Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017

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Magazine West Dorset East Devon South Somerset

Marshwood THE

The best from in and around the Vale

No. 215

FEBRUARY 2017

© Ian Scott Photograph by Robin Mills Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 1

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COVER STORY Robin Mills met Ian Scott in Buckland Newton, Dorset ‘I came to work in Dorset in April 1974, on ers, and to some extent priests, were staying a community development project funded put in communities, becoming leaders, tryby the Department of the Environment. I ing different ways of working, for example was working in London and quite keen to forming all-embracing ‘community co-ops’, get out; I had failed three interviews already confronting economic, social and cultural for related projects, so perhaps the practice challenges. In this way they were building helped and they offered me a contract. The community self-confidence, often subverting scheme was called ‘Community Initiatives in normal political channels, and negotiating the Countryside’, and really set the tone for directly with EU funding sources. This seems all my time in Dorset. to me to be what successful community For the first couple of months I lived in a development is all about, the encouragement caravan in a slightly out of season campsite of communities to speak up for themselves at Owermoigne which I shared with a tethas people with first-hand knowledge of what ered goat and a few glow worms. I had little needs to done locally. There were remarkknowledge of the countryside then, but from able things happening at the time, such as a the campsite one could easily walk out to the project in West Kerry enabling agriculture coast, which I loved. Maybe one reason I © Ian Scott Photograph by Robin Mills on impossibly unproductive bog land, and came to Dorset was memories of childhood using early computing technology, seemholidays. My father was an electrical engiingly moving from a pre-industrial to postneer; we lived at Farnborough, where he worked, practically under the industrial world in one jump. Local cultural imperatives were also clear, flightpath, but his passion was mountaineering and sea swimming, so for example via their commitment to popular Irish language courses. holidays in wild places like Snowdonia provided a complete contrast to The chairman of that project said: “It all comes back to man’s creativlife in the Home Counties. Also I was lucky then to go to the University ity. Once he starts, well, it’s very hard to say where he’ll end up. The of Kent where I met up with a good friend, Howard Williams, some of hardest thing is to start”. The experience was confirmation for me that whose family lived in Torridon on the West Coast of Scotland. Spending culture is far more important than is presented professionally; it’s an time there and soaking up the culture of that area gave me a taste for expression of life. life in the countryside and being part of a small community.

