Beer Hackett

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

Friends of St. Michael’s Church

On Tuesday 22 June, the Friends of St. Michael's Church regretfully took the decision to cancel the planned Village Get Together on 3 July. The Trustees felt unhappy to proceed with the event given the delay to the lifting of restrictions until 19 July. They were mindful of the Friends' legal responsibilities, the possible risks to everyone attending and the short time left in which to make structural changes.

The Friends realise the disappointment this has caused and are looking forward to planning an event once Covid restrictions are lifted.

It has been a very trying year, not only for us but everyone, where nothing in life is certain, so we thank you for your continuing support.

Please contact the Friends' secretary to keep in touch.

Olive Davison, Secretary

Firemoon2015@hotmail.com 07552818389

Green Acres, Beer Hackett DT9 6QT

St. Michael’s Church

Our Wine and Cheese party is back, on Friday 6 August, from 6.30–8.00pm. To be held at Higher Farm, Beer Hackett, DT9 6QT, by the kind invitation of Leigh and Simon Clothier.

Tickets £5, to include finger food and a glass of wine. Proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the church. Booking and enquiries – tel: 01935 872217. Tickets also available at the gate.

Sadly, Covid restrictions have forced the Friends of St. Michaels to defer their Village Get Together until an event to be organised later in the year.

The Friends will be amalgamating some of the planned activities into the Wine and Cheese party, including musical entertainment and Bonny Sartin (ex Yetties) as compere.

Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you on 6 August.

Photo: Ben Keene

Photo: Ben Keene

John Bingham

Manor Farm, Knighton – Open Garden

We were delighted to welcome well over 100 people to Manor Farm on a fine Spring Bank Holiday. Having been coaxed into a donation by Siegfred Johnsen on the gate and parked in the top field by his younger brother, Henry, people began their tours from Knighton Hill with a gentle stroll through our organic wildflower meadows and down through an arboretum, incorporating several different native species to the gardens.

Owing to the cold spring, many of the plants we hoped would be out weren’t yet showing to their full potential but there was hopefully enough to interest the keen horticulturalist. Most seemed happy sipping their tea and munching Alice Johnsen’s cake and shortbread on the terrace, while drinking in the views across the Wriggle Valley, made glorious by the brilliantly bright and sunny weather.

Belinda Wingfield Digby’s book stall and Blooming Hill Plants did some brisk trade, while Hubert Johnsen managed to sell several old tools and incunabula in the stable yard. Thanks to all who came, helped and supported. We netted just over £1,000 for St. Michael’s which will help to staunch the hole left in church income from the lack of services and other activities in Beer Hackett, hampered by Covid. With hopes of a lifting of restrictions later this month, the Friends of St. Michael’s now have a full programme for the summer planned.

James Johnsen

St. Michael’s PCC thank the Johnsen family for their kind hospitality in hosting the open garden event. The day was a great success and gave much pleasure and enjoyment to all those who came, as well as providing a magnificent boost to church funds.

Bank Holiday ice cream treat

The MacBean family arranged for Tracey’s popular ice cream van to come to the village as part of their daughter Belle’s birthday celebrations. Having been notified through the Happy Hacketeers Whatsapp, villagers made the most of a refreshing treat on a hot day!

Chris Loder MP visits Brotherwood

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) specialists, Brotherwood, were delighted to host local Member of Parliament for West Dorset, Chris Loder, to their production facilities in Beer Hackett. Chris Loder had a full tour of the production line, where brand new vehicles are re-engineered by the local workforce using specialist techniques to provide safe, comfortable travel for wheelchair users. He learned about the specific transport needs of the UK’s disabled community, and how those needs are satisfied by the UK’s WAV industry – one of the most advanced of its kind across the world.

MD, John Daniel, thanked Mr Loder for his visit. He said that, as a rural business, it was a great opportunity for Brotherwood to discuss how the Government can help employers to find and develop skilled staff in their local areas. As a niche industry, the needs of disabled motorists are often overlooked, so it was also important to consider how these needs can be met in future transport legislation.

All change at Thornhackett Parish Council

After some 15 years as Parish Clerk, Peter Routledge has taken the decision to retire. He has worked tirelessly for the community against all odds and will be missed. Mrs Sandra Hillier from Beer Hackett has been appointed as the new Parish Clerk.

Sandra said, “Peter’s shoes will be difficult to fill, he has so much knowledge about the area at his fingertips. I’m new to Beer Hackett, having moved from Essex last August, straight into lockdown! That has made it quite difficult to meet people and to get to know the area, so I am on a steep learning curve. Luckily, I have some knowledge of how councils work having been a Borough and County Councillor in Essex and having sat as the county representative on my local parish council. I look forward to meeting as many residents as possible over the forthcoming months. In the meantime, I am reading the copious notes and folders that Peter has passed on to me.”

Sandra can be contacted via e-mail at thornhackett@dorset-aptc.gov.uk or 07885 371101

By post at: Thornhackett Parish Clerk, 3 The Bungalows, Beer Hackett DT9 6QR

Beer Hackett has three representatives on the THPC: Mr Kevin Cheleda, Mr Stephen Hillier, Mrs Betty Lewis.

An updated issue of the village handbook will be available in July and copies will be distributed to each household. Additional copies can be obtained from the church porch, or by contacting John Parker on 07812 105721.

Flying visit

More accustomed to the bird table regulars, villagers were intrigued the other evening by a more sizeable visitor! A large male peacock landed on various roofs before adopting a stately pose atop The Old Rectory Chimney. Apparently named ‘The Pimpernel,’ he normally resides at Manor Farm, Bradford Abbas, when not touring the local area.

John Parker

Photo: Ben Keene

photo: Jean Parker