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
Avid readers of this magazine will have noticed that, over the last few months, we have had an occasional contributor who writes under the nom de plume of Wallacker. Now this author tells me that wallacker, like dubber, is a word unique to these parts and is another name for a wheatear. On looking it up in "Birds Britannica" I find that this little white-bottomed bird has no fewer than 90 aliases. Alternative names for birds, of course, are not uncommon. A few examples are: Green Yaffle for a Woodpecker, Screecher for a Swift, Windhover for a Kestrel, Nut-jobber for a Nuthatch, Ragamuffin for a Long-tailed Tit, and Eaves Swallow for a House Martin. However, despite extensive research, I cannot find an alternative name for a Priddle, although I don't doubt many parishioners could make some suggestions. Chris Kwantes

NEWS FROM NOWHERE
My pleas to persuade Wessex Water to delay ripping up the access road to the Rollington while the art exhibition was on met with the anticipated refusal. Mike Lovell who is the District Councillor appointed to liaise with WW did his persuasive best and nearly succeeded in getting them to change the date but an executive higher up the chain insisted the work should start as planned saying not a day could be lost as the reservoir at the top of the hill was cracked and if it could not be drained there was a real danger of it flooding down the hill to the village - nor could the road be open to single lane traffic as the pipe was in the centre of the thoroughfare. Health and safety is always the Ace in the pack, it trumps all arguments and it must be very tempting to wheel it out whenever the opposition looks like becoming stroppy. Sure enough first thing on the Monday morning six men and two machines turned up to erect barriers and turn away any optimists attempting to drive through. By 12.00 nothing had been done and it had begun to rain. As everyone knows getting wet can lead to a bad chill and maybe even death which is itself a health and safety issue, so suddenly there was another Ace in the game and this one played by a higher authority with an even bigger reservoir. It was a tricky situation and the water board men retreated for further consultation leaving the road untouched and the barriers down but their signs still in place. I was heartened by the number of cars who robustly ignored the large ROAD CLOSED notices and simply drove on through. We had twenty visitors that Monday afternoon. When the men returned next day it was still raining but by then they were presumably equipped with protective clothing against unauthorized water penetration from above and that afternoon the first piece of tarmac was lifted and work to stem the tsunami at last began. It was fortunate that the pipe was discovered to be on one side of the road and not in the middle so the other side was conveniently available for the WW parked vehicles. I saw at least one enraged motorist argue his way through and at the end of each day and at the weekend when despite the extremity of the urgency all work stopped, the adventurous drove through unimpeded.
I was glad to hear on the news that the police have been told to get on with the important things and not waste time polishing their statistics. My brush with the law which resulted in three court hearings at a cost of many thousands of pounds of tax payers' money showed no one in a good light. I should have cut my losses and the police should have at least managed the paperwork so that it was not necessary to adjourn two hearings without prior notification. I suppose pursuing minor infringements is less stressful to the force than the real job, but it can be a great waste of resources. I fell foul of authority yet again on my last visit to London when I paid for and displayed a residents' visitor ticket on my van but parked on the wrong side of a pole indicating which section had been reserved for residents' tickets and which for parking machine tickets. The notice explaining this had been ripped off but that was not an excuse which weighed with Southwark Council who in effect gave me the option of paying up or spending a day in London pleading my case in court. After my last Perry Mason experience you will be pleased to hear I suppressed my rebellious principles and paid the £100 fine thus saving you all another dollop of tax payers cash. However I confess that I would not now be averse to causing Southwark Council some kind of grief should the opportunity arise. If I in my seventies living in leafy Dorset can be pushed a shade nearer the disaffected by such a peccadillo I get a flavour of what I would feel if I was in my twenties and living in the Gaza strip. I would then have substantial cause for anger and be tempted to try some real revenge, for my life would seem valueless and largely expendable and the world would be my enemy. On my next visit to London I may encounter not a parking ticket but a bomb, something quite possible according to Government announcements. I will then become one of the many innocent victims of terrorism - but are any of us are really innocent whilst we insist on holding onto the lion's share in this unfair world?
Tony Viney

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
We have been given an unusual and interesting present for St George's fête, which is a signed first edition of Alan Bennett's film script for his play the "History Boys". As this is special we plan to sell it separately and are asking for sealed bids which will be opened towards the end of the fête on July 5th.
To make a bid please put your name, address and phone number and the amount of your bid, in an envelope and seal it. You should not enclose any money with the bid, you will be contacted if successful. Please mark the envelope "sealed bid" so that it is not opened in error before the fête, and send it to Bill and Moira Purver.

WHERE AM I IN PURBECK?

When Ciff Turner showed me this I didn't have an idea where it was. Below there is another photograph which gives a further clue. All I can say is that it is in a garden we all pass fairly regularly, though it can't be seen from the road, the public are allowed in.
When I sent the editor last month's photo (see June issue) I didn't know that the filming in question was going to be mentioned at least twice elsewhere in the Dubber. So you should have got the answer. The photo was taken just above the steps leading down to Dancing Ledge. Chris Meadows

