THE CHASE BENEFICE PARISH MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST - 2020 CHETTLE

THE CHASE
                BENEFICE
                 PARISH
               MAGAZINE
              JULY-AUGUST
CHETTLE
                  2020

  GUSSAGE
 ALL SAINTS       FARNHAM

TOLLARD
                   GUSSAGE
 ROYAL
                SAINT MICHAEL

THE CHASE BENEFICE

  RECTOR. Vacancy . Please contact the Benefice Administrator or The Rural Dean,
                 The Rev’d Justin Pottnger 01929 459244
                      Retired Priests with Licence to Officiate
                       The Rev’d Paul Renyard 01202 682460
                       The Rev’d John Graves 01202 669808
                       The Rev’d Paul Skinner 01725 552785

                       Parish Staff Local Licensed Ministers
       Canon Simon Tong. Bridge House. Gussage St Michael.         01258 840061
       Mrs Carol Neilson, ‘Dormers’, Tarrant Hinton, DT11 8JB. 01258 830876
       Mrs Pat Harris. 36 Holland Way. Blandford. DT11 7RU         01258 452863
      Mr Robin Bragg. China Cottage, Tarrant Gunville. DT11 8JR 01258 830941

                              Benefice Administrator:

Mrs Gill Baverstock, telephone 01725 516311, email gill.baverstock@hotmail.co.uk

        Magazine Editor            Items for inclusion in the        Advertisements
        Mr Bob McCarthy           Sept 2020 magazine copy to
        Culpepper House                   the editor by              Mrs Jane Benson
        Gussage All Saints            12th August please.              Amen Corner
              Wimborne                 Opinions expressed           Gussage All Saints
            BH21 5ET                in articles submitted for           BH21 5ET
        Tel: 01258 840168           publication are personal        Tel: 01258 840824
 bobandwendymccarthy@gmail.com         to the contributors.     Gussagegardener@gmail.com

A Reflection on Lockdown
Canon Simon Tong has kindly submitted this article with the Gussages in
mind but others will be able to relate to what he says and find it an interesting
read.
                   Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer….
I’m writing this from Gussage St Michael in the eleventh week of lockdown,
at a time when there is a huge debate about quarantine, air bridges, face masks
and other economy-related issues; and out of nowhere, a new suspect in the
Madeleine McCann story. So, this is how it looked back in early June…
Life must go on, as we all say from time to time. Rosemary and I are looking
back on these weeks of almost unbroken sunshine as a space in which we led a
very quiet and peaceful life, enjoying walking across the empty spaces of
Cranborne Chase, keeping in touch with family and friends by various
permitted means, and spending less time reading and clearing out the loft than
we’d predicted. We learned how to Zoom, and last Sunday we had more than
25 attenders at the weekly service. But they’ve also been weeks of almost un-
remitting media gloom and despondency, punctuated by some of the most
poignant and distressing interviews with bereaved families that either of us
can remember. Here in the south-west of England, we have been spared many
of the worst effects of the virus so far. That may be a greater cause for
thankfulness than we yet know.
Could things have been worse? Yes, of course. Water, electricity, internet,
telephone, Joe the postman – they’ve all kept going, along with many other
unsung heroes both locally and nationally. Local NHS has been heroic in
maintaining GP services, often against the odds, and we all have much to
thank them for too. We’ve been grateful to Martin and Harvelle at The
Drovers for providing timely cook’s evenings off – with some really great
takeaways. The Thursday clapping was a great idea, but it was probably right
to call it off after ten weeks. Here, we’ll continue to ring the church bell at
8 pm on Thursday, as a reminder of all that effort and sacrifice, still
continuing. The church bell is also rung on Sunday at about 12:15, when I’ve
wound the clock for the week. I then ring the bell, and as the Bishop has
requested us to do, say a prayer for the whole community, our people of all
faiths and of none.
Although we all want to see an end to lockdown, and just now that still seems
a way off, there must be things that we’ll remember with some happiness. I
often think back to my grown-up relations who would reminisce to me as a
child about hard times in the war – but often with a smile and some joke about
the blackout, spivs, rationing or the trials of daily life. How will we remember
these long weeks of lockdown, in whatever becomes the dreaded ‘new
normal’?
What have you learned in this time? About yourself, your family, the place
where you live? What will you return to, make afresh, or hold on to? What
will your ‘new normal’ be?                                           Simon Tong.

