News from Kingston -
The following ‘News from Kingston’ is provided courtesy of ‘The Dubber’ which is published monthly and which also includes news from sister parishes of Langton Matravers, Worth Matravers and Harman’s Cross.
November 2010
KINGSTON NEWS
The Church has been used for a number of different purposes recently. Anne Bond,
from Corfe, took our Harvest Festival Service which was a very memorable occasion.
Our thanks are due to those who contributed flowers and produce and helped arrange
it all. The next day, the church was converted into a banqueting hall for the Harvest
Supper. One long table stretched from the Chancel to the West Door. Fifty-
It was a very jolly occasion. It was good to see so many different people from the village all there together, enjoying themselves. Proceedings were much enlivened by the skilful auctioning of the produce by Simon Philips which made £76 and his handling of the raffle which yielded £138. Some of this will go to charity. The PCC will decide its destination at its next meeting. Our thanks go to Simon from the pub, Sue Ireland and Peter Buckle. St James has been transformed into an Art Gallery this last week. Stephen Bishop is displaying his pictures for sale. It takes you back a bit when you first go in and you wonder where the church has gone. However, he has hung the pictures very sympathetically. What next?
The lights on the outside of the church have been very erratic lately. They seem to have been affected by cuts in the electricity supply or was it mice playing with the clock? Our listed telephone box is better looked after. One evening an American lady was trying to phone home, but she could not get in. The door handle had come away. In no time at all a magic fairy had waved her wand and, goodness me, there was a very neat new handle in place. How lucky we are to have such a benign spirit in the village.
If you have been walking towards Hounstout recently you may have thought that Kingston was about to become an oil boom village. No such luck, the drilling equipment was there to look for new sources of water. It found water at approximately 290ft and it is of good quality. We await the outcome.
Where will the enterprise of Purbeck Ice Cream end? They are now producing cider. Joe Hartle, the next generation, has planted 10 acres of apple orchard and formed the Purbeck Cider Co. He makes Joe’s Cider, a dry cider and will shortly be selling a sweeter variety – Sweeter Side of Life! There will also be an apple juice called Jurassic Juice.
By the time you read this Jerry Cole should be on his way to Southern Sudan. Good luck, Jerry!
George Pitman
October 2010
KINGSTON NEWS
You shouldn’t try to be clever about the weather, you only cast a spell on events. The Kingston Fête was blessed with rain, mist and general dampness; people turned up, but not in their usual numbers. The trip up the tower was never going to be a winner and it was a pity the Swanage Town Band had to play inside the church, though they could be heard outside at the expense of the ear drums of those in the church having their tea. However, the Dog Show was not deterred by the weather and was a great success. The helpers held out to the bitter end and we did make about £3000. The phrase ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ came to mind. We must thank Peter Buckle and Sue Ireland for all the effort they put into this fete and indeed into many others over the years. They work very hard.
On a much brighter note, the weather for the wedding of Cynthia and Simon from the Scott Arms was great, as was the whole day. It’s not often that we see a horse and carriage carrying a bride to the church. It was all very colourful in the church and the generosity of the couple to the village in the evening was memorable. It was great to have such a happy occasion for the village to get together. Thank you and good luck.
We have had our last concert of the season. Sounds Easy were very enjoyable and we had a good audience despite the fact that we were competing with the Music Festival at Kimmeridge. They provided huge tents with bath and butler. But Kingston in the form of the Bells, the Stringers, the Hardys and Mary Haysom provided excellent accommodation for the singers. The success of the concerts has been due entirely to Robin Stringer helped by Mary Haysom. Thank you, Robin. Roderick Raley, our organist, has played on two Sunday afternoons to make up for there being no service that Sunday. Tea was served in the church and you could go up the tower – and see something! These two occasions raised £157.49. Thank you Roderick and Judy Forgan who has been extremely helpful in many ways and the Bellringers.
