Phone numbers have been removed from the news section of this site. If you want further information contact ed@TheDubber.co.uk.

FROM THE EDITOR
For the Parishes' pedants (especially those who picked up on my spelling of "June" and "bosons") here's a piece very kindly sent to us by Anne Meadows' sister, Delia Burley.

I cdnuol't blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mind! Aoccdrnig to rscheearch taem at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Such a cdonition is arppoiately cllaed Typoglycemia.

And if you thought that a spell-checker was the answer have a look at this. (My thanks go to Sarah Smart for this little gem.)

Aye have a spelling chequer/ It came with my pea sea/ It plainly marques for my revue/ Mistakes eye cannot sea/ I've run this poem threw it/ I'm shore your pleas too no/ It's letter perfect in its weigh/ My chequer tolled me sew. Chris Kwantes

NEWS FROM NOWHERE
I see the total asking price for houses at the old craft centre site exceeds £2 million, which neatly illustrates the enormous pressures on planners and owners alike to agree the conversion of a non-residential property to residential. regardless of community interest. These buildings are like goats tethered in the jungle. Were the application on the Centre to come up today would the result be any different? . Maybe someone in the know could tell us, but I suspect that it would not - which means that pressure to make the planning rules more responsive to local need must be maintained.
My grandfather and my father were both doctors but I never wanted to follow in their footsteps, and I suspect that decision must have saved the lives of hundreds. For one thing I lack the necessary tolerance. I know my heart would sink whenever certain patients came through the surgery door - the ones who convert their troubles into medical matters, despite the fact that no amount of medicine can make the slightest difference or those whose ill judged actions are the cause of their illness, through smoking, eating or drinking too much. Hardly the best group of patients except in the George Best sense of the word, plus all those who plan to involve the doctor in a cunning scheme to get money or time off from their boss or the insurance company. All have a personal agenda, which has little to do with health. The doctors' hearts may well sink but they are probably tolerant enough to remember that such people are a minority and without a sympathetic ear they would decline even further. My own doctor in London was much loved by his patients. He had endless time for everyone. Often one only got into his consulting room several hours after the appointed time. Once in his room one basked in his full attention. He may not have been up to speed with modern life, but he managed to fulfil a role not unlike that of the best of the parish priests in the eighteenth century. He would certainly not have fitted into the modern streamlined health service where the maximisation of resources is an increasingly important consideration. Some say an effective treatment however costly should never be refused on grounds of cost, others that without such tough decisions a range of other treatments more worth their wage would be starved of cash. The trouble is, the case in front of your nose inevitably has a higher call on your sympathy than the others in the queue. My London Doctor gave his all to the person immediately on the other side of the desk regardless of the fact that his local authority was millions in the red and his waiting room had run out of empty chairs. I remember a similar difficulty arising in Council Housing debates when it was all too easy to say that a mother with two children on hard times should be given a particular house and ignore the fact there were other mothers with even more children on even harder times who would then be elbowed out of the way. Likewise should the person with cancer demanding a very costly course of treatment be given it even when that means that the NHS cannot afford the kidney machines that would save the lives of many more? It always surprises me that our judges ever become involved in these arguments, which I would have thought are a matter for impartial clinical appraisal and nothing to do with the law. Dentists in the NHS seem to have a simpler approach to these problems. Cost effectiveness for them means whatever provides them with sufficient cash to keep them in the manner to which they have become accustomed. Certain dental treatments like bridging are out of bounds unless one pays privately. . "Can't do that", they say breezily "the Health Service doesn't make it worth our while". I am surprised dentists alone can cherry pick which NHS treatments they are prepared to offer, but with a mouth full of gadgets it is difficult to argue. One undeniable improvement is that dentists have beaten the police hands down in the race to get younger. Such is the shortage of qualified dentists that I imagine they must be trawling the schools with Heads at Assembly saying "Hands up anyone who would like to be a dentist for a few weeks" whereupon lots of enthusiastic little girls raise their arms. The crash course they get must be brilliant for they do a good job and are a welcome change from the sinister old men in white coats who filled my teeth with metal and me with fear all those years ago. Tony Viney

POST OFFICE CLOSURES
The Post Office has named 24 branches it plans to close in Dorset. Amongst these is Worth Matravers. This is subject to local public consultation to ensure that the views of local people are taken into account before any final decisions are made. The closing date for feedback is 1 September 2008. Send your views and comments in writing to: Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager, C/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM. (Payment of postage is not required to a Freepost address). Email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk. Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44 (N.B. your comments will not be kept confidential unless you expressly ask by clearly marking them 'In Confidence'). You can find further information and "The Area Plan Proposal for Dorset" at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/
dorset/7507115.stm.
On a more positive note Langton Matravers and the Post Office at Moonfleet Garage, are not amongst those named. Editor

WHERE AM I IN PURBECK?