PRICE RISES AND GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY
Why have prices risen so fast over the last six months? There are a number of reasons, poor grain harvests in Australia and Europe in 2007, greater demand through greater affluence in the Far East and the removal of millions of tonnes of grain to create bio-fuels. Good old supply and demand. To be honest, the UK grain farmers welcome the rising grain prices, though the stock farmers will struggle with the cost of animal feed. If these feed costs are not carried through to price rises for meat, milk and eggs then these commodities to will be in short supply.
The harvests last year means that the western cupboards are bare. There is very little spare grain to send as aid to the famine struck countries of Africa. Therefore, the longer term solution to be embraced by the countries of Africa is that, where possible, they should invest in agricultural infrastructure and production. Kenya, for instance, believes that it can increase grain production threefold over the next few years, given the right kind of investment. In Europe, the commission has reduced set-aside to zero. This will increase the amount of grain grown in the 2008 harvest. This initiative has not been welcomed by the environmental groups such as Natural England and the RSPB.
Set-aside was the method by which the European Union controlled the production of grain. They therefore feel completely justified in removing set-aside now that grain production needs to increase. The environmental groups, though at first sceptical of the environmental benefits of set-aside, now see it as a huge resource for the wildlife of our country. These groups will be fighting for the retention of set-aside. Governments are faced with a stark choice, images of starving people versus a contented environmental lobby. This will require the wisdom and judgment of Solomon; a commodity in short supply in governments.
So is there a crisis? If there are two years of good harvest globally, and the African nations can increase agricultural production, then in the short-term the world can probably cope. However, increased world affluence, increased world population, but the decrease in the availability of oil, global warming and an inability of agricultural production to keep pace with these challenges mean that we are running towards a huge crisis in the medium and long-term. The solutions will involve embracing new crop technology, embracing renewable energy (wind farms, tide farms and sun farms), and finally coming to Putlake Farm on the second Saturday of the month to buy the highest quality, highest provenance and lowest food mile food on offer. Christopher Lees

DUBBER ONLINE
If you go to "Have Your Say" at our website you will find a solution to Ciff Turner's puzzle he posed in May's Dubber on fishing boats at St Aldhems. My thanks to Richard Sandham for that. Don't forget this web page is for you to print your thoughts and views throughout the month. Also if you want to promote anything, you can place it free in "Ads & Notices" and "What's On". There is also a page where parishioners can let us know their experience at local restaurants. Chilled Red and The Vineyard have had good reviews but disappointingly no more suggestions. Also a reminder to contributors that I would welcome photos to support your articles and thanks to those that have sent them in. (Great set of pics of Coffee on the Green). Editor

BUS PASS TO PARADISE
It was Anne's birthday on Father's Day Sunday and I said I would take her the next day to Bournemouth to spend all the loot she had been given. Now Anne is getting pretty hot on using too much petrol these days - I've had several trips to the tip vetoed until we have a carful - so she suggested we go on the bus. Unfortunately the bus into Swanage arrives just in time to miss the one to Bournemouth so our daughter in law kindly ran us in. There weren't many getting on, so we had a front seat at the top of the bus. It was a glorious day and we were in a holiday mood, helped by a couple from the northeast who were having multiple Aah moments as they saw familiar sights from previous holidays in the area. (I always say there are two types of holiday. Ooh holidays and Aah holidays. The first are those where you go somewhere for the first time and you are bowled over by things you have never seen before. Whereas Aah holidays are those where you return to somewhere familiar and your heart is filled with sighs of contentment as you rediscover places and scenes you have visited before.) Anyway on this Monday morning whether you were Oohing or Aaghing, Swanage looked fabulous. The sky was blue, the sea was blue, the sand had been newly raked and there were pairs of red or blue striped deckchairs dotted invitingly along the beach. Already there were a few sunbathers oiled up and ready for the day.
Then we were into the country looking into gardens and over hedges at places we don't normally see. Then past the two Huf houses looking forlorn and shuttered, on beyond Knoll House and the emerging breakfasters heading towards the dunes. Next came the switchback ride to the ferry where you are really conscious that the road was originally laid on top of bundles of heather to stop it sinking into bog. We arrived at the ferry with five minutes to wait. The driver switched off the engine and the crystal clear water could be heard gently lapping against the rocks. The view from our vantage point was sensational in its sparkle of boats, terns and shining windows in the houses of Harry Redknap and his neighbours.
The bus took a new route (for us) to Bournemouth taking in some of the roads along the cliffs after Brankscombe and soon we were there. The lure of coffee took us to a nice coffee shop where you could, if you wanted to, paint your own design on a plate. We didn't do that but we took our time on a sofa over our cappuccinos and read the complimentary papers that were on the table. We shopped successfully for a while, then had lunch at the Spanish tapas restaurant in the square called La Tasca where on Monday to Wednesday you could eat all you want for £10. Again we were in no rush and really enjoyed being in our new find - the tapas were excellent.
After a bit more shopping we caught the bus back, grateful that one of us didn't have to drive and calculating that we had probably saved enough money in petrol, ferry fares and parking to pay for our lunch. This time the bus got back in just enough time to catch the next one to Langton. Chris Meadows

A POEM
I almost went to church last night/ But couldn't find the time/ So much to do in the garden/ To have left it would have been a crime/ So I dug and hoed and weeded/ And went wearily to bed/ But I made a resolution/ I'd go next week instead
I almost went to church last night/ But some old friends of mine came/ And to have closed the door on them/ Would have been an awful shame/ So we talked and chatted and gossiped/ Until the goodbyes were said/ But I made a resolution/ I'd go next week instead
I almost went to church last night/ But my favourite programme was on/ And by the time it was finished/ The time for church was gone/ So I sat before the tellly/ Until the set was dead/ But I made a resolution/ I'd go next week instead
I almost went to church last night/ But I left it rather late/ And lack of punctuality/ Is a thing I really hate/ So I sat beside the fire/ Took up a book and read/ But I made a resolution/ I'd go next week instead
I almost went to church last night/ But a certain preacher was there/ And for his kind of preaching/ I didn't really care/ So rather than go to church/ And come back with a heavy load/ I made a resolution/ I'd go next week instead/
I almost went to church last night/ But found it was too late/ The church was locked and silent/ And "For Sale" was on the gate/ Oh, the remorse, which now I felt/ The little church was dead/ And I, ~ Yes I ~ had killed it/ By going next week instead

