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Well, it is Newsletter time again. I was sure I had at least another week! The last three months since the last Newsletter have been busy. Hampshire County Council are starting the traffic calming measures in Ringwood Road on the 26th August and hope to have them completed by 1st September. This means that by the time you receive the Newsletter all will be completed. The Disabled Bays outside the Post Office have been passed from Hampshire County Council to New Forest District Council to install, but as yet we have not had a date for this work. The Parish Office is now open for a short period each day. The times are displayed in the window. We hope that you will make use of this facility. It is a bit demoralising to sit there and not have any callers. We like to have thank yous, if you think they are deserved, as well as queries and complaints. The Planning and Amenities Committees meetings on the first and second Tuesdays of the month respectively, have got off to a good start with members of the public attending. These are held in the Committee Room of the Village Hall at 7.30 pm.
Plans for additions to the Village Hall have been drawn up by Mr Norman J Down MBIAT, and these will be displayed in the Parish Office window, so do have a look as you pass by on your way to get a newspaper. It has been a very hot summer and even with the small amount of rain we have had, garden hedges have grown very fast. I would ask you all if you have hedges/trees which border footways (pavements) or roads, please keep them cut back so that pedestrians, cars, etc., can pass without hindrance.
The Village Quiz is on the 10th September. I am sure it will be the usual happy occasion with Jane Safe asking questions which I never seem to be able to answer, although there are those in the village who do well each year. At the Parish Council meeting in November, we set the Precept for the coming financial year 2004/5. Do come along and see how this is done and have your say in the democratic period. Enjoy the remainder of the summer. SALLY OWEN Chairman 672596
Parish Clerk - Mr Charles Beattie. Tel: 01425 618679
The Councillors for the Bransgore and Burley Ward can be contacted on the following numbers :
Peter Greenfield 01425 654358
John Penwarden 01425 673637
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
In May we had a coach outing to Exbury Gardens to see the splendour of the rhododendrons and azaleas.
Our Garden Party in June was held this year in Yvonne Shipways' beautiful garden at Winkton. It was a delightful summer's day and to start the afternoon we held our postponed AGM. This proved a guaranteed way to have a good attendance. Pauline Temple, the retiring Chairman, congratulated retiring President, Pat Clark (already an area speaker) on her achievement in passing the N.A.F.A.S. National Speakers' Test in June. Pauline presented her, on behalf of the Club, with a beautiful piece of drift wood which Pat said she would now use to illustrate her talk “The Magic of Wood”. Margo Crouch, having taken over as Chairman, then, on behalf of the members, presented Pauline with a book and an hydrangea plant, thanking her for all she has done for the Club over the years. She is a founder member and has been on the Committee since 1989, during which time she took on the role of Programme Secretary and Chairman for the past three years. Pauline now becomes our President - we don't intend to let her go! Also retiring from the Committee after many years service are Shirley Case and Glo Nutter, although they have taken on “Teas” at our monthly meetings so they still will not be sitting back. Yvonne Shipway has taken over from Jean Spring, who as secretary over the past four years has done a grand job. Carol Reed is now Programme Secretary and Marcia Neil as Treasurer. We also welcome onto the Committee as new members, Carol Dove, Carol Norman and Joan Skyrme.
Having completed the official side of the afternoon, members were able to sit back and relax while enjoying a lovely tea provided by the Committee. Back to the Resource Centre for our July meeting, when we were all “Stagestruck”, the title of Ann-Maree Dickers' demonstration. It was a wonderful afternoon with Ann-Maree taking us, by way of floral arrangements, to the circus, pantomime, rock concert, ballet and, for a finale, the opera complete with music. A perfect end to the first half of our year's programme - well, not quite! Because this year for the first time we entered the Club Class of the Flower Arrangement section at the New Forest Show. A team of three, Marcia Neil, Pauline Temple and myself set out to interpret the title of the class 'Enchanted Wood' on the Monday staging day, to be judged Tuesday morning. To our absolute amazement and sheer delight we were awarded first prize and won the Gossling Memorial Challenge Cup. Now Bransgore Flower Club is really on the map - or should I say Cup!!
For our first meeting on 25th September, we are off on our travels again. This time to the Flower Festival at Winchester Cathedral, sharing a coach with Highcliffe Flower Club. Then it will be welcome back to all members at the Resource Centre on 23rd October with a demonstration by Angela Turner - “Trend n Blend”. New members and guests will be very welcome to join us then.
On 27th November the title of Barbara Hudson's demonstration is “It's Christmas Tyme” and our Christmas Lunch on 11th December will be followed by Joan Skyrme demonstrating “Flowers in Sugar Paste”
We meet on the fourth Thursday in the month at 2.00 pm at the Resource Centre. 'Friendship through Flowers' is the N.A.F.A.S. motto.
Margo Couch
This time I start with a big THANK YOU to Lynn and John Houghton, their family and staff, and not forgetting their clientele, at the Carpenter's Arms. They have kindly housed collecting boxes since 1998.
During the last few months they have not only housed a collecting box on their counter but have donated the monetary contents of three 4½ pint Bells Whisky Bottles. The latest bottle contained over £634 which is being counted by Holly Bailey, a member of staff. To date they have collected over £1,600.
Thank you, too, to those of you who visited our stall at the Bransgore School Fair in July.
If anyone has items they would like to donate to the Hospice, please let me know and I'll arrange collection.
A reminder that the Open Days at Naomi House this year will be FRIDAY 26 to SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER. Everyone is welcome to visit. The Hospice will be closed to all but emergency cases, so you are unlikely to see any children in residence. I invite you all to visit - you will see where your donations go and be very impressed.
If there are sufficient numbers for Sunday 28th September, I hope to hire a minibus, so please let me know if you would like to come.
SHIRLEY TOBIAS 01425 673078
At our first meeting in July retiring President Phil Moist reflected on a very successful year during which the Club had increased membership, carried out many service orientated projects, raised almost £10,000 for various charities and enjoyed excellent speakers and fellowship. Our new President is Ian Kendall who has lived in the village for many years and was closely involved in the new playing field project. He works for Bournemouth Borough Council and in his spare time helps with the youth cricket team. Ian is very keen on further opportunities for Rotary to assist in developing facilities for the youth of the village and will be ably assisted by our new senior vice-president Mike Phillips.
