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DODDINGTON, NEWNHAM &
WYCHLING NEWSLETTER
March 2002
The Vicarage
Dear Friends
"Is that Mr
Kilford Hello my name is Elaine,
You can guess what comes next. Elaine will want to tell me
about a fantastic offer of one kind or another. If it is about double-glazing,
it is no problem. I just have to say is that we live in a house owned by the
Church. But when Elaine or any of the others try to persuade me to buy gas from
an electricity company, or electricity from a gas company, it is sometimes
difficult not to be rude to them. They always seem to call just as we are
sitting down to our evening meal or when we are busy.
Once Myrtle had a very
persistent caller and she tried to put him off by saying that I dealt with
whatever it was he were selling. The next day, of course he called again and I
answered the phone and said rather abruptly, No thank you,' and hurriedly put
the phone down. A few minutes later the phone went again. This time the caller
was angry. He said 'You're the third Vicar 1 have called tonight and not one of
you has even been prepared to listen to what I have to say! I thought you were
supposed to be Christians.' Whilst 1 sympathised with him we had a bit of
argument. Later his supervisor called me. 1 thought he wanted to apologise, but
no, he wanted to see if he could get anywhere with me. Of course it is not just
unsolicited phone calls is it? We all get masses of junk mail and offers for
this and that - for a Platinum/Gold credit card for car or house insurance,
mortgages or other financial services.
I am told that if you take
the time you can drastically reduce your cost of living. But as most of the
offers seem to last for only a few months, you have to be constantly on the
alert, remembering to switch to something else before higher charges come into
effect. Some people, 1 know, are prepared to do this, and even enjoy it! But
not me, I remember R.P.M. Retail Price Maintenance for the younger readers
meant that things cost the same wherever you bought them. Maybe we had to pay a
bit more but life was simpler and you did not have to waste time worrying
whether you were 'getting the 'best deal!' People today like to be in control.
They do not like being told what to do or believe. By having all these
'choices,' they can exercise greater control over their lives and therefore
enjoy greater freedom, so the argument goes. But if this is true, why do so
many people, particularly the young married, seem to be so stressed all the
time?
We are approaching Easter
and reading the accounts of Jesus' last days and trial used to surprise and
even upset me. This was because he refused to put up any form of defence to the
many false accusations made about him. When he was brought before Herod or
Pilate he often remained silent and made his death on the cross inevitable. He
could have stopped it if he had wanted to but when he was praying in the Garden
of Gethsemane, he willingly gave up control by placing himself in God's hands.
"My Father," he said, "if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.
nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.
This is one of the great
lessons of the Christian faith. If you want to be free, you do not achieve it
by being a control freak, but by letting go and letting God!
St
Augustine discovered this great truth after he became a Christian and often
refers to it in his prayers like this one
Eternal God, grant us so to
know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve
you, for to serve you is perfect freedom, in Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen.
May God
Bless You All
Roy Kilford
FROM THE REGISTERS
Weddings
26th
January David Evans & Nicola Searle at Lynsted
9th February Andrew
Curtis & Peta Imhoff at Newnham
Funerals
29th January Jane Ralph at Lynsted
& Charing
14th February Cicely Filmer of Lynsted at Vinter's Park
Baptisms
10th February Bethen & her father,
Jamie Packman at Lynsted
10th February James Kent, also at Lynsted
NEWNHAM CHURCH FLOWER & CLEANING ROTA
2nd March
Mrs S Hawkes & Mrs V Tombs. No Flowers. 0' March Mrs R Llewellm. No
Flowers. 16th March Mrs E Platt. No Flowers. 23 d March Mrs E Platt. No
Flowers. 30th March - Easter Decorating. Brasses - Mrs Charter.
NEWNHAM TODDLE GROUP
Parents, toddlers and babies welcome. Every Wednesday (term time) from 10. 00am
in Newnham Village Hall. For play, activities, coffee and a chat. For more info
Tel: (0 1795) 890152
DARBY & JOAN
CLUB March meetings are Friday 8th and Friday 22 nd in Doddington Village
Hall from 2.00pm. New members always welcome. Come along for Whist, Scrabble
and Crib. Tea and Coffee available. There is a Bring n Buy stall and a Raffle.
