BRIDE VALLEY NEWS
The deadline for copy for any month’s issue is mid-day of the second Thursday of the preceding month. All material for
publication must be sent to the Village Correspondent. For Litton Cheney this is: John Firrell, Tel: 01308 482313
email: jfirrell20@gmail.com
VILLAGE INFORMATION
VILLAGE INFORMATION
NEWS
Village Newsletter January 2025
Photo by Claire Moore 3_7_2021
Bridport Local Area Bulletin 14
th
January 2025
PARISH COUNCIL
ABOUT LITTON CHENEY
VILLAGE FACILITIES
LOCAL SERVICES
VILLAGE INFORMATION
Litton Cheney Parish Council
January’s Parish Council meeting was held on the 14
th
January. The meeting minutes can be found on the village website
littoncheney.org.uk. At this meeting the roles of Chairman and Vice-Chairman were exchanged with Chairman Bill Orchard
becoming Vice-Chairman, and Vice-Chairman John Firrell becoming Chairman. This is part of a plan to manage succession
with both Bill and John standing down at some point in the future, and new incumbents being elevated into the roles of Chair
and Vice-Chair. We also formally welcomed our new Clerk, Debbie Hollings, who will also apply her clerking skills to Shipton
Gorge Parish Council, and thanked outgoing Clerk Lucy Beasley for her sterling work during her relatively short period with
us.
Bill Orchard has served as Chairman since September 2015 when he took over from previous Chairman, Steve Kourik. We
will save our best plaudits for Bill for when he finally steps down from the Parish Council but suffice to say we are extremely
fortunate to have the services of such a worthy individual who has given, and continues to give, such valiant service to the
administrative affairs of Litton Cheney. During Bill’s time we have lost the District Council (not Bill’s fault), losing a vital layer
between Parish and the unitary authority, Dorset Council. It is to Bill’s eternal credit that during his term as Chairman few toys
have been thrown out of prams, and decisions have been arrived out via sensible debate and common sense. There is clearly
a future role for Bill at the United Nations! Thank you, Bill, for everything!
Considerate Car Parking – It is appreciated that cars are an essential part of living in rural Dorset, and villages such as Litton,
not helped by the lack of public transport servicing outlying areas. Notwithstanding, there is still the need to give careful
consideration to where you park your vehicle, ensuring access is maintained for your neighbours, bin collections and
emergency vehicles. Thank you in anticipation of your consideration.
Full Fibre
Openreach have almost completed their works in the village, just a stretch of Chalk Pit Lane to be finished off.
A gentle reminder that if you registered via the voucher scheme then you are obliged to follow through with the commitment to
sign up for Full Fibre broadband. You do not have to stay with your existing provider if you are out of contract and in some
instances if you are towards the end of your existing contract then you may find the remainder could be bought out by
whoever you choose to sign up with.
Please check your availability via www.openreach.co.uk and then speak to whichever provider you wish go with. Be aware
that some providers will no longer offer a landline and some will not transfer your existing landline number, so please check
with them first.
If you have any queries regarding broadband provision, please contact me via robertmatthewslcpc@gmail.com Rob
Matthews
What’s on at Litton and Thorner’s Community Hall (LATCH) in February
REGULAR EVENTS
Mondays 3.30 – 4.30 Big Q (term time only)
Tuesdays 4.45 – 5.45 Short Mat Bowls (Ron Davidson 482661)
Wednesdays 4.45 – 5.45 Table Tennis (Ron Davidson 482661 or Paul Kingston 482162)
Thursdays 9.15 – 11.15 First Steps Toddlers (fortnightly, term time only)
7.00 Mindful Movement Jane Hutchins (07882 527697)
OTHER EVENTS
Thursday 6
th
7.30 Film Night “The Holdovers”
Saturday 15
th
10.00 Deanery Synod
Tuesday 18
th
11.00 Artsreach Children’s Show
Monday 24
th
7.30 Allotments AGM
Village Cafés: The hall is available for hire free of charge on Saturday mornings for a Café to raise funds for any group. It’s a
good social event for the community and always popular – contact me to book a date.
Hall Bookings/viewings: Wendy Firrell 01308 482532 wtlitton@gmail.com
BRIDE VALLEY FILMS - Next films at Litton Cheney Community Hall.