Our 7th Charity Golf Day was held on Wednesday 25th June 2003 at Dibden Golf Centre. Proceeds from the day amounted to just over £2,100. Donations have been made to the Jigsaw Appeal at Royal Bournemouth Hospital and several local charities. Our thanks go to all who played, sponsored or helped in any way.
The Club members were pleased to have been able to help with Bransgore School's sports day. Due to the very hot weather the event was restricted to the Junior School, but it was nevertheless a very good day. We hope to be able to help again next year.
Several members of the Club, who live in Hordle, in conjunction with Hordle Parish Council organised a Boule competition and BBQ. It was well attended, with everyone having a great time and also raising funds for the Jaipur limb project in India. This project sponsors artificial limbs for many unfortunate people and is one of the many international projects helped by Rotary International.
The Ringwood Carnival will be the first occasion that the Club have been involved with a float. We will be assisting New Forest 'Sailability' and the dinghy that Rotary presented for use will be on the float. Please support the club in this new project.
The 7th Charity Boxing Evening will take place on Friday 21st November. This event has become a firm favourite with those attending. Last year's event raised over £4,000 and we hope to at least as well this year. The main benefactor's this year will be 'Children's Wish' and the Jigsaw Appeal (Scanner Facility) at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. For further information please contact Rotarian Barry Lees, Tel 01202 828859.
For further information on Rotary International contact Rotarian Malcolm Austen, tel. 672494.
Supporting our Village School
Bransgore CE Primary School, Ringwood Road, Bransgore, Christchurch
Well what an end to the year. The Summer Fair was a great success (thank you to all who gave us a very positive feed back). The weather was great (not too hot but definitely warm enough) and there was an excellent attendance which remained throughout the event. I must thank all who helped man the various stalls - without your help we could not have had the success we did. I must also thank Avon Tyrell for providing an Archery stall. It was great fun for all to have a try and what a queue they had.
I would also like to thank all the children who took part in the arena events, from Foundation (Sticky Kids), The Littledown Gymnastics Club, the kids who took part in It's a Knockout (I do hope you enjoyed yourselves - you all did very well), the Caber tossing, and finally the Tug of War.
To the committee of the BSA, a big thank you from me and the headmaster for making it such a wonderful day.
It seems such a long time ago, but on June the 14th we had a Craft and Car Wash Day. Both were excellent. The kids enjoyed themselves and we washed 17 cars. Judging from the comments of the drivers, I can assure you we did a better job than you would have had from any other car wash so I hope that next time we have many more than 17 cars to wash (though that was hard enough work as it was). Look out for our next Car Wash morning.
It will be a new school term very soon and a new diary of events for the coming year will soon appear. The monies raised so far will go towards redeveloping the tyre wall (if anyone wants some tyres for planters, barriers, weights or anything else, please let us know) creating a wilderness walk and an amphitheatre. Work begins this coming term and hopefully will be completed by the end of term.
Thank you for your support and see you at our next event the Craft Fair on 4th October.
Gregory Chong
The Residents' Association holds its Annual General Meeting on 27th October at 7.30 pm at the Community Church, Shackleton Square. We are hoping to have as our speaker Mr Colin Wright, Transport Officer for the school buses which take children to the various schools in the area. Having heard him explain his job to members of the Council and Highways Department, I never realised what is involved. Come and hear for yourselves what a difficult job it is, and ask questions. All are welcome to our meetings, so please come and join us and hop us to help yourselves and the village. Give us your ideas, questions and queries.
SALLY OWEN
Although we no longer have our own RNLI branch in the village, fund-raising for the Lifeboats continues in association with the New Milton and Barton Branch. You will still find our collecting boxes in the Post Office, the three Public Houses and most of the village shops. We hope that various ad-hoc fund-raising events will still take place, and meanwhile anyone who wishes to a make a direct donation to the Lifeboats can do so via Alisdair Murray (Phone: 01425 673581). Congratulations to two of the village's long serving fund-raisers, Keith Taylor and Marjorie Thomas, whose services have been recognised by the RNLI Council with the award of the institution's Silver Badge and Bronze Badge respectively. Not surprisingly the heat-wave summer has seen an increase in the number of people flocking to the beaches and on to coastal waters. This in turn has meant an increase in calls on the Lifeboats. RNLI Headquarters reports that this is turning out to be one of the busiest summers on record, with much of the increase falling on the 43 Beach Rescue stations now in operation. Total launches to the end of June were 2258, with 2359 persons rescued.
DAVID LYTTLE 01425 673581
I speak to many parents from the Bransgore area and sometimes there seems to be some confusion about admission to The Arnewood School.
Any child may be considered for admission, since Bransgore is a designated catchment area for Arnewood. Transport is provided by Hampshire County Council and covers the whole locality for children who attend the school. Admission for children is not dependent solely on brothers or sisters who come to us.
If you would like more information about our prospectus and admission procedures, please contact Mrs. Chaloner, Senior Administrator. You are very welcome to attend our primary liaison evenings on either 20th or 21st October, 2003.
Information can also be accessed from our web site:
http://www.arnewood.hants.sch.uk www.arnewood.hants.sch.uk
C.C. HUMMERSTONE Headteacher, The Arnewood School
It's hard to believe that the end of the season is now just a couple of weeks away. The youth sides who compete in the East Dorset Leagues have already completed their fixtures with the exception of the Under 11 side (more of this later). All the sides fulfilled all their games - which is more than some larger clubs were able to do.
The Under 11 side were a real Jekyll and Hyde team. When they were good they were very good, but sometimes followed up with a poor performance. It has been encouraging to see a number of younger players coming through the ranks and this strength in depth helped them to reach the Under 11 cup final. Unfortunately the first attempt at the final was rained off so it has been re-arranged for September when we hope to beat Parley. My thanks to Steve Taylor who helps me run the side.
The Under 13's have not had much luck this season, but it is encouraging to note that the squad, which started barely large enough to field a side now numbers almost 20 players. Thanks to Dave Baldwin and his helpers Matt Jones and Phil Mitchell for keeping the side together and laying the foundations for next season.
The Under 15's finished mid league but most of the squad are Under 14 so they were effectively playing up a year. This augurs well next for next season when the boys will be a little older and stronger. Well done to the boys and their coaches Clive Waugh and Steve Butcher.