For more info Tel: (0 1795) 886896.
FULL BODY TONING
EXERCISE CLASS
Every Wednesday at Newnham Village Hall 8.00pm-9.00pm.
Come along and join this friendly full body toning exercise class, suitable for
all ages, the class finishes with a relaxation session. For further details
contact Ros Taylor on (0 1795) 890785. Also every Monday at Bredgar Village
Hall 8.00-9,00pm.
NEWNHAM
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Swale Neighbourhood Watch Office have launched a
new information hot-line sponsored by Swale Housing Association.. The line
operates under the same principle as the Crime Stoppers free phone line, but is
local to the Swale area. Calls are FREE and the hot-.line will be manned
between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday, outside these hours an answer phone will
be in operation. This is not a replacement to the Emergency 999 System and the
reporting of crime remains the same.
The FREE Hot-Line Number is 0808
1003308. The Newnham Co-ordinator has new supplies of Neighbourhood Watch
window-stickers. They are obtainable on request at 90 The Street, Newnham.
Further info Tel: (0 1795) 890767.
PERSONAL SERVICES
GROUP
The Personal Services Group are a Faversham organisation that
arrange for volunteer drivers to take local people to and from hospital
appointments. If you require this service or would like to volunteer as an
occasional driver then please contact the local co-ordinator: Barbara Roberts
(01795) 886332.
KERBSIDE RECYCLING
COLLECTIONS_
Tuesday 12th and 26th March, for Newspapers, magazines,
envelopes, junk mall, scrap paper, cereal boxes, paper & cardboard
packaging, telephone directories etc. Please place in carrier bags or boxes and
leave on kerbside (Black Sacks will not be taken).
RECYCLING
You
can also recycle any paper and card at Doddington School, Newspapers at the
Doddington recycling area. Silver paper and cans be recycled at Doddington
School. Stamps can be left at Victoria Bungalow Doddington, for the Guide Dogs
for the Blind Assoc.
HOME COMPOST
BINS
280 Litre home compost bins may be purchased from Swale Council at
the special price of £15 each. Contact: Peter Chegwidden on (0 1795)
417342.
DODDINGTON TRAFFIC
CALMING GROUP
WHATS HAPPENING?
A question I
am sure many people are asking. Well the last meeting of the combined
Doddington and Newnham Traffic Calming Group took place on Tuesday 25th
September last year. Sadly only six members of the group attended the meeting
including three of the original eight members from Doddington.
While Doddington residents involved in the group remain committed to
pursuing the issue of traffic calming in the village, (which had been
identified as the village's No1 priority in the Parish Council's survey
2000/2001), it was felt that due to differences in perception emerging between
the two main villages it would be more effective for the two villages to work
independently.
The Doddington team subsequently met in January to discuss the future of
the group and it was unanimously decided that it would be more effective for
Doddington residents to pursue this issue separately from Newnham Parish
Council.
The Doddington team would like to wish members from Newnham every
success in resolving Newnham's traffic calming issues in the future.
The first meeting of the Doddington Traffic Calming Group is being held
on Tuesday 26th February when we will be discussing:
* Electing a vice chairman.
* Revising the groups aims and objectives.
* Swale Highways commitment in May 2001 to develop a detailed plan for
traffic calming for Doddington in conjunction with the community.
* Swale Highways commitment to obtain funding for completion of an
agreed traffic calming scheme by the end of 2003.
* Developing outline proposals for effective traffic calming in the
village.
* A monthly update on traffic calming in the newsletter and on website.
* Interim traffic calming measures.
* And Updates on :
o White lining of the C258, Doddington to A20.
o Environmental Enhancements.
o Request to Swale police for speed checks.
o Unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles except for access signs .
o Mail shot to residents .
o Position re static speed indicator device.
o Group funding.
