Just a note to let Listers know these "Snippets" and BMD Notices are from my own personal transcription work and are as they appear in the newspaper (except where I have used capitals for surnames in mid report). Also unless stated otherwise I have no further information - Saying that I hope there is still something amongst them that may help/interest someone. Heather Transcribed by Heather Carbis from- The Southern Times published Saturday 11 November 1871 FIRE.- Early of Saturday morning, between seven and eight o'clock, three cottages in the village, the property of Mr. BOWDITCH, were burnt down. The buildings, all thatched, were situated on the Dorchester-road. The flames commenced on the thatched roof of the house occupied by Mr. Robert HUSSEY, and as a strong easterly wind was prevailing at the time they spread with rapidity. Several of the villagers were soon at the spot, buckets of water being freely applied to the inflammable material, but not withstanding their strenuous efforts, the adjoining house, occupied by a Mr. E. BILKE, shoemaker, was soon all ablaze, and the heat being so intense that the water was comparatively of little use ; the flames likewise spread to George BURT's cottage, and soon the three buildings in succession were razed to the ground. Excepting some bedsteads, all the furniture was saved-thanks for this go to several kind friends who rendered prompt aid on the occasion. Amongst them may be m! entioned-the rector of the parish, Rev. E. HEADLAND, Mr. W. SYMONDS, Mr. HARVEY, Mr. F. W. PASHEN, Mr. J. ATKINS, Messrs. A. and C. CHALKER, Mr. F. BOWDITCH, Mr. J. TOWNSEND, Mr. R. CHURCHILL, Mr. NATION, Mr. W. PARSONS, Mr. ROGERS (the Swan), Mr. R. ROGERS, Mr. F. GROVES, Mr. J. SYMONDS and sons, Mr. R. GROVES, Mr. SHEPHERD, and Mr. J. THOMAS. We regret to report that Mr. Bilke lost about £10 worth of leather ; he states that three £5 notes were also burnt. The property destroyed is estimated to be worth about £300. It was all insured, as was also the furniture of Mr. Bilke. It should be added that P.C. BAGGS, of the County Police, rendered useful service in keeping watch on the furniture. The kind-hearted rector, one of the foremost to give assistance, invited the sufferers to breakfast, while Mr. LUCKHAM, also provided refreshment for those engaged in subduing the flames. The following families were burnt out of their homes :- Robert Hussey, wife and three children ! ; Edward Bilke and apprentice ; George Burt, wife and five children. Doubtless a subscription-list for the relief of the sufferers will at once be opened. The origin of the misfortune was attributed to a spark from a chimney. I transcribe for FreeCen. Interested? Check Out the Website - http://freecen.rootsweb.com __________________________________________________________________________ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.