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Chairman's Report for December 2002
It is encouraging to be able to report that the biggest Project in the Village for over 20 years is at last able to begin its preliminary consultation stages. Of what am I talking? It must be and it is the Village Hall.
Following the public meeting held on September 3rd the Parish Council was given the mandate with a vote of 100% to take over the management of the Village Hall - a truly daunting task. In no way do we think we can run it better than the previous Committee but we are able to manage it differently with an aim to put it on a more business footing as we are going to have to show that it can run that way if we are going to get the response from you all to modernise and increase the facilities that could be available.
I began my last Report by thanking those of you that responded to the
previous request to write and tell us what you require. Those letters are now
with an independent organisation called Community Action Hampshire who have
considerable expertise in all aspects of Village Halls, and in running and
collating Surveys, the first part of a consultation exercise but one that we
find very exciting. During the week of December 9th many of you will be
approached by someone with a clipboard - I can hear the groans! - but please
this time do not brush them off but listen and give your opinions because it is
the chance to consider fully the future of the Village Hall. Yes! I said some
time ago that I had a vision, now it is your time to have your
"vision" so please use the opportunity so that the reality of a Hall
worthy of Bransgore may be one step closer.
Following the collation of the survey it is planned to have a public meeting one Saturday in January so that you can all see the results and give us the mandate to begin considering the drawing up of Plans. As a result of the last plea for offers of expertise we now have a member of the Community who has offered to do a Business Plan and bring his expertise of business to the Project. How many more people are out there who may have knowledge of fund raising - in a big way- because any major project in this day and age needs considerable funding.
The new Village Hall Committee will meet on the second Tuesday of the month,
in the Committee room of the Village Hall and anyone is welcome to come along as
an observer. We have advertised for a warden and have had 14 replies after
seeing the Job Description, so one of the first tasks will be to shortlist and
then to interview all
the applicants. It is aimed to do this before Christmas so that a new Warden may
start in the New Year. At this point I am sure that everyone would wish me to
thank the previous Warden Richard Clarke, who did a very difficult job for very
many years, and at the same time extend all our thanks to the previous Committee
who gave so much of their time.
On a wider stage the public hearings of both ABP's plan to build a new port at Dibden Bay and the Countryside Agency's proposals for the New Forest to become a National Park are still both continuing and the arguments for and against rumble backwards and forwards. The results of both will affect Bransgore, the first because of the "ripple" effect from increased traffic and the second in many ways that perhaps are not yet readily apparent.
May I take this opportunity on behalf of the whole Parish Council, to wish
you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. May 2003 be full of hope
and opportunity with the chance to see the good things of life and the
opportunity to contribute towards them.
Liza Wood
Dates of future meetings - at the Christian Centre, Shackleton Square at 7.30pm.
 | Tuesday 21st January 2003 |
| Tuesday 18th February 2003 |
| Tuesday 18th March 2003 |
Parish Clerk. Mr Charles Beattie. 01425 618679
Bransgore Village Hall, Burley Road, Bransgore
Phone 01425 673903. Charity No.102885
We would like to thank everyone for the support that they have given us this year, the CHOCOHOLICS have sold over £2000 of chocolate and this has paid for Mr. Whizz to visit the children at the Christmas party, also we have some very nice raffle prizes of chocolate for our Quiz and Christmas fair.
We would also like to give a big 'THANK YOU' Ursula and Richard Slaughter
from 'Ballet Creations' who came to visit the children and put on a workshop of
COPPELIA which the children watched and then joined in. The children thoroughly
enjoyed this and so did the staff!. COPPELIA is being put on by Ballet Creations
at the Regent Centre this Christmas.
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 :
| Morning | Lunch Club | Afternoon | |
| MONDAY | 9.30 am - 12 noon | 12 noon - 1.00 pm | ----- |
| TUESDAY | 9.30 am - 12 noon |
----- |
----- |
| WEDNESDAY | 9.00 am - 11.30 am | 11.30 am - 12.30 pm | 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm |
| THURSDAY | 9.00 am - 11.30 am | 11.30 am - 12.30 pm | 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm |
| FRIDAY | 9.30 am - 12 noon | 12 noon - 1.00 pm |
----- |
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 the children starting School 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 are members 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 where your children can practice their keyboard skills ready for school. We have a high adult to child ratio including parental involvement. We have a parent's 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 liase with Bransgore Primary School so that your child may get to know the School before they start.
There are only a few spaces left on our Register for next term so if you would like to reserve a space you are welcome to visit us any morning, or contact our Registration Secretary Elaine Waters, on 672719 for a prospectus.
We will also be having our educational trips to Blashford Lakes etc.
Minister - Rev. R. Clarke. Telephone: 673304
As the advertisements flash upon our television screens, we are left in no
doubt that, to use the old phrase, "Christmas is coming". We are told
what bargains we can enjoy - that we can uy "two for the price of one"
- and how the advertisers love the word "only". Yes, there is no
excuse for forgetting Christmas - at least from the secular point of view.
But how many times is the real meaning of Christmas advertised? How often is the
story of the Babe in the stable emphasised - the event without which there would
be no Christmas? So, as the holy season rushes upon us, let us enjoy it - let us
give presents as did the Wise Men, but let us not forget the true meaning of
Christmas, and let us pray especially at this time for all the millions who will
be suffering from starvation and man's inhumanity.
We, at Bransgore Methodist, wish you a Holy and Happy Christmas and a Joyous
New Year.
All are warmly welcomed to our Christmas services - see entries in the diary.
ARNOLD MASON Telephone : 672788
Bransgore's youth teams are now well into their indoor season. We have entered four sides this season at Under 11, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 16 level. All the sides, except the Under 11 have tasted success, but all are still in with a chance of getting to the knock-out stages in the new year.
Our annual presentation took place in the back room of 'The Carpenter's Arms' when all squad players received a trophy and awards were made to Best Bowler, Batsman, Fielder and All-Rounder. In addition, the Under 15 squad were able to show the trophy and medals they received for winning the East Dorset Under 15 league. It was most gratifying that Topsy Selby was able to present the players with their trophies. Our thanks go to all at 'The Chippies' for allowing us use of their facilities and providing a wonderful buffet for the evening.
Already we have to get entries in for next summer, and it looks like we will be entering teams at Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 16 level. All the squads could do with a few extra players and this will be a big commitment for the club. We would very much like to hear from prospective players at all the age groups. Winter indoor nets are booked for February / March next year and if you would like to contact me on the number below, I can provide dates and times for your age group.