The Under 16's acquitted themselves very well, and the matches they lost were only lost narrowly. Unfortunately, youth cricket in Dorset ends at age 16, but we may enter a team in the New Forest youth leagues at Under 17 next season if there is enough support. Thanks to the squad manager, Andy Bew. The colts, under the watchful eye of their manager, Richard Jones, have enjoyed their first season in the Hampshire League. Although there have been a number of excellent individual performances, the results have not been as good as they might. Nevertheless, it has been very encouraging that the adult sides against whom the lads are playing have all complimented the lads on their attitude and demeanour on the field. Something for Richard and Bransgore to be very proud of.
It is encouraging that the Under 15 and Under 16 sides have answered calls from both the Colts and Adult squads to play on Saturdays and have played very well. Ben Waugh has proved an able deputy wicketkeeper and Jem Page scored an unbeaten 59 runs for the adult side versus Ellingham while Greg Jones has bowled well for the Colts.
The indoor seasons at Hurn Bridge start in mid September. The club will be running sides at Under 11, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 15. A number of new players have responded to my requests for players but as a squad can rarely be too large we would welcome any child in the village who wishes to play cricket. Please contact me on the number below and I will provide dates and times of the practice sessions arranged for your age group.
Dave Lay - Bransgore 6732432 or e-mail lay_dj@btopenworld.com
The adult side's season has definitely been one of two halves. The first half saw the side lose only two matches and in the upper reaches of the league. In the second half we have lost matches we might have expected to win whilst beating sides above us. However we should end the season in a respectable mid table position. Player availability has suffered in August from holidays etc., but thanks to the youth teams we have always fielded 11 players. As we 'go to press' the club is preparing to defend the 'Bransgore Ashes' against the Rotary Club - lets hope for fair weather and an exciting game
The AGM and presentation evening will take place in October, at 'The Carpenters Arms'. If you would like to come and play for the club, please register your interest with the colts' manager, Richard Jones, on 673880 or me, Dave Lay, on 673242 and we'll let you know when we have been allocated times for indoor nets early in 2004. Many visiting sides have complimented the club's facilities including the square and pavilion for which we are grateful to the Parish Council and our groundsman, Richard Frampton.
For information contact Dave Lay - Bransgore 673242 or e-mail lay_dj@btopenworld.com
DO YOU NEED A LISTENING EAR? This Group exists to support those suffering bereavement and loss, whether through the death of a loved one or through a disability, divorce, etc. Please join us at our monthly meetings which are held in the Methodist Church Room on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 10 am. Dates for the next few months are :
| 18th September |
| 16th October |
| 20th November |
| 18th December |
If you can't face a group situation yet, we can visit you in your own home on a one to one basis.
Leaders' contact numbers - Christine 672495 and Melinda 673915.
For many years the Medical Loan in Bransgore has been administered by Mrs Wendy Burridge and Carol Kargarotos.
This service provides for anyone needing the temporary use of a wheel chair, crutches, and other medical items, usually as recommended by the Doctors in the surgeries. However independent requests are also fulfilled. From September 8th 2003 the loan will be administered by Mrs Deed Mead (Tel. No. 01425 673149) and Carol Kargarotos (Tel. No. 01425 672505). Please ring either Dee or Carol if you need assistance.
Messages will also be taken for Dee and Carol by the volunteer staff In COFFEE BEANS. However, in order to comply with the Health and Safety regulations it will not be possible to pick up or leave any items in the Coffee Shop. BRANSGORE COMMUNITY CHURCH
September 2003 sees the re-naming of this independent evangelical church, which was founded in 1985 by local people. The building in Shackleton Square, a former NAAFI shop, was acquired from the Ministry of Defence and, after renovations, was opened in June 1986.
A weekend of celebrations, 6-7 September, marks the beginning of a new phase in the life the church. On Saturday, 6 September at 7.30 pm a one-woman show by professional actress Lynn Robertson Hay is free to anyone who would like to come. After a Sunday morning service of rededication by church members, the church is hosting a family bar-b-q at its premises in Shackleton Square. There is no charge, and everyone is welcome.
In keeping with its new name, the church members hope to serve the local community to a greater extent than in the past. If you would like further information about church activities, including the well-known 'Alpha' course, please contact one of these people:
| Brian 672495 |
| Helen 674062 |
| David 672927 |
| John 674062 |
| Doreen 674322 |
| Melinda 673915 |
Times of Services/Meetings
| Sunday | 10.30am | Morning Service and COSMIC (Children On Sunday Mornings in Church |
| Tuesday | 8.00pm | Small Groups |
| Wednesday | 3.00pm | Bible Study 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).* |
* term-time only
In addition to the services and meetings listed above, we offer a number of occasional and one-off activities, which vary from month to month. These include the well-known Alpha course for both adults and young people, our new 'Discipleship' class continues throughout the Autumn. For more information about these activities, check the church notice board near the main entrance to the building.
Residents are probably aware that there was a planning application submitted for Sopley Camp (Merryfield Park) for 'Use of land for “War Games”'. The New Forest District Council has advised that this use is lawful, provided it is “Training/Organised Team Building”. There is ongoing discussion with NFDC on this matter.
Our Committee continues to meet on a regular basis, and we are grateful for the continuing support of local residents.
DERRICK BLYTHE Press Secretary 672504
The Lunch Club has been taking a summer break during the month of August, but will start again on Tuesday, 2nd September. We look forward to meeting up with existing members and hope to welcome some new ones.
On Monday, 7th July, prior to our summer break, we held the Lunch Club Annual Coffee Morning to raise funds for the Lunch Club Christmas Lunch. As ever we received considerable support and the event was well attended, enjoyable and successful. There were a variety of well-stocked stalls and sales were brisk. Grateful thanks go to everyone who attended the event, and to all 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 the festive season. Members and helpers are asked to note in their diaries that the Christmas Lunch this year will be held on Wednesday 10th December. We hope everyone will be able to attend, as it is one of the few opportunities for us all to get together.
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. If you can help out in any capacity, or would like to become a member of 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 making the Lunch Club an ongoing success.
Our June speaker, Barry Browning, was full of the statistics of the petrochemical industry. He had spent a lifetime firefighting and was fully aware of the dangers of this particular industry. In fact it is very safe. When there is a problem it tends to make the headlines. One interesting point was that Red Adair was only mentioned right at the very end of the talk in an answer to a question.