If you want to get up close and personal with this month's clue August is the time to do it and it is really worth it.
Last month's clue was supplied by Ciff Turner and is a summer house in the grounds of the Purbeck Hotel in Swanage. If you looked at our website last month there was another photograph which gave you more of a clue with a bit of sea in the background. Chris Meadows

QUIZ FOR THE YOUNG DUBBERS
Last month's issue carried on page 8 a short quiz intended as 'something for our younger readers'.
At the time of writing, we are still hoping for a response to the invitation to any younger readers to come up with a challenge for the 'oldies'. Next month, maybe ? Meanwhile, here are the answers:
apple - butterfly - car - donkey - Everest - foreign - glad - helicopter - ill - July - kitchen - language - mice - nought - Oval - peanuts - question - right - suite - total - uncle - vein - window - eXtract - yacht - zebra. Roger Free

DUBBER ONLINE
Think Cartier-Bresson, Lichfield, Snowden, Bailey, Liebovitz, Testino and the parishes' very own doyen of photography, Ray Harris, comes to mind. "The Dubber" was fortunate enough to secure an exclusive for him to record Saint George's Church Fete. His work can be seen by clicking below. Take a peek. You might find yourself there. Editor
Click here for photos.

THE JUDGEMENT
When the prominent sculptor, Mary Spencer Watson, died in March 2006 aged 92, she escaped from several months of constant financial demands. Once a wealthy woman, her grave stands stoneless in Worth churchyard. Her name and her private life have been blazoned through the national press in the interests of those who wanted a bigger share of the swag. Such press coverage also satisfies those who love to see other's faults spilled out, whilst carefully guarding their own. Such were the priorities of "friends" who thought she should have loved them more generously. After her death, much of her money has been spent on litigation. Justice prevailed: Dunshay Manor passes to the Landmark Trust as she intended. Mary was a shrewd woman. She was generous, kind, sympathetic, a listener. Those who lived around her are left only with affection for a very special individual. Ilay Cooper.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIZABETH
With typical generosity Elizabeth Crabbe shared her special birthday with as many of her friends and family as she could. We just managed to squeeze in a thank you (in advance) at St. George's on the Sunday Benefice Service before her birthday, when the Occasional Singers beautifully sang a special hymn for her and I know that she was more thrilled with this than anything else.
For the congregations of the three churches the event we had looked forward to for some time happened on the Wednesday, when we all boarded a boat at Sandbanks to begin an evening exploring Poole Harbour. The weather forecast had been a bit dubious a few days before but the evening was lovely and the boat glided over to Brownsea Island and we spent about an hour in that part of the harbour contentedly supping beer, wine or soft drinks that Elizabeth had kindly laid on for us. Then we made our way to Poole Quay where we moored for a short while so that fish and chips for everyone could be loaded aboard. As soon as this was done, it was off again past the multimillion pound boats moored at the Sunseeker Boatyard, then around and out into the other reaches of the harbour. The boat, which a quarter of an hour earlier had been abuzz with happy chatter was now strangely quiet as we all munched into our delicious cod and chips. As the evening closed in most of us went down to the saloon for hot chocolate and Helen Knight led us in a very deserved 'serenade' of Happy Birthday.
We were back at Sandbanks in time to catch the 10.20pm ferry and would you believe it, as we walked off it started to rain - how incredibly lucky we had been and how fortunate we are to have Elizabeth as our Lay Minister and friend.
Chris Meadows. Click here for the pics

3 PARISH HOE-DOWN
By Friday 27th June AM .I thought we may have a disaster on our hands. With only about 30 tickets sold we couldn't even cover the cost of the loo's let alone everything else. BUT my faith in all YOU late deciders AND the 20 ramblers AND the 20 or so film crew that turned up made all the worry seem worthwhile.
By Friday 27th June PM. my fears were a thing of the past. We had a truly memorable evening. The new venue worked a treat. The BBQ., as usual, was delicious. The chaps- and lady -on the bar did a sterling job. And, of course, the band was just a joy to listen to. Every-one seemed to enjoy themselves which was the object of the exercise. Thank-you to every one of you that helped, you did a first class job. ALL of YOU made the evening a great success. Worries over. Derek Ralls

PRESTON DANCE AND DRAMA SCHOOL
Miss Emma would like to congratulate all her pupils who passed their B.T.D.A Medal tests in May 2008.Well done everybody.

