Natural Dorset by John Kitching

Dorset natural

www.naturaldorset.net

Where to get fresh

Spring 2012

Did Hardy hijack history? Your guide to the finest food, the most interesting homes and healthiest lifestyles

Highlights

Dorset Dorset natur al

COTTAGE I N THE COUNTRY

First find your village SLOW DOWN & SAVE THE PLANET

A question of balance? PLUS Farmers markets, farm shops, organic farms – and the best seafood restaurants – all in our unique comprehensive directory info@naturaldorset.net Editor ................................ Rodger Witt Web Master........................ Asha Zhang

www.n

Thomas Hardy’s cottage at Upper Bockhampton, photographed for Natural Dorset magazine on 18th March, 2012 at 11.15am. Hardy was born here in 1840 and left in 1874 to get married to his first wife Emma Gifford.

Where to get fresh

atural

natural

dorset Spring

.net

2012

www.naturaldorset.net

Slow down and save the planet Let’s do lunch!

Did Hardy hijack history A cottage in ? the country

Your g interes uide to the fi ting ho n mes an est food, the d healt m hiest li ost festyles

Dorset Your guide to the finest food, the most interesting homes and healthiest lifestyles

natural

www.naturaldorset.net

ou don’t have to live in the countryside to appreciate it. Neither do you have to read Thomas Hardy to get a feel for Dorset’s past (though it helps). What matters most, we feel, is a passion for an inspirational landscape – largely because so much of it remains unchanged. It follows then that at a time when the pressures of population threaten our surroundings and the obsession with markets and economic growth pervades every aspect of our lives, finding less aggressive solutions to our problems is no longer the preserve of pressure groups or radicals; it concerns us all. We’ve no blueprint, agenda or manifesto – merely a desire to support ordinary people who, like us, want a more balanced, less stressful future. So share your thoughts with us – better still, send us pictures, articles and practical information. We’re always hungry for new ideas! Over to you...

Rodger Witt

info@naturaldorset.net 07813 744468

Photos ......... Olivia Bell , Garth Badger Contact............ info@naturaldorset.net

Has Hardy hijacked history? Rodger Witt takes a fresh look and reconsiders the legacy

distorted reality and ran the risk of turning the county into a kind of fossilised theme park.

Whose fault was it? No – my original gripe was with the Hardy fanatics. It seemed to me that their obsession with what, let’s be honest, is only fiction, somehow

A limited view Put bluntly, I believed that such careless epithets as ‘Hardy’s Dorset’ and ‘Hardy’s Wessex’ had been promoted way beyond their usefulness and obscured more important truths. Typical of this approach, I felt, was a caption to a picture of Puddletown Church in a book about the author by Jane Drake: “It was in the churchyard that Frank Troy planted

o be fair, it was never Hardy I objected to – nor his novels. I didn’t, therefore, subscribe to H. F Ellis’s swipe, which accused him of adapting interchangeable plots about “fallible womanhood against a background of peasants, stooks and thunderstorms”.

flowers on the grave of Fanny Robin only to find that the rain would cruelly wash them away.” He did no such thing of course because Frank Troy is merely a character in Far from the Madding Crowd. Splitting hairs Pedantic? Maybe, but while I acknowledged that most reasonable people know that Hardy’s tales are imaginary, the forceful way we see his concoctions sanctified – right down to blue plaques on buildings to which Hardy alluded – was not only dangerous escapism but competed with history and the real lives of ordinary people. Dorset’s important role in history, from its Jurassic beginnings, to its Neolithic settlements, its skirmishes with marauding Romans, its game-changing rebellions and revolts What’s it all about? The central dilemmas in Far From the Madding Crowd and struggles for human are still relevant today. This shot is from a full length feature film by the rights, I believed, was enterprising Gryphon School in Sherborne under the guidance of Rosita Clarke their Head of Drama. (Photo Richard France). DVDs are priced at £5. being obscured in the name of fantasy. Our great Contact Liz Oatts at The Gryphon School on 01963 810103 for details.

county would be forever remembered as a place of dribbling, straw-chewing yokels. Facing the facts However (pause for breath) that was before I reread the books themselves. Their impact was immediate. Here, it finally dawned on me, was something of more historic relevance than dates in a textbook; this was indeed real life. In some ways it was realer. Quite simply, I’d Hardy often took his descriptions from real life so his observations form a valuble record of 19C rural life in southern England.

threatening pollution – however grand the scale – there’s no escaping the human dimension underneath and the need to stay connected both with nature’s rhythms and one another. It’s easier said than done though. Which is why his characters endure such people that would shortly titanic struggles. be distorted or maybe lost, That he transformed ordinary people into epic perhaps forever. protagonists silhouetted That tension – between against our own local the desire for a better landscapes is a cause life and the balance for universal celebration between personal and rather than carping public morality – still cynicism. Or, to put it rages today. Whether another way: I was wrong. we consider the roles of banks and bonuses, the How do you rate Hardy? implications of celebrity Email your comments to: indiscretions, of overinfo@naturaldorset.net production or of health Gemma Atherton (left and below) who played the lead in the BBC production of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. (BBC photos). DVD currently available from the BBC Shop (price at time of writing £8.17). Details www.bbcshop.com

forgotten how graphic a picture Hardy painted. The meticulous detail of costume and custom are more vivid than any academic piece of research – and probably more accurate. His power of description also burns itself into the consciousness more fiercely than the finest photograph.

Yes, it’s frozen in the mid 19th Century, and yes, by disguising some of the place names, Hardy uses a degree of poetic licence, but what gives his work such status is his understanding, not just of the countryside but of human nature. The themes are as old as time but Hardy’s reactionary mindset infects them with

uncomfortable challenges. It’s scarcely surprising therefore that, in its day, Tess of the d’Urbervilles was seen as shockingly controversial. If you want pretty stories with happy endings, Hardy’s not for you. Innocence lost Above all, his stories take place at a time when

England was changing from an agricultural economy to an industrial one. In the process, traditional skills were under threat – so too were traditional values. Life on the land might be brutish and short – and, to his credit, Hardy never glamourises poverty – but there was a touching naivety amongst ordinary

Hardy’s birthplace at Higher Bockhampton. Picture: Martin Evans

GETTING ABOUT

orking people are always on the move in Hardy novels, usually on foot. Tess and Jude wander about looking for work, as indeed does Henchard before becoming Mayor of Casterbridge and again, after his demise. No one had cars – and the bicycle only arrived in 1885, just a year before The Mayor of Casterbridge was published. (Though the railways were burgeoning.) Horses and carts were generally used for moving goods and belongings – but horses were liabilities as well as assets. When the Durbeyfield’s old mare gets killed, it spells financial disaster. This restless tramping about also underlines the insecurities of the time.

Unlike Mr Hardy here, the author’s characters usually get about on foot. But since his novels span a period of thirty years, he saw huge technological changes and trains also feature strongly, particularly in A Pair of Blue Eyes and in his final work, Jude the Obscure.

SOCIAL NETWORKING – VICTORIAN STYLE

How real was Hardy’s Dorset? Hardy’s Dorset, or rather ‘Wessex’ may be myth but is drawn from observation and provides a glimpse of rural conditions for ordinary people against a backdrop of technological change. However, his novels are less about poverty and more about the trials of life and the struggle with nature.

o phones and an expensive postal service for the first part of the century meant that many people sent scribbled notes to each other and got them delivered themselves. Alternatively, you simply turned up and asked around. Since there were considerably fewer people then, the job would be much easier. In 1830, the whole of Dorset housed a mere 140,000 inhabitants

– the current population of Poole. However, when proper stamps were introduced in 1840, letter writing took off. Jude, Sue and Phillotson all relied heavily on the postman – as did Stephen and Elfrida It wasn’t until 1853 that the first postboxes appeared in Britain. This one at Barnes Cross just outside Sherborne was installed only two years later but has been sadly and inexplicably neglected by Royal Mail

A LIVING WAGE

Unlike Dickens, Hardy conflates poverty with the stark realities of nature.