For further information contact Ian on 886251
DODDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Summary of the meeting held 1 1th Feb 2002
Report by Alistair Clinton
All 7 Parish Councillors present + 7 members of
the public
PLANNING
APPLICATIONS
The proposed modular building for the school was
considered and although supported in general it was strongly suggested that the
possibility of a less visible location be explored
GOLDEN
JUBILEE
4 ideas seem to be the most popular
1. An exhibition 2. A
party (need organisers) 3. Allotments (group of 4 seeking more gardeners) 4. A
Pond
POST
OFFICE
The Post Office is liaising with The Chequers public house on
the feasibility of a post office service at The Chequers.
EMPTYING
RECYCLE BINS FOOT OF CHEQUERS HILL
The contractors will examine the
feasibility of rearranging their route to avoid early morning emptying.
ELECTRICITY POWER FAILURE
The Parish Council had written to the
electricity company regarding the recent power cuts & fluctuating power
supplies and potential damage to appliances. A somewhat rambling technical
reply on how electricity is supplied and switched when maintenance work is
required was received.
Highways
Cllr lan Woodhouse had
written a letter to Mr Haratbar of Swale Highways regarding the promised
engineer to liase with the Traffic Calming group. A letter of acknowledgement
has been received. Ian was thanked for all his efforts in highways
matters.
TRAFFIC CALMING GROUP
The Doddington members of the traffic calming group has
decided to continue without the Newnham contingent and actively purse traffic
calming measures for Doddington. Anyone willing to help with the traffic
calming group please contact lan Woodhouse 886 251
NEWNHAM
VALLEY WI
Mrs Jo Humphreys President welcomed members and five visitors
to the meeting on 21ST February She was also pleased to welcome back Mrs Pat
Hards after her illness. Ideas for possible outings this year were discussed,
with Wisley and Hampton Court being suggested.
According to
our speaker for the evening Mr Chambers, Kent has its fair share of Ghosts,
with Pluckley alone being credited with 12 ! He also related to us the 'time'
version concerning the 'Girl on Bluebell Hill'. Mr Chambers reckons the media
has embroidered the story over the years ! And did you know the ghost of Simon
Sudbury is in the Sudbury Tower, Pound Lane, Canterbury ?
Flower of the
month winner, Mrs Edna Clark with a Hyacinth. Competition winner, Mrs Judith
Bland with her 'Ghostly Limerick'. Mrs Val Tolhurst reported on her recent
visit to Denman College, where she spent a very enjoyable four days brushing up
on her Bridge skills. She thoroughly recommends the college to all members,
whatever their interests.
Next Meeting
:Thursday 2st March in Newnham Village Hall at 7.30pm. Speaker: Mr Harris
History of Seaside Entertainment'. Competition: A seaside photograph. Visitors
welcome.
DODDINGTON
& DISTRICT WI
The members of Doddington & District WI met at
the village hall on 14th February for their usual monthly meeting. President
Mrs Martin welcomed them together with several visitors. Two members, Miss Joan
Boucher and Mrs Patricia Hards are now home from hospital. We look forward to
their early return to our meeting. Former member Mrs Vi Neaves is now resident
at Cooksditch Residential Home, Faversham, she would welcome visitors or
letters.
Mrs Martin
reported the findings of a meeting she had attended concerning ideas for a
village celebration of the Queens Golden Jubilee. This to include all local
organisations if possible to take place in June. Also mentioned in the business
section was the date of the Group Meeting and the subject of the Group
Competition, which is 'A Small Basket of Spring Flowers', please bring your
entry to our March meeting on Thursday 14th March at 2.15pm in Doddington
village hall.
This will be
our 55th Birthday Meeting, so perhaps visitors would ring our Secretary Mrs R
Wildash on (01795) 886886, this will help with catering. Our speaker for the
afternoon was Mr Paul Harris, a professional entertainer and broadcaster on
Radio Kent. His talk on 'The History of The Seaside' was very humorous and much
enjoyed by his audience. As he works in summer season at Margate most years, it
was agreed that this years August outing should be to see one of his shows. To
that end tickets and coach are to be booked for Thursday 8th August. It is a
matinee performance preceded by a Fish n Chips lunch at the Grand Hotel,
Cliftonville. Names and a deposit will be required.