Quote of the Month

"Our true nationality is mankind" - H.G. Wells

Editors Message

Once again our intrepid reporters have helped me to produce a magazine for
July-August, we normally get a month off, but if there is a big change we will
produce a magazine next month for August. Everyone appears to be coping
well with the lockdown and it is bringing the communities together.

In the following page there is an appreciation by Antony, his son, of Canon
John Standen McDougal, whose death was reported in last months magazine.
Many of the more longstanding residents of the Benefice will remember John.

An appreciation – Canon John Standen McDougal

Rural Ministry played a vital role in Dad’s life and he spent 16 enjoyable years
working in the beautiful Chase benefice.
His support and interest in others was very much part of his life, which began in
Camberley in late December 1933. Dad was the youngest son of a Times
newspaper salesman, Bertie, and younger brother to Peter. During the height of the
Battle of Britain, he was evacuated to Budleigh Salterton, before returning to
Surrey to continue his studies.
Educated traditionally at Eagle House preparatory school and then Canford, Dad’s
love of sports was tempered by a cricketing accident when he lost the sight of an
eye when struck while keeping wicket. However, it didn’t stop him reading history
at King’s College London.
His love of antiques led him to take a position with London-based auctioneers
Trollops in the mid-1950s, which for a time he enjoyed. But inspired by London
City Missions in the East End he took the calling to go into the Church, studying at
Warminster, Wiltshire. During this time, his brother became increasingly frail with
kidney failure. Peter’s death in 1962 was a considerable blow to his confidence.
But with the support of friends, he took up his first post as Assistant Curate of St
Mary’s, Bury St Edmunds (1963-65), where he used to spend some Saturday’s at
nearby Portman Road, watching Ipswich Town. It was at this time he met Sue
(Mum) during a trip to the Holy Land.
They became engaged in 1965 and luckily he was posted to Wadhurst with
Tidebrook in Sussex that year – close to Sue’s agricultural work with the Milk
Marketing Board in Hampshire. Anthony was born a year later and Clare in 1970
just as Dad was taking up a role on the Cranborne Chase.

The family moved to a modern rectory on the village of Farnham, better known for
its Pitt-Rivers Museum. Starting with two parishes (Farnham and Tollard Royal), he
quickly accumulated others – Gussage St Michael, Gussage All Saints, Ashmore
and Chettle) and also became Rural Dean of Blandford and Milton. We would
barely see him on Sundays as he would have 8am, 9.30am, 11am, 12noon
communion, 3.30pm and 6.30pm services and he became known as the “Flying
Rev”, riding his 50CC Vespa around the narrow roads, cassock billowing in the
wind.
His determination to treat everyone equal and to visit all his parishioners, whether
they had a faith or not, was a deeply impressive trait, and this was evident
throughout the year. Some parishioners I am sure will remember Dad’s dedication
to the carol singing cause, which would see him out every night in December,
sometimes two or three nights running in a village.
In 1986 he moved to his last parish as team rector of the Bride Valley, where he
lived in the seaside village of Burton Bradstock and looked after Shipton Gorge,
Chilcombe, Litton Cheney and the Bredy’s, but would also sometimes be found
preaching at Puncknowle and Swyre. It was at this time that he became Canon of
Salisbury Cathedral (1986-94), before retiring to North Chideock.
For a few years he led services at St Giles’ Church, but he quickly became involved
in community life, spending time with the Chideock Society, volunteering at both
the Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre and the National Trust’s Stonebarrow shop as
well as regularly turning out to play table tennis in the Village Hall.
As a committed Christian, Dad was keen to support a number of Christian charities,
promoting the work of the Bible Society, collecting for Christian Aid Week as well
as being the Lyme Bay deanery representative for the Dorset Historic Churches
Trust, where each year he cycled and more latterly walked to support Ride and
Stride. He was also a strong supporter of the Under Tree Schools South Sudan
education charity, started by Chideock’s vicar Joseph and his wife Karin.
Mum’s death in 2016 from cancer, after 50 years of married life, came as a
profound shock, but he learnt new domestic skills, and was often seen walking to
and from the village shop. He took over decorating Mum’s Church window and
was a keen supporter of the Friends of St Giles.
When he became poorly two years ago, he moved to Maiden Castle House in
Dorchester, and despite increasing dementia, he enjoyed taking part in quizzes,
cookery, balloon volleyball and church services at the home. He was grateful to the
many people from his former parishes, including Chideock, who came to visit him
and continued being a copious letter/card writer until the end.
He died from Covid-19 on VE Day (8 May), aged 86, and was buried on 19 May at
Chideock Cemetery. He leaves two children and six grandchildren (Toby, Ben,
Tom, Harry, Oliver and Emily), who were able to pay tribute to his gentleness and
humility at the graveside burial service.
We plan to hold a Thanksgiving Service at a later date but he is now with his
beloved Sue and Almighty Father.                                   Anthony McDougal

