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

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GENERAL NEWS

FRONT COVER
The front cover this month was drawn by the winner of The Dubber Christmas Cover Prize, Lucy Stone, from Year 2 at St. George's School. She won in the face of fierce competition from all her other schoolmates. There was a winner from each year. These are:

Reception: Ben Jones

Year 1: Miro Vosper

Year 3: Neve Dyer

Year 4: James Whicker
Click here to see the other pictures

NEWS FROM NOWHERE
I went to see Charlie and the Cider Factory the other day. He was amongst a sea of apples. It appears that apples are like people, some are sweet, some are sour and some are good on the outside but all maggoty in the middle. I inspected rows and rows of gleaming white containers each full of the amber liquid, which Charlie mixes together until he finds the right balance of sweet and sour or losing all sense of balance has ceased to care either way. It reminded me of an ice cream venture that someone else in Worth hoped to launch. She and her husband sat up all night squirting different liqueurs into a creamy mix until they found the definitive formula and collapsed into bed triumphant. The next morning the note on which they had recorded their amazing ice cream discovery was unfortunately completely illegible. Not that this is likely to happen to Charlie, he was well in command of his core values when I saw him, though I am told that Kath has bought a new pair of wellington boots in case he falls in to the magic mixture and she has to wade in to save him. If he presses many more apples she would do better buying a wet suit and a snorkel. The old cider makers used to drop bits of rabbit into cider to improve the flavour and maybe a hint of Charlie in the brew is just what is needed to give it that distinctive Square and Compass nose. It is a good year for apples so if you have any left over, don't worry if they are eaters or cookers, perfectly formed or hideously misshapen. Like his customers, they are all good once they have been sorted by the pub landlord. Bag them up and leave them at the Square. You will be doing your bit for England.
The Film Festival is over for another year. It was a success with more full houses than ever before. It is always sad having to disappoint people by turning them away especially if they have money in their hand. I remember 10 years ago we sometimes had only 2 or 3 people at a film show but the Cinema industry was then still in the doldrums. It is now making an strong comeback despite the economic down turn and DVD's being so accessible and so cheap. I guess people like sharing their enjoyment in the company of others. We advertise the Festival by putting up lots of notices the week before, but always try to take them all down the moment the Festival ends. I say "try" advisedly because signs are like Christmas decorations, you think you have removed the lot and then months later in August you catch sight of one, like a large piece of holly wilting over a picture frame which somehow escaped your attention. This year part of the job was done for us by someone who removed the big 8' x 4' film sign at the turn off to Langton the day before the Festival ended. These signs are expensive and I chased round trying to find where it had gone. The County Council who sometimes have a blitz on road signs, assure me they do not have it, so if anyone knows where it might be I hope they will let me know. You can always leave information on our Film Festival Crime Busting Help Line. Strictly speaking of course all road side notices are forbidden unless they have specifically been given permission, but the rule is usually enforced by the County with a certain amount of common sense, for they realise as we all do that if it was stringently enforced they would be saddled with a paperwork nightmare and a whole host of community events from Village Fetes to Coffee mornings would simply cease to exist. I have always thought that a good rule book is one that rarely needs to be opened, but remains in the background to be pulled out whenever people start getting a bit uppity. Fortunately most events organisers realise they have a responsibility not to leave their signs up a day longer than necessary and so give or take the odd hiccup the system sort of works.
Tony Viney

 

WHERE AM I IN PURBECK?

"You have to get up close and high to see these clues.
How many of you had seen last month's clue before? It's deep in Talbot Wood and it has long intrigued me. A very good dry stone wall has been built under a large bough of a fallen tree. The question is Why? Who ever did it went to a lot of trouble and was quite skillful in doing it.
The other question I have about Talbot Wood is- Where has the bell shaped 'sentry box gone? At least that's what I think it was. It used to be on the first track to the left as you enter the area from the village over the stile just up from the cemetery. Since the area was cleared by the National Trust it has become terribly overgrown, far worse than it was before the clearing, so maybe it is further in than I remembered, in an area which is now inaccessible. Does anyone know? Chris Meadows

THE MYSTERY OF THE LIGHTS OF CHERBOURG
I was roused from a deep sleep one midnight by a telephone call from a Windspitian who claimed to be able to see the lights of Cherbourg. He wanted to prove to me that this was possible despite my previous ridiculing of his assertions. I checked that he had not just left the Square and Compass and did not have his telescope lined up on the Isle of Wight and then reluctantly went to view this phenomenon. True, lights were visible but they could not possible originate from Cherbourg - here's why: Assumptions and base data. The radius of the earth varies with latitude. At the equator it is 6378.14 km and at the poles it is 6356.80 km. At 50°N I calculate it to be 6369 km. I am unable to find data on the refraction of light in the atmosphere, but radio transmission data indicates that a 'line of sight' correction can be made by assuming a radius of 4/3 actual (8492 km). The distance between Worth Matravers and Cherbourg is 110 km (incidentally this is 1° of arc). The difference between distances measured along the earth's surface and those used in the construction (d1 and d2) is small enough to ignore. For the geometry, the angle between the radius of a circle and any tangential point of contact is 90°.
Richard Sandham

WHEEL MEET AGAIN
A big thankyou for a great online magazine, Unfortunately I don't live in Purbeck (yet) but have spent many happy holidays in the area from when I was a baby. The Dubber enables me to keep upto date with what is going on in the area I love. The motto of my local modal railway club (Rhyl & District MRC) is "To be happy in this world, you must have a little country where you don't live (Edward Beal). For me, Dorset and the Isle of Purbeck will always be the place I long to be. I do wish though my parents had retired to Dorset and Purbeck rather than Rhyl in North Wales, it just means a longer drive to Dorset.
During my holidays this year, (a week in June and two weeks in August) I visited the Isle of Purbeck Model Railway Group meetings at Harmans Cross. I had a great evening and was made very welcome. I'm trying to organise my next year's holidays to match the dates of the railway groups meetings at Harmans Cross.
Thanks again for a great online magazine, I've been reading it for the past few months and look forward to it every month. Mike Loveless