There were
several entries for the competition and each received equal points. Mrs Wildash
was this months winner of the Flower of The Month competition. We look forward
to seeing members on the 14th March. Visitors always welcome.
DODDINGTON COFFEE MORNINGS
Once again we had a magnificent response to our coffee morning on 16th
February, this time in aid of the Church Organ fund, we raised £230.
Thanks so much to all who helped, in the organisation and to all who came and
en oyed a friendly natter and a cup of coffee and raised so much money. j The
last of this series of three coffee mornings is on Saturday 16th March in
Doddington Village Hall from 10.00am to 12 noon and will be in aid of the Kent
Air Ambulance Service. We look forward to seeing you there.
DODDINGTON
& DISTRICT VILLAGE SHOW
This years show will be on Saturday 7th
September. Apologies that the committee has not been able to meet yet this
year. Therefore schedules are not yet available. It is hoped that they will be
ready by mid March. And yes there will be a village show this year, unless you
all tell me you do not want one ! (Mary Chastney).
FOR
SALE
Hotpoint Aquarius DF61P Dishwasher, 2 years old, as new
£150. Microwave Oven, in working order, 15yrs old £5. Three seater
sofa (Burgundy) free. BuyerCollects. Tel:(01795)890162.
Discovery Club Pre School
Doddington School, The Street
Doddington Sittingbourne Kent, ME9 OBG Tel 0 1795 886298
E-mail -
discoveryclubpreschool@tiscali.co.uk
Discovery Club Pre School currently opens on Mondays and
Fridays from 9.30 am - 11. 15 am.
We currently have spaces for children
aged 2 1/2 -- 5 yrs. Sessions cost £3.50
If you have
children of this age or children who will soon reach this age please feel free
to visit and look around the Pre School and see how the children learn in a
friendly and relaxed environment.
The Pre School will be expanding when the new mobile unit is
in place and will then be able to offer more sessions and longer hours.
For
further information contact
Mary Goodger (Pre School Leader), Tel 01795
439084
ore mail discoveryclubpreschoool@tiscali.co.uk
NEWNHAM
PARISH COUNCIL
The
following is a summary of items discussed at the Parish Council meeting on 7th
February and at a Parish Meeting on 16th February:
Potholes
There were a large number of potholes in the road throughout the parish and
Cllr Adgie undertook to raise the matter again with SBC Highways Department.
Since the meeting, white lines have been painted around potholes in The
Street.
Seed Road
Development ClIrs Seath and Woodall attended the appeal hearing at which Mr
Lee of 18 The Court-yard, Seed Road was appealing to the Department of the
Environment against SBC's decision not to allow him a permit of lawful
residence. The result of the appeal is expected in about a month's
time.
Youth
Shelter Unfortunately the landowner with whom the PC were negotiating to
acquire a site for the youth shelter has decided that the proposed site is
unsuitable. We are therefore back to square one. If anyone has any ideas about
where a youth shelter could be located, the PC would like to hear from
you.
Traffic
Calming It has been decided not to participate any further in the joint
Newnham/Doddington Traffic Calming Committee. The committee was getting nowhere
and, reluctantly. Newnham decided to go it alone. It is unfortunate that the
joint initiative has not worked out, as a combined approach to outside
authorities should have been more likely to succeed.
Scramble
Club A public meeting was called on Saturday 16 th Feb, following a number
of complaints concerning the East Kent Schoolboy's Scramble Club. The meeting
was attended by four Parish Councillors, the Chairman and Secretary of the
Scramble Club, Mr and Mrs Payne (the landowners) and thirty one members of the
public. Two members of the public who were unable to attend had given their
views to the Chairman, which he relayed to the meeting.
Following
lengthy discussion the parishioners overwhelmingly expressed the view that they
supported the aims of the Scramble Club and wished it to remain, subject to
some improvements being made in marshalling and provision of off road parking.
Only three people voted to have the Scramble Club removed. (It is doubtful if
this could be legally achieved anyway).
It was agreed
that liaison between the PC, the Club and the landowner could be improved and
the PC will be considering an offer from a parishioner to act as a liaison
link.