Our July meeting was our Ladies Day. Always a very pleasant occasion. Business is kept to a minimum as we wish to enjoy ourselves. Our speaker was Alan Hyde on “Sounds Peculiar”. Alan has the happy knack of being both informative and amusing. Over the years he has collected recordings of all sorts and tells the odd stories behind some of them. And so to a most toothsome luncheon. As usual we finished with a raffle which is really for the benefit of the hotel staff who always seem to win the better prizes!
On Thursday 17th July we all went to visit the Hall and Woodhouse brewery in Blandford. After an interesting visit, a very good lunch and a free pint of beer, we moved on to the Royal Signals Museum. To an old Signals man like Probity II this brought back memories of some 60 years ago. A very pleasant day in all, blessed by fine weather.
Our August speaker, Mrs M Emery, was again of the amusing and informative brigade. Her love of Victoriana and her knowledge of William Morris. (1834-96) was an English craftsman, painter, designer, poet and left-wing political activist who was one of the great Victorian reformers. “Man's expression of his joy in labour” was how he defined art. A utopian socialist, Morris dedicated his working life to reviving traditional craftsmanship threatened by mass production. Morris summed up his aesthetic philosophy as follows : “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”. With this in mind get up into the loft and have a jolly good turnout!
PROBITY II
Scallywags is a Parent/Carer and Toddler Group which meets at the Community Church, Shackleton Square on Thursday mornings in term time between 10.00 am and 11.30 am. We have various toys and activities for the children to enjoy and an informal atmosphere for Mums, Dads and Grandmas to get to know each other.
On 2 October we shall 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 £1.00 per family.
For more information, telephone Ruth on 673147 or Liz on 674231.
The Club is nearly 30 years old - or young - whichever way you look at it. We cater for the 50 plus age group, although most of our members are 70 plus. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, except August, from 2.15 to 4 pm in Bransgore Village Hall on Burley Road.
We have a membership of 70 and an average attendance per meeting of 45 - 50 members. Each month we also have a social event or coach outing, with pick up points in Bransgore, Neacroft and New Milton.
The Club is run by a committee, Phyl Jose being our Chairwoman for 17 years. Mary Melville has been our Vice Chairman for 10 years. Treasurer Brenda White has been in place for 6 years and Janet Henson, Secretary, is the newcomer, having only been in office for nearly 3 years. There are many helpers for the Club and the teas are operated on a rota system.
The Club operates in a friendly environment with a relaxed approach to making friends, with no one under pressure to undertake anything they would not wish to do. Everyone helps in their own way, as and when they can, allowing for any shortcomings in health and mobility.
The Club fees are £5.50 per 6 months, payable to the Treasurer in the Hall during January and July. Visitors entrance fee is £1 per session, inclusive of tea and biscuits. Coach outings vary in price depending on the venue, but average £10 per head.
The future for the Club is bright, as long as there are enough committee to run it. We welcome younger members to help to secure this point.
Try us out - it will only cost a pound. Don't expect miracles - persevere with attendance and after a while when you get to know our “little ways” you will wonder how you managed without us!
The following statement was made at the Club's meeting held on July 8th 2003 :
We have to inform you that all officers and committee will be standing down at the AGM this year on October 26th. Nomination forms will be available from September for members to choose their successors.
Brenda White will not be standing for nomination as Treasurer and Mary Melville will not be accepting nomination as Chairman or Vice-Chairman. Therefore the AGM will not run as it has in previous years and an outside adjudicator will be needed for the day. The Club cannot run without any officers and we need volunteers - we have plenty of people willing to be committee members - but no officers. All resigning officers are willing to stay on the committee.
I would assure members that the programme for 2004 is fully booked until Easter and this will be honoured until then.
JANET HENSON Secretary 674954
The Committee Room, Village Hall, 116 Burley Road, Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset. BH23 8AY
Bransgore & Distinct Toy Library Sessions are run from Bransgore on the first and third Friday of the month, 10.00 - 11.00am in the Committee room at the side of Bransgore Village Hall. We have a wide variety and selection of toys including Special Needs and are in the process of expanding by buying Game boy, Playstation games. Membership is £4.00 per year and you may rent the toys for a month at a time - rental prices vary from 30p - £5 depending on the cost of the toy.
You may also come for a coffee and a chat while the children play and you need not feel obliged to take out a toy at every visit. We are open to everyone - Mums, Dads, Carers, Grandparents, Childminders and Playgroups etc.
We are a registered Charity and are members of the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries.
For more information contact Julie Clark 01425 674520
Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre is having a busy 2003 season at the time of writing with thousands of young people visiting from all over the UK. The visiting groups are mainly from schools and youth clubs and can stay residentially for a weekend or week, or if local just come in for the day. When here, they can take part in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as climbing, abseiling, canoeing, archery, ropes courses, environmental studies and team-building courses. We have had a lot of new bookings this year including a 2 week ballet residential course for 70+ youngsters organised by Bransgore based 'Ballet Creations'.
The past year has been quite eventful with our main Grade I listed house undergoing much restoration work and our 2 acre lake developing a large leak. Fortunately the lottery funded house work has all but finished now and the Royal Engineers stepped in to repair the lake, which would have otherwise cost our charity £50,000. Many thanks to Richard Frampton for helping us with the donation of hundreds of tonnes of clay (any excuse to drive a digger…) and for the Carpenters Arms for 'entertaining' 30 soldiers on many evenings - I don't think they were too upset to be thrashed at pool and darts!
Our 'Friends' group also helped with a donation of several thousand pounds, raised from the Spring Art Exhibition they organised, towards essential materials needed for the repairs and restoration. The Friends have a Christmas carol concert and meal booked for Friday 12th December at the main house at Avon Tyrrell; tickets available later in the autumn.
Apologies to all for cancelling our planned Open Day on 9th August, but with the problems at the lake and main house still undergoing work, we felt it better to postpone it until next year. We are also sad to say that our Operations Manager, Lisa Sainsbury, is leaving but wish her well in her new career running the Red Shoot pub with her husband Lee. She has done a fantastic job helping to transform and upgrade the centre over the past 7 years.