ARE WE BEING STONEWALLED?
By the eighteenth century the old Langton to Kingston road had become a turnpike flanked by stone walls. In contrast, the Langton to Worth road was (and remains) different. Before the invention of barbed wire it ran across open fields, which called for the opening and shutting of gates. Wire fences now serve to keep livestock off it and the gates have gone, but a certain openness remains. This character is now being lost by the building of new walls where none existed before, specifically at Eastlington Cowlease. Are they a good idea?
Wallacker

TRAIDCRAFT
We hope all of our customers, old and new, will have enjoyed the festive season and are now ready to re-stock their larders from the range of goods on the Traidcraft stall. We will be trading at St George's church before, between and after the morning services on January 4th.
We look forward to seeing you there. Happy New Year. Judith and Robert. Cochrane

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
Instead of spending the twelve days before Christmas tearing round the shops like Lords a leaping, why not saunter upto Worth Matravers Village Hall on 12th -14th December and gently choose appropriate gifts for your nearest and dearest from the selection art, crafts, plants and Fair Trade goods on display. We will be open from 11am till 4pm. Tea, coffee and cakes will be served. Chris Meadows

NEWS FROM THE PURBECK ESTATE
As autumn gathers a pace and winter fast approaches the countryside team are entering their busiest season for carrying out conservation work. Traditionally heaths provided those that lived on them with a number of useful goods. The way heath dwellers harvested these things created a broad range of local conditions which ensured the survival of a wide diversity of wildlife such as the Dartford Warbler, Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard. The ending of traditional practices has resulted in a spread of bracken, gorse, birch and pine which has contributed to the less than ideal conditions for the specialist plants and animals. Our winter work on the heath aims at stopping this decline and ensures the continued existence of the heath. We work between September and March to minimise any disturbance to wildlife.
Even though we continue to graze Godlingston Heath with livestock, most of our management work is labour intensive. The aim is to see the full range of heights and age classes across the heather to encourage maximum species diversity. As you may have heard we are soon to start grazing on Studland. Cow herder, Lisa Hawthornthwaite and her pony Ossie will be moving a herd of Red Devon cattle around the heath throughout the year. Her appointment helps revive a tradition which died out on the heath more than two hundred years ago and we look forward to see how the work progresses.
With programmes like River Cottage with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the general interest in home grown produce, there has been a general increase in enthusiasm for allotments. Very few are now derelict and there is an increase in demand for allotments in Purbeck. The National Trust has been approached by both Studland and Langton Matravers Parish Councils to allow land to be used as allotments. The National Trust supports these initiatives and will help where possible. Because we live in a democracy, everyone can air their views on such things and needless to say there are always differences of opinion that need to be resolved locally through parish councils. This can take time and changes in land use that require planning permission make the process slower than wished for. We anticipate that there will be an increasing demand for allotment space in the next few years.
For those interested in the conservation work being carried out at Corfe Castle we are now offering the opportunity to take tours to the top of the South West Gatehouse. During November and December tours will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 11.00 to 12.30 and 13.30 to 14.30 (for over 16s only). If you would like to make a group booking for an alternative time then please call Pam of email pam.white@nationaltrust.org.uk
Another way to get involved in our work is though our new dry stone walling volunteer group. The Purbeck coast has approximately 60 km of dry stone walls, of which 15% are in need of restoration work. We are looking for volunteers who will work with our wardens to help restore the walls. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 10.00 till 4.00 at Spyway car park at the end of Durnford Drove in Langton Matravers. This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to get involved in actively restoring their landscape. If you want to find out more please call Jonathan Kershaw, Area Warden, or email jonathan.kershaw@nationaltrust.org.uk
If there are any areas of our work that you would like to know more about please contact me or email amanda.jarvis@nationaltrust.org.uk Mandy Jarvis, Community, Learning and Volunteering Manager.

"DUMB WAITER" FOR THE MOWLEM THEATRE
Danny Seldon, a well-known Swanage actor trained at Lamda, has joined with fellow professional actor Grant Jones to form their own theatre company, "The MoJo Theatre Company".
Danny, who has recently been performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company, has decided to come back to his roots and produce and take part in the Harold Pinter play, "The Dumb Waiter" at the Mowlem Theatre, Swanage. The Mowlem Theatre has fond memories for Danny as this was where he first began to "tread the boards" in local amateur theatre. Proceeds from the production will go towards the Mowlem Refurbishment Fund.
As an added bonus, Danny is delighted to have secured the services of Jolyon Coy, who is the actor/grandson of Brian Rix, famous for the Whitehall farces in the 50's and 60's. Jolyon will be directing and taking part in the production.
A modern classic, "The Dumb Waiter" (1960) is an early Pinter play and is best described as "Tarantino meets Tony Hancock". The play will be performed alongside other Pinter sketches and should make for a very entertaining evening.
Performances will be Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December at the Mowlem Theatre and will commence at 8pm. Tickets are available from the Mowlem Box Office. Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be served during the interval.