THURSDAY 6th FEBRUARY
THE HOLDOVERS ‘Cert.15 2hrs 13 ‘excellent acting, direction and cinematography’
From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, The Holdovers follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New
England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during the holiday break to babysit the handful of students with
nowhere to go. Eventually, he forms an unlikely bond with one of them, a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic
Sessa), and the school's head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam (Da'Vine Joy Randolph).
THURSDAY 6th MARCH
THE CRITIC Cert.15 1hr.40 ”‘British film at its best’
Set in 1930’s London, The Critic is a thrilling tale of ambition, blackmail, and desire with a dazzling anti-hero at its heart. When
the most feared and vicious theatre critic in town Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) finds himself suddenly in the cross hairs of
the Daily Chronicle’s new owner, he strikes a Faustian pact with struggling actress Nina Land (Gemma Arterton) who is
desperate to win his favour.
Doors Open: 7.00 p.m. Films start 7.30 p.m. TICKETS: £5.00 (to include a glass of wine) Tickets in advance from: Sally
Dyke 482752, Elizabeth Kingston 482162, Bella Spurrier 482367 or on the door. (All nos. 01308)
More films on 3 April and possibly 1 May.
Look out for further details on posters, on the website and in the BVN.
Thorner’s School
Although we have only been back a week, the recent flurries of snow sent the children giddy with excitement - at both the
chance to play out in the cold weather and the possibility of a snow day at home! As it proved, school was able to remain
open as usual and many thanks to parents and teachers for coming in/through some very difficult driving conditions.
The children have begun term with the usual mix of new Christmas gifts on show - ranging from new coats and bags to smart
new shoes and shiny pencil cases. It is clear all had a lovely time at home with parents and extended family and returned
ready for a short but busy half term. Our trip to church at the start of term went well with a set of new bell ringers trying their
hand up the tower for the first time and also we welcomed the chance to sing and perform some new hymns.
Our working party in our wildlife area were brilliant and powered on despite the sub-zero temperatures - many thanks in
particular to Oisin and Eoghan - for all their hard work in clearing so many areas and ensuring the area is available for use
this coming term when the weather allows!
We have much planned for this term with 6 trips and activities across the school and we look forward to sharing details and
pictures of these in the March issue.
Mike Sitch
Headmaster
Bride Valley Garden Club
The club is gearing itself up for another busy year, welcoming old and new members to its monthly meetings from March –
more about that next month. After reviewing the responses to a questionnaire we believe we are on the right path in meeting
members' wishes and that our programme for 2025 reflects this. It offers varied garden topics, a chance to socialise with like-
minded people and, often, plants to buy. Probably the best advertisement for any club is word of mouth from members and if
you are new to the area it probably won't be long before someone invites you along to a meeting if they think you might be
developing, or already have an interest in plants and gardens. We are fortunate to live in an area where so many “experts”
choose to call it home and that many of them prove to be such good speakers. From expensive media personalities to
thoroughly knowledgeable nurserymen and botanists we hope they will tempt you out this year when they speak at one of our
meetings. Such topics as fuchsias, clematis, succulents and the kitchen garden are on offer as well as welcoming in May the
always engaging Tim Walker, an internationally renowned speaker and ex-Director of Oxford Botanical Garden. To round off
our year in October we will be holding a Gardener's Question Time and social event at which we will be inviting members to
put their questions to the diverse knowledge of our distinguished panel of three.
We meet in the Litton Cheney Village Hall on the 3rd Monday in the month and if you'd like to know more about the club do
talk either to me, or to Liz, the club secretary (07751 942588)
Meanwhile keep warm!
Ali Halliday (balletboots@live.com, 01308 482314)
The Bridport Local Area Partnership (BLAP) is here for the community. Current members of the partnership include Bridport
Town Council, 10 Parish Councils and more than 80 community organisations and individuals working to improve the social,
economic, and environmental wellbeing of Bridport and surrounding areas.
For information or if you have a piece you would like included in the BLAP Bulletin, please contact Jo Hughes by email at
jo.hughes@bridport-tc.gov.uk
Bridport Winter Warm Venues
A number of venues will be open over the winter period offering a warm welcome and refreshments free of charge or for a small
donation. The venues are open to everyone in the community and are a great chance to make new friends and chat. No need
to book, just turn up.
Bridport Library - Cuppa & Company
Drop in for a warm welcome and a free cuppa every Friday from 10am to 12noon at Bridport Library, South Street, Bridport
DT6 3NY.
