T h e Pa r i s h M a g a z i n e o f
S t . A n d r e w ’ s C h u r c h
O ke fo r d F i t z p a i n e
FIPPENNYFIPPENNY
NEWSNEWS
30p
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THE OKEFORD BENEFICE serving the parishes of :- St. Nicholas , Child Okeford, St Andrew, Okeford Fitzpaine, Church of the Holy Rood , Shil-lingstone, St. Nicholas, Manston, St Paul, Hammoon. In the Blackmore Vale Deanery of Salisbury Diocese .
N.B. The closing date for copy is the 20th of the month .
All enquiries about Bap- tisms, Funerals and
Christian marriage should be directed, in the first instance, to the Rev Darren A’Court, 01258 861847
email [email protected] Benefice Administrator, Diana J Lewis, Benefice Office, Shillingstone Church Centre, Mon & Wed. 10-2. Fri 2-4.3 01258 860652 Office hours. Benefice office e mail:- [email protected]
website www.okefordbenefice.org e-mail [email protected]
St Andrew’s Okeford Fitzpaine.
Churchwarden Keith Bradley 01258 861735
Churchwarden Mrs Zoë Goddard 01258 861046
Church Treasurer
Robert James 01258 860523
P.C.C. Secretary
The Revd Fr Darren A'Court Rector
Off duty Fridays The Rectory Shillingstone
DT11 0SL
01258 861847 Email [email protected]
Mrs Sue le Riche LLM in training
(off Mon, Wed, Sat) 01258 861830
Mrs Sue Clayton Lay Worship Leader
01258 860653
The Ministry Team
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From the Rector The Rectory Church Road Shillingstone DT11 0SL Tel. (01258) 861847 Dear Friends
I am writing this shortly after the Okeford Benefice Away Day, which was attended by over forty parishioners from each of our five parishes. By all accounts this was a very enjoyable and positive occasion, in which we both ‘took stock’ and planned for the future of the benefice. Gradually we will be able to pursue the actions identified during the day which will contribute to our mission and ministry as God’s Church in this place, more of which will no doubt be shared in the weeks and months, if not years, ahead. I would like to thank everyone for giving up the best part of day for this process, when time is so pressured and precious. Many people helped make the day happen, for which I am most grateful and I must mention Mrs Sue Chandler who kindly and skilfully facilitated the day for us – thank you!
There is no escape from the fact that the away day had change at its
heart. The Church and wider society are in a kind of awkward relationship, in which the one has lagged behind the other in many ways, but which risks losing some of its essence in its effort to ‘catch up’. This is likely to be an ongoing and global issue, but it is one that we have to face here in our rural parishes as we do elsewhere.
There are many aspects to this, but at the away day I announced that a
new pattern of worship will be put in place across the parishes of the Okeford Benefice from Sunday 14 April. Details of the new pattern will be in the parish magazines and Benefice Bulletin available in our churches, but please be aware that it involves changes to service times as well as the kinds of service that are taking place, so it is essential to check!
Come and Praise services are intended for all generations and are more
informal in their style. They take place once monthly in the churches of
Shillingstone, Child Okeford and Okeford Fitzpaine. The Come and
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Praise service at Child Okeford will draw on the expertise of the Messy Church team there, which has been particularly valued by many young families. The first of these will be on Sunday 21st April at 11am (note the new time!), preceded by refreshments and craft activities from 10.30am. All are welcome (whatever your age!) to this, as you are to all of our ser-vices.
Finally, on a slightly different note, although vicars these days are in-
creasingly busy people, visiting people in the parishes is a most important part of our work. If you would like me to visit you or indeed someone else, for any reason, please don’t hesitate to ask – I would be delighted to do so.
With every blessing Fr Darren A’Court
Sewing and Craft group
The next meeting of the Sewing and Craft Group will be at the home of Margaret Horton, No. 15 Bowey, at 2.30 pm on Monday, 15th April. Please feel free to come and join us. More info from Jane Tapping 01258 860095.
New Pattern of Monthly Services
1st Sunday - Benefice Eucharist which will move round the Benefice churches each month and will start at 10.00 am.
Starting on 14th April services as St. Andrew’s will follow this pattern 2nd Sunday Parish Eucharist, (Holy Communion) 3rd Sunday Parish Eucharist (Holy Communion) 4th Sunday Come & Praise Services in future will start at 11 o clock each Sunday.