FOOD MILES
Finding low food-mile food is not easy. Take bread sold in the supermarket for example, the wheat leaves the farm for a flour mill (the closest flour mill is in Shaftesbury and not many tons are sent there), the flour then, is taken to the bakery, the bread arrives at the supermarket via a distribution centre. The round trip must be well over 300 miles. How about cheese? Milk leaves the farm for the dairy it is made into cheese; the cheese goes to the supermarket also, by way of a distribution centre. Food miles? This is probably the same or more than the bread, depending on the type of cheese.
The food sold at Putlake Farm on the second Saturday of every month, does not travel nearly so far. The bread comes from Lytchett Matravers, where the wheat is grown, milled and baked on the farm (15 food miles), the cheese comes from Worth Matravers from specially selected cows in the Westmanton herd (4 food miles), the fish from Swanage (4 food miles) and the vegetables from Church Knowle (7 food miles). The distance is slightly larger for meat because the animal has to leave Purbeck for the slaughterhouse in Sturminster Newton but the food miles for these products are no more 100 miles.
So, how else can we reduce food miles? Shopping locally produces huge benefits. We can reduce the time spent in the car, and also reinvigorate local business. 12 years ago, my family made a commitment not to shop at supermarkets, and we have hardly stepped in one since. I realise that this is rather a dramatic "eco-warrior" type move, but consider this, where was the money I spent most appreciated, by the local butcher and greengrocer or by the management of Tesco. Money spent locally circulates around the local economy more than money spent at a supermarket. And finally, by asking for local produce everywhere you shop, the local retailers will finally realise that the customer prefers to buy local produce, and therefore change their sourcing habits.
When we returned to shopping locally we suddenly rediscovered our community. Not only did we save money (we were not tempted by expensive two-for-one offers), we threw less food away (we shopped more often, ate fresh food and did not queue for hours to pay for it) and talked (!) to the shopkeepers and other shoppers. How often does one discuss with the checkout girl at the supermarket about how the local football team performed this week? I never used to.
So, live a little more, shop locally, save the world! Christopher Lees

WOOL WORKSHOP KIDS CRAFTS.
Bring your child along to learn a variety of yarn crafts, from knitting to giant french knitting, making crazy daisies and basic weaving! £2.00 per child, all materials supplied. 10.00 - 12.00 Corfe Village Hall. Activities not suitable for children under 5, but younger siblings welcome to come and do some colouring! Must be accompanied by an adult.. This will run every Wednesday morning in August - 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th.

DORSET WILDLIFE TRUST
has a new website www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk. You can find information on Dorset wide events, activities, species and volunteering opportunities.

COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT
The following are the dates of the Volunteer Tasks run by The National Trust Purbeck Estate Wardens during August. Wed. 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th (summer tasks include path clearance, fence erection/ removal, dry stone walling, ragwort pulling)
Meet at Middle Beach Office, Studland (map ref: SZ 036 828) at 10 am. Tasks finish at 4 pm so bring lunch and a drink. For more information call the NT Purbeck Estate Office. N.B. you don't need to be a member of the National Trust to participate in this programme.

OBITUARY
Spotted by Don and Pat Pratt in the "Tresco Times"
We mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his records have long been lost in red-tape. He is credited with cultivating such abilities as taking the bitter with the sweet, recognising that life is not always fair and that maybe it was my fault after all. Common sense developed some sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn, don't borrow more than you can repay) and also reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge). Common Sense's health declined in the 1960's when he became infected with the If-It-Feels-Good-Do-It virus. His health further deteriorated when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun-lotion or Elastoplast to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and asked for an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live when the Ten Commandments could not be publicly displayed for fear of giving offence and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you could not defend yourself in your own home but the burglar could sue for assault. He finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled some in her lap whilst driving and was awarded massive damages. Common Sense was preceded in his parents Truth and Trust, his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility and his son Reason. He is survived by his four step-brothers: I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame and I'm A Victim. Farewell Common Sense, may you rest in peace. If you still remember him pass this on. If not join the majority and do nothing…
First published 15th March 1988 in the Indianapolis Star, but since edited and modified. Author Lori Borgma

YOUNG KIMMERIDGE MARINE WARDENS
The Young Marine Wardens are now qualified as PADI Skin Divers for snorkel surveys within the Reserve. The 'K Team' proudly boasting their new logo on their sweatshirts, can be seen patrolling and surveying climate indicator species such as Peacock's tail seaweed and Toothed Topshells upon the shore.
Now that the group are fully kitted out with their snorkel gear they are ready to embark on organised underwater surveys looking for alien species or rare visitors such as the elusive seahorse and black faced blenny.
Recruitment to join the K Team is underway and young people (13-19) should contact Emma Rance by mid August. The year long accredited and funded course begins for 15 individuals in September.

SMEDMORE HOUSE AND GARDEN
Is open to the public in aid of Weldmar Hospice Care Trust. On Saturday 7th September from2pm to 5pm. There'll be refreshments, various stalls and children's Activities. Entrance is £5.00 (accompanied children under 16 free).

OPEN AIR THEATRE AT KIMMERIDGE BAY
Miracle Theatre present "Jason" for Artsreach on Sunday 10th August at 7.30pm. Details at www.miracletheatre.co.uk.