DEAR DUBBER
The Scene: Swanage War Memorial. The Time: 10.50 am. The Date: Remembrance Sunday 2008. The Weather: bleak. The Cast: a dozen and a half assorted adults, looking as if they are in the wrong play
Curtain Up: and a Swanage Council van appears, and is parked, seemingly with similar uncertainty. The driver, his high-vis vest labeled 'Enforcement Officer', is buttonholed by one of the more confident members of the cast.
The council man produces a sheet of paper, marked 'For the Enforcement Officer', consults it, mutters about the coffee stains, and - apparently satisfied - repockets the document.
As the cast edge nearer he addresses us, his lines intermittently distorted by the hill-top gale. Today, he points out, today is only November 9th. Armistice Day is not until next Tuesday, you know. No, there's nothing happening here at 11 am today. This is only the 9th, you know.
He departs in his van -perhaps to Whitehall, to point out the date to all those people milling round the Cenotaph?
The afternoon march-past and service, with the Ringwood Pipe Band, proved an agreeable reward for our patience. Roger Free

SHOP LOCAL FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS!!
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st Decenber. The Boilerhouse Gallery at Corfe Castle is doing a special Christmas Open Weekend. There is always a warm reception for visitors at this little gallery and during the Open Weekend there is the added bonus of mulled wine to warm you! A lot of the work is made on the premises with eleven different artists showcasing their work; from paintings to pottery, stone, wood and glass - something for everyone. The Boilerhouse is situated off Sandy Hill Lane behind the platform at Corfe Castle Station. You can walk from the square at Corfe over the new bridge at the station if you have not yet admired it, or catch a train from Swanage and have a real outing. More information at www.boilerhouse.co.uk

DEAR EDITOR
It's only a mile and a half from my brother's house at Rempstone to mine in HX as the crow flies. But round the road, and going via my sister's house in Swanage, it's exactly seven miles from his doorstep to mine. We were having a birthday celebration meal at which I realised that it was probable that the evening would end with over 80mg per 100ml in the blood, so being a responsible adult, I booked a taxi to come home at 11.30 pm, specifically to avoid 'time and a half'.
Imagine, therefore, my surprise at seeing the meter tick over £35.00 for the seven mile journey. I'm afraid the driver got no tip as £35 was all I had in my pocket, I'd expected the cost to be around £20. The 20-minute journey seems to have cost me £105 per hour. The driver explained that since 'about a month ago' the Purbeck District Council had 'imposed' new rates and that 'time and a half' now started at 11.00 p.m. Conversations with several taxi firms the next day all pointed at the Purbeck District Council as the villains of the piece.
A telephone conversation with Trevor Heritage of the licensing department of the PDC revealed that since the Spring, the taxi drivers had been lobbying for a fare increase but had initially been turned down; however, when fuel prices rocketed in the Summer, the PDC eventually reluctantly agreed to increase the rates. They were apparently advertised in the small ads of Another Publication but I'd bet my boots that, like me, most people don't read those 'legal and public notices' and probably don't understand them anyway.
Don't get me wrong. I don't resent the taxi drivers being able to adjust their fares in the light of petrol prices - although I would respectfully point out that petrol's now at it's cheapest since 2007. But what the PDC have actually done is to take a huge step backwards in moving the 'time and a half' goalposts from midnight back to 11.00 pm.
Most people who go out to a restaurant or a pub tend to stay till 11.00-ish and take a taxi home rather than drive with even a hint of alcohol in their blood. But now, some people will foolishly risk 'just a couple of pints' and hope for the best. Or perhaps because of the increased taxi fares they'll not spend as much in the restaurant or pub, or maybe they just won't go out at all. The effect on already struggling catering businesses, who are facing a long hard winter, will be significant.
However, Trevor pointed out one very interesting fact. Although the PDC set MAXIMUM RATES, they are just that. No-one's forcing the taxi firms to charge those maximum prices. So for the taxi firms to set the blame at the feet of the PDC is factually incorrect. And I never thought I'd find myself defending the PDC !
So what we all need to do from here on is not to just 'hop into a taxi' but book it first and negotiate a price in advance. I'm sure that most taxi operators will be reasonable and provide as good a service as they do now, for a price that actually bears some relation to reality, seen through the eyes of the man in the street already struggling with double-digit inflation. Or maybe restaurants will start their own 'get you home' service. Now that's an idea …….
David Hollister

TEAM DORSET TEAM PURBECK
Guess what? Dorset hosts the Olympics and in 2012, and in 2009 2010 and 2011 there will be huge regattas in Weymouth. The business opportunities are great, and one hopes that there will be a legacy, not only of the relief road for Weymouth, but also one that gives hope for the future, better infrastructure and facilities, be they in sport or the health service, throughout the whole of Dorset. It would be wonderful if the farmers in Dorset could talk to each other on mobile phones. A mobile phone that worked in Purbeck, now that would be a legacy!
In the last great event that took place in the South West, the total eclipse of the sun, Cornwall had full mobile phone coverage. The phone companies were forced to remove their masks after the event plunging Cornwall again in a communications black hole. Furthermore, the cry came out from some of the councils that Cornwall was closed, too full, shut, thereby stifling any little business enterprises set up for the event. Well let me tell the councils of Dorset and Purbeck, in particular, that we must be open for business during the Olympics. Purbeck business must not be throttled a number of vocal at pedants, the CPRE (Council for the Prevention of Rural Employment) must not prevail.
So how can business be part of the Olympic experience? Purbeck Products, a cooperative with local farmers and producers are joining Team Dorset to promote local food over the Olympic period and beyond. So if you want to be part of the Olympic spirit, you should do this too. You should also register on compete4, a website that could open your business for providing services for the Olympic period.
So what kind of Dorset do we want? I will give you two examples. Dull or yynamic? Old fashioned or open for business? Resistant or responsible? Staid or set for the future? Entrenched or enthusiastic? Tired or tenacious ?
What type of Dorset, do we believe in? As someone who was born, grew up and has worked in Dorset all his life, I know the future in which I want to live. I want a Purbeck, where the communications work, which has fast Internet connections, which has business opportunities, a place to which young people come rather than flee. A place where we are not resistant, but responsible to the future! Oh yes, and a place where we all eat local food!