LIVING ON BENEFITS

f conditions weren’t bad enough, high grain prices had caused food prices to rise dramatically which added pressures on families simply trying to survive. This simple economic fact underpins the fate of the eponymous Mayor of Casterbridge whose livelihood

orking people were struggling to survive. The average wage in 1840 was some 40p a week, having been reduced from about 70p in 1814. Inflation, of course, makes a nonsense of the figures because rents were similarly low – about 5p a week for a cottage (if you could find one). Even so, most of the money went on basic food (bread, bacon, cheese and potatoes) plus beer, tea and fuel, and around 36p a year for a small patch of ground to grow a few extra vegetables. Malnutrition was rife.

depends almost entirely on the price of grain.Worse still, the New Poor Law of 1834 painted poverty as a moral issue. That’s because, according to a government commission, the previous, Speenhamland system, which paid modest benefits and an early form of family credit, had encouraged low wages, large families, single mothers, immorality and idleness. (Sound familiar?) For that reason, financial help was virtually abolished and the unemployed sent to workhouses. All of which encouraged a sense of selfrighteousness in the more fortunate. and reinforced social division – as exemplified in A Pair of Blue Eyes. It also filled the working classes with a mixure of fear, resentment and anger.

WHAT ABOUT THE WORKERS

ince 1825 it had been entirely legal to combine together to press for better pay and conditions. So, in theory, there was no reason for alarm when in 1832 six workers in Tolpuddle formed The Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers to protest against falling wages. However, incensed by their behaviour, James Frampton, a local landowner fished GIVE US A JOB out an obscure piece of legislation drafted in 1797 to prevent people from he Enclosure Acts, which had begun swearing oaths to each other. Having in the 16C, gradually dispossessed been found guilty of this irrelevant ordinary people both of common misdemeanour, the men were grazing, and of their own modest strips promptly transported to Australia. of land. By forcing them to sell (often However, their fate triggered marches at below market prices) wealthier and demonstrations and heralded the landowners acquired yet larger areas birth of trades unionism in Britain. to cultivate – which was more efficient Indirectly, Hardy’s stark picture of and made them even wealthier. It also 19C rural poverty – as personified by gave them power. Mechanisation further Fanny Robin and even, ultimately, reduced their dependency on labour Henchard – provides compelling so many previous tenants either had to evidence that conditions at the bottom move on or chance their luck as itinerant of society were literally unbearable. labourers. At the same time, population was increasing, and the end of the Napoleonic Wars unleashed thousands of former servicemen on to the jobs market. Not surprisingly, as a result, wages fell and, in their constant quest for work, many job seekers became rootless. The trials of Gabriel Oak in Far from the Madding Crowd epitomises a more general disenfranchisement.

Bakers/cake-makers

ccording to Barry Smith of Town Mill Bakery (see photo top right) the difference between a typical supermarket loaf and the bread he makes on the premises is not only taste. “Ours takes many hours to bake while theirs takes a matter of minutes. They also use more than three times the number of ingredients,” he says. No wonder customers beat a

path to his door – both to buy and to sample in the upstairs coffee shop. Much the same applies to the Long Crichel Organic Bakery (pic right) whose brilliant products can also be taken out or enjoyed in their olde worlde shopcum-restaurant.

THE BAKING BIRDS Windsbatch Bakery, Frian Wadden Rd, Upwey T. 01305 816378 homemadebylb.co.uk

FUDGE’S DORSET VILLAGE BAKERY Pines Way Business Park, Station Rd, Stalbridge DT10 2RN. T. 01963 362402 fudges.co.uk

CHRISTINE’S PUDDINGS Bramleys, Bath Road Sturminster Newton DT10 1EB. T.01258 472010 christinespuddings.co.uk Left: a wide range of tasty cakes for sale at Indulge in Shaftesbury

Right: Slicing and wrapping a freshly-baked loaf at Long Crichel’s tea rooms near the famous Minster in Wimborne

HONEYBUNS Naish Farm, Stony Lane, Holwell, Sherborne DT9 5LJ T. 01963 23597 honeybuns.co.uk INDULGE 5B Swans Yard, Shaftesbury SP7 8JQ T. 07733 255027 indulgebakeryand confections.co.uk

Chosen by us

Natural Dorset’s A-Z regional guide LEAKER’S BAKERY 29 East St, Bridport DT6 3JJ T. 01308 423296 leakersbakery.co.uk LONG CRICHEL ORGANIC BAKERY Long Crichel, Nr Wimborne BH21 5JU T. 01258 830852 Shop/restaurant: 7 Cook Row, Wimborne BH21 5JU. T. 01202 887765 longcrichelbakery.co.uk OXFORD’S BAKERY 34 Cheap St, Sherborne DT9 3PX. T. 01935 812642

Above: Barry Smith, the dedicated owner of Town Mill Bakery in Sherborne, part of a group founded 24 Salisbury Street, by Clive Cobb. Blandford Forum “Everything starts with DT11 7AR nothing but organic flour T. 01258 458062 and water,” he says. “We don’t use hydrated fats, 23 Haven Rd, Canford Cliffs, so-called improvers, Poole, BH13 7LE or indeed, softeners or T. 01202 701700 enhancers either.” THE PHOENIX BAKERY 6-7 St. Thomas Street, Weymouth DT4 8EW T. 01305 767894 phoenixbakery.co.uk STOATE & SONS Cann Mills Shaftesbury SP70BL T. 01747 852475 Stoatesflour.co.uk

TOWN MILL BAKERY 1 The Green, Sherborne DT9 3HY Chosen T. 01935 by us 813264 2 Coombe St Lyme Regis, DT7 3PY T. 012974 44035 townmillbakery.com

CHOSEN BY US

Out to Lunch

Fancy a midday nibble? Featuring five of our favourite local eateries

THE SALT PIG 6 North St, Wareham BH20 4AF. T. 01929 550673 thesaltpig.co.uk

CRÊPES FARM 128 Poole Rd, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9EF T. 01202 763053

hey describe themselves as an urban farm shop – selling Purbeck beef, lamb and poultry, organic vegetables, eggs and artisan bread, along with line-caught fish, crab and lobster – but there’s a restaurant here too. Serving delicious home made soup, salads, quiches and a choice of hot dishes every day, it’s bright, friendly and a

orget the boring old pancakes you eat on Shrove Tuesday, these are proper, authentic crêpes – in short, the real thing – and made with the finest natural ingredients. Better still, wherever possible, their creators try to buy from local organic suppliers and cook with either wheat or gluten-free buckwheat flour. There are 27 different

meeting place for people where it’s come from. who want to know exactly This then is a bustling what they’re eating and place – with a shop on the left and the seating area on the right – with a few extra tables in the back and the counter area in between. It’s a compact arrangement which works brilliantly – thanks largely to the super staff and, of course, the excellence of the food. Eat-in prices are extremely reasonable – the takeaways are a bargain.

Perfectionists. Ottavio and Renata Casella hail from Lausanne but first met in Bournemouth. Their immaculate crepêrie is as smart as a Swiss watch

types to choose from – either savoury or sweet – and the result is a delicate, melt in the mouth experience. If you don’t want dairy, you should know that they use butter rather than oil when frying but there’s

nothing greasy about the end product and with so many fillings on offer there should be something for everyone. Added bonuses include great milk shakes, brilliant coffee, spotless premises – and a chance to speak French! Peaceful surroundings, excellent food and two fastidious owners

CHOSEN BY US TURNBULLS DELICATESSEN 9 High St, Shaftesbury, SP7 8HZ T. 01747 858575 turnbulls.co.uk

Out to Lunch

his incredible deli is so good we wanted to keep it to ourselves – not that it would have made any difference because

its reputation is already firmly established. Specialising in the very best local produce – particularly awardwinning cheeses – it’s in a class of its own. As a case in point, their ham, they insist, is the best in the world and, having tried it, we see no reason to disagree. Situated in picture postcard land near Gold Hill, it’s a full-on taste of the country where even ham, egg and chips becomes decidedly exotic. Unmissable. and an object lesson in fine food.

