Fire Hydrant Installation, Chalk Pit Lane
We’re carrying out essential work on the supply network in your area, which will involve installing a new fire hydrant on Chalk Pit
Lane to support local firefighting capability and maintain the resilience of the water supply. To complete this safely, a temporary
road closure will be required.
How will the work affect you?
Chalk Pit Lane, Litton Cheney will be closed between its junction with Main Street and Church Path between Monday 9 and
Wednesday 11 March.
A signposted diversion route will be in place via Long Bredy, Cox’s Lane and Main Street.
Access will be maintained for residents but may be delayed at times. Please speak to our on-site team with any specific access
requirements. Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles.
We shouldn’t need to enter your property but if we do, our staff carry identification which you should ask to see before letting
them in.
There may be some noise disruption while this work is carried out, but every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum. You can
continue to use your water supply services as normal unless we tell you otherwise.
What should you do?You don’t need to do anything. If you notice any changes in the taste, smell or appearance of your water
following our work, it’s probably not a cause for concern, but please call us on 0345 600 4 600 if you would like a sample to be
tested. More information can be found at wessexwater.co.uk/waterquality
Anything else you need to know?
If you are a business or other non-household property you will need to contact your water retailer with any enquiries. You
can find their contact details on your most recent water bill.We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by our work.
Need some extra support?
We know that some customers need extra help due to age, ill health, a disability, mental illness or additional needs. This may
include easy access to water during a leak or outage, help reading your meter, or setting up a password for when we visit. You
can register for Priority Services on our website at wessexwater.co.uk/priorityservices or call us on 0345 600 4 600.
BRIDE VALLEY NEWS
The deadline for copy for any month’s issue is mid-day of the second Thursday of the preceding month. All material for
publication must be sent to the Village Correspondent. For Litton Cheney this is: John Firrell, Tel: 01308 482313
email: jfirrell20@gmail.com
VILLAGE INFORMATION
VILLAGE INFORMATION
NEWS
Village Newsletter January 2026
Bridport Local Area Bulletin 18
th
February 2026
The Bridport Local Area Partnership (BLAP) is here for the community. Current members of the partnership include Bridport
Town Council, 9 Parish Councils and more than 80 community organisations and individuals working to improve the social,
economic, and environmental wellbeing of Bridport and surrounding areas.
For information or if you have a piece you would like included in the BLAP Bulletin, please contact Jo Hughes by email at
jo.hughes@bridport-tc.gov.uk
BLAP Management Team Member Stepping Down
A particular thank you is due to Charles Wild who has recently decided to stand down from the BLAP Management Team. As
some members may know, Charles was instrumental in establishing BLAP and was its first Chair. Brian Wilson and other
members of the current Management Team would like to express their gratitude to Charles for his sustained contribution and
valued support over the years. We are pleased to add that he remains a BLAP member.
Bridport Museum Half Term Activities
February Half Term activities at Bridport Museum include:
•
Wednesday 18th February - Make your own jigsaw puzzle (10am - 1pm)
•
Saturday 21st February - Make your own jigsaw puzzle (10am - 1pm)
Or why not try your hand at making rope?
Family friendly drop-in activities, no extra cost and no booking required. Admission to Bridport Museum is free for all under
21s. Normal admissions charge of £5 for an annual pass applies to adults 21 and over.
West Bay Discovery Centre Half Term Fun
We’re reopening our doors at the West Bay Discovery Centre over half term and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.
Join us for our Half-Term activities including St Valentine’s crafts, love postcards, colouring, and discovering more about our
Pier Terrace exhibition. These are drop-in activities, no booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and
everyone is welcome. Free admission (donations welcome).
Bridport Millennium Green - Talk
In support of Bridport Millennium Green, former Bridport Mayor Ian Bark will give a talk entitled 'A History of Bridport Town Hall
and the Fra Newbery Paintings' on Thursday 19th February, 2.30pm at Bridport Town Hall. £5 (£4 members), please pay
cash on the door.
Bridport & District Gardening Club - Talk
A series of short illustrated talks by BDGC members including winners of the coveted Melplash Best Gardens entitled 'How
does my garden grow' which will look at how their gardens have developed over the years. Hear about their gardens, the
changes over time, favourite plants, lessons learned and future plans on Thursday 19th February, 7.30pm at the WI Hall,
North Street, Bridport . For more information, contact the Bridport & District Gardening Club.
Burton Bradstock Players - Pantomime
Burton Bradstock Players present Cinderella in Burton Bradstock Village Hall, Church Street, Burton Bradstock DT6 4QS on:
•
Thursday 19th February at 7.30pm
•
Friday 20th February at 7.30pm
•
Saturday 21st February at 2.30pm
•
Saturday 21st February at 7.30pm
Bar (evening performances only) ice cream, raffle - cash only
Price: Adults £10.00 / Under 16’s £5.00
Tickets are available from Burton Bradstock Post Office 01308 897243 and Bridport Tourist Information Centre 01308 424901
or online here
Jurassic Pride Zine Making Workshop
Ready to get creative? Join Jurassic Pride and Aurate for a fun, in-person Zine Making Workshop where you can make your
own personal mini-magazine from scratch. No experience needed - just bring your ideas and enthusiasm! We’ll provide all the
materials and guidance.
It’s a fun way to express yourself, learn new skills, and meet new people. Make your own Zine or contribute to our communal
one. We’d love to have you along!
This is a free event but please reserve your space here
so we know numbers. The workshop is being held at the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport on Saturday 21st February, 1pm -
3pm. Under 18's with parent or legal guardian.
Allington Hillybilly Volunteers - Talk & Afternoon Tea
Taking place on Sunday 22nd February, 2pm - 4pm at St Swithun’s Church Hall, North Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU, the talk
entitled 'Living in the Shadows of Allington Hill' will take a look back at the social history of Allington - festivals, celebrations,
near drownings, sudden death, war years and more. Come along with your memories and photos which will be collated and
given to Bridport Local History Centre. Tickets cost £5 are are available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre (01308
424901) or online here
After the talk, refreshments will be available along with a raffle to raise funds for the Allington Hillybilly Celebrate 2026 project.
For more information about the project visit: www.allingtonhillbillies.org.uk/
/The Mayor's Quiz Night
Test your quiz knowledge whilst supporting the Mayor's charity Ascape. The quiz night is taking place at Bridport Town Hall on
Saturday 28th February at 7.00pm. You can have tables of up to 6 and the cost is £5 per person. There will be a bar and raffle
with some great prizes including a prize for the best dressed table - the theme is Spring. Pop in or contact the Bridport Tourist
Information Centre on 01308 424901 to book your table.
Bridport Youth & Community Centre - Guitar Lessons
Starting Friday 6th March, Bridport Youth & Community Centre are pleased to be offering free guitar lessons to the young
people of Bridport attending their Friday Youth Club sessions:
Primary Youth Club 5pm - 6pm
Juniors Youth Club 6pm - 7pm
Sessions will be run by local musician Dave Jenkins who is a BYCC volunteer and DBS checked. Please email your interest
to Gemma at: youth@bridportycc.org.
Bridport History Society - Talk
The next meeting of the Bridport History Society is on Thursday 12th March when the Society will be welcoming Prof. Karen
Hunt who will give a talk in this centenary year of the General Strike of 1926 called 'What about the workers?' which will
explore Bridport's early labour movement. The Society’s AGM will also take place during the meeting.
The talk will be held at the United Church Hall on East Street, Bridport. Doors open at 2.15pm for a prompt 2.30pm start. All
are welcome. Members £1pp and visitors £5pp. Bridport History Society meets on the second Thursday of each month
(except July and August). Membership is open to all (£12 individual/£18 couple). For more information visit Bridport History
Society.
Help & Care Six Week HOPE Course
Take a positive approach to looking after yourself and sign up for the Help & Care free six week HOPE (Help Overcoming
Problems Effectively) course. The course covers topics including:
•
Managing stress and fatigue
•
Getting better sleep
•
Mindfulness
•
Dealing with setbacks
•
Communication and relationships
•
Getting active, creative and eating well
•
Using your strengths to make you happier
The course will take place at The Chapel in the Garden, 49 East Street, Bridport DT6 3JX commencing Thursday 16th April -
Thursday 21st May, 10am - 12.30pm. To book a place, please contact 0300 111 3303 or email: hope@helpandcare.org.uk..
Bridport Library - Pop Up Craft
Visit Bridport Library, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NY on Saturdays, 10am - 1pm for our pop-up craft. No need to book just
turn up and get making! Suitable for ages 4 years and above. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. For more
information call us on 01308 422778.
Nature Buddies Community Access Fund
The Nature Buddies Community Access Fund aims to support local people to carry out capital access improvements to create
more inclusive opportunities for people to explore the Dorset National Landscape.
Changing stiles or gates, installing handrails and sit spots or improving access through research projects, partnership
development and training, are all things that the fund can be used for. Something new for this round is that the criteria has
been expanded to incorporate funding for taster activities or pilot sessions that help people connect with nature too, so if you
have an idea for a new nature based activity or session you might want to take a look.
There is a total of £15,000 to distribute, with typical grant awards likely to be around £2,000 - £4,000, and they can fund up to
75% of costs for voluntary groups/charities. The submission deadline is the end of February. If you would like some informal
advice about your project please contact Jules at: stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk..You can also visit: Community
Access Fund | Dorset National Landscape.
Dorset and Somerset Music Education Survey
Help Shape the Future of Music Education in Dorset & Somerset. Octagon Music Hub has launched a set of stakeholder
surveys to help inform the future direction of music education and creative opportunities for children and young people across
Dorset and Somerset. The surveys are a vital part of their ongoing work to ensure that decisions are needs-led, evidence-
based and shaped by the voices of those who learn, teach, support and deliver music across our communities.
There are five short surveys, each designed for a specific group:
•
Children & young people
•
Parents & carers
•
Schools and education settings
•
Individuals working in the music education and creative workforce
•
Music education organisations, groups and partners
•
Each survey is tailored to the experiences and perspectives of that group, and most take around 5–10 minutes to
complete. Find out more and complete the relevant survey here.
Road Closure - Message from Wessex Water
Want to contribute to the well-being of Litton? Why not join the Premier Crew, a group of well-intentioned citizens of our village who
clean and tidy up areas when they need a little bit of care and attention. Your ability to help will undoubtedly depend on your
availability and you are not expected to turn up everytime there is a call to arms. Gender equality is alive and well, as is the
bonhomie or bonfemme on offer whenever we meet. With enough volunteers we could even become the Grand Crew! If you would
like to join us, please contact John Firrell on 01308 482313.
Premier Crew – Come & Join Us
The Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington History Group hold monthly meetings to discuss the local history of our area, and
during the spring and summer months also organise history walks. Recently there was a presentation by our own historian-in-
residence Paul Kingston on Litton.
If you would like to know more about the group, and learn more about your local surroundings please contact Paul Bullen
07527141560 paul.bullen@icloud.com
Local History Group
Parish Council – Next Meeting: Tuesday 10th March, 7.00pm at LATCH
During its January meeting, the Parish Council determined what the parish precept would be for 2026/27. The precept is the
amount of money the council believes it will cost to administer and look after the village during the coming fiscal year. At the
time of writing, it would appear the precept will need to rise to cater for anticipated additional expenditure as central and local
governments look to move costs further down the line, requiring town and parish councils to take on more responsibilities.
Whilst in monetary terms the rise will be small (around £20 p.a. for a Band D residence), this will of course be in addition to any
rise in Council Tax administered by Dorset Council.
Rest assured, every effort will be made to ensure those extra £’s are used effectively, and wisely. Part of our ability to minimise
costs comes from the willingness of a number of local residents such as the Premier Crew to help out with tasks that would
normally carry a cost if carried out by a contractor – thank you.
2026 – The Year of the Parish Plan
We are looking for people to offer up a small amount of their time over the next nine months or so, and can apply their sense of
vision and enquiring nature to help put together a new Parish Plan for Litton Cheney. A copy of the last PP from 2005 can be
found on the village website littoncheney.org.uk and it will give you a flavour of what needs to be achieved. It comes down to
what residents of Litton Cheney would like their village to become over the next ten to twenty years, and what needs to be put
in place in order for that to happen.
The first thing we need to do is put together a steering group of independent minds – it will work outside of the Parish Council -
who will put together an initial village survey asking residents to indicate their thoughts and hopes. This is not another shot at
deciding if more housing is required in Litton and of what type, although it will have a part to play.
Please, take a look at the 2005 Parish Plan, which hopefully will give you a clearer picture of what needs to be achieved. If you
believe this is something you can assist with, please contact a member of the Parish Council (details can be found on the
village website). Without your involvement, this is going nowhere, it is time to stand up and make a difference. Thank you in
anticipation.
Village Christmas Tree – Thank you to those gallant souls who installed the Christmas Tree at the Triangle, and lit up the
Jubilee Hut and trees, plus did it all in reverse as 12th Night approached post new year.
Litton Cheney sends very best wishes to Rev’d Andrew Rawding as he begins his epic journey of recovery from his horrendous
motorcycle accident prior to Christmas.
Bingo!
On behalf of the Bingo Fundraising Group, I would like to say a huge Thank You to everyone who supported us by donating
prizes and/or coming to our bingo evening in December where we raised £800 for Weldmar. It was a hugely enjoyable evening.
The next bingo event will be on Friday 27th March 2026.
Jackie Horsley
What’s on at Litton and Thorner’s Community Hall (LATCH) in February
REGULAR EVENTS
Tuesdays 4.45 – 5.45pm Short Mat Bowls (Ron Davidson 482661)
Wednesdays 4.45 – 5.45 Table Tennis (Paul Kingston 482162)
7.00pm Yoga with Jane (Jane Hutchins 07882 527697)
Thursdays 9.15 – 11.15am First Steps Toddlers (fortnightly, term time only)
OTHER EVENTS
Thursday 5
th
From 7,00pm Film Night -The Salt Path - Film starts 7.30
Saturday 14
th
10.00am Deanery Synod. Open meeting for PCCs
Thursday 19
th
11.00am Morning Artsreach Show for children – “To Catch a Book Witch”.
Coming up in March:
Sunday 2
nd
10.00am Yoga with Nadiya (nadiyasime@hotmail.com)
Thursday 5
th
From 7.00pm Film Night – The Roses – starts 7.30
Saturday 7
th
Evening Artsreach Show - Details yet to come.
Village Cafés: The hall is available for hire free of charge on Saturday mornings for a Café to raise funds for any group. It’s a
good social event for the community and always popular.
Hall Bookings/viewings: Wendy Firrell 01308 482532 wtlitton@gmail.com
Whiteway Weight Limit
