Bransgore Parish Newsletter

No 106 : September 2002

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BRANSGORE PARISH COUNCIL

Chairman's report for September 2002

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who responded to the request in the last Newsletter and let the Parish Council know what facilities they would like to see in a "new" Village Hall. The replies were most encouraging and we look forward to seeing them used to produce some ideas for just such a project during the Meeting called for September 3rd 2002. Although the prime purpose of that Meeting will be to get a mandate from the residents of 18 years and over, it is hoped there will be time for discussion as well.

Secondly, and unfortunately on a less positive note, the playing field in particular has been suffering from some mindless acts of vandalism. The new safety surface in the younger children's play area has been subjected to having holes gouged out of it and although they are repaired as fast as possible it is incomprehensible that new ones appear almost as fast. WHY! One of the Parish Councils functions is with regard to Crime and Disorder. Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 states -

"Without prejudice to any other obligation imposed on it, it shall be the duty of each authority to which this section applies to exercise its various functions with due regard to the likely effect of the exercise of these functions on, and the need to do all that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its area."

We cannot exercise this function without the help of every resident in Bransgore so please can each one of you notice if criminal damage is occurring and notify either the Police or one of the Parish Council immediately. The cost of repairs is preventing new facilities becoming available and the enjoyment of those we have is being spoilt by just a few.

On a more positive note the Parish Council is launching its own Web site, for those of you who have the use of computers, but it will continue to produce paper copies as well.

Since the last Newsletter the Queen's Jubilee has come and gone, so have Wimbledon, and the Commonwealth Games, to name but a few national events. The summer is giving way to autumn and soon thoughts will be turning to Christmas. I broke my leg on 1st June, and as I write this am still hopping on one leg. It has been a salutary lesson in discovering where there are disabled facilities and where one is unable to go, and this need will of course be met as soon as possible in the Village Hall. The Parish Office can never comply so if there is anyone who would like to talk to one of the Parish Councillors but is unable to because of disability one of us will always visit you at home.

We look forward to seeing a really good attendance on September 3rd and if the outcome is satisfactory hope to start planning for a "new" village Hall.        

LIZA WOOD     01425 672747 

Dates of future meetings - at the Christian Centre, Shackleton Square at 7.30pm.

Parish Clerk. Mr. Charles Beattie 01425 618 679

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THE PARISH COUNCIL HAS A NEW WEB SITE!

Just enter (www.bransgore-parish.gov.uk)  Your are there already!

The Parish Council appointed a small Sub Committee to consider what should be included on the new web site. Having reviewed a number of other parish web sites, the Sub Committee drew up a list of contents which it was felt would be of interest to our residents. This list was compared with what information was already available or could be obtained, together with the practicalities of keeping the site maintained and up to date. The Sub-Committee then 'designed' the web site and sought tenders for its technical development.

The following topics are included :-

(a) Home page - Introduction, photo of the month, credits, etc. 

(b) Parish Council - Explanation of the Council, its role, meetings, officers and contact information 

(c) Minutes of meetings, current and past 

(d) Highways - a list showing a plan of remedial action on roads, footpaths, etc. 

(e) A to Z of services - a guide to services provided by Parish and District Councils 

(f) Local Planning information, guidance on planning issues, links to locate actual applications 

(g) Parish News - contains a directory which allows access to most recent and archive Parish Newsletters 

(h) Bransgore School - Prospectus and links to other information items

The site also has prominent links to NFDC, Hantsweb and the Bransgore village website.  We hope you find this Parish web site both user-friendly and informative. Please e-mail the site if you wish to comment!

Councillors DAVE STODDART / ANN HICKMAN

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BRANSGORE METHODIST CHURCH

Minister - Rev. R. Clarke. Telephone: 673304

As I sit here, writing these words, I am looking out on a brilliant show of flowers of all colours, surrounding the lawn. Apples and pears in company with plums and greengages tell me that once more the Summer is moving on towards harvest time - in fact at this very moment we are eating the first pear to be picked from our trees (and tasty it is, too!).

How the seasons come and go! "Summer and Winter and seedtime and harvest" run the words of the old hymn, and our faith in God's Creation is always justified.

There is so much trouble and sadness in God's world. The murder of the two Cambridgeshire schoolgirls is uppermost in our minds at this moment, and our prayers for those suffering torment from this terrible event must be ongoing. But God is a merciful God, a great healer, and we know that his love and support will uphold all who mourn.

We celebrate our Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday, September 29th at 10.30 am and 7 pm which is a Harvest Songs of Praise. Would you like to join us? We would welcome you most warmly. May every blessing be upon all our readers.

29th September - Harvest Festival Services at 10.30 am and 7 pm.

ARNOLD MASON Telephone : 672788

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BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY - BRANSGORE BRANCH

The members of the Branch, both present and past, felt they could not let this edition of the Newsletter be published without reference to the passing of Miss Phyllis Tanner - "Phyl" as she was known to all her friends in the village. She will be sadly missed by all the organisations of which she was such an active member, but particularly by the Red Cross, an organisation for which she had a special affection. It was her generosity that made possible the acquisition of our portacabin which originally housed the Medical Loans equipment. She also gave us a wheelchair in memory of her great friend, Olive Felton. Phyl's kindness and determination to help others has meant that the Red Cross is able to help so many residents in Bransgore who have need of medical equipment following accidents, operations or just to make life a little easier.