Coming back to England was a culture shock; struggling to adjust I At university in Canterbury, with people from all walks of life, there found myself best man at my friends Laurie and Deidre Baines’ wedwas a sense of optimism. It was a modernist campus, set on a hilltop ding and thankfully there I met Katharine, who would become the light above the city, and some mornings especially I felt quite blessed to of my life, and her two children Aaron and Jessica. My spell in Ireland be there. I was strongly influenced musically there, for example disled to a period of unemployment back in England, so I had time to write covering Miles Davis’ work. I remember listening to the whole of In up my experiences properly. During that period, in the mid ‘80s, I was a Silent Way in a record shop booth in one take! This was ‘69 to ’72, asked to help find locations for the film ‘Comrades’, the story of the very full-on years in musical terms; Kevin Ayers and the band Soft Tolpuddle Martyrs. I remember reading Bill Douglas’ brilliant script Machine lived locally, and the city seemed quite a cultural honeypot. early on—the funding took at least 3 years to get sorted—which absoI remember seeing a production of Waiting for Godot and, to my great lutely captured the power of what the film could be, making it very easy shame, leaving at the interval thinking it had finished! I also saw a show to find possible locations. Involvement with that film helped me see the called Corunna, which combined actors from the Royal Court, like way creative artists need to work in an environment where they’re not Brian Glover and Jack Shepherd, with live music from Steeleye Span. constantly worried about logistics and so forth, so that they can concenThis was a very powerful mix of folk song and narrative, an innovative trate on what they’re good at. attempt to make high quality, distinctive popular work. Looking back I also did some work for the Gulbenkian Foundation, meeting now, after many years’ working in arts promotion, I realise how influenDorchester Arts Centre members who I remember had an interest in outtial, in different ways, that period was. reach. In January of 1990 I took over the co-ordination for them of what My early days in Dorset were with the Rural Community Council, had become Artsreach from Debbie Rigg who had brilliantly designed which introduced me to many aspects of rural life. I was working with the scheme essentially as it is today, booking artists and events in vilVillage Halls, Parish Councils, playgroups—communities wanting to lage halls, particularly then in West Dorset. get projects off the ground. There was also a rural film circuit, which Throughout my time at Artsreach I have been priviliged to work with we called ‘Reels on Wheels’. Film rather than discs in those days of remarkable people, colleagues, volunteer promoters in village communicourse, which gave plenty of scope for disaster. I remember a spool ties and of course some extraordinary artists and performers. The Arts coming off during a Robert Redford film. The film melted in the proCouncil nationally began to see ‘rural touring’ as a very efficient way of jector giving the audience an unplanned but memorable psychedelic delivering high quality arts to rural communities, combining eventually experience! What stuck with me was how crucial to small communiwith all Dorset’s rural district councils and Dorset County Council to ties the village hall was, and still is. This is not an accident; it’s to do form a sustainable basis for Artsreach’s funding. The key point, looking with their charitable structure, whereby local people can work together, back, was that right from the start audiences were good, the resulting contribute and get things done, combined with targeted help from earned box office income becoming money to re-invest in artists and charitable foundations, supportive councils and of course masses of performers. Recently, at the grand old age of 66 I felt the time was right voluntary input. to stop, and I’m very happy that the organisation is carrying on in such After 9 years of working happily in Dorset I was lucky enough to be great shape. offered a travelling fellowship by the Arkleton Trust, a sabbatical during At the core of a great performance in a village hall is the transformathe winter of 1983/84 to the West of Ireland. It was a fantastic opportution of the familiar space. I think that’s what great art does; it transnity, a broad brief, looking at forms of community development practice forms the moment you’re experiencing so that you find yourself ‘somein the Irish speaking areas, the Gaeltacht. I was based in Connemara, where else’. Afterwards of course the hall returns to its former glory! but travelled up and down the West Coast, looking at how people were An added bonus is that village halls benefit financially, and local people tackling quite fundamental issues of infrastructure provision and social have a chance to see great performances they might not otherwise have and economic deprivation. This was before the Eighties boom, and there gone to. For artists, it’s a special thing to work so closely with their was talk again of emigration. But the interesting thing was that teachaudiences.’

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MV UP FRONT I was about ten years old when I overheard my father explaining to someone that he was an atheist.

‘When you die, you die’ he told her. As one of his business activities was organizing funerals, I had to assume he knew what he was talking about.

However, his conclusion was a huge surprise to me. My mother had been a devout Christian and it seemed that many of those around me were also set on a fervent religeous path. It was amusing to later discover that many of the people drinking coffee with ‘just a drop’ of whiskey whilst waiting for the pub to open on a Sunday morning, were also waiting for someone to tell them the subject of the priest’s sermon so they could pretend they had been to Church. But the biggest surprise about my father’s statement was the fact that he was one of the most Christian men I knew—yet he didn’t believe there was a God. Until that day I had lived under the illusion that anyone who didn’t believe in God was a potentially bad person. Yet here was a man that people travelled the length of the country to come and talk to, whose kindness and generosity were discussed in hushed tones and who believed that all people were created equal and should be treated as such. In time I realized that the practice of kindness and caring wasn’t solely the domain of the religious. Indeed there were times when it seemed to act as a mask for the very opposite. But 2016 must have challenged the core beliefs of many, and I’m sure it would have challenged my father’s beliefs.

What would he have made of seismic events such as the EU referendum and the election of Donald Trump? Would he have seen Brexit as a solution to overbearing interference in a sovereign state or would he have believed that trying to somehow hold the EU together would stave off potential conflict in the long term? Would he have thought that Donald Trump’s two-dimensional world view might bypass unwieldy efforts to solve some of the world’s problems? Or would he have thought that 140 character communication, an alternative view of facts and, as New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman put it, ‘an attention deficit President’ might stir up a hornets nest? Who knows? One thing I might hazard a guess at is whether, if he were alive today, my father would be moved to prayer, and looking at the possibilities for 2017… I think he just might.