PURBECK STONE CENTRE
Events are now moving fast at the Purbeck Stone Centre, Burngate, Langton Matravers - many of you will have seen the new carving sheds going up and the builders are expected to be finished by mid-July. The buildings are fantastic inside with plenty of room for all the activities planned to take place there. Purbeck salty winds and winter rain should ensure they blend in perfectly in short time!
As the building is nearing completion a manager has now been appointed and will start in two weeks time. His name is David Callaghan, a geologist who has been running his own business letter cutting and other stone work for the past few years in Yeovil. As soon as he has settled in he will be deciding on courses and activities - so watch this space for news. He will also be going out to meet members of the community to spread the word about the events at the Burngate Stone Centre.
A Friends of Burngate will be organised as soon as David arrives - so everyone can become part of what promises to be very exciting times. News of this will be announced soon. Also planned is an archive of photographs, history and memories which will be displayed at the Centre, open to people who are interested in the history of Purbeck its quarries and the stone trade - this will be organised with help from the Stone Museum in Langton and the Keystone Projects' Oral History unit. Any photos or drawings or memories you would like to share will be very welcome and we are keen to talk to you. Dave Glassock, a Trustee and local historian with a vast knowledge of the area, is also preparing a 'stone audit' a list of all the interesting sites and stonework in the area that needs to be recorded
To find out more about the archive, the Centre or any other information please contact Jo Bowry.

SOMETHING FOR OUR YOUNGER READERS
to have a go at. Pretty straightforward - the answer to each clue (except one) begins with one of the 26 letters of the alphabet. For example, A GLAZED OPENING = WINDOW.
A---- Fruit with pips and stalk/ B-------- An admiral - a red one - in the air/ C-- Vehicle for 4 or 5 passengers/ D----- Beast of burden in the Bible/ E------ Conquered in 1953/ F------ Concerning another country/ G--- Happy, pleased/ H--------- The Coastguard has a new one/ I-- Not well/ J--- The 7th month/ K------ Room used for cooking/ L------- English is one, French is another/ M--- These may be found on desks, in small holes or in traps/ N----- Zero/ O--- Where leather meets willow - or egg-shaped?/ P------ 'Cheap' - for monkeys and birds/ Q------- This certainly calls for an answer/ R---- Correct, or starboard at sea/ S---- Set of furniture that sounds like sugar/ T---- What it all adds up to/ U---- Brother of your mum or dad/ V--- May sound boastful, but actually carries blood/ W---- A glazed opening/ -X----- Remove/ Y---- Boat propelled by the wind/ Z---- A striped horse ???
The Editor would welcome other contributions for young people. How about some youngsters setting a similar challenge for older readers ? Answers next month. Roger Free

COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT
The following are the dates of the Volunteer Tasks run by The National Trust Purbeck Estate Wardens during July - Wed. 2nd, 9th 16th, 23rd, 30th (path clearance, fence erection/removal, dry stone walling, ragwort pulling) - Sun. 6th (butterfly walk Ballard Down) then no more Sunday tasks until September. 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 on. N.B. you don't need to be a member of the National Trust to participate in this programme.

GOD MADE THEM ALL - A REVERIE
The wind's insistent hand,/ Breath of God. A leaf shorn from the living plant,/ No mandrake shriek portrays beginnings end./ Warm yet, submissive, quietly on my palm,/ Glowing still, in vibrant, ebbing hues,/ Life, stealing silently into shadow./ Between gently finger-tips - / Dry, soft, wrinkled, delicate as the last parting brush of filial lips against an aged woman's waxen cheek./ The last farewell? The ultimate finality?/ Light to Darkness - and Darkness into Light in endless eternity./ Thrusting urgently in timeless, immortal youth./ Reaching, grasping, seeking, spreading into light and joy./ Through rain and lifting storm./ Racing uncaring, unheeding, into boundless, endless life./ Unseeing, knowing not - already - the joyous whirl/ The dance of life, Slows./ Drifting in gentle spiral and final, faltering, finite flutter/ To the stillness - of the Time between./ The spectral tracery and seeming absolute that MAN calls DEATH./ "God shaped Man in His likeness" -/ Man says, for Man's comfort, Who shaped the LEAF?/ Dust to Dust, Man and Leaf - and dust is indivisible./ Common ends and new beginnings - intermingled./ The Man the beauty of the burgeoning Leaf/ To Leaf, the soul of Man?/ Warp and weft - the loom of God./ Uncounted times, where Time is not./ Unendingly repeated./ There is no End! Frank Selman

THE WINTER'S TALE
Is being performed by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company in Prince's Gardens Swanage on August 10th at 7.30pm. The event is in aid of the RNLI and tickets can be bought from the Information Centre or the Lifeboat Station for £10 (£12 on the door) children £5 (5-15). The grounds open from 6pm for picnics. Please bring your own seating and warm clothing.

CHRISTIAN AID RESULTS 2008
Thank you all who organised, collected and donated. Again all records were beaten and as a Benefice we have collected £2150 for those less fortunate than ourselves!! What a wonderful achievement. Our coffee morning in May was a great success making over £570 and now the house to house collection has been totalled and that too was up on previous years. Distributing the envelopes in the Dubber eased the workload to a degree, allowing those that wished to put money in time to do so and have it ready for the collectors. Obviously many envelopes were mislaid and the collectors had a reserve for those who needed them.
Worth Matravers £303, Harmans Cross £410, Langton £686, Coffee Morning £570. Becca Charron Benefice Christian Aid Co-ordinator.