Bransgore Friendship Club As I write this we have just started our summer break as we do not meet in the month of August. By September 10th when our Autumn and Winter programme commences, we will all have realised just how much we have missed our fortnightly gatherings, meeting up with our friends and neighbours. The hard working Committee and helpers will be refreshed from the rest and raring to go once again to provide the varied programme listed in the Diary of Events on the back page.

In the last few months we have held a Plant Sale, a Rose Show, a Tea Dance, and a Garden Party. We have had The Wessex Birds of Prey Rescue Centre from Canford Heath visit us, with Terri Hall demonstrating with three of the rescued birds resident at the Centre, and we celebrated our Jubilee Tea in June with the Starlite Singers from Mudeford entertaining us, including a raunchy rendition by "Josie". Each attending member received a celebration gift and our Village Hall was a picture with the decorations for the special occasion. You had to get up early to keep up with us all on that particular day, and we enjoyed fresh strawberries and cream and a party tea. Also Esther Harris, our coach organiser, took us to Weymouth in June, complete with tea and cake on the way home, and to Wisley Gardens via a coffee stop at Guildford Cathedral in July. All in all, a GREAT SUMMER. We now look forward to resuming once again and on September 24th Patricia Godwin visits us with a talk entitled "Anything Goes" - a witty and illuminating look at the fashions and foibles of the Roaring Twenties, complete with costumes from that era, including UNDERWEAR!

Our home- made Choir will be having a rest this year and on December 17th we welcome The Ringwood Church Handbell Team to entertain us, plus the usual mince pies and cards.

And something new to look forward to in 2003 - an outing to Kingston Lacy to see the snowdrops in February and a Winter Lunch in March.

Variety is the spice of life, and this is just what we aim to give our members when we meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month in Bransgore Village Hall commencing at 2.15 pm. We are the Club for the 55+ and the Youth in Heart - come and join us if you dare. JANET HENSON Secretary 674954

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RECREATION DEVELOPMENT 

We continue to progress with the new cricket and football field, we are working towards completing the pavilion, it now has drainage, some plastering has been done and more works are in the pipeline!! Quotes are being obtained for gates to finish off the fencing. We are still awaiting news of the new entrance on the old site, planning applications are slow in the summer! Please come along to our meetings on the first Tuesday in the month at the Christian Centre at 7.30pm.

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JACK AND JILL PRE-SCHOOL

We are now registered as full day care for two days a week and also to run a lunch club. These are our new hours:

We are OFSTED inspected and registered and receive funding for our three and four-year-olds; this will include three-year-old funding from September for children starting school in September 2003.

Jack and Jill is a community based Committee-run group and a registered Charity, catering for all children from 2.9 years to school entry and is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.

Your child can be offered a safe, secure and stimulating environment, with a full curriculum leading to the early learning goals. There are also computers on which your children can practise their keyboard skills ready for school. We have a high adult to child ratio including parental involvement. We have a parents' rota where you may help at a session, but this is optional. In the summer the children have an enclosed outdoor area where they can play.

Jack and Jill regularly liases with Bransgore Primary School so that your child may get to know the school before they start.

We will also be having our educational trips to Blashford Lakes, etc.

FUTURE EVENTS; 

Thank you for your support.

You are welcome to visit us any morning, or contact our Registration Secretary, Elaine Waters, on 672719, for a prospectus.

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BRANSGORE FLOWER CLUB 

September 26th is the start of our Autumn programme. "Baskets of Delight" is the title of a demonstration by Mary Holliday-Bishop. Do come along and join us; new members and guests are most welcome. We meet on the fourth Thursday in the month at 2pm at the Resource Centre, Ringwood Road. 

Diary Dates 

MARGO CROUCH,  Programme Secretary 672612

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BRANSGORE ART SOCIETY

The Society held its Annual Exhibition on June 4th, during the Jubilee holiday. To mark the occasion we had invited the children of Bransgore Primary School to submit paintings with the Queen's Golden Jubilee as a theme. We received 25 entries, all of which were exhibited. All, from both infants and juniors, displayed a wealth of creative talent and imaginative interpretation. We felt that all the young artists deserved recognition. Accordingly, a certificate of merit was presented to each of them during a school assembly attended by the Chairman and Secretary of the Society. Two of the entrants, one infant and one junior, were felt to be especially meritorious and were presented with gift tokens.

The Society continues to hold meetings every Wednesday morning in the Resource Centre, and on Monday evenings for those who are otherwise occupied during the day time. Membership is limited by the available space but at present there are some vacancies. If you would like to join us, please contact either:

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BRANSGORE & RINGWOOD TOY LIBRARY

With twice as many toys to choose from now that the two Toy Libraries are well and truly combined, why not come along to one of our sessions which are held in the Committee Room at the side of Bransgore Village Hall on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 10.00 am - 1.00 pm.

Membership is £3.60 per year and you may rent the toys for a month at a time. Rental prices vary from 30p to £5 depending on the cost of the toy.

You may also come for a coffee and a chat while the children play. Don't feel obliged to take out a toy at every visit. We are open to everyone - Mums, Dads, Carers, Grandparents, Childminders and Playgroups, etc.

For more information, please telephone Julie Clark on 674520.

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BRANSGORE COMMUNITY CARE GROUP

We will be holding our AGM on Thursday, 12 September at 7.30 pm in the Resource Centre. This year our Guest Speaker will be Miss Emma Cookson from the New Forest District Council who has kindly agreed to speak to us about Recycling the Clear Way. We are sure this will be a very interesting evening so please keep this date free to come and join us.