Dave Lay - Bransgore 6732432 or e-mail lay_dj@btopenworld.com
No refuse collection on Christmas Day,
Boxing Day, Friday 27 December and New Year's Day
Normal collection day Revised collection day
| Monday No change |
| Tuesday No change |
| Wednesday Thursday 2 January 2003 |
| Thursday Friday 3 January 2003 |
| Friday Saturday 4 January 2003 |
Collections return to normal on Monday 6 January 2003
At its AGM, Bransgore Cricket Club made a decision to withdraw from The Bournemouth and District Cricket Association, and apply to join the Hampshire Cricket League. I am pleased to report that the club has been formally admitted to the Hampshire League, and the both the first XI and the Colts XI will be playing sides in the New Forest area next season. It is a requirement of membership that each side should provide a non-playing umpire and scorer. Both sides have scorers, and the colts have an umpire. Are there any former players or players out there who would consider being the first XI umpire next summer? You do not have to be formally qualified, but if you are qualified, so much the better. Work on the new pavilion continues apace and it should be ready for the new season when, as a condition of league membership, each home side has to provide a tea!
The colts' side, most of whom are Under 16, enjoyed their first season in an adult league and finished in a creditable mid table position. I'm sure the lads will join me in thanking Richard Jones, team manager and umpire for the work he does on their behalf. Thanks also go to Steve Mitchell team scorer. The colts also had the honour of providing the BDCA 'Young Bowler of the Year', Simon Thomas, who received his award from Robin Smith.
Despite losing their final fixture, the first XI have had a very good season, and finished second in the league, which would have meant promotion to the Premier League next year if the club had not decided to join the Hampshire League. Special thanks go to our scorer, Wendy Dunning, who did not miss a match despite freezing conditions on more than one occasion.
The Bransgore 'Ashes' have a new home, as the annual fixture was won this year by the Cricket Club. Richard Frampton's Rotary All Stars batted first, but were held in check by some tight bowling from young Greg Jones (helping out the old codgers). After a sumptuous tea, the Cricket Club easily gained the victory, despite having both openers retired at the umpires' request! We look forward to defending the 'Ashes' next year.
The annual presentation took place at 'The Carpenters Arms' where over thirty players and guests enjoyed a three-course meal in the back room before the various awards were presented. It was an excellent evening and very well attended by both the adult and colts players.
The club are very grateful to the Parish Council for providing the facilities in the village and our tireless groundsman, Richard Frampton, for providing us with such an excellent playing surface and practice nets. The inspectors from the Hampshire League were very impressed by the facilities that the club now possesses.
Winter nets are booked for next year, so 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 - we'd be very pleased to welcome you.
WHO ARE WE?
At the beginning of 2002 the Red Cross decided to stop running weekly Red Cross Youth Group. This was a disappointment to the youth workers and children alike.
After talking to the children we decided to form an independent group affiliated to an organisation called Youth Options, through which we get our insurance. We are linked with two Southampton groups, and collectively we are SAY.
We have
spaces for new children between the ages of 6 and 15 years old. We meet at the
Methodist Church on Wednesday evening, 5.30 to 6.45 pm. Our main aims are to
have fun in a safe environment, to learn new life skills, e.g. water safety,
fire safety, etc. We learn First Aid and many other things. We look at how we
can help other people, and care for the community and environment in which we
live. We go on visits and have social events.
Weekly subs are 50p., and there is a joining fee. Children can come for a month to try us out before they need to pay a £2. joining fee.
If you would like to check out what we do, come along any Wednesday evening in term time, or ring Jenny on 674172 for more information.
There was a time, in late October, when it seemed summer would never end. Then the rains came and soon it was obvious that the inevitable had come to pass and summer was well and truly over. Time now to clean the mower, tidy up your shrubs, sweep up the leaves, put the garden to bed for a while and put your feet up to await the Christmas festivities. ("Fat chance of that!" you say). Meanwhile just a few centimetres beneath our feet spring bulbs are already stirring preparing for their centre stage role when the curtain rises on 2003 and the bright new gardening year that will be needing our attention once again in just a few months time. In the meantime, we wish you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Were you disappointed with your show of sweet peas this year? "Don't despair, you are in very good company as 2002 was the worst year for sweet peas for many years". So said our lecturer, a grower for over 40 years, Mr B Bulstrode, when he entertained us in October. It seems though, as always seems to be the case, there's a fair bitr of work to do to ensure a good showing. Just for starters, dig a trench two spits deep, well manure the bottom spit and put some bone meal in the top spit. If your soil is sandy, line the bottom of the trench with paper to prevent the manure leeching away. Now you're ready to grow your best sweets peas ever!
For those members who couldn't make it to the AGM, here is a short summary of the main items:
The Chairman, Myra Poole, who vacates the chair this year, thanked the
committee and members of the society for their enthusiastic support over the
five years of her term in office. It was particularly pleasing that this her
last year had included a very successful 'Open Gardens Weekend' in aid of cancer
relief charities (many thanks to all those who so kindly opened their gardens to
visitors). Thanks were expressed to Mark Dove and Tony Skeggs for two well
organised shows during the year and to Peter Foulds for his work as secretary,
which had been of so much help during her term in office.
The President, Douglas Patterson, presented Myra with a bouquet of flowers and
expressed the thanks of the membership for Myra's work for the society as
chairman and in the many other posts held over the years.
A bouquet was also presented to Pat Patterson upon her retirement from the
committee after many years of sterling service. (There was a time when Pat
performed all the duties currently shared amongst three or four of the
committee).
Votes were taken and changes to the committee were agreed as follows :
New Chairman - John Snelling
Membership Secretary - Myra Poole
With the exception of Pat Patterson, all other committee members remain as for 2002. Following the business of the AGM, Douglas Patterson gave a very enjoyable talk on the gardens of Holland and Belgium, which was accompanied by some superb coloured slides.
We hope the following events will brighten the winter months for you.
| December 5th Our Christmas party will have gone by the time you read this; we hope you enjoyed it. |
| February 8th 7.30 pm. Resource Centre, St. Mary's Church. "Dahlias
for Pleasure and Exhibition" - an illustrated talk by B J Madders |
| March 6th 7.30 pm - also at the Resource Centre. "Pests and Diseases" - an illustrated talk by Ray Broughton |
| March 22nd SPRING SHOW at the Village Hall. Staging from 9 am. Show open
at 2 pm Plan for it now to help pass the winter months. Titles for the photographs are 'An Action photograph' 152 x 102 mm (6" x 4") maximum size, unmounted, and "Hidden Beauty" 305 x 204 mm (12" x 8"), maximum size, mounted. |
JIM DUDLEY Publicity Officer 673202
On 22nd October we had our Annual General Meeting. The guest speakers were Mr Nick Gibbs of New Forest District Council and Councillor Jeremy Heron. Mr Gibbs gave an interesting talk on Youth Issues and the various initiatives which were being looked at on a District wide basis. For instance, football sessions in Ringwood, and Valudate UK, which enables shop keepers to know the age of persons who wish to purchase cigarettes and alcohol.
