Valley News February 2019

E E FR Issue 143 for Whitechurch, Whatcombe, Clenston, Stickland, Houghton, Turnworth & Milton Abbas

February 2019 Sunrise on the way to Blandford Picture by Mark Steele

Helping to inform and unite the Community

Editorial

Dunbury Academy

For fairly obvious reasons, we have steered clear of any commentary on Brexit! However, in the interests of our readers, there are two points that might be of help for those who are considering holidays in the EU this summer.

Firstly, if you are intending to drive, advice has been given from insurance companies that you should make sure that you have a green card - older readers may remember that this was a requirement before we joined the EU some 40 years ago! - as this may be a requirement in the event of 'no deal'. Although the application process is fairly straightforward, via your insurer, it can take time to receive the card, so there seems to be a lot of sense in getting organised ahead of time and applying for this sooner rather than later to avoid any last minute disappointments. This will apply for the Republic of Ireland too, and you would also require a separate card for a trailer or caravan.

The second bit of information concerns a similar situation, where if you are thinking of taking your cat or dog with you on holiday in the EU - you need to ensure that the pet has had its anti-rabies injection.

Once again, this takes a while after the actual injection for the vet to analyse the results, so it would make sense if you are considering this to get organised if you haven't already done so!

We had several articles submitted for the 'January' edition. Whilst it is great that people would like to have one, we are unable to produce a magazine and deliver it during the Christmas period, so we maintain a policy of a combined Dec/Jan edition. We are sorry to disappoint!

We hope too that we won't have to disappoint many people next month. As February is such a short month we are going to have to be very strict about our deadlines - the 10th for adverts, and the 15th for articles. We shall be going to print very shortly after the 15th to ensure we can get your copy to you in good time before the beginning of March.

Thank you for your help in meeting these deadlines.

Whilst writing this editorial it has just been broadcast that Australia is in the grip of a heatwave - the hottest it has been since 1939 - at 49°C in Port Augusta. Overnight the temperature didn't drop below 36°C in some places. In Russia at a place called Agayakan the temperature at the same time was MINUS 56.6°C! This means that there was a temperature difference of over 100°C which is quite remarkable. It makes our current cold spell seem somewhat more attractive, too! In the event that you are reading this when there is snow on the ground, drive safely and look out for neighbours and friends. VN

What an exciting Autumn term we had here at Dunbury Academy, culminating in our various Christmas celebrations including a Christingle service in Kingston, KS2 performing Christmas Carols in the community, a carol service in St Mary's Whitechurch and Reception and KS1 had their fab-u-lous Nativity 'Lights, Camel, Action!'

At the end of November we welcomed international water polo player Giulio Sartorello to Dunbury as part of the Inspired through Sport programme. It was a fantastic morning where the children were involved in sporting activities and were given an insight into the determination, dedication and cost involved to become the best at your chosen sport.

As part of the event we had asked for sponsorship and the response we received was really incredible. We raised just over £1,000 in sponsorship for which we are truly grateful. This means that we have not only supported our GB athletes but have also secured funds for the school to purchase new PE equipment.

Our thanks to all the children and families for their generous sponsorship donations. We would like to give a special mention to Frank, Harvey, Mia, Erin, Emily, Owen and Laura for their amazing fundraising efforts.

Scots Pine class got to showcase their Darwin topic work with an afternoon exhibition and Silver Birch class had an enjoyable, but explosive learning experience with their Roman open afternoon. Visitors were very impressed with the work on display. Thank you to all the staff and children for their hard work and enthusiasm in organising all of these events.

Winterborne Whitechurch Parish Council The first meeting of 2019 was held on Wednesday 9th January in the Old School Room with one member of the public present.

The Parish Council wishes you all a Very Happy New Year.

The clerk advised that he is still waiting for a cost from the Handyman regarding work to the older play park timber.

The Village Defibrillator Project is going ahead with only the one to be situated at the Village Hall. The other site proposed at Lady Bailey Residential Park is being held over until a satisfactory agreement can be made with the owner.

The Speed Indicator Device (SID) Project is proceeding and the 3 poles have already been put up and the SID is due before the end of January.

A Planning application 2/2018/1710/HOUSE - Whitesands 5 Fosters Meadows Whitechurch DT11 0DW - Proposed Car port, conversion of Garage to Annexe and add front & rear Dormers, Conservatory to rear - WWPC had No Objections A request from St Mary's PCC for a donation towards the cost of grass cutting of the churchyard was discussed and it was agreed to donate £650 this year.

The Village Speed Watch Team is still in need of new volunteers to help operate the scheme that is helping to slow the speeding traffic going through the village. Without this help the scheme is in danger of closing. Please help.

Meeting Dates for 2019- February 13th, March 13th, April 10th, May 8th, June 12th, July 10th, September 11th, October 9th, November 20th at 7pm in the Old School Room. All Welcome For further info go to winterbornewhitechurchparishcouncil.org.uk or contact the clerk on 01258 880600.

Our wonderful Friends of Dunbury Academy (FODA) have raised an amazing £3145 in the autumn term alone, as well as gifting the children of KS2 a copy each of the book they have been enjoying this term, starting a process to be repeated each term with each class book.

On behalf of the children we would like to thank both FODA and the local community for their generosity in supporting our school events, which enables FODA to support us so well. Sadly one of the FODA members has now stepped down from their role on the committee but we want to say a special thank you to Debbie Frith for the extremely effective job she has done for us as the Treasurer of the school association. Debbie wears many hats and is running a very successful business called Passionate PA, so we can highly recommend her skills as an extremely organised efficient lady who has been such a key person in the running of the PTA. Thank you Debbie, we look forward to continuing to work with you on future projects.

We would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the whole school community, to thank Mr Richard Marchant for his years of service and the exceptional wisdom he has given to our school as Chair of the Local Governing Body. Mr Marchant has now stepped down and although we say a fond farewell, we still hope to see a great deal of him, not least at our end of term services where we hope he will continue to play the organ so beautifully for us. We warmly welcome and thank Mrs Bridget Pirie for stepping up from her role of Vice-Chair to be our new Chairperson. We will certainly have an exciting year ahead.

Ben Barker - Headteacher 2

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Whitechurch Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

Thank you

Winterborne Whitechurch Beavers, Cubs and Scouts would like to thank everyone who supported their Christmas Raffle, whether buying tickets or donating prizes. Over ÂŁ500 was raised for the group, which was fantastic. Thank you to the Milton Arms for allowing us to hold the draw in a very packed and busy pub, with a little carol singing thrown in for good measure! A special thank you to the local businesses who so generously donated prizes including; The Crown, Winterborne Stickland The Royal Oak, Milborne St Andrew The Botany Bay Inne, Winterborne Zelston The Royal Oak, Okeford Fitzpaine Friday 15th February is 'Bring a Friend' night to Cubs and Scouts, so if anyone is interested to see what we do and would like to join in the fun, please come along and say hello. All the contact details for the group and applicable age ranges can be found in the Valley Organisations & Contacts within this magazine. Also if any adults are interested in volunteering or getting more involved in the Scout Association then again, please do get in touch - we'd love to meet you!

Thank you to everybody who sent cards, messages and made visits during my recent stay in hospital. I am very grateful to you all and I wish you all a very happy new year.