A Coffee Morning will also be held to help raise money for our Community Care Group on Thursday, 3rd October at 11.00 am. This will be at Sheesha's home, Heron's Gate, Ringwood Road, Bransgore. There will be a cake stall, bring and buy, raffle, etc., so do come for a coffee and chat with your friends.

SHEESHA NEWBURY Chairman

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FRIENDS OF SOPLEY CHURCH

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

The four-day Festival of Flowers, organised by the Friends of Sopley Church, enjoyed beautiful weather and attracted over 2,200 visitors. The scent of flowers filled the air in the 13th Century church and visitors were treated to over 50 arrangements interpreting the theme 'Celebration'. Displays included the Queen's Golden Jubilee, The Queen Mother's life, Uniform service and many Saints.

Over 50 arrangers from Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire came together to produce one of the most spectacular Festivals ever held at the Church. The triennial Festivals have been held over a very long period and are well established in the flower arranger's calendar. Our thanks go to all that helped to produce such a wonderful display.

Our marquee contained many stalls, from gifts, cakes and preserves to plants, books, tombola and bric-a-brac and superb refreshments. We are most grateful to all that provided prizes for the raffle and those who so generously bought tickets.

The proceeds from the Festival will be over £8,000 and will all go towards the re-roofing of the Nave.

MALCOLM AUSTEN Hon. Treasurer to the Friends of Sopley Church

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N.A.D.F.A.S.

What do the letters stand for?

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETIES

The Society holds lectures once a month to bring together people interested in the decorative and fine arts who wish to hear expert lectures, to visit museums, galleries and houses and to increase and broaden their knowledge.

Lectures are held on the second Thursday of the month (September to June) at the New Milton Memorial Centre in Whitefield Road at 10 am for 10.30 am.

Membership enquiries, please contact Mrs Ann Clegg (01425 618291) or Mrs Mary Macrostie (01424 672980).

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CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

You don't know where to turn, turn to your local CAB

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

TWIN OAKS SURGERY, BRANSGORE

1st MONDAY in the month, 2 pm - 3.30 pm      Call in or phone for an appointment Tel: 01425 672741

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BRANSGORE VILLAGE HALL 

Of course it was tempting fate when, in the June edition of the Newsletter, I wrote "we despair of the new playground surface lasting with the amount of damage continually being done to the surrounding fence and gates". There is now a hole in the new surface; fencing has again been damaged and subsequently repaired thanks to the untiring efforts of Richard Clarke, only to be wrecked again this time by a car being driven into it. Someone must see this happening and know who the culprits are. If so please come forward and let us know. With your help it is possible to take the necessary steps to put a stop to this wanton vandalism which is costing the village as a whole great deal of money through the Council Tax and a great deal of concern to all those who are trying their best to provide a safe environment in which children can play and where all residents can enjoy the benefit of the playing field and hall. The hall and field are wonderful assets but their worth is fast diminishing thanks to the thoughtless acts of just a few. 

By the time you read this Newsletter another Public Meeting will have been held on 3rd September concerning the future of the Village Hall. Hopefully it will have been well attended and the necessary steps proposed to ensure that future will have been agreed. But there is still a long way to go.……….  

In the meantime, our Treasurer, Jeff Green, is anxious that everyone should be aware of just how much it costs to keep the Hall going. I am sure that the following contribution from him will help everyone to understand the Village Hall finances, but if you have any questions or concerns, do come along to the Village Hall AGM on Tuesday, 8th October at 7.30 pm. REMEMBER, THIS IS YOUR VILLAGE HALL and YOUR PLAYING FIELD. 

From J W Green, Treasurer, Bransgore Village Hall Committee 

From recent meetings, discussions and comments on the future of the Bransgore Village Hall, I have gained the feeling that some residents may be unaware of the extent of capital improvements put in hand by the Village Hall Trustees and other Committee members over recent years in order to keep the Hall in its present, albeit less than satisfactory, condition. As treasurer of the Village Hall Committee for the past 10 years, I set out below some financial details for general information. The main expenses which have to be met are : 

These and other day-to-day expenses are just about covered by hiring fees. Each year there is little or no money left for capital works. Applications for Lottery, Millennium and special Village Hall grants have all been declined. So we have relied heavily on grants made by the Parish Council, amounting to £20,000 over the 10 years, and £4200 from the share of the Fun Day proceeds though this amount has always been earmarked for improvements and repairs to the playground equipment. So that you may be aware of the work we have been able to carry out over the past decade with the help of these grants, here is a list of the approximate annual breakdown of the major items of expenditure :

MICK RICHER Chairman

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BRANSGORE EVENING TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD

. meet on the fourth Monday of each month in the Resource Centre at 8pm. This year we have enjoyed some excellent speakers, but our evenings are also a great opportunity to meet friends, and make new friends from the village, as there is such a lovely friendly atmosphere. We had a mouth-watering talk in May from Mr. Duncan Campbell from Lyndhurst, on the art of chocolate. It was very interesting and he told us that he had made a large amount of truffles for Claudia Schiffer's wedding. Our other talks in June and July were from Mrs. Grace Armfield about Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and a Colour Me Beautiful evening with Mrs. Lorna O'Brien.

On 23rd September we are having Mrs. Pat Haskell talking about Stapehill Abbey and on 28th October Emma Cookson is talking about Recycling Waste.

