News

From Corfe Castle Parish Council’s July 2020 report: The Council considered the erection of an agricultural Barn at LynchFarmhouse, Kingston. The Council consider the proposed barn tobe too big for the suggested purpose giving regard to the farmland.They have asked the planning officers to consider this. Continue reading

From Corfe Castle Parish Council’s June 2020 report: The Council’s Speed Indicator Device is on order and thepost will soon be installed on East Street near the bottom ofKingston Hill. The SID will be moved between this post andthe existing post at Castle View. Continue reading

As you are probably all aware Church services are suspended for the foreseeable future. Other events cancelled are our two concerts David Orr in March and The Mayday Singers in April plus the Coffee and Hot Cross Buns on the lawn on Good Friday morning. Cancelling events is a blow for us, as it is for a lot of organisations, as we are fundraising for repairs to the porch roof and also basically to keep the church afloat. With our reserves dwindling we have, reluctantly, switched off the night time floodlights at the church as we feel unable to justify the expense unless we are able to attract some sponsorship either corporate or personal. We need approximately £500 per year to fund the lights. We would be happy to erect a board advertising who is sponsoring the lights either for the year or per month if anyone felt able to… Continue reading

Our service at St James’s on Sunday 2 February at 9.30am is a Benefice Service for all the seven parishes of the new St Aldhelm’s Benefice. This will be a special occasion as it is the first time we have all worshipped together and it is hoped that people from all the parishes will come and join us. The Occasional Singers will be in attendance so we will have some wonderful singing to enjoy. Hoping to see you there. Refreshments will be served after the service. If anyone feels they could spare some time to help clean the brass in the church from time to time please contact me. Any help would be gratefully received. Doreen Farr, PCC Secretary Continue reading

The second Saturday in September was a lovely day for the Dorset ‘Ride and Stride’ to raise funds for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust. A few of us from St James’ took part and then served refreshments at Kingston to the intrepid walkers that called in. We had 26 people call in plus several tourists who joined us so it was a very nice social occasion and we had a very pleasant day and hopefully raised quite a bit of money. The weekend locally was very busy what with the Nordic Walking Festival, the Marathon and a Cycle Ride plus the Ride and Stride. We were lucky enough to have been given a grant of £3,000 from the Dorset HCT this year towards the renovation of the stained glass window in the Lady Chapel so felt this was an occasion we should support as their help is much needed in… Continue reading

The repairs and restoration of the stained-glass window in The Lady Chapel have now been completed and it has been returned to its former glory which is a great joy to look at. Many thanks to Dan Humphries and his team for an excellent job done within the time frame quoted. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the appeal for funds. We are still a bit short of the total needed so if anyone felt able to assist us we would be very grateful. On Sunday, 21 July Anne and Alan Fry are hosting an Open Garden afternoon with music, light lunches and cream teas (with prosecco if wished) and a few stalls and a raffle at Greystone Court, Kingston from 12 midday until 5pm. There will also be a display of model aircraft flying and a display of vintage cars. Do come along as it should be a… Continue reading

We recently had our Quinquennial architect’s inspection of St James’ at Kingston which has highlighted various essential and some desirable repairs. We will undertake the essential repairs and such of the desirable repairs as we can afford which, to be honest, is not many. One of the beautiful stained glass windows is badly damaged with calcium deposits and we have obtained estimates to have this repaired and also to try to remedy the reason that this happens. The repairs will be in excess of £5,000 for the window. We have applied to various Trusts for funding but, as is customary with these things, we are expected to raise at least half of the money ourselves. Over the next few months we will be organising some events to raise money for our ‘Window Fund’. If anyone has any ideas or would be willing to hold an event to raise funds or… Continue reading

Our Festival Week at St James’s went very well and in total raised over £1000 for Church funds. It started with a musical afternoon with bell ringing, organ and violin music and singing and also the bell tower was open. The views were much enjoyed by those that went up the tower as were the refreshments. Of great interest was the photographic display of Terry Hardy’s photographs of Kingston church and village; especially poignant this year were the war time photos. Thank you to all involved. During the week, Peter and Hazel Hartle gave a talk on 30 years of Purbeck Ice cream and it was an eye opener to learn how much was involved in developing what is one of the great business successes in the area. It was enjoyed by those who attended as were the sample ice creams! Our thanks to them for giving us their time.… Continue reading

Just a last minute reminder of the various events we have happening in the coming week at Kingston Church: It starts with a Music event this Sunday afternoon (16th), featuring a fascinating history/photographic display by Terry Hardy, the Tower Bells, Organ Music, soloists, and refreshments. Midweek we have a talk with Purbeck Ice Cream on Tuesday at 2.30pm. Wednesday at 2pm Harmony Rocks will give a concert of well known songs, (no ticket needed just come if you can), then on Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 4pm each day, there will be Floral displays and local crafts people and the whole event will conclude with Hymns and Pimms Songs of Praise which starts at 3.15pm on Sunday 23rd September. Please join us when you can and feel free to invite family, friends and neighbours. People can park in the designated car park just 100m beyond the Church on the… Continue reading