THE BELVEDERE SINGERS AT CHRISTMAS
The Belvedere Singers would like to say a big thank you to all of you who made the Autumn Celebration concert such a success.
Although most of our concerts are to raise money for charity, once a year it's necessary to fund raise for new music. As any of you who play an instrument or sing know, music is very expensive, mostly because of copyright laws. This means that, with few exceptions, we have to buy at least 60 copies of each piece we sing so that each member has a copy; photocopying is not allowed for concert performances. The Autumn concert raised just over £500 for our music fund, some of which has already been put to good use!
This year, as always, all money raised at the Christmas Concert will go to the Friends of Swanage Hospital, and it will include some music new to us as well as many of the favourites associated with Christmas. The concert is at St. Mary's Church in Swanage at 7:30p.m. on Saturday 13th December. Tickets are available from Swanage Hospital, Purbeck Press, Corbens, or members of the choir; £7 each (just £3 for children), to include a glass of wine or soft drink at the interval. We hope to see you there. Merry Christmas to you all. Helen Knight

SIDE BY SIDE
They lie on the table side by side/ The Holy Bible and the TV guide/ One is well worn and cherished with pride/ Not the Bible..... but the TV guide./ One is used daily to help folks decide/ No, not the Bible...... but the TV guide./ As the pages are turned, what shall they see,/ Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV./ Then confusion reigns, they can't all agree,/ So they open the book in which they confide,/ No, not the Bible...... but the TV guide./ The Word of God is seldom read,/ Maybe a verse as they fall into bed,/ Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be,/ Not from reading the Bible...... but watching TV./ So then back on the table side by side/ Lie the Holy Bible and the TV guide./ No time for prayerr, no time for the Word,/ The plan of Salvation is seldom heard./ But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,/ Is found in the Bible...... not on TV.

MAKING THE MOST OF SWANAGE RAILWAY IN 2009
The Swanage Railway has been expanding its services in recent years, with scheduled trains running most weekends throughout the year. For 2009, regular weekend services will start on 14 February. From Easter until the end of November, the service will run every day and on many evenings at weekends and during the summer. (Full details of the 2009 timetable will soon be available at the station and on the website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk.
Some of you, newer residents in particular, might not be aware that there are two ways you can save when travelling on the Swanage Railway. This is particularly attractive if you are likely to take a regular trip on the railway from, say, Harmans Cross Station to Swanage or Corfe Castle.
(i) If you live within the Purbeck District Council area, you can obtain a Residents Discount Card for just £10, enabling you to travel for half the normal fare on regularly scheduled services for 12 months. A leaflet is available at all stations on the line.
(ii) Alternatively, you can obtain Premier Life Membership (PLM), entitling you to free unlimited free travel for life on normal scheduled services of the Swanage Railway Co Ltd (see the special leaflet for full details and conditions, or www.swanagerailway.co.uk/member.htm). PLM cost either £500 (or 50 monthly payments of £10 by standing order) or if you qualify for Senior Citizen Premier Life Membership (aged 60+ for men & women) it only costs £300 (or 30 monthly payments of £10 by standing order).
If you have any questions, please contact The Membership Department at Swanage Station.
Nigel Edmonds, Harmans Cross Station volunteer

ANOTHER ENIGMA
An employer had three applicants for one job. They were all equally intelligent and acceptable so he set them the following puzzle.
He took them to a room and asked them to sit down and keep their eyes shut. He said I will apply a spot coloured either black or white to each of your foreheads without you seeing. He said when I leave the room you can open your eyes. Then if you see a black spot on the head of one of your competitors you must stand up. Then the first one to deduce the colour of the spot on his own head will get the job.
There were no mirrors or reflective surfaces in the room. The employer put a black spot on each of their foreheads.
The three contestants opened their eyes and they all stood up. Then one of them called out I know the colour of my spot. How did he work it out?
Don Pratt

THE DUBBER ISN'T AWFUL
Those who criticise can seldom do better themselves. I have always enjoyed reading "The Dubber" throughout the years and feel that each editor has improved this publication which could so easily have become merely notices of forthcoming events and a write-up after the events.
However - of more recent years - "The Dubber" has included some very interesting articles and each succeeding editor (including the present one) has brought their own hand of new reading. Personally my thanks and admiration go out to all who have taken on this very time-taking job voluntary job. Certainly I do NOT think "The Dubber" is awful.
Brenda Fainsford

HAPPY CHRISTMAS
As I am unable to send Christmas cards this year I would like to wish my Purbeck friends a happy Christmas and a healthy new year. Joan Hollister

DONATION TO THE DUBBER
The Councillors at Corfe Castle Parish Council have very kindly given £100 towards the magazine's running costs. Many thanks. Editor

CHRISTINGLE CELEBRATIONS!
Come to our Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December 2008 A Christingle celebration is an ideal way to begin Christmas. It appeals to all ages - indeed for many families it is their favourite service of the year. The message of Jesus' love bringing light to the world is symbolised by the lighted "Christingle"- a candle mounted in an orange- one held by each child, in a darkened church. At the same time, the children who are taking part are helping to raise money for the Children's Society, which cares for children in need. Everyone, old and young, is invited to attend the Christmas Eve services which are: 3.00pm: St. Nicholas, Worth Matravers, 5.00pm: St. George's, Langton Matravers, 6.00pm: St. James, Kingston
If you would like to take part please fill in the form on page 16 and return it as soon as possible, but by Wednesday 17 December at the very latest so that the children can be sent their cardboard collecting candles. They will bring them to the service and receive a Christingle orange.