THE WEATHER FEBRUARY
2002
The most prominent feature of this month's weather has been the
frequent occurrence ---ofhigh winds. This stormy period began on the 20th
January and continues at the time of writing these notes, although South-East
England has not experienced the severe gales that have, affected the North of
the country. In the last week of January the wind gusted to 50mph every day;
during February 1 recorded 53mph on the V'. and in excess of 30mph on a further
14 days. The lowest wind speed recorded was 12mph on the 17th
This windy
weather. coming mainly from the west, has been accompanied by rain on 4 days
all but 7 days so far. The total for the, month now stands at 60.51mm. with
remaining. The 3rd and 4th were the two wettest days, yielding 14mm and 16mm
respectively.
There have
been quieter periods between the storms, and these have been associated with
lower temperatures. the lowest air temperature was 1.3degC on the night of the
14th/15th the lowest ground minimum -0.50C on the 7th 15th and 16th There have
been 5 ground frosts, no air frosts. Daytime maxima have been surprisingly
high, in excess if 100 on all but 3 days. A pleasant 160C was recorded on the
12th Pressure has remained high throughout the month, in excess of 1000mb on
all but one
th day; highest pressure recorded 103 1 mb on the
15
Notwithstanding the vagaries 'of the weather, snowdrops abound, daffodils are
opening and green leaves showing in sheltered hedgerows. Many plants respond to
the encouragement of increased daylight, now almost 12 hours, rather than
significantly increased warmth; the sound of grass mowing has returned for
another year
John
Howell
TRAILBLAZERS
Meetings for March and April: March 3 d
in Doddington Village Hall, March 10 th Mothering Sunday Service at Doddington
Church. March 17th in Doddington Village Hall March 24th Palm Sunday Service in
Doddington Church., March 31st No Trailblazers. April 7th Family Service in
Doddington Church, A ril 14 Trailblazers in Village Hall. April 21st
Trailblazers in Doddington Church.
I st
NEWNHAM BROWNIES
We have just celebrated the Queens Golden Jubilee with
a very happy and enjoyable Brownie camp at Hornhill Activity Centre. We were
lucky with some fine weather and were able to play outdoor games. We had lots
of visitors and did lots of craft work, including making golden crowns., red,
white and blue flowers and golden roses.
It was a wonderful start for the
Queens Golden Jubilee, which 1 -hope we will all remember. On Saturday 23rd
February over 100 of us celebrated Thinking Day at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar
School in Faversham:, We joined in with lots of different activities from all
countries. We had a final ceremony and collection and the day finished with a
disco. Brownies meet on Tuesdays 5.30pm in Newnham Village Hall.
BABY-SITTER
15 years old. Rates: until 12.00pm. £10.00 After
12.00pm £15.00. Contact: Michael on(01795)886847.
WINE &
WISDOM
Saturday March 23rd in Doddington Village Hall. Teams of 6-8 are
welcome at £4.50 a head. 'To book a table telephone.- Barbara Roberts (0
1795) 88633 32 In aid of Doddington School PTFA,
FAMILY
TREASURE TRAIL Sunday -28th April A Family Treasure Trail around the local
area. Thi's will start at 2.00pm Adults £2. Children £1
FamilyTicket £5. There will be Hot Dogs and refreshments on sale, A prize
for the most correct answers. Look out for posters and more details in next
months newsletter.
CONCERT -
SONGS FOR A SUMMER EVENING The singing group Cantiana are arranging a
Concert for Saturday 6th July at Doddington Village Hall. There will be songs
from shows, instrumentals and songs to sing-a-long with, followed by Wine and
Nibbles,The proceeds of the evening will go towards the Doddington Church Organ
Fund. Ticket details will be available soon. If you would like to take part,
pre-book or find out rnore about 'Cantiana' please contact: Lis Bayford on (0
1795) 886392.
DODDINGTON
OPEN GARDENS
The Open Gardens Weekend will be Saturday 13th and Sunday
14th July. If you would like \our garden to be included in the programme please
contact Les Roberts on (0 1 795) 886332
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Thursday 14 h February
at 3.00pm. A white estate car (possibly Vauxhall Astra was parked in front of a
dwelling in Faversham Road, Wychling A man was walking near. the front garden
on being challenged he said he had come to repair her husbands welding machine.