Now to more domestic village matters. We have two Dutch sisters living in Honeysuckle Cottage – Josie and Stephanie. They used to come to Purbeck on holiday with their parents and have been in the area for three years. One works for an Estate Agent in Wareham and the other at the Purbeck School. Their parents were an example to all parents. They worked so hard sorting out the garden and painting. We hope that the girls will be happy in Kingston. Normally at this time of year we would be writing about Harry Dennis, but this year he did not enter the Harmans Cross Produce Show. He left it to Tuppence, his wife, to bring home the silverware in the equestrian events. The dying Green Finches caused some interest. There is definitely a virus about. We should remove our feeders, clean and sterilise them in boiling water and also any bird baths. Leave for three weeks and then it’s business as usual.
Further to Jerry Cole’s trip to Southern Sudan, there is a much simpler way of making
donations. Send them to Mayford Joinery, Mayford Centre, Smarts Heath Road, Woking,
Surrey, GU22 OPP. Any cheques should be made out to The Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust
(HART) This organisation is co-
The Harvest Festival Service will be on Sunday, 10 October at 11.15am and the Supper on Monday, 11 October. Sue Ireland would like flowers and produce to decorate the church to be left in the church or porch by 10am on Saturday, 9 October when she would be grateful for any help with the flowers. Details of the Supper are on a separate sheet attached.
Davril Greatrex, who comes to St James from Ferndown and is a great help and support, has been very ill. She is recovering slowly and we wish her well.
Sadly Judith will not be taking the Harvest Festival Service as she will have moved
to Weston-
George Pitman
THANKS
I would like to thank all those who set up the Fête, took it down and helped on the day, despite the rain and, as a result, raised £3000. Thank you all.
Peter Buckle
September 2010
KINGSTON NEWS
I should be writing up the Church Fête, but it is two days away and clashes with The Dubber due date. It cannot be helped. So I can only indulge in a little forecasting. If it is beautiful weather, the punters will all be on the beach, if it rains they will stay at home. What is needed is a fine day with a sharp east wind which will drive everyone inland and up to Kingston. By the time you read this you will know the outcome.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme expeditions have now been replaced in the village by walkers and tourists. It was very encouraging to see the number of young people struggling so cheerfully with their huge backpacks. Kingston seems to be a natural rest point on their travels. PC Barry Ashdown is running the Scheme in Purbeck, based in Corfe. He can be contacted on 422004 for details. It is a great way for young people to pass their time.
We have had a number of dead Green Finches on our grass. They seem to come down on the grass, are unable to fly off and expire. I am told that the breed is suffering from a virus. I wonder if others are experiencing the same phenomenon.
It seems that the Village Calendar is unlikely to be on sale this year. No pictures were received and those who were involved last year do not, at the moment, have the time.
I have always said that Kingston people are full of surprises. Well, Jerry Cole is
off to Southern Sudan in November. He will be helping build a school at Marol, in
a country which is still recovering from a 50-
George Pitman
FÊTE DOG SHOW
The new event at Kingston Fête this year proved to be a great success. The Dog Show attracted 71 entries, and in spite of the drizzle dogs and handlers enjoyed the event. Thanks must go to Terry & Janet Amey and Jenny Hipkiss of the Purbeck Agility Group who provided the Judges and helped with the organisation. Also we must thank Gordon Roberts for allowing us to use his garden.
Greta Hardy
August 2010
KINGSTON NEWS
This has been a good month for raising money both for the church and other charities. The Open Gardens Sunday seems a long time ago, but it raised £925 of which half went to Cancare. Thanks to all who opened their gardens, sold plants, helped with teas and opened the Tower. It was a very successful day. The concerts given by Canzonetta and Manchester Grammar School managed to provide music to suit all tastes. Canzonetta were delightful. They introduced us to all styles of music with considerable humour and flair. MGS were particularly memorable for their enthusiasm and discipline.
It was lovely to have at least two old Mancunians in the audience. Between them they raised £726 of which £200 went to Julia’s House. In response to those who left a previous concert early, a number of people came into the MGS concert during the interval. However this may have had something to do with the Andy Murray tennis match, but it was nevertheless very encouraging. On Wednesday, 21 July, Laudemus came to sing Evensong. It was very moving.