Fancy a midday nibble? Featuring five of our favourite local eateries

HEARTIZANS 58 High St, Christchurch, BH23 1BN T. 01202 484757 heartizans.co.uk

ake three, friendly, kiwis, Linda, Ian and son Thomas, plus one health-conscious deli and the result is a seductive shop, a tiny three-table restaurant and an excellent grab-andgo lunchtime menu of sandwiches and platters packed with terrific ham, cheese and vegetables, much of it local. THE SALAD CENTRE 667 Christchurch Rd, Boscombe BH7 6AA T. 01202 393673 thesaladcentre.co.uk

A true taste of the country. Fabulous local food and helpful, intelligent staff.

hey’ve been here in unfashionable Boscombe for 25 years – and developed an enthusiastic following. The reason? Their vegetarian wholefood dishes are made with

fresh, natural ingredients – and taste out of this world. They also do baguettes, jackets, cakes

and delicious puddings. If you can find a better veggie eaterie in Dorset we’d be surprised. Spacious and offering a lot more than salad. There’s also soup, rolls and a choice of pies, bakes and casseroles...

CHOSEN BY US

Out to Lunch DOWNHOUSE FARM GARDEN CAFÉ Higher Eype, Bridport, DT6 6AH T. 01308 421232 downhousefarm.org

et in the heart of some of Dorset’s most spectacular scenery, this 500-acre organic farm serves superb local food between 10am and 6pm, every day, from March – right through until the end of October. Warm welcomes Owned since 1991 by Nikki and Dean Exton, their country restaurant has the friendly, intimate feel of someone’s home – which, of course, is precisely what it is. Surprisingly, perhaps, an impressively wide choice emerges from the modest kitchen. On our last visit, we were offered at least a dozen different dishes which included everything from pies (cottage or fish)

Fancy a midday nibble? Featuring six of our favourite local eateries

to Greek salad, bubble and squeak– and even a spicy, lentil dahl. As you might expect, around about tea time, we find traditional cream, scones and home-made cakes which, naturally, are freshly baked each day. Take your time Above all, it seems, as well as serving up delicious, wholesome food, the Exton’s want to provide their customers with a genuinely relaxing break. There’s no pressure to simply ‘eat up and go’ – you can read a daily paper, take in the view across Lyme Bay – or simply unwind and soak up the stillness. After that, there are numerous tracks to explore and walks to enjoy, the most famous of which is along the South West Coastal Path over the cliffs. Indeed, many hungry eaters arrive this way on foot and come

in for refuelling. For the rest of us, it’s a scenic drive off the A35 west of Bridport down a narrow track. So even just getting there is part of the fun...

Dedicated staff and great food – most of it organic and produced on the farm – all amid rolling hills near the sparkling sea . If you’re tired of the town, this is the place to come.

A cottage in the country If you fancy a rural retreat first find your village. For us, this one ticks all the right boxes

ow would you picture the ideal English village? Thatched cottages surrounded by lush, rolling hills perhaps? Maybe the odd babbling brook or two – and, of course, an ancient church? Well, Sydling St Nicholas has all of that – and more. This stunningly beautiful

hamlet, home to a mere 400 people, boasts a fabulous pub which serves top-notch food, plus acres of space for walking. Up close and personal It’s also teeming with wildlife, including ducks and even a couple of friendly geese. The residents are

pretty amenable too and everyone stops for a chat or just to say hello. Too good to be true? Not at all – though, if you’re the kind of person who can’t survive without supermarkets you’ll be disappointed; the nearest shops of any kind are 2 miles away in Cerne Abbas. Still, the likes of Tesco will deliver to your door at the click of a mouse. Similarly, there’s no longer a bus service so, unless you’re totally self sufficient, transport is just about essential. Meet the locals. Far left: Katy and Matey. Left: Oscar out enjoying the sunshine with his owner.

Sydling is an idyllic, picturebook village with open countryside on every side. Left: the pheasant apparently escaped but the sign was peppered with shot

Left: High St cottages. Above: pulling pints in The Greyhound

Selected Properties

Sydling in the early 1900s. In those days, a stream ran down the middle of the High Street which had a bakery, blacksmith, police station and a couple of pubs, one of which was a take-out ‘bottle and jug’.

Church times Still proudly serving the Having said that, it’s this and one or two are community, though, is the ‘proper’ locals. Mary, for parish church, parts of very ‘disconnectedness’ example, lives in the same which date back to 1430. that makes Sydling what house (once a tea room) it is. And while it feels It stands on the site of two wonderfully remote, just previous buildings which remember, Dorchester is suggests that people have only 8m down the road. worshipped here since the dawn of Christianity. Directions: Take the A356 from Looking back And that’s part of the Dorchester and turn right at In Saxon times, villagers magic. Because so little Grimstone then carry on under would have scratched has changed it’s easy to the viaduct into the village. a living from allotted imagine what life was strips of land. Now, many her family have occupied like here all those years for three generations. She ago. Even the landmarks commute to surrounding showed us pictures of towns, some are retired are evocative: Breakheart Hill, Hog Hill, Shearplace Hill. Looking down on the tiny houses from the lush and lofty Eastern Heights it feels as though time itself has stopped. A red telephone box and early petrol pump remind us of different eras while the parish church remains steadfast and unmoved.

Now Sold

Sydling Village Centre. Detached cottage: £420,000 FH

n our view, a more classic country cottage would be hard to find. Perfectly placed in the High St, this pretty Grade II Listed thatch, built of flint and brick, oozes character and charm. With a surprisingly light and bright interior, timber floors, open fireplaces and exposed beams, it’s tradition brought tastefully up to date. The spacious sitting room is enhanced by double doors which provide access to the garden, there’s a central staircase and three

bedrooms, plus space for one more. Outside is a garage and substantial garden room-cum-studio. Just the place to write a best-seller or simply while away a summer’s afternoon... Estate Agent: Greenslade Taylor Hunt, 45 High West St, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1UT T. 01305 268786 www.gth.net

www.naturaldorset.net

Farm Shops A-Z

Natural Dorset’s quick regional guide BREWERY FARM SHOP, Ansty, Dorchester, DT2 7PNT. T. 01258 881097. breweryfarmansty.co.uk BRIDE VALLEY 4 Market St, Abbotsbury, BH21 7DY. T. 01202 883761. dorsetlonghorn.co.uk *CANNINGS COURT ORGANIC Cannings Court, Pulham, Dorchester, DT2 7EA. T. 01258 818035 CLAVELL’S FARM SHOP Kimmeridge BH20 5PE T. 01929 480701 clavellscafe.co.uk

orset has an abundance of farm shops – selling great tasting food which is super fresh – because it’s produced on their doorstep. In the case of Rye Hill (pictured above) just outside Bere Regis, their famous ‘Pampered Pigs’

are reared on 320 acres in Tolpuddle which has been in the family since the late 1800s. Above all, say Kevin and Amanda Crocker, along with animal welfare, their main aim is the conservation of natural resources and to looking after the downlands and

water meadows. As you can see, they also supply fresh vegetables – plus dairy products organic and GM-free groceries – and pet food.. Whichever shop you choose though, check their opening hours – which may be subject to change. *An asterix denotes organic

C W ABBOTT & SON Langton Nurseries, Langton Long, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 9HR. T. 01258 452513 *BECKLANDS ORGANIC FARM, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, DT6 6RG. T. 01297 560298. becklandsorganicfarm.co.uk

*EWELEAZE FARM Osmington, Dorset DT3 6ED. T. 01305 833690. eweleaze.co.uk

*GREEN VALLEY FARM SHOP Longmeadow, Godmanstone, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7AE. T.01300 342164 HOLME FARM SHOP Holme for Gardens, Wareham BH20 6AQ, T. 01929 554716 holmeforgardens.co.uk HOME FARM SHOP Home Farm, Tarrant Gunville, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8JW. T. 01258 830083. homefarmshop.co.uk *JUST GOOD STUFF Steeptonbill Farm, Catherines Well, Milton Abbas, DT11 0AT. T. 07824 702398. justgoodstuff.net

*GOLD HILL ORGANIC FARM Child Okeford DT11 8HB T. 01258 861916 goldhillorganicfarm.com

LAGAN FARM SHOP Orchard Park Garden Centre, Shaftesbury Rd, Gillingham SP8 5JG T. 01747 835544 orchardpark.biz

*GREEN LANE FARM SHOP Manor Farm, Green Lane, Hooke, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3PB. T.01308 863817

LITTLEMOORS FARM SHOP, Ham Lane, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7LT. T. 01202 891489

Left: Happy to help at the Holme Farm Shop outside Wareham. There’s a large garden centre here as well as a tea-room. You can also pick your own fruit.