The husband knew nothing about this, so it was suggested he had got the wrong
house and he drove off. The male Is described as in his late 50~s, 5~6" tall,
with greying, balding hair, medium build, wearing bluejeans and a light
bluejurnper. Casual but smart, extremely polite and well mannered. Please be
careful if seen, he may well have had an ulterior motive, Ring Master message
1634.
A man aged 40-50 of medium height. stocky build. balding and with
some grey hair at the back has recently been seen acting suspiciously outside
Bysing Wood Primary School. It was noted that when a Police car came along he
ran off.
on 13th February in lwade a nine year old girl was approached
by a mate who drew up in a Silver Saloon Car. Wearing only a white shirt.
trainers and no other clothes. Having spoken to the girl,
got back into
the car and sped off. Any info call -NHW Hot Line FREEPHONE 0808 100 3308.
Please he vigilant around our schools and treat any suspicious activity as
potentially, serious.
Doddington Co-ordinator. Ian Pateman can be
contacted on (0 1795) 886815.
WILDLIFE NOTES
Spring
seems to be trying to get underway. The yellow flowers of lesser celandine have
been out for a while, as have snowdrops. In Doddington churchyard, the deep
purple flowers of sweet violets have appeared, primroses are out, and the first
wild daffodils are open. In the woods, the pointy leaves of bluebells are
starting to poke up through the leaf litter.
Birds are
starting to sing, especially on the sunnier days. Mistle thrushes have a rather
fluty tootle which they deliver from the tops of trees. Great tits sing a
strident, bell-like 'tea-cher tea-cher tea-cher'. Chaffinch song, a real sound
of spring. is harder to describe, but has been likened to a fast bowler: a
rhythmic descending scale sounds like running feet, and is followed by a rapid
trill as the ball is delivered! Not all birds sing: both Mick Barry and Nan
Dalton report hearing the drumming of great spotted woodpeckers: woodpeckers
choose a dead or hollow tree to make sure that this territorial 'call' can be
heard far and wide.
Frogs are
getting active. In the pond at Doddington school, a number of paired-up frogs
were seen during the third week of February, and even a few smooth newts were
up and about. In the same week, Nan counted nearly fifty frogs and twenty-six
clumps of spawn in her two ponds.
The last
weekend of January was the date for the RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch, when
people all over the UK spent an hour watching and counting the birds in their
garden. The RSPB uses the results of this scheme, which has been running for
more than twenty years, to assess the fortunes of a variety of common bird
species.
Nan Dalton sent me a summary of her results: she saw twenty-one
species in total, far outdoing the nine species seen in my little patch. Early
national results apparently show the starling to be the commonest British
garden bird, followed by house sparrow, blue tit, blackbird and chaffinch. If
anybody else out there took part, i would be interested to hear your
results.
On the subject
of garden birds, I have also had a recent report of a heron seen dropping into
the pond at Palace Farm, while Shirley Hawkes has had regular visits from a
sparrowhawk. This bold bird has been sitting on a handrail just outside
-Shirley's kitchen door, and periodically picking off great tits visiting the
garden feeders.
It seems that
our buzzard, or, as it turns out, buzzards, are still about. Graham Cuthbert
saw one high in the sky near Palace Farm at the end of January, while. in early
February. Mick Barry watched two as they fed on a dead rabbit near Torry
Hill.
Richard Movse
2 West End Cottages. The Street, Doddington Tel.
886421 (not after 9pm) RichardMoyse@care4free.net
Would you
interested
having an allotment in Doddington?
We're
investigating how we can set up an allotment site in the village for use by
local people. The first step is to get an idea of the demand.
So if you
would like an allotment where you can grow your own healthy, tasty vegetables,
send us your name and details. We will make sure you are kept up to date with
how the project is progressing.
Send or drop
the form to Kathy Friend & Richard Moyse, 2 West End Cottages, The Street,,
Doddington, or phone us on 886421
Yes, 1 would like to see allotments in
Doddington, and 1 would be interested in renting a plot.