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Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall
The Annual General Meeting of the Management Committee will take place on Monday April 15th at 7:30pm, this will be followed by a commit-tee meeting.
AGENDA Apologies Minutes of April 16th 2012 Matters Arising Chairman's Report Treasurer's Report Election of Committee Election of Officers A.O.B.
Current committee members:- Diane Burt, Mike Burt, Anthea Calcott, Jacquie Dakin, Allan Frampton, Zoe Goddard, Fred Philpott, Barbara Pluthero and Jane Tapping.
There is always room for more!
Diane Burt, Treasurer/Secretary & bookings. Tel: 01258 807697 or email [email protected]
BENEFICE QUIZ NIGHT Friday 19th April 2013 7.30pm
Shillingstone Church Centre,
Everyone is invited. Entry £1.50.
Wine will be available at a small cost. Nibbles - Free.
A Raffle - an assortment of prizes.
Please do come and support this event.
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Okeford Fitzpaine Parish Council
The Police have recently attended the School with regard to irresponsible parking which could be endangering the lives of children. They will be making further unannounced visits to try to encourage residents to park responsibly.
At the last Parish Council Meeting Nicholas Taylor & Associates,
Town Planning Consultants were in attendance to inform the Council that land at Playdells Farm had come forward for potential development, plans were produced to show the area concerned. Planning Matters Applications to be discussed at the next Parish Council Meeting
2/2013/0166/PLNG – Listed Building Consent - Castle Cottage, Castle Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, - Replace window in lieu of door and double doors in lieu of window. Carry out internal and external alterations.
2/2013/0259/PLNG - Garlands Farm, Garlands Lane, Okeford
Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RT - Discharge of condition No 4 - external finish, No 8 - Noise from planning permission 2/2012/1161 Desicions
2/2012/1498/PLNG – Former Faccenda Factory, Higher Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RQ – Erect 25 x dwellings, parking and access (Reserved Matters) – Approval of reserved matters. The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on 2 April 2013.
That taxing time of year A man, submitting information to his income tax preparer, was asked how many dependents he had. "Eight," he replied unhappily. The preparer asked, "Would you mind repeating that?" The man replied earnestly, "Not if I can help it."
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Goddard Landscapes Ltd.
Water features, Patios, Walls,
Fencing &
Driveways any job considered.
Tel 01258 861046
Email in-
www.goddardlandscapes.co.uk
Advice to gardeners: The easiest way to tell the difference between young plants and weeds is to pull up everything. If they come up again, they’re weeds.
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Email: [email protected]
The Olde Bell Stores & Post Office Okeford Fitzpaine 01258 860414
General grocerieslocal produce.Photo Copier Bakery serving breadcakeswarm savouriestake-away tea & coffee
croissants on Sundays Off Licence NewspapersTraditional sweetshop
Opening Hours Shop: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 7.30-5.30 Wed,7.30-1.00pm Sat 8.30-1.2.30 Sun 9-11
Post Office: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9-1, 2-5.30. Wed 9-1 Sat 9-12.30. Sun closed.
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Okeford Fitzpaine CE VA Primary School
Dear All,
We’ve had a hard working enjoyable term and we are all looking forward to a deserved rest over Easter before starting the final term of this school year. It must be my age but each year seems to go quicker and quicker.