NEWS FROM
LANGTON MATRAVERS

THE PARISH COUNCIL AND OTHER MATTERS - A PERSONAL VIEW
At the July meeting of the Parish Council, the following resolution was passed: "The Council agrees that the Conservation Area should remain as it is, but with the addition of Castle View." For those interested, there is still time to comment on the proposed changes to the Acton and Langton Conservation Areas- the closing date is August 1st.Copies of the plan are available at the Parish Office by appointment(Tel: 01929 425100) or in the Church porch, so please do make your views known.
We are very lucky living in Purbeck - there is so much local fresh food available. The most recent addition to the menu is the delicious fresh chicken (and eggs) from Andrew and Claire Head at Rempstone Farm. Other meat will be available in September. Tel: 01929 481393.
Has anyone heard of the word "mondegreen"? It means "a misheard word or phrase", and was coined by the writer Silvia Wright in a 1954 essay in Harper's Magazine. Apparently it originates from a rendition of the song "The Earl of Moray": "They killed the Earl of Moray and laid him on the green"-this was interpreted as "They killed the Earl of Moray and Lady Mondegreen". Other examples are from "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" : "Trampling out the vintage where the great giraffe is stored", and "Don't cry for me Sergeant Tina" .Has anyone got any other examples?
As a Parish Councillor, I receive a great deal of reading matter, most of which is a bit dull, but last month I was intrigued by "Resurgam", the journal of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities. There was a fascinating advertisement for Wetters' Cemetery Village, for the "Ultimate Funeral Experience"- is there any other? Pam Kwantes.

HYMN SING-IN
St. George's Church, Langton. Every Tuesday in August 7.00pm-7.45pm. Come and sing hymns old and new. All welcome.

A WINDY DRY LANGTON CHURCH FETE!
Click here to see more photos
On July 5th a small window of clear skies during the July downpours was spotted and the Fete team opted for most of the fete activities to take place outdoors in the new venue in and around St George's Church. Those who came enjoyed books, jewellery and white elephant in the church and windblown stalls along the close. The museum was open, and in the car park the beer tent and food areas were situated. The turning circle was home to Swanage Town band and a great meeting place on the hay bales with a glass of Pimms. Exploring further, visitors went past more stalls into the rectory garden with games, refreshments and cream teas. The flat area of the Old Rectory car park hosted the Maypole dancers from St George's school.
This was all made possible by the generosity of many. People worked, donated, permitted access, played music, made food, washed up, ran stalls, counted money, parked cars, manned gates, did electrics, volunteered marquees and tents and cleared up. The end result is a magnificent £6500 towards the running costs of our village church.
To ALL who helped and attended from ALL at St George's Church THANK YOU.
St George's Fete Committee Becca Charron, Di Cook, Don and Pat Pratt and Bill and Moira Purver.

A LETTER FROM LANGTON POST OFFICE
The planned closures of Post Offices in Dorset have now been officially announced and, thankfully, we are not on the list. We do not know what will happen in the future but hope that for the next three or four years, at least, we will be here to serve you.
Anne and I would like to thank all our friends and customers who have supported us and used the shop over the last few years and, more specifically, for all the personal concern and encouragement you have given us over the last ten months, since the possibility of closure was first mooted.
It has meant an awful lot to us. Thank you. Bob and Anne.

A TRIBUTE TO MARY SPENCER WATSON
I was a boy at The Old Malthouse in Langton Matravers between 1942 and 1947. Mary was one of my favourite teachers and I have no doubt was to many of my contemporaries. She used to teach us pottery and clay modelling with much love and patience. Her weekly classes were the few to which I really looked forward. Her arrival was eccentric to say the least. Victor Haggard, the headmaster at the time, had warned us that here was to be a new member of staff who was going to teach us clay modelling. Those of us who thought we might be interested in her subject took a mild interest in her arrival but were completely bowled over when we saw an open gig drive in through he entrance to the gravel in front of the headmaster's door. It was drawn by a pair of grey Arab horses with an equally well groomed pair of Dalmatians trotting along beneath it.
It was a wonderful start, and those of us who were taken under her skilful wing learnt real clay modelling from someone who, like her father before her, ended up with a nation wide reputation.
To say we were lucky would be the understatement of the year. She was the daughter of the well-respected 19th century painter, George Spencer Watson RA, who studied painting at the Royal Academy under Lord Frederick Leighton and painted in the style of the Pre-Raphaelites. She was sent to the local art school in Bournemouth and then to the Slade School of Art in London, finishing up under Ossip Zadkine in Paris for three months. She was a gem without price, capable of making any of us with any artistic talent, however small, enthusiastic about creativity. On one occasion a lady called Jean MacGillivary asked Roy Watherston, the father of the three Waterston brothers who were contemporaries of mine at school, where she could find a sculptor to model the head of her prize Shorthorn bull. Naturally he suggested Mary Spencer Watson who readily agreed. She filled a box with clay and took the night train to Aberdeen from London having first travelled up from Swanage. To Waterloo. This must have been quite a trip during the war when private motor travel was virtually non existent. Travelling by road meant bus or taxi if you could find one.
Mary's work can be seen outside Wells Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral and of course her own village of Langton Matravers. She was a truly wonderful person I remember her well. She will be sadly missed by all those who fell under her spell.
Jeremy Whitaker