CORFE CASTLE COMMON MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Will be holding their annual public meeting on 9th July at 7.00 pm at the National Trust Tea Rooms. The election will take place for two Graziers' Representatives and two Village Representatives. Anyone willing to take these unpaid but essential positions should please give their name to Barry Wilson or write to Doug Whyte at the National Trust office. Bryan Edwards, who conducted a Vegetation Classification on the Common, has kindly agreed to address the meeting

PURBECK MARINE WILDLIFE RESERVE NEWS
Join us on Sunday 3rd August for SeaFest 2008 a day of marine fun and frolics at Kimmeridge Bay celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Marine Reserve and the start of Marine Week in Dorset.
Some of the day's planned activities include guided rock pooling, eco-crabbing, kayaking, beach art and snorkelling as well as exhibitions from conservation organizations, demonstrations of chainsaw sculpture, lobster pot making and life-sized inflatable marine mammals. The Marine Centre will be open as usual with our aquaria and live camera link to the seabed. It all kicks off at 11am and will go on until 4pm. Guaranteed to be a fun filled day for all the family!
The cuttlefish trail is now laid out in the bay and ready to provide an ideal home for cuttlefish families. Designed to encourage cuttlefish to lay their eggs in the relative safety of the bay by providing a suitable habitat, the trail can be explored by snorkelling. Cuttlefish are very susceptible to overfishing and numbers sighted seem to be decreasing. Information on how to find and follow the trail is available at the Marine Centre.
On Saturday 5th July 2 - 6.30pm we have Sandy Shores - a hidden world New Naturalists/Adult learning course. Classroom session and shore activity. Bring clothes and footwear for paddling. Booking essential.
We have beach cleans at Kimmeridge and Worbarrow on Sunday 6th July 2pm (Free parking and refreshments provided). All equipment provided. Follow signs from car park at Tyneham.

UPDATE FROM THE OLD STABLE, SWANAGE
It has been a difficult year with the closure of the tea room, Pauline's resignation as manager of the centre, followed by Anni Douglas' resignation as chair of the management committee as from the AGM last week. As a result the trustees have had to review the administrative structure at the Stable. It was felt that a management committee made up of representatives of all our churches, none of whom were willing/able to become chairman, vice chair, secretary or treasurer, was too unwieldy to deal with day to day problems. Following discussions between trustees, management chair, the management committee and officers from CTSD, the constitution has been amended.
At a short meeting before the Centre's AGM, the management committee voted unanimously to accept the amended constitution and to disband themselves. The trustees will have oversight of the day to day running of the centre in consultation with the acting manager, who will report to the CTSD meetings and it is hoped that CTSD reps will report back to their churches. We assume this is already happening and so should not create extra work for CTSD reps. It will free up all the present management committee for other activities within their own churches and, we hope, at the Stable. The amended constitution will go to the CTSD AGM later this month for ratification. We will be a leaner organisation when this is complete but with God's guidance, more able to survive in the present and look forward to a challenging future involving renewed outreach into the community and increased responsibilities as a result of changes to charity law.
Alan Dominy, acting bookshop manager, has worked hard to ensure continuity both with ordering books and providing a listening ear, ably supported by the rest of the staff. It may be quieter than when we had the tea room, but we still need volunteers to chat with customers, serve drinks or, at the very least, to provide an extra presence to ensure the safety of our staff, so that staff do not have to work alone on the premises or to work all day without a break at lunchtime. I have been disappointed in the lack of support from our churches. There has been criticism of service but few offers of help and what used to be a joy and continues to be a privilege of working at the Old Stable becomes more of a burden on fewer people. Without more volunteers and the custom of local people in the long run, we will have to consider alternatives of opening on fewer days or as a last resort, closing completely. This is not being considered at the moment, but I hope it fills you with the dismay that I feel, at the possibility we could lose such a valuable place for the provision of spiritual food and a place of prayer, support and comfort, unique in Swanage and, according to our visitors, rare elsewhere. This is why the support of the local churches is vital both through prayer, your custom, encouragement and volunteering.
Alan has some brilliant ideas for the future, which he outlined in his report to the AGM. Do ask your CTSD rep (or former Christian Centre rep) for a copy. It is well worth reading.
We continue to pray for the work of the Stable and other issues each morning at 9.15, so why not join us for 15 minutes before you do your shopping? In the autumn we started to hold a prayer time on the last Wednesday of the month at 5pm for half an hour, which means you are home in time for tea and doesn't interrupt your plans for the evening. Prayer has always been central to our work through the Stable and I am delighted that this spring we have initiated a prayer time specifically for healing once a month generally on a Saturday at 8.30am and an ecumenical prayer meeting on Tuesday mornings 9-10am in the quiet lounge upstairs. More people joining us at any of these prayer times would be welcome. Anne Squires (chaplain)

NEWS FROM
WORTH MATRAVERS

PURBECK STALLHOLDERS AND ARTISTS
Worth Matravers Village Hall Saturday 19th July to Thursday 21st August 11:00 am to 4.00 pm Local Arts and Crafts Local Produce Occasional Working Demonstrations Enquiries to Diana Quinn.

CREAM TEA ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
St Nicholas PCC are holding a cream tea on the village green on Wednesday July 16th from 3.pm at Worth Matravers to support our friends from Plaistow on their Summer Holiday. There will be cake and produce stalls, bric-a-brac and a raffle. All are welcome. Come and enjoy a friendly afternoon and some delicious home cooking
If it's wet we will be in the Village Hall. Any contributions gratefully received. Marian Holloway.