If you want to catch up with other news, events, jobs available and generally what else we're up to, check out our website at www.avontyrrell.org.uk or give us a ring on 672347 if you would like a brochure or want to have a look around the site. Remember to contact us if you want to be put on the mailing list for school holiday fundays.
R.L.BONNEY Director
It has been rather quiet at Guild over the last few months. But we did have a very good speaker in June - Mr Fox - who gave a talk called 'Look back with Laughter' and he did just that - made us laugh. For our July meeting we had a walking treasure hunt around the village. It was a wet evening but about 15 of us took part and really enjoyed it. There was no August meeting so the next one will be on Monday September 22nd when we will have a talk about Bedouin costume and jewellery so please come along.
On Sunday September 21st we are having a walk starting at the car park at The London Tavern Poulner at 10.30 am.with lunch in the pub if you wish at the end of the walk. Anyone is welcome to join us A date for your diary - on Monday, 15th December, we are holding our Christmas Carol Concert in St Mary's Church with the Candlelight Singers Our meetings are held in the Resource Centre on the 4th Monday of every month at 8pm. and you would be made very welcome if you would like to join us Any queries please ring Pam Shipperley, Chairman, on 01425 673057 or Freda Lay,
Secretary, on 01425 672326
The visit by our families from St Georges Montcocq at the beginning of June seems a long time ago now, but the memories linger on. The 48 hours they are with us go by very quickly especially when we have a day's outing and meal together on the Sunday. This year we stayed quite near home with a coach trip to Fawley where we had an early picnic lunch and then down to Hythe for a wander round the Marina and the village then over on the ferry to Southampton. The children particularly enjoyed riding on the little train which takes you down the pier Once in Southampton we were free to choose what to do. Some went to the Maritime Museum with its strong Titanic connections, others walked the “French Connection” trail. Others succumbed to the delights of the West Quay Shopping Centre! We were then picked up in Southampton by the coach for our journey back to Bransgore. The coach was a 75-seater double-decker with a very amenable driver who took us on a very scenic route through the Forest and many of the villages including Burley, Lyndhurst and Beaulieu. The views from the top deck were magnificent especially as the morning was so clear that one could literally see for miles. In the evening 83 gathered at the Scout Headquarters for a hog-roast - an experience we can heartily recommend, especially with Sue and Dennis Hughes doing all the hard work for us.
On Monday morning there was just time for a quick visit to Christchurch, Mudeford, etc., or to have a long lazy full English breakfast before waving goodbye to our friends at midday. Many thanks to all who made the weekend such a success.
We now have to replenish our funds and start off on Saturday, 25th October, with a Magic Lantern Show and buffet supper at the Scout Hut. We are delighted that Janet Burn has agreed to show us some of her slides Many of you, especially new comers to the area, may not have had the pleasure of one of Janet's shows. If you are interested in the history of this area you really ought to make an effort to come. Janet's great-grandfather, William Woodhouse, was a keen photographer who came to Bournemouth in 1880. His original personal slides of the area at that time until the early 1900s detail the history of Bournemouth in particular, but in spite of the difficulty of travelling in those days he also visited Southampton, the New Forest and the surrounding villages. His son, also William, continued to take photographs in the early 1900s.. Even if you have been to one of Janet's shows in the past, and she has given over 1,000! - with some 37,000 slides in the original collection the chances are that you will be seeing something new. So please make a note in your diary and come and join us. Please telephone for ticket details.
Bob and Margaret Wood are leaving the village to live in Blandford. They have been enthusiastic members of the Twinning Association for many years, both having served on the Committee and Bob filling the post of Secretary for the last three years. We wish them well in their new home but are pleased that they will not be losing touch with Bransgore and the Association.
JANE SAFE Chairman 672640
Contributions for the Winter 2003 issue of this Newsletter to Jane Safe, Greenacres, West Road (672640) by Thursday, 20th November
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 December, but should include those for the beginning of January 2004. 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.
June Lecture (Clematis, Queen of Climbers) There was a full house to hear Roy Prior's interesting talk on this subject, not an empty chair in the place, and what an excellent talk it was. With forty years experience as a grower, some superb coloured slides and an infectious enthusiasm for his subject, Roy provided us with a great evening and some tips that will benefit our clematis for many years to come. A few gleanings from the lecture were : - Regardless of when you buy your clematis, leave it in the pot until March before planting - Plant the large flowering varieties a bit deeper to protect against wilt (not the smaller flowering varieties - Feed established plants a handful of bone meal in November and sulphate of potash in March - Let a newly planted clematis 'have its head' in the first year to establish the root system - Don't prune until February (except Nelly Moser which can be cut back after flowering to encourage a second flowering)
Visit to the Eden Project and West Country Gardens (June 13th to 15th) If you were fortunate enough to have been on this three day trip, you had (according to a number of very satisfied trippers) a really great time. “Excellent organisation and perfect weather”, I was told. With visits to Buckfast Abbey and the Lost Gardens of Helligan in addition to the main visit to the Eden Project and accommodation at an hotel overlooking Falmouth Bay, I can understand why it was so much enjoyed. PS. If you missed this trip make sure you come to the AGM in November when Douglas Patterson will be showing some of his coloured slides and talking us through the visit.
Summer Show (July 26th) Village events are always enjoyable providing the chance to meet and chat with friends and neighbours and sharing something of mutual interest. Our Summer Show was just such an event, of interest to gardeners, artists, flower arrangers, cooks, photographers, etc., etc., whether to accept the challenge and exhibit or simply to view the exhibits and possibly decided for themselves whether the judges had got it right when choosing the winners. Thank you exhibitors for all your hard work (better luck next time if you didn't have a winner). Thank you visitors for your wonderful support. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Thank you especially to all the children who took part and provided such a good Junior Section display. Trophies were awarded as follows :
| Knott Cup : Mike Reed |
| Norris Cup : Carol Dove |
| St Catherine's Cup : Shared: Janet Witt & Helen Snelling |
| Conservative Cup, Jean Menary Cup, Hoare Cup, Dalton Cup & Banksian Medal : Helen Snelling |
| Bert Sprackland Memorial Trophy & Dalton Vases : Greta Skeggs |
| President's Trophy : Maggie Webb |
| Golden Jubilee Cup: Eric Enver |
| James Ellis Cup : Roy Cleaver |
| Bransgore Flower Club Trophy, Cheale Cup, Silver Jubilee Cup & Russell Cup : Douglas Patterson |
| Sargent Cup : Viven Hoare |
| Rumens Cup : Myra Poole |
| Society Challenge Cup : Betty Swain |
| A Society Cup : Rachel Smith |
| A Society Cup : Neil Kennedy |
| Troke Cup : Frances Smith |
| Poole Cup: Shared: Helen Daniels & Alice Webb |
New Competition for Table Pot Plant
At our next lecture (4th Sept) and at all future lectures plus the AGM there will be a competition for the best Table Pot Plant which we hope you will enjoy as an extra interest at meetings. Points will be awarded at each lecture and a prize/trophy will be presented at the Christmas party. The plant must be in the entrants' possession for at least 3 months and the same plant cannot be entered more than once per annum. So don't forget to come along to the lectures, with or without a plant, and join in the fun. PS. A Ditty with reference to the Pelargonium/Geranium Debate The following provided by a member with tongue in cheek : Pelargoniums are a splendid plant, in border or in pot Cheerful all the summer long, but - Geraniums they are not.