Published Monthly and distributed by Marshwood Vale Ltd Lower Atrim, Bridport Dorset DT6 5PX The Marshwood Vale Magazine is printed using wood from sustainable forestry For all Enquiries Tel: 01308 423031 info@marshwoodvale.com

This Month 3 6 10 14 36 37

Cover Story By Robin Mills Broadchurch - a personal reflection by Margery Hookings Six of the Best Wedding Venues Coast & Countryside Events News & Views Laterally Speaking by Humphrey Walwyn

36 48 50 52 54 56

House & Garden Vegetables in February By Fergus Dowding February in the Garden By Russell Jordan Property Round Up By Helen Fisher Who am I? By Cecil Amor Nostalgia By Nick Fisher

57 58 60 62

Food & Dining Abbots Hill Apple Pie By Lesley Waters Classic Soda Bread By Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Poached Yorkshire Rhubarb By Mark Hix

64 64 66

Arts & Entertainment Arboreal By James Crowden Museums and Galleries, Performance, Preview and Film

76 79 79

Health & Beauty Services & Classified People at Work By Catherine Taylor

“It’s easy to criticize; it’s like shooting fish in a barrel”

Fergus Byrne

Like us on Facebook and watch out for the next Marshwood Face

Editorial Director

Contributors

Fergus Byrne

Deputy Editor Victoria Byrne

Design

Fergus Byrne Emily Secrett

Advertising

Sue Norris sue@marshwoodvale.com

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Cecil Amor James Crowden Fergus Dowding Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall Helen Fisher Nick Fisher Richard Gahagan

For local events follow us on Twitter @marshwoodvale

Margery Hookings Mark Hix Russell Jordan Robin Mills Gay Pirrie-Weir Catherine Taylor Humphrey Walwyn Lesley Waters

The views expressed in The Marshwood Vale Magazine and People Magazines are not necessarily those of the editorial team. Unless otherwise stated, Copyright of the entire magazine contents is strictly reserved on behalf of the Marshwood Vale Magazine and the authors.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of dates, event information and advertisements, events may be cancelled or event dates may be subject to alteration. Neither Marshwood Vale Ltd nor People Magazines Ltd can accept any responsibility for the accuracy of any information or claims made by advertisers included within this publication.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Trades descriptions act 1968. It is a criminal offence for anyone in the course of a trade or business to falsely describe goods they are offering. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. The legislation requires that items offered for sale by private vendors must be ‘as described’. Failure to observe this requirement may allow the purchaser to sue for damages.

Road Traffic Act. It is a criminal offence for anyone to sell a motor vehicle for use on the highway which is unroadworthy.

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BROADCHURCH a personal reflection

Margery Hookings looks forward to the new—and final—series of Broadchurch, coming to a television screen near you this month.

W

hen the first series of Broadchurch was broadcast on ITV in early 2013, I was away in Greece, having exchanged my life in west Dorset for a year in Corfu, just because I could.

With my newly-retired husband by my side, we let our cottage near Beaminster and rented a house in the heart of a village in Corfu’s north-west corner. I’d given up work and hoped to find inspiration to write fiction to my heart’s content.

I knuckled down and got on with it, but something very strange happened.

I was incredibly, tremendously, homesick. Here I was, doing something many people can only dream about and all I wanted to do was go home and run in the fields and take a stroll along a windswept beach. I was astonished I felt like that—I knew I loved my part of Dorset and the West Country with all my heart but being away from it for twelve months made me physically sick.

It didn’t help seeing friends’ posts on social media of photographs of Dorset and Somerset, where I have lived all my life.

And then learning that a new show called Broadchurch, which was set in West Bay, was going to be on and I was going to miss it. I felt disconnected and rootless. I wanted to be there in Bridport, to be a part of all the excitement.

I avoided looking at any spoilers which is just as well because before returning from our year away, my son sent me a boxed set of Broadchurch on DVD. In the heat of our Greek living room, my husband and I were glued to it, sometimes watching two or three episodes at a time.

It was the countryside that grabbed at my heart the most: those beautiful shots of East Cliff in all its glory, the slow, lapping waves on the shore, the sweeping vistas of the hinterland beyond. The wonderful, haunting score by Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds underlined the melancholy melodrama being played out in front of us.

Writer Chris Chibnall, who lives in Bridport, has described Broadchurch as his love letter to the place, an area he says he has felt more at home in that any time his life. And it showed.

The series’ backdrop was as familiar to us as the backs of our hands, although the magic of television spliced the geographical areas of North Somerset and West Dorset with surgical precision, so that the dramatic East Cliff on the south coast

suddenly loomed on the distant skyline beyond Clevedon and the Bristol Channel.