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NEWS FROM
LANGTON MATRAVERS

PLOUGH SERVICE
The revival of an old tradition to bless a new season
We particularly welcome farmers and growers to this service but everyone is welcome! St. George's Church, Langton Matravers Sunday 11th January at 3pm. Preacher Mr Peter Jack, Blandford Dairy Farmer. Followed by refreshments. Proceeds to Farm Crisis Network

ST GEORGES CHRISTMAS FAYRE
St Georges First School PTA are holding a Christmas Fayre in the School Hall on Friday 5th December from 3.15pm until 5.15pm.
There is something for everyone, Local Crafts & Traders, Cake Stall, Christmas Hamper Raffle, Quality new toy stall, and more! So come along and do your Christmas shopping, have a cup of tea and a mince pie, even take a visit to Santa's Grotto!
Please come along and support what we hope will be a fun event!! St. Georges First School PTA

LOCAL HISTORY & PRESERVATION SOCIETY
meets in the village hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 18th December for its annual 'Barnes Evening' with readings given by the Saville brothers. Do come and join us for this festive evening, all welcome. Members £2.50, Non-members £3.50.

INTRODUCTION TO STONE CARVING
Try your hand at carving a flower or a fish at Burngate Stone Centre on Sunday 7th December. We'll supply a selection of templates and you can see what you can achieve in a day! £45 per person.
Booking forms and further information on the Centre is available from our website: www.burngatestonecentre.co.uk David Callaghan

ST GEORGES CHURCH FETE
It seems like many moons ago - correction it WAS many moons ago - but we finally have a total from the Church Fete! The total including raffle and quiz sales is a staggering £7450! The Fete without raffle and quiz brought in £4450 which is a wonderful achievement for all those who helped and those who came and took part. We all agreed it worked well holding it in and around the Church and hopefully if the residents of St Georges Close are happy it will be in the same place in 2009. Put the date in your diary now - SATURDAY 11TH JULY 2009.
Rebecca Charron

SWANAGE CHRISTIAN CENTRE NEWS
Many thanks to everyone who has supported us through the re-furbishment. Nearly 100 people squashed in for the re-dedication on 1st November which was a huge encouragement. A gallant team has been painting and the whole Centre is now ready for active use. Now it's over to you to see the Upper Room is well used. Please make it known and suggest groups we might engage with.
We are well stocked for Christmas so please come and see what we have on offer. There will be a second 10% discount night on Friday 5th December 6.00-9.00pm

 

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NEWS FROM
WORTH MATRAVERS

WORTH MATRAVERS PARISH COUNCIL.
REPRESENTING THE VILLAGES OF WORTH MATRAVERS AND HARMANS CROSS.
The ivy and elder has now been cleared from the western boundary dry stone wall of West BurtonField at WM and it is apparent that the wall needs to be rebuilt. Under the terms of the lease from the Church, the Parish Council is responsible for this. We estimate that this will cost a minimum of £3,500, which will have to be considered when the budget is set for 2009/10.
The Notice of Conclusion of Audit confirms that the Parish Council Accounts have been
satisfactorily completed for 2007/08.
Cllr. Burden and his team were thanked for the work done in cleaning the Village Pond at WM.
The question of mobile phone coverage in WM has again been raised. We had previously contacted several mobile phone companies and those that did reply weren't interested in providing coverage. We have again contacted some companies but are not hopeful of a positive reply.
A number of consultation papers have been received on which the PC have commented. The Making and Enforcement of Byelaws, the Tourism Strategy for Purbeck, Plans for the AONB and the Public Consultation on Affordable Housing Documents.
The Conservation Area Review for WM is taking place at the moment. Leaflets on how to have your say are available in St. Nicholas Church and comments made by the 12th. December. The PC agreed that the Conservation Area should remain as it is with no changes.
Our request for a SID (speed indicator device) on the A351 at HX has been turned down by DCC Highways, as the 2 speed surveys undertaken in 2006 showed the average speed was 41mph. and therefore did not meet the criteria.
Planning applications this month.
HX Village Hall. Erect new Village Hall, alterations to plans. As Trustees of the Village Hall the Parish Council are the applicants.
Tanglewood, HX. Loft conversion, porch and conservatory. The PC has no objection.
Clonmell, HX. Retrospective application for Porch to front of property and decking. The PC objects to this application and notes that the location plan is inaccurate and unreadable.
The PC has no objection to tree works at Flower Meadow, HX, but notes concerns as to who would be responsible for the trees once the development has been completed and the properties sold.
The PC has no objection to the removal of a sycamore tree at Calico Cottage, WM.
The next Parish Council Meeting is on Tuesday 2nd. December at 7-30pm. in WM Village Hall.
Joyce Meates. Chairman.

CALL MY BLUFF
On Friday 14th November, Worth Matravers Village Hall was the venue for the latest round of 'Call My Bluff', a sort of panel game held at irregular intervals between teams from Harmans Cross and Worth Matravers. The event was well-attended and was a lot of fun for competitors and audience alike.
Ladies' and mens' teams from Harmans Cross played in the heats, and this led to the HX men (Roger Free, Ron Dancey and Ron Wright) taking on the WM Ladies (Daff Tamblin, Debbie Handy and Mary Shergold) in the final.
Questions were set by the MC for the evening, Richard Sandham, whose unusual home-made timing device was highly amusing although somewhat erratic.
The contest was, naturally enough, won by Worth Matravers (as usual) whilst HX managed to retain their valued Wooden Spoon for the 4th year in succession.
During the evening, a raffle was held and over £100 raised for Children In Need.

