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 November 2025
Bridport Local Area Bulletin 2
nd
December 2025
Litton Cheney Parish Council – Next Meeting Tuesday 13
th
January – 7pm – LATCH
As we enter the new year, it will be a time for reflection and perception. The Parish Precept needs to be confirmed for
2026/27, and with all the changes being made at national and local government level, greater emphasis will fall upon town
and parish councils. Should you feel the urge to assist in the administration of the village we would delighted to hear from you.
Please contact our Clerk, Debbie Hollings, whose contact details can be found on the village website and village notice
boards.
Are you a Riparian Land Owner? - During a recent meeting with a member of the Highways Department of Dorset Council,
it was pointed out that the unhindered flow of water through the village is important to avoid water on the road surface, Main
Street does tend to experience this regularly during the Winter months.
Thanks to those who have carried out their riparian responsibilities, as many sections of the streams have now been cleared
of the foliage.
Please note that it is also important to remove the build up of debris that washed down, as the flow of water is relatively low at
the moment, now would be an ideal time to remove this debris.
Should you have any queries regarding riparian responsibilities please email me.rob.matthews@littoncheney.org.uk
Over the Christmas & New Year period our bin days will change. Check the Dorset Council and village website –
littoncheney.org.uk for more details.
The Parish Council is indebted to Russell and Chris Randall for providing a further seven oak crosses representing the seven
people from Litton Cheney who lost their lives serving their country in the Second World War. They join the nine crosses
Russell and Chris provided in 2018 representing the nine lives lost in the First World War. Each cross has a brass plaque
recording the name and the date they died, followed by the epitaph “Always Remembered”.
We wish all our village residents, their family and friends, our neighbouring Bride Valley and nearby villages, a very Happy
Christmas and a joyful New Year!
What’s on at Litton and Thorner’s Community Hall (LATCH) in November
REGULAR EVENTS
Mondays 3.30 – 4.30pm Big Q in meeting room (term time only)
Tuesdays 4.45 – 5.45pm Short Mat Bowls (Ron Davidson 482661)
Wednesdays 4.45 – 5.45pm Table Tennis (Paul Kingston 482162)
7.00pm Yoga with Jane (Jane Hutchins 07882 527697) (not 17
th
, rescheduled to Thursday 18
th
)Restarts
on 7
th
January 2026.
Thursdays 9.15 – 11.15am First Steps Toddlers (fortnightly, term time only)
OTHER EVENTS
Thursday 4
th
from 19.00pm film night “Penguin Lessons” (starts 19.30)
Saturday 6
th
10.00-13.00 Village Café for “Stepping Out”
Sunday 7
th
10.00 Yoga with Nadiya Wynn
Thursday 11
th
15.30 TSA Christmas Fair
Friday 12
th
10.00-12.00 Art Class in Meeting Room
from 18.30 Bingo Night
Saturday 13
th
10.00 Lino Cut Workshop with Lusea in Meeting Room
Wednesday 17
th
School Christmas production
COMING UP IN DECEMBER:
Saturday 6
th
Morning; Village Café in aid of “Stepping Out”
Friday 12
th
Evening; Bingo night
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
Christmas Bingo - On Friday December 12th, there will be Christmas Bingo at LATCH, School Lane, Litton Cheney, to raise
money for the Weldmar Hospice. Come and join us for a game of bingo, great prizes, raffle, bucket draw and refreshments.
Doors open 6.30pm, eyes down 7.30pm. All welcome.
Village Cafe: Please come along to a Christmas Village Cafe at LATCH on 6 December 2025, 10am till 2pm. There will be art
and craft stalls, hot drinks and breakfast rolls, plus a raffle. It is in support of Stepping Out Cancer Rehabilitation Group. The
group meets at Bridport Leisure Centre twice a week to support members with their recovery, during and after their cancer
diagnosis.
Lastly – Thank You – Throughout 2025 various individuals and groups have contrived to make our lives in Litton a little less
traumatic, often bringing a smile to our faces, but most of all helping us get on with our lives and those of others.
Let’s start with those who every month contribute to the contents of the BVN, informing us of events and providing information
that we might otherwise have missed. David Hearn who continues to administer the village website, and deserves an award
for long service. Sara Catahan and Steve Kourik who moderate the village Facebook pages. The Premier Crew who help
keep us tidy and orderly, organise the village Christmas tree, plus stand by for any needs over and above the norm. To ever
alert Flood Warden Dave Ingram, and to Patricia and David Charlton and their helpers for bringing us the talents and
entertainment contained within the Artsreach productions. To Beverly and Pete Dennis who maintain the wonderful village
exchange kiosk at the foot of Whiteway, and help in so many other ways.
Liz and Andy at “The Horse” who provide beverage, sustenance and bonhomme for all, and in the approaching colder
months, the cosy warmth of a log fire to warm the cockles of your heart. Sam and Ralph Daubeney who in concert with Liz
and Andy organise the Easter Duck Race that produces much needed funds for Julia’s House. To those who maintain the
churchyard through which you can trace the history and life of the village over the centuries, and those good people who
administer St Mary’s, making it available to all whenever there is a need. To St Mary’s church choir, under the direction of Paul
Cheater, who sing in wonderful harmony, plus bring carols to our front doors in the lead up to Christmas.
To Headmaster Mike Sitch and the staff of Thorner’s Primary School, held in high regard for its achievements, and as an
effective springboard for our youngsters as they set off on life’s journey. The Trustees of LATCH, our community hall, a much
prized shared asset of the village and school, and the Parish Council who strive for the common good and often battle against
petty bureaucracy to achieve what to sensible minds is plain common sense.
Lastly, to those stalwart individuals in our village who go about their business on a day to day basis, assisting those in need,
being a good neighbour, and generally ensuring the world goes round for others, rather than themselves. Thank you one and
all for being.
BRIDE VALLEY FILMS at Litton Cheney Village Hall.
Reminder - THURSDAY 4th DECEMBER “THE PENGUIN LESSONS” ‘a witty and moving film based on a true story’
Set in Argentina during the mid-1970s, the film follows an English teacher who encounters both political unrest in the country
and an unexpected aquatic companion. Starring Steve Coogan and Jonathan Pryce. 1 hr. 40” Cert.12
After due consideration we have decided that this film based on Raynor Wynn’s bestseller would be a topical one to show,
particularly because of its setting...
THURSDAY 5th FEBRUARY (2026) “THE SALT PATH” ‘thought-provoking and emotional’
The Salt Path tells the emotional and life-affirming story of a couple whose connection with the natural world helps them
overcome challenges and ultimately reconnect with one another. Capturing the beautiful scenery of parts of the South West
Coast Path. Starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. 2hrs. Cert.12
Doors Open: 7.00 p.m. Films start 7.30 p.m. TICKETS: £6.00 (to include a glass of wine) Tickets in advance from: Sally Dyke
482752, Elizabeth Kingston 482162, Bella Spurrier 482367 or on the door. (All nos. 01308)
The Bridport Local Area Partnership (BLAP) is here for the community. Current members of the partnership include Bridport
Town Council, 10 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 Members' Meeting
The BLAP Members' meeting will take place this Thursday 4th December, 2.15pm at Mountfield and there is also the option to join via
Zoom. The meeting will include a short presentation from Tracey Bovingdon, CEO of The Harmony Centre. All BLAP members are very
welcome to attend.
Harmony Mental Health Drop-in December
The Harmony Drop-in and Community Front Room calendar for December is available to view online. You can just drop in anytime
between the times shown and if you just need a quiet place, you're very welcome - our staff are here to support you.
Christmas 2025 at Bridport United Church
Thursday 2nd December - Christmas Tree Festival Opening Service 5pm
Sunday 7th December - Gift Service with Holy Communion 10.30am
Thursday 18th December - Messy Church Noisy Nativity 3.30pm
Sunday 21st December - Carol Service 4pm
Wednesday 24th December - Christmas Eve Carol Service with Holy Communion 4pm
Thursday 25th December - Christmas Morning Service 10.30am
Julian House - Big Give Christmas Appeal
Julian House’s Big Give Christmas appeal is now open and accepting donations! From 2nd - 9th December, Julian House is taking part in
the Big Give campaign. Every donation made through our campaign link during this time will be DOUBLED, thanks to match funding.
We have an incredible opportunity to raise £80,000 through match funding but to unlock the full amount, we need to raise £40,000 in
donations from our supporters.
How the Big Give works - during the Big Give Christmas Challenge, any donation you make to our campaign via the Big Give website is
matched, pound for pound, until the match fund runs out.
You give £20 → it becomes £40
You give £50 → it becomes £100
You give £250 → it becomes £500
Together, we can bring hope where it’s needed most this Christmas.
All donations must be made on our campaign page on The Big Give website to be eligible for the match.
Bridport United Church - Christmas Tree Festival
This year's Christmas Tree Festival will take place from Wednesday 3rd December until Sunday 14th December at Bridport United
Church, East Street. The opening hours are:Monday - Friday 10am-1pmFridays - 2pm-5pmSaturdays - 1am-3pmSundays - 2pm-
4pmThe opening service and switch on of lights will take place on Tuesday 2nd December at 5.00pm and the Christmas Tree Festival will
additionally be open 10am - 1pm and 3pm - 7pm on Wednesday 3rd December (for Bridport Christmas Cheer). Don’t forget cash to
donate to your favourite tree and support a local charity.
Bridport Christmas Cheer
This year's Christmas Cheer event will take place on Wednesday 3rd December from 4pm with stalls, food and drink and entertainment
around the town including the Town Hall, Arts Centre, South Street, East Street and West Street and the highlight of the evening will be
the Christmas tree light switch-on by Mayor of Bridport, Anne Rickard. There will be free parking in Bridport Town Council and Dorset
Council car parks in Bridport (please note this does not include Tannery Road car park which is a private car park).
Bridport Christmas Shopping Free Parking
Free parking in all Bridport car parks operated by Bridport Town Council and Dorset Council on Wednesday 3rd December (Bridport
Christmas Cheer) and Saturday 6th December (Small Business Saturday) in the following car parks:
Bridport Football Club
East Street
Hope Terrace
Plottingham
Rope Walks
South Street
West Street
Wykes Court
The Tannery Road Car Park (adjacent to Dominoes Pizza) is privately operated and is not included.
Bridport Museum Festive Fun
3rd - 24th December - Toys from the Past Stocking Trail (every day) - There will be fun for all the family with our Toys from the Past
trail. Hunt around the museum to find the presents hidden in the galleries and learn about the gifts children would have received in the
past. Complete a trail and enter our raffle for a chance to win a stocking full of gifts. There will be a small prize for every child.
Saturday 20th December 10am - 4pm - Christmas Crafts - An opportunity to take part in a hands on Christmas craft activity making
festive decorations.
Christmas Eve Opening 10am - 4pm - Our museum shop is stocked full of unique handcrafted Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for all
the family and will be open on Christmas Eve this year so do drop in.
These are family friendly drop-in activities, no extra cost and no booking is required. Admission to Bridport Museum is free for all under
21s. Normal admission charge of £5 for an annual pass applies to adults 21 and over. Visit our shop for free.
The Living Tree Christmas Events
Wreath making workshop at Our Allotment - Wednesday 3rd December, 10am - 12 noon at St. Cecilia's Gardens - all welcome.-
Bridport Christmas Cheer Festive Markets and Late Night Shopping - Wednesday 3rd December, 4 - 8pm. Visit our stall in the Town Hall
where we will be selling our greetings cards, pottery items and wooden bowls all made by local crafts people.- Bridport United Church
Christmas Tree Festival - Visit our Christmas tree with the theme 'Tea and Chat'.- Christmas Village Café in aid of Stepping Out Cancer
Rehab Group at Litton Cheney Village Hall - Saturday 6th December, 10am - 2pm.- Christmas Whist Drive at St Swithun’s Church
Hall on Friday 12th December.- Christmas Cheer at the Friends' Meeting House Friday Drop-in on 19th December. This will be the last
Friday session in 2025, restarting on Friday 9th January 2026. All clubs and activities will recommence from Monday 5th January 2026.
ridport History Society - Talk
The next meeting of Bridport History Society is on Thursday 11th December when the Society will be welcoming Lt Col James Porter who
will give a talk titled ‘Napoleon: Soldier and Lover’. 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, 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
Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club
The next Armed Forces Veterans breakfast club meet-up will be held on Sunday 14th December from 9am - 10.30am at The Greyhound
Hotel, East Street, Bridport. For Serving Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans, their partners and relatives - all welcome, no subs or joining
fees, just breakfast and banter.
Bridport Food Bank Christmas & New Year Opening
Bridport Food Bank, St Mary's Church, South Street, Bridport will be open on Monday 22nd and Monday 29th December, 4pm - 6pm.
There will be no food bank on Wednesday 24th or Wednesday 31st December. Normal opening hours will commence on Monday 5th
January 5pm - 7pm and Wednesday 7th January 11am - 1pm.
Bridport Winter Warm Venues & Food & Clothes Support
Refreshments are free of charge or for a small donation at these Bridport Winter Warm Venues. They are open to everyone in the
community and a great chance to make new friends and chat. No need to book, just turn up. Food and clothes support is also available
from local organisations including Bridport Community Fridge, Bridport Food Bank, Bridport Clothes Bank and the Beacon Church
Community Kitchen (see page 2 of the poster for details).
West Bay Car Boot Sale - Grants Scheme
The West Bay Car Boot Sale Grants Scheme is open until 9am on Monday 5th January 2026. Bridport Town Council manages and
distributes the funds generated from pitch fees in the form of grants to community and voluntary organisations whose work benefits people
living in the Bridport Local Area Partnership area. Further information including the guidance notes and application form can be found here.
Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan (BANP) Review
The Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan 2020 - 2036 has been a valuable resource for the local community and has been drawn on
extensively in planning related matters. It is good practice to review the plan every five years and as part of the review process, comments
from the public are sought. Paper copies of review documents are available in Bridport Library, Bridport Tourist Information Centre
and Bridport Town Council offices. You can also visit our website for full details: Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan - Bridport Town
Council
Dorset Council - Garden Waste Survey
Dorset Council are committed to providing a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly service - and your feedback helps them
improve. This quick customer satisfaction survey will take just a few minutes. Share your views on collections, customer service, and value
for money to help shape the future of the service. The survey closes on Monday 22nd December. If you would like to respond in a
different way, like a paper survey, please contact us at: gardenwaste@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or 01305 228650.
Over 50? Can you help us shape an Age-Friendly Dorset?
A few weeks ago, Dorset proudly became the 100th place in the UK to join the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities. As part of
this commitment, the Age-Friendly Dorset 2025 Survey, has been launched inviting all colleagues aged 50 and over to take part.
This is an opportunity to share your experiences of living and working in Dorset, and help shape how Dorset Council support people to age
well whether that’s through transport, housing, health services, or opportunities to stay active and connected.
Your feedback will help us understand what matters most to you. The survey explores eight key areas that influence quality of life and
wellbeing, and your insights will help inform future plans to make Dorset more age friendly. Age-friendly communities are people-friendly
communities, reflecting the Council Plan priority of Communities of all. It's about creating places where everyone can live well, work well,
and age well together.
What’s in it for you?
1.
Influence how Dorset evolves to support people as they age
2.
Help identify what’s working well and where improvements are needed
3.
Stay involved by joining our Age-Friendly Network, becoming an ambassador, or contributing to our reference group.
The survey closes 30th January 2026.
Bride Valley News
The December edition of the Bride Valley News is now available and includes updates and events from Burton Bradstock, Litton Cheney,
Shipton Gorge, Puncknowle and Swyre.
The Bridge Magazine
The December/January edition of the Bridge Magazine is now available and features the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan (BANP) light
touch review, Bridport Museum book release to celebrate the Bridport Branch Railway, the Nature Buddies Network, reports from the
Bridport Town Council Wards and upcoming events and community groups.
Chideock News
The December/January edition of the Chideock News is now available and includes updates and events from Chideock including
Seatown and North Chideock.
Eggardon & Colmers View
The December edition of the Eggardon & Colmers View is now available and features updates from local parishes and villages including
Askerswell, Broadoak, Dottery, Eype, Loders, Powerstock and Symondsbury.
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