I’m sure our Year 6 children will be feeling nervous about SATs (those “quizzes” as Mr Johnson describes them!) and about moving on to High School and the challenges that will face them. However, they will also be excited about the new chapter awaiting them and they will be ready to move on. Bacon Buttie Breakfast
We had another successful and enjoyable breakfast this half term. I did the cooking but everyone survived!! We will advertise next terms event so that as many of you who wish may attend. ZooLab
All children had hands on session with “ZooLab”. Reception and KS1 learnt about “Growing” and KS2 will had an amazing session on “Life Cycles”. The PFA helped fund this event and we would like to thank them for their contribution towards this enjoyable and rewarding educational day. World Book Day – Thursday 7th March
Book tokens to the value of £1 were sent home with the scholastic book club magazine. The £1 could be deducted off the cost of any book in the magazine and children could also use their tokens in participating book shops. To celebrate World Book Day the whole school enjoyed a morning of book-themed activities. Many thanks to Mr Laws for planning this enjoyable morning. As part of the day’s activities children brought in one of their favourite books and explained why they liked it so much! Maths 2 Evening Our second session of the maths workshops took place recently. This session covered methods used in multiplication and division. Free childcare was available for parents. This was a session for adults only. The previous session on addition and subtraction methods was found to be
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Very beneficial to those who attended. Our aim is to help support the child’s learning both in school and at home. Rock Solid
Rock Solid had another of their monthly session on the 8th March. The title of the session was “The X Factor”. Rock solid is open to children in year 2 to year 6. There is no charge to attend this club which is held in the school hall. It is a very popular activity for the children and we are grateful to the Carr family for planning and running these events. Reports
Full reports for children in Year 1 to Year 6 were issued this term. Children in Reception received an interim report. There full report is sent out at the end of their first year with us in July. Parent/Teacher meetings were held on Tuesday 19th March between 3.30pm and 5pm and Wednesday 20th March between 5pm and 7pm. We always aim to meet with all parents to share progress and to discuss areas for development. Internet Safety Evening at Sturminster Newton High School
This event was held on Wednesday 13th March at 6.30pm. It was free to attend and gave interested parents an opportunity to find out more about internet safety. It is great that we can share events in this way. Red Nose Day – Friday 15th March
The school and Pre-School fundraised on Red Nose Day by “wearing something funny for money” and hosting a Coffee Morning. Children came to school wearing a red nose or funny outfit for £1 donation. Parents and friends called in between 9.15am and 11am for coffee/tea and cakes which were on sale. Pre-School were selling drinks and cakes and we appreciate the donations of cakes or cookies to sell. Pre-School and school made over £100 each. A fantastic effort for Comic Relief. Many thanks, everyone! Madagascar 3 Film Night
The PFA held a film night from 3.15pm – 5pm on Friday 22nd March. Tickets cost £2.50 per child and the children were provided with a drink and snack included in the price. These are always popular events. Thank you PFA. Police
You probably noticed a police presence this term prior to school starting. They are monitoring the parking situation outside of school when children are dropped off and being picked up. For the safety of all our children and parents they will not hesitate to enforce the law when
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Saturday April 20th 2013 “THIS GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND” Four Centuries of English Music including works by
Purcell, Boyce, Parry, Elgar & Vaughan Williams With the
Briantspuddle Singers Conducted by Dr Richard Hall
The New Barn Theatre, Milton Abbey School, 7.30 pm Piano Duncan Honeybourne Orchestra Leader Nikki Leadbetter
Tickets £10 including Light Refreshments by telephone
01929 554055/email [email protected] Or on the door. Wine and soft drinks will be available.
necessary. Please do your bit to keep your child and our entire children safe before and after school. Ofsted
Following our inspection on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th March the full report should be available on Friday 22ndMarch. Providing it comes through we will of course send a copy of the report home to all families. It will be available to view on our website and on the Ofsted website. Next month I will share a summary with you all and our thoughts following the inspection. Student Support Centre
Each family has received a letter about private tuition from the Student Support Centre. Reply slips returned, even if families are not interested in the service, provides the school with a donation. Thanks for your co operation.
We wish you all a very Happy Easter – don’t eat too many Easter eggs! If you can make it to one of St. Andrew’s Easter services I’m sure you
will find it a positive experience and a chance to remind yourself what Easter is all about.
The resurrection of Jesus. New life. Hope for the future.
Yours sincerely, Mark Acreman Head Teacher see also pages 24 &25
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ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION STURMINSTER NEWTON & GILLINGHAM BRANCH
To join contact Tony Edmunds 01258 473823
For Hire Mini digger– various types and siz-
es of buckets 2 ton flatbed trailer 2 ton tipper trailer
Farm Manure-bagged or trailer load Self drive hire & towed Contact: Mike Bartlett Mill Farm Bungalow Shillingstone Lane Okeford Fitzpaine
Phone 01258 861647 Mobile 07890 829645
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Located within Okeford Fitzpaine CE VA Primary School
Opening Times Monday to Friday 8.00am - 3.00pm
Ages 2 – 5 years. Experienced, qualified friendly staff. Safe enclosed outdoor play area. Wide range of indoor
activities Earlier start or later finish time available if required.
Please contact Pre-School Manager Niki Carey on 01258 860023 Email: [email protected]
Bumps, Babes and Bigs Toddler Group part of pre-school meets Fridays 9.15 to 11.15 in the school hall during term time. Please
come and join our friendly group.