COFFEE ON THE GREEN
Click here for more photos

We were blessed with even worse weather this year, the rain was coming down sideways in a bitter north easterly wind, so yet again we moved into the village hall. Fortunately we were a bit better organised this year, having made the decision to move it the day before and having purchased our own small marquee, which allowed us to extend the covered area outside.
Signs were altered to redirect visitors but inevitably the numbers were down. Nevertheless, with our classic British stoicism, 'a good time was had by all'; it was mandatory. Bacon butties, coffees and teas kept the cold out and all but the games, the plants and the bacon butties were inside or under the cover of our new marquee. Stallholders and visitors alike braved the worst of the weather for these outside activities, including a party of fifteen schoolchildren and their guides, who were passing by on a walk to Corfe, but the smell of the bacon butties edged it; the walk could wait.
In the end there was still a healthy turn out looking for bargains from the bric-a-brac, the books, the toys, and the ever-popular cakes and produce stalls. Others tried their luck on the raffle or the tombola, or spent some time upstairs, in an oasis of calm, looking for a nice painting from a local artist. The result was a fun time for everybody, visitors and stallholders alike, and with what looks like a significant additional contribution in this last week or so from our 'plants honesty box' the takings will be only a little under last year.
The Committee would like to thank everybody for making it such a success; the stallholders and working parties for the energy and enthusiasm they put in before, during and after the event, and of course the visitors who came despite the weather to make the all those efforts worthwhile.
Stop Press - Our final net receipts; after another record breaker from the plants stall who nearly doubled their money with sales after the event, is £1,895, only £62 short of last year's target and ahead of 2006. A fantastic result. Thanks to everybody for such a stunning performance.

NEWS FROM
KINGSTON

KINGSTON NEWS
June seems to have been a quiet month in Kingston, People have been too busy getting their gardens ready for the Village Open Gardens Day. At this very moment it is a race against the rain to get the grass cut before the heavens open. We are desperately hoping that the storms will have passed before Sunday. The Highways Department did agree to warn us that they were coming to cut the grass and we were able to move our cars to allow them to cut. Let's hope that this will continue. It should, as we have discovered an influential friend in the village.
Although there were only thirty people in the audience, Jonathan Lee's Organ Recital was much enjoyed. He played an interesting programme and he had a very light hearted delivery when introducing pieces, which added to the enjoyment.
There was a special christening in Church on Sunday, 15th June. The baby boy concerned was Jacob Robert Forte, the grandson of Robert Watton, our former, late Rector. He is the son of his eldest daughter, Hannah. It was a happy occasion. The village is maintaining its international reputation. There are two Brazilian girls working in the Scott Arms. The have come from Harrow House in Swanage. Can we expect an exciting New Year - Carnival time?
Don't forget the Purbeck Village Quire concert on Saturday, 28th June. Come and sing along and listen to the Village Band.

ST JAMES CHURCH, KINGSTON FETE
The plans for the Fête on 16th August are progressing well. We should be most grateful for items for the following Village Stalls. Please contact the people or numbers shown below. If you would like items to be collected, contact Sue Ireland and she will collect if you give her notice. Peter Buckle can arrange for storage of donated items. .Books Honor Vass Bottle Stall Angela Lardner, bric-a-brac Liz Watson, Cakes Sue Ireland deliver to Rosemary Pitman, good quality clothes Sue Ireland, Plants Joyce Lock, Produce ~ Bring on the day or contact Sue Ireland, Raffle Simon Philips Tombola Sue Ireland, Toys Fiona Wake-Walker.
We should be most grateful for volunteers to help on the day. If you can find the time and are willing to help us, please contact Peter Buckle. We need people to help set up the Fête site and to dismantle at the end of the day and to work with us during the afternoon. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

SERENATA
Music for Soprano, Harpsichord, Cello and Oboe St James Church Saturday 23rd August 7:30pm

KINGSTON FETE
Will be at St James Church on Saturday 16th August. There will be belly dancers, a dog display, Swanage Town Band, Ring of Eight (singing and dancing), a bar and burgers, craft and village stalls, ice creams, a bouncy castle, village and children's games.

TRAIDCRAFT
The Traidcraft stall will be in church again, following the Benefice Service on July 6th at St. James. Please bring your shopping baskets and support this Fairtrade venture. A wide range of Traidcraft is always available at The Swanage Christian Centre, Mon - Sat, 9am - 4pm Judith Cochrane