We are very much looking forward to a skittles night on 4th October. Also a Barn Dance, with food, is to be held in the Village Hall on Friday 15th November with a band called Murphys Law - tickets will be available for the dance and notices will be placed in the village.

Knitted blankets were distributed between Gorselands at Burley and Silverways at Highcliffe and were gratefully received. Each year we decide to help good causes, and this year we are fundraising for items to be purchased at the two doctors surgeries in Bransgore. If you would like to join us at one of our meeting you will be made very welcome.

SALLY SCHOFIELD 674013

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BRANSGORE TWINNING ASSOCIATION

We had the perfect weather for our barbeque and petanque evening on 13 July, which was enjoyed by members of the Association and their friends. The cooking was in the capable hands of Richard Evans and Brian Parker; Peter Loxton had marked out an excellent petanque terrain and Jim Crisp kept all the children well organised in their games. And, to make it a really great occasion - NO MIDGES!!

Plans are well in hand for our visit to St Georges in October. Although it will be the latest time in the year that we have ever been, nonetheless our hosts are organising a full weekend including a trip to Mont St Michel on the Sunday. Vast engineering and dredging works are to take place there so it will be interesting to see just what is going on. Whatever happens we know we are going to have a warm welcome as always.

If the idea of twinning appeals to you, why not consider joining the Association. Firm friendships have been established between twinned families over the years giving a great deal of pleasure and the opportunity to learn just what life is like in France. If you would like more information, please get in touch. JANE SAFE Chairman 672640

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AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL USERS OF THE PLAYING FIELDS

Dear Playing Fields Users Along with many others from the area, we are daily users of this field walking our dogs. We pick up and dispose of what they leave behind - the bins are very well used - but the area is a perfect disgrace where the young people leave crisp bags, sweet wrappers, cans, cigarette packets, bottles, including loads of smashed glass bottles. A metal bin recently placed by the swings, was carried to the skate-board ramp (which seems to be used only for biking, smoking and graffiti), and then smashed to smithereens. One evening in August, a young lady with four girls, went round with gloves and black sacks, and scoured the field for rubbish. Someone had made a large heap by the skate-board ramp, and they picked up everything. "Well done!" I told her, to which she replied, "Well, everyone grumbles, but no one does anything". Two days later, we picked up two carrier bags and filled them! Now, Bransgore Playing Field Users, this lady really puts us all to shame, so what can we do? The youngsters don't know how to take their junk home, so if everyone took two spare plastic bags with them and picked up every bit of rubbish they see, we would keep our Field clean! A BRANSGORE RESIDENT

NOTE Letters are not usually accepted for publication in the Newsletter but an exception is made for the above as it bears out what the Chairman of the Parish Council says in her report. It also followed receipt of another letter from a concerned parent about dog owners allowing their dogs to foul the footpath which runs next to the Village Hall and the grass directly next to it and not clearing the mess up. She has lost count of the times she has had the unpleasant task of cleaning shoes and pushchair wheels. Jack & Jill refer to outdoor play in their contribution. Here again their representative on the Village Hall committee has drawn attention to the necessity on many occasions of having to clear up dog mess before the children can go outside.

NB Both these letters gave the writers' names and addresses. 

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SCALLYWAGS

Scallywags is a Parent/Carer and Toddler Group which meets at the Christian Centre, Shackleton Square on Thursday mornings in term time between 10.00 am - 11.30 am. We have various toys and activities for the children to enjoy and an informal atmosphere for young Mums (and Grandmas!) to get to know each other.

On October3rd we will be having our annual visit from the photographer so if you'd like to join us to have your child's photo taken, you'd be welcome. In fact, you'd be welcome to join us any Thursday.

We make a nominal charge of 50p. per family.

For more information telephone Daphne on 672681.

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THORNEY HILL AND BRANSGORE WI 

President: Mrs Vera Murray, telephone 274686 

Not doing anything on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month? Why not come and give us a try - we are not only jam and Jerusalem - we are a friendly, lively group who enjoy meeting new people. Our members will have happy memories of June for the wonderful outing to Swindon Great Western Railway Steam Museum and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. The Museum was very interesting - it was a great to see so many of the wonderful old engines again, so well preserved and in such a realistic setting. Many members also found some good bargains in the Shopping Outlet, after which we all enjoyed a welcome sit down and delightful tea provided by Avebury W.I. The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy and its work with special needs youngsters was the subject of Mrs Bristow's very enlightening talk at the June meeting. Bad weather forced the July meeting to be held in the Resource Centre. President Mrs Murray welcome everyone, especially Mrs Reed who had had to resign due to bad health. Mrs Sheila Hayden gave an interesting report on the I.G.M. at Brighton, and the Quiz, organised by Mrs Tricia Price, was won by Mrs Marilyn Whittaker. Everyone enjoyed the strawberry and cream tea with delicious home made cakes which followed. Our entries in the WI Tent at the New Forest Show were a great success. A mouth-watering menu won the produce co-operative prize. President Vera Murray led with her red pepper sough starter followed by Pam Moynihan's salmon quiche and hazel nut meringue created by Shirley Bates. Helen Creese won the award for the best craft exhibit in the show with her leather handbag.