Bridport & District Citizens Advice Bureau
Did you know Bridport & District Citizens Advice Bureau visit Bridport Library every Tuesday, from 10am to 12noon, helping
you maximise your income and offer advice on benefits, grants and discretionary help.
Dorset Council Cost of Living Help Webpage
As we start the new year, many people may be feeling the strain of increasing debt from the festive period. Christmas can be
an expensive time but support is available to those who may be feeling the strain.
If you or someone you know is struggling financially or mentally, visit the Dorset Council Cost of Living Help webpage to explore
the support available. It's crucial to start the new year on a positive note, and together, we can make a difference.
The cost of living is still affecting many of us right now and Dorset Council are working with Dorset Citizen’s Advice to offer help,
support and advice on issues.
West Bay Discovery Centre - Talk
Phil Davidson, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre's Palaeontologist will give a talk about some of the recent fossil discoveries
at Charmouth and how they have added to our knowledge of the Lower Jurassic of Dorset. The area around Charmouth is
world famous for fossils and new discoveries are still being made on this rapidly eroding section of The Jurassic Coast. This
illustrated talk will highlight several of these discoveries and the role that we can all play in saving fossils before they are
destroyed by the sea.
The talk will be held at The Salt House, West Bay DT6 4HB on Wednesday 22nd January at 2pm. Tickets cost £6.00 and are
available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre 01308 424901 or online.
Bridport Youth Dance - Boys Dance
Exploring contemporary dance technique with Aimee Symes is a free event being held on Saturday 25th January at Steps
Studio, Crepe Farm Business Park, Symondsbury DT6 6EX. There are two sessions available:
7 - 11 years - 3pm - 3.45p
12 - 20 years - 4pm - 5pm
To enrol, please contact nikkinorthover43@gmail.com. Further information is available here.
The Repair Cafe - Netherbury
In 2024, Netherbury Repair Café volunteers repaired 135 broken items. The Repair Café opens monthly and will be reopening
on Sunday 26th January from 10am to 12noon at Netherbury Village Hall, New Inn Street, Netherbury DT6 5LR.
We have volunteers specialising in textiles, electronics, wood and metal plus general maintenance. Bring your electrical,
household, garden, clothing and fabric items for repair or challenge our volunteers with something a little more unusual.
The café has a full range of Clipper teas and cakes (including vegan) so why not come along for a cuppa and see what we do,
we're always on the lookout for new volunteers - if you have a skill for repairing we would love to meet you. For more
information contact info@repaircafenetherbury.org / 07870 950666 or visit our website.
Bridport Clothes Bank - Volunteers Needed
Bridport Clothes Bank are looking for volunteers for help in running the Clothes Bank including:
•
sorting and packing clothing at our base in Bridport
•
and/or help distributing clothing at our weekly stalls in Bridport & Beaminster
Please get in touch if you'd like to help. You can contact us via Facebook, email: BridportCB@outlook.com or drop by one of
our sessions:
•
St Swithun's, Bridport - Thursdays 9am - 10.30am
•
Prout Bridge Community Centre, Beaminster - Mondays 10am - 12noon
WATAG AGM and Public Transport Meeting
West Dorset Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG) will be holding its AGM and public transport meeting at the WI Hall
in Bridport on Thursday 30th January 2025.
The meeting will start at 6.30pm (doors open from 6pm) and will aim to finish by 8.30pm. There will be a review of items raised
at the last meeting and time for a “democratic moment” when individuals may raise questions about local bus and rail services
to which they would like answers.
Attendance via Zoom will be available. Please contact WATAG for Zoom details at: watag@hotmail.co.uk
Visit Bridport and West Bay's Public Transport Hub for up to date information and timetables on all local bus and rail services.
Dorset Community Transport Grant
The Dorset Community Transport Grant is a new grant available for Community Transport schemes. The aim of the grant is to
support and establish affordable community transport options within the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) for Dorset
residents. The fund aims to invest in the sustainability of Dorset's community transport network
Open to 'not for profit' community organisations including not for profit community transport organisations, non-profit making
organisations operated with no undue restriction on membership, for example charities, town and parish councils and voluntary
organisations, applicants can apply for a capital grant of up to £10,000 with 20% match funding required and/or a revenue grant
of up to £5,000 (no match funding required for revenue).
Applications must be made online and be submitted by midnight on Monday 24th January 2025.