The Postmaster, at the village Post Office, would like to start a 'folder' with a page of information on all the various clubs and societies in the village. He is often asked 'what goes on in the village?' by people wishing to move to the area. This would give them something to look at and give them an idea of the various activities in Bransgore. Please come to our March meeting where we can give you further information, and answer any questions.
The Residents' Association is assisting the Parish Council in trying to get a path, like the one in Burnt House Lane, from the cattle grid at Thorney Hill, in Burley Road, down towards Walkers Garage. This will take quite a long time to achieve but the sooner we lobby for this the better.
Membership renewals are now due. Please contact any member of the committee.
Meetings for 2003
| 3rd March |
| 9th June |
| 27th October |
Have a Happy Christmas
SALLY OWEN
Vice Chairman
December sees the end of our programme for 2002, but we can look forward to January when we will be entertained at the Salisbury Playhouse. Alan Ayckbourne's play "The Things We Do For Love" was much enjoyed by over seventy members two years ago, and we hope that his "Communicating Doors" on Monday, January 27th will give similar pleasure.
In September our visit to the Mayflower, Southampton to see Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" was very successful. The whole production was beautifully staged and without exception much appreciated.
Terence Rattigan's
"After the Dance" followed "Beauty and the Beast". This was
Rattigan's second major play, the production of which was cut short in 1939 by
the war. The play was a fascinating drama that provided an invaluable serio-comic
portrait of two generations rubbing along together very badly at the end of the
inter-war years.
Our next outing was to "Iolanthe" performed by the Bournemouth Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society. No one could have failed to be impressed with a fabulous all round performance by this polished company. We look forward to more Gilbert and Sullivan in the future.
It now only remains to bring down the curtain on 2002 and hope that we have an equally successful 2003. We are however in the hands of the various theatre managements since it is becoming increasingly difficult to find theatre acceptable to our Group. We will nevertheless continue to try and serve the needs of our members.
Why not join us? The annual sub, which is now due, is only £2 per person.
A happy Christmas and a healthy New Year to you all.
LESLIE SEWELL Honorary Secretary
Dr Derek Brown, who was our our September speaker on "Fitness in Retirement" turned out to be a chubby and cheerful fellow, so we knew that his fitness drive was not going to be too onerous! He advocated an holistic approach to good health, a form of medicine which considers the whole person, physically and psychologically, rather than treating merely the diseased part. Exercise was an important part of the approach.
The October meeting was our AGM. Everything went with a swing. We said farewell to our retiring President, the amiable and gentle Peter Childs and thanked him for a job very well done. We really are very lucky with our Presidents. David Hargreaves was welcomed into the role and we wish him well in his year of office. The early signs are that once again we have struck lucky.
Our speaker was Chris Apperley of the Police Underwater Branch Unit. Everyone at some time or other has thrashed around in a murky bath trying to find the soap. Just imagine trying to find a firearm in the thick mud of the Manchester Ship Canal when you are not too sure of the whereabouts of the object. No wonder we say that our policemen are wonderful. It was a very interesting talk detailing yet another aspect of police work.
Our final speaker of this quarter was David Loft talking about RAF Mountain Rescue. One of the major problems of accidents on mountains is that they never happen in easily accessible places. This means that the expertise required of the mountain rescue teams has to be of the highest order. David loft restricted his films to beautiful shots of mounts and kindly omitted the more gruesome pictures that would have put us off our lunch. As with the police diver, here was another aspect of RAF work that possibly had not been considered by us before.
PROBITY II
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 November 19th 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.
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
Our most recent fundraising event, the Fireworks Night on 5th November, was a great success with a large number of people attending. We managed to raise £2,000 despite the wet weather. Thankfully the heavens were on our side as the continuous drizzle stopped just before kick off. I would like to say a huge thank you to all who helped, especially those who had no association with the school. Also a big thank you to all of you who came and supported the event. I certainly hope you enjoyed yourselves and will support our events throughout the year.
Our Christmas Fair
is our next event and although this newsletter comes out after the event, I hope
to report back that it was a success.
The Candlelight singers will be holding a Christmas Carol Concert at St. Mary's Church on 16th December. All are invited to what will surely be an uplifting occasion.
In the coming year we have lined up a number of excellent events, some new and others old, but ever so popular. We kick off the New Year with a Quiz Night on the 31st January followed by a new event, a Chinese New Year Dinner (come celebrate New Year again with a difference) on the 14th February. On 15th March we are running the ever so popular Race Night. I am sure that all three events will be a hoot so do come along. Tickets for the first two events will go on sale soon.
Thank you to everyone in the Village who supports the BSA and we look forward
to seeing you at our forthcoming events.
GREGORY CHONG Chairman
The scaffolding is up at Avon Tyrrell House in Bransgore as work has begun on
restoring the 110 year old Grade I listed 'Arts and Crafts' building to its
former glory.
The house and grounds, the former home of Lord Manners, are run by the charity
UK Youth who use it as an Activity and Residential Centre for around 15,000
young people from all over the UK each year.
The £½ million work programme includes repairs to the roof, windows, lead and brickwork and is being three-quarters funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund. Work will go on until early summer 2003 after which the Centre hopes to hold an open day for public tours of the restored building. It's taken over 2 years of planning to get this project underway and we are all really happy that work is finally beginning. The house will look fantastic by next summer and we can now look forward to many thousands of kids using it in future years.
OTHER NEWS:
We are waiting on a lottery decision to replace 6 of our old mobile homes with
modern lodges and we are still as busy as ever running courses and activities
for visiting groups. If you want to visit with your family or a group of friends
and have a go at some climbing, abseiling, canoeing, archery etc. or use our
sports courts, do contact us anytime. Likewise if you want to be put on the
mailing list for the school holiday activities we run, drop us a line.
Further information from R. L. Bonney, Centre Manager,
AvonTyrrell Bransgore BH23 8EE Tel. 01425 672347.
email centremanager@avontyrrell.org.uk
website www.avontyrrell.org.uk
The good news about choosing to pay our biennial official visit to St Georges during the weekend 26/27 October was that all our members, except one, were able to go as it coincided with schools' half term. The bad news was that conditions in the Channel were atrocious (remember the reports of the ferry hitting a naval ship at Portsmouth, and the cancellation and delay of other sailings?) but we all got there and back safely.
