Trumpets herald the New Year (From Dorset Echo)

Trumpets herald the New Year

4:12pm Tuesday 5th January 2010 in

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Abbotsbury and Langton Herring

Abbotsbury

THE New Year began a few hours early in Abbotsbury

Crowds gathered from far and wide climbing Chapel Hill by torchlight to take part in the annual New Year’s Eve 6.00 pm service at St Catherine’s chapel.

Thankfully the weather was dry for the climb but it was slippery underfoot.

St Catherine’s chapel was candle lit and welcoming.

The simple service was accompanied by a wonderful group of musicians who regularly lug their instruments up the hill for such occasions aided by Hewell Jeffcott in his 4-wheel drive.

Retired Rev. Peter Saunt took the service and many of the musicians were members of his extended family; his wife Tito, his daughters, son in law and grandchildren who were joined by local friends in the music making.

The sound of trumpets soared joyfully joined by violins, cello and an accordion and at the conclusion of the service everyone joined in Old Lang Syne.

Little Oliver Green aged 5 months, son of former village girl Nicky Green nee Wood had the great good fortune to be blessed by Peter during the service having been baptised a few days earlier.

He looked a dear little snowman in his cosy white siren suit.

I HAVE spotted the first snowdrops of the season in our St Nicholas Church churchyard.

These little harbingers of spring are always a welcome sight as they line the paths and brighten the woodland area.

A NEAR tragedy unfolded during the evening of Sunday, January 3 in our village

The fire at one of the terraced cottages that we call Sunnyside has been well reported in the Echo.

The quick thinking of her neighbours saved Tracee Barlow and her five children Thankfully young Matthew Robinson who lives nearby heard her cries and, with his parents help the little family was carried to safety.

Unfortunately Tracee broke her pelvis as she jumped from an upper window having been unable to raise help.

One just cannot imagine the desperation of a young mother that would have caused her to make such an act.

We hope that they all soon recover from their ordeal.

THE Abbotsbury and Portesham branch of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section will compete against their male colleagues on Monday, January 11 at the Swan Inn, Abbotsbury at 7.15pm.

The contest will be the Annual Skittles Match.

Always keenly anticipated this should make for a fun evening.

Lets hope that the ladies have strong arms and good eyes.

ABBOTSBURY and Portesham Diamond Club will hold a bingo evening in Strangways Hall, Abbotsbury on Friday, January 15

The doors open at 7.00pm eyes down at 7.30pm.

The next meeting will be at The Swan Inn, Abbotsbury on Tuesday, 19 January.

Langton Herring

A RECENT email from Martin Fielding informed me that the Christmas Greetings scheme, which I have reported on recently, has been a great success.

Greetings have been posted on the board in the church porch and a donation given to the church.

About £250 has been raised for St Peter’s church funds.

This has been really green scheme.

Well-done Martin for the idea and for organising it.

HAPPY New Year to everyone near and far