NEWS FROM THE PRE-SCHOOL
The Pre-School children, together with Reception and Years 1 and 2 from the Primary school were very lucky to experience a visit from Zoo Labs – a company that travels to pre-schools and schools with a selection of small animals and mini beasts. Our children were able to see or hold, stick insects, an American Corn Snake, an African Snail, a millipede amongst others.
We held a fundraising coffee/cake morning in the School Hall, on Friday 15th March, in aid of Comic Relief and pre-school. All parents and their children from the Toddler group and Pre-School, as well as those from the village were invited to come along and buy some cakes – most being made by our lovely parents. We had a great couple of hours and raised a fantastic £103. £63 will be sent to Comic Relief to help them continue their brilliant work in Africa and the United Kingdom. £40 will be used by Pre-School to buy some resources to support the children’s learning and development.
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BRITISH NEWSPAPERS a little light relief
The Daily Telegraph
Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, 'We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It's possible that Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house.'
The Manchester Evening News Police reveal that a woman arrested for shoplifting had a whole salami
in her underwear. When asked why, she said it was because she was missing her Italian boyfriend.
The Guardian Irish police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van because
they cannot issue a description. It’s a Special Branch vehicle and they don’t want the public to know what it looks like.
The Times A young girl who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth was
rescued by a man on a rubber lobster. A coast guard spokesman commented ‘This sort of thing is all too common’.
Aberdeen Evening Express At the height of the gale, the harbour-master radioed a coast guard and
asked him to estimate the wind speed. He replied he was sorry, but he didn’t have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind had just blown his Land Rover off the cliff.
Bournemouth Evening Echo Mrs Irene Graham of Thorpe Avenue, Bournemouth, delighted the
audience with her reminiscence of the German prisoner-of-war who was sent each week to do her garden. He was repatriated at the of 1945, she recalled - “He’d always seemed a nice friendly chap, but when the crocuses came up in the middle of our lawn in February 1946, they spelt out ‘Heil Hitler’.”
Sent in by Peter Bowles
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Spring Market Village Hall
Sunday 14th April
11.00 am - 4.00 pm
Lots of Stalls including
plants, home-made jams and chutneys.
cakes & biscuits, Mere fish farm,
small antiques, jewellery, crafts, bath
products, charities, bric-a-brac,
Usborne books,
second hand books, greetings cards,
Tombola.
All day Refreshments
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SHILLINGSTONE TENNIS AND RECREATION CLUB
The tennis season never closes on the courts at Shillingstone... But the tennis club's membership year runs from 1st April so, if you wish to renew your subscription, or join the club, the cost is unchanged from last year: Family £50; adult £28; senior citizen or full-time student £20; junior (up to 18) £13. There is also a refundable £4 deposit charged for the key to the courts (for existing members, just swap your old key for a new one – the padlock is changed on 1st April).
For more details about the club and membership, contact Membership
Secretary Carole Whitfeld (Honeysuckle Cottage, Blandford Road, Shillingstone. Tel. 01258 860016),or phone Club Chairman Graham Smith on 01258 860611.
Coaching sessions with professional coach Graham Howell are run on
Wednesday evenings (from 15th May, for teenagers and adults) and on Sunday mornings (from 19th May, for juniors aged from five to 10) for 10 weeks during the summer school term.
The Wednesday sessions are from 7 to 8pm for teenagers (£25 for 10
lessons, payable in advance, or £3 per lesson); and from 8 to 9pm for adults (£35 in advance, or £4.50 per lesson).
Sunday sessions are from 10 to 11am for the five-seven age group; and
from 11 to noon for those aged eight-ten. Charges are £2.50 per session for children of club members, £3 for non-members.
A start-of-season mixed doubles tournament is being organised on
Sunday 12th May, starting at 2pm, for all members to come along and participate – bring a racquet and a plate of food (drinks will be provided by the club). For more information about this, phone Sharon Proyer on 01258 863669.
