Martinstown (From Dorset Echo)

Martinstown

2:58pm Monday 31st January 2011 in Community

• IT was only rightly sensible that the week of Prayer for Christian Unity had as its theme for churches together “All things in Common” rather than those divisive issues.

All the more rewarding for the Rev John Good to have been able to welcome so many representatives of other churches to St Martin’s, in Martinstown. This was no passive attendance since all took part in the various readings at the main Sunday service as well as the two shorter weekday services. Although fewer in number at these there were still the same representation present to give witness to the faces of Unity.

Afterwards all indeed did “break bread together” when invited to the Rectory for a lunch of soup, bread and cheese.

• RECENTLY I waited in my lay-by and shivered to no avail when my promised lift to the far end of the village did not materialise.

This meant that I missed the Parish Council meeting, which was mainly concerned with the possible loss of our village shop.

On a more personal note I wanted to find out who is responsible for the upkeep of the stiles on the footpath to Rew Manor. In their collapsed condition they present somewhat hazardous obstacle on a well-used footpath.

Maybe I should just take a hammer and nails on my next walk since it wouldn’t be the first time I have done such repairs.

• IT was lovely to see the Brewers Arms buzzing with noise on the occasion of the Martinstown WI monthly lunch club.

Many thanks to John and Jackie, and, of course, their lovely dogs, for making us all so very welcome. After we had warmed ourselves at the real coal fire it was time to greatly admire their refurbishment of the restaurant. I for once can truly appreciate not only the surroundings but also the quality of the food and especially the warm welcome we always receive.

Maybe on Sunday evening I will get to the film show, but must persuade family to ring me at another time.

• AS there are so many book clubs flourishing it would be a very sad occasion if the Dorset Library service had to cut back on this essential side of its activities.

So many books have been read and discussed over the years by members of the Martinstown WI. Certainly this vital service deserves our most grateful thanks.