And then there were the locations that were so familiar—the local newsagents’ on the corner at West Bay, the ‘police station’ in one of those new buildings overlooking the west beach, and the huts beside the Riverside Restaurant. It was must-see television as far as this local was concerned.

The story itself—the script, the characters, the actors—was one to which I could relate very well, having seen my fair share of tragedy in this corner of Dorset since arriving here as a young reporter in 1982.

There were chilling echoes of past cases I had written about, ones involving the whole community coming together, in a supportive chorus to the main players.

Unlike Harbour Lights, its West Bay predecessor, Broadchurch was a series of many layers, with lots of shade and not much light. As with any good whodunnit, every character seemed to have a secret to keep the audience guessing right up until the end. And they all had a depth to make you care about what happened to them next.

As the first female editor of the Bridport News back in 1999, I was pleased to see the Broadchurch Echo editor was a woman with a conscience, someone who worked at the heart of the community and never took that position for granted.

And then we rolled on to series two.

It wasn’t as good as the first one but it was good, nonetheless. I was pleased to have had a hand in helping organise the public screening of the finale at Bridport Electric Palace after a chance conversation on Twitter with Chibnall and composer Ólafur Arnalds, who just happened to be

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playing there that night. He brought his concert forward an hour, filling the quirky venue with loops and refrains, seemingly simple piano and ethereal violins.

And after ninety minutes and a standing ovation, the curtains were drawn, the roadies moved in and the stage was set for the finale of the second series of this show, as the audience, which included Chibnall and actor Jodie Whittaker, who plays Beth Latimer, settled down to watch the big screen and find out what really happened.

There were gasps in the audience as the verdict was announced. Surely not? And then the programme went on, with twists and turns, including the unexpected and the entirely predictable. Anyone would think Broadchurch was for real. Well, for those of us who live here, it’s felt a part of everyday life.

It was a magical evening, and a very Bridport one. It was the sort of thing the town does very well.

As the end credits rolled, there were cheers when it was announced that Broadchurch would be back. The third and final series is now within watching distance. At the time of writing, the ITV teasers tell us it’s going to be this month, although we don’t yet know the date. Here in west Dorset, we wait with bated breath.

Margery Hookings is a former editor of the Bridport and Lyme Regis News and a regular contributor to The Marshwood Vale Magazine.

Under the name of Maddie Grigg, she has a weekly column in The People’s Friend magazine and wrote a book about her year away Good Morning, Corfu: A Year on a Greek Island. Her website is maddiegrigg.com.

Olivia Colman and David Tennant at West Bay

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A Pictorial Tribute to the Hostelries of Devon

Strong line-up for local ‘Musical Extravaganza’

Laura Stephanie Sharley

The Tytherleigh Arms - originally known as the Kings Arms - lies in the far east of the county, a couple of miles from both Somerset and Dorset.

FROM moorland taverns to ancient coaching inns, and from harbourside hostelries to backstreet beerhouses—the history of Devon’s pubs is as rich, diverse and colourful as that of the county itself.

Over 450 of Devon’s pubs—some long gone, some still thriving—feature here in archive photographs and tales from the past in an Akeman Press book entitled Devon Pubs. To all who know and love the county this book is an indispensable companion to its pubs, both past and present, as well as much else—the history of cider making, Devon’s lost breweries, church house inns, the folk song revival and Uncle Tom Cobley and all. It is less an exercise in nostalgia, though than a celebration of a tradition very much alive.

Sadly, it is a tradition under threat as never before, with pubs closing at an unprecedented rate, and many communities left without a social hub for the first time in centuries. That there is, amid the doom and gloom, still much to celebrate, is thanks to those individuals who, in these most trying of times, maintain traditions of cheer and hospitality, lubricated by local ale and cider and fortified by fine food.

Devon has some of the best pubs anywhere, and if these journeys into the past inspire you to explore—and defend—what remains of the county’s pub heritage, it will have achieved its objective.

WEYMOUTH native, opera singer Laura Stephanie Sharley is amongst the guests scheduled to appear at the ‘Musical Extravaganza’ at the Weymouth Pavilion on February 25th.

Organised specifically to raise money for local charities, the event includes a spectacular line-up of musicians and singers. Participants include The Dorset Police Male Voice Choir, the Weymouth Choral Society and the Weymouth Concert Brass Band as well as the Wyke Regis Junior School Choir.

Louise Dukes joins the line-up for Weymouth’s ‘Musical Extravaganza’ on February 