LANGTON MATRAVERS VILLAGE FAIR
This year's Fair has proved to be another most successful day and hopefully one enjoyed by all. Once the bills have been paid we hope to have raised approx. £7,500 to be shared between the Village Hall the SHMC.
The Committee would like to give a HUGE thank you to all those who helped to set up on the days leading up to the Fair, manned the Car Park, Gates, Stalls, Side Shows etc. and helped to clear up on Sunday morning. More importantly, thanks to all of you who supported us on the day and for all the many donations and donations of cakes, etc. Thank you for your generosity - we are most grateful. We feel that mention should be made regarding the good behaviour and manners of the young folk - well done. Next year's fair will be held on Saturday13th June.

COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH
Bower Cottage, 'Coombe', Langton Matravers. Saturday 2nd August ~ 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Many stalls and a grand raffle. We hope once again you will support us in our annual fund-raising for this worthy cause.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON CREAM TEAS & MUSIC
Come and listen to music for all tastes while you enjoy a delicious cream tea and homemade cakes. Bring your friends and family to St Georges Church Langton Matravers on Sunday afternoons in August (3rd, 10th, 17th 24th) between 2.30 & 4.30. Have a relaxing afternoon and help raise money for the Friends of St George Church Building Fund.

TRAIDCRAFT
The next Traidcraft stall to be coming your way will be in St George's Church on August 3rd. at the Hosanna and Benefice services, i.e. between 930am and noon. In the meantime should you need to make any purchases there is a wide range of Traidcraft goods at The Swanage Christian Centre which is open Mon-Sat from 930am till 4pm.
Thank you to all those who have supported the Traidcraft stall to date. Judith Cochrane.

NEWS FROM
WORTH MATRAVERS

WORTH MATRAVERS PARISH COUNCIL.
REPRESENTING THE VILLAGES OF WORTH MATRAVERS AND HARMANS CROSS.
At the end of the July meeting Bob Evans felt it necessary to tender his resignation when his suggestion for managing the Parish Plan actions failed to get the approval of other Councillors. We are sorry Bob took this course of action and we are indebted to him and the steering group for producing the Parish Plan. I would like to reassure all parishioners that the Parish Council WILL deal with all the actions contained in the plan. We will publish details of our progress in the minutes and in the Dubber, starting next month. We now have a vacancy on the Council. If you are interested in becoming a Councillor, please contact the Clerk, Michelle or myself, for more information.
Police Community Support Officer, Iain Leslie, attended the meeting and explained the aims of PACT, Police And Community Together. He is part of the Swanage Rural Safer Neighbourhood team, which is responsible for our Parish, and consists of 1 Police Officer and 2 PCSO's. Local surveys have found the top three priorities are; speeding vehicles, parking offences and school traffic. They have already begun to tackle these problems. PACT surgeries are to be held to enable the public and police to talk about community problems. They would like invites to come along to any coffee mornings, etc., where they can have informal chats with residents. They can be contacted by E mail swanageruralsnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk. I attended a PACT meeting on 4th. July at Corfe Castle Town Hall and amongst other items they are keen to back our efforts to improve local transport services.
We have had a reply from Jim Knight MP, stating that he is continuing in talks with Wilts & Dorset, to try and reach a solution to the bus situation in HX.
It was agreed to request cardboard and plastic recycling facilities at both car parks on a trial basis. We have since been informed by PDC that we will only be able to have facilities for plastic recycling, and they are awaiting the arrival of new bins.
There was only one planning application this month. Woody Hyde Farmhouse, Valley Rd., HX. Listed building consent for internal and external alterations. The Parish Council had no objection but noted that the writing on the plans is not very clear.
The next Parish Council meeting is on Tuesday 5th. August at 7.30pm. in WM Village Hall. The meeting will be in the upstairs room. Joyce Meates. Chairman.