As usual we were warmly welcomed by our friends in France and in spite of the windy weather enjoyed the programme they had arranged for us. This began with a visit on the Saturday morning to the Madeleine Chapel American Memorial which is dedicated to the American Divisions which liberated St Lô and, of course, St Georges Montcocq, in July 1944. The Chapel, which is lovingly tended by its curator, was originally an old leper-house, is tucked away on the outskirts of St Lô. The visit, which was well covered by the local press, was specially arranged for us and very much appreciated. We noticed that the town has reaffirmed its American links by naming the small area fronting the Chapel as "Place Septembre ll."
The afternoon was spent in St. Lô with conducted tours of the Church of Notre-Dame and the Museum. We were all together in the evening at the village hall where we enjoyed a typical Normandy meal, when the wine and conversation flowed!!
Sunday saw us boarding a coach for a visit to Mont St Michel. The driver took
the very scenic route along the coast and we stopped a couple of time to see the
spectacular seas in the still storm force winds. Our picnic lunch was taken at
one of the interpretation centres along the bay and then off to the Mont where
even the walls did not give much protection against the winds, but at least it
didn't rain.
Plans for their reciprocal visit to us in June next year are already well in
hand. All we hope is that the weather will be kinder.
In the meantime we have planned one or two social events. These are open to anyone who would like to join us. Perhaps you would like to make a note that :
On Friday, 10th January, we will be offering a snack lunches of home-made soup, etc. at Lesley Perkins' house, 20 Peartree Close from 12 noon.
Our AGM will be held on Friday, 28th February 2003 at the Social Club, Burnt
House Lane, at 7 pm.. Non-members are welcome to join us at 7.30 pm for a
Skittles evening with supper.
John and Jean Harrison are hosting a Coffee Morning on Saturday, 15th May at
10.30 am Farringford, Chapel Lane. As well as the usual stalls and a raffle,
there will be an opportunity to buy plants for the garden.
If you would like further details about any of these events, please telephone
01425 672640.
Joyeux Noel et meilleurs vœux pour Noel et 2003.
JANE SAFE Chairman 672640
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.
Have you noticed some new bus stops in Bransgore? There is one on the opposite side of Ringwood Road opposite the entrance to Betsy Lane and another on Derritt Lane near the entrance to Brookside Road. These herald a major improvement in bus services in Bransgore. Wilts & Dorset had arranged for a leaflet drop in the BH23 8 and 7 areas but unfortunately these seem to have gone astray so until they can arrange a reprint, here are some details of the new service. Until the new leaflets are delivered, copies are available in Stanfords Newsagency and new timetables are displayed on the bus stops.
All journeys on Services 125 and 126 have been withdrawn and replaced by the
new improved service 105 from Monday 4 November. There is now a through bus
every hour to Christchurch, Boscombe, Bournemouth and Poole and in the other
direction to Ringwood.
Buses will travel alternatively via Thorney Hill and Sopley, hence the new bus
stops.
But please note
that Service 105 will not run on Sundays or public holidays, and with the
withdrawal of Service 126, the bus at 0955 to Christchurch, returning at 1230
will no longer run. A replacement journey on Service 121 will provide a once
weekly link from Bransgore (Shackleton Square) at 0918, Crown 0921 and Neacroft
0925, to Highcliffe, Christchurch and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, arriving
at 1019. The return bus leaves the hospital at 1201.on Mondays only. These
routes are supported financially by both Dorset and Hampshire County Councils so
let's hope they will be well used.
If you are a woman aged 60 or over, or a man aged 65 or over, did you know that
you can obtain half price fares on any bus within Hampshire? You can also cross
county boundaries (in Bransgore's case probably both Dorset and Wiltshire), but
you must board and alight from your bus in Hampshire. From 1 April 2003 the age
limit for men will be reduced to 60.
A leaflet giving full details of the scheme can be obtained from New Forest
District Council by telephoning Jill Brake on 02380 285771. Fill in the
application form attached and return this to Jill with a passport size
photograph to obtain a concession card.
If any new residents in this area are wondering what to do with their Monday evenings, we have the answer : invest in your creative side in a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. We are not a large Society in numbers but our members paint/draw in a wide variety of styles, some of us being 'old hands' but others taking up brushes or pencils, perhaps after a long interval or having been 'quite good at Art at school' but never subsequently developed their talent. This could be your opportunity!
We meet on the first three Mondays of the month (and the fifth - if there is one) at 7.45 pm at the St Mary's Resource Centre adjoining the Church in Bransgore. This is a warm well-lit building with tea and coffee making facilities. Advice is given if asked for and suitable books and videos are available for those who feel they would benefit from them. Please give me, Stephen Mitchell, a ring on 01425 674530 or just turn up.
The year 2003 will be a landmark year for us when, with the support of the Governors of Brockenhurst College, we will be staging
at the College. This will be an exhibition of works for sale by artists from a wide area. The dates for your diary are 15th and 16th April. Details of arrangements to exhibit work and to purchase tickets for admission will be publicised in the New Year, but people who are interested can make enquiries now by telephoning 01425 673208.
Why not join the Friends. As a member you would receive advanced news of
activities and events are planned. Your support would be greatly welcomed and
enable us to make a worthwhile contribution to the unique opportunities offered
to young people at Avon Tyrrell.
Please telephone the above number for a leaflet and joining form.
The Centre will be staging its very popular "The Fortune of
Christmas" at Avon Tyrrell on Wednesday, 18th December. This is an event
which embodies the spirit of Christmas and holds great appeal for spectators of
all ages. If you would like details please contact Reception at the Centre -
telephone 01425 673297.
From time to time the Centre has vacancies for additional members for their staff team. We look for mature, caring people, with an equestrian interest, who are happy to work alongside adults with special needs, providing them with support in growing independence. If this sounds like you, why not give Jane Whittaker a ring on the above telephone number and have a chat about possible opportunities.
Have you visited our website recently? It's got a whole new look
with extra pages and plenty of graphics. Many visitors tell us how much they
enjoy it, and we hope you will too.
Our Autumn programme began with 'Baskets of Delight', a demonstration by Mary Holiday-Bishop. It lived up to the title, as Mary delighted us with baskets full of beautiful flowers in glorious autumn colours. Among the many lovely flowers were dahlias Mary had grown on her allotment.