Whilst on Church matters, not everyone may have noticed that there will be no service in St James’ on the third Sunday of the month. At the moment, this is to help with the interregnum between Judith’s departure and the arrival of her successor, which could be some time. We already have no service on the first Sunday and we must ensure that this arrangement does not become the thin end of the wedge.
We are glad to hear that Winnie Hobbins is back home from hospital after a very mild stroke. We do hope that hope she continues to improve.
We mentioned Terry Hardy and his photographs in the Scott Arms in June, but since then his horizons have widened considerably. He has been an avid photographer all his life. His career as a scientist has taken him all round the world, enabling him to indulge his passion for ‘capturing the moment’. He enjoys taking photographs of people’s heads and wondering what they are thinking. He is planning three exhibitions in Mayfair, Bloomsbury and Covent Garden. He is, at the moment, in negotiation with the Chinese Embassy. He also intends a unique exhibition for Kingston of images captured in Hong Kong in 1955. This will show the changes over the last 60 years. Watch this space.
Don’t forget the Fête on 21 August and the return of our old friends, Sounds Easy, for a concert on 28 August.
George Pitman
KINGSTON FÊTE
It is now only three weeks away. Items are still required for the stalls. Please contact the Stallholders if you have any offerings. If you would like items to be collected, please contact Sue Ireland and she will collect, if you give her notice. Peter Buckle can arrange for storage. There will be a collection point for cakes at 16, West Street. In extremis, you can always bring things to the church on the morning of the Fête.
Peter Buckle is still looking for volunteers to help on the day. The main jobs are setting up the site in the morning and taking it down at the end. People are also required to help during the afternoon. If you can assist in any way do give Peter a ring.
Stalls
Books: Honor Vass, Bottles: Angela Lardner, Bric-
Good Quality Clothes: Dodie Gould, Raffle: Simon Philips, Plants & Produce: Joyce Lock,
Tombola: Sue Ireland, Toys: Fiona Wake-
Dog Show
Remember to bring your dog to the Fête this year and join in our Fun Dog Show. Classes for puppies, prettiest, handsomest and rescued dogs. Fun classes and a Best Child Handler class. Rosettes for all winners.
July 2010
KINGSTON NEWS
May and June have brought music to the Church. The Carrig Ensemble lived up to its publicity. Edward Beckett really is an outstanding flautist. He and Adrian Davis’s harpsichord together with Mary Harris’s cello made their baroque programme really sing. It was so cheerful that one came away with a light heart. The Occasional Singers were not so consistent.
The singing of motets and madrigals under Richard Hall was beautiful, enhanced by the acoustics of St James’. However, the octet music was not so successful. It was overlong and the style was not to everyone’s liking. I fear that some people did leave before the end. I hope people will not be discouraged from coming to our other concerts. The next one is on Friday, 2 July at 6pm (not 6.30 as previously stated) when the Manchester Grammar School Close Harmony Group will be singing a very varied programme.
There was a real village wedding on 29 May when Charlie Fry married Michael Trim. The church was beautifully decorated with white flowers. Presumably the inspiration came from the bride. The reception was held in a marquee on Fry land. There was a rather sorry sight next morning of two or three cars in the middle of the field. Their owners must have thought better of driving home!
Sadly, we have to say good-
We may have grumbled about the weather, but it seems that it has been ideal for poppies. They have been appearing everywhere and their flowers have been huge.
Roses, too, are producing particularly beautiful blooms. So Mother Nature does not let us down all the time. She has her good side.
George Pitman
KINGSTON FÊTE
The plans for the Fête on Saturday, 21 August are progressing. We shall be most grateful for items for the following Village Stalls. Please contact the Stallholder shown. If you would like items to be collected, please contact Sue Ireland and she will collect if you give her some notice. Peter Buckle can arrange for storage of donated items. There will be a collection point for Cakes at 16, West Street or you can bring Cakes to the Church on the morning of the Fête.
