Highways and Byways in Dorset

10:32am Friday 20th June 2008

• STEVE White spoke to a full house at the June meeting of Broadmayne WI, everyone anticipating an interesting talk on Highways and Byways in Dorset'.

They were not disappointed, though Mr White had a fascinating twist to his presentation, by looking at the highways and byways through the eyes of Sir Frederick Treeves, who had been Surgeon to King Edward V11th and a specialist in appendicectomy.

He had, on his retirement, cycled 1,000 miles round Dorset and had written a book with the same title as Mr White's talk, who read entertaining snippets from it.

Mr White learned that the bell from the demolished Church at Poxwell, is now hanging in St Martin's at Broadmayne, but he was sorry to tell us that Treeves had not seemed to have visited Broadmayne.

This may have been a blessing, as not all the villages in Dorset were approved of, by him, and some had very unfortunate descriptions!

He was thanked by Anne Beck, a retired history teacher, reflecting the appreciation of members for his clear, concise and absorbing talk.

The President, Wendy Stent, welcomed two visitors and thanked Barbara Seeby and Christine Bradshaw for the flower arrangements adorning the tables.

Roses were popular for the flower of the month which was won by Christine Burke and Ann Williams.

The Treasurer, Ruth Small, thanked members who had made gift aid declarations on their subscriptions, which was bringing a substantial financial benefit to the Institute.

It was agreed to send a donation to the Village Hall Committee, to help with the payment of the new dishwasher, which was quietly operating while the business was taking place.

Ruth and her husband Geoffrey, have kindly offered their home, on August 14 for members to enjoy a garden party there, and an invitation had come from the school, to attend a community event this month, with tea and a concert arranged by the children.

The evening ended with members talking about their pictures of old Broadmayne, which had been displayed.

At the July meeting, Mrs Elizabeth Buckler Gale, will be talking about Women in Agriculture'.

• THE next Friday Market will be held between 2pm and 3.30pm on June 27 in St Martin's Church Hall. Further information from Sylvia Dooley on 01305 852866.

• ON Saturday, July 5 a coffee morning and bring and buy will be held in the Rectory between 10am and noon in aid of Dorset Historic Churches Trust.

This Trust gives grants for the upkeep of the fabric of churches and without their generosity most churches would be unable to keep the fabric in good order.

They have been very generous to St Martin's, enabling us to repair our windows and roof, so please support this event.

Further information from Anne Doxon 01305 853074.

Editor's Choice