Rene Webb

Winterborne Stickland Sports & Community Club

Whitechurch Village Hall 100 Club September; 1st No.25 Mrs Caroline Ward, 2nd No. 54 Mrs Judi Barzaghi, 3rd No.52 Mr Daniel Tamblyn October; 1st No.63 Snapper Sherwin, 2nd No.16 Mrs Annie Thom, 3rd No.95 Paul Richie November; 1st No.21 Keith Tildesley, 2nd No.65 Martin Loader, 3rd No.22 Susan Finn December; 1st No.4 Chris Mullen, 2nd No.5 Deena Richie, 3rd No.45 Mrs Shirley Taylor, 4th No.1 Janice Dodd January; 1st No.37 Jim Luke, 2nd No.17 Elizabeth Poppitt, 3rd No.69 Mr Bryan Tucker

There may be many in and around Winterborne Stickland who know of the Pamela Hambro Village Hall in West Street, but are not aware that the village can boast of having a second community facility, the Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club, which has a clubhouse and extensive outdoor sports areas. It is at the northern end of the village on the left of the Turnworth Road.

The two facilities are complementary rather than competing as one has a stage, kitchen and open hall area and the other has a bar, skittle alley, darts boards, pool table, and a good pub style space with tables and chairs where audiences can also appreciate local visiting entertainers such as Chris Henderson and Matt Black. Outside on the large field areas there used to be a cricket pitch and there still is a football pitch where a veterans' football team (for over forties) have a home game once a month. These areas are able to accommodate camping and social events and shows. The tennis court is still in reasonable condition and the intention is to improve it with new fencing and repainting the lines of the court.

The current Sports and Community clubhouse was opened in 1992 and replaced an original wooden building. Part of the funding towards the cost of rebuilding was raised through skittle evenings when players each 'bought' a brick for ÂŁ1! We are hoping to delve deeper into the history of the building and realise that a lot of effort went into the project. We would be interested in hearing about other stories in relation to the history of the club and its facilities.

The club has been extensively renovated in recent years and is once again a welcoming and cosy venue. Contact numbers for the club are included in the Valley News. It is now run by a small committee of volunteers who are keen to promote events that will appeal to the village and wider community. Last summer amongst other outdoor activities there was a barn dance and a free 'Messy Games' afternoon for children. There are plans to have various events during this coming year which may include,: skittles, bingo evenings, darts and pool evenings, a classic bike rally, car rally, dog show/village sports and three more 'Messy Games' events.

If you would like to have a go at darts, pool, skittles, veterans football, or tennis then please contact the club. In addition volunteers to join the friendly committee and interesting ideas for future events are all welcomed.

Phil Deeming & Jerry Kelsey

Pamela Hambro Hall 100 club January 1st Mrs M Grey 2nd Mr J Felstead 3rd Mrs R Jones

February 1st Mr R Shulver 2nd Hazel Harlock 3rd Valerie Ashford

Round Robin Ramblers The Local Villages Walking Group Walks are normally held on the first Sunday and the third Wednesday of each month.

Please join us as we enjoy exercise, good company and the wonderful Dorset countryside. Any questions, please feel free to contact: Ian Bromilow, 01258 880044.

Sunday 3rd Feb - 1:30 pm Ibberton & Belchalwell Meet at Ibberton Hill picnic area, just down from Bulbarrow in the direction of Okeford Fitzpaine. Grid reference: ST 792071 on OS Explorer Sheet 117 (approx. 4.5 miles) Wednesday 20th Feb - 11 am Blandford St Mary & Bryanston Meet at the free car park behind Tesco and the brewery in Blandford Forum. Grid reference: ST 889058 on Explorer Sheet 117 (approx. 7 miles) Bring a packed lunch.

Sunday 3rd March - 2 pm - Tarrant Crawford Meet near the church in Tarrant Crawford which is about 3 miles SE of Langton Long when driving from Blandford Forum.

Please note: WHO All welcome including well-behaved dogs and their responsible owners. No pre-booking required, just turn up.

WEAR Suitable clothing for wet conditions and location, walking boots or Wellington boots.

BRING Waterproofs and refreshments (packed lunch on Wednesdays).

PACE We go at the pace of the slowest.

TERRAIN Expect mud, inclines and stiles.

AIM Keep fit, enjoy the Dorset countryside and each other's company.

LEGAL We look after one another but in the end you are responsible for yourself.

A Chance To Sit And Stare Staring through a window, at a building across the street.

Decorated by a flashing Christmas light.

Over its flat rooftop, a sunset incomplete.

To turn the dimming daylight into night.

The muffled hum of traffic hangs heavy in the air.

Mournful as they facelessly pass by.

A time of contemplation. A chance to sit and stare.

Anonymously watching from on high.

Jackie Grearson 4

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where more information is available. https://miltonabbashistorygroup.com or just type Milton Abbas History into your search engine.

Milton Abbey Heritage Trust have published Bryan Phillips' text 'Athelstan's Dream', as a book which is now available on Amazon as a Kindle book, and paperback. This was written for the 2018 Milton Abbey Exhibition. Bryan is busy researching and writing up more history on Milton Abbey ready for the 2019 Exhibition.

After a big effort, our transcription of the first Overseers of the Poor Book for Milton Abbas covering the years 1771 to 1798 is now available for our members in one spreadsheet. This contains over 18 000 records and can be searched for the names of those living in the old town and the new village. There are many interesting stories to be told of the people who were here then, mostly stories of suffering, illness and poverty. We have begun analysing the records to track the changes which took place in this traumatic period for the village.

We also have available for members our transcriptions of the Churchwardens Account Books from 1638 through to 1805. These have been completed by Marleen Hawkins and John O'Quinn. Many thanks to them for their amazing work. It can be really difficult reading the handwriting of two or three hundred years ago. Again these records can now be searched for names and is a new resource for those researching the people who used to live here, and their descendants.

Needless to say we are not resting on our laurels, and are pushing on with transcribing the wills, settlement papers, bastardy papers and so on as part of our Old Town Project. We have also found a duel between Lord Milton and Vere Earl Poulett caused by a heated debate over game rights on land at Abbots Wootton in 1769. We are transcribing the letters between these two lords, and writing up the story of their encounter. Interesting times!

Our WW1 group are working to record and publish their research of the Milton Abbas people.

Our next meeting of the history group is on Wednesday 6 February, 19:00 Reading Rooms. There will be a presentation on the Old Town of Milton Abbas and the lives of the people who lived there.

Pamela Hambro Hall We often read in this magazine about donations made (and sometimes required!) for various local clubs or activities or buildings. I am delighted to be able to report further generosity for the village hall here in Stickland - a new and improved public address/audio visual system has been purchased for the hall by the Valley Players and Artsreach together at a cost of £200, and the dishwasher has been thoroughly serviced and is once more in tiptop condition thanks to shared funding from Artsreach. The hall continues to be very heavily used and it is thanks to the generosity of such users that we continue to be very proud o the facilities that are available.

In some additional good news, those who attended the enormously entertaining Near-Ta's production 'Christmas Time' promoted by Artsreach at the hall in December held a collection for the Blandford Foodbank; this raised a sum of £51 which was much appreciated by the organiser. The idea for the collection came from Cieran Clarke, who is one of the founders of the theatre group.

Graham Case, Secretary

Winterborne Artisans Exhibition A huge thank you to all who supported the Winterborne Artisans exhibition in November and to those who took part. It was a lovely occasion to brighten a dull autumn day, with plenty to look at, to talk about and to buy, whilst being refreshed with homemade produce.

Stickland Fingerpost Restoration Project The support was overwhelming. Those who visited enjoyed the exhibition, were treated to a feast of skills and demonstrations and were delighted with what they saw; it whet the appetite of general interest and amazement at the talent that abounds locally. There was not enough room in the Pamela Hambro Hall to accommodate all who wanted to take part so any future events have potential for offering an even greater range of local expertise.

The purpose of the event was threefold and all aims were achieved: a celebration of local art and craft; £650 raised towards electrical work for St Mary's Stickland; generating interest in rekindling a group from across the region to pursue, celebrate and learn about skills in art and craft.

Please see the following note about how the Winterborne Artisans concept can be perpetuated.