VILLAGE NEWS
                                          CHETTLE
                          News gatherer Rosamond Sweet-Escott
                      rosamond.sweetescott@gmail.com 07786 920991.

If anybody would like to visit the Church please make an appointment with
Dave or Lizzie Mordaunt (01258 830791) to arrange this. It will be one
person at a time and sanitisation will have to take place after the visit

Chettle (in conjunction with the Castleman’s new managers, Niki & Jez,
formally from the Tickled Pig and Abbots Court) are hosting take away food
events every other week in the Castleman car park.
The initiative started out as a good way to provide delicious take away food
for the village during the lock-down and has been so popular that they are now
extending it to the rest of the Parish.
We use fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served in takeaway containers so
you can enjoy it at home. We will also be offering wine, cider, beer and softs
to drink whilst you wait, or again to enjoy with your food at home.
The next event will be a curry evening on Friday 19 th June. If you would like
to see the next menu and find out how to order, email info@chettleestate.com.
And the information will also be posted on the ‘Chettle Village Store’
Facebook page.

                                           FARNHAM
                                News gatherer Mrs Gill Baverstock
                        gill.baverstock@hotmail.co.uk 01725 516311

Life in Farnham remains pretty much the same, as we continue to live
through the coronavirus pandemic. People stop and chat in the street, filling
the yawning gap between them with love and care for their fellow human
beings. Friends and neighbours meet each other in the garden, each with their
own favourite tipple; or take a walk together at a safe distance to view the
wonders of the natural world which still continues through its seasonal
calendar, giving joy to our senses, despite what the human world is going
through. WhatsApp pings periodically with a joke, a request or a word of
thanks. Some jobs are left undone, as tradesmen still cannot return to the

house and some people’s ‘to do’ lists grow ever longer as they take the
opportunity to catch up on all those tasks they’ve never had the time to
undertake. We are experiencing a relatively safe and cosy existence for which
we are grateful, but our thoughts and prayers still go out to those who have
lost loved ones and to those who are working hard, sometimes at their own
risk, to keep society moving and save lives.

If anyone needs help or support during the coronavirus, you can still contact
Peter Forbes on 01725 516474; mobile 07836 209730; ppsforbes@gmail.com

Farnham Church is now open for private prayer. Naturally, those entering
the building will be required to adhere to the instructions posted in order to
protect everyone. You will be required to record your visit to the church every
time you go in. This is to help with the government’s Covid 19 track and trace
process, should an infected person be found to have visited our church.

Government restrictions permitting, we will once again be holding a
Lunchtime Village BBQ at the Allotments. Put Sunday 16th August in
your diaries now and come and join in our 10th anniversary celebrations.
Where necessary social distancing will be observed and the required hand
sanitizers, wipes and soap available for all those attending. We will be
starting at midday with games for all those interested, perhaps a game of
croquet? Please feel free to join in. Everyone is invited to have a stroll around
the plots and enjoy the ambience of this very special site and see the results of
10 years of allotmenteering. The BBQs will be ready for cooking to start at
1pm; just bring your own meat, fish, veg, drinks, plate and cutlery and we will
do the rest. There will be fresh salad and puddings from allotment produce.
All welcome. Contact Ed Sadd to confirm you will be joining us, 01725
516348 or you might not get a seat! It will also be Judgement Day for the
Spud in a Bag competition. We have an increased number of entries this year
and the excitement building up to announcing the winner will be intense.