It was broomsticks and cauldrons for our meeting in October with 'Witches of Halloween'. Dodie Stevens gave us an insight into the origins of Halloween while producing lovely flower arrangements, using pumpkins, cauldrons and broomstick as accessories. A spooky afternoon enjoyed by all.
Our November meeting was a workshop, where we made door wreaths and/or swags.
A chance to be ahead of the Christmas rush.
To complete the year on December 12th we look for4ward to Jenny Winstone's
demonstration entitled 'A Country Christmas'. This is followed by a Christmas
tea.
Our first meeting in 2003 is on January 23rd. A 'Green and Pleasant Land' is the
title of Eileen Witt's demonstration, an apt start to the New Year.
Do come and join us at any of our meetings - guests and new members are most
welcome. It's a pleasant way to spend a dreary winter's afternoon - 'Friendship
through Flowers'.
We meet on the fourth Thursday in the month at 2.00 pm at the Resource Centre,
Ringwood Road.
Dates for your Diary :
| January 23rd Eileen Witt's demonstrator - 'Green and Pleasant Land' |
| February 27th Deanna Davies - Workshop - 'Decorative Plait' |
| March 27th AGM followed by speaker, Pat Clark |
MARGO CROUCH
Sopley Village Hall, Priest Lane, Sopley
Telephone: 07773 237667
Charity No. 1077865
Stepping Stones pre-school offers education and care for children between 2.9 years and school age. We have a specially tailored curriculum aimed at achieving Early Learning Goals whereby your child will learn through play. We also have a computer and an outdoor play area.
We recently had an excellent Ofsted report. We are registered for 26 children
per session and we can offer your child a stimulating, happy environment with
our friendly, dedicated staff supported by an enthusiastic, parental-based
committee.
Our term-time sessions are on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings
from 9.15am - 12.15pm, with a very popular Lunch Club following each session
through to 1pm.
The 'Rising School' sessions operate in the Spring and Summer terms on Tuesday afternoons, which help to prepare children for Primary School the following term. We have strong links with all the Primary Schools in the local area.
If you would like a copy of our prospectus or to come along and visit us, please give Marie Waugh a ring on 01425 673259
Spring Term
The Spring term starts on January 6th and planned events for the term include;
Children's toy and clothes Bring and Buy Sale
Quiz Night
Easter Bonnet Competition and Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Workshop Activity
A warm welcome awaits toddlers and babies as well as their Mums, Dads, Grandparents and carers at the Stepping Stones Parent and Toddler Group on Tuesday mornings 10-11.30am at Sopley Village Hall. Babies and toddlers are encouraged to come and play, join in with story-time, singing, running races and creative activities. Everyone can also enjoy a drink, biscuit, fruit and a chat during snack-time. £1.50 per family.
Our AGM on September 12th was well attended and Miss Emma Cookson's lively talk about Recycling aroused considerable interest.
We are very grateful for a handsome contribution towards our work raised by London Marathon runner Angus Hickish, combined with Three Peak climbers (George, Mary, Nick, and Polly Gamper, Richard Jenkinson, John Macklin, and John Nell) superbly supported by Richard Frampton and his brother John. Further funds were raised at the Coffee Morning at Heron's Gate on October 3rd.
Arrangements have been made to take a party to Stewart's Gardenlands on
December 3rd.
A Coffee Morning has also been arranged to raise money towards the planned
Thorney Hill Community Centre. This will be held at the Boys' Brigade Hut in
Burnt House Lane from 10.30 a.m. till noon on Thursday February 20th.
SHEESHA NEWBURY (Chairman)
The Lunch Club re-convened at the beginning of September after its summer break. Sadly, we have lost several of our helpers over the last few months and are struggling to maintain an efficient service at the present time.
HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED
We
are currently looking for helpers to join the teams who produce meals for Lunch
Club members. Each team cooks once a month, on a specific day (either a Tuesday,
Wednesday or Friday). Teams usually consist of three helpers who cook for
between 12 and 18 people. Generally one member of the teams prepares a simple
main course (such as a casserole or roast); one member takes care of the
vegetable preparation and one prepares a simple sweet. Plain home-style meals
are the order of the day - no cordon bleu cooking required! The enthusiasm and
enjoyment with which the meals are received by our members is tremendously
rewarding.
If you feel you could spare the time to assist, but are intimidated by the thought of cooking for strangers, why not come along one lunch time and see for yourself what goes on - you could be surprised at how relaxed and friendly the sessions are. For further information please contact Shirley Tobias - telephone number 01425 673078 or Pat Newman - telephone number 01425 673678.
Planning and preparation are under way for the Lunch Club Christmas Lunch, which will be held on Wednesday 11th December. We look forward to welcoming both members and helpers on that day.
Finally, grateful thanks go to everyone who continues to support the Lunch
Club.
In the school summer
holidays, three of us who live in Bransgore did a litter pick at the recreation
ground in the village. We targeted mainly the car park, around the benches and
the half pipe and managed to collect three bin bags of rubbish. As the
litter is still a problem at the recreation ground, we are going to organise
another litter pick. This time we are going to blitz the recreation ground, the
area known as 'knobbly' and around the shopping parade.
We recently wrote to the Parish Council to ask for their support, as we need gloves, litter pickers, plastic sacks and help to dispose of the rubbish collected. Following this a group of us had a meeting with Sue Hughes of the Council. We talked about the litter pick and the need for more litterbins at the recreation ground.
The group plan to do the next litter pick to coincide with the purchase of some new bins. Sue expressed her thanks to the young people involved for their efforts in helping to clear away the rubbish.
Written by a young person aged 15.
We are still making good
progress with our project, the Pavilion is on target, the plastering nearly
completed, the electrical and plumbing work is underway, we still have much to
do and any offers of practical help welcomed. We now have new gates, which look
very smart and will help to keep the site secure. We will be extending and
completing the car park in the near future. New litterbins for both sites are to
be purchased to help with the litter problem, which could be helped if everyone
disposed of their litter thoughtfully.
Our next project is to replace the fencing around the children's play area. The half pipe will be painted by a group of young people in the near future.
We meet on the first Tuesday in the month at Shackleton Square. 7.30pm Sue Hughes
Welcome to my first attempt at communicating the School's news to the local
community!
The biggest change for us lately has been the new Foundation Classroom (for our
very youngest children), and remodelled offices and staff room. The infants are
also benefiting from a revamped outdoor play area with new equipment and a
wonderful Pirate Ship as its centrepiece. This is still a work in progress,
however, and Mr Perret has plans to develop the outdoor play facilities even
further. Watch this space! If there are any local residents who would like an
after school tour of the new facilities, please call the office (672272) and I
will see what can be arranged.