Chris Whitfeld Shillingstone Tennis Club
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Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic
Sturminster Newton & Shaftesbury
Farm Animal Practice &
Domestic Pets Consultation By Appointment
8.30am-6.00pm
24 hour Emergency Care
01258 472314 01747 850500
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News from SturQuest – The Community Partnership for the Sturminster Newton Area
Sturminster Newton is a buzz with plans for forthcoming community events taking place in the area during the forthcoming months. Here at the SturQuest Community Office, we are busy making arrangements for the 2nd SturQuest Coffee Morning. This will be taking place at The Exchange on Wednesday 15th May and themed on Health and Leisure activities in the area. Both NHS, volunteer and private health and leisure experts will be on hand to advise and demonstrate what they can provide. Look out for the eye catching posters.
The Sturminster Show, organised by the Scouts, takes place on Saturday 15th June and they would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to help on the day. Assistance is needed in the following areas:- Bar, BBQ, refreshments, tombola, raffle and sweet stall. Call them on 07920097077.
If your group or organisation is planning an event this year, do remember to send your publicity to the SturQuest Community Office. Not only can we display your event on our noticeboards, we can include details on the SturQuest website. We also have display boards and gazebos for hire, including a large 9 x 4m version, and can offer a printing and laminating service. Call us for prices.
To contact the SturQuest Community Office, telephone 01258 471456, email [email protected] or visit the SturQuest website at www.stur.org.uk.
Jacqui Wragg Community Resource Worker
Last year I entered the London marathon. The race started and soon I was in trouble. It was embarrassing, for as the hours went by, I slid further and further back in the race, until I was at the very end. The man who was in front of me, second to last, then began making fun of me. He said, "Hey buddy, how does it feel to be last?"
I replied: "You really want to know?" Then I dropped out of the race.
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Date Time Venue Price
Show Contact |No
6th April Exchange 7.30 £6 £3.50 un 18
“Great Expectstions” Film
01258 475137
10th April Font.Magna VH 7.30 £5 or £5.50 door
“Quartet” Movieola Film
01757 811189
13th April Exchange 7.30 £20.
Peter Donohue CBE Concert pianist
01757 811189
17th April Exchange 7.30 £10, £12
“My Wife & the King” Edward & Wallis from Ernest Simpson’s point of view. Impact Theatre Co.
01757 811189
27th April Exchange 7.30 £7
Tom Gee Band. Blues, Soul & Funk
01757 811189
The Entertainemt Page. What’s on in the district.
Film Night at Ibberton Village Hall Saturday 27th April 7.30 pm
Tickets £5 To book phone 01258 817269 or 817555 Quartet (2012)
At a home for retired opera singers, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former
wife of one of the residents. Director: Dustin Hoffman
Stars: Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon and Billy Connolly.
Pauline Collins, Tom Courtney
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Old Fashioned Cakes Every one is baking cakes, so we are told. Cup cakes with an inch of
cake and two- three inches of sugary topping leave me cold. I prefer something less sickly. I learnt my recipes via Mum, the W. I. and Good Housekeeping. This month I’m including some of my own favourites and some from the members of the Sewing group
Boiled Fruit Cake from Joan France. Moist & keeps well
12 oz traditional dried fruit, 4 oz glacé cherries quartered Or 1lb any dried fruit. 4oz butter or marg, 4oz soft brown sugar, ½ pt water Put all the above in a pan, bring to the boil then simmer for about 20
mins. Leave to cool. Add 2 beaten eggs and 8 oz SR flour and mix in. Spoon into 7 in deep, lined round tin and bake at 180C/350F/gas4/160 fan oven for approx 1 hr 30 mins.
Lemon Drizzle Cake from Margaret Horton
6 oz softened butter, 6 oz caster sugar, grated zest & juice of 1 lemon, 2 medium eggs beaten, 3-4 tblsp full fat milk, 6 oz SR flour, 3oz caster sugar.
Preheat oven to Gas4/180C. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin. Beat butter, sugar and zest together in a bowl. Gradually beat in eggs and milk.
Sift flour into mixture and fold together. Spoon into prepared tin. Bake for 45-55 mins or until the cake is golden and firm to touch.
Mix lemon juice and caster sugar. Make holes all over cake using a cocktail stick or skewer and pour over the lemon icing immediately. Leave in tin for 5 mins, then turn out to cool on a wire rack.
Orange Drizzle Cake. As above but using orange zest and juice. Pineapple Loaf Cake also from Margaret Horton
11oz SR flour, 5 oz butter, cubed, finely grated zest of 1 orange, 5 oz caster sugar, 1 (227g) can pineapple rings, drained with 3 tbspn juice reserved, 4 oz sultanas, 4 oz glacé cherries, 2 medium eggs beaten, Honey Butter to serve.