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This year St James’ Church in the village of Kingston  is holding several events during the third week of September, aiming to  bring church and community together. The week will start on Sunday 16 September with a Quarter Peal of the 10 bells, co-ordinated by Mike Pitman, our Tower Captain,  who will be joined by Bell ringers  from across the area. They will be starting at about 1.30. There will then be  a Music Afternoon from 2.30pm till 4.30pm  in the Church, where people can come and listen to Organ Music played by Roderick Raley while enjoying a relaxing cup of tea and afternoon refreshments.  There will also be an exhibition of photographs by Terry Hardy who lives in the village.  Hopefully we can also offer visits to the tower if weather permits during the afternoon. On Tuesday 18 September  at 2.30pm we have Peter and Hazel Hartle of  Purbeck… Continue reading

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Kingston Festival in September will have Crafts, Music Flowers and more so please save the date (16 -23 Sept). This summer we have had some young performers to delight us at Kingston, firstly the trio from Russia, who came in April and more recently at the PAW concert given by the English Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble. We had the Benefice Service at St James’ Church in early June and that same afternoon had a lovely Strawberry Cream Tea at Scoles Manor, so kindly hosted by Belinda and Peter Bell. How beautiful to enjoy an English afternoon tea with the most lovely views across the Isle of Purbeck and beyond. Thank you so much for the kind hospitality and also to those people who supported the event as their donations raised £227 for the Church. We ourselves enjoyed our Open Garden Days and were grateful to all who came as we… Continue reading

The St. James’ PCC would like to wish Kingston residents and everyone in the Benefice a Happy New Year. Following the very well attended and much enjoyed Advent Service in December and the Christingle on Christmas Eve we now look forward to the year of 2018 and the challenges it will bring. Many thanks go to Becca Charron for organising the Advent Service and to Sue Ireland plus Peter and Cynthia Buckle for the Christingle. The retired clergy assisting us by covering our services during the Interregnum are proving to be a delight to work with and our grateful thanks go out to all of them. The Benefice Service on 4 February will be held at Kingston at 10.30am. The occasional singers will be in attendance; their singing adds greatly to the services and it is always a pleasure to listen to them. Please come along to join us if… Continue reading

On Sunday, 3 December at 6pm we are again holding an Advent Carol Service at St James’ Church at Kingston. It was a lovely service last year with over 70 people attending and we would like to make this year’s service even better attended. The service is led by Becca Charron and has Advent readings, carols and wonderful music and it is an inspiring way to start the Christmas celebrations. So please come along and join us – we would love to see you. The service is followed by mulled wine and mince pies for everyone to enjoy. On a more sober note you will no doubt have heard that last month someone stole our ornate lion’s head door handle from St James’! This caused great upset and some inconvenience as we were unable to open the main door. We have since removed the other door handle until we can… Continue reading

Most will know that there is to be a further development in the way the two benefices of the Purbeck Hills and the Corfe Valley are organised and work together. As well as being neighbours we have been, what is technically known as, a group ministry since the late 1970s. This permits incumbents to minister in each of the benefices. The nature of this has varied over the years. lf you speak to people who were around in the 1980s, they will tell you about several joint ventures – a joint mission lead by the Franciscans from Hillfield, for example. lf you dig around in some of our vestry cupboards you will find copies of leaflet about the St. Aldhelm Group; that was the name chosen for the Group. In more recent times, we have worked together in a more background way. I have myself valued working with both Judith… Continue reading

We are having a ‘Spring cleaning morning’ in Kingston church on Monday 3 October starting at 10am, if anyone is interested in coming to help us. Coffee, cake and a warm welcome will be supplied if you wish to join us to polish brass and give the church a bit of TLC. Any help will be much appreciated. Just reminding you all that our Harvest Service is on Sunday 8 October at 11.15am followed by our Harvest Lunch in the Church. This will be soup and a ploughmans. Please ring me on 480837 if you would like to come. I have had a couple of people telephone but would love to have more. Looking forward to seeing you on 3 or 8 October or maybe both! Doreen Farr Continue reading