One of my roles as Assistant Head is to represent the School on the Bransgore School Association Committee. It's has been great to see the number of new faces who have become involved this year, including our Chair, Mr Gregory Chong. Congratulations to Paul Weeks, Sarah Manley and all the volunteers who made Firework Night such a fantastic success. The money raised by the BSA is of enormous benefit to the children and it is wonderful to see not just the children and parents from the School, but many former pupils and members of the village community turning out to support the event. The School would also like to thank Steve and Mary Biss of The Three Tuns for yet again hosting the event, helping make the night such a success.
The Tree Base (Years 3 and 4) have recently been studying the history of the Bransgore area and greatly enjoyed a talk on the subject from this very publication's Editor-in-Chief, thank you Mrs Safe, for sharing your extensive local knowledge with us.
Our Year 5 and 6 Juniors recently presented a Family Worship at St Mary's Church on the theme of "Journeys", and we look forward to our end of term Christmas Service there. Thank you to Canon Elkins and Reverend Helen Griffiss for their Assemblies and support for the school.
To close, I unfortunately have to report that, like the Village Hall, we too are experiencing problems with trespass and vandalism. The repair bills for damage to school property are mounting and we have grave concerns for the safety of the young people who insist on using our playground and picnic benches as a skateboard park. We would ask our neighbours to help us with the problem by immediately reporting any trespass they see to the police.
Finally, a big thank you to all the parents of our School for your continued support.
DAVID GREEN
Shackleton Square
Times of Services
| Sunday | 10.30am | Morning Service and Sunday School |
| Tuesday | 8.00pm | Small Groups |
| Wednesday | 3.00pm | Home Group |
| 6.00pm-7.15pm | Skids (7-11 year olds) | |
| 7.30pm -9.00pm | Crusaders (11-14 year olds) | |
| Thursday | 10.00am- 11.30am | Scallywags (Mother, baby & toddler group) |
COLIN CLARK
Pastor (Telephone 01425 672681)
As Christmas is nearly here the Thorney Hill and Bransgore like everyone else is busy making arrangements for the festive season. The new committee under the guidance of President Vera Murray are planning the W.I's Christmas party, Father Christmas has been booked plus an entertainer with songs and monologues, it will be a very enjoyable afternoon.
The last quarter has been an exceptionally busy one for us this year, and a sad one as last summer we lost three very good friends and members. Mrs. Phil Tanner, Mrs. Dot Latimer and Mrs. Eileen Bloy. We sill miss them all. In October four members attended the Autumn Council Meeting in Portsmouth, Mrs. Tricia Price gave an interesting report at the November meeting.
The birthday lunch at the Thomas Hardy restaurant, Bournemouth University, was very well attended. On November 5th we had a Bonfire night sausage and mash supper to raise the money for the group Bursary to send one member to Denham College in 2003, 61 members including husbands and friends came. It was a great meal, followed by a quiz and singsong, but the washing up was phenomenal. On the second Tuesday of every month we meet at the Carpenters Arms for lunch and a chat, the group of members gets larger each month. Why not join us? Also the quiz evenings are popular and great fun-watch the notice board in the village for the next one, they are always held at the Resource Centre at 7pm, husbands and friends are warmly welcomed.
In September Mrs. Christine Pain spoke to us about Palmistry. She said 'Palmistry is an insight into ones character'. Mr. Hyde came to our October meeting with his collection of old gramophones and records. He even had an old crystal set and when he played ' we are the Ovaltinies', it bought back happy memories for all of us. The AGM occupied the November meeting, last years committee was re-elected pus Mrs. Doreen West and Mrs. Vera Murray agreed to continue as President for another year. Altogether it has been a very enjoyable time. If you are free on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month why not join us at the Resource centre at 2.15pm we are always pleased to see new faces. Remember the answer given in the 'Calendar Girls' film when asked what was the WI all about? Enlightenment, Fun and Friendship'. A happy Christmas to you all.
As I write "the little town of Bethlehem" is being occupied by Israeli forces flushing out Palestinians suspected of planning suicide bombings to add to the murderous 85 already carried out. The church of the Holy Nativity seems to be the preferred HQ of such activities.
When planning the Christmas carol services we wondered quite seriously
whether the much loved "O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee
lie . . ." sung to an English folk melody was appropriate any more. I
reflected that the carol is a meditation on Bethlehem 2000 years ago and on the
promise of God that a saviour would be born there, not just as a deliverer of a
subject people, but the saviour of the whole of humankind. The imagery is very
effectively drawn on to stimulate a response to the Saviour of the world.
However, in true "romantic" style the writer felt at liberty to draw
out the background to God's gift without the current political background,
transporting the scene to a Christian spirituality which seemed at that (now
remote) time to be able to live a sentimental version of the Gospel which was
only related to personal emotional needs and devoid of a message for the world
we now live in. Even now many, many Christians believe fervently that their
faith does not (should not?) relate to real life beyond their own inner sanctum.
I respond that Jesus' mission was to the whole created world in all time and
that "world" is not a collection of compartmentalised individuals but
the interaction of the whole world and us in it. Dean John Donne of St.Paul's
wrote four hundred years ago in a famous poem profoundly questioning the concept
of remote individualism -"no man is an island". It ends "Do not
send to know for whom the bell tolls - it tolls for thee!" Retreating
behind the Christian faith and not living it invites a fantasy world, private
and apparently devoid of meaning.
Yet was it ever like that imagined peace in Bethlehem? That part of the world has always been a cauldron of war and suffering. The carol writer's secret is that the sentiments echoed here are of a particular moment of peace when God revealed himself. In the Great War the famous padre "Woodbine Willie," so beloved of the troops, wrote of a brief moment of lull in battle when from a hillside he saw the sun shine above the clouds which enveloped the theatre of war and birds singing (c.f. Macrea's In Flanders fields) - a brief message of hope above our strifes and quarrels. This, like the carol is not mere sentiment but it could and does become so if we do not allow it to change our selfish ways. One carol at least invites us, commands us: "hush the noise, ye men of strife" - another invites us to look beyond ourselves to the poor "ye who now would bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing". We are invited, even in war-torn Bethlehem, especially there and anywhere known to us, to reach out to others in empathy, sympathy, love and understanding - not in judgement, ignorance or apathy.
There was nothing peaceful about the aftermath of Jesus' birth when Herod's soldiers massacred the children of Bethlehem, and the events of the Great War in that area and the subsequent abortive "peace" settlement left a legacy which though well meant lacked in understanding.