Preheat oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease a 2lb loaf tin nd line base with grease proof paper. Reserve 2 tbsp flour and sift remaining into bowl. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in orange zest. Pat pineapple dry in kitchen paper and cut into small pieces. Toss with the sultanas, cherries and reserved flour. Add to mixture and mix well. Add eggs and pineapple juice and mix
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well. Spoon into prepared tin and level surface. Bake for 1hour 15 mins until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Chesk after 45 mins and cover with foil if the top is becoming too brown. Leave to cool in tin for 10 mins, then turn out and cool on wire rack. Slice and serve with honey butter. Not a keeping cake.
Honey Butter. Beat 3oz softened butter and add 2 tbsp thick honey until smooth. Chill until required. Also delicious on toast.
Tuckbox Cake
12 oz SR flour, ¼ tsp salt, 5 oz butter or marg, 5 oz brown sugar, 4 oz glace cherries, 4 oz chopped dates, 4 oz mixed dried fruit, 2 eggs, milk to mix.
Sieve together flour & salt and rub in fat. Add sugar, cut up cherries, dates, and fruit, add the slightly beaten egs with enough milk to give a dropping consistency. Put into a greased and lined square or oblong tin and bake in a moderately hot oven, 350F/180C/Gas Mark 4, for about 1½ hours. Reduce heat slightly if the top starts to brown too quickly. Test with skewer as in previous recipe and cool for 5-10 mins then tunr out onto rack.
Lemon Seed Cake Haven’t made this for years must make one soon. Seed cake always sounds like 5 going off to Kirrin Island together with lashing of gingerbeer.
10 oz SR flour, 3 oz butter, 5 oz sugar, 1 oz carraway seeds, grated rind of 1 lemon, 1 egg, milk to mix, sugar to dredge.
Sieve flour, rub in fat and add sugar, carawat seeds and finely grated lemon rind. Mix with the beaten egg and milk to a dropping consoistency and put mixture into a greased and lined tin. Sprinkle top with sugar and bake in a moderate oven, 350F/180C/Gark mark 4 for about 1½ hours.
Home-made cakes are good wholesome food with no additives like so
many mass produced ones, and, eaten in moderation, are not bad for you. And they are much cheaper weight for weight too.
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On Wednesday 27th February, the Year 2 children from Okeford
Fitzpaine Primary School visited Shillingstone Station. It was exciting going on the top deck in the bus! Jack and Tom nearly fell off the edge of the platform onto the train track!
By Holly (age 7) We explored an old carriage which is going to be made into a café. We
went in the signal-box. The boys pulled some levers but the girls pulled all sixteen! We saw a pretend train track outside and it was really big! All my friends (the girls) and the boys ran beside it.
By Marion (age 7) We saw some pretend trains. There were rabbit droppings on the track
which sometimes makes the carriages come off the rails! We went in the shop and sat near the fire. We all went back to school with a pencil.
By Tom (age 6)
Full Steam Ahead! Our Year 2 Class from Okeford Fitzpaine visited
The Shillingstone Railway Project.
It is always “full steam ahead” for eight very special children from Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School. The Year 2 class (6 and 7 year olds) pictured here, have boundless energy and enthusiasm for everything they do! On Wednesday 27th February we caught the 9.15am bus, in order to visit the Shillingstone Railway Project. How exciting it was travelling on the top deck of a double-decker!
When we arrived at Shillingstone Station, the children explored an old train and learnt about plans for its renovation. They also discovered that an old carriage had been used to transport explosives.
The children were delighted to watch a miniature model railway (with many replica buildings) and they were excited to run alongside the trains on the outdoor model railway. We were amused to learn that the carriages are sometimes at risk of derailing due to rabbit droppings on the track!
Another highlight of the trip was climbing the steep steps to the signal-box. It was a bitterly cold day but pulling the sixteen levers back and forth fascinated us. At the end of the trip we huddled around a cosy open fire in the shop – especially appreciated by those of us who hadn’t worked hard enough on the levers! Vanessa Moriarty
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FIPPENNY GARDEN CLUB
A great evening; many thanks to Angie, for giving us an insight into the rich history of Sherborne Castle and grounds. A super talk and wonderful high quality slides too. Thanks again to David for making the equipment available for the evening. Some lovely displays of early Spring Flowers too with Jacquie being voted the best; well done!