Thanks I missed last month’s Dubber to thank everyone who helped with the Church stalls at the Air Ambulance Fete at Kingston Courtyard. We had a very successful day and raised £180 for Church funds. Thank you to Judy Forgan for her plants and for her help and also to Peter and Cynthia Buckle and Judy Robson for their help on the day. Thank you to everyone who came to our stalls on the day and also a big thank you to Alan and Anne Fry for having our stalls at the fete. Harvest Service Advance notice of our Harvest Service which is on Sunday, 8 October at 11.15am at St James’ Church. We are going to have a Harvest Lunch after the service instead of a Harvest Supper. Everyone is welcome and if you are intending to come it would be helpful if you could let us know so… Continue reading

Kingston Notes Heavens! Ascot and Wimbledon have been and gone and already I’ve noticed the evenings are dark a little earlier than two or three weeks ago. All through the winter I look forward to the spring and summer and then they are here and then they are gone and it’s back to short dim days and iffy weather. I definitely have a thing about sunlight – or maybe daylight and the lack of it – technically called SAD and standing for seasonal affective disorder it certainly makes me feel sad as soon as autumn approaches. To give autumn its due it does have some good points – the colours of the leaves as they change from greens to red and golds and browns, the smell of bonfires and frosty mornings and so on but as its still just about July I’m not going to think about autumn for at… Continue reading

Church Stall We are having a stall in aid of Kingston Church at the Kingston Country Fair Air Ambulance Fête on Sunday, 9 July and are intending to sell Bric-a-Brac, books, plants, etc. to raise funds. If anyone has anything that might sell and wish to donate please contact either Doreen Farr on 07506235038 or Judy Robson on 07541215500 and we will be happy to collect donations. Also on Sunday, 16 July we are serving cream teas in the Church with accompanying music. Please come along if you are able to. We look forward to welcoming you to the Church. Doreen Farr Kingston Notes Last month’s Kingston Notes were so late being written that I missed the deadline. So, in an effort to break the habit of a lifetime which is being perpetually late for everything, I thought I’d make a start on this quite early in June – it… Continue reading

Kingston Christmas Party We will be holding a Christmas Party/get-together for the village this year at the Scott Arms – probably the week before Christmas – when the details/date have been sorted a poster will be put in the Scott Arms and leaflets through letter boxes! However, would be good to know if anyone would be interested in coming in advance – usual sort of thing – quiz, raffle, food etc – unless anyone has any brilliant ideas for something exciting and new – in which case please get in touch with Sue or Peter – who will be waiting with bated breath – for some sort of response from anyone! Be great to have some fresh input/help with this event! Telephone: 481372 (Susan Ireland) and 480212 (Peter Buckle) Christingle Oranges If any child would like an orange at the Christingle Service, Kingston this year which will be held on… Continue reading

The recent Flower, Craft and Music Festival held at St James’ Church, Kingston was a great success. It started on Friday night with a concert featuring The Military Wives’ Choir from Bovington, Woodwind Trio Zephyrae and the solioist Rosie Horn. All were a pleasure to listen to, so talented, and the impromptu rendition of Panis Angelicus from Rosie Horn with the woodwind trio was delightful. The Flower and Craft Festival was on Saturday and Sunday and was much enjoyed by all who attended. The church looked wonderful with all the flower arrangements and crafts. There was also music at times during the weekend from Zephyhrae, Roderick Raley on the organ with Felicity Smith on the violin, The Swanage Recorder Group and proceedings were brought to a close by Harmony Rocks Choir on Sunday afternoon. Many thanks to all the performers and also to Claire who is musical director of both… Continue reading

Kingston News We would like to remind everyone about the Flower, Craft and Music Festival in September at St James’. There is a concert at 7pm on Friday, 16 September with the Bovington Military Wives Choir and the Woodwind Trio Zephyrae. Entry is free with a retiring collecting. The Flower and Crafts with music is on Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 September from 10am till 5pm. There are various musical recitals over the two days and Harmony Rocks choir will be singing at 3.30pm on Sunday. If anyone is able to help with serving the refreshments of ploughman’s, cream teas and cakes please telephone Doreen on 07506235038 or 480837. We look forward to seeing you there for what should be a good ‘Celebration of Life and Achievements’. Chairs Following a comment in the visitors book at St James’ Church from a Corfe Castle resident, I feel I must respond. These… Continue reading

Preparations are underway for the 2016 Flower, Craft and Music Festival and we can now confirm that the event will begin with a concert evening on Friday, 16 September with the Military Wives Choir from Bovington followed by the Woodwind Trio Zephyrae from Wareham. This will be an opportunity to appreciate local musicians performing at St James’ Church, well-known for its acoustic enhancement, whilst surrounded with the beauty of flowers. It will be a special evening in every way and a reminder of God’s goodness to us as the Festival theme is Celebration of Life and Achievements. It will be great to see the newly acquired chairs in use at the concert after several years of fundraising and negotiation with Salisbury Diocese. A huge thank you to those who have contributed in the past towards this fund and to PCC members who helped to get them installed. The church will… Continue reading