Right: Fresh veg, organic meat and a tastefully deigned restaurant – all at The Rural Farm Shop on the Wareham Road not far from Poole.

THE OUT OF TOWN FARM SHOP Lane End Farm, Tunnel Rd, Beaminster, DT8 3HB. T. 07518 982148

*SYDLING BROOK ORGANIC FARM SHOP Sydling Brook, Up Sydling, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9PQ. T. 01300 341992. sydling.co.uk

*OWLS BARN Owls Barn, Sopley, Christchurch, BH23 7AZ. T. 01425 672239. owlsbarn.com THE PAMPHILL DAIRY FARM SHOP Pamphill, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 4ED. T. 01202 880618. pamphilldairy.co.uk

*LONGMEADOW ORGANIC VEGETABLES Longmeadow, Godmanstone, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7AE. T. 01300 341779 *MODBURY FARM Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4NE. T. 01308 897193. .modburyfarm.co.uk

OAKLEIGH FARM SHOP Coles Lane, Yetminster DT9 6LP T. 01935 873754 OAKLEYS FARM SHOP & DELI Star Farm, Pleck, Hazelbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2EG. T. 01258 818090. www. oakleysfarmshop.co.uk

THE RURAL FARM SHOP Bere Farmhouse, Wareham Rd, Lytchett Minster, BH16 6ER. T. 01202 620600. theruralfarmshop company.com. RYE HILL FARM SHOP* Rye Hill, Bere Regis Wareham BH20 7LP T. 01929 472327 pampered-pigs.co.uk STEVENS FARM SHOP Stevens Farm Bungalow, Martinstown, Dorset DT2 9JR. T. 01305 889216. stevensfarmshop.co.uk

N.J. TORY & PARTNER Leazabella, East Farm, Lower St, Winterborne Whitechurch, Dorset DT11 9AW. T. 01258 880642. eastfarmshop.co.uk THE UDDER FARM SHOP Manor Farm, Front St, East Stour, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5LQ. T. 01747 838899. theudderfarmshop.co.uk VINES CLOSE FARM Close Farm, Henbury, Dorchester Rd,  Wimborne, Dorset  BH213RW. T. 01258 857 278 WASHINGPOOL FARM SHOP Washingpool Farm, North Allington, Bridport, Dorset DT6 5HP. T. 01308 459549 www.washingpool.co.uk

CHOSEN BY US!

House & Home THE ECLECTIC ABODE 15c Commercial Rd, Swanage, BH19 1DF T. 01929 424955 theeclecticabode.com

Above: This comfy 1930s Art Deco leather armchair in almost mint condition was snapped up for £650. Right: Genuine 19th Century, 6-legged Gungstol rocker – one of the earliest designs of its type. Yours for £620.

ucked away up a side street they may be – but Simon and Åsa have no problem attracting customers. Why? The name says it all. Whether it’s antiques, furniture, paintings – or whimsical artefacts – Eclectic delivers. Against that diverse backdrop Above: Full of they also specialise in surprises. Simon & Åsa – charming Scandinavian ceramics and knowledgable (which, given that Åsa hails from Sweden, is owners of The Eclectic Abode understandable) – plus in Swanage. vintage wooden toys. We particularly liked the first floor of their old, converted sail loft which feels more like a living room than a shop. “We wanted to have a log fire going,” said Simon, “ but were worried about Health & Safety.” Pity.

Hunting for interesting, classic or traditional furnishings? Take a look at these fascinating emporiums ACE RECLAMATION Barrack Rd, West Parley, Hurn BH22 8UB T. 01202 579222 acereclamation.com

oors, floorboards, radiators and tiles – fireplaces, baths and doorknobs – this place has it all; everything, in fact, from the mundane to the magnificent. It’s an unpretentious but up-market scrapyard run by owner Peter Randle (top right) not far from Bournemouth Airport. As well as architectural antiques you’ll find some tasteful reproductions here – along with garden furniture, statues, urns and even stained glass windows.

CHOSEN BY US!

House & Home

DORSET RECLAMATION Barrack Rd, West Parley, Hurn BH22 8UB T. 01202 579222 acereclamation.com

HARDY COUNTRY Meadow View Melbury Osmond Dorchester DT2 0NA T. 01935 83440 hardycountry.com

f antique pine is your thing, take a trip to this friendly little business in picturesque Melbury Osmond where Thomas Hardy’s father and mother were married. That’s not the only link with the famous family, Owner Steven Groves (below) is a distant relation – hence the name of his business which he runs with Caroline his wife (top). He started selling tables, cupboards, desks and dressers etc by accident. In his plumbing days, a cash-strapped customer settled a debt with some Victorian pine furniture which Steven successfully sold on – and one thing led to another. Now people beat a path to

Hunting for interesting, classic or traditional furnishings? Take a look at these fascinating emporiums

Steven Groves. “Our furniture is lovingly restored and repairs are kept to a minimum.”

his door and it’s easy to see why. With his son in law scouring the country (and the Continent) for authentic traditional pieces, the emphasis is on finding genuine articles from the Georgian to Edwardian period rather than selling reproductions. We particularly liked a grand, pitch pine writing desk for under £500 and an unusual food cupboard which could be used as a child’s wardrobe. This is the real deal.

asy to find, Dorset Reclamation is at the back of a small industrial estate immediately outside Bere Regis as the Poole road snakes round towards Dorchester.There’s a Shell petrol station on the corner so you can’t miss it. Inside is a treasure trove of fireplaces, stoves, radiators and baths. They also specialise in secondhand Agas which they can service and fit. We went shopping for something smaller, an iron door knocker, and found an excellent reproduction for £32. Yes, we would have preferred an original but it’s a fact of life that, these days, ‘genuine’ good quality pieces are in short supply. Don’t be put off though because the end results are excellent.

The company also sell a variety of building materials including handmade bricks and pine flooring, York, Purbeck, Granite and Pennant

flagstones; slate and terra cotta tiles, pine and oak fireplace mantels, chimney pieces, cast iron fireplaces, beams, doors, chimney pots and gazebos.

nless you arrive by sea, your first glimpse of Portland will be harsh and unwelcoming – even on a good day. “It’s a ruse to deter strangers,” says artist Sally Pepperell, tongue only slightly in cheek. A proper Portlander, born and bred, she dismisses the more fanciful myths and legends about this quirky corner of the Jurassic Coast but is serious about what she calls ‘a sense of place’. It’s easy to see why. Harsh, crumbling – weird even – Portland feels like another country. The UK is over there,” says Sally,

pointing back towards Weymouth. Not surprisingly, it’s this very separation that creative people – many of whom have settled hereabouts – want to wrestle with and capture on canvas. But it’s not just painters; potters, sculptors and photographers – all have succumbed to the ‘island’s’ existential sense of indifference.

What makes Portland such a compelling and evocative bolthole for artists? We try to find out

ograph.org ://www.ge

Chesil Beach, a pebble and shingle tombolo, which stretches some 18 miles from Portland to Bridport – has an infamous reputation and forms a terrible, ‘dragon throat’ of a bay.

Photo: http

n Moy. 95

Another island

Left: Dancing on the edge. Michael Palmer’s iconic shot of Pulpit Rock relies purely on the acrobatic skill of Sally Miller (www.flexiprincess.co.uk) and an inspirational photographer. To see more of Michael’s amazing work: www.michaelpalmer.com

Unpredictable and far from pretty – like a delinquent street fighter who writes poetry, it’s lyrical, dramatic and dangerous – so you simply can’t ignore it. Clearly, the author Llewelyn Powys was similarly moved. Writing about the Chiswell end of Chesil Beach, in the nineteen thirties, he explained how, even when the weather was rough, you could “stand in comparative Left: White Stones, at Easton, a super meeting place for artists, walkers and those who simply want a tasty snack and a cup of coffee. www.whitestonescafegallery.com

Selected Properties

safety and look down into the dragon throat of the terrible bay.” Clearly, we’re far from the cosy, picture postcard English seaside and close to the brutal forces of nature.