WORTH AFTERNOON CLUB
The November meeting had a festive flavour as Mari-Lou Cochrane expertly showed us how to make crackers. Although we associate them with Christmas, they can be tailored to suit any occasion. Mari-Lou kindly offered to help anyone who is inspired to make them but needs a little extra guidance.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 3rd December at 12.15pm at the Village Hall. Rachel Seaton

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NEWS FROM
KINGSTON

KINGSTON NEWS
Last month we celebrated Vera Beavis's 90th birthday; this month I have to give you the sad news that she passed away on 6th November. She moved to Langton from Kent with the family with whom she was in service in about 1940. She met and married Ronald Beavis who lived in Kingston. Sadly he died a few months after John was born and Vera continued to live with her in-laws in 4, The Lane. She worked as caretaker of the village school, cleaning and lighting the fires in the classrooms, early in the morning. When the School closed down, she went to work as a Dinner Lady in Swanage. When her in-laws died and she retired she went to live in Corfe, but she always came to Kingston to Church. She used to come up from Corfe by bus to help with church cleaning. She and Audrey Duffy polished the brass eagle together for 20 years. She would always bake for a party and help with decorating the church. She contributed hugely to the life of the place with her cheery disposition. Latterly she could not live on her own and so she went to live at the James Day Home in Swanage. We shall miss her
Another member of the village has been missing from our ranks. Audrey Duffy has been in Poole Hospital for three weeks, having suffered a stroke and a chest infection. She is recovering and has gone to stay with her sister in Ulwell. The stroke has affected her vision, so that she has difficulty reading and she lacks co-ordination on her left side, but she has her speech and can walk, if somewhat unsteadily. She is improving, but is still weak. We wish her well and hope that she will make a good recovery.
There are some who have left the village permanently. Steve and Gemma and their family have moved from the Scott Arms to pastures new in Surrey. Nathan, his deputy, is in charge until some changes are made, probably in the New Year. I wonder if anyone can say how many managers the pub has had since Simon left. Let's hope for some real stability in the future. We want a permanent landlord, not a manager, no disrespect to Nathan. By the time you read this, the Christmas menu should have been launched, so go and enjoy it.
We need to welcome David and Kaiza and their three children to No. 10 South Street and very belatedly, Mary Haysom to No.12 South Street. We hope they will enjoy life in Kingston
Christmas starts in earnest on Saturday, 13th December at 10.00 am, in the church. Sue Ireland would like all the help she can get to decorate the church. Any green and red seasonal berries, flowers and greenery would be gratefully received. At the same time, the Christmas Tree and lights will be going up; help is always welcome here. On Thursday, 18th December, 6.30 - 7.30 pm, there will be a Carol Concert in Church given by pupils from St Georges School, Langton and the Purbeck Arts Club Choir. There will be seasonal refreshments.
Admission will be free, but there will be a retiring collection for St Georges and St James. The following evening, Friday, 19th December at 6.30 pm is the Village Christmas Party. Details are attached to your Dubber. Information about the Christmas Services will be published separately
The Bells will not be rung on Christmas Eve as there are not enough ringers to go round the area, but they will be ringing a full peal in the week between Christmas and New Year.
May I take this opportunity to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
George Pitman

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NEWS FROM
HARMAN'S CROSS

HARMANS CROSS AGM AND RSPB PRESENTATION
As an attentive meeting population will attest - 'an ordinary AGM this was not'! Over 30 villagers and guests attended The Village Hall meeting on the 11th November to hear the latest news on a variety of activities and New Hall developments. A bonus was their participation in Mike Trubridge's beautiful visual presentation on his work for the RSPB on the Arne Reserve.
This watershed meeting led by Richard Bullock, focussed on key issues such as The New Village Hall, a positive set of accounts, and the re-election of a hard working committee.
Roger Tucker who has led the small New Village Hall Team explained in concise detail, the challenges ahead in raising funds even though we have been successful with The Lottery application and grant.
After the refreshment break Mike Trubridge presented the work of The RSPB at the Arne Reserve. The visual images shown, complemented his coverage beautifully of the vital work of the Heathland Management Team, to preserve and improve the habitat for a wide variety of species. Colourful birds like the Nightjar, the Dartford Warbler and Woodlark are prospering due to this dedicated approach. His aim of linking widely dispersed heathland sectors to provide a sustainable habitat was appreciated by his audience - who posed a range of interesting questions.
Thanks to Mike's contribution, the active participation of the attendees and tempting refreshments by Olive and Judy - plus a well
run bar by Nigel, the evening was deemed by all concerned to be one of the best AGMs to date.

CAROL SERVICE AND PURBECK BRASS
Participants to this year's event will be treated to a warm welcome at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm on Friday 12th December, by the Purbeck Brass Ensemble who are led by Colin Bright. They will present a stimulating service of songs old and new.
Hopefully this year there will be a good contingent of young children as there were last year - two of whom led the singing at one stage ! They may also be interested to know that there could be a visit of Father Christmas in the interval, who not only 'delivered' sweets to all present, but was able to collect a worthy contribution for The Salvation Army.
The Purbeck Brass Ensemble are represented by enthusiastic cornet, tenor horn and tuba musicians, who play a mixed medley of carols and lively tunes which will undoubtedly will entertain the audience.
The Village Hall Team led by Judy Robson, organise the evening, and have arranged for everyone to be served with hot mulled wine, coffee, tea and mince pies after the Carol Service. There will also be an 'open bar' following this festive event.