Mineral Extraction & Landfill Waste – latest update The 35-acre proposed extension of Swanworth Quarry consultation period continues. Local comments are still needed. If no comments are received, they will presume we are all happy with this quarry extension and increased Waste Landfill. Important Changes The site remains the same size but now includes a “possible tunnel” over The Purbeck Way? It now extends further North into the field adjacent to the B3069, where it will be fully visible to the local community. Now includes increased Waste Landfill of the present site up to 400,000 tonnes: this will be transported through Corfe Castle and up Kingston Hill. If approved the new site would give rise to additional traffic through the Parish for an extended period. This AONB site (one of only 33 in the country) will be compromised for a finite aggregate resource. Dates for your diary 11 July –… Continue reading

Kingston Fete 2016 This year we are holding our Fête on 13 August. It will be in the grounds of Kingston Church – not the most ideal spot in some ways – but perfect in others. It is, after all, a church fête and visitors will have access to the bell tower, be able to listen to the wonderful organ and, in the unlikely event of bad weather (!), there is shelter inside the church. There was no fête last year due to various reasons – ill health etc, etc – so we are hoping to make 2016 a success to encourage us to carry on with this traditional event. Kingston village has lost a lot of its actual residents over the past few years but there are quite a few people who have very kind volunteering for ‘stuff’ so we are hoping we can actually rustle up enough people… Continue reading

Father’s Day Cream Teas This month, we have the first Music afternoon with Cream Teas on Sunday, 19 June. Why not treat Dad to a lovely afternoon in the Purbeck Hills? We can offer spec­tacular views from the Tower, homemade cakes or a cream tea on the lawns, or listening to relaxing organ music. There may also be a fresh display about the church architecture and stained glass windows. Don’t miss it come between 2pm and 4.30pm. Flowers, Crafts, Music Festival Thank you to those who have already offered to demon­strate their skills at the Flowers, Craft and Music event which takes place on 16 & 17 September. The theme ‘Celebrating Life and Achievements’ enables us to offer a wide display of flower displays. There will also be some exciting ones based on the Brazil Paralympics which will be taking place around that time. Please contact Doreen Farr or Judy… Continue reading

The lovely Church of St James at the top of Kingston Hill will be hosting a new festival this year, one which celebrates ‘ Heavenly Foods’ in the form of a combined Flowers and Craft Festival, at which you will also be able to enjoy live music at certain times of the day. The event which runs from Saturday 17 – Monday 19 September is open to the public from 10 am – 5 pm each day and is free of charge. We hope to have the bell tower open, for people to enjoy the splendid views over Purbeck, and at certain times you can enjoy hearing the amazing set of 10 bells. This will be one of our main fundraising events of 2016, so please come and support it, bring your friends, families and neighbours and enjoy the special surroundings whilst savouring refreshments on the lawn with the best… Continue reading

We’ve added a page for fêtes and flower shows – the newspaper report about the first ever show has been added. Continue reading

As I write, we haven’t actually reached Christmas yet, however, I feel it is appropriate to pen a few thank you notes to all who helped in any way in arranging the amazing West Gallery Carol Concert by the lovely Ridgeway Singers and Band. What an awe-inspiring afternoon we had at Kingston under the direction of Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries- with lovely Dorset readings and unusual instruments (such as the Serpent) to enhance the event. The Church was packed to capacity, with a very friendly atmosphere, and people had travelled quite some distance. Thank you Robin and team, for enabling such a memorable evening, for so many. We have just had our Village Carol Service – which quadrupled our congregation … so much so, that we had to move from the choir stalls into the main church. We welcomed a couple from London who are planning to marry at… Continue reading

Moving on … Twenty five years ago we moved into South Street in Kingston. Towards the end of the road was Aeolia House. At the time, we knew no one in the village. A few days later, there was a tap on our door and Cynthia asked if we would like to join in the Village Christmas Party. We were of course delighted to accept this introduction to the village. As the years rolled by we got used to a tap on our door, our two dogs getting very excited and a visit from Peter. He would call in frequently on his way to visit others, to work at the church on various projects, and perhaps just have a cup of tea. Cynthia would sometimes come with him and we would put the world to rights between us. The Village Fete, Harvest Supper and Christmas Party would have been poorer… Continue reading

Flowers, Crafts and Music Festival – Sat 19th – Sun 20th September Woodcraft – glass – pottery – flowers – bells – music – stonework – spinning – lace & many more The lovely Church of St James at the top of Kingston Hill will be hosting a new festival this year, one which celebrates ‘ Heavenly Foods’ in the form of a combined Flowers and Craft Festival , at which you will also be able to enjoy live music at certain times of the day. The event is open to the public from 10am until 5pm on Saturday 19th September and Sunday 20th September and is free of charge. We hope to have the bell tower open both days, for people to enjoy the splendid views over Purbeck, and at certain times you can enjoy hearing the amazing set of 10 bells. From 10am to 5pm – Tower will… Continue reading