Next Meeting: Monday 8th April 7.30pm Village Hall ‘Plants for Difficult Places’
By a member of the Castle Gardens Team
Do come and join us, even if you are a prospective member of our club or just a visitor! Topics to be covered include ‘Plants and planting for Fence and Hedge Areas’ and ‘Plants and Planting for Slopes and Banks’. Also, a chance to pay any outstanding subscriptions for the year to Roy – only £6.00 – bargain!
News:
Potato Competition: Yes, we are off and running for this year’s competition. If you have yet to enter, I have all you need. Just pop down to see me at Brook House, Lower Street, the seed potatoes are chitting well. Only £1.50 per entry for all you need. Have some fun and get a bag of potatoes at the end of it!
Summer Show Topics: The theme this year for the Summer Show
Photo Competition is ‘Blossom Time’ and the craft topic for the Summer Show is ‘Something for a Child’.
May Meeting: Date for the meeting is 13th May (and not 7th May as in the programme). And finally...... What game do cows play at parties?.......Mooosical chairs
An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch on Okeford Hill. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull." Buddy didn't
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LEWESTON NURSERY Situated just outside Sherborne in 46 acres of beautiful Dorset parkland, Leweston Nursery and Prep offer an inspiring education in a happy and purposeful environment to girls and boys aged 2 to 11.
A Catholic Foundation which welcomes pupils of all denominations
Leweston School Trust Is a registered Charity number 295175
For more information please contact Chiara Damant on
01963 211010 or email: [email protected]
www.leweston.co.uk Morning and afternoon sessions and after school crèche available. Free Parent and Toddler Music
Group every Thursday 9am-11am. Just drop in!
move. Then the farmer hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull." Buddy didn't respond. Once more the farmer commanded, "Pull, Jennie, pull." Nothing! Then the farmer nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull." And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch. The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times. The farmer said, "Oh, Buddy is blind, and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try!"
An old farmer and his wife were leaning against the edge of their pig-pen when the old woman wistfully recalled that the next week would mark their golden wedding anniversary. "Let's have a party, Bert," she suggested. "Let's kill a pig and have a hog-roast.” Bert scratched his grizzled head. "Gee, Mabel," he finally answered, "I don't see why the pig should take the blame for something that happened fifty years ago."
FRED PHILPOTT, Chairman
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Beware when the choirs meet The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren
You agonised recently over your ecumenical service: who should be invited? Who should preach? What about the order of service? If you had attended our recent combined churches’ choir festival, your own dilemmas would have seemed a little less acute.
At the pre-meeting, there was heated discussion about whether those
choirs who normally wore robes would be comfortable standing among those who didn’t. The more aesthetically sensitive worried whether St. Agatha’s pea green cassocks may clash with our red ones. Intending to be helpful, but phrasing it rather badly, someone suggested that the normally robed choirs should wear nothing. Colonel Wainwright was a little too quick to chuckle.
I began to wonder if a prize was to be awarded to the person who
raised the greatest number of concerns: Should the choirs stay separate? Would the tenors be next to the altos or the basses? Where would extra seating be placed? Would the heating be on for the rehearsal? Then came what you would call the ‘elephant in the room’: of all the choirmasters, who would conduct and who play the organ? Tension mounted, and expressions grew grim. But before the committee started to dig trenches in my carpet and position howitzers under the desk, I briefly left the room, turned off all the electricity and claimed we’d had a power cut. This is a useful device for truculent committees; sadly, it can be used only rarely.
Come the day, an uneasy truce lasted while everyone adopted the
traditional solution to disagreement within congregations, and did exactly what they wanted. Some were robed, some were not, some choirs congealed in their own huddles, while others joyfully sat next to people from other churches – mainly so they could point out their neighbour’s wrong notes. Some sang in the right key, some sang in the wrong key, some sang what sounded like quite different songs altogether.
The service ended with one choir thinking that the organist had played
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Okeford United Football Club :- Monthly Draw results.
March 2013 :- £30—[No.15] Steve Corben £10—[No.130] Stuart Antell £5— [No.131] Sam Pike Many thanks to all our supporters. Anyone interested in joining our monthly draw (cost £1 per month) - please contact Allan Frampton (860083) or any Football Club member.
too loudly, while another choir thought that the conductor wasn’t up to much. Everyone agreed afterwards that we must do it again, while firmly stating that if their own choirmaster didn’t conduct next year, they wouldn’t be there.