We shall be most grateful for volunteers to help on the day. If you can find the
time and are willing to help, please contact Peter Buckle. We shall need volunteers
to help set up the Fete site and to dismantle it at the end of the day. We also need
volunteers to work with us during the afternoon. Assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Village Stalls: Books – Honor Vass; Bottle Stall – Angela Lardner; Bric-
NEW EVENT AT FÊTE
Have you got the most handsome dog, the prettiest bitch or the most gorgeous puppy? Then bring them along to Kingston Fete on 20 August and join in our Dog Show. Further details in the August Dubber or contact Greta Hardy.
Peter Buckle & Greta Hardy
SWANAGE WALKING GROUP
On Wednesday, 7 July at 6.30pm the Swanage Walking Group will be meeting at the car park in the wooded area at Kingston. Ordnance Survey map reference SY 955 797. We will be going for an easy 3.5 mile stroll to Swyre Head returning via Heaven’s Gate. No steep hills or stiles. Lovely views.
Robin Brasher
SERVICES AT ST. JAMES’ CHURCH
It is with regret that, for the foreseeable future, there will not be a Sunday morning service at St. James’, Kingston on the third Sunday in the month. The usual services in the benefice on the third Sunday will continue to be 8am and 9.45am at St. George’s, Langton Matravers, 11am at St. Nicholas, Worth Matravers and 6.30pm Evensong, Langton Matravers.
Services at St. James’ will be on the second, fourth and fifth Sundays each month and festivals in future.
The feast day of St. James’ falls in July and so we will have a benefice communion service on the first Sunday, 4 July at 10.30am.
Judith, Priest in charge
June 2010
KINGSTON NEWS
What I have to say this month seems rather small beer compared with what has been going on in the wider world. However the rest of us have to keep going in our humdrum way, while our masters sort themselves out.
It’s lucky that we have some sharp eyes amongst our villagers. One night a chimney
was spotted on fire in West Street and by taking immediate action our man doused
the fire before the Fire Brigade arrived and averted serious damage. The same person
noticed a County Council official taking details and photographs of a car parked
on double yellow lines. Our hawk-
Birds are ever with us in the countryside, but not always where you would expect them. When the organ was being serviced recently, a dead starling was found in one of the pipes. Presumably it died of severe earache. People are worried about the jackdaws in the Church Tower. I am assured that all the louvres are sealed off with wire netting, so that they cannot get into the tower. They must live in very cramped accommodation. This could account for the number of twigs on the ground by the tower. I know that we live in a country village but the animals do seem to be encroaching rather a lot. Sheep have been wandering unattended along the road and have chosen to feed in the gardens next to the Old Church. At least the jackdaws stay round the tower.
Speaking of the Old Church, the Cavendish-
The Church will now be open all day thanks to Greta Hardy and Harry Dennis who open and close the church each day.
The Open Gardens Day will be on Sunday, 20 June. The Choir from Manchester Grammar
School will be singing in St James on Friday, 2 July at 6.30pm. The change of time
will allow for the possibility of England reaching the semi-
On your next visit to the Scott Arms do go and look at the exhibition of Terry Hardy’s photographs. Terry is a man who has travelled the world, is a great photographer and a fine technician with the computer. Well worth a look.
George Pitman
ENCOMBE LIVERY
Encombe Livery (formerly Belknap Livery) is under new ownership and is expanding its services. The livery is now offering a wide range of services including 24 hour supervision from the resident, qualified Instructor/Manager, all weather ménage, small cross country course and a friendly, reliable and experienced team of staff.
Katie Roberts
May 2010
KINGSTON NEWS
Oh dear! No wine came out of the Lion’s mouth in South Street on Maundy Thursday, but then it was 1 April! Not a very good attempt at an April Fool.
Easter seemed to be a turning point both with the weather and in Church. The sun came out, though with a breeze, and there was a good congregation on Easter Sunday. And now the daffodils are in their true glory.
On 17 April, Meridian gave us an interesting concert on two trumpets and two trombones. Their sound certainly filled the church. They played classical music and music from the shows and jazz. It was all arranged very imaginatively by members of the group, making the most of the characteristics of the individual instruments and often with a sense of humour. This was all made possible by Richard Brown of Worth, to whom we are very grateful. On 22 May, the Carrig Ensemble is visiting us. Adrian Davis, harpsichord and Mary Harris, cello, have been here before under different guises, but this time they are coming with Edward Beckett, flute, and have changed their name. Their standard will be even higher with the addition of an internationally renowned flautist.