Flower, Craft & Music Festival The lovely Church of St James at the top of Kingston Hill will be hosting a new festival this year, one which celebrates ‘ Heavenly Foods’ in the form of a combined Flowers and Craft Festival, at which you will also be able to enjoy live music at various times of the day. The event is open to the public from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September and is free of charge. We hope to have the bell tower open both days, for people to enjoy the splendid views over Purbeck, and at certain times you can enjoy hearing the amazing set of 10 bells.This will be our major fund raiser of 2015 in the absence of the Fête and Christmas Tree Festival, so please come and support it, bring your friends, families and neighbours and enjoy the special surroundings… Continue reading

June and July have rolled by and quite a roller coaster time – For St James’ Church and those associated with Kingston, it has been very sad, losing our long serving Churchwarden, David Scott, whose ancestor, Lord Eldon founded the Church. Our thoughts are with David’s family at this time. He was such a well-known, kindly man, a true gentleman and he leaves a big gap in the local community. The Church was full to overflowing in July as people said their goodbyes and heard fond tributes of the huge contribution he has made through his lifetime across the local area. Recently also we have seen the passing of dear Cyril Garvey, husband of Brenda, and our heartfelt sympathy is also with her at this time. Thankfully there have been several weddings which bring joy to village and we wish each of the couples a long and happy marriage. The… Continue reading

all news courtesy of Judy Forgan In May the Church looked beautiful for Travis and Paula’s wedding and also a stunning concert was held in the evening that same day given a combined choir under direction of Tim Crosley. We are very grateful to all who contributed and boosted the coffers at Kingston. Our thanks also to Belinda and Peter Bell for hosting the lovely Strawberry Tea and all who came to support the event. Cream Teas – Sunday 21 June This month we will be offering live music and cream teas on Sunday, 21 June between 2pm and 4.30pm so do come and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing afternoon with some wonderful views. Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Day – Sunday 28 June At the end of the month we have the ‘Kingston Country Fair’ coming up on Sunday, 28 June in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air… Continue reading

You are invited to Scoles Manor for Strawberry Tea and Cakes on Sunday 24 May from 2pm: Continue reading

As I write, we are getting ready for the Christmas Tree Festival, hoping we can fit all the trees into St James’ Church. I would like to thank all those who so kindly offered to help, whether on the refreshments, the decorating of trees or the wide range of music presentations. I’ll let you know the final amount that was given to Julia’s House in the January edition, but we hope it will exceed our £1000 gift of last year. The children’s hospice in Broadstone is such a worthy cause and helps many families. Last month some very moving tributes were paid by the family of Brian Collins at his funeral service. Brian had grown up in the village as a boy and served for some years in the Merchant Navy. More recently he was living in Wareham. Services in December This month we have planned the following Christmas Services.… Continue reading

Harvest Celebrations help provide livestock for poor & hampers for food bank We were privileged to host the lovely concert by Natalie Clein and friends early in October and it was  great that the church was full on a Sunday morning! Our Harvest week  began with the Harvest Festival Family Service on  led by Revd Ted Pratt,  who reminded us of how important it is to thank  and appreciate God for His constant provision, not just once a year, but  continually. The Kingston Harvest Supper was well supported and we welcomed a few new faces, as well as raising enough money on the auction of fresh produce, to purchase a donkey and some chickens for needy families in developing countries. These versatile  animals, alongside cows and other livestock, can be provided  because of local generosity  after the harvest service at Putlake Farm. The Benefice also contributed dried and tinned non-perishable… Continue reading

Summer Fete Despite the appalling weather we still managed to make over £2200 and the PCC would like to thank everyone who helped in any way and also to local people who came along and supported us. This month we have our Harvest Festival on Sunday, 13 October at 11.15am and Informal Harvest Praise the following week on Sunday, 20 October at 11.15am. The Harvest Supper is on Monday, 14 October in the evening 7pm for 7.30pm but please confirm with Peter Buckle or Sue Ireland if you would like to come. Christmas Tree Festival A very special event will be held at St James’ Church, Kingston, at the end of November, as we start to prepare for Christmas. We invite local organisations of all ages, businesses and groups or even families, from the villages of Langton and Worth Matravers, Kingston, Harmans Cross, Corfe Castle, Church Knowle and Kimmeridge, to… Continue reading