QUIZ NIGHT GETS THEM GUESSING !
On a night filled with laughter and good fun, over 40 contestants battled through 100 questions set by quizmasters Keith Fisher and David Hollister. In teams of 4 per table, local residents and guests from Worth Matravers, competed strongly and according to David - inbetween chuckles - ' performed admirably.'
The winning table of Sarah, Steven and Ian from Harmans Cross received a bottle of wine apiece, whilst the runners up led by David Ralls and welcome guests from Worth, also received a prize.
Refreshments were served at 'half-time' and the Residents Club Bar did a brisk trade. The total event, which was in aid of New Village Hall funds, raised £106 after all expenses. 'If one could have charged per laugh' joked David, 'the total would have been much higher!'

HARMANS CROSS POST OFFICE - USE IT OR LOSE IT…….COMPLETELY!
For some time the post office in the Spar shop at Harmans Cross has been open for three hours a day on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings. From Tuesday 25 November, its opening hours are being reduced to just two hours a week: every Tuesday from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. The reason for these restricted opening hours is the small number of people using the post office, making it unprofitable to operate.
I have supported Harmans Cross Post Office as much as possible by using it to post books which I sell on line on Amazon to raise funds for our new village hall. I have to post orders within two working days of them being received, so in future, I will only be able to make limited use of our post office and, instead, will have to post them from Corfe Castle, Herston or Langton Matravers, depending on which direction I happen to be travelling. More likely, I shall have to make a special trip, taking up more time and using expensive fuel in the process; hardly an environmentally-friendly alternative.
At the Parish Council Meeting on 5 August, the (then) recent decision to close Worth Matravers post office was discussed. In attendance were Martin Dawe from PostWatch, Richard Wilson from Purbeck District Council and Rochelle Smith from Dorset Community Action. I was also present and know that at no stage was there any mention of the decision to reduce the opening hours of the only other post office in the Parish - at Harmans Cross. Neither did the Parish Council seem aware of this decision until I told them - a very underhand way of doing things.
By restricting opening to one part-afternoon a week - a next-to-useless service you might think - it seems that the Post Office is almost certainly going to get its wish to discontinue the service in Harmans Cross altogether UNLESS we use it sufficiently during those two hours to make it economically worth opening. Nigel Edmonds - Harmans Cross resident

HARMAN'S CROSS VILLAGE CLUB
At the October meeting we played a devious and interesting card game called 'Machiavelli' which is played with two packs of cards. It was well organised by Sylvia and everybody enjoyed it immensely (nobody wanted to go home!!) A prize was given to the winners.
At our next meeting on 27 November Karen Turner will be demonstrating the ancient art of 'Chi Gung'. This is not a martial art and everyone will be able to join in if they wish. Tea and biscuits as usual.
Christmas is nearly here already and our 11 December meeting will be our Christmas Party. Seasonal refreshments will be served with tea, coffee and mulled wine. Please bring a wrapped gift to the value of £5. Everyone participating will then receive a ticket to win a gift from the 'Lucky Dip'. Tommy Kenton is our speaker for the afternoon and with his singing and comic style of entertaining we are sure that everyone will have an enjoyable time. Members only.
The Christmas shopping coach trip to Street on 13 November went very smoothly despite a wet day. Most people managed to spend some money, and there were bargains to be had in the outlet shops.
January 22 is the AGM and we are delighted to have a return visit from Nick R Thomas who has some very funny stories from his days as a script writer for TV and radio. It will be time to pay your subscription then and receive your 2009 membership card and programme. We would ask for new people to join the committee for next year. The existing committee has been doing sterling work to keep the club running and new ideas and suggestions from a new committee would be well received. It's easy and it's fun!! So please consider this and put your name forward. Jane Rogers.

HARMANS CROSS RESIDENTS' CLUB
December sees the Club's Christmas Evening on Friday 19th from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Members will shortly receive a personal invitation to come along for a free glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to celebrate Christmas and as a thank-you for helping to make the Club such a success. Bring your numbered invitation along as there will be a free prize draw at 9.30pm. If you are not yet a member and wish to join to qualify for this event, please pick up a copy of the Club's rules and application form from the Residents' Club notice-board in the Village Hall, or from Nigel or Jo Edmonds. You might even come along as a guest of an existing member and join on the night.
Continuing our support of fund-raising for our new hall, we ran a busy bar for over 40 people on 6 November for the Quiz Night and for a similar number who attended the Village Hall Management Committee's AGM on 11 November. We will also run a bar after the 7.30pm Carol Concert on Friday 12 December, so do come along.
Please make a note of the following Club Nights: 28 November; 19 December; 9, 16, 23 & 30 January and 27 February - all are Fridays from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Apologies for the gap in February when the hall is pre-booked to other hirers - roll on the opening of our new village hall!
Nigel Edmonds Chairman of Harmans Cross Residents' Club Committee

WE NEED HARMANS CROSS RESIDENTS' VIEWS
As stated in November's Dubber, we are able to apply for grants to support the provision of suitable equipment and facilities at our new village hall and in the adjoining field. Consultation with residents is the first stage in the application process to ensure that we try to obtain funding for equipment that the community really wants.
Children and their parents who attended the Harmans Cross Fun Day in October took the opportunity to tell us what they wanted. Now it is the turn of other residents to tell us their views. For example, you might want to play short mat bowls in the hall, exercise on permanent outside gym equipment in the field or use a running/cycle track around it.
In order that we can collect your views, we will be attending the Christmas Bazaar from 9.00am on Saturday 29 November in the Village Hall with a representative from Dorset Community Action (DCA) to speak to residents and users of the hall. Please come along and have your say.
Nigel & Jo Edmonds,, for Harmans Cross Village Hall Management Committee