It’s that time again. Who has any photos for another calendar or any other ideas for a project which would raise interest and money and give pleasure? For any photos or ideas contact Greta Hardy at Badgers, South Street or on 481197.
At last, once again, we have our own Kingston councillor in Corfe. Peter Hartle of Purbeck Ice cream has been voted on to the Corfe Parish Council. Now, if we have an issue or we want something looked into, we have only to ring Peter on 480090 and he will see what can be done.
We also have our own signalman on the Swanage Railway. Mike Gould has just qualified to take over the Corfe Castle box. I wonder whether in the old days there were ever any Kingston men working on the railway?
George Pitman
KINGSTON NEWS
Four weeks have not made a great difference to the daffodils. They still seem to be cowering from the weather. However one can make out the hotspots where there is shelter and sun. We must be patient.
There has, however, been an expectation of spring in the church. A small group set
to work on tidying and cleaning the lower vestry. We thought that we might need a
skip, but now that we have a wheely bin we can get rid of the rubbish gradually.
I just hope we have not thrown away anything vital. Sue Ireland did rescue one thing.
It was Spring Cleaning with a vengeance. There was a good turnout for Mothering Sunday.
There was a generous number of bouquets, made by Sue Ireland and Fiona Wake-
Easter will soon be upon us and Sue would love some help decorating the church on Easter Saturday from 10am. She would also welcome flowers, foliage and pots of plants. Bring them on the Saturday or leave them in the porch.
Over the years, we have tried to dispel the idea that St James’ is a cold church, but now the boiler is nearing the end of its life and decisions have to be made. Gone are the days when Charlie Bullen started stoking the boiler on Friday evening with coal provided by the Scott family collieries in the North East. We need short bursts of heat and electricity may well be the answer.
We must, belatedly, welcome Bella Beattie to the village. She arrived in February and lives in West St. She comes from London and is managing a project which wants to create a museum in Kimmeridge which will house the fossil collection of Steve Etches and further archaeological finds. She would love to stay on here when the project is finished.
The concert season starts on Saturday, 17 April at 7.30pm at St James’. A Brass Quartet from Trinity College, London will be playing music from Bach to Gershwin. It should be an excellent start. No tickets, just donations.
Perhaps, this year, we should test out the old theory that wine comes out of the lion’s mouth at the bottom of South Street at midday on the Thursday before Easter, Maundy Thursday. Happy Easter.
George Pitman
March 2010
KINGSTON CONCERTS 2010
Plans for this year’s concert season at St James’ Church, Kingston, are well advanced thanks to musicians and singers, both local and from as far away as Manchester and London, who are keen to take advantage of the church’s exceptional acoustics.
Opening the season on 17 April will be Meridian Brass, a young quartet from London’s Trinity College of Music, with a mixed programme ranging from Bach to Gershwin. Following them on May 22 will be Edward Beckett, ‘one of the finest flautists of his generation’, with cellist Mary Harris and harpsichordist Adrian Davis.
On 5 June, we welcome The Occasional Singers under their joint director Rick Birley
from their Dorchester home and on July 2 and 10 respectively, we will be hosting
two more choirs, the first from Manchester Grammar School, who have chosen Kingston
as one of the venues on their mini-
Finally, in August, we are hoping for a return visit from Sounds Easy, whose summer offering of popular choral music proved very popular on their last visit to Kingston three years ago. As usual, there will be no charge for admittance to the concerts but there will be a retiring collection in aid of the fabric of the church and of other charities.
Mary Haysom
KINGSTON NEWS
We seem to be having a long hibernation in Kingston this year. I cannot even go into rhapsodies about spring bursting out all over, although there are snowdrops about and green shoots are coming through. I did see a buzzard on the ground in the churchyard. What that foretells I dare not imagine.