Karen, Philippa, Janine and Richard I'm sure residents of Winterborne Stickland will have noticed that the 4 traditional fingerposts in our village have been sympathetically restored back to their former glory. The work was initiated by the Stickland Parish Council who paid for the restoration work on the first fingerpost (Whiteway). An application was then submitted to the village Solar Fund Committee and it was agreed that the Solar Fund would contribute towards the cost of restoring the final 3 fingerposts. CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) and Dorset AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) also contributed significant funding to the project. Special mention must also be made to the following for their invaluable advice and contribution which ensured that the project was completed successfully: Dorset AONB fingerpost project team: www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/ourwork/rural-roads/fingerpostproject, Roger from Normtec for his craftsmanship and dedication and for managing the work. Roger's support network of volunteers including Dave Sheppard at HMIP YOI (Young Offender's Institute) in Portland and Dorchester/Blandford Men's Sheds, Dorset County Council Highways who removed and re-instated 2 of the posts.

Report by WS Parish Councillor J Tebb

Winterborne Artisans Craft Club Do you love crafting and also getting together with friends? The initial meeting of the Winterborne Artisans Craft Club will be on Tuesday 5th February at 7pm, in St Mary's Church, Winterborne Stickland. The main purpose of this meeting will be to discuss what activities the members would like to have as the focus of the meetings. Come along with plenty of ideas and suggestions - and bring your knitting, sketch pad, etc., so that we can craft as we chat and enjoy refreshments.

For more details contact Philippa Smith on 07979 241938 or email smphilippa@aol.com

Milton Abbas Local History Group A Happy New Year to all our readers. The Milton Abbas Local History Group now has 45 paid up members, which is a record number, many thanks for those supporting us. As our meeting in January would have fallen on the 2nd, our members decided unanimously to avoid this date.

Perhaps they were wary of forthcoming hangovers. Nevertheless, our work has continued apace. New pages have been added to our website 6

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milder wintering areas in Britain, Ireland, and France. Starlings are more nomadic, and ringing studies show that populations vastly increase as a result of overwintering here from Scandinavia, Russia and Western Europe. Hopefully, Brexit issues will have no influence on these migrations, although, more seriously, climate change will, and is making an impact year by year.

Stickland River Management Group

Streamwatch It occurs to me that we have many new residents in the Winterborne Valley Area who may not know about the River Winterborne and the stretch upon which the Streamwatch article is centred. Water Lane is the name of the road connecting Winterborne Houghton and Stickland.

Sometimes reference is made to 'The Green' which is the Village Green in Stickland over which the river flows prior to heading south along the Clenston Road.

Have you seen the Kingfisher in the past month or two? Many people regularly see one or two of them as they stroll along Water Lane - we know that there are at least two as they have been seen at the same time! The best views occur when the Kingfisher flies away from you and light catches the blue iridescent wings. It is possible to follow one bird for the full length of Water Lane as it moves from perch to perch in short flights ahead of you before it circles around, over the fields to begin its flight low over the water again. There have been sightings of the Kingfisher near the Pamela Hambro Hall and along the residential stretches of the river in West Street.

MARCH DEADLINES ADS SUNDAY 10th FEBRUARY ARTICLES FRIDAY 15th FEBRUARY Late items will appear in the April edition 'I'm not afraid to go out now' Blandford Read Easy and local villagers are helping to give someone the gift of reading.

Thanks to the support of those who attended the Quiz Night at the Hambro Arms in December we have been able to raise funds to support the purchase of further reading materials. The stories below illustrate where your generous donations are going.

Research has shown that Dyslexia, personal tragedy and difficulties at school can still lead to adults not being able to read. Years later however the will to succeed and the current support being provided from Read Easy can change everything.

For Donna, making dinner for her kids wasn't just tough - it was dangerous. Her eldest child has a peanut allergy. Because Donna couldn't read food labels, she was never sure that she was choosing ingredients that would keep her child safe. This left her feeling really awful as a mum. It was her children's' belief in her that finally spurred Donna to make a change. Since learning to read her self-confidence has improved tremendously. Being able to read road signs has enabled her to learn to drive.

Picture by Will Bown Much work was done in the autumn to try and overcome the flooding issues experienced last year on the upper reaches of the river.

With many thanks to Tim Martin of Houghton, who spent much time on trimming the hedgerow, the river is looking good with essential light getting to the all-important stony river bed allowing the ranunculus (the in-stream weed) to grow. I know the Streamwatch articles always 'bang' on about ranunculus, but it is the lifeblood of chalk rivers indicating good health and water-life supporting potential.

We are well into the winter season with sightings of Redwing (migrating from Russia, Northern Europe and Iceland), Fieldfare (from Northern Europe), and Goldcrest (with additional numbers boosted from Scandinavia). However this is not all, many of the birds we regularly see throughout the year are also subject to migration which can be determined by severe weather conditions, but these are not really noticed because they are augmented by the same species from the north and east seeking less harsh conditions.

Before ornithology was studied more closely, some strange ideas and concepts were held. Aristotle believed birds to change from one type to another, e.g., a Robin could morph into a Redwing; a Thrush into a Fieldfare etc., which explained, he thought, the disappearance of some species for parts of a year. Homer accepted that birds sought warmer environs during cold periods, but that some, such as Storks, went to battle mystical tribes. Charles Morton in a paper published in 1703 stated that during winter, birds flew off to the moon! Clearly, these folks did not have the benefit of advice from David Attenborough in declaring their thoughts.

Thank heavens we have more solid data to work upon these days.

Why is it that Robins became a very popular image for Christmas cards - very likely that our normal population of Robins are supplemented during winter by an annual migration of Robins from Eastern Europe, The Netherlands and Belgium, thus boosting numbers and therefore being more prominent over the winter months. Blackbirds arrive from Scandinavia and Nothern Europe deserting cold northern forests for

Shirley's will to succeed means she has made great progress with her Read Easy coach Jane. Motivation comes from her two young children who she is determined will have a different experience of education. When Shirley's eldest child started school he began trying out his newly learnt phonic skills; 'h', 'u', 'g'. Before Read Easy, Shirley wouldn't have realised what he was doing. Now she can help with homework and read them stories at night time.

Because of support from the local community, life has changed a great deal for not just these readers but for many others.

Many different skills are needed to run a successful Read Easy group, so if people are interested in making a difference, they will almost certainly have something to offer. Currently Read Easy Blandford are looking for volunteers who would be able to support the administration side of the reading programme or who could organise and support reading coaches in their work.

The challenge is now on to find more volunteers to support the valuable work that is being done.

If you want to know more about what's involved then please get in touch either by email blandford@readeasy.org.uk or phone 07789 771999 8

G P Lewis

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recover. The easiest way is to pick one day of the week and always water on that day, I also give my indoor plants some worm liquid feed through the winter especially if they are flowering and using lots of energy to be beautiful. A very good reason to have a wormery.

Claire Scott

Down the Garden Path Have you bought your seed potatoes yet? Yes, that time of year has arrived, buying seed potatoes, seeds, bare-rooted fruit trees and catalogues arriving every day with wonderfully tempting pictures of healthy plants. It is very easy to get carried away with a long wish list of plants and seeds. It is better to look through them and then think about your garden, what did not work last year, what did you want to try this year, are there areas that need revamping. Do you want more fruit trees and bushes? Be firm with yourself and ask yourself lots of questions before you order loads of plants and then have a problem of knowing what to do with them.

There is still time to do the winter prune of pears and apples if you have not yet got around to doing it. Cut out crossing branches and any dead and spindly shoots. The buds which produce flowers are more rounded than those which just produce leaves. Cut back last year's shoots to nice round buds to promote flowers in the spring. Do not prune plum trees at this time of year, they need to be pruned after flowering.