Future Events and Dates for your Diary
| Thursday, 2nd October - Lecture 'Fuchsias' by Derek Luther, Poole Fuchsia Society |
| Thursday, 6th November - AGM followed by slides and a talk around the Eden Project by Douglas Patterson |
| Thursday, 4th December - Christmas Party plus a competition for a Christmas table Decoration to go against a wall |
All events take place at the Resource Centre, St Mary's Church at 7.30 pm. JIM DUDLEY Publicity Officer 673202
"Project Rusova! What on earth is that?” I hear you ask. The quick and simple answer is that it is the name given to a charitable effort of some Bransgore folk to help village people in Romania.
For most of you who have never heard of us or know nothing about the work, it all started back in April 1990 when three of us from Bransgore took the church mini bus of the Bransgore Community Churc (then known as Bransgore Christian Centre) and joined a convoy of vehicles taking relief supplies to the newly freed country of Romania. It had for many decades been held in the Stalinist grip of dictator Nicolai Ceaucescu but was freed after the people's revolt on 20th December 1989.
The vehicle on that first trip was filled with goods supplied by many local churches, schools and organisations including the local branch of the Rotary Club and Bransgore Primary School. It was honestly thought that it would be a one-time visit, dropping off essential supplies and then returning home having done our good deed. In fact teams from BCC have been taking aid in various forms every year since and adding about 3500 miles on the clock of some vehicle on each occasion!
June was the month when my wife and I made our second overland trip to Romania this year. The first trip in February saw us experiencing temperatures of minus 18ºC. In the morning we would look at the bowl of freezing cold water and make the decision of whether we really needed to wash! In June we were treated to temperatures averaging 35 degrees, in fact the highest we recorded was 42. What a contrast! So at least we were prepared for the heat wave that we have recently experienced. It was in 1997, after it was decided that giving aid was no longer required, that four of us purchased a house with adjoining land with the intention of starting a farm to provide work for the unemployed people of a run down village.
It was a village similar to those featured recently in the TV documentary entitled 'The Last Peasants'. Romania now has many new regulations imposed on them by Brussels, as they seek accession to the European Union later on in this decade. Due to these rapidly changing laws, we are no longer able to operate as a farm without a massive financial injection and so are seeking a new direction for the centre we have established called Semanatorul (which means 'The Sower').
We believe that God may have us use the buildings as a training centre for young people and possibly as a place of relaxation for tired Christian workers. At present it is used as a medical clinic one day a week as the local doctor holds surgery in the village for the poor and elderly community. It is also home for the new church that has been established in the village of Rusova Noua (New Rusova). Project Rusova, as the venture is now called, has spread its wings to cover care of the communities of five villages coming under the umbrella of one local mayor and council. These villages all run along the border with Serbia, which is just a few kilometers away.
A teacher in one of the villages, said “it is not fair that village children should receive a worse education that the city children - it is not their fault they were born there”. Following this plea, we set about helping to rectify the situation. We have, in the past few years placed at least one computer in each school, along with the council office, police station and doctor's clinic. Some of these have been donated to us by people from Bransgore. Also, in conjunction with the Mudeford Junior School, we have been able to place a brand new photocopier in the secondary school and make considerable improvements to one junior school by providing toys, teaching aids, lighting, curtains, sports equipment etc. In the autumn when next we visit we will be taking another vehicle full of computers, printers, photocopier and other requirements to help better the life and education of the children.
18 months ago we started a sponsorship scheme to help poor children who could not afford secondary education. This scheme has now grown and we have the joy of enabling two students to have a university education that they would otherwise be unable to afford. In one case we meet all the costs of accommodation, food, travel, books etc. as his family have no work or income. Just this month we have heard of a group who wish to join this sponsorship scheme to support another child through the four years of high school.
After our latest trip we came back with two more financial challenges. One of these is to provide a salary for the doctor and his assistant and also sufficient funds to buy drugs for him to prescribe, pay the bills and taxes and run the surgery efficiently. £150 per month would adequately do that. When we consider there are between 1500 and 1700 people in the villages, this is such a small amount of sponsorship to try and raise. The other challenge is to raise enough money to purchase a car for a needy pastor.
If you would like to help us with any of these projects or you would like any further information about Project Rusova please contact us on 672495.
BRIAN and CHRISTINE MITCHELL.
NEW MILTON RECREATION CENTRE FITNESS GYM - CONTOURS
At New Milton Recreation Centre we can now boast an impressive 55-stationed gymnasium, dance studio, 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, 4 badminton and 2 squash courts and 2 fast tan sun beds. Our newly refurbished and extended gymnasium now has several new pieces of kit and we have replaced a number of existing work stations and fitted the latest SMARTKEY technology to all machines. All customers must complete an induction before they can use the gym facilities. If you haven't previously done an induction at New Milton, then you will need to book one. Inductions for the gym last about an hour. There will be a maximum of three customers to one instructor who will take you around and show you how the equipment works. Once you have completed this, you'll receive a free 1:1 with an instructor. This too will last about an hour and gives you the chance to look in greater detail at specific items of equipment and to ask any questions that you may have. During the course of this second induction, the trainer will work with you to discover your training goals, and put together a personal training programme just for you.
Your SMARTKEY is simply inserted into each machine before your workout, enabling you to follow instructions for your personalized fitness programme. After each workout, you can review your training results and see progress even before the physical results take place.