Thankfully, one fundamental thing on the day united them: they all
said that our church was too cold. Your loving uncle, Eustace
The drums of Borneo A missionary went to Borneo. Accompanied by a local guide, he
sought out a very remote clearing in the forest of Sumatra for building a church to reach the people living there. Around dusk of the first day, he was sitting by the campfire with his guide when in the distance, they heard tribal drums begin. As the minutes passed, the drums got louder. The guide was uneasy. "I don't like the sound of those drums."
Soon the dusk turned to evening. The drums get louder, and closer.
The guide now kept glancing around him. He said again to the missionary, "I really don't like the sound of those drums."
Then evening turned to dead of night. The two men sat close to their
fire, listening with dread. The drums got louder and louder, until it was obvious that the drummers must be almost upon them. The guide said again, "I really don't like the sound of those drums." Suddenly the drums stopped, and a voice from the darkness cried out,
"Hey man, he's not our regular drummer!"
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Dorset Wildlife Trust – North Dorset Group Wednesday 17th April 2013
Dorset’s diversity of plants and habitats makes it a haven for a host of different wildlife species. But even the most observant amongst you may not have spotted a Reed Leopard or Cistus Forester – or if you were fortunate enough to glimpse one, you may well have not realised just what it was...a moth!
County Ecologist, Dr Philip Sterling, will be able to help you identify literally hundreds of the wonderfully named and stunningly beautiful moths that Dorset is home to, as well as some rare migrants to the county such as the Tawny Wave, which is a nationally scarce species.
His illustrated talk will begin shortly after 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th
April in the Village Hall at Fontmell Magna (postcode SP7 0JU). Just
before the talk there will be a very short AGM – but it will be over very
quickly! Entrance is £2 and includes tea/coffee & biscuits. There is no
charge for children. Non-members of DWT are very welcome.
Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School PFA – Rag Bag Bin Collections
Many thanks to everybody who has contributed to filling the Rag Bin. We have had our collections bin at the front of the school for nearly a year now and we have received around £550 for the clothes and textiles we have sent off.
The PFA help fund different activities and visitors to the school. The
children experienced a visit from ZooLab. ZooLab is an animal handling workshop. Some of the children held a corn snake, a stick insect, a tree frog and got to look and learn about other insects and animals. This caused great excitement and proved to be very enjoyable.
The PFA have also contributed money to upgrade the computers and server in the ICT suite.
Once again thank you for helping us to do these things. It is good to
know that we are also helping others that are in need of our unwanted clothes and textiles and that they are not just going to landfill. The PFA
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N.B. The closing date for copy is the 20th of the month .
April brings the Primrose sweet Scatters Daisies at our Feet
Flower Rota For April
13th & 20th Zoe Goddard
27th Wedding
23rd April St George’s Day
Birthday of William Shakespeare
32
Who’s Who
Okeford Fitzpaine School Mr. M. Acreman Head 860530
Mr Ian Berry Chairman of Governors
860656
Parish Council Mr Mike Burt Chairman 807697
Mrs Sandra Deary Clerk 01258 459863
Footpaths Mark Paine 861719
Homewatch Mike Wood co-ordinator 860146
Transport Mrs Anthea Calcott 861071
Pre - school Niki Carey Manager 860023
Village Hall Mrs Diane Burt Secretary 807697
Mrs Diane Burt Bookings 807697
Okeford United Mr Stephen Corben Chairman 861327
Football Club Mr Allan Frampton 860083
Fippenny Garden Club Fred Philpott Chairman 863419
Mrs. Marilyn Berry Secretary 860656
Short Mat Bowling Club Mrs Barbara Pluthero
861524
Youth Club Mike Bennett Youth Worker 01258 472368
Allotment Group Robert Loving Chairman 860966
Fippenny News E-mail [email protected]
Mrs Barbara Pluthero
Distribution 861524
Mrs Jane Tapping Editor 860095
Shop The Olde Bell Stores & Post Office 860414
The Royal Oak 861561
Surgery Child Okeford 860687
The Hill C.O. Kate Partridge & Richard Muffett
Editor email:- [email protected]