The 2020 Churches Ride & Stride is on Saturday 12th September.
I am surmising that some Farnham residents will be fitter than they been in a
long while, with all the daily exercise taken (sadly, I am not yet numbered
amongst ‘some residents’). Would you be prepared to ride or walk in aid of
Farnham church? Or perhaps a group of keen walkers could get together to
walk (socially distanced if required, of course) to a number of churches to
benefit the historic churches of Dorset? Half the sponsorship raised goes to
the Dorset Historic Churches Trust and half to Farnham church. If you are

contemplating taking part, please chat to me. I hope to have sponsor forms at
some point.
Coronavirus permitting, I’ll be looking for volunteers to “church sit” nearer
the time. If you are able to help in this way, please let me know. The event
runs from 10am to 6pm.             Gill Baverstock 01725 516311

Louise Walford 1943-2020
Louise, a former Practice Nurse and President of the Nurses Association came
to Farnham in 1994 from Tadworth, Surrey with Alan, her husband of 55
years. She was a devoted wife, amazing mum to Clare and Adrian and
grandmother to Charley and Izzy.
Louise enjoyed spending time with her many friends and supporting the
Farnham community. From the Sewing Club, the Gardening Club to helping
at the Farnham Annual Fete, Louise always had an open heart to newcomers
to the village, going out of her way to make them feel welcome.
Her passion was spending time in her beloved garden. Many happy hours
were spent tending to her flowers, pot plants and shrubs and listening to the
birds. Both Louise and Alan always looked forward to the annual Open
Gardens event, taking great pleasure in talking to those who came from far
and wide and in doing so, raising money for local causes. Louise was so
happy to see the evident delight visitors took in experiencing the tranquillity
of the garden and from the variety and vibrancy of the different flowers (not to
mention Bug out mowing the lawn), but also in her legendary afternoon cakes
and tea.
It was with much sadness that Louise passed away peacefully surrounded by
her family on 26th May. She was a very special lady, who touched the hearts
of everyone. Always loved, Louise will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Alan and his family.

We were saddened to learn that John Everard had passed away at home in
Marky’s Cottage on 9th March, aged 81. Because of the constraints of the
coronavirus pandemic, John was cremated privately. John’s obituary will be
published in the parish magazine once the community has had the opportunity
to gather together in the church to celebrate John’s life.

TOLLARD ROYAL
                               News gatherer Alexandra Thomas
                           Rhodri.Alex@btinternet.com 01725 516320

It is very much hoped to be able to open St Peter’s for private prayer with
individuals or family groups, as from Saturday 13th June. Please respect any
advisory notices in the porch.

The online sale created instead of the May Bank Holiday Monday fund raiser
for the Church was wonderfully supported and £240 has been raised up to
date. Thank you for all the generous support by so many people.

May 52 club
Ist prize Martin Jackson
2nd prize John McCall

Tollard Royal Village Social Committee has once again nothing to report.
There seems to be a gradual lifting of restrictions in England but to continue
to keep us all safe no plans have been made by us for any events for the
foreseeable future. Despite this prolonged break we haven’t forgotten all of
our friends and supporters and we hope that you have not forgotten us. Do
take care and keep safe.

                              GUSSAGE SAINT MICHAEL
                                 News gatherer Mr Stephen Mills
                           stevemillsdorset@hotmail.com 01725 552454

Gussage St Michael 100 Club
The 100 club draw for the months of March,April, & May took place virtually
at the recent PCC meeting, the winners were as follows
March 1st Vic Hatton 2nd Diane Norman, 3rd Margaret Wickham
April 1st Anna Kitching, 2nd Ian Hanstead, 3rd Brian Stannah
May 1st Andrea Fryatt, 2nd Diane Norman, 3rd Richard Friend

Sue Hanstead has information on Road Closures in our area in the coming
months, which will affect us. These are posted after the village news and
before the adverts.

                                 GUSSAGE ALL SAINTS
                             News gatherer Pauline Dilliway
                        paulineadilliway@gmail.com 01258 840274

As the lockdown has begun to ease and at the time of going to press, the
Salisbury diocese has given permission to open the Church’s in our area for
private prayer. We as a PCC are currently working with Gussage St Micheal
to see if we can open both Churches at different times during the week to
enable those who wish to pray the opportunity to visit our beloved churches
and comply with somewhat interesting restrictions regarding entry into the
Church. More details will follow and we will use social media to let you all
know when the Churches will be opened.