BBQ ON THE GREEN
The BBQ on the Green seems now to have established itself as an annual event. This year is no exception. However, we are STARTING at 5 o'clock. Saturday 23rd August. (bank holiday Saturday). SO, bring your chair and wine and glass, and enjoy an excellent BBQ with all the trimmings, plus a pudding, whilst sitting in the sun listening to The Midnight Ramblers.
Tickets available from Chris in the Post Office M/T/W/ mornings or Post Office Cottage. Adults £7.50 Students £4.50 Under 5's free Derek Ralls

PLAISTOW HOLIDAY 2008
First a very big thank you to all those who worked so hard to make our 'Cream Teas on the Green' such a happy and successful occasion, our thanks also to all who contributed in any way, and to those who supported us. Thanks to your generosity we raised the splendid sum of £675 which will go a long way towards funding this years Plaistow holiday.
Our friends arrive for their holiday on Sunday 17th August and will be joining us at St. Aldhelm's Chapel for the evening service.
This year we will hold the Bar B Q on Thursday 21st August at the Adventure Centre Worth at 6pm.
We will provide the food and soft drinks at £4.00 per head and £2.00 for children. Please bring your own knife fork and spoon. Tickets are available from Anne Meadows, Brenda Nunn, and Marian Holloway, We would be grateful if you would purchase your tickets by Tuesday19th, to enable us to cater for numbers.
If you have never been do come and join us for a happy evening.
If you prefer vegetarian food please let us know when you buy your ticket. Marian Holloway.

NEW SUMMER HOLIDAY ART, CRAFTS AND PRODUCE SHOW
From 19th July right through to 22nd August Purbeck Artists and Stallholders are exhibiting their work at Worth Village Hall. The doors are open from 11am - 4pm every day.
On show are paintings, willow weaving, bags, rugs, pottery, cushions, jewellery, sculpture, cards, jams and fresh produce. So come along and enjoy what is on display. In fact the exhibition will change as the days go by so drop in any time - there will be something new to see - a good place to meet friends and have a chat in a convivial atmosphere. Also we would be delighted to see all the visitors you will have coming to stay. Chris Meadows

SOMETHING WELL WORTH READING…
Do you know which cottage in Worth Matravers was the home of a famous smuggler, and why Worth was a top secret site during the Second World War? Or even where the name 'Matravers' came from? If not, you'd better take a look at the new interpretation panel by the pond in Worth.
The panel was produced for the Parish Council by writer and Worth resident Cathy Lewis, and illustrated by Swanage artist Tony Kerins. The beautiful bird's-eye-view map is designed to give visitors an overview of the surrounding landscape and show where they can walk. The text tells the story of the history, archaeology and wildlife of the area.
Cathy, who specialises in heritage interpretation, says: 'It was lovely to be involved in a project that's right on my doorstep. I produce panels and walks leaflets for sites all around the south, but I don't usually get to see them in use. It's a great feeling to drive past the panel every day and see people reading it.' Cathy is currently working on another local project - editing the text for a major new exhibition at the Tank Museum in Bovington which opens in 2009.
Tony Kerins is an experienced illustrator and landscape artist. Much of his interpretation work is for the National Trust, but he has also illustrated books for most of the UK's major children's publishers. To see more examples of Cathy and Tony's work, go to www.froghopper-design.co.uk

NEWS FROM
KINGSTON

KINGSTON NEWS
It seems a long time since the Kingston Open Gardens Day and our gardens have already begun to change. It was a great day. The weather was kind to us and lots of people came and spent money. We raised £1555.13 net. £777.57 has gone to Cancare and £777.56 has gone into Church Funds. There were £69.00 of expenses, though I suspect that many people did not ask for any expenses.
We have a personal note from Sue Ireland which I feel should be printed:
"Just a quick thank you to everyone who helped with the Open Garden Day in June. To all the people who seeded and weeded to get their gardens looking wonderful, to everyone who made quiches and cakes, who helped serve, clear and wash up the lunches and teas, to Roderick Raley who played the organ throughout the afternoon, to the Garden Sitters, to the Bellringers and those who went up the tower and took the money at the bottom, to Joyce and John Lock who raised money from their plant stall and Harry and Tup Dennis who donated money from the sale of their produce, to the man who brought his miniature fairground and made a donation, to Terry Hardy for his poster and to all those who put up posters and signs and John Lock in particular and Richard Notley who provided car parking. And finally to anyone else I should have remembered and haven't, a very big thank you. It was a lovely day and we made a lot of money. Hooray!"
There are two people not mentioned by Sue who need to be thanked - Sue herself and Peter Buckle, without whom very little would happen.
The visit of the Purbeck Village Quire was very enjoyable. Their performance was original and fun. It was lovely to have the repartee between the players and the audience. Many of the tunes were composed locally in Wareham and Worth. The alternative tune for "While shepherds watched their flocks" seemed much better than the traditional one. The audience rose well to the challenge of the community singing. A memorable evening.
There was an historic baptism on Sunday, 6th July, when Samuel James Hunt was christened. He is the great grandson of Dave and Ethel Hunt, grandson of Brian Hunt and son of Derek Hunt and great nephew of Brenda Garvey. His Grandfather and Great Aunt were both born in 10, West Street, as was their father. A real Kingston family. It is only a pity that they are not still living here. Anyway it was good to see them return the next Sunday.
An interesting piece of news has come my way. The Purse and Seal of the first Earl of Eldon is up for sale. I quote from the write up in the catalogue of the auctioneers, Gorringes of Lewes: "One night in 1812 a fire occurred at Encombe House. Lord Eldon rushed into the garden with the Great Seal in his arms and buried it in a flower bed. But…Eldon was so enchanted with the pretty sights of the maids who had turned out of their beds and were handing in buckets of water to the fire-engine in their shifts … that he quite forgot where he had buried it. You never saw anything so ridiculous as the whole family dibbling with bits of stick until we found it!" I had heard that he fell asleep in the woods and could not remember where he had buried it. I think the first story is better.
We have one last call for the St James Church Fete on Saturday, 16th August.
Sue Ireland is looking for someone to run the produce stall. Anything for the stalls can be collected by Sue Ireland on 481372 or stored with Peter Buckle on 481212, otherwise: Books Honor Vass, Plants Joyce Lock, Bottle Stall Angela Lardner, Produce Sue Ireland or bring, Bric a Brac, Liz Watson on the day, Cakes Sue Ireland, Raffle Simon Phillips, Deliver to Rosemary Pitman, Tombola Sue Ireland, Quality clothes Sue Ireland, Toys Fiona Wake-Walker.
Volunteers are needed to set up the fete and to dismantle it and to assist during the fete. Anyone who feels they can help, please phone Peter Buckle or just turn up.
Don't forget the Serenata Concert on Saturday 23rd August at 7.30pm. Adrian Davis is returning yet again with his Hertfordshire based professional ensemble of Oboe, Soprano, Cello and Harpsichord, playing Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, Heinichen, Vaughan Williams, Rubbra, Davis etc. It should be an interesting evening.