Thanks for Support Well the summer has nearly gone and it seems like only yesterday we were getting ready for tourists to arrive. As we ‘missed’ the deadline last month, I would like to begin by thanking people who were involved with various recent events. We are indebted to those who arrange events to help the PCC at St James’ Church, Kingston. Thank you Robin and Myra for coordinating the July concert by Dorchester’s Occasional Singers. Also thanks to Tim Rose, one of our bell ringers who arranged a lovely hand bell concert, on 3 August. The four young people played unique compositions and Tim gave an interesting and varied insight to their music. The evening raised £208, half of which will be to help sustain the ‘Tower Fund’. Kingston Fete Huge thanks are due to Peter, Cynthia and Sue for pulling it all together, to David for all the… Continue reading

Kingston Village Fete The Fete is at St James’ Church on Saturday, 17 August from 2pm to 5pm. There will be lots of stalls and Village Games – homemade cakes a speciality and our Grand Book Stall. Win a prize in our Raffle and most importantly, bring your dog to join in our Fun Dog Show. There are classes for all shapes and sizes of dogs, and a special Best Child Handler Class. There will be rosettes to three places and some Specials. If you have any items for the stalls please contact the Stall Holder and cakes will be much appreciated for the Cake Stall. Stalls Books: Honor Vass; Bottles: Angela Lardener; Bric-a-Brac: via Diane Cole; Cakes: Mary Haysom; Raffle: Simon Philips; Tombola: Sue Ireland; Toys: Fiona Wake-Walker; Good quality clothes: Sue Ireland Greta Hardy Continue reading

Kingston Fete It is now only a few weeks away to the Fete on 17 August. Items are still required for all of the stalls. Please contact the stallholders, if you have any items for the Fete. Cakes will also be appreciated for the cake stall. Stalls Books: Honor Vass; Bottles: Angela Lardener; Bric-a-Brac: via Diane Cole; Cakes: Mary Haysom; Raffle: Simon Philips; Tombola: Sue Ireland; Toys: Fiona Wake-Walker; Good quality clothes: Sue Ireland Dog Show Remember to bring your dog to the Fête this year and join in our fun dog show. There are classes for puppies, prettiest, handsomest and rescued dogs. Fun classes and a best child handler class with rosettes for all winners. Anyone willing to help or if you have any bric-a-brac to store, please contact Peter. Terry Hardy   News from Kingston Firstly, I would like to thank Belinda and Peter Bell for so kindly… Continue reading

Last month we were all saddened at the news of John Cole’s death and our thoughts are with Diane, Jeremy, Matthew, Sarah and all the family. A very moving tribute to John was given by his family at the funeral and reminded us all of what a kind, caring and gentle person he was. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. In the same week, Helen, Davril’s daughter, and Roger were married and made a delightful couple. Visitors came from far and wide, even as far as New Zealand, to share in the happy event. At the beginning of May, of course, the Hermitage Ensemble gave a wonderful collection of unaccompanied songs, both in Russian and in English, and their four powerful voices sounded more like a choir of 12. At the end of June we have another concert planned, and will welcome Christchurch Priory Choir on… Continue reading

Bells of St. James There will be a three-hour peal of Bells at St James Church, on afternoon of Sunday, 5 May 2-4.30pm. Come and enjoy organ music inside (with cup of tea and cake) and also the deep sounds of the 10 bells as they are rung by a visiting group of bell ringers. Anyone interested in learning to ring can meet our tower captain, Mike Pitman, and find out more about the skill. Judy Forgan Continue reading

Already we are into the fourth month of 2013, where does time go! Hopefully you had a pleasant Easter and were able to participate in some of the local events, such as the Palm Sunday procession. The newly formed Dorset Chamber Choir presented a timely Lenten Music evening, entitled Music for Holy Week March, under the leadership of David Everett. Our very best wishes to Edward and Catherine who will be married at St James’ Church on Easter Saturday. We also wish Roger, Helen and all their family well as they make final preparations for their big day, early in May. During the coming year, we have eight weddings booked as Kingston Church – it is a very popular venue. The bells always sound lovely, thanks to Mike Pitman and his team of ringers. He has asked if we can try to recruit one or two new people who may… Continue reading

Sunday Lunches Please note that as 10 March is Mothering Sunday, there will be no Church Group Lunch this month. We hope to resume with our ‘Friendship Lunches’ at various Purbeck Eateries, in April. Margaret & Davril Kingston News This month sees the departure of Rosemary and George Pitman– a huge thank you from us all for the many years of faithful support in so many parts of village life. We wish them both every happiness in their new home in Swanage and hope we will still see them from time to time. To mark the occasion, please do join us for a Bring and Share Lunch at the Church 12.15pm on Sunday, 3 March. Electoral Roll Update Now, for any residents, here’s another date for Kingston diaries. Our annual meeting (APCM) is on Thursday, 25 April, a few weeks hence. However, this year, we do need all those on… Continue reading

