Doris remembers her days in the land army in Dorset (From Dorset Echo)

Doris remembers her days in the land army in Dorset

11:57pm Monday 13th October 2008 in Community

• FORMER Land Army girl Doris Greening, a resident of Crossways Court was very proud to receive official recognition of her wartime service. After a long gap, the country has finally recognised the vital role that this branch of the war effort carried out during the dark days of the second world war.

Doris is one of a small group of people who have lived in Crossways since it was a group of houses on the edge of a RAF airfield. She has been an active member of the community and for many years was involved in the running of the senior club. She was one of the first elected Parish Councillors when Crossways became a village in its own right.

So it is really good to see her receive a medal and certificate as a very belated thank you and no doubt Doris will wear it with pride when the village gathers at the war memorial in November.

• CHANGES are happening in the library and as many of you will know not all of them are welcome. Crossways was in the forefront of the campaign to stop the closure of any of our rural libraries and were delighted with the County Council changed their minds.

However there was a cost and new opening hours will see a reduced service in operation from Monday 3 November. As no doubt the accountants in County Hall will still be monitoring it is essential that the community still continues to use this facility to the fullest extent.

The Parish Council had been approached to fund additional hours but could not see how this could have been afforded without a large increase in the parish share of the council tax. This did not reflect a lack of support for the service and part of the campaign was inspired by the loyalty and devotion our community has been shown in the two members of staff Chris Galpin and Jill Fox.

Jill is leaving her post at the end of October and will be working at Dorchester and Puddletown Libraries. This is due to the reorganisation and is a shock and sad loss to Crossways residents. Jill has worked with Chris for 18 years and it will be a sad day for all who love reading and enjoy the services provided.

I am sure that many local people will be popping in to wish Jill all the best and Chris has organised a farewell afternoon with tea and cakes when no doubt many reminiscences will add to the occasion.

• If any further proof was needed of the importance of the Library then it must be the take up by youngsters of the ‘team read’ run throughout the summer holidays. I gather that in excess of 70 youngsters took part and will receive recognition with medals and certificates at school. Keep looking out in the library for details of other schemes and activites especially with the half term break coming up.

The love of reading and books and the use of imagination is one of the greatest gifts that can be given to young people. It is a protection against boredom and the key to learning and the wonderful world that is literature.

• The Library very kindly played host to an exhibition of art during the summer and it was very popular with those visiting. What made it special was that all the items were produced by members of the Crossways Art group which meets at Crossways Court throughout the year.

The display was a selection of work in a variety of styles, including landscapes, portrait, botanical and abstract and various media including watercolour, oils, acrylic and pencil. With the darker nights drawing on now is an ideal time to join up and have a go under the expert guidance of Pat Hoare.

They meet every Thursday evening 7.00 – 9.00pm at the Court and would welcome new members of all ages and abilities. As Pat says ‘it doesn’t matter even if you think you cannot draw a straight line you can still experience the joy of painting.’ If you would like to know more give Pat a call on 01305 852555.

• AUTUMN is always a good time for trying new things and the Crossways short mat bowls club is also looking to encourage new members. I gather the club is not just for retired people but couples and single ladies and men are enjoying the sessions held in the village hall.

They now have started Friday evening sessions specifically designed for those who work and cannot play on a Monday or Friday afternoon. In fact anyone aged 15 or over is invited to come and take part for a two weeks free trial. After that there is a £5 annual subscription and a £1 per session which you attend.

Anyone can play this game and it is a good socialiser as well with many members becoming firm friends. We are lucky to have a hall large enough to take several mats which means more people are able to play at a time and the club can host matches with visiting teams. It is the same rules as long mat bowls and the same equipment but the carpets are only 45 feet long and 6 feet wide. This is not carpet bowls !

Interested ? then why not speak to Larry or Joyce on 01305 852171 or Mo or Jan on 853142.

• SINCE arriving in Crossways, the Rectory, Jacquie Birdseye has conducted many weddings but on 6 September 2008 they were ringing for her. Leaving the Rectory in Warmwell Road she travelled to Sherborne Abbey where she married Don Shaw in a service conducted by Bishop Tim Thornton.

This was one of the Bishop’s last official functions before leaving for his new role as Bishop of Truro. It was appropriate as he has been a great supporter of the plans and project to build a new church in Crossways. Readers may recall how, earlier this year, he joined the Archdeacon on a sponsored walk to St Aldhelm’s.

Jacquie has said that she will remain as the Rev. Birdseye and wrote in the recent parish magazine how they had both been overwhelmed by the kindness of so many in sending cards and gifts and for the reception held in Moreton Village Hall on the Sunday following their marriage.