The Church of England in Compton Valence, Dorchester, West Stafford, Winterborne Monkton, Winterborne St Martin (Martinstown), Winterbourne Abbas & Winterbourne Steepleton
I always marvel at the number and variety of Christmas services and events that happen across our nine Anglican churches. This year I found myself wondering: Would it be possible to go to one Christmas event in each of the nine churches?
When I first started working on the Dorchester Benefice Magazine in June 2012, I didn't know Tony, but I did enjoy reading the articles which he would regularly submit to the magazine.
The email below was sent to all diocese from the National Communications Team it should be brought to the attention of congregations. By making as many people as possible aware of the study it is hoped they will get a good response and ensure the validity of the research. While we have not been given a timescale for completing the survey, I would think it will still be possible to complete it during June.
From the beginning of February or even earlier, the chilly grey days are brightened by racks of Valentine’s cards on sale in the shops. Nearer to St Valentine’s day, 14th February, the supermarkets display flowers, special meals, chocolates in red shiny foil and bottles of fizzy wine, all to treat your true love. It is good to celebrate and to have someone special but many are excluded if the focus is only romantic love.
Moments of peace and quiet reflection are not always easy to come by in December, but that should not prevent us seeking them out, or embracing them when they come as an unexpected gift! One such gift came my way when the Dorchester Choral Society performed Benjamin Britten’s cantata Saint Nicholas.
Are you a keen reader? Can’t bear to be without a good book? Then you will understand how important the Home Library Service can be to people in our community who are not able to get to their local library.
Dorchester Library & Learning Centre has a very active Home Library Service, with Royal Voluntary Service volunteers delivering books and talking books to housebound people in the area on a 3 weekly basis.
Many older people in Dorset can have their lives changed through contact with befriending schemes. Loneliness and isolation are common among older people living alone.
Volunteers provide a range of services to people who require additional support to remain independent and active in their community. Anyone can become a volunteer and make an incredible difference to someone else’s life. Even an hour a week will make a difference.