The SMARTKEY holds information on your personal programme, adjusted the speed and distance settings, and starts the machine. It logs all workout data such as how long and how fast your worked as well as how many calories you've burned in total, and which muscle groups you've used.
There is a lot of evidence that the SMARTKEY system makes workouts more fun, and more satisfying for members. It provides a sense of accomplishment immediately after your workout, and this sense of achievement will motivate you to workout regularly.
The benefits of regular exercise are : Reduce stress levels Improve overall health and well being Increased fitness levels Improvement in flexibility, mobility and balance Building strength and stamina Reduce the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease We offer a wide range of membership packages or just pay as you go. Why not bring a friend? Just pop into New Milton Recreation Centre for a tour of our facilities. One of our helpful duty team will be only too pleased to assist.
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
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.
(BCP = Book of Common Prayer, CW1 = Common Worship Order 1, modern language)
KiddiWinks is a voluntary-run Play Group meeting at Bransgore Methodist Church on Chapel Lane every Wednesday during term time - 10 a.m. until Noon. We offer a warm and friendly environment for the whole family!
A range of toys and activities as well as light refreshments. And all for 50p per family! For more information, contact Marta on 674051.
We have a large Marquee for hire plus various large Mess tents that are ideal for parties etc. Enquires to Dennis Hughes 01425 672019
Enquires for the Hire of our Headquarters to Liz Holroyd 01425 673398
Enquiries: Explorers - Graham Pedder 01425 672914 Scouts - Mike Manley 01425 672667 Cubs - Ginny Hebden 01425 674721 Beavers - Lesley Manley 01425 672667
The holidays will be a pleasant and hot memory when you get time to read this. The suffocating temperatures were not my scene, I fear, but curtained rooms did remind me of some of the war (1939-1945) years and Sunday afternoons with little to do except go for a walk which once meant being trapped by a “dog-fight” of allied and enemy fighters with shell cases falling from an unfriendly sky! Double Summertime was also very trying with the June and July sun still not properly set at 11.00 pm. - still too hot to sleep and many children still playing outside! My mind turned, on the Sunday of the record-breaking temperature, to our men and women in Iraq with 40ºC and 50ºC to contend with. One family member (a lady in the Territorials) is “over there” with husband and two boisterous boys “over here”. Member of Parliament Major Desmond Swain was also called to the colours and is out there. We remember all who give public service to their country and especially those in theatres of war.
My thoughts turned to another war - the Great War. It began on August 4th, 1914 - another very hot August when temperatures in France were in the nineties as the crack troops of Britain, Belgium and France tried to hold back a similarly elite force fielded by the German Empire. The Generals of the Central Powers had taken most people by surprise including the main players - the Kaisar was on his yacht in the Baltic - most of the British Army was holding down the rebellious Irish. A UK Civil war, not European war would have been more likely! Poets wrote of the bitterness felt at the ending of the golden age of civilisation in “wild winter” and the need of a new Spring “with blood for seed”. They spoke of a cleansing from the accumulated filth and injustices of the past and all that was OLD. It has taken from that time to this to sort out the mess - and stil it reverberates its effects in the lack of a Middle East settlement, trouble in former colonies, and a barely settled Balkans. John, eldest son of Lord Manners, founder of our Thorney Hill church of All Saints, was in retreat from Mons and with his men was cut off by the Germans and killed. A friend later reflected to his distraught mother that his last sight would have been of the forest glades of Ronde de la Reine, not dissimilar to the “rides” of our New Forest in which, thought only 22 years old, he had already distinguished himself as a rider. The Manners' coat of arms (which can be seen in the church) display the Lions of England and the Fleur de Lis of France, indicating descent from Edward III. John is buried where he fell, defending British and French honour - give gives him the right surely to display the ancient French Kingdom's coat of arms. The war was only four weeks old when John died and he would be followed by 8,000,000 comrades by 1918.
What is the message in this - more than interest or sentiment. It has been said that those who neglect their history - personal, national, world - will be condemned to relive it. I hope that our current education process will not just present the past (recent and remote) as a theme park but as a serious challenge to allow children - all of us - to reflect on the condition of our life today and learn before we repeat the unutterable tragedies of our past. I hope we can provide the stimulus for the widest possible reading and experience as read education - being built up, being fed and nurtured, being drawn out of ourselves. Not the width of knowledge but its application; not the depth of learning but self-discernment in the context of others and our whole world can help to correct imbalances and open evils. But I hear a well-tuned chorus - “It is all so remote and irrelevant - we need to march away and make fresh starts”. Well, it is not all that remote. The Great War is not yet ninety years ago. England's oldest man died last year in New Milton at 109 (Fred was our Grace Speight's brother) and he was only one year younger than John Manners, and went right through the war serving his country. As for fresh starts, the arrogance of civilisations is an unwillingness to listen to the message of most religions. What would be better or new unless we engaged an education brain before action! In Christian belief I think we have a great gift which we are valiantly ignoring. Too much in the past it has been a veneer with little connection with real life. Padres of the Great War were angered and saddened too by the little response they often got from men who had been regular church attenders. My own sick communion set (used in people's homes for the housebound) also saw service on the battle front in the Great War under fire.
The Jesus of personal love and redemption is also the one who bled and died on Calvary where ordinary people were. It was for very many truly the Last Supper - “Remember me”, said the dying prisoner to Jesus - and He asked the same of his disciples whenever they broke bread together. Therehas been some interest and discussion among the groups who come to the Remembrance Services on how we and they might better prepare young people to make a more meaningful contribution. Your clergy team have tired to do this each year, but it is important to prepare - for all of us - so that we will return to our homes and work, friends and families, most importantly our COMMUNITY - ready to offer a regular time of voluntary service. Not everything can be measured in cash terms and taxes cannot give blanket coverage. Voluntary service can still be the pride of any group. But is is always left to “Somebodyelse”. New laws and regulations make slipshod and unregulated service done of our terms only, both illegal and out of date. It is right that we should offer to say thanks for those free value-added hours which others put in without a price-tag, by offering to help as well and be prepared to accept training and selection - otherwise it might look as if “Anybodyelse” could do it - which would never do! In a village like this there should be waiting lists of such people - not a great vacuum sucking in people with so many roles and hats to wear that they resemble a band of strolling players, though of course most efficient and for whom we should be so grateful. I'm sure they would like some understudies! Perhaps then the begging posters for help in the face of apathy will finally disappear - they are at present a necessary scar on the face of any community aspiring to be worthy of the name!