News from Chingestone Abbas Having just returned from a fascinating talk by Reg Saville about Kingston, I was surprised to discover some interesting facts about the village. It was lovely to hear about the origins of the unusual cottages and hard to believe that the original road from Corfe didn’t follow Kingston Hill as we know it, but came along West Street, Corfe Castle across what is now the Common, up towards Blashenwell and through the woods. Did you know the original village settlement was in the field behind the old school, as the Swanage road (track probably ) followed the ridge so didn’t have a big bend near the Kingston Courtyard? Also there used to be a sail and rope factory on the track towards the sea and a bakery in the Lane (but perhaps not at the same time). What surprised me most was the fact that the… Continue reading

Firstly, I want to offer a huge thank you to all of those who contributed in any way to the Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival, especially to all those who sponsored and decorated the trees, also to the kind people who gave their time to prepare the Church and serve the refreshments, from right across the Benefice and beyond. Also we had some beautiful music contributions which added to the special atmosphere ranging from visiting hand bell ringers, as well as various singing groups and soloists. This included the Local Vocals, St George’s School Choir, Roni Merison, Roderick Rayley, Felicity Smith, the May Day Singers, Isle of Purbeck Arts Club Choir and Canzonetta, who gave a lovely festive concert amid the trees, truly a memorable experience. However, I now want to thank all those who visited and were so generous with their donations; we were thrilled to find that the event,… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Church Services I hope to have the usual Lantern Services on the first three Wednesdays in Advent, namely – December 2nd, 9th and 16th, at 7 p.m. There will be no Mid-day Service of Communion on the third Sunday of the month, but two Celebrations on Christmas morning at 8 and 11. The collections on this day will be made for the Church of England Society for Waif and Stray Children. Confirmation The Lord Bishop of the Diocese held a Confirmation Service at Corfe Castle on Thursday, November 26th, at 3 o’clock. Three candidates were presented from Kingston: George Caines, Seymour Tatchell and Lillian Allen. O.H.M.S We have now, I am proud to say, twelve (in addition to E. J. Collins, at present a prisoner of war) connected directly or indirectly with our village who are serving with the Colours. May God protect them and enable them… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Our monthly collection, taken on October 25th, amounted to the sum of £3 3s. 0d. The Rev. A. C. Nickol pleaded the cause of Foreign Missions. He is the Secretary for the Church Missionary Society. Next month, November 29th (Advent Sunday) we shall have the Rev. H. Macknight once more with us to ask for our collection towards the Missions to Seamen; but, as last year, he will preach at Morning Service only. Band of Mercy The annual competition, in which last year our Kingston Band of Mercy was so successful, took place on Wednesday, October 14th. The names of those who have entered are: May Speck, Lillian Allen, Winnie Munden, Eva Speck, Elizabeth Fricker, Annie Travers, Annie Hunt; Edward Travers, Ralph Hunt and Albert Fricker. We all had tea after School at Mrs. Bartlett’s and went thence to the Schoolroom again for essay-writing. The result may… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier There are but few remarks to be made in this month’s Magazine, since everything that might be of interest at ordinary times seems to sink into insignificance in the face of this tremendous war. The visit from the Rev. A. Lombardini was, I understand, greatly appreciated; as I felt sure, when I invited him, that it would be. I may say also that he, for his part, seems to have thoroughly enjoyed himself here. The Festival of Thanksgiving for the sage ingathering of Harvest is due to be observed on September 27th. I will leave space for the insertion of the amount collected on behalf of the Bournemouth Hospital. £5 5s. 0d. I cannot definitely state the date on which the Reading Room will be opened, but I hope the necessary furniture and fittings will be complete about the middle of October. Baptisms Aug. 30.            George Frederick… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier National Relief Fund In hearty response to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales appeal that all churches and chapels should make a collection to the above fund, Kingston Church gave the largest offering which has been made by the congregation. The generous sum, £11 14s. 6d., was forwarded to Buckingham Palice on Monday, August 17th. National Defence Society The above offering, which was a special effort made upon an unique occasion of course substantially interfered with the usual monthly collection made on the following Sunday, August 23rd; but even so, we managed to give the Rev. F. Lombardini the sum of £2 17s. at the end of the day, after he had opened our eyes to the cause which he so eloquently pleaded at the Evening Service on that day. The War You will forgive me if I seem to pass by the one subject which is on… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Rifle Notes Our shooting season is drawing to a close. Saturday, August 1st, is the day fixed for the final shoot for the Cup, and we have had a very pleasant series of practices. Scarcely one wet day throughout, very enjoyable meetings, and a distinct improvement in the individual shooting. The following have been successful in obtaining the S.M.R.C. badges for proficiency in the three classes: Class A Coombes     371 Class B Coombes    360 Dorey           358 Langtree     351 Joyce            351 