It is a good idea to look critically at your winter garden and see how much colour you have. There is a wide range of foliage shrubs which provide background colour and of course there are lots of shrubs and trees with coloured barks. The other plants for this time of the year are those which flower now such as the cherries and then those that have wonderful perfume. Sarcococca is a genus of 16-20 species of flowering plants in the box family Buxaceae, native to eastern and south eastern Asia and the Himalayas. Their flowers are small but the perfume wafts around the garden and is also glorious in the house. Daphne odora is a species of flowering plant in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to China, which comes with variegated and green leaves and again is grown for its perfumed flowers. Somehow the crisp air seems to be perfect for carrying perfume. There are a number of small trees which also flower now. Witch-hazels are a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, with four species in North America, and one each in Japan and China. They also flower in the winter and are grown for the perfume, and although they are a tree, they can be pruned to keep them small to fit smaller gardens. There is a perfumed plant that will suit any garden.

Winter so far has been mostly mild and the snowdrops have started opening as have the hellebores. The variety of hellebores seems to increase every year with lovely doubles and speckled singles. They come in a wide range of lovely colours and are very easy to grow in pots as well as in the garden and a good flower for this time of year when colour is scarce.

The vegetable garden continues to be productive with leeks, cabbages, parsnips, kale and swiss chard among other things. I have grown a winter lettuce with pretty speckled leaves which is doing very well and is very tasty. It is lovely to pick salad leaves in winter, rocket and mizuna for example, provide tasty leaves and grow well in pots on a windowsill. Growing herbs on windowsills is very useful. Supermarket herbs in pots are a good way to get hold of fresh herbs, but they are often pot bound and benefit from potting on. Put them in a slightly larger pot, giving them a couple of inches for the roots to grow down into fresh soil, they will then last for several months providing fresh additions to your meals. This works for parsley, coriander, basil, chives and thyme, it's worth a try.

The interest in houseplants has resulted in a much greater choice being available. Apart from poinsettia, orchids and violets and the exotic Christmas cactus there are lots of foliage indoor plants as well as flowering ones. The Coleus group of plants are grown for their colourful foliage and can go out for the summer; they come in a wide range of colours and are not difficult to grow. The peace lily is a popular flower, it likes a shady position and is quite thirsty but otherwise it is also an easy plant. The Kaffir Lily, which was known as clivia, has a spectacular flower and beautiful dark green leaves, the flowers are either a lovely buttery yellow or a glorious orange. They like to be root bound and do not appreciate being in sunshine which will burn their leaves. The indoor hibiscus has wonderful flowers which can get as big as eight inches across. With time it can get to six feet tall but it can be pruned to slow it down and it can go in the garden for the summer. If plants get dry for a time, they can recover but overwatering rots their roots and they can't

What's Cooking No one can have missed all the discussion in the press about vegetables, whether it be the number of people giving up meat or becoming vegan and the need to increase roughage intake with fruit, vegetables and seeds. There are so many plants that we could eat but we have a quite limited range available as a regular part of our diet and the days of vegetables only being available in season has long gone. I still think it wrong to have asparagus at Christmas, somehow flying asparagus from South America in the winter just seems out of season, but maybe that is because I think English asparagus is the best.

Pheasants are now in season and readily available. I treat them as if they were chicken but make an allowance for the fact that they are less fatty. They are able to take on quite strong flavours including spices and make delicious casseroles; when I gut them, I keep the livers and combine them with chicken livers to make a liver pate or a liver parfait.

Some people only use the breast and throw the rest away, I often casserole the legs slowly and then strip the meat off the sinews and bones and pheasant bones makes delicious stock for soups or casseroles.

One-pan supper dishes are easy and delicious and we have a wide variety of sausages available, apart from straight pork. Venison sausages are very meaty and less fatty than pork and if you can get hold of them Merguez, the north African sausages with smoky paprika make a lovely change. The basis for a sausage casserole is onions, garlic is optional, after that it is a free for all, lentils, tomatoes, leeks, chickpeas, peas, cannellini beans, barlotti beans, left over vegetables, cabbage, cauliflower, the contents of the bottom drawer of your fridge, this sort of supper dish has no rules and no boundaries. Season with herbs of your choice, salt and pepper to taste and supper is done.

I like the way, increasingly, recipes acknowledge that if you do not like a listed ingredient miss it out, use your taste buds to decide what seasoning should go in your food, it is only if we get to know food and flavours that we become more adventurous and less afraid to cook from scratch, which is cheaper and better for us. I do wish good fish was more easily available and a wider choice of variety, don't get me wrong I like trout, salmon, cod, mackerel and haddock but I also like sardines, black, red and grey mullet as well as sea bass, pollock, bream, plaice - there are so many different types of fish with varying textures of flesh and flavours it seems such a shame that it is so difficult to get hold of. Fish is also very quick and easy to cook.

My mother used to cook trout in the oven wrapped in wet newspaper, firstly she put slices of lemon and some chopped parsley in the cavity of the fish then wrapped it in baking parchment. This was then wrapped in newspaper which she had moistened, the row of fish were put in a roasting dish and then in the oven. When the newspaper was dry the fish was cooked. I cook whole salmon or large trout in a similar way except that I wrap them in baking parchment, then in tin foil, which I then lie on the top shelf of the dishwasher which I put on its longest wash and then leave to get cold. I usually put it on before going to bed and then the next day remove the parcel with the cooked fish inside. It is then easy to skin, take off the bone and decorate as you want. So much easier than a fish kettle which needs to be watched and topped up. Mackerel, and other oily fish are also perfect cooked in the oven with some lemon and herbs in their cavity. The worst thing one can do to fish is to overcook it so that it becomes dry, but make sure that the fish you buy is fresh with bright shiny eyes, then you know it has not been out of the sea for too long and also from a sustainable source.

March is often called the hungry month because it is the end of winter but the brassicas are all in season as are leeks and parsnips and of course today food is flown in from all over the world as well as from Europe so the hungry season applies to home produced vegetables. It is however definitely the rhubarb season; this is definitely a marmite vegetable, love it or hate it, the forced rhubarb is in season now. Cooked simply in the oven with some orange zest, juice and honey, it is perfect for breakfast with a dollop of yoghurt or a dessert with a slice of panettone and some ice cream‌ continued on page 16 10

FRAMPTON DEVELOPMENTS LTD • NEW BUILDS

• RENOVATIONS

• EXTENSIONS

• EPDM FLAT ROOFING

• ORANGERIES & SUN ROOMS • PATIOS & LANDSCAPING • ALTERATIONS

• ROOFING

FIND US ON FACEBOOK OR CALL STEVE 01258 459134 • 07786 808628 11

Events COFFEE MORNING & CHARITY SHOP Mondays, 10.30am-12.00, St. Mary’s Church, Stickland

Quiz at Pamela Hambro Hall Winterborne Stickland Quiz master: Simon Hoare MP 8th March • 7.00 for 7.30

WHITECHURCH YOUTH CLUB (7-14 year olds welcome) Mondays, 6.30pm, Whitechurch Village Hall COFFEE STOP Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.00, St James, Milton Abbas CUP & CAKE Wednesdays, 10.30-12.00, Old School Room, Whitechurch

Tickets £15.00 from Audreyburch01@gmail.com 01258 880828 Supper + glass wine • Bar and Raffle Tables of 6 or can Make up on night.

ROUND ROBIN RAMBLERS See article on page 4 FRI 15th FEB BINGO 7.30pm, Whitechurch Village Hall Raffle, Refreshments.