Chosen by us

Deadly dangers

Unsurprisingly, Dead Man’s Bay has seen its fair share of shipwrecks, many of which ended up here having fallen foul of the infamous Portland Race, a cauldron of fast moving water which froths around Portland Bill to the south. Whether some were subsequently lured ashore by wreckers is a moot point, it seems, Either way, disasters there most certainly were.For Portlanders, however, hardship and loss were nothing new. Local fishermen risked their lives on a regular basis, while

West Weares, Portland. Detached beach hut: £38,000

ith superb, panoramic views over Chesil Beach and Lyme Bay, this could be the ideal daytime retreat – a place to paint, to watch the wildlife or merely relax. Timber built, it comes complete with cooker, tables and chairs etc – as well as a separate lavatory. The price also includes a share in the landholding company. It’s a stunning spot. If you needed convincing, virtually the whole of the Portland coastline, from the

high water mark to the cliff tops, and in some cases beyond, is designated as part of the Isle of Portland Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) by English Nature. Further details from: Red House Estate Agents, 89/91 Fortuneswell, Portand DT5 1LY. T. 01305 824455 www.redhousepropert.co.uk

www.naturaldorset.net

ph.org.

://www.geogra

p Photo credit htt

Always & forever...

Top:The grey streets of Fortuneswell. Left:Don’t mention the ‘r’ word. Above: Moonfleet, written way back in 1898. Focusing on Chesil smugglers, it’s arguably the best ripping yarn ever.

Selected Properties

those working in the huge stone quarries, unfettered by even minimal Health and Safety requirements, would have faced similar perils.Which is why rabbits (which burrow) are still considered unlucky. Smuggling, though well organised by all accounts, was almost as risky. At best, if you failed to outrun the Revenue men, you could end up in the local prison; at worst you might be shot.

In spite of attempts to chisel away at it, the echoes of Portland’s history hang heavy. Olympics may come and go but you get the feeling that a character change is out of the question. Portland is unreformed and uncompromising – and always will be.

Chosen by us

Old Hill, Portland. Detached 4-bed house: £999,999 FH

es, it’s a lot of money but then it’s a whole lot of house. Built for a naval officer’s wife to her own design in the late 1940’s this substantial detached property is perched high on a hill above Fortuneswell. Which means it gazes majestically out over Lyme Bay, Chesil Beach and Portland Harbour. To describe the views as sensational is an understatement. As well as four bedrooms (two ensuite) there’s a study from where,

of course, you can see the sea, a conservatory, covered balcony, terraced gardens and room for a couple of cars outside in the spacious double garage. Further details from: Red House Estate Agents, 89/91 Fortuneswell, Portand DT5 1LY. T. 01305 824455 www.redhousepropert.co.uk

www.naturaldorset.net

Seafood restaurants Chosen by us

Right on the beach at Burton Bradstock. Attentive staff, a great shoreside location (foreground above) and really fresh fish – a sure-fire recipe for success. THE ANCHOR INN High Street, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, DT6 4QF. T. 01308 897228. dorset-seafood-restaurant. co.uk THE CATCH The Jetty, 95 Mudeford, Christchurch, BH23 3NT T. 01202 400950 thejetty.co.uk CORKERS High Street, Poole Quay, Poole, BH15 1AB T. 01202 681393. corkers.co.uk

ypical of the drive towards more locally sourced ingredients is the growth THE CRAB Exeter Rd, of seafood restaurants Bournemouth BH2 5AJ – like the Hive Beach T. 01202 203601 Cafe It’s a bit off the crabatbournemouth.com beaten track but customers like the unpretentious CRAB HOUSE CAFE Ferrymans Way, Portland Rd, surroundings and the quality of the food. Wyke Regis, DT4 9YU. T. 01305 788 867 In fine weather the rabhousecafe.co.uk awnings are rolled back so you can dine al fresco. Owner Steve Attrill is FISHY FISHY a strong supporter of 18 Dolphin Quay, Poole. regional suppliers – and BH15 1HH an active campaigner for T. 01202 680 793 fishyfishy.co.uk sustainable fishing.

www.naturaldorset.net RIVERSIDE INN IN THE PARK The Hive Beach River Brit Meadows, 26 Pinewood Road, Cafe – offering West Bay, Bridport.DT6 Branksome Park, Poole,.BH13 a wide range 4EZ. T.01308 422011 6JS. T. 0871 951 1000 of seafood and thefishrestaurant-westbay. inn-in-the-park.co.uk locally caught co.uk fish. As to prices, JURASSIC SEAFOOD a wild Sea Bass, SEAGULLS 47 Silver Street, Lyme Regis. roasted whole, with 1-3 Station Road, West Bay, DT7 3HR. T. 01297444345. rosemary, lemon, Bridport. DT6 4EW. jurassicseafoodrestaurant.com olive oil, Cornish T. 01308 425099. sea salt, new seagullsrestaurant.co.uk LOCH FYNE potatoes and salad Poole, 47 Haven Rd, Canford would set you back SHELL BAY SEAFOOD Cliffs, Poole, BH13 7LH. about £24.50 Ferry Rd, Studland, BH19 3B. T. 01202 609000. T. 01929 450363. lochfyne.com shellbay.net FLOODS MALLAMS THE SHIP IN DISTRESS 19 Custom House Quay, 5 Trinity Road, 66 Stanpit, Christchurch. Weymouth, DT4 8BG. The Harbour, Weymouth, BH23 3NA. T. 01202 485123. T. 01305 772200 DT4 8TJ. T. 01305 776757. theshipindistress.com mallamsrestaurant.co.uk GUILDHALL TAVERN STORM 15 Market St, OCEAN BAY 16 High St, Poole. BH15 Poole. BH15 1NB. 2 Ulwell Rd, North Beach 1BP. T. 01202 674970. . T. 01202 671717 Swanage. BH19 1LH. T. stormfish.co.uk guildhalltavern.co.uk 01929 422222 HIX OYSTER & FISH HOUSE Cobb Road, Lyme Regis. DT7 3JP. T. 01297 446 910. hixoysterandfishhouse.co.uk HIVE BEACH CAFE Beach Rd, Burton Bradstock, DT6 4RF. T. 01308 897 070. hivebeachcafe.co.uk

PERRY’S 4 Trinity Road, Weymouth, DT4 8TJ. T. 01305 785799. perrysrestaurant.co.uk

THE WEST BAY HOTEL Station Road, Bridport., DT6 4EW. T. 01308 422157. thewestbayhotel.co.uk

THE POOLE ARMS The Quay,Poole. BH15 1HJ. T. 01202 673450

WEST BEACH Pier Approach, Bournemouth,. BH2 5AA. T. 01202 587 785. west-beach.co.uk

the better living magazine

Organic Farms A-Z BARTON MEADOWS FARM Dorchester Rd, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7JS T. 01300341336 BECKLANDS ORGANIC FARM Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, DT6 6RG. T. 01297 560298. becklandsorganicfarm.co.uk BOTHEN HILL PRODUCE 7 Green Lane, Bothenhampton, Bridport, DT6 4ED. T. 01308 424271 bothenhillproduce.co.uk

GOLD HILL ORGANIC FARM Ridgeway Lane, Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, DT11 8HB. T. 01258 860293

CHILDHAY MANOR Blackdown, Beaminster DT8 3LQ, T. 01308 868709 childhaymanor.com

HERITAGE PRIME Heritage Prime, Foxholes Farm, Littlebredy, Dorchester, DT2 9HJ. T. 01308 482688. heritageprime.co.uk

DORSET ORGANIC BEEF Manor Farm, Green Lane, Hooke, Beaminster DT8 3PB. T.01308 863817 dorsetorganicbeef.co.uk

MANOR FARM Godmanstone, Dorchester, DT2 7AH. T. 01300 341415 manor-farm-organic.co.uk

DOWNHOUSE FARM Higher Eype, Bridport DT6 6AH T. 01308 421232 downhouse-farm.co.uk

OWLS BARN FARM Owls Barn, Sopley, Christchurch, BH23 7AZ. T. 01425 672239. owlsbarn.com

Andrew and Claire. Happy cows are healthy cows ...