Name
.................
Address .........................................
............... 1
Phone number. . ...............................
E-mail address ....................................
Pear and Gingerbread
Upside-Down Pudding
A lovely sticky pudding just in time to bid
farewell to winter.
You will
need
For the toppin 3 large, firm just ripe pears - peeled, cored and cut
into thick slices.
2 oz (50g) butter
3 oz (75g) light muscovado sugar
Juice of half a lemon
For the ginger 6 oz (150g) self-raising flour
1 rounded teaspoon ground ginger
Half a level teaspoon ground cinnamon
Half a level teaspoon Freshly grated nutmeg
2 large eggs
2
tablespoons black treacle
3 tablespoons milk
5 oz ( 12 5 g) light
muscovado sugar
3 oz (75g)butter, melted
A round oblong or square---
baking disk about 1-0 inches (26cm) across and 2 inches (5cm) deep.
Just
check that the dish has a capacity of two-and-a-half or three pints.
Preheat the
oven to 180C, 350F gas mark 4.
How to make it
First prepare the
topping. Cream together the butter and sugar, and spread over the base of the
dish using the back of a spoon. Lay the pears on top, and squeeze the lemon
juice over them.
Now make the gingerbread. Sift the flour and spices
together into a bowl. Beat the eggs in another bowl, and stir in the treacle,
milk, sugar and, lastly, the melted butter. Then pour the Whole lot into the
flour and spices. Beat it well, then pour over the pears, making sure they are
all covered. Bake for about 40 minutes until just firm to the touch.
Leave
the pudding to stand for a few minutes, then run a knife round the edges to
loosen the sides. Put a serving plate on top and invert, so that the pudding is
now 'upside-down'. If any bits stick to the dish scoop them out and put them
back in place.
Serve warm with lots of custard, cream or ice cream. Plenty
for six.
Tip We called this 'cake' and enjoyed some of it cold the next
day.
DODDINGTON AUCTION
The next
Gaze Auction will take place on Sunday 21st April. items for Auction are to be
entered on Saturday 20 th April from 10.00am. Entries will close when the hall
is full. Viewing takes place on Sunday 21st April from 10.00am and the Auction
will commence at 12 noon. Commission on sales is 15%. Our Auctioneer for the
day is Mr Phill Filkins. Refreshments will be available on Sunday. Vendors
should be reminded that unsold items should be removed from the hall on the day
of the sale, unless other arrangements have been made. Further info contact Les
Roberts (01795) 886332.
DODDINGTON
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - MORE NEWS
Stolen from Sharsted Court, Newnham;
Two large stone winged lion statues, which had stood on the gates for 130
years. They are about a metre in height and would have been very heavy to lift.
They would have required two or more people to remove. If you have any
information on this matter, please contact the NHW Hotline on 0808 1003308. If
possible mark all garden ornaments and furniture with your post code and house
number. They can then be traced at Salvage Yards and Boot Fairs etc. Be
vigilant of unknown or suspect vehicles in your area, especially if they are
being loaded with something. Take down a registration number and contact the
NHW Hotline.
MOBILE PHONE SCAM - Comes in the form of an SMS
Text Message, on the lines of 'I Really Fancy You. If you want to find out who
1 am call: 0906 633 4518' DO NOT call this number, it is a premium rate number.
When you get the engaged tone, it is not a really engaged but a simple recorded
sound that will make you call again and again.
NEWSLETTER
DISTRIBUTION
Apologies if you did not receive last months Newsletter.
We hope to deliver to everyone on the distribution list this month
A NOTE OF
THANKS
As most of you are aware, Joan has recently been in hospital
having suffered two heart attacks. Joan is now back home and recovering well.
She would like to thank everyone for their cards, kind wishes, support and help
during this time. Special thanks go to those who collated and delivered last
months newsletter. Please continue to leave your items for the Newsletter in
Joans white letter-box.
CLOSING
DATES FOR APRIL NEWSLETTER
Copy for Advertisements and Full Page
Notices by 20th of March.
Other news items by 24 March.
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