In aid of Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance FRI 15th FEB Milborne Movies 'THE POST' (PG-13) 7.30pm, Milborne St Andrew Village Hall Bar open 7pm. Tickets £3.50

Advertising Rates

FRI 22nd FEB Artsreach Workshop & Puppet Drama 1.30pm-3.30pm Howling Tales Workshop 3.30pm-4pm Refreshments 4pm-5pm Angel Heart Theatre ‘The Boy who cried Wolf’ Tickets from Sarah Ryan 01258 839230 or from www.artsreach.co.uk Workshop £3; Theatre £6 Adults, £5 Children, £20 family (maximum 2 adults and 2 under 18s)

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Contact Anne Donnelly Phone: 01258 881261 Email: ads@valley-news.co.uk AD DEADLINE: 10th of the month prior to publication ALL ADVERTISING TO BE PRE-PAID

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AUCTION WINTERBORNE WHITECHURCH VILLAGE HALL SUNDAY 17th MARCH 12pm Lots to be left in the hall on Saturday 16th March between 9am to 4pm Viewing Sunday 9am to 12pm Contact: Jim 01258 881204 12

Events

LAST MONTH’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS CRYPTIC Across 1. Family - French friend (ami) held by clever(fly) 4. Sconce - Scone with C in the middle 8. Chablis - Tea (cha) is almost heavenly (blis) 10. Cantata - humbug = cant; information = data 13. Astral - anagram of Rats inside Al 15. Postal 17. Pop 19. Neighbourliness - anagram of EU and English robins 21. Try - doorway = entry, small width = en 22. Afters - Rafters with the first letter missing 25. Gateau - Entrance = gate, antipodes = au (for Australia) 26. Evening - anagram of engine and V (Roman five) 28. Swizzle 29. Psalms 30. Pastry - History = past, boring = dry Down 2. Amaretti - Anagram of Marti ate 3. Yes 4. Sec - conatined within "Diocese chalice" 5. Claret - Irish county = Clare 6. Acquaintances - Milan team = AC, whimsical = quaint, tangos = dances 7. Candle Snuffer - 500 = D, container = can, the French = le, endure = suffer, pole = n 9. Idol 11. Atop 12. Savouring - saving with our in the middle 14. Asher 16. Ouija - Oui = yes in French, ja = yes in German 17. Pot - anagram of opt 18. Pry - Spry minus S 20. Ebenezer - anagram of NE breeze 23.

Tapers - anagram of repast 24. Sign 25. Glow - low after g 27. Gas 28. Sip - Alternative letters from his kipper EASY Across 1. Affray 4. Garnet 8. Oboists 10. Upwards 13. Itched 15. Ginger 17. Bee 19. Unprepossessing 21. Ask 22. Tahiti 25. Angels 26. Audible 28. Trouser 29. Cloche 30. Guards Down 2. Foolscap 3. Yes 4. Gnu 5. Earwig 6. Horticultural 7. Asparagus Fern 9. Toad 11. Pang 12. Necessary 14. Elect 16. Ibsen 17. Boa 18. Esk 20. Itemised 23. Handel 24. Idyl 25. Acer 27. Eye 28. Tug

Valley News Information VN Team: Advertising: Distribution: Printing: Payments: Small Ads: Charity Events: Articles:

Graham Case, Valerie Ashford, Claire & John Scott, Barbara Luke, Jim Luke Anne Donnelly ads@valley-news.co.uk 01258 881261 Treasurer: Janet Snook news@valley-news.co.uk Sue Eggar and Angela D'Silva news@valley-news.co.uk Layout: Mark Steele news@valley-news.co.uk Purely Print www.purelyprint.co.uk 01258 459977 All advertising to be pre-paid. Cheques payable to ‘Valley News'. Internet Bank Transfers now accepted.

Private sellers only. Small ads will be included for a donation and confirmed for publication when the donation is received.

Events in the Valley News area will be listed free on the Events page. Normal advertising rates will apply for boxed ads.

Send by email to Mark Steele at news@valley-news.co.uk or to Valerie Ashford, 11 Fairmead, Stickland (DT11 OND) Please include name & contact number in case of any queries.

Deadlines: For Advertising : 10th of the prior month. For all other submissions (articles, pictures etc.): 15th of the prior month.

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13

The Winterborne Valley & Milton Abbas Benefice February…..

How do you feel about this winter's month, when days are often bright, chilly and cold? For some there will be sadness in the core of our being which shadows our thoughts in this brave new year. But the days are drawing out and the supermarkets are selling tight bud bunches of daffodils to grace our homes and slowly warm our hearts.

Love blooms in this winter month as February brings cold and age and love.

Fortunately, our Dear Lord promises us this month that Spring is on its way. All around us bulbs are sprouting up through the earth's crust and birds are returning to these shores as the days draw out. Lambs appear in the fields of our valley, all bringing us the promise of hope.

For me the end of last year had something missing. You see, after spending the whole of November in Poole hospital with Sepsis, and then being confined to our house for December, it meant that for the first time in 35 years I was not leading any Christmas services.

Magic is a confusing word to use when talking about faith, so instead I'll replace it for a while with hope and joy. You see Christmas for me didn't include any of the hope and joy which is such a large part of our Churches at Christmas. The wonder of a Church lit by candle light. The smile on a child's face as they are part of a nativity scene. Voices raised in singing carols. All of these give us the ability for just a little while to shut this crazy world away and receive the Joy and Hope our Lord sends us with Love in the birth of his Son. Maybe I just felt sad at the loss of that which is such a large part of my life. But then a crazy group of friends finished their Church Carol singing at Whitechurch and drove up the hill to our house to sing to me.

On a very cold December night their voices raised in love reduced me to tears but brought me the Love, Joy and Hope of the season. Then eight weeks after leaving Coffee Pot at Stickland Church, my friends welcomed me back on New Year's Eve by clapping me as I walked through the door. So much love conveyed in the clapping of hands.

Being given love like that is such a privilege.

Our God takes pleasure in saturating us with his love when we are baptised. Jesus' baptism mirrors for us our original blessing encouraging us to become servants of love - offering blessing, and not judgment, to others. Despite the fact that we remain sinful, fragile, imperfect people, our original blessing can empower us if we remember that we are baptized.

Through this saturation of blessing and of belonging, we become the beloved - those set apart by God's love to become love in the world.

Every time we baptize an infant or an adult, each of us is reminded of our original blessing - reminded of the waters of baptism that have washed over our lives and each of us is reminded of God's voice in our lives. "You are my child, the Beloved with whom I am well pleased."

Remember you are blessed, my friends. Remember that you belong.

Remember that you are the beloved. And remember that it is a gracious God who has taken delight and pleasure in who you are and who you are becoming. This profound gift changes us and defines us. This is the good news of Spring. A new beginning. And it is very, very good.

Whatever this bright New Year brings to each one of us, may we never loose sight of the gifts of Love, Joy and Hope which our Lord gives us. Look around you this month at this wonderful valley we live in, with all the promise of new life around us. How can we fail to give thanks that we are able to witness a new beginning and step out towards Spring with renewed vigour.

May it be so for you and for me. Amen.

Rev Sue Postscript from Alan: It was great to see so many of you at the Christmas services. A news update on the electrical system in St Andrew's, Winterborne Houghton: The electrical contractor will begin work on 4th February! They anticipate being on site for two weeks. The Churchwarden and PCC have done an amazing job to get to this point - well done and thank you to them. Thank you to all who have supported, encouraged and donated to the funds! There will be a celebration service on 3rd of March at 6:00pm - in the warm and all welcome!