SWANAGE RAILWAY COMES TO HARMANS CROSS
This might have been the headline in 1989 when Swanage Railway opened Harmans Cross Station - the first new railway station in Dorset for over 50 years. But it equally applies to Wednesday 4 February 2009 at 7.30pm when we have asked Peter Foster, Harmans Cross Station Master, to present a slide show about the line which runs through our beautiful countryside. A highlight will be the attendance of Swanage Railway's General Manager, Mick Dean, who will give us an update on what has been happening on the Railway and its future developments, e.g. the extension of the line to Wareham. He will also answer questions from the audience.
Tickets will be available in the New Year at £5.00, to include a ploughman's supper, from Nigel & Jo Edmonds. A bar will be available and there will also be a raffle on the night. After a contribution to the Swanage Railway Trust, profits will go to the new village hall fund, so you will be supporting both these worthy local charitable causes. Please phone now to reserve your place.
Nigel Edmonds, 477134, for Harmans Cross Village Hall Management Committee

COFFEE MORNINGS
After many years of running the coffee mornings at Harmans Cross Village Hall I am at last hanging up my boots. I would like to say thank you to all those people who have helped me, making cakes, serving teas and coffees and putting up tables.. I could not have done it on my own.
The Village Hall Committee will be taking on the coffee mornings and I expect I will still be having a table and supporting them. Judy Robson

COFFEE MORNINGS & CAR BOOT
It is with regret and sadness that I have been told that these events are no longer going to take place. I am surprised to learn this as we have helped over the years to raise money for the new village hall. People who have supported the village hall over many years are being ignored. Valerie Newbury

HARMANS CROSS SWANAGE POOLE BUS
We were all very disappointed when the new winter timetable came out that our bus had not been returned.
I was fortunate to get a meeting with Mr Jim Knight, our MP. He is very concerned about all the local bus services and is working to find solutions. Our route is just one of many but he took a lot of time and trouble to arrange a further meeting with me and Mr Murray Goosen, the manager of the Wilts and Dorset bus depot in Poole when I was able to put my case. With Mr Knight's backing that there was no logical reason why the bus should not be shared as it has for the last 50 years. It was pointed out that the change to run our buses over the B3069 together with the extra miles the route 44 was doing will add 10,000 miles by the time the change has run for a year.
Mr Goosen believes that a simple timetable run over just one core route will result in an increase in passengers. He is to run this route for a year and will report back to Mr Knight. I cannot see where the extra passengers will come from. As for the complicated timetable it wasn't the split route that complicated things. It was the school bus and the odd bus that went via Turlin Moor or Hamworthy. Both routes need this bus. Neither of us can have a viable connection without being linked to the main route.
I have also spoken to Mr Peter Impett of DCC to ask if there is any chance of a later Route 44 bus just on Saturday. He is looking into the funding of this.
Margaret Kidell

MODEL RAILWAY GROUP
About 20 people came to our meeting on 7th November at Harmans Cross Village Hall.
For the first hour Mike Walsall showed us 165 slides of model railway layouts on his digital projector. The layouts included his own 1/76th scale 00 gauge Westport on Sea layout set near Lulworth Cove and the 1/43rd scale Swanage Railway Mineral and Mining layout. He gave us a list of his likes and dislikes of model railway exhibition layouts.
As the film show occupied the central area we set up the model railway layouts by the walls. Colin and Rita from Weymouth displayed their 00 gauge model of Killin Station. 4-4-0T 55207 had just arrived at the platform with a maroon suburban train. There was a display of cars in the car park.
Terry Jenkins' layout was an 00 gauge model of Moor Street Signal Box. Next to the signal box was a model of 4-6-0 King George 11 in BR lined green with two GWR Centenary brown and cream coaches with Cornish Riviera Limited headboards.
My layout was an N gauge model of Harmans Cross Station. I ran Roger Denning's Class 108 diesel multiple unit. His layout was a truncated version of Cinderford also in N gauge. He ran my T9 4-4-0 and a green Warship diesel.
Mike Roger's sales stand included some 1/76th scale dustcarts, an open Land Rover and some lorry loads.
Our next meeting will be a small exhibition on Friday 5th December from 7.30 - 10 pm. Entrance: £1.60 adults, 50p children. Robin Brasher.

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FROM THE RECTORY
Dear Friends,

Over the years ..... I find my perspective on Christmas has changed. I have been feel mercifully released from the pressure to make the lists , cards, food, clothes , presents, lights tree .....Clearly not my mother's daughter ... She at 86 is still meticulous about getting all her shopping done by the end of October, to make sure that no one is forgotten and all parcels posted to arrive in time.
Partly, I think its because we have no resident children at the Rectory and don't get so caught up in their excitement and anticipation, but its more than that ... Oh, I can get as nostalgic as the next person about snowy family Christmases when the children , or , further back, when I was small. I love the music and the sparkle... but mostly its the mysterious beauty of the words which captivate me, that midnight moment when we hear
"In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. The word became flesh and dwelt among us .... and we have beheld his glory ....." ....those words blow away all the commercials and tinsel and face me with the meaning of life itself.................
At Christmas , in Jesus, God says" I give you my word , trust me" ..............
A word , a mystery which , unlike Father Christmas, and presents and all the rest , we never grow out of.... a life changing word, blessing us with grace and truth and glory .....The John Lewis advert says " if you know the person, you'll find the present"
My wish is that you take time out from the shopping , and cooking and card writing to wonder about the Word this Christmas.... that you are given the gift of faith .... to know the "person" in the present.......
And that you will have a very happy Christmas, and New Year

Judith Malins Priest in charge, Kingston, Langton Matravers, and Worth Matravers.