But, I hear again, “There's not time for voluntary service”. Did you not notice during the August heat how the telephone calls with work as their message dried up, and how the post reduced to a pathetic handful of adverts, or pitiful desk-clearings? Perhaps if it were always hot (or cold - often the same happens in deal of winter), we would get our priorities right and discover that all our chatter and meetings, our “small and intricate life” could just be reduced enough to offer those extra precious moments for others. And, most importantly, when people do offer, we must not offend their generosity by wasting their time with trivia, but give them structured work to do - and some training to go with it! Practical Christianity is a good way to live to the full - and in the words of the famous Lord Kitchener poster (slightly altered) - “YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU & YOU & YOU & YOU …….
PATRICK ELKINS Vicar of Bransgore
President: Mrs Vera Murray 01425 274686
Now that Autumn is nearly here and dark evenings approach, why not join us on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.15 pm at the Resource Centre for a friendly afternoon's entertainment. We do enjoy meeting new people.
My last report took us up to the end of May. June started off with our Outing. Members, husbands and friends had perfect weather for the “Mystery Tour of Dorset”. We had a coffee break at Sherborne, and a delicious lunch with Alweston W.I. The coach took us through the pretty villages and lanes and the next stop was Swanage for a breath of sea air. Back on the coach to visit the ladies of Cranborne W.I., who had prepared tea for us, then home, happy and content.
When the speaker for our June meting did not arrive (due to ill health) our members made their own entertainment telling funny stories from the past and reciting poems, some sad, some humorous, which were enjoyed by us all. Mrs Ann Biggart reported on the visit made by 4 members to Denman College which they all enjoyed very much.
Because of bad weather, the July planned garden meeting at the home of Mrs June Humphries was again switched to the Resource Centre where 40 members enjoyed strawberries and cream and home made cakes. The competition to identify breeds of dogs was won by Mrs Greta Skeggs.
The theme for the W.I. Tent at the New Forest Show this year was “BIZARRE” and it was a great show of Cookery and Craft. All our entries were a great success and received excellent marks.
Everything stops for August but the Quiz Evenings which are enjoyed by many members and their husbands and friends, Fitness For Fun sessions each Tuesday at 10.30 am at the Resource Centre and Lunches at the Carpenters Arms every second Tuesday in the month, will start again in September.
Diary Dates
| October 1st Monthly Meeting at the Resource Centre - Speaker - Mrs G,. Wright 'Delicious Dips' |
| November 5th Annual General Meeting at the Resource Centre |
| November 6thBirthday Lunch at the Thomas Hardy Restaurant, Bournemouth University. |
| December 3rd Christmas Party at the Resource Centre |
| December 12th Carol Service, Poulner Baptist Church |
MRS P D PITT
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 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.
STEPPING STONES OF SOPLEY PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP
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 welcome 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
Minister - Rev. R. Clarke. Telephone: 673304 2003 will be remembered as one of the hottest years on record - indeed, we are told that an all-time high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit was recently recorded. We recall the glorious sunny evening when between 60 and 70 friends celebrated John Wesley's Tercentenary with a garden party and barbeque - the Summer Fete in July in the Church grounds, with crowds of people, and how pleased we were to welcome so many from the Village! Most Sundays, the Church windows and doors have been thrown wide open for fresh air, and shirt sleeves and summer dresses have been the order of the day. Various other activities have taken place, not least a three-hour sponsored organ recital for Church funds. Yes, we're a lively Church! But in the midst of all this, we know that it is God who is at the centre of our Church Life. It is He who has created the wonderful world in which we live - it is He who has set us into families and given us the ability to make friends - we praise Him for His goodness and mercy. In the midst of our rejoicing however, we realise just how many need our prayers, in our own village and in the wider world. Let us not forget them - they are all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Dates for the Diary - Friday, 19th September at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall - Harvest Quiz and Ploughman's Supper. Tickets £3 from Jean Pearson (673122) or Jean Wainwright (672250). Sunday, 21st September - Harvest Services at 10.30 am and 7 pm. Come and join us - you will receive a warm welcome!! ARNOLD MASON Bransgore 672788
Bransgore Village Hall, Burley Road, Bransgore
Phone 01425 673903. Charity No.102885
We now are 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 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 liaise with Bransgore Primary School so that your children may get to know the School before they start. We will also be having our educational trips to Blashford Lakes etc.
Date for your Diary - Saturday, 22nd November - our popular supper and quiz night at the Village Hall. Look out for posters nearer the date.
You are welcome to visit us any morning, or contact our Registration Secretary, Elaine Waters, on 672719 for a prospectus.
Parish Council meetings will be held at the Community Church, Shackleton Square at 7.30 pm on : Tuesday, 16th September Tuesday, 21st October Tuesday, 18th November There is no meeting in December.
This is an extract from a book 'trees and the Law' by J.G.S.Harris. In my capacity as tree warden |I thought this would be of interest to the residents of Bransgore as this is a conservation area. Other areas protected by statute
(i) Conservation Areas A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest., the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and has been designated as such by the Local Authority. Any person who cuts, lops, up roots or willfully damages or destroys a tree in a Conservation Area but in respect of which no Tree Preservation order is for the time being in force is similarly of an offence. The offence is similar in nature to the offence of a breach of a Tree Preservation Order and the act must be done willfully and not negligently.
It is not an offence if the person charged proves that he has served notice of his intention on the District or Borough Council and either that he did the work with the consent of the local authority or that he did the work after six weeks from the date of the notice but before the expiry of 2 years. There are a number of exemptions from the provisions for the preservation of trees in the Conservation Area, which are similar to those which apply generally to Tree Preservation Orders, and also include acts done the land of the Local Authority with their consent. Additionally trees with a stem less than 75mm diameter are except, and trees with a stem less than 100mm if removed to benefit other trees.
The Local Authority is required to keep a Register of Notices served in respect of trees in a conservation Area, and unless the Local Authority decides otherwise any tree unlawfully removed or uprooted has to be replaced.
Cllr. Colin Meheux. Tree Warden.
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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