Blessings, Alan

FROM THE REGISTERS 10th January 2019 17th January 2019 22nd January 2019

at St Nicholas, Winterborne Clenston at St Nicholas, Winterborne Clenston at St Nicholas, Winterborne Clenston

SUN 3rd FEB 5 before Lent Green

SUN 10th FEB 4 before Lent (Proper 1) Green

SUN 17th FEB 3 before Lent (Proper 2) Green

SUN 24th FEB 2 before Lent Green

Clenston Houghton Milton Abbas Stickland Turnworth Whitechurch

1000 HC AR 1800 HC AR 1000 MW JHB/IB 0830 (BCP) sHC AR

No Service 0830 HC BCP AR

1800 EP SL 1000 HC TS

Theme Old Testament Psalm Epistle Gospel

Love is…

Jeremiah 1: 4-10 Psalm 71: 1-6 1 Cor 13: 1-13 Luke 4: 21-31

FUNERALS

0835 Mon & Tue MP Stickland 0930 Wed HC Milton Abbas

Gladys Lynch Mallow Higgs Oliver Trevett

1000 MW JT/JHB 1000 HC AR

1000 MW DA/PC

1000 HC TS 1000 MW JHB + team 1800 HC AR 0830 (BCP) sHC TS

Hold firmly to the message Isaiah 6: 1-8 Psalm 138 1 Cor 15: 1-11 Luke 5: 1-11

For this life only?

Jeremiah 17: 4-10 Psalm 1 1 Cor 15: 12-20 Luke 6: 17-26

Dead or alive?

Genesis 45: 3-11, 15 Psalm 37: 1-11, 39-40 1 Cor 15: 35-38, 42-50 Luke 6: 27-38

SERVICES KEY: BCP 1662 Book of Common Prayer Traditional EP Evening Prayer HC Holy Communion (Eucharist) SHC Service without hymns or music MW Morning Worship, informal service for all, with old & new hymns & songs, without HC MP Morning Prayer Rev'd Alan Ryan - AR • 01258 880482 • winterbornevalleyandmiltonbenefice.com Rev'd Sue Litchfield SL; Rev'd Jimmy Hamilton-Brown JHB; Rev’d Tina Sterling TS; Rev'd Helier Exon HE; Rev’d Jo Davis JD Debbie Albery DA; Harriet Ryan HR; Jenny Tory JT; Ian Bromilow IB; Wilma Bromilow WB; Piers Chichester PC

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Polly 'Bs' Local lady doing: Holistic Treatments, Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Ear Candling.

Also Beauty Treatments Facials, Waxing, Eyebrow/Lash tinting.

Manicure and Pedicure Nail cutting and Hard Skin Removal.

Appointments available during the day and evenings.

Some treatments can be done in your home.

Ring Pauline on 01258 880084 / 07760 303332 Gift Vouchers available.

15

continued from page 10 of course it is perfect for crumbles on those chilly evenings when something delicious and warming is needed with a jug of home made custard, what more does one need.

Claire Scott

Milton Abbas Surgery Winter is a great time for celebrating with friends and family and I hope that you all wrapped up warm and enjoyed your Christmas.

Whether there was a white Christmas or not, the next few weeks will undoubtedly be cold and wet and your health may suffer.

Icy roads and pavements mean it's much easier to slip and fall, and 'winter illnesses' such as colds and flu are more prevalent. General practice and the hospitals become even busier than normal, so helping yourself and others will help everyone. So what can you do? · If you haven't already, have your flu jab · Regularly check on frail or older friends, family and neighbours. Do they have food, heat and activities to pass the time indoors? · Check where you can get over the counter medicines and when they are open · Check you and others have enough prescription medicines if the weather takes a turn for the worse · Try to get out for some exercise and fresh air - this will help your mental health too.

Remember also that there are lots of places apart from your GP surgery where you can get help if you are unwell: · High street pharmacies can advise on how to treat a range of common conditions; · NHS 111 are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can provide advice on your health; · Minor injuries units (MIU) can help with a range of things that are urgent but not life threatening, for example broken bones, sprains and minor burns; Blandford or Weymouth are your nearest MIUs. · 999 or Emergency Departments (A & E) should only be used in a life threatening situation. Dorchester is your nearest Emergency Department.

For more information on local health services for you, your friends and family, visit www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk A reminder to register to book appointments and order your repeat medication online With the press reporting that the NHS is moving more to on line services, we need our patients to be able to access new technologies that support care when they become available.

As a starting point, every patient can request access to an on line system to allow them book appointments or order repeat medication.

To register please speak to reception; you will be required to bring identification before a password can be issued and you will need to collect this in person from the surgery; it only takes a moment. If you need help to log on please call the surgery on 01300 341666 or pop in and someone will be happy to help you.

The more people that routinely use on line services the better, as this allows us more time to help those who have more urgent queries.

Brexit We are all aware of the various issues around Brexit and we understand that some patients are concerned about whether they will be able to get their medication once the country has left Europe. We are advised that there should be no impact on medication supply to us and therefore we are not able to 'stockpile' in anticipation. We therefore kindly ask that you do not try to order excess medication as we will not be able to supply any more than your usual prescription. Over ordering will potentially have impact on other patients and we need to make sure there is enough medication to care for all of our patients.

Book Review The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest, by John Gerard SJ, translated by Philip Caraman SJ This is a fresh translation of a gripping and surprisingly readable 17th century autobiography by an English Jesuit priest, John Gerard (1564-1637), who spent eight years dodging the authorities in England.

(Catholicism was outlawed by Henry VIII in 1534.) Gerard was captured in 1597 and imprisoned in the Tower of London. However, he got out in a daring and dramatic escape, climbing along a rope strung across the Tower moat, despite the fact that his hands had been mangled by torture. He even arranged for the escape of his jailer, with whom he had become friendly, since he knew the man would be held responsible for the jailbreak.

Gerard does not explain his beliefs nor why he felt impelled to risk his life for so long, ministering in the Midlands and in London. But he gives much telling detail about the constant state of tension and suspicion; the hiding places to which he fled; those who sought to capture him (whom he knew well); and about the torture he endured in the Tower of London before his adventurous breakout.

One of the astonishing facets of this narrative is the bravery and dedication of so many Catholic recusants (people who refused to conform to Anglicanism), who hid and protected Gerard and other Catholic priests at great risk to their lives and property. There were many informers, and most Catholic priests and their hosts were caught, many suffering execution.

After his escape, Gerard continued his ministry for another eight years, until the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 made England too dangerous - not least, because he was falsely implicated. He hid for nine days in a 'priest's hole' during the height of the search for conspirators. Gerard wrote an open letter protesting his innocence, and had copies scattered about the streets of London, refuting any prior knowledge or involvement in the Plot, which he said he would have condemned had he known about it. After this, Gerard left the country, slipping away disguised as a footman in the retinue of the Spanish Ambassador.

The atmosphere of almost close intimacy between hunters and hunted at this most fevered of times (well captured in the 2017 BBC series, Gunpowder) makes this account doubly fascinating.

Mark Hudson

Remember Me? I'm the wall you used to prop your bike against, to wait for the oval sign to change from 'closed' to 'open'.

Villagers leaned against me to enquire after aches and pains and neighbours not seen around for a while. Dogs on leads waited patiently - or otherwise - for their owners to reappear, and small children had their shoes put back on.

I am the host to willow herb, geranium, and wild strawberry and a host of other wild flowers, and a myriad tiny insects live in my ivy crown.

My beautifully built flint wall will wait to see what happens next more changes? - but I will stay as a reminder of permanence.

Norman Wellstead

Do you have room in your heart & home for a child?

Could you offer stability for a young person needing short or long-term care?

Generous fees and allowances are on offer to people who foster youngsters through Dorset County Council.

Placements can be anything from one weekend a month to longterm placements - and YOU are in control of how much or how little you'd like to offer.

Never assume you won't be considered suitable to foster - you can be a homeowner, in rented accommodation, including a council house, and you can be single or married, of any gender or sexual orientation.