REMPSTONE FARM Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5JH T. 01929 481393 cedarorganic.com

Pioneers. Ian and Denise Bell

EWELEAZE FARM, Osmington, DT3 6ED. T. 01305 833690 eweleaze.co.uk

Natural Dorset’s regional guide

With their ground breaking, bio-dynamic approach, Ian and Denise Bell’s Heritage Prime sets obsessively high standards. Using therapeutic preparations for the soil, the plants – and even the compost and manure – they aim to manage the entire food chain in a natural and sustainable way. Putting their animals first, they believe, helps reduce the risk of diseases triggered by ‘factory farming’ methods and produces a far healthier product. PAMPERED PIGS Rye Hill Farmhouse Rye Hill, Bere Regis Wareham BH20 7LP T. 01929 472327 pampered-pigs.co.uk

STURTS FARM Three Cross Roads, West Moors, Wimborne Minster, BH22 0NF. T, 01202 870572 sturtsfarm.com SUNNYSIDE ORGANIC FARM  Lower Kingcombe,  Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ. T. 01300 321537. sunnysideorganicfarm.co.uk TAMARISK FARM West Bexington, Dorchester, DT2 9DF. T. 01308 897784 tamariskfarm.co.uk

eet Andrew and Claire, enthusiastic owners of Rempstone Farm, home to Cedar Organic near Corfe Castle. It’s a marvellous environment, they say, where, thanks to a varied landscape and lush, productive grass

their cattle, sheep, and chicken enjoy an outdoor life all the year round. They took the organic route because they believe people need to trust the food they buy. More precisely, it’s the best way to provide customers

with an assurance that, wherever possible, natural methods are used. Their other objectives are protecting the environment and sustainability. To find your nearest supplier log on to ther website www. cedarorganic.com

Why the future of fashion is ethical Wearing environmentally-friendly clothes sounds great but what exactly does it all mean – and how do we know what we’re buying?

s more and more clothing companies adopt the ‘green,’ ‘ethical’ or ‘ecological’ label, cynics see it as little more than an opportunity to charge inflated prices. It’s all up to us True or not, it’s we, the consumer, who have the last word – but making

informed choices can be hard. For a start, there’s a variety of issues to untangle – from factory conditions for workers to the materials themselves, not to mention the environmental impact of different manufacturing processes. Similarly, some draw a distinction between ‘sustainable’ and ‘organic’’ clothing – even

Made from 100 per cent sustainable rayon this Kera tunic dress is part ofthe current Kimodo range. Details: Bibi’s of Weymouth

if the basic objectives are the same. To muddy the waters further, there’s no single, universallyaccepted standard – which is not to say that standards don’t exist. If you’re worried about such things as child labour for example, SA8000 accreditation (from Social Accountability International) is a certification standard based on international workplace norms – and, by all accounts provides a reliable reassurance that workers basic human rights are respected. The Fairtrade scheme is another excellent guide to conditions – and ensures that suppliers are paid reasonable prices. As to materials, genuinely

ecological clothing uses such things as organic cotton which is grown without pesticides or silk from worms reared on organic trees. It also steers clear of nasty chemicals, bleaches and dyes. Quality not quantity For some, the campaign goes a stage further and echoes the need for better made, more durable clothes and less ephemeral fashion, though, naturally, design considerations will always be a matter of personal preference. In the meantime, let’s celebrate the fact that many producers are moving in the right direction and reflecting people’s genuine and legitimate concerns.

USEFUL CONTACTS IN OUR AREA BIBI’S, 21 St Alban St, Weymouth DT4 8BZ DAISY HILL, daisyhillltd.com T.07921 456 968 FRANK & FAITH frankandfaith.com

GREEN DRAWERS The Square, Beaminster DT8 3AX T. 01308 863437 greendrawers.com HAMBLEDON GALLERY, 40 Salisbury St, Blandford DT11 7PRT: T.01258 452880 hambledongallery.co.uk

Farmers Markets A-Z BLANDFORD The Corn Exchange, Second Friday of the month; 9am-1.30pm. Average 26 stalls BOURNEMOUTH Cardigan Road, Winton. Third Saturday of the month, 9am-3pm. Average 18 stalls Castlepoint Shopping Centre Third Sunday, bi-monthly 10am-3pm

his is where you can find regular Farmers’ Markets in your area. Everything sold here must have been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or processed – either in Dorset or within forty miles of the border. Dorset Farmers Markets Ltd is non-profit-making and works under the umbrella of the National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) .

BRIDPORT Arts Centre, South Street. Second Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm. Average 30 stalls BROADSTONE Stepping Stone Car Park Third Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm. Average 12 stalls

Natural Dorset’s quick and easy regional guide CHRISTCHURCH Saxon Square First Friday of the month, 9am-1pm. 6-18 stalls DORCHESTER Brownsword Hall, Poundbury First Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm. Average 40 stalls FERNDOWN Victoria Road Second Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm SHAFTESBURY Town Hall, High St. First Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm. Average 15 stalls SHERBORNE Cheap Street. Third Friday of the month, 9am-1am. Average 30 stalls

VERWOOD Ferrett Green Fourth Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm. Average of 25 stalls WAREHAM Home Producers Market, United Reformed Church, Church Street. Every Thursday, 8.30am - 11.00am. . Farmers Market, Town Hall Second & Fourth Thursday, 9am-1pm. Average 12 stalls WEYMOUTH Westham Bridge Second Sunday, 10am-3pm. Average 25 stalls

STURMINSTER NEWTON Station Road. Fourth Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm. Average 12 stalls

WIMBORNE Mill Lane Second Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm. 6-12 stalls

SWANAGE The Mowlem Community Room, Mowlem Theatre. Every Friday 10.00am - 11.30am.

WOOL Country Market , D’Urberville Hall Every Thursday, 10am until 11.30am.

dorsetfarmersmarkets.co.uk T. 01258 454510

Health Food Shops A-Z hese days, small health food shops are doing battle with large chains and supermarkets. As the nation’s interest in nutrition grows, so the competition intensifies. In some ways, of course, that’s a good thing but, for some, the extra pressure is making life difficult. For the independents, their biggest strength is their links to local suppliers and intimate knowledge of individual products. They also pride themselves on nurturing relationships with their customers. In reality, when you look closely, there’s a diverse range of outlets here – from those merely selling branded supplements to those whose emphasis is more on food and natural products in general.

Natural Dorset’s quick and easy regional guide Purbeck Wholefoods in Wareham, the sister shop to Spill the Beans in Wimborne is home to Eric’s famous muesli, as well as organic eggs and local bread. And yes, they also sell nuts...

DISCOUNT HEALTH STORE LTD 389 Wimborne Rd, Winton, Bournemouth BH9 2AQ. T. 01202 547045 discounthealthstore.co.uk DISCOUNT HEALTH STORE LTD 37 Seamoor Rd, Westbourne, Bournemouth, BH4 9AE. T. 01202 764064. discounthealthstore.co.uk

THE BAY TREE 15 Pennys Walk, Ferndown, BH22 9TH T. 01202 896096 baytree-healthstore.com

BROADSTONE HEALTH & HOME BREW 12 Dunyeats Rd, Broadstone BH18 8AG T. 01202 693935

COUNTRY FOODS LTD 15 Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1AB. T. 01929 427057

DOWN TO EARTH 18e Princes Street, Dorchester DT1 1TW T. 01305-268325 EARTH FOODS 75 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth BH6 3QU. T. 01202 422465

THE BAY TREE 24 Saxon Square, Christchurch BH23 1QB. T. 01202 481817 baytree-healthstore.com/

CANNINGS COURT ORGANIC Cannings Court, Pulham, Dorchester DT2 7EA. T. 01258 818035

DISCOUNT HEALTH STORE LTD 96 Dolphin Centre, Poole BH15 1SR. T. 01202 674193. discounthealthstore.co.uk

ELITE HEALTH FOODS 119, Bournemouth Road, Poole BH14 9HR. T. 01202 775 137. elitehealthdistribution.co.uk