NEWS FROM
HARMAN'S CROSS

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A PARISH COUNCILLOR?
Following recent attendance by Harmans Cross residents at Worth Matravers Parish Council meeting, it is evident that the Worth Matravers Parish Council believe that best practice is for parish councillors to attend the parish council meeting once a month for approximately two and half hours and do very little else.
This culture was exposed at the July Parish Council meeting, when a proposal for councillors to own specific Parish Plan Actions was rejected because councillors stated that they did not have the time or energy to accept this important task. The meeting was held in public and the outcome of this situation is now a major concern to residents particularly those in Harmans Cross.
Councillor Smith, who spoke on behalf of other Parish Councillors, stated that he was appointed to the Parish Council on the basis that he would only attend council meetings, and that he would be expected to do nothing more. Perhaps understandably, he related how as a self-employed person he had very little spare time to himself and his family, let alone to pursue the community's interests outside the meeting. This was also the case for other Parish Councillors, as endorsed by Councillors Burden and Wilson.
The Worth Matravers Parish Council already have a backlog of uncleared issues in the areas of Planning, Environmental Issues, Public Transport, and Road Safety & Parking. The position is made easier to understand now that the working practices of the Council have been made clear.
Obviously if our community is to achieve the actions as set out in the Parish Plan, there is a need for some fundamental changes to the present council's dedication and commitment. It is essential that parish residents receive a level of representation they are entitled to expect.
What will happen in the near future when the government plans to give parish councils more autonomy and powers are statutory? It really is time this parish council threw away the quill pen and adopted 21st century management techniques backed by creative and dedicated personnel.
Alan Stephenson

HARMAN'S CROSS VILLAGE CLUB
Our outing to Athelhampton House was blessed with lovely sunshine and was well attended by most of the Club members and their partners. After an interesting look around the house and gardens, a delicious cream tea was enjoyed by all. Athelhampton House is one of the finest 15th Century Houses in England and was acquired by the Cooke family in 1957. It is still a family home and welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Although a small parish, it features the Greek Orthodox Church of St Edwards. One of the frequent visitors to the house was Thomas Hardy, the famous novelist and artist.
Due to inclement weather the Beach Barbecue on 10th July had to be cancelled. This was a disappointment as a lot of time and effort had been put in, preparing salads and organising the barbecue to be collected and cleaned. If only we could order good weather for all of our events!
At Field Day on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August, the Village Club will be running the refreshments, and any donations of cakes, sandwich fillings etc will be gratefully received. If you can help with serving and clearing tables for two hours between 11am and 5pm please telephone Joan to add your name to the rota. Many thanks in advance.
Our next meeting will be in Harman's Cross Village Hall on 25th September for a country dancing display with Margaret Tyler. Tea and biscuits as usual. New members welcome. Jane Rogers.