Christians
believe their God and Saviour is not remote or a personal possession. His name
is Emmanuel - "God with us". In Scripture we are promised that God
will be so homely and intimate a friend that he will take a meal with us, not at
a grand dinner party, but in a simple partaking with others. Many Christians
re-enact the the meal Jesus took with his friends on the night before he was
betrayed and crucified. Every Sunday and on other occasions too we "do this
in remembrance of Him". This Christmas we shall do it and that is how we
will celebrate. But we will be taking that memory and festival spirit to our
other enjoyments - sharingly and unselfishly, not paying lip-service to the
needs of others but genuinely reaching out to them in a practical love. I invite
you to do the same so that you too can share God's blessing.
At our carol service we shall be singing Peter Warlock's setting of
"Bethlehem Down" by Bruce Blunt. The poet sees beyond Christmas to the
horrors of a first century execution amidst the jeering, cruelty, callousness.
No sugar-sweet spirituality here - only God in our midst -suffering as so many
do now - but still excusing us -"they know not what they do - Father
forgive." Warlock's setting is haunting, and the words of verse three also:
"When he is King, they will clothe him in grave sheets, Myrrh for embalming
and wood for a crown . . ."
May Christ's Christmas blessing be known to you in the way you bless others.
Patrick Elkins
December 15th. Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at 6.30 pm.
You are warmly invited to join us afterwards for refreshments
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
December 24th Christingle Service 4.00 pm
Midnight Eucharist 11.15 pm .
December 25th Holy Communion 8.00 am
Parish Communion 10.00 am
CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, THORNEY HILL
December 22nd Christmas Carol Service 6.30 pm
December 25th Holy Communion (BCP) 11.15 am
'N.B. Please make a note of these days, times and venues - particularly that St.Mary's Carol service is week earlier than usual.
This car park is open and available for people attending church services and events at the Resource Centre, as well as those who wish to visit the churchyard. The car park is also offered for the use of parents to bring and collect their children during term time, and official visitors to the school for whom the school parking facility is not available. The parking of vehicles heavier than private family cars requires permission from the Church Wardens, currently Mr. Richard Slaughter & Mrs. Margaret Longman. The car park may be closed from time to time for large church or Resource Centre events, at the discretion of the Parochial Church Council.
The PCC accepts no liability for those who use the car park
The car park is the free-hold property of the Parochial Church Council who may allow or deny access at their discretion to any person or vehicle at any time. It is not in any way shared with any other private or corporate body and is entirely the private property of the PCC. It is open for all who may come and go "on their lawful occasions".
We all hope that this privilege will be respected at all times. The surface of the car park needs to be re-conditioned and contributions to this cost, which also entirely falls on the Church Council, will be gratefully received via the Church Wardens.
Pastoral care: contact initially
The Revd Canon Patrick Elkins, VICAR 01425 672327 or
The Revd Helen Griffiss, CURATE 01425 672519
St Mary's also has a team of lay pastors willing to visit, bring Home Communion,
etc.
Sunday Services:
| 8 am Holy Communion (BCP) |
| 10 am Parish Eucharist (CW1) |
| 7 pm Evening Worship (various forms of quiet, reflective worship) |
Wednesdays:
| 10 am Holy Communion (CW1) |
Occasional Services : Baptisms by arrangement, usually in the 10 am Sunday service
Marriages, Funerals by arrangement
Choral Evensong, Carol services, etc: see separate posters
School Services: mid-week: as arranged by school and church
The next few months will be very exciting period for Scouting in Bransgore and Christchurch District. Over the last couple of years Scouting HQ conducted a very thorough and far reaching review of our organisation with every member of the organisation surveyed. This has resulted in a radical change in our programme and structure that makes them more relevant to the needs of the young people of today. The age range for Beavers is still 6-8 years, Cubs 8-10 ½ years, Scouts now 10 ½ - 14 years, and a new Explorers unit catering for a new 14 - 18 age group, replacing the old venture unit. The Explorers unit will be launched on January 19th and will cater for both Boys and Girls. The new group will be District wide which will allow it to offer a much more varied and exciting programme ranging from Sailing, Gliding, Climbing, Sub-aqua Diving, Trekking on Dartmoor, plus much much more. The training will be centred around the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, and can complement school and college DoE training. To join the new unit you do not need to have been in Scouts before. All you need is to want to take part in more challenging and exciting activities with other like minded people of your own age.
If you want to know more please contact either Ian Penny on 01202 483124 or Graham Pedder on 01425 672914.
The Beavers have started the new programme, where the boys can earn badges like Cubs and Scouts have been doing. Four boys have just received their outdoor badges (for visits). They visited the Jubilee Jamboree at Wareham, where all the boys had a smashing day out. Mrs Myra Poole brought an interesting array of percussion instruments and the boys have learnt how to play them. They have visited Steamer Point and "pond dipped." PC Linford talked to the boys about Road Safety. The Beavers have now completed a large collage, which is now in the Headquarters for all to see.
LESLEY MANLEY 01425 672667
Having completed our first year as Cub Scout Leaders we are a little bit greyer and a lot wiser. The Cub pack has had a very busy year with various outings and District events. The camping season started with the District Jubilee camp, followed by the Sixers & Seconders Camp. Our own summer camp at Braggers Wood was very successful and themed on the Commonwealth Games. This was followed by Jubilee Jamboree. We entered the District Handicraft competition, and Quiz and won the swimming Gala, which was a tremendous achievement, and blazed to victory in the 5-a-side football competition. A very big thank you to all the boys who participated. With Christmas looming, we are looking forward to our festive events, which include a visit to the candle factory and an Xmas party, but with a difference.
GINNY HEBDEN (Akela) 01425 674721 TRUDI BUTCHER (Chill) 01425 672830
We welcomed 4 boys to Scouts from Cubs in September, and they too attended the Jubilee Jamboree in Wareham. Were runners up in the District Swimming gala and won the group relay. Took part in a successful Camp Fire with the rest of the Group attended by some parents. We entered two patrols in the District night hike (16th Nov) ans came 1st and 2nd. This is an excellent result considering the very difficult and exceedingly wet conditions. Well done.
MIKE MANLEY
The Scout Hall in Burnt House Lane is available for hire at
£5 per hour - contact Liz Holroyd 673398
Following last month's 10th Anniversary Meeting, the Committee continues its liaison with the NFDC Planning Department: their Policy is specific on the use of the Camp. Detailed oposite is a potted history over the last decade. The Internet Search engines also reveal much information.
|
1991 Adventure Camp |
|
1992 Used By St. Johns Ambulance |
|
1993 Used by Air Cadets |
|
1993 Used by Household Cavalry |
|
1992-1996 'Planwork' Company |
|
now 'War Games' |
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.