If you have a spare bedroom and aged over 21, we'd love to hear from you. Visit fosterindorset.com, call 01305 225568 or email fosteringenquiries@dorsetcc.gov.uk. You'll be provided with lots more info and there is no obligation to proceed at any stage.

The Blandford Surgeries How to deal with those winter colds and 'flu Colds are mild viral infections affecting nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough.

Colds typically last a week in adults, but up to two weeks in younger children.

There's no cure for a cold. Take plenty of rest, fluids and painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, to relieve aches and pains.

Colds are spread by: • direct contact - sneezes and coughs launch virus droplets into the air to be breathed in by others continued on page 18 16

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The Winterborne Stickland Solar Fund Committee would like to remind residents of Winterborne Stickland that funding is available for community projects.

Applications for funding should be emailed to sticklandsolarfund@yahoo.com Decisions are made every 2 months.

The basic criteria is that ideas should have benefit to the community. A committee of volunteers select successful projects.

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Continued from Page 18 • indirect contact - sneezing onto a door handle means another person touching the handle can catch the cold virus if they touch their mouth or nose A person is contagious 2/3 days before symptoms appear, and until all symptoms have gone - about two weeks.

Flu is not a 'bad cold'. Each year, thousands of people die of complications after catching the flu.

Colds and flu share some of the same symptoms (cough, sore throat), but are caused by different viruses.

If you're generally fit and healthy, you can usually treat flu yourself, without seeing a doctor, as with a colds (above).

Preventing the spread of colds and flu • wash hands regularly • sneeze and cough into tissues • use your own cup, plates, etc You only need to see your GP if you have: • symptoms more than three weeks • high temperature (fever) of 39°C (102.2°F) or above • blood-stained mucus when you cough • chest pain • breathing difficulties • severe swelling of lymph nodes (glands) in neck and/or armpits See your GP for concerns about a baby, elderly person, or if you have a long-term illness, such as a chest condition.

Phone NHS 111 for an assessment.

Tests may be needed to rule out a more serious infection such as pneumonia.

and/or a fine of up to £1000.

If you see anything suspicious call 101 or if you see a dog worrying or attacking livestock please call Dorset Police on 999 If you wish to have a livestock worrying poster to place around your farm to make people aware then please visit the Rural Crime Team website and download a copy here: https://www.dorset.police.uk/helpadvice-crime-prevention/crime-prevention-help-advice/ruralcrime/rural-crime-team We also have hard backed signs which are made of metal and plastic which are supplied and sponsored by Cornish Mutual. If you would like some of these for your farm or small holding where you have footpaths crossing farm land please send a self-addressed A4 envelope with your contact details and the quantity of signs required to Rural Crime Team, Force Headquarters, Winfrith, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8DZ. What you need to know Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls, voicemails, text messages or emails to members of the public purporting to be from HMRC. The fraudsters state that as a result of their non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable to prosecution or other legal proceedings such as repossession of belongings to settle the balance but can avoid this by arranging for payment to be made immediately by method such as bank transfer or by iTunes gift cards.

If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, bailiffs or in cases where the victim appears to be of overseas origin; deportation.

Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact.

It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.

What you need to do Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn't mean they are genuine.

Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.

Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher.

Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.

Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud.

Dorset Police During 2018 - Dorset Police had 40 reported attacks on livestock by dogs.

40 times a dog owner failed to have their dog under their close control near livestock and did not consider what their dog may do. ‘my dog has never done anything like that before' repeatedly seen on police incident logs.

11 of these cases the dog owners were identified and dealt with, including Dog Behaviour Contracts and compensation was paid to the farmer and a recent court prosecution. 3 more cases are ongoing.

We are five days into 2019 and we have already seen another dog attack on sheep in East Dorset from a dog that has 'never done it before'.

Did you know that livestock worrying is a criminal offence?

If you’re out walking the dog this weekend on agricultural land and it worries livestock you are committing the offence of livestock worrying.

We’re asking dog owners to be responsible when out enjoying our countryside.

- Keep all dogs on a lead around any livestock and remember to always release the lead if chased by cattle and get yourself to safety.

- Worrying is traditionally thought of as a dog biting/attacking livestock but it also means: - Chasing livestock in such a way as may be reasonably expected to cause injury or suffering; in the case of ewes, this includes abortion or loss or reduction in the number of offspring she has.

- Not having a dog on a lead or under close control when close by, or in a field or enclosure with livestock.

- The penalty for livestock worrying can be 6 months imprisonment

Action Fraud has received more than 5,000 reports about fake emails and texts purporting to be from TV Licensing. The messages contain links to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.

Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

For more information about how to stay safe online, visit cyberaware.gov.uk

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19

Winterborne Whitechurch Church East Farm Shop, Winterborne Whitechurch Milton Abbas Post Office Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland Winterborne Stickland Church The Crown, Winterborne Stickland Blandford Tourist Information Centre Hall & Woodhouse Visitors Centre, Blandford St Mary

Valley News around the World Thank you to Jerry and Sarah Kelsey for sending these pictures from their recent trip to Laos.

On a cycle ride around island of Don Daeng

Two from the temple of Ta Prohm in Angkor Wat the Khmer city of around the tenth century.

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WINTERBORNE WHITECHURCH VILLAGE HALL is available to hire

Domestic and Industrial J.I.B. Registered

Parties, wedding receptions, meetings and any function that needs a bit of space.

Kids birthday parties welcome.

Kitchen facilities, toilets and bar area.

Disabled friendly.

Booking charges are £7 per hour.

Also available to hire are marques and gazebos.

Bookings: Jim Luke 01258 881204

www.wwvh.co.uk

Robert Way Electrical Contractor Wyvern Cottage North Street Winterborne Stickland 01258 880363 07713 148896

Free Estimates 24 Hour Call out Service

J.P.L Gardens

Stickland Mowers

Professional Garden Services

Servicing and repairs carried out on all makes/models of Garden and Horticultural machinery, with over 27 years experience.

Lawn Mowing • Hedge Cutting Garden Maintenance • Garden Clearance Mole Catching • Landscaping and fencing Small tree work

Call Jerry Legg 01258 489977 • 07940 895803 23 May Grove, Charlton Marshall, jplegg48@googlemail.com

Carer Available Experienced, and qualified carer available, for all personal care duties, respite care, cooking, shopping, domestic cleaning, days out, up to date training, DBS checked, and insured.

Tory Logs

TRAXS

Free collection and delivery

Call 01258 880149 Mobile 07879 338334 Rob’s Clearance

Curtains & Blinds

HOUSE, Shed and site clearance

Supply & Fit Curtain Rails & Poles Make, Hang & Dress Curtains & Pelmets with your own material Make & Hang Blinds – Roman, London, Roller, Venetian, Vertical Pole & Track Maintenance

Rubbish removed Recycling carried out Good/interesting items purchased for cash Friendly and reliable

Please call sue: 01258 880149 Mobile: 07879 338334 Email: susancarolinerampling@gmail.com

John Holden 01258 881685 • 07949 079241

Tel: 01747 839751 07956 414 896

Winterborne Whitechurch Old School Room is available to hire.

Chris Henderson sings...

Chimneys Professionally Swept

This beautiful large room, ideal for parties, meetings and family or community gathering.

Come and visit to appreciate the charm of this lovely venue.

Full kitchen and cloakroom facilities.

Disabled friendly.

Booking charges £7 per hour.

Bookings : Mrs Ann Guy 01258 837959 Pat 01258 880209

all types of music, including Elvis, for all types of occasions.

Traditional brush and vacuum sweep.

No mess or fuss and nothing to do before or after.

call Robbie on

Woodburners, inglnooks and Agas etc.

Reliable prompt helpful service.

Cowls fitted

01258 881138

07952 991966

For more information

22

Complete Pest Solutions Commercial and private sector, professional, discreet and punctual All pests dealt with including rodents, moles, rabbits, wasps, ants and flying insects etc.