HARMANS CROSS RESIDENTS' CLUB
To reflect the times that members are attending the Residents' Club, the committee has recently changed the opening hours for our licensed bar on Club Nights at the Village Hall to 7.30pm - 10.30pm. This will help our volunteer bar staff who will not have to give up quite so much time in the evening at times when there is usually no one to serve.
Our guest bottled beer policy remains a success, and we have also decided to experiment with some 250ml bottles of wine to help ensure that our wines are fresh and to reduce wastage.
To find out how to join our existing 80 members, pick up a copy of the Club's Rules and application form from our notice-board next to the serving-hatch in the Village Hall, or from Nigel or Jo Edmonds.
Please make a note in your calendars and diaries of the following Club Nights to the end of October: 25 July; 8, 15, 22 & 29 August; 5, 19 & 26 September and 10 & 17 October (all Fridays from 7.30pm to 10.30pm).
We will also be running a bar for two village hall fund-raising events for which tickets will be required: on Tuesday 14 October as part of the Purbeck Film Festival, and on Thursday 6 November for our Quiz Night. We are not opening on 14 November to avoid clashing with the Harmans Cross v. Worth Matravers 'Call My Bluff' in Worth Matravers Village Hall. If it's not too early to mention Christmas, the Residents' Club Committee has also discussed having a special Christmas Night on Friday 19 December. More details of all these events will appear in The Dubber nearer the time.
Nigel Edmonds for the Harmans Cross Residents' Club Committee

FIELD DAY PLANS NOW WELL ADVANCED
Since the date of our last communiqué additional stalls and attractions have been added to an already active programme. Craft Displays, Plant and Cake Stalls, will be in action at the Fair as well as coconut shy, darts, hoopla, swings and roundabouts. The children's games and rides will be strengthened by a fun display involving local Swanage volunteers from The RNLI. Also as usual, there will be a huge Tombola, with delicious soft ice cream, teas and snacks, served in the Village Hall. ( See photo on web site in July). A Grand Raffle with a whopping £100 prize, will be a centre of attraction with many varied additional prizes and, as in previous years, a contribution will be made to a charity from the takings.
Always a popular event the Horse Show and Gymkhana will be as prominent as ever - as will the Flower and Produce Show.
Visitors to this family fun day out can listen to The Wessex Military Band, watch the Morris Dancers and enjoy the hot dogs, burgers and sausages cooked by the experienced Harmans Cross team. Real Ale enthusiasts will not be disappointed either with the range of beer on offer !
David Hollister who manages the event, is again on the look-out for volunteers and, as the helpers will attest, especially at last years follow-up evening's party - "it is a worthwhile enterprise for all to be involved . This year we would also appreciate more items for the bric-a-brac stalls, books and other interesting stuff" says David. "More importantly we need you to help - please call me on - 01929 480540 and I will arrange a pick up for your contribution."
This years event commences at 12:00 noon, but participants in the Gymkhana should note that this starts at 09:00. The Flower and Produce Show starts at 2:00 pm.
Although there is ample parking adjacent to the Field Day activities, visitors are being encouraged to arrive by train to this entertaining event. On showing a valid ticket the organisers will be offering half price entry to the fun packed Field Day. Wishing you a great Family Day Out! Alan Stephenson

PAINTING CLASSES
Penny Wilton will be teaching water-based mediums classes at Harmans Cross Village Hall - Mondays 9.30 - 11.30am starting September 22nd 11 weeks for £66 Apply to Penny Wilton 51, Copeland Drive, Parkstone, Poole, BH14 8NR

MODEL RAILWAY GROUP
Click here for more photos

MODEL RAILWAY GROUP
37 people came to our meeting on 4th July. In 00 gauge, 1/76th scale we ran the Severn Valley and Dyers Wharf layouts. The Severn Valley layout is now 25 feet long. It has a new embankment and approach road at Arley. We ran some British Railways 4MT mixed traffic engines in lined black livery. These were a 2-6-0, a 2-6-4T and a 4-6-0. These engines ran on both the Severn Valley Railway and the Swanage Railway. These hauled a rake of lined maroon Mk1 coaches and a bauxite brown goods train. Colin and Rita Caddy from Weymouth brought Dyer's Wharf layout. Dyer is Rita's maiden name. The layout had a canal with barges, some industrial locomotives and some warehouses.
Mike was selling some 1/76th scale vehicles. I bought a 1923 Morris Bullnose van, 1938 Morris Eight Tourer, a 1953 Ford Popular with a POP 592 number plate, a 1947 Jowett Javelin and a 1949 Triumph Mayflower in 1/76th scale.
On the boat table were two 16th century sailing ships. Colin and Rita brought a model of the Discovery in a display case. There was a wooden model of Le Hussard under construction.
There was a 3mm gauge, 1/100 scale model of Hennoch.
In N gauge, 1/148 scale Roger Bray brought his Ankleton layout and Roger Denning ran his Cinderford layout.
Bulleid airsmoothed 4-6-2 Barnstaple was running on the 0 gauge 1/43rd scale layout in Southern malachite green livery. This locomotive took part in the locomotive exchanges of 1948. British Railways rebuilt it as a conventional locomotive and it hauled an express train to Swanage.
The next meeting will be at Harmans Cross Village Hall on Friday 1ST August from 7.30 - 10.00 pm. £1.60 adults, 50p children including refreshments. Robin Brasher.