Litton Cheney Parish Council The next meeting will be on Tuesday 14 th January, 7.30pm in the Meeting Room of LATCH when the PC will determine the village precept. We will also officially welcome our new Clerk, Debbie Hollings who takes over from our sadly departing Clerk, Lucy Beasley. Thanks, Lucy. Village Christmas Tree Thank you to the merry band of festive folk, gnomes and elves, who erected the village Christmas tree at the Triangle, festooned it with lights and decorations and brought Christmas for all just a little bit closer. Happy New Year to all! Cheney Village Fete At the time of going to press, we are happy to announce that plans are being put in place for a Village Fete in 2025, organised via a partnership of the LATCH committee and Thorner’s School Association. Date and more details in February’s BVN. Thank you LATCH and TSA for stepping up to the plate. Litter Pick – Our grateful thanks to those valiant souls who armed with litter pickers, gloves and bag went in search of litter, found it and bagged it. Full Fibre Update Not a great deal to report this past month, Openreach did finally complete an installation that had been outstanding for a few months through complications around digging a trench across a well-used road, but, apart from that, fairly quiet. We would like to remind those who signed up for full fibre via the voucher scheme and who have not yet switched over, then you might want to do so as soon as possible. By signing up to the scheme you have committed to making the switch. Should you not do so, then Openreach may enforce the terms of the voucher scheme. You do not have to stay with your current provider and you may find that if you switch, your new provider may well buy out the remainder of your existing contract. For those who would like Full Fibre but are being told it is unavailable to you, please get in contact with me and I will investigate on your behalf. robertmatthewslcpc@gmail.com Litton’s Seven Benchmarks Rome has its seven hills – Litton Cheney has its seven benchmarks, and in these early months of 2025 when resolutions are made, if you fully intend to be more active then our very own Mr Motivator aka Quentin Blacke has come up with a “tour” that if completed will not only get you sitting on all seven of the village’s community benches, but offer a grand tour of the village as well. For details visit the home page of the village website. What’s on at Litton and Thorner’s Community Hall (LATCH) in January REGULAR EVENTS Mondays 15.30 – 16.30 Big Q (term time only) Tuesdays 16.45 – 17.45 Short Mat Bowls (Ron Davidson 482661) Wednesdays 16.45 – 17.45 Table Tennis (Ron Davidson 482661 or Paul Kingston 482162) 19.00 Mindful Movement Jane Hutchins (07882 527697) Thursdays 09.15 – 11.15 Steps Toddlers (fortnightly, term time only) OTHER EVENTS Tuesday 14 th 19.30 Parish Council (in Meeting Room) Thursday 16 th 19.00 – 21.00 Bride Valley W.I. Monday 20 th 19.00 Benefice Safeguarding Training Thursday 23 rd 19.30 Artsreach production - Bojangles - details here COMING UP……. Thursday 6 th February – 19.30 Film Night “The Holdovers” Tuesday 18 th February – 11.00 Artsreach production for children 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 Our next film will be on THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY (2025) - details here THE HOLDOVERS ‘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). Cert.15 2hrs 13” 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) On THURSDAY 6 MARCH we are hoping to show... THE CRITIC 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. More films on 3 April and possibly 1 May. Look out for further details on posters, on the website and in the BVN. Bride Valley Bingo Fundraising Group A heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the Village Bingo at LATCH on November 29th to raise money for RSPCA Taylors Rehoming at Kingston Maurward. We were delighted to be able to hand over proceeds of £855.00. Our next bingo will be on FRIDAY 11TH APRIL. Also, thanks to the " A Team " - my wonderful and loyal co-hosts; without these wonderful people the bingo events wouldn't happen. They are the lynchpins of the whole operation. Thank you all. Jackie Horsley. Village Correspondent’s Note – Thank you, Jackie, for your wonderful fundraising efforts. Thorner’s School This Term We look forward to an action-packed term ahead! Currently planned are a Stone Age Survival Workshop, a Puppet Theatre watching and making session for the younger children, Dance and Yoga sessions across the school as well as some Clay Pigeon Shooting Tuition for the older pupils to finish off the half term. EV Car Charger As many of you may now know we are delighted to confirm that our EV Car Charger is up and running at school!. Readers of the BVN are most welcome to come and use the charger (out of school hours). The charger is faster than typical domestic supply (22kw as opposed to 7kw) and is considerably cheaper (approx. 