JULIAN GRAVES 33, The Dolphin Centre, Poole BH15 1S T. 01202 677463. juliangraves.com JULIAN GRAVES Unit 11, Saxon Square, Christchurch BH23 1QA. T. 01202 482316. www. juliangraves.com JULIAN GRAVES 16 Salisbury St, Blandford Forum, Blandford Forum, DT11 7AR. T 01258 454417. JULIAN GRAVES 93 St. Mary St, Weymouth DT4 8NY. T. 01305 789657 juliangraves.com JULIAN GRAVES 7 Tudor Arcade, South St, Dorchester DT1 1BN T. 01305 257934. juliangraves.com JULIAN GRAVES 4 East St, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3LF. T. 01308 455666. juliangraves.com GREENS HEALTH STORE High St, Gillingham SP8 4QT. T. 01747 835505

Health Food Shops A-Z HEALTHCARE HEALTH FOOD 227 Ashley Rd, Poole, BH14 9DS. T. 01202 730555

HOLLAND & BARRETT 96 Commercial Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5LR. T. 01202 299834. hollandbarrett.com

HEALTH FOODS 60 West St, Bridport, DT6 3QP. T. 01308 423236

HOLLAND & BARRETT The Arcade, Bournemouth BH1 2AF. T. 01202 297713. hollandbarrett.com

HELEN’S WHOLEFOOD STORE 61 St. Mary St, Weymouth DT4 8PP. T. 01305 777261. HOLLAND & BARRETT 25 Kingland Crescent, Poole, Dorset BH15 1TA. T. 01202 649291. hollandbarrett.com

Natural Dorset’s quick and easy regional guide JOSHUA’S HARVEST LTD Unit 16a, Antelope Walk, Dorchester DT1 1BE. T. 01305 260060 joshuasharveststore.co.uk NATURALIFE 18 Antelope Walk, Dorchester, DT1 1BE. T. 01305 250110

HOLLAND & BARRETT Unit 31, Sovereign Centre, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 4SX. T. 01202 300059 hollandbarrett.com

NATURALIFE WHOLEFOODS LTD 3, Church Lane, Sherborne DT9 3BP. T. 01935 815756. naturalife-wholefoods.co.uk

HOLLAND & BARRETT 76 Victoria Rd, Ferndown, BH22 9JA. T. 01202 893685. hollandbarrett.com HOLLAND & BARRETT 54 South St, Dorchester DT1 1DQ. T. 01305 251857 hollandbarrett.com HOLLAND & BARRETT 11 High St, Shaftesbury SP7 8JS. T. 01747 854232 hollandbarrett.com This is Down to Earth in Dorchester, a bijou establishment tucked away up a side street but full of good things.

Holland & Barrett’s well stocked store in Shaftesbury (above) is just one of many in our area HOLLAND & BARRETT 14, Market Place, Blandford DT11 7EB. T. 01258 450661 hollandbarrett.com HOLLAND & BARRETT 33 St. Mary St, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8PN. T. 01305 766485 hollandbarrett.com

NATURALIFE WHOLEFOODS LTD 22 South St, Bridport DT6 3NQ. T. 01308 459690. naturalife-wholefoods.co.uk

Helen’s Famous Wholefood Store in the centre of Weymouth PURBECK WHOLEFOODS 37 North St, Wareham BH20 4AD. T. 01929 552332 SPILL THE BEANS 7 West St, Wimborne BH21 1JN. T. 01202 888989. spillthebeanswimborne.co.uk

NUTRITRAIN SOUTH WEST CENTRE FOR HEALTH & WELL BEING Unit 1, Jubilee Enterprise Centre, 15 Jubilee Close, Weymouth DT4 7BS. T. 01305 839394 nutritrainsouthwest.co.uk Greens of Gillingham (right) feels more like a pharmacy – and benefits from years of experience.

Chosen by us

A compelling combination Angular yet sensual, abstract but familiar, these bronze figures by Andrew Thomas capture a tension and sense of movement that’s impossible to ignore

Andrew and Rehanna – a cast bronze, limited edition of seven pieces each priced at £4,200

ow come that such a sharp-edged approach to sculpture can be so seductive? After all, viewed up close, these works have an almost industrial quality, full of shiny, flat surfaces and accentuated angles. But the effect is lyrical, romantic almost. It simply doesn’t make sense. Clearly, there’s a rare and innovative talent at work here – but Andrew’s approach is also meticulous and controlled. Starting with numerous photos and sketches, he refines the finished shape in wood before the final version is cast. It’s a long process during which time proportions are altered and modified to produce the desired effect. Have begun with

a real-life model, the final stage, he confides is very much an ‘internal’ process. It’s obviously where the artist imposes his personal idea of aesthetic perfection. If that sounds pretentious or over the top, you should study the precision of these pieces; their geometric accuracy, their balance and sheer quality of finish is astonishing. Andrew has been influenced by the likes of Constantin Brancusi, Alexander Archipenko, Jacques Lipchitz, Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth – and describes his style as avant garde with flavours of Cubism and Art Deco. Even so, it’s the originality of his work (which also includes abstracts and musical instruments) that’s most striking.

Above: Rosa, another limited edition of seven sculptures. Priced at £4,200, it measures 53 x 18 x 8cm. Shown below is Swans, one of Andrews abstract interpretations. For more details: T. 01929 550832. W. art@3dsculptor.com

Chosen by us

It’s only natural Inspired by shells and rocks, the stoneware produced by Ian Harris reflects an entirely organic approach he very first couple of pots he made were curvacious and pebble like. That was way back in the sixties when the young Ian was ostensibly studying print at art college in Essex. Even then though, he was drawn to clay. Eventually, he migrated west and, after a few twists and turns,

ended up teaching art at Purbeck School in Wareham. Luckily, the art department had invested in a couple of kilns – which was all the encouragement he needed. When he retired a couple of years ago, purely by chance, he stumbled on an empty, 18th Century blacksmith’s forge, in Corfe. It was exactly the kind of environment our

man had always dreamed of and proved utterly irresistible. “I took one look and everything felt right,” he says. “I couldn’t wait to set myself up in the far corner with the light behind me and get to work.” Not surprisingly, he’s been busy ever since...

Prices range from about £20-£250 Details: Ian Harris, The Old Smithy, East St, Corfe Castle, BH20 5HD. www.ianharrisceramics.co.uk

Other sculptors Chosen by us

PETER BOYCE-TOMKINS Wood sculptures. Much of Peter’s work is based on the graceful shapes of sails when filled by the wind. E. peter@boycetomkins.plus.com SARAH GILPIN Sculptures in wood and stone. Abstract forms from offcuts, plus larger stone carvings including water bowls E. sgilpinsculptures@me.com DEBBIE J. R. HANDY Recycled assemblages and stone sculptures. Carefully made objects, using discarded items found at Chapman’s Pool. E. djrosleinhandy@fsmail.net www.moirapurversculpture.co.uk

Pleasures of the flesh Moira Purver’s understanding of the human form is clearly more than skin deep and explores the complex relationship between anatomy and art

hether relaxed and contemplative or balanced and taut, these rhythmic bronzes are evocative, accomplished and alluring. Moira Purver, their creator, is disarmingly modest about it all and happy to discuss the processes involved – how, for example,she had to make the Argentine tango dancers separately (top right) before entwining them in their passionate embrace. The dancers themselves, in

bronze resin, an edition of 25, work out at £1,200, while in bronze, an edition of 9, they cost £4000. Prices, in general, range from £35 for small pieces, up to £4200. In each case, she starts with sculptures in either wax or clay which are subsequently cast either in bronze or in bronze resin. In her own words, she strives to produce work which radiates a feeling of living energy – an objective that most would agree she emphatically fulfills. Moira Purver,The Stable, Steppes Hill House, Coombe Hill, Langton Matravers BH19 3EU. T. 07813 307665

KITTY HARTNELL Metal sculpture. Vibrant sculptures, crafted mainly from mild steel and inspired by nature; at home indoors or in the garden. E. kittyhartnell@gmail.com W. www.metalandmosaics.co.uk CHARLOTTE LANCE Bronze sculptures. Figurative work portraying feelings of contemplation, hope and inner strength. E. info@dorsetsculptures.com WENDY MANNING Wire and plaster sculpture. Witty and mobile characters made from recycled objects designed to be set in a landscape. E. wjmanning@supanet.com DO MICHELL Ceramics and stone sculptures. Abstract work inspired by numerous influences – including the Purbeck landscape. E. domichell@mac.com W. www.domichell.com ROBERT MILEHAM Bronze sculptures. Bronze sculptures. Expressive and sometimes dynamic depictions of figures and animals

his understanding of economics but there was a flicker of meaning in what he said. The main objection to working fewer hours, of course is that most people need to work full time merely to pay the bills. But maybe that’s symptomatic of a bigger problem. In short, everything’s so highly geared that we’re pedaling faster and faster – just to keep the system afloat. As a case in point, today,

Slow down and save the planet If, as some people believe, we need a dramatic and new kind of economic revolution, should we try to be part of it?

