robert Frith Optometrists

Leigh

Tania Geere Chiropodist

Yetminster

Therapy Barn Mandie Holloway 69

PRINTERS

Yetminster Health Centre

Remous, Milborne Port

HOME - BUILD & MAINTENANCE

Chetnole Village Hall

Yetminster Jubilee Hall

HOME, OFFICE & INTERIORS

AD Renovations

J Bennett Joinery

Ian Crossland Property Maint.

Dorset Plasterers

PROPERTY & HOLIDAY LETS Holiday Home Nr Bordeaux

Mallows Cottage, Yetminster

PUBLIC HOUSES & FOOD Chetnole Inn

SPORT & LEISURE

Leigh Village Stores & PO

Stuart Goodier Boiler Servicing 68

5 Star Bars & Catering

M Harris

On the Boyle Café

Steve Jones, Carpentry & Joinery 19

Heart Of Wessex Railway

Spar Stores & PO Yetminster

Knott Roofing

Wriggle Valley Cars

Tu Casa Tapas Takeaway

Lawrence Electricals

WRIGGLE VALLEY MAG ADVERTISING

Barfoots’ Bouncers

TRAVEL

February 2021 No.332

Articles inside

REGULAR EVENTS

PLANNING

OTHER NEWS

OUR CHURCH COMMUNITIES

POGLES WOOD EXPLORERS

CLUB NEWS

Yetminster

Hermitage

Beer Hackett

Chetnole

EDITORIAL

Batcombe

Leigh

Ryme Intrinseca