The Western Gateway Sub Transport Body Consultation
Views are being sought by The Western Gateway Sub Transport Body on a shortlist of 38 transport investment priorities
proposed for the west of England region over the next decade.
The Western Gateway is one of seven sub-national transport bodies in England, setting out the transport strategy for the
region, adding value to the work of its local authorities, and offering a unified voice for the region’s priorities to the government
in order to boost economic growth.
Businesses, interest groups and people who live, work or travel in the Western Gateway region are encouraged to give their
feedback on the transport investment proposals via an online survey until Sunday 2 February 2025.
The Western Gateway comprises Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Council, Bristol
City Council, Dorset Council, Gloucestershire County Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council,
Wiltshire Council and the West of England Combined Authority. It works directly with the Department for
Dorset Police Precept Survey
Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick is asking residents for their views on increasing Dorset Police's precept
element of the council tax bill by an extra £14 a year, £1.17 a month to help fund Dorset Police for 2025/26. The increase is
intended to ensure that the Chief Constable has the resources needed to continue the work that is already happening across
the county. For more information and to complete the survey please click here.
Mayor of Bridport Blog
The latest edition of the Mayor's Blog is now available and features switching on the Christmas lights in West Bay, the Bridport
Christmas Tree Festival at Bridport United Church, Bridport Christmas Cheer and late night Christmas shopping, the Bridport
Young Performers production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the 20th anniversary of the West Bay Wallow.
The Bride Valley News
The January issue of the Bride Valley News is now available and includes updates and events from Burton Bradstock, Litton
Cheney, Shipton Gorge, Puncknowle and Swyre.
Want to contribute to the well-being of Litton? Why not join the Premier Crew, a group of well-intentioned citizens of our village who
clean and tidy up areas when they need a little bit of care and attention. Your ability to help will undoubtedly depend on your
availability and you are not expected to turn up everytime there is a call to arms. Gender equality is alive and well, as is the
bonhomie or bonfemme on offer whenever we meet. With enough volunteers we could even become the Grand Crew! If you would
like to join us, please contact John Firrell on 01308 482313.
Premier Crew – Come & Join Us
Surgery News
Thank you!
A huge thank you to all the patients who sent us cards and gifts for Christmas. The kind messages and support from our patient
community is appreciated beyond measure, so thank you.
Congratulations
Our practice Nurse Rachelle Pearce is part of a team who have been conducting a study on Hydration. The
study involved improving patient’s hydration in care homes and hospitals, the findings were remarkable!
There was a marked decrease in falls and urinary tract infections during the period of the study. As a result,
the team won a coveted Nursing Times Award in November 2024. You can read more about the study on the
website https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/campaigns/hydration/
Infection prevention and control.
Here in Dorset, we are experiencing increased levels of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses such as Influenza, RSV,
COVID-19 and Norovirus. There are some simple things you can do to try to help protect yourself and others;
Washing your hands with soap and warm water (don’t rely on alcohol based gels)
If you have symptoms, stay at home to help protect others and don’t visit people in hospital or care homes.
Norovirus spreads very easily so use bleach-based cleaners to disinfect surfaces.
Don’t prepare food for others if you have Norovirus symptoms
Wash bedding at 60
o
C, with detergent, to kill Norovirus, and handle bedding with disposable gloves.
If you are aged 75 – 79 you are eligible for a free NHS RSV vaccination. For more information about RSV visit our website
www.princeofwalessurgery.co.uk or to book in to your usual branch call our Patient Services Team on 01305 871468.
Volunteers needed.
Following the success of our wonderful Portesham Branch Health Champions, we are currently looking to recruit volunteers to
join our Dorchester Branch Health Champion Team. Full instructions and training will be provided. For more information or to
register your interest you can email Mo Parish at maureen.parish@dorsetgp.nhs.uk or call the surgery on 01305 871468 and
leave a message for her with our Patient Services Team.
Dispensary opening hours.
The dispensary is open for collections and medication queries from Monday to Friday 8.30 – 12.00 and 16.00 – 1800. You can
also speak to the dispensary on the phone between 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00 by pressing option 3.
Daily Information.
In addition to our monthly article, you can keep up-to-date day to day by visiting our website or find us on Facebook.
www.princeofwalessurgery.co.uk
Facebook pages: Prince of Wales Surgery and Portesham Patient News