Measuring everything “ purely in terms of output or GDP could be a mistake. ”

Words: Rodger Witt Pictures: Olivia Bell ow can taking your time and working less help anyone – particularly in a recession? Come to that, surely, buying fewer things is also a recipe for disaster? Well, in the normal

scheme of things, that might be true, but, so the argument goes, these are far from normal times. In short, the mad industrial machine is running out of control. Of course, people have always wanted to put a

jobs. On the other hand, you might argue, if people don’t want the stuff, they don’t have to buy it. It’s a question of supply and demand. Not only that, if you artificially control production, you also stifle competition and progress. You also kill growth and innovation which helps feed the world and takes people out of poverty. However, there are those who believe that measuring everything in terms of output or GDP

spanner in the works, starting with the Luddites in 1811. Back in the 1930s, during the Great Depression, Betrand Russell took a slightly less aggressive stance and asked why factories continued to churn out

more and more things, more and more cheaply, until they eventually went bust. Why not make a bit less, he argued, and take more time off. To be fair, his grasp of analytic philosophy was probably better than

we’re roughly 400 times more efficient than we were sixty years ago. Which mean that a worker can produce the same amount of goods in eleven hours that took forty hours back in the 1950s. The bad news is that it also means that four hundred times as much stuff must be sold and consumed or people will lose their

could be a mistake. The most obvious and visible sign is the coalition’s new emphasis on ‘outcomes’ and ‘wellbeing’ – the so-called happiness index – rather than crude financial figures. Yes, it’s been pilloried as ‘soft’ even belonging to the ‘loony left’ but a government commission is working

population of 15 billion by the end of this century but The amount of time we spend relaxing rather than by 2002, the figure had to consuming or working could become an increasingly be revised dramatically significant measure of our economic ‘prosperity’. downwards. We’re approaching ‘ a mere’ 7 billion right now and the UN think the figure will peak at 9.2 billion by 2075 before gently decreasing. Why? Because as countries become more affluent, birth rates inevitably fall. Not only that, food production per head has risen by 30 per cent since the 1950s, while food prices, which have indeed risen since 2000, are still 30 per cent lower in real terms than they were in the 1980s – detractors, what always on plans for a steady state and, if it continues, will Exit, Prosperity Without scuppers such predictions and 85 per cent lower than economy that would see a make large parts of the Growth. Critics remain they were in 1900. is new technology. In planet unfit for human cut in working hours. unimpressed. This sort What’s more, they add, those days mechanisation All of which chimes with habitation,’ they say. of scaremongering goes while the stresses and and fertiliser came to the much of what the New back to Malthus, they strains of modern life have rescue – for us, salvation Economics Foundation Don’t go for growth say. This, you may recall, undoubtedly taken their will apparently arrive in The discussion is even has been saying for was the 19th Century toll – on humans as well the form of renewable some time. According to wider. In France, for demographer who as the habitat – alternative energy and genetically example, President this independent think insisted that population economic models would modified crops. tank, there’s nothing Sarkozy has described growth would eventually be worse, bringing targeting GDP growth as natural about our current outstrip natural resources Why Malthus was wrong with them draconian economic set-up; what’s a ‘fetish’ while, even in because ‘population, when restrictions on just about Germany, numerous books unchecked, increases in a The facts speak for more, the pursuit of everything – including, themselves, they say. In growth has clearly failed. have been published on geometrical ratio’. Ergo 1980, for example, experts perhaps, the number of ‘It’s creating dysfunctional the subject including a millions would starve. children families would were predicting a world current best seller called and unequal societies Then, as now, say the

be allowed to have, just to ensure that the population remained in balance. We should, they insist, also factor in mankind’s fundamental urge to invent and improve. Furthermore, growth, and the surpluses that go with them, creates the resources to send us into space and, in so doing, make new discoveries that can further benefit mankind. Even so, as economist Robert Feinman points out, ‘no growth’ models already exists and cites a number of companies, making such things as soft drinks and toothpaste who, having effectively reached a production plateau, still manage to survive. How not to be happy Even more interesting is the simple fact that, after a certain point, growth seems to have a measurably negative effect on human happiness causing more anxiety and depression rather than an increase in satisfaction. According to social surveys in America

‘human happiness’ fell by 5 per cent between 1970 and 1994 during a time of economic expansion – and peaked in the 1950s. In the same way, in countries like China, it’s becoming clear that the cost of cleaning up the effects on the environment of unbridled industrial expansion is beginning to cancel out the economic gains. We got a taste of something similar in the west during last year’s BP deep water drilling disaster in the Gulf. Blowing a bubble? China’s obsession with industrial expansion, its desire for even larger and larger manufacturing conglomerates – along with central control of its currency – is also fuelling an inflationary bubble which, unless carefully handled – could undermine its entire economic adventure. More fundamentally, some also question the optimistic statistics of growth. According to the World Bank, for instance,

yield rates for maize, rice and wheat in developing countries is actually falling, while growth in such staples, even in developed countries, is modest to say the least. Equally, there are still parts of the world where population growth is still a major problem. In Ethiopia for example, between 1985 and 2010, the population doubled, from 40 to 80 million, while in Niger, the

start as a grass roots evolution, with people opting to forgo pay rises in exchange for more time off. To some extent, because of the recession, that’s already happening. Last year, for example, of the 200,000 new jobs created in the UK, only 3 per cent were full time. Of course, that’s little consolation to those who had no choice in the matter, saw their incomes slashed and are now Is the key to happiness having more and more stuff – or something simpler ...

average mother still has seven children. Making sense of all this is far from easy but few would argue that some kind of adjustment is called for. Clearly we can’t go back in time – and few would want to – so, if change is needed, how might it come about? Some believe it may

struggling to survive, but maybe we all need to find ways of adjusting to the new realities. Part time popularity Even more interesting is the fact that dynamic Germany has created more part-time jobs than any other country in the west and that GDP per person

actually fell by 4.9 per cent in 2009. In other words, this could be rather more than a blip. It’s also inescapable that such ‘part time’ workers will be forced to consume less. Make it better And that’s a real driver because, for some of us, it’s all about reducing quantity rather than quality. To put it simply, products that are well made, easy to repair and which last a long time may be more expensive to buy initially but, over time, actually save you money. As consumers, then, where it makes sense to do so, we should opt for fewer but better things – and make more discerning choices. Bill McKibben thinks change should begin with communities. In his latest book Deep Economy, he doesn’t suggest complete local self-sufficiency, but does think that by auditing regional resources more efficiently and pursuing less acquisitive lifestyles

we can start to rebalance the way we live. Which, perhaps is the ultimate objective. Nobody’s seriously advocating we return to a primitive way of life; we should buy and sell, export and import and yes, continue to find better, smarter ways of doing things – economies should also develop and grow – but should do so in a more sustainable manner. We should also calculate the cost – in more human terms than we did before. And to do that we need a new sense of awareness – not to mention a radical

change of heart. How any of this may eventually play out in practice, of course, is anybody’s guess – but at least old assumptions are being challenged – including the blind belief that working harder and longer is the route to eternal salvation. What do you think? Feel free to email your thoughts and ideas about this article to info@naturaldorset.net Credits: photography by Olivia Bell: www. oliviabellphotography.com