We thank the villagers for their continuing support, and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
D.Blythe Press Officer 01425 672504
Why not come along to one of our meetings. We meet on the fourth Monday of every month, in the Resource Centre at 8pm. We have some very good speakers and there is always time for a coffee and a chat.
Since the last Parish News letter we have had a very good talk about Stapehill Abbey in Wimborne and Emma Cookson spoke to us about recycling our rubbish.
For our charity this year we are raising money to buy small items of equipment for both doctors surgeries in Bransgore. So quite a few Bransgore people should benefit from our efforts.
In October we had a Skittles Evening and November saw us Barn Dancing in the Village Hall.
Both events made a nice profit for our charity.
On Monday December 16th we holding a Carol Concert in St. Mary's Church at 7-30pm
The Candlelight Singers From Christchurch lead by Mrs Stella Jackson-Smith are our guests for the evening and they are a very good choir. So why not come and join us for the evening, Mums, Dads Grandmas and Grandads. We would also like some children to come and sing a couple of carols for us please. Just turn up on the evening and Stella will tell you what she wants you to do. Everybody is welcome and afterwards we would like to offer you coffee and mince pies in the Resource Centre.
Please note there will be no meeting on Monday December 23rd. Thank you for your support during the year and on behalf of all Townswomen's Guild members I wish you A Very Happy Christmas and A Healthy New Year.
PAM SHIPPERLEY Chairman, Telephone 01425 673057
As the Autumn colour turns our trees to a patchwork of golds and reds, I
wonder where this year went. Christmas fast approaches and our meeting on 17th
December breaks with tradition this year as instead of our own home-grown choir,
we have the handbell team from Ringwood Church to play for us as we celebrate
with carols, mince pies and the exchanging of Christmas cards with our friends.
We also remember at this time Rose Mattey, and Charles Clark, who sadly passed
away recently. Both were such stalwarts of our Club and will be greatly missed.
Our 28th Birthday Party celebrated in October saw a return to us of Musical
World, a professional husband and wife team performing with a visual song
presentation show, and our A.G.M. declared our Club completely stable and in
good form.
The retirement from the committee after many years of service of our dear
member, Adam Hunter, was marked by a presentation of a framed photograph of him
with his wife and friends at a coach outing this summer, plus a "lunch
out" locally - a very small gift to a couple who have given so much to the
Club.
As a Club we need to go forward, looking to the future - we need new members, active participation and, most of all, we need to keep and maintain the unique atmosphere we promote at our meetings. EVERYONE is made welcome - visitors may come along, entrance fee only £1, to sample our afternoons and join if they like us.
We have new items this year for our outings in the new year. In February, weather permitting, we are visiting Kingston Lacy during their Snowdrop Season, and in March we will be holding a Cream Tea with Sing-a-Long entertainment with Bill Boyd for members and friends and visitors alike on Saturday, 8th March.
Also in March we are holding a "Gardeners' Lunch" with extras, at the East Close Hotel, Hinton. Tickets will be available early in the New Year.
So we meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in each month in Bransgore Village Hall at 2.15 pm. Full details of our forthcoming meetings are in the Diary of Events.
From members and committee, I would like to extend the Season's Greetings, especially to all those generous people who give so much in time and effort and also financially, to assist us throughout the year. May your Christmas and New Year be everything you hope it will be. God Bless …
JANET HENSON Secretary, Bransgore 674954
A reminder that RNLI Christmas Cards, together with 2003 Calendars, 2003 Diaries and other seasonal items can still be found at Bransgore Wines.
As you may have seen on the TV news, RNLI inshore lifeboats in many parts of the country gave invaluable assistance during the recent severe floods. They were particularly helpful in the Elgin area of Scotland, where 3 boats and 22 crew members were involved in rescuing over 80 people from their homes.
This has been a very busy summer operationally, and lifeboats all round our
shores have been involved in incidents large and small. The two new ventures,
the beach-rescue service and the River Thames service have both contributed
substantially to the total of successful call-outs. Provisional figures show
that by the end of September RNLI lifeboats had been launched a total of 4,124
times, with 2417 people brought safely ashore, and 501 lives saved.
As this is the last Newsletter for 2002, we take the opportunity to thank you
for giving our fund-raising efforts such sterling support throughout the year,
and to wish you the complements of the season.
DAVID LYTTLE 673581
As we write this article, a number of Rotarians are finalising the accounts for the Charity Boxing Evening held on 22nd November. Over 200 diners enjoyed a superb evening, meal and sport in aid of various charities, the main beneficiary being the Domino Appeal which is raising money to continue the financing of Portfield School at Hurn. Portfield School is run by the Wessex Autistic Society and provides help to children suffering from Autism. The Club is most grateful to all those who supported the evening in any way. On the evening a cheque for £3,500 was presented by President Phil Moist on behalf of the Club to Mike Denny of the Domino Appeal Committee.
Our grateful thanks go to all the children and parents who filled shoe boxes this year. 265 boxes were collected and taken to Portsmouth for their onward journey to Albania and Ukraine. All of the boxes will be most welcome and will give a great deal of pleasure to the children who receive them.
The Club is also pleased to welcome Bill Quick as a new member. Bill has recently moved to the village from Middlesex and we are sure that both he and his wife Diane will enjoy all aspects of Rotary in Bransgore.
Our 7th Charity Golf Day will be held on Wednesday 25th June 2003 at Dibden Golf Centre. More details will be available in the New Year, but if you wish to book in a team, please contact Allan Alford Tel. 01425 673987.
The Club continues to enjoy a varied and interesting programme of speakers, sports events and good fellowship. The Club and all it's members wish all readers an enjoyable Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
For further information on Rotary International contact Rotarian Malcolm Austen, tel. 672494.
Contributions for the March 2003 issue of this Newsletter to Jane Safe, Greenacres, West Road (672640) by Friday, 21st February 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 Word, Times New Roman typeface and 12 font, enclosing a printed copy just in case the original cannot be read. Remember you don't have to wait for the last day.
Entries for the Diary of Events should NOT include dates in the first two weeks
of March, but should include those for the beginning of June 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 as soon as possible to the Parish
Council to be included on its web site.
Thank you to all who make it possible to produce the Newsletter. Let us hope that the volunteer deliverers have dry weather for delivery of this issue!
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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