Martinstown Cyder Circle
A group was formed last year of like minded people who wanted to revive the making of Cyder by the traditional manner in Martinstown. Called “Cyder” because it’s made just using Apples with no additives involved. The original 5 members saw membership increase to 10 this year producing approx. 15 gallons in just a couple of pressings. Not a lot you may say but more than enough for us to enjoy the fruits of our labour at a later date. Hopefully, there will be a category in next year's Village Show.
All different types of apple are shredded then pressed to extract the juice. The juice is placed into a container with a bubble trap on top. No additives or yeast are added as this is not necessary, the liquor starts to ferment almost straight away. The demijohns are left until around Christmas time when then Cyder will have fermented fully. Most Cyders brewed in this manner turn out to be about 6%abv. Some remain cloudy as in Scrumpy whilst others are crystal clear. The taste can be adjusted at this time by blending with raw cane sugar to taste.
In years gone by Cyder was used as ‘part pay’ for farm labourers but it was watered down by the farmer who usually kept the best for his own use. The Cyder was healthier to drink than some of the water supplies.
In January when all the brewing/bottling has been done a celebration called a 'Wassail' was held. This entailed giving thanks to the apple trees placing bread/toast soaked in Cyder onto branches and making a lot of noise to drive away evil spirits from the orchards. I tend to think that what really attracted people was the drinking of large quantities of brew and having a feast, usually roast pork and apple sauce. Merry making went on well into the night.
MCC will be holding a Wassail Evening in the Village Hall on January 11th 2020. Tickets will be on sale closer to the event.
Martin Usherwood
New Sign for Martinstown Washing Pool
The Washing Pool renovation has been partly funded by the Parish Council, Dorset Ridgeway Team and the Dorset AONB. Historical information, photo graphs etc courtesy of Margaret Hearing and co-ordination of the project by Martinstown Parish Council.
The Washing Pool is unique in its size and state of preservation. It is one of the rarer structures in this part of the country. A quick internet search throws up approx. another half dozen or so in various states of repair, none of the same original quality. In Dorset I believe there to be one only one other in Littlebredy near Bridehead but not in the same league.
As a small village, with a long history in the farming community, the Parish council thought that the Sheep Washing Pool renovation to be an important historic investment for the village and a visitor attraction. Already, the Pool has been visited by a group from New Zealand. The new information board will only add to that visitor experience and shortly we hope to erect a new finger post to tempt people to explore further than the Brewer's front door.
Martin Usherwood
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for full
FIRST BUS
WINTER Timetable
Waste Watch Scheme
- operating in the village.
Although papers can be separated and recycled with the bi-weekly refuse collection this scheme means that the local parish can financially benefit from separate treatment of newspapers.
There are two collection points each located at the Parish Office and the car park of the Village Hall by means of a green bin or box.
Your used newspapers and magazines can be bundled into manageable piles and securely tied with sturdy string. Newspapers and magazines should be bundled separately but can be placed in the same boxes and are regularly collected.
Please use this method of recycling where possible as credit is received via the current scheme to the parish for use towards local matters.
SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
Mondays and Fridays
10.00am
Start - Aline Office
1st Stop - Mallards Green
2nd Stop - Manor Grove
3rd Stop - Village Shop
Finish - Aline Office
Leaves the Village Shop at 10.15am
13.00pm
Start - Aline Office
1st Stop - Mallards Green
2nd Stop - Manor Grove
3rd Stop - Village Shop
Finish - Aline Office
Leaves the Village Shop at 13.15am
Visit the Aline Taxis website HERE
Winterbourne Valley
CE VA First School
CONTACTS & TERM DATES
click here
Recycling, Rubbish
& Food collection
Collections take place
on THURSDAYS*
DECEMBER 2019
5 - recycling and food
12 - rubbish and food
19- recycling and food
28 - rubbish and food (Sat)
JANUARY 2020
4 - recycling and food (Sat)
10 - rubbish and food (Fri)
16- recycling and food
23 - rubbish and food
30 - recycling and food
* Except where otherwise stated
Garden Waste
collection
DECEMBER 2019
11
JANUARY 2020
8 and 22
Please note, there are no garden waste collections for two weeks over Christmas and New Year
FEBRUARY 2020
5 and 19
MARCH 2020
4 and 18
What to do on your collection day
Please leave your container out by 6am
Please leave your containers at the kerbside
Please do not overfill your containers so that they are too heavy for our collection crews to move and lift safely
You can download and print a new calendar at
To report a missed collection or other problem, or to contact us, go to dorsetforyou.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call (01305) 221040