20-25% cheaper) than other local chargers. Crucially - it will be taking power directly from our own solar panels on the roof of school so when the sun is out the electricity will be as renewable and local as it is possible to be! Details of the charger can be found here and it will operate via the "tap" e-charger app which can be uploaded onto your phone or use the QR code on the charger to get started. https://www.tapelectric.app/ At present we will limit and control use to only local users so if you want to use the charger - please email me your details (full name, car registration and email address) and I will add you to our closed group of users. If you know of others locally who would like to make use of the charger at weekends and during the holidays - then please do forward their details and I can add them to the group of approved users. The charger is located in the school staff car park on the side of the Victorian classroom. LATCH Solar Panels I'm delighted to share the news that we were successful in our bid to Low Carbon Dorset for a grant to have solar panels installed on the south facing roof of LATCH. LCD were impressed with both the details of our bid as well as the support of local residents and the school's own Eco- committee - all of whom wrote letters of support which made clear how much of a joined-up effort the application was. Huge thanks also to the LATCH committee who worked very hard to prepare all the details and projections as well as its sub- committee who worked to identify local contractors for the project. With the grant (as well as contributions from School, LATCH, Parish Council and other local sources), installation was possible over the summer holidays - with huge thanks to those on site for the works. As you may know, LATCH is unique as a shared site between the school and the village, and it is fantastic to see this new addition which, alongside its current heat pump, will make it completely fossil-fuel free to run for large parts of the year. There will also be financial savings for both school and LATCH which will help us put more of our money into school resources for the children. Although we are a very old school and some of our site buildings go back to the 1700's, it is wonderful to show the children that we can make these new, green, upgrades and how they are possible because of the lovely way school, village, LATCH, governors and pupils all worked together. Swimming Pool Huge thanks to The Litton Trust, Litton Cheney Parish Council as well as local residents who have responded so generously to our Swimming Pool Restoration Fund. As I type, alongside parent and school fundraising, we have now secured enough funds to be able to proceed in the spring so that the children will be swimming in a completely refurbished pool by the start of the summer. Thank you so much again to all who have made this possible for both this current group of children at the school and all those who will attend in the years ahead. The children cheered loudly when we said we had hit our target! Happy New Year to all! Mike Sitch Headmaster Bride Valley Garden Club What's in a name...........? Although we won't be meeting together until March I'm sure many members will be making the most of any decent weather to be out in their gardens, maybe lingering to admire an early snowdrop or even wondering about the name of something. Do you know the names of the plants in your garden? If you do, or think you do, are they the names you learnt as a child – a local name probably or one handed down by friend or family? If you don't, where do you turn to find out? I remember the insignificant rectangle of garden from my own childhood. A narrow border on each side, grass between and a path down the middle: the narrow beds filled with blocks of just a few varieties and colourful only in summer. I picked up the names – rose, daisy, daffodil but not a lot more, reluctant to be too inquisitive in case there was work to be done! It was only when we had our own overgrown patch that I discovered the diversity of plants about which I knew next to nothing. I don't know how it came to be in my possession but I became the proud owner of a book that was to become my plant 'bible'. 45 years later and on to my second well thumbed copy of the Reader's Digest Encyclopedia of Garden Plants and Flowers (still available, used) it is still my desert island winner. With it I set about identifying the humble assortment of plants discovered beneath the weeds. Looking at the pictures, trying to match them up opened a whole new fascinating world – mostly of Latin! Thousands of plants including ferns, mosses, lichens etc have been given Latin based names since in the 18 th century the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus pioneered a botanical naming system. So, self-taught and pronouncing many of them incorrectly I began to learn botanical names. I have never regretted learning the names this way rather than adopting the more frequently used common names which so easily lead to confusion. As I've progressed, both in experience and in study it has stood me in good stead. A common response is often “Oh I can't be doing with all those fancy names” and people often think of it as showing off but it is the only way we can be sure we're talking about the same thing. In any country, from books to nurserymen the same botanical name identifies the same plant. For instance the Harebell is known in Scotland as the Bluebell (both names refer to Campanula rotundifolia) and some, such as Arum maculatum have as many as 90 common names recorded – how confusing that is. So next time you identify a plant or examine a plant label, read the botanical name as well. Don't be put off, learn its proper name - and if you remember it, try it out on your friends! Best wishes for the New Year everyone, and happy gardening. Ali (balletboots@live.com)

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.