NEWS FROM
HARMAN'S CROSS

HARMAN'S CROSS VILLAGE CLUB
MIKE COLBOURNE Click here for another photo

On 23rd May Mike Colbourne, Senior Primate Care Adviser from Monkey World, gave a most interesting and lively presentation with slides on the valuable work achieved in saving endangered and abused primates from many parts of the world. The event was very well attended with a packed hall of club members, villagers and guests. At the end of the presentation committee member Sylvia Coburn gave Mike a cheque for £200 on behalf of the Village Club as a donation to the "Jim Cronin's Memorial Fund" to help the important work with the primates continue. Sandwiches and refreshments were served at the end of the presentation and were enjoyed by all.
Our summer coach trip to Mottisfont Abbey was a great success. The coach was full, the sun shone and kept on shining until we got on the coach to come home! Very good timing considering the amount of rain there was around that week.
Mottisfont Abbey is very interesting and set in lovely gardens by the river Test. The kitchen garden became known for the famous national collection of old-fashioned roses, which are at their best in June and July. Inside is a collection of paintings new and old. One room was designed by Rex Whistler into a gothic drawing room in trompe d'oeil style. The most recent owners of the house were Mr and Mrs Russell and in 1957 Mrs Russell gave the abbey and estate to the National Trust.
26th June is the date of our annual cream tea at Athelhampton House Gardens. This is free to members and £4.75 to non-members. Entrance to the house is £6 and anyone who wishes to view the house beforehand should meet at Athelhampton House car park at 12.45pm.
On 10th July, weather permitting, there will be a club beach barbecue at Burlington Chine blue beach. Bring your own meat, drink, plastic glasses, plates, cutlery and chairs. Salads and French bread will be provided. Members and partners only please. Meet at 5pm. Beach games and swimming if the sun is out!!
Once again the Village Club is planning to assist with the refreshments at Field Day on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August. We require donations for sandwich fillings, and home-made cakes, always so popular. In addition we need help at the Hall on the day, to make and pack sandwiches from 9am. We are also seeking help for 2 hour slots whilst the Field Day is open from 11am until 5pm, serving, washing up and clearing tables. Please telephone Joan and add your name to the rota for whatever time you can attend. Yes, this is hard work, but fun too, and the proceeds are all to help with the new village hall fund. We look forward to a great day and hope for good weather and great attendance.
As August is holiday time there are no meetings until Thursday 25th September when there will be a country dancing display and participation with Margaret Tyler. Jane Rogers

HARMANS CROSS RESIDENTS' CLUB
Our Club Nights at Harmans Cross Village Hall, complete with licensed bar, continue to attract a number of regulars and a handful of 'occasional attendees' from among our membership. Our guest beer policy has proved very popular and, although the choice varies from week to week, we have recently had available Wells Bombardier, Brakspear Bitter and Wychwood Hobgoblin in 500ml bottles. We have also introduced a rosé wine for the summer months.
To find out how to join, pick up a copy of the Club's Rules and application form from the Residents' Club notice-board next to the serving-hatch in the Village Hall, or from Nigel or Jo Edmonds. Membership to the end of February 2009 only costs £5.00 (£2.00 for members of the Village Club or the Village Hall Management Committee). We now have 80 members.
Please make a note of the following Club Nights to the end of September: 27 June; 12, 18 & 25 July; 8, 15, 22 & 29 August and 5, 19 & 26 September (all from 7.00pm to 11.00pm). These dates are all Fridays except for Saturday 12 July.
Nigel Edmonds for the Harmans Cross Residents' Club Committee.

SALAD DAYS
If you venture down the path between the railway line and Harman's Cross Village Hall, about 50 yards on the right you will find the village's best kept secret, Haycrafts Lane Garden. If you want vegetables and salad freshly cut for you then this is the place to go. Forget driving to the supermarket and buying a bag of chlorinated mixed leaves that collapse into a heap once opened - walk to Harman's Cross and get your salad as fresh as it can be! Gill and Regula have a massive crop of fennel and beetroot coming on, and their herbs are fantastic. They are open most Saturdays from 10 till 5.

BUS SERVICE PROTEST PETITION
Thank you to all who signed the above protest. 198 signatures were collected. The originals were sent to Mr. Jim Knight MP. Copy signatures went to Mr. Andrew Wickham with protest letter (Operations Manager Wilts and Dorset). Also, copy signatures were sent to Mr. Miles Butler of Dorset county Council) who is negotiating on our behalf. Copies of these letters and replies to date are in 'our' Harmans Cross Spar Shop, for those who are interested. I would also like to thank Wendy and her staff at the Spar Shop for their help in housing our protest and looking after it and for displaying copy letters. Margaret Kiddell

COFFEE MORNING / CAR BOOT SALE
Harmans Cross Village Hall Saturdays 5th & 19th July ~ 9:00 am to 12:00 noon £3 per car / table Enquiries to J. Robson.

FIELD DAY PLANS FOR AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
Building upon last year's successful Field Day which raised a significant sum towards The New Village Hall, the Management Team has released early details for the 2008 Fête.
In addition to attractive activities which include many Craft Displays as well as Plant and Cake Stalls, all your favourites are at the Fair- 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.
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 on the look-out for volunteers and, as the helpers will attest, especially at last years follow-up party - "it is a worthwhile enterprise for all to be involved ."
This year's event commences at noon, but participants in the Gymkhana should note that this starts at 09:00. The Flower and Produce Show starts at 2:00 pm. (see separate note for details).
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. What a great Family Day Out !

SKITTLES AND FISH & CHIPS
Following the successful summer Skittles and Fish & Chips evening last year, we are repeating the event on Wednesday 23 July starting at 7.30pm.
Drinks will be available from the Residents' Club bar and, at around 8 o'clock, we will serve a cod and chips supper before the competition begins. Participants will be competing against each other using a full length skittle alley, with prizes for the top performers. A raffle, with attractive prizes, will also be run on the night.
Numbers are limited to 40 and tickets are only £6 for the skittles and a fish & chips meal. Due to the popularity of this event we already have a full house, but interested parties are recommended to contact us as we will then put their names on a waiting list.
This promises to be another fun filled evening which will generate more funds for the new village hall. Jo &Nigel Edmonds

PLOUGHMANS LUNCHES & CREAM TEAS
On 26 July why not enjoy a delicious lunch or cream tea, at the Village Hall from 12 - 5 pm. Look for bargains on the bric-a-brac, books to buy, cakes to eat or take home, and plants for your garden. Stick insects and a toad have turned up to this event in the past: What will it be this year?
Contributions of cakes, books, bric-a-brac, plants or raffle prizes much appreciated. In aid of Kairos Outside : an organisation which supports people who have a friend or relative in prison. If you cannot come but would like to give a donation, cheques should be made payable to Kairos Outside UK. Further details from John & Pat Bloomfield.