An interesting planning application has appeared in the village for a two storey cottage to be built facing on to the pub car park. It is to be dug into the bank, so it will not be too high. However it could be very dusty and a bit noisy at times. The design of the house looks quite good.
On 11 February, there was an accident near the top of Kingston Hill. An ambulance and the police were in attendance. It appears that the accident occurred because the driver was going downhill too fast, clipped the kerb and the car turned over. Luckily no other car was involved and the driver and occupants of the car were unhurt though somewhat shaken.
George Pitman
February 2010
KINGSTON NEWS
The festive season started with a swing. The Village Party attracted 78 people to the Scott Arms. It was a bit squashed, but it made it all the more cosy. We were greeted with a glass of mulled wine provided by the Scott Arms and we then enjoyed the plates brought by ourselves. Father Christmas called in for the 20 children and there was a raffle which raised £78 thanks to the persistence of Peter and Cynthia Buckle. There was also a Quiz. There were one or two disputes which were found in favour of the competitors. At one stage, an atlas had to be produced to convince the doddery, old Quizmaster that he was wrong. Some people just don’t know when they are past it. At least the organisers, Sue Ireland and Peter Buckle, are not past it, thank goodness.
This was followed by the Christingle Service on Christmas Eve. There were 145 people in the congregation... the church was packed. There were a large number of children and there was a great atmosphere. Would there were so many on a Sunday.
Then came the snow. I suppose we were quite lucky that we did not get more. However, it was the ice that did for us. The T junction of South Street and West Street was an ice rink. We hear that the Council will provide us with Grit and Sand Boxes, but of course we have to get planning permission for the boxes. But we were much helped by Harry Dennis and Brian Audley and their merry men, not forgetting their tea lady. Thank you. The weather conditions produced acts of much kindness and thoughtfulness. Community life still exists.
During the snow our postman always got through, when others did not. Mike used his own initiative and put his own chains on his van.
A few years ago, I was told a story by Jane Dutton who used to live at No 12, West Street. She said that one winter the snow drifted up against her house and the only way they could get out was through the bedroom window. There seem to be conflicting views on this. Has anyone any evidence for this story?
It is good to see the Scott family arms back on the signs. In keeping with modern educational trends the motto is in English rather than in Latin, but you might be surprised by what it says. I do not think it is a very exact translation of the original motto!
We are glad to hear to hear that Dave Dennis had his operation early in the month and is recovering well. He seems to be surprisingly mobile. We look forward to welcoming him up here soon.
It has been brought to my notice that there is a vacancy on the Corfe Castle Parish Council. They are very keen to have somone from Kingston on the Council to represent our interests. If anyone is interested they should contact Jeff Dunn, the Parish Clerk (555266) or Corfe CastlePC@aol.com as soon as possible but certainly before 8 February.
George Pitman
January 2010
There seems to have been a lull in the affairs of Kingston, before the storm of Christmas. However things are hotting up. There was a memorable Carol Concert in the Church, given by the Purbeck Arts Club Choir together with the choir and recorder players from St George’s School. The children gave a great performance. It was really very mature. Combining adults with children was a great success.
Congratulations to St George’s and their teachers, Sarah Painter, who memorably doubled as a music stand, and Helen Hinsull. We must not forget Jay Buckle, the Arts Club conductor and their accompanist, Isabelle Butler. Oh, and the adult choir weren’t too bad either.
There have been two appearances of interest on the television recently, which have concerned Kingston men. Jon Hales was very impressive speaking about the campaign of St George’s School to remain where they are... a star of the future?
In a series of programmes about the law in the 18th century, there was a man called Sir John Scott, who must have been our Lord Eldon in his early days. They both belong to the legal profession.
On Friday, 18 December, Chris Batten was married to John Anstey... very much a village wedding. We wish them every happiness.
Since the future of our telephone box has been raised, there have been other suggestions for its use. A village library? This has been done elsewhere. A cold frame, if we are allowed to put in a plastic top? A drop off point for Santa? We can only muse.
You should receive this edition before Christmas, so may we wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
George Pitman