Beck              350 Class C Travers       345 Langtree    343 Coombes    341 Joyce           338 Orchard     336 J. Gale        334 Davis           334 Dorey          331 J.T. Light   331 Hooper       331 An alteration I am going to change the monthly collection (August 23rd) to a special object, viz., the National Society, which, in view of the Parliamentary invasion of the Church, we are asked to support. We… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Collections The May Collection for the Church of England Temperance Society reached the sum of £3 1s., which Mr. Scott, the Diocesan Secretary, took to help forward the general fund of the Society. The next offertory will be made on Sunday, June 28th, for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Church Finance Scheme We have, I am glad to say, a good response to the Bishop’s appeal for support to his great scheme; in all, about 20 tickets have been returned up to date, and the envelopes have been issued to the contributors. These will now put the envelopes containing the amount promised, into the box provided for the purpose at the end of the Church. Trinity Sunday June 7th, on which Sunday I expect to be away from home, the Services will be conducted by the Rev. T. Russell-Wright. I think that… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Vestry Meeting Held on Tuesday, April 14th, about 25 parishioners present. Chief points considered were as follows: The appointment of Sidesmen to collect and count the monthly offertory, at Morning and Evening Service. To adopt a scheme similar to that in use at Wareham, in response to the Bishop’s urgent appeal re Church Finance. First, a card will be sent to each Church-family to be signed and returned by those who are willing to take part in the scheme, stating the amount they are prepared to give (say, for example, 1d. per month). Upon the return of these cards, the Secretary will issue so many envelopes, which in the case of the monthly contributor would be brought once a month (in the case of a yearly contributor, once a year), and dropped into a box in the Church, this box to be cleared after each Sunday evening’s… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Collections The amount of the March offertory made on behalf of the Bishop of Salisbury’s Fund under the new organisation of Church Finance amounted to £2 10s. 0d. The Easter offering is always and everywhere regarded as a present from the Congregation to their Minister, so that if the latter be poor, those amongst whom he labours may contribute to his earthly needs; while if he already have enough, he may devote the offering to some objectwhich he has at heart. This year I propose to send what you of your generosity give me (on Easter Day) to help to build a Church for the use of the soldiers at Bulford, near Salisbury, who though five times as many as we are in Kingston have no place of worship, while we have two. Services There will be no Communion Service on the first Sunday of the month… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Band of Mercy A most gratifying result crowned our first entry in the Children’s Competition between the four counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The competition consisted of an essay to be written by any member (between the ages of 9 and 14 years) of each Band, upon the subject of animals. The four best essays were first chosen out of the different Bands of Mercy, and then these were compared and judged together. The result of this judgment was a win for Plympton (in Devonshire) and second place for Kingston, with a certificate of recommendation. Kingston’s chosen four were: Margaret Grant, May Speck, Olive Audley and Ralph Hunt. The Concert Owing to a domestic bereavement, neither Mrs. Napier nor I were able to be present at the Concert on Friday, February 20th, in aid of the Band funds, so I can only speak of it… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Offertories The monthly collections will follow much the same order as last year, except that the October one will be for Foreign Missions instead of for the special object of last year. January             –           Parish Sick Fund February           –           Church Army March               –           Bishop of Salisbury’s Fund April                 –           Easter: Special May                  –           Temperance Society June                 –           R.S.P.C.A. July                  –           Fresh Air Fund August              –           Prevention of Cruelty to Children September        –           Hospital Fund October             –           Foreign Missions November         –           Mission to Seamen December         –           Waifs and Strays Lent The Lenten Season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25th. The Commination Service will be read on that day at 7 p.m., and a special service on the following Wednesdays with an instructive reading. Rifle Club I wish to hold a Rifle Club meeting at the Vicarage, on Wednesday, February 11th, at 7 o’clock; this will be the… Continue reading

Vicar: Arthur Napier Offertories My first paragraph in the New Year will consist of a list of the 1913 charities which you who are Churchpeople in deed as well as name have assisted with heartiness and generosity. The January collection, will be given towards our own parish “Sick and Poor” Fund, which (added to the Early Communion Service offertories) forms a little fund which helps towards the occasional needs of our own people. £ s. d. Communion Offertories and Churchings 1 15 6 Jan Church Army 2 3 0 Mar Antarctic Tragedy 4 10 0 April Bishop of Salisbury’s Fund 2 5 0 May Temperance Society 2 11 6 June R.S.P.C.A. 1 16 6 July Fresh Air Fund 2 5 6 Aug Prevention Cruelty to Children 2 2 0 Sept Swanage Cottage Hospital 4 0 0 Oct South Wales Colliery Disaster 6 6 0 Nov Missions to Seamen 4 3… Continue reading