Contracts undertaken Pubs, Farms etc.

07952 991966

news@valley-news.co.uk

•

ads@valley-news.co.uk

Valley Organisations & Contacts Abbey Swimming Club Milton Abbey Swimming Pool. Tue 1830-2030, Fri 1930-2030, Sat 1000-1200, Sun 8am-9am, Lynn 881443, Pat 880601, Stephen 881524, abbeyswimmingclub@gmail.com Aquacise and lane swimming for fitness Exercise in the water - safe and fun for all ages. Ladies and gentlemen welcome Fridays 6.30pm Maria 880895 secretary@masportsclub.org.uk Bere Regis Floral Group 2nd Tue each month, 2pm, Kingston Village Hall, Diane Edmunds 01929 472 331 British Horse Society (Dorset) County Bridleway Officer • 01258 880318 carolshoopman@btinternet.com Bus2Go Margo www.bus2godorset.org 01258 837749 / 07917 298321 Dunbury Church of England Academy www.dunbury.dsat.org.uk • 880501 Extend Exercise (to music for 60s+) Fri 10am-11am, PHH, Jilly Spencer 07971 755715 Golf Club Milton Abbey School, Laura Haim 881872 Jan’s Fun Art & Craft Classes 07836 639514 janodesigns@yahoo.co.uk Ladies Keep Fit Wed 7.30pm WVH. Mary Fripp 880416 Milborne St. Andrew Village Hall Events Alice Harrall 01258 837371 msavillagehall@gmail.com Milton Abbas 2001 Women’s Group Pauline Northeast 880223 Milton Abbas Art Group Mon 7pm-9pm, RRMA, Elizabeth Walker elizziewalker@yahoo.co.uk Milton Abbas Local History Group 1st Wed each month, 7pm RRMA Bryan or Pamela Phillips 880385

OSR PHH RMA WVH

VENUE KEY Old School Room, Whitechurch Pamela Hambro Hall, Stickland Reading Rooms, Milton Abbas Whitechurch Village Hall

Milton Abbas Neighbourcar For your medical transport needs, 01258 470333 Milton Abbas Riding For The Disabled Friday 10am-12noon Term time, Luccombe Riding Centre, Sue Hodder 880229 Milton Abbas Sports Club Andy Smith 880310 The Middleton Players Mike Roberts 880976 Pamela Hambro Hall 880969 • pamelahambrohall.wix.com/home Patient Voice (the Patient Reference Group for Milton Abbas & Milborne St Andrew Surgery), Sec. Nigel Hodder 880229 Pilates 1 hr classes: Mon 10am; Tue 6.45pm; Wed 10am; Thu 12.00; PHH, Jilly Spencer 07971 755715 POPP Wayfinders for The Winterbornes Sue Inman 07920 650608 Sue.Inman@helpandcare.org.uk Richard Hewitt 07971 338129 Richard.Hewitt@helpandcare.org.uk Round Robin Ramblers Normally 1st Sun & 3rd Wed each month Ian Bromilow 880044 River Stickland Management Group Richard Marchant 881716 (Secretary) r.marchant@btinternet.com Short Mat Bowls Mon 1.00pm PHH Francis Dennett 880129 The Spanish Society Susana 01258 721261 / 07766 069836 Sticklebacks Parent & Toddler Group Tue (Term Time) 10am-12pm, PHH Cheryl 07795687151 cheryl_s84@hotmail.com

To add or update a listing on this page please email news@valley-news.co.uk 23

Swimming Lessons Juniors and adults. Beginners and improvers.

Maria 880895 or Richard 837402 Table Tennis for Adults Tue 2pm-4pm & Fri 7pm-9pm, PHH Graham Case 880740 Tennis Club Winterborne Sports Club, Stickland Jerry Kelsey 07665 777451 Valley Ringers John Close (Tower Capt, WW) 880457 Ann Fox (Tower Capt, WS) 881156 Valley Computer Club Richard D’Silva 880118 Valley Gardening Club sites.google.com/site/vgcdorset Valley Players 881415, www.valleyplayers.co.uk Whist Drive 3rd Wed of month, 7pm, RRMA. Entry £1 W. Stickland Sports & Community Club Vaughan Manners 880969 • wssc.club Whitechurch Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Tue, Beavers, Dunbury School Gym Girls & Boys 6-8 years Fri, Cubs 6.30-8.15pm, Dunbury School Gym Girls & Boys 7½-11 years Fri, Scouts, 6.30-8.30pm, WVH Girls & Boys 10½-14 years. Leader: Skip, winterbornewhitechurchscouts@gmail.com Secretary: Anna 880363 anna@annaway.plus.com Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall See Text Ads Yoga Thu 9.30-10.30am, PHH, Louise Hull 860381 Zumba WVH, Various classes, AM & PM, Tue & Thu Tracy 07971 636437

Parish Council Websites winterbornestickland.org.uk winterbornehoughton.org.uk miltonabbaspc.org.uk. winterbornewhitechurchparishcouncil.org.uk

Thanks again to Nick Donnelly for compiling our Valley News Crossword.

There are two sets of clues, Cryptic and Concise, but remember, you cannot mix the clues as the cryptic answers are different to the Concise ones.

Answers will be given in the next edition.

CRYPTIC

CONCISE

Across

Across

1. Fourth mini designer holds a dress rehearsal initially (8) 5. Suggestion of what lips do in anticipation (5) 9. Circular chimney is coming (6) 10. A new liquor a painful condition (6) 11. Cold house? Go oil mixture! (5) 13. Hill support dog (9) 15. Soldier behind chicken and bus reversing to 1969 album (6,9) 17. A poll might sooth disturbed professional interested in pupils (15) 18. It's sounder to mince fillet of beef (9) 22. Brother chippy worker, I'm told (5) 24. Gold pieces in circulation (6) 25. Five love without energy follows dad for conditioner (6) 26. Aromatic seed from bean is eucalyptus (5) 27. Warrior is less sophisticated having caught South African (8)

1. Dried, unripe fruit with flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves (8) 5. Expel (5) 9. Type of acid from oranges etc. (6) 10. Renounce (6) 11. Obscures (5) 13. Coffee maker (9) 15. Something blown out of proportion (1, 5, 2, 1, 6) 17. Reserved (15) 18. Something that levels the score (9) 22. Play (5) 24. Walk unsteadily (6) 25. Famous Florentine family (6) 26. Elegance (5) 27. Scottish town (8)

Down

Down

1. Condition boss; it ensures desired outcome (7,7) 2. Six left after article designed to get hammered (5) 3. New door, new music (5) 4. Sound of disapproval is backwards for this African (5) 6. Cetacean extract contains potassium (5) 7. Below the lips, a cockney friend? (5) 8. Reverse bottom club - interferer with long arms? (4,4,6) 12. Expression of pain rent night hunter (5) 13. Repaired communist caught fish (7) 14. Make a knight with debts? Questionable! (7) 16. Sure thing fenced by superhero geriatric (5) 19. Almost sophisticated, but out of the country (5) 20. Minims, for example, made from mashed rock (5) 21. Choose one caught for measuring spirits (5) 22. Insects produce this in France, right before fool (5) 23. Passport, for example, conducted but left the motor running (5)

1. Appurtenances (14) 2. Automotive company (5) 3. Aches (5) 4. Additional (5) 6. Combined (5) 7. Clog (5) 8. Understanding (14) 12. Japanese city (5) 13. Cabals (7) 14. Having more spume (7) 16. Post (5) 19. Cow's mammary glands (5) 20. Ornamental plant of the olive family (5) 21. Heath plant (5) 22. Dismal (5) 23. Ensue (5)

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