HARMANS CROSS HORSE SHOW AND GYMKHANA
This years event which is run adjacent to the Field Day on Bank Holiday Monday, is promising to be bigger and better than ever, with invitations and schedules to go out at the beginning of July The Horse Show team are anticipating a healthy entry for all categories.
There are a great variety of events to interest all types of participants. These include Novice and Open Show Jumping, different Showing classes, Gymkhana events and Clear Round Jumping. There is also a challenging Minimus Jumping event for young children. All of which illustrates that this is a truly wide ranging family affair that appeals to all skill levels, with lots of trophies and rosettes to be won.
With a Tombola and refreshments 'on tap' the activities have something for everyone - and there is a Field Day too - all for the price of a single ticket!
Monies raised from this event are donated to the Gateway Club in Wareham, the Youth Cancer Trust, Corfe Castle F.C. and The New Village Hall Fund.
The St. John's Ambulance people will also be in attendance.
For more information and schedules contact - Judy Robson or Janice Sugrue.

ENGLISH WINE TASTING EVENING
Imagine the scene - a packed village hall with close to 50 thirsty villagers - and a tantalizing presentation of fine English wines which were being described and - only offered up for tasting - following the opening remarks! Needless to say the first white was enthusiastically savoured!
It was an enjoyable occasion which Theresa and Robert Steel of The Purbeck Vineyard had prepared well. Since purchasing the vineyard in August 2006, they have transformed the property and a 15-20% growth in planting is now coming on stream.
The first white - a light Phoenix 2004 - with a strong bouquet and after taste, was followed - much to the appreciation of an attentive audience - by a Purbeck Dawn 2006 which had a more subtle, finer taste and flavour. A third white was a light Gloucester Three Choirs - a blend that also found favour with many of the - by now - more mellow visitors.
At the interval Theresa and Robert had provided a great cheese table with a variety of cheeses, that they complemented with a glass of Regent Red.
More reds were to follow - a 2004 Ronda strong in tannins - a 2006 Ruby and a 2004 Kimmeridge Bay. Whilst the 'delivery' of these tasters was going on Robert kept up a lively description of the nature and challenges of vineyard management.
At the end of an informative evening's presentation many of the audience were invited to stay on to finish off the cheese board and purchase wines that they had sampled. 'It was' as many of the visitors described it, 'one of the most pleasurable evenings that we have experienced'.
The Village Hall Management Team also expressed their appreciation to Theresa and Robert for their management of such an interesting event which resulted in a contribution of £167 towards the New Village Hall fund.

HARMANS CROSS SOS AUCTION AWARDS
Following the successful RNLI SOS Day at the village hall earlier this year, visitors who were involved in the auction will be pleased to know that the winners of the Candlelight Dinner and the Morgan Run have taken up their awards.
The total amount raised for the RNLI has now exceeded £1450 of which the auction contributed close to £500.
With a winning bid of £55 John de Ritter and Jenny were treated to their 3-course dinner at The New Inn, in Church Knowle. This was generously donated by Rose Estrop who also included a bottle of wine. Needless to say - and they are Jenny's words - 'we had a fabulous time . Rose and her team who are involved in a number of charitable events, made us very welcome. It is a night that we will remember for some time.'
Later in June the Morgan Run over the Purbeck Hills with a stop-off for a pub lunch, was enjoyed by Alison Marriott - who has 'always had a passion for classic cars - especially Morgans.' Donated by Graphtechniques the '89, 4/4 Morgan was driven (carefully!) by Alan Stephenson, as Alison was 'exposed' - well it is a soft top! - to the fabulous views from East Chaldon (The Sailors Return) as they travelled to West Lulworth and returned via East Creech to Church Knowle.
'Having waited for a sunny spell of weather' said Alison, 'the trip was so much more enjoyable.' Alison and Alan were joined later by Alf Marriott and Olive Stephenson who arrived at the New Inn - in more conventional transport ! A great day out for all concerned.

MODEL RAILWAY GROUP
Click here for more photos

In 00 gauge, 1/76th scale we ran the Severn Valley layout, two Hornby-Dublo layouts: one 3 rail and on 2 rail. Colin Caddy brought the Cambrian Coast Express, which included Odney Manor and six British Railways brown and cream coaches with an auto buffet.
The emphasis was on 1/76th scale vehicles of the 1950s. There were Dinky single deck buses and coaches and Dublo Dinky Toys on the Hornby-Dublo layouts. On the Severn Valley Railway was a GWR single deck bus going to Bridgnorth. Mike was selling some vehicles. There were some two tone Morris Oxfords made between 1954 and 1959 and some 3 wheel electric milk floats in Co-op and Express Dairies liveries.
The N gauge Ankleton layout was 14' long. The motive power was 6 Western diesels. An LNER 2-4-0T was running on the 0 gauge 1/43rd scale layout.
The next meeting will be at Harmans Cross Village Hall on Friday 4th July from 7.30 - 10.00 pm. £1.60 adults, 50p children including refreshments. Robin Brasher

NEWS FROM
LANGTON MATRAVERS

A PLEA TO CARS PARKED IN ST GEORGE'S CLOSE.
Will you please ensure your owners move you away from the parking in St George's Close on the evening of Friday 4th of July and the whole of Saturday 5th July. This is FOR YOUR OWN SAFTY!! The Church Fête is to be held in and around the close on Saturday 5th July and there will be many people around, children, stalls etc etc. I hope this does not inconvenience anyone. The field opposite St Georges School will available for safe, quiet, free parking!