This is the perfect time to thank everyone who has continued to support the
Church and it’s buildings and surrounding area, keeping the Church yard tidy
and mowed so in these times when the Church has been closed people have
been able to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Church surrounds.

Weekly we have joined Gussage St Micheal in a zoom Church service this is
30 minutes of reflection and prayer lead by Simon Tong, anyone is welcome
to join our zoom service so do feel free to contact me if you would like to join.

Currently the Chase Benefice is without a Rector as we are in what is known
as an interregnum if anyone needs to contact a member of clergy or is in need
of help then please contact me and I will do my utmost to help. Chris Payne

The late Mary Fage nee Hiscock – It is with sadness that I write of the death
of Mary, just a few weeks before her 97th birthday which would have been
celebrated today as I write, and we offer our prayers & condolences to her
large family at this difficult time. I first became acquainted with Mary through
her daughter, Suzanne, who wrote to me when she heard about our campaign
to save the Drovers Inn. Now living in Kent with Suzanne and her husband,
Tony, she told me that her mother was born in Gussage All Saints on 12 th June
1923, daughter of Annie and William Hiscock. The family of seven lived in a

tiny cottage at the east end of the village, no longer there, with no running
water or electricity. Life was hard but they were happy. Later they moved to
Teachers, where I live now, and we exchanged photographs which delighted
Mary and brought back so many memories.

Mary’s father, William, was a farm hand and served in the first war. During
the second her mum, Annie, used to boil water from the well on the fire and
fill zinc baths for the soldiers who manned the searchlights on the downs.
Mary served in the WRENs, stationed in Portsmouth, where she met her
husband Cecil Fage. Two of her brothers were sadly lost in the war, Gus was
killed in Gaza with the RAF and Anthony was lost on HMS Hood which was
sunk by the Bismark. Their names are inscribed on our war memorial and
included in the roll call every year on Remembrance Sunday. When individual
crosses were made & dedicated for each of the fallen from the two wars to
commemorate the centenary in 2018, displayed in the churchyard as graves, I
sent photographs to Mary showing the names of her two young brothers
among them. She was deeply moved by them and by the kindness and
thoughtfulness of the church wardens and congregation. The knowledge that
their memory still lived on after the family had left brought her great comfort
and her link to her childhood strengthened.

Mary and Cecil (known as Dick) shared a very happy 50 years of marriage in
Essex. Their two daughters gave them 5 grandchildren and 7
great-grandchildren, who brought great pleasure. They enjoyed many cruises
together in their retirement and Mary always said that it was Dick that taught
her about life and the world, being a country village girl who led a sheltered
life. Gussage lass she may have been but according to Suzanne she was sharp
as a tack to the end. May she rest in peace.                 Mal Madell

CHURCH WARDENS

                                          ALL SAINTS
Gussage All Saints   Chris Payne               Southfields                   01258 840255

Tarrant Keynston     Mr Grahame Webb            The Leys                     01258 451177
Tarrent Monkton      Mrs Vicky Gumm             East Farm                    01258 830240
                     Mr Paul Speakman           Badger's Cete                01258 830283

                                      SAINT LAURENCE
Farnham              Mrs Gill Baverstock.     Sheepfold Cottage              01725 516311
                     Mr Timothy Tustin,       Sarunds House                  01725 516385

                                        SAINT MARY
Chettle              Mr David Mordaunt        Saint Mary’s Farmhouse         01258 830791
                     Mrs Elizabeth Mordaunt   Saint Mary’s Farmhouse         01258 830791

Tarrant Hinton       Vacant   enquiries to Rev’d Dr Michael Foster           01258 830764

Tarrant Gunville     Vacant   enquiries to Chair of the pcc Richard Keightley. 01258 830418.

Tarrant Rushton      Mr Nick Harding            Preston Farm                 01258 458318
                     Mrs Caroline Tory,         The Orchard,                 01258 452452

                                    SAINT MICHAEL
Gussage St Michael Mr Peter Bending        Waterside                         01258 840027
                   Mr Simon Tong           Bridge House                      01258 840061

                                 SAINT PETER AD VINCULA
Tollard Royal        Mrs Jackie Carlyle-Clarke Tollard Green Farm            01725 516323
                     Mrs Catherine Henderson Laburnums                       01725 516353

                              LAY PASTORAL ASSISTANTS
 Tarrant Rushton          Mrs Caroline Tory                                  01258 452452