Martinstown

WHAT a relief to be able to count the blessings of a warm home and a well-provisioned store cupboard now that winter has decided to visit this part of the countryside.

However, I could be forgiven for thinking that I was experiencing Life in the Freezer when I spotted alien footprints in the snowy garden. However, it was nothing more exotic than our russet-coated friend Reynard Fox, who had certainly not expected to be chased across the field by a normally laid-back Springer Spaniel. I had not realised that Fern was capable of such a high speed pursuit at the age of eleven-years-old.

I have spread the word round to a few people and hopefully all poultry owners will make sure their livestock is well secure, both by day and night, since they make an easier target than the local rabbit or ‘underground mutton’ for any readers from Portland.

THE recent well-attended funeral services held in two of the Winterborne Valley churches are ample testament to the esteem in which the two residents had been regarded during their lives in the community.

Strangely enough both men had connections with the Royal Navy.

St Martins Church saw village friends and fellow members of the Lancastrian Society join the family on the occasion of the funeral service for Maurice Gardner.

That he was a much-loved father and grandfather was evident from the poems read by his daughters, Margaret and Rosalind.

Even more moving was the tribute paid by this granddaughter Karen to one she had known as a wonderful ‘Ampy”. This showed clearly how great an interest Maurice had taken in the lives of all his grandchildren. He had been always available to give good advice whenever it had been sought but above all had possessed that most enviable gift of being able to listen.

The world would indeed be a much better place if every young person had an Ampy in their lives and was indeed a timely reminder to all grandparents present that they still have a very important role to play in family lives today, no matter how cynics would have us believe otherwise.

Further along the valley the little church at Winterborne Steepleton saw family and friends gathered beneath its stone-steeped roof for the funeral service of Reginal Barden.

Reg had also seen many changes in his career before moving from the London area to settle in Dorset with his wife Margaret, although he did draw a line on joining her as she walked the many footpaths in Dorset with the various walking groups to which she belongs.

However, local friends will remember him best for his deliciously potent home-made wines, which graced many an occasion, special or otherwise. Including taking many a first prize at the local shows.

As was to be expected the gathering at Macleod later was an occasion for many a happy anecdote to give thanks for a life that had given so much pleasure to others as well as his own family.

Sincere sympathies from all the community throughout the valley and beyond go to his wife Margaret and son Geoffrey and daughter Lynn for giving us the privilege of a share of the life of such a special person. It really does give hope for the communities everywhere to have those people amongst us.

Margaret and family thank all who gave so much support but especially friends in the local WI who undertook the catering for those who came back to their home. I can personally vouch for the fact that this practical help and support make a world of difference to this emotional time in family life when there are so many other things demanding ones attention.