LAST MINUTE REQUESTS!!!
Fête date 5th July, 12-4.0 at St Georges Church Langton. If you haven't yet cleaned out that cupboard it is not too late!! Good quality bric-a-brac, china, gifts, books all needed. Also donations of jams, preserves, plants, cakes and bottles for various stalls. Ring Becca Charron, Di Cook, Don Pratt or Bill Purver OR leave tidy at the back of the church.
Any offers of help appreciated, Friday 27th June putting up bunting, Friday 4th July from 10.0 and from 9.0am on Fête Day 5th July.

ST GEORGE'S CHURCH YARD
Thanks to all those who are working hard to keep the church yard tidy and welcoming. Thanks too to Val Quinn for his work on the space for cremated remains
Now it looks so nice, would everyone please respect the church yard rules: no ornaments or artificial flowers , fresh flowers only. Plants for the church yard garden may be given in memory of someone. Judith Malins

THE OLD MALTHOUSE TO JOIN THE COTHILL EDUCATIONAL TRUST
The Old Malthouse School Trust and the Cothill Educational Trust announce that they have reached agreement in principle to merge.
The Cothill Educational Trust currently comprises five schools which educate approximately one thousand children of prep school age. They are Cothill House and Chandlings in Oxfordshire, the Chateau de Sauveterre in south-west France, Mowden Hall in Northumberland and Kitebrook House in Gloucestershire. The Old Malthouse School in Dorset will become the sixth school in the Cothill Educational Trust.
The Trust plans to establish a centre of excellence at The Old Malthouse for the specialised study of biological sciences together with all aspects of biodiversity. Initially pupils will be drawn from schools already within the Trust but the intention is to develop the centre to include other schools in the United Kingdom and overseas. The ambition is to rekindle an interest and excitement in modern scientific techniques and begin to address the enormous moral and ethical questions that accompany them.
The position of the Old Malthouse School on a World Heritage Coastline will also enhance the study of geographical, geological and all other disciplines affecting our environment.
All who have been associated with the Old Malthouse School will be delighted by the plans to continue its hundred-year tradition of educating prep-school age children, and by its future as a pioneering establishment at the forefront of scientific education.

ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL - WALKING BUS
For the week of 9th - 13th June we ran a walking bus in the mornings.
The children gathered at Putlake Farm and at 8.30am the bus set off through the village to school. Thank you to all staff and parents who planned this idea and made it work so well, to the community police officers who supported us, and especially to Mr O'Connell for letting us use the Putlake Farm car park as our gathering point. The bus was extremely well supported, with 48 children - over half the school - on one day. The children thoroughly enjoyed their walk to school and we were blessed with perfect weather. Jonathan Wollen

LANGTON MATRAVERS PARISH COUNCIL,
The Council has its own Web Site which is lnked at the top of this site.
The complete records of previous meetings are displayed but there is a delay of about a month after a meeting before the confirmed Minutes are available.
Recent recommendations of the Council to the District Planning Authority are;
The Council had no objection to Mr & Mrs Murray extending the authorised use of Acton Field Camp Site for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Spring Bank Holiday and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after August Bank Holiday.
The Council recommended support of Mr & Mrs Howlett's application to demolish Woodfield, Valley Road and replace it by a new detached dwelling.
There was no objection to minor amendments for Mrs D Tyrer's application at Greystones, The Hyde.
The Council has been informed that the Planning Inspector has allowed the appeal by Mr R Turner to erect an agricultural building at Spyway Orchard.
The Council is to write to the County Council to express its serious concerns about the reported closure of the Durlston Recycling centre before a Swanage based facility is provided.

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

FLYING TO HER AID
On Saturday 31st May I parked at the Durnford Drove car park to go on Ann's walk to Dancing Ledge and Seacombe. We walked past the field where they filmed Tess of the D'Urbervilles and had a look at the pictures in Spyway Barn. Then we walked down the steps towards Dancing Ledge. I was near the back. At the bottom of the steps was a woman on our walk with blue trousers lying on the ground. The leader's husband asked someone to phone for the ambulance. I tried to use my mobile phone as did several others but we were unable to get a signal. Then a young man ran back to Langton Matravers and rang from a phone box.
About five minutes later a yellow helicopter appeared. It tried to land three times before the doctor got out. The helicopter flew away and landed behind a stone wall. Then the coastguard arrived by the wall in his jeep. He walked down the steps. While the doctor injected the woman with morphine the coastguard called the coastguard helicopter. The coastguard asked us to move to the top of the steps and turned back walkers from the area. The helicopter winched down a doctor with a stretcher. As he secured the lady on to the stretcher the helicopter circled round. Then the helicopter let down a winch and took up the doctor and the casualty. The crew closed the door and took the woman to hospital. About two hours had elapsed and we abandoned the walk. We hope the woman makes a swift and full recovery.
As the coastguard drove past us he said goodbye and thank you. Robin Brasher

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.

Roads go ever on and on, Under cloud and under star
Yet feet that wandering far have gone, Turn at last to home afar
Eyes that fire and sword have seen And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green and trees and hills they long have known.

Not least for me, home-coming meant sitting and kneeling as part of the church family ... an experience underlined ... because my first Sunday back was "fathers day"... when we prayed for all fathers today ... but gave thanks to the Loving Father we all share, and lit candles for fathers ... and grandfathers who as my granddad used to say have "gone home".
Those of us who had the gift of a childhood faith and then wandered away can look forward to the experience of coming home like the wandering son in Jesus story. His traveling experiences taught him the depth of his fathers love which he had not understood or appreciated as a child
My dad loved it when his three daughters plus families were all together round the table, and I believe God our Father rejoices when all the empty seats round his table are filled.
Best wishes
Judith Priest in charge, Kingston, Langton Matravers, and Worth Matravers.