Diary of Events September 18th Quiz evening at the Resource Centre at 7 pm October 2nd Mr A Hyde will speak on 'Not for Sale' - Resource Centre at 2.15 pm October 24th Birthday Lunch at Thomas Hardy Restaurant, Bournemouth University

November 6th Annual Meeting at Resource Centre at 2.15 pm December 4th Christmas Party at 2.15 pm December 13th Carol Service at the Methodist Church, Chapel Lane at 2 pm. 

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SOPLEY CAMP ANTI-DEVELOPMENT (SCAD) COMMITTEE

Last month the organisation celebrated its 10th Anniversary, with a well-attended Meeting, followed by a convivial party.

The Committee retains its original enthusiasm, with its main aim to appraise activities at Sopley Camp [Merrifield Park]. We are in constant touch with the NFDC Planning Department. Thankfully, the New Forest District Council's Planning Policy is specific on the use of the Camp.

Following its AGM, the Committee has decided to recruit a Secretary, working on a voluntary basis. The prime task would be Minute-taking when the Main Committee Meets. If you are interested, please contact the telephone number below.

D. BLYTHE Press Officer. Bransgore 672504

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BRANSGORE YOUTH CRICKET CLUB

Bransgore's youth teams have fared very well this summer. The youngest team, the Under 11 side, played very well to finish third in their league, winning four matches and losing two. They also had the satisfaction of being the only side to beat Parley, the league winners. Most of the squad have another year to go at junior school, so they will be together again next summer. A number of younger players made their club debut in friendly fixtures and acquitted themselves very well which augurs good things for the seasons to come.

The Under 13 side finished mid table and also reached the regional semi final of a national Under 13 competition. Their side contained a number of Under 12 players and they will be playing 11 a side at Under 14 next season instead of the 9 a side they have been playing the past two seasons. If there are any boys or girls who will be starting in Year 9 this September who would like to play for the Club, please contact me.

The Under 15 side surpassed themselves, winning their league. An excellent season culminated in a victory over Corfe Mullen in gathering gloom to pip Bournemouth and take the title. Well done, lads.

In addition to playing for the Club, a number of boys and girls have gained representative honours at District and County level. All in all, the Club's youth policy is really paying off and I'd like to thank all the parents and helpers who have kept the sides running this summer.

As the summer ends, the indoor leagues at Hurn Bridge get going. This autumn we will be running sides at Under 11, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 16. As ever, if anyone wishes to play for the Club, please contact me, Dave Lay, on Bransgore 673242.

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BRANSGORE ADULT CRICKET CLUB

At the time of going to press, the adult season has two weeks left. The colts' side, most of whom are Under 16, have really enjoyed their first season in an adult league. The idea of playing 42 overs per innings has taken a little getting used to, when most of the previous seasons have been played at a maximum of 20 overs per innings. However, the lads have stuck to their task well, aided and abetted by a number of 'guest' appearances from Dads and the occasional first XI player, and are currently sixth in their league.

The first XI have had a very good season, although withdrawals from their league and a few wet Saturdays meant that a number of fixtures have not been played. They are currently lying second in the league, and if they win their remaining fixtures, they could be playing in the Premier league next year.

It has, of course, made a big difference having a proper home ground. All the sides are grateful to the Parish Council for providing the facilities in the village and to our tireless groundsman, Richard Frampton, for providing us with such an excellent playing surface and practice nets. We are already the envy of many larger clubs, and for the village to field five sides at youth and adult levels this season has been a fantastic achievement.

As always, if the activity on the new field has inspired you to play, umpire, or score for any of the teams, please call Dave Lay on 01425 673242

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BRANSGORE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

June Lecture (Fruit for a Small Garden)

This, our first lecture in our new venue (The Resource Centre), went surprisingly well despite our worries concerning the use of a projector on a sunny evening with unshaded windows. Just a few minor adjustments and Peter Collett's professional presentation provided us with a really enjoyable introduction to our new 'home' and a wealth of information on fruit growing in a garden situation.

Day Trips

Our day trips to The Athelhampton Flower Festival and The International festival of gardens at Westonbirt Aboretum were both well chosen and well attended events, both of which were unique 'specials' for these two well known venues.

Open Gardens Weekend (June)

What a wonderful weekend this was - beautiful summer weather (we get it in small parcels) - a great selection of gardens to see - with charming owners to show them off. It certainly was a huge success which raised £2300 to be shared between the two charities, The Wessex Cancer Trust and The Children's Hospice at Naomi House. Thank you all, owners and visitors, for your generous support which made the weekend so successful. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. The cheques were presented to representatives of the charities at the Summer Show.

Summer Show (August 10th)

Once again a big thank you to all who took part in this year's Summer Show, either as exhibitors or visitors. We hope you enjoyed participating in what we believe was a very enjoyable village event. The weather, as usual, provided its own special challenges, reducing once pristine gardens to windswept rain soaked disaster areas just in time for the show. How resilient the British gardener is! Every cloud has a silver lining they say, and the result of the prolonged bad weather was that we had a large number of entries in the cookery classes and there was a good number of children's entries which were of very good quality.

Trophies were awarded as follows :

Forthcoming Events

Please note the new dates and venues which differ from those shown in your programmes.

All three events will take place at the Resource Centre, St Mary's Church at 7.30 pm.

JIM DUDLEY Publicity Officer 673202

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BRANSGORE CHRISTIAN CENTRE

Shackleton Square

Times of Services

People have all kinds of expectations as to what Church might be or what it might look like. For some it has to be in a grand cathedral with stained glass windows, candles and angelic choir boys - others prefer a much simpler environment in which to worship God. Some would prefer a strict liturgy in a language of the middle ages - others would much rather be information in their worship with guitars, drums and synthesizers for musical accompaniment - and of course there are many other preferences between those extremes.

So which one is right? I would not be so bold or presumptuous to stick my neck out and give an answer either way. It would, however, be an interesting exercise to compare what we do in the 21st century with what they did in the 1st century church - but then that's another story!!

At BCC we are asking ourselves what church should look like and be like now - how should we do church in the 21st century in the village of Bransgore? Who knows? Changes may be afoot - "watch this space" - alternatively come and find out.

COLIN CLARK Pastor (Telephone 01425 672681)

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BRANSGORE THEATRE GROUP 

We shall start our Autumn season on September 11 with a rare visit to The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton to see Disney's "Beauty and the Best". Making reservations at The Mayflower is always difficult since the theatre requires cash up front when the request for seats is first made, and thus we have to anticipate numbers months before the performance date - a shot in the dark, as you can well imagine.

On October 7 we are off to Salisbury to see "After the Dance", a play by Terence Rattigan set in the 1930s Mayfair. Then on October 30th we are supporting the Bournemouth Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society, one of the areas' best amateur societies, who are presenting Iolanthe. This will be our first visit to a G & S for some time.

The only other booking at present is to see "Corpse", a comedy thriller, which is at the refurbished Poole Arts Centre. This will be on November 16, not the 11th as may have been advised to some of our members.

Finally, we have had a change of personnel in the last few weeks. Firstly due to John and Sheila Sunderland's pending move, Ernest Stokes will take over John's distribution duties and Penny Bates will look after the Rosehill Drive area from Maurice Latimer. Our thanks are due to all concerned and to Reg Eaton for volunteering to act as our books co-ordinator.

LESLIE SEWELL

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BRANSGORE PROBUS CLUB 

New England in the fall - a riot of reds, oranges, yellows and golds, must be one of those places which everyone should include in the list of places to see in ones lifetime. David Wilkie's slides showed much of the splendour of this part of the United States. Each photo seemed to include a white wooden church, which was not surprising as most of the people in New England can trace their ancestry back to the Puritans who arrived in America in 1648 in the hope of finding greater restrictions than were permissible under English law at that time.

8th July was our Ladies Day, a chance to say thank you for allowing us men out on our own on every second Tuesday of the month. Our speaker was the Rev. Stewart Timbrell, the subject "Clerical Errors". He spent his curacy in the north of England, a rich source of stories and characters such as those well documented by such writers as James Herriott. Rev. Timbrell has other lectures in his repertoire so we hope to welcome him again some time in the future.

Talbot Village is possibly Bournemouth's best kept secret. It was the vision of the Talbot sisters, philanthropists alive at about 1850s. Blessed with plenty of money, they built houses, a school and a church. The village was complete except that a public house was not allowed. Much of the village is still there although some of was sold so that Bournemouth University could be constructed. Carol Medlicott married someone whose family had been inhabitants of the village for some 150 years and had dug up many most interesting facts about their background. A most interesting talk about somewhere which we all live near but in the mean had no idea of its existence and history.

The men of Probus are not the only Group who enjoy themselves on the second Tuesday of the month. Our ladies, led by stalwarts from the WI, meet at the Crown public house in Bransgore for a meal and a pleasant natter. Join them and revel in the light hearted banter. PROBITY II 

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BRANSGORE LUNCH CLUB 

By the time this article goes to press, the Lunch Club will have re-convened at the beginning of September after the Summer break. We look forward to meeting up with familiar faces and hope to welcome some new ones.

The Lunch Club Annual Coffee Morning was held on Monday 8th July. Despite a wet start to the day, the event was well attended and proved to be enjoyable and successful. There was a variety of well-stocked stalls and sales were brisk. Thanks go to everyone who attended the event, and to all the helpers, drivers and all those whose generous donations helped provide the stalls with produce and prizes.

With the approach of Autumn our thoughts are once again turning towards our Christmas Lunch. Members and helpers are asked to note in their diaries that this will be held on Wednesday, 11th December. We hope everyone will be able to attend.

The Lunch Club continues to need helpers, drivers and cake-makers. If you feel you could spare two or three hours once a month to help out, we would be delighted to hear from you. We also have one or two vacancies for members. If you can help out in any capacity, or would like to join the Lunch Club, please do contact either Shirley Tobias on telephone number (01425) 673078) or Pat Newman on telephone number (01425) 673678. Finally, grateful thanks go to everyone whose continued support contributes to make the Lunch Club an ongoing success.

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THORNEY HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION

Registered Charity No. 1076782

Towards the end of March we were encouraged and delighted to receive the offer of a substantial grant from the National Lottery Community Fund towards the cost of a community building at Thorney Hill - this at a time of diminishing awards. This was accompanied by the offer to apply again for funding for a community worker when the building is nearing completion.

Together with promised grant support from Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, charitable, gifts and our own efforts, particularly those of Violet Doe and the five mile sponsored hobble or jog by the indomitable Sally Owen and others, we can count on approximately £150,000 towards the total estimated cost of £170,000 comprising building works, building professional fees and legal costs.

This proposed single storey building with tiled roof and external timber clad concrete block walls will replace the previous timber structure demolished in 1990. Provision will be made for local children, mothers and toddlers who have had to rely on the valued visits of the voluntary Forest Bus.

The local Bransgore school, local medical practitioners, NFDC social and housing services and the local clergy strongly support the provision of professional services, social activities and training, particularly for the handicapped and elderly members of the whole community at Thorney Hill. Those with learning difficulties will be catered for, and it is proposed that English language classes and computer skills will be taught.

Following rigorous examination of the design and costs and despite the shortfall in funding, unanimous support was given at our Annual General Meeting in July to complete the design and obtain tenders.

In order to obtain tenders we need to supplement our own funds by between £6,000 and £7,000. In addition, a further £13,000 is required to make up the short fall of £20,000, when the promised grants should be triggered, so that work can commence on site with completion in approximately fifteen months time.

Any financial support, particularly Gift Aid, would be gratefully appreciated by our treasurer, Violet James of 254 Burley Road, Bransgore, BH23 8DR.

BOB WOLTON Chairman 01425 674435

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BRANSGORE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Our most recent fundraising event has been the Annual Summer Fair. Thanks to everybody who helped, and of course to all of you who came and spent your money ! Popular stalls this year included throwing wet sponges at Mr Swain and Mr Green - two of the teachers; thank you to both of them for spending the afternoon getting VERY wet - the children thought it was great ! The huge inflatable slide and the miniature train also seemed to go down well with the children. Another stall that is always very profitable is the tombola - a big thank you to Gill Green and Lesley Manley for organising and running this again. We managed to raise nearly £2,500 - a fantastic amount considering we had such a small number of people on the BSA Committee this year.

This takes me on to our AGM, which will be held on September 18th at 7.30pm, in the school hall. Many of the existing committee are having to stand down this year - so come on all you Bransgore School parents, consider joining the new committee - it's good fun - honestly ! If you are unsure about joining on your own, come along with another parent and join the committee together.

The next fundraising event will be the CRAFT FAIR on SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Along with many of the old favourites, we also have some exciting new crafts on show this year. So make a note in your diary to come and have a look at the crafts on sale - a good opportunity to be really organised this year and buy your Christmas presents early. If anybody is interested in having a stall at the Fair, please contact me for further details. Thanks to everybody for their support over the last year - it really is appreciated by the BSA Committee, the School, and the children. 

ANN JAMES

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R.N.L.I. - BRANSGORE & DISTRICT GUILD

FUND RAISING EVENTS Although we held no House-to-House collection this year, our flag-day on Saturday 25th May raised £275, while the Coffee Morning in the garden of 'Corboys', Wiltshire Road, raised a further £229. Our grateful thanks for your generous support of both these events.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ITEMS We shall not be holding a Christmas Fayre this year, but Bransgore Wines have kindly agreed to carry our stock of RNLI Christmas Cards, Calendars, Diaries and other items. These should be appearing for sale towards the middle of October.

NEW LIFEBOAT STATION AT MUDEFORD Plans for a new lifeboat station at Mudeford have finally been approved after more than two years of planning discussion. It is expected that work will start on the one and two-storey T-shaped building later this year, and hopefully it will be ready for use next summer. It will include a new boathouse to accommodate a rigid inflatable lifeboat and its launching tractor. There will also be improved facilities for the crew, offices and a viewing gallery. A new Atlantic 75 lifeboat is due for delivery next year. The RNLI inshore lifeboat station at Mudeford was pioneered in the 1960's by the late Ken Derham, and his son Victor is the present Mudeford Lifeboat station honorary secretary

OPERATIONAL FIGURES FOR THE YEAR SO FAR By the end of June this year RNLI lifeboats had been launched a total of 961 times, with 594 people brought safely ashore, and 200 lives saved.

DAVID LYTTLE Hon. Secretary (( 01425 673581)

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BRANSGORE ROTARY 

At our first meeting in July President Richard Frampton handed over the Presidency to Philip Moist after a very successful year. Richard thanked the members for their support and said that the highlight for him was the presentation of a dinghy to New Forest 'Sailability' for use by disabled sailors at Blashford Lake.

Philip, a retired bank manager, who lives in Bournemouth, was a founder member of the Club when it was formed in 1990. On Philip's second week as President he had the pleasure of inducting two new members, Martin Bowles and Mike Phillips. One of Richard's last duties was to confer a Paul Harris Fellowship on founder member Mike Clark. The Fellowship is the highest honour the Rotary International can confer on one of its members. Mike has given many years service on community and vocational matters both at club and district level. In recent year's he has been the district organiser of 'Youth Speaks', which provides the opportunity for schools to enter teams for a public speaking competition. The standard of speaking and presentation is of a very high order within an extremely well organised framework. 

Our 6th Charity Golf Day was held on Wednesday 3rd July at Dibden Golf Centre. 32 teams (128 players) took part and enjoyed a very pleasant and successful day. The event raised £2,000 and will be split between Emergency water aid boxes for distribution to disaster areas, funding and fitting-out a changing room at the new village sports pavilion and other Rotary Charities. Our thanks go to all who sponsored or donated gifts and prizes for the day and not least of all to those who help all day in sun and rain. As a result of the golf day and other fund raising activities £1,750 has been presented to the development fund for the new Pavilion towards the fitting-out of one of the changing rooms. 

Our 6th Gentleman's Charity Boxing Evening will be held on Friday 22nd November. Proceeds from this year's event will go to the Domino Appeal, for Portfield School at Parley, backed by the Wessex Autistic Society. For further details and reservation for sponsored tables contact Alex Edwards tel 01425 275734. 

The Club continues to enjoy a varied and interesting programme of speakers, sports events and good fellowship.

For further information on Rotary International contact Rotarian Malcolm Austen, tel. 672494.

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FRIENDS OF AVON TYRRELL

Although the evening was fine for our Concert in the Park on July 6th, the bad weather in the preceding weeks obviously made people nervous about committing themselves to coming and unfortunately numbers were very much down on previous years. A great pity because the youngsters of the Southampton Youth Wind Band, the Hampshire Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Highcliffe and Christchurch Brass Band really did us proud. They are very talented musicians and their enthusiastic playing for a memorable evening. and the fireworks were the best yet!

We are now looking forward to our Christmas Supper and Carols on Friday, December 13th. Don't be put off by the date. In past years this event has proved to be very popular and oversubscribed - so why not make a note of the date in your diary now and book your tickets as soon as possible to be sure of a place. Avon Tyrrell House really does lend itself to such a gathering and we look forward to seeing you then.

We were delighted to see so many people on the Sunday afternoon of the Jubilee weekend when we held conducted tours of the house. In fact we were rather overwhelmed by the numbers who came and who were amazed to see how this Grade I Listed building accommodates the hundreds of children who pass through it during the year. There was also the opportunity to wander round the grounds and enjoy a welcome cup of tea. One of the highlights of the tour was to view a fire screen made of material from one of the wall hangings in Westminster Abbey on Coronation Day in 1952.

And yet another date for your diary - 15th/16th April 2003, when the Art for Youth Exhibition will be held at Brockenhurst College. This will be only the second time that this annual exhibition has been held outside London, and we have been asked to organise the event. The aim of the exhibition is twofold: to raise money for Avon Tyrrell, UK Youth's only residential centre, whilst at the same time giving unknown young artists the opportunity to show their work. This is a very exciting venture and one which we hope will gain a large audience and also give the opportunity to local artists to exhibit their work. There is already great enthusiasm for the exhibition in the splendid surroundings of the College. More details in future Newsletters.

If you would like to become a Friend of Avon Tyrrell please get in touch with Gwen Rickus 2 Cranwell Close, Bransgore telephone 673208.

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BRANSGORE SCOUTS

Bransgore scouts will resume in September, although we never seem to find ourselves with time on our hands! During the summer there have been many activities, scout leaders and helpers are never without something to do. We are a very successful group so we are always grateful for offers of help from the community, you may have a skill that will be useful for badge work etc. please do not hesitate to contact us for details. We also have tents available for hire, the tent will be erected for you and taken down again!! Please contact Dennis Hughes 672019 

Contacts

NEW CHAIRMAN We now have a new Chairman for the group, Sue Boyes has taken over from Dennis Hughes. We would like to thank him for all his hard work and wish Sue well in her new position.

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ALL SAINTS CHURCH THORNEY HILL 

A BIG THANK YOU For two and a half days at the beginning of June, the village celebrated the Golden Jubilee at All Saints. For those of us who were officiating it was very gratifying to hear the 'oohs & aahs' of our visitors, many of whom had never been inside the Church before. We were so grateful to all the members of the Bransgore, Sopley and Burley Flower Clubs who filled the church with golden blooms and royal purple, creating such a wonderful spectacle. If you were lucky enough to come between 2.30pm & 3pm, you would have heard 'The Story of All Saints' being told by Cannon Elkins. There was also a marquee on the playing field filled with arts and crafts stalls. On Sunday members from Avon Tyrrell joined us selling tickets so that visitors could see Avon Tyrrell House, this was very popular. We also had a tea tent for refreshments, all the cakes being baked and donated by friends from the local parishes. We are extremely grateful to all our willing helpers, our sponsors and everyone else who was so generous in every way. Also our thanks to Brigadier Arthur Fortescue who, unfortunately was unfit to come on the day, but who had drawn up plans and started ' the ball rolling' with an extensive advertising campaign early in the year. Our efforts have been rewarded, we raised nearly £4000 after our expenses and contributions to local charities were deducted . 

SUMMER CONCERT 

On August 3rd we had the first of our summer Concerts, the pianist, Mathew Koumis was with us again playing a programme of Pure Chopin. He delighted us with his thoughtful and amusing soliloquies helping us to penetrate into the heart of the music. Afterwards we had supper at Hill Farm House, I'm glad to say that it was one of the best and happiest concerts we have given and we also raised £1000. Ann Strang.

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NEWSLETTER

Contributions for the September issue of this Newsletter to Jane Safe, Greenacres, West Road (672640) by Friday, 22 November please. Entries can be hand-written, typed, on a disk or sent by e-mail to Greenacres@freezone.co.uk .  In the case of a disk, please use MS Word, Times New Roman typeface and 12 font, enclosing a printed copy just in case the original cannot be read.

Entries for the Diary of Events should NOT include dates in the first two weeks of December, but should include those for the beginning of March 2003. This is because there is quite a delay between production, printing and delivery. Sometimes this delay exceeds two weeks. The Diary of Events will be passed to the Parish Council to be included on its web site.

Many, many thanks to all those whose efforts ensure the continued publication of the newsletter, especially the deliverers.

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Special Disclaimer : The information contained on this page has been compiled directly from the contributions entered for the printed version of the Parish Newsletter. The Parish Council can not be held responsible for the accuracy of data or views expressed by officers of organisations or members of the general public expressed here.

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