Strictly Saturday!

Loders, nr Bridport, Dorset

After yesterday’s excitement, a quiet day watching Christmas films (I know, don’t say anything!) and playing about with my photos from a very wet and windy Dorset. Loders is an idyllic little village of thatched cottages, nestled deep in a valley, surrounded by the rolling green hills of west Dorset. Sadly the abysmal weather meant my photos don’t do the village justice.

Despite the atrocious weather (which made the drive there and back rather hairy, with flooded roads and horizontal rain), the day went well. The village primary school was celebrating its 150th birthday, and as a former student teacher, mum had been invited by ex-pupils to join in the celebrations.

The first event of the day was a service of celebration at the church, attended by the entire school, visitors and villagers. As part of the service, all teachers, past and present, were asked to stand at the front of the church. Then it was on to the village hall for an exhibition on the school’s history, for tea and cake, and for mum to reminisce with her ex-pupils, who she hadn’t seen for 65 years!

The gods were smiling on us as, just at the right moment, the rain stopped (briefly!), though the gales continued, and the Bridport Mayor was able to unveil a plaque on the front of the school to commemorate its 150th anniversary. Once everyone had trooped back inside, we were given a guided tour of the school by pupils, with more reminiscing from mum on how the classroom she taught in had changed so much.

Another cuppa, more chatting and reminiscing, then it was on to Bridport to say a quick hello to my uncle and aunty (and more tea and cake!), before hitting the road home.

As part of the church service, the children sang ‘Song for Loders’, words written by the poet Leonard Clark, who was inspired by his visit to the village, and set to music by the folk singer Johnny Copin. If you would like to listen to this beautiful and evocative song, here’s a link:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=llidoEDAOgE

And soon it’ll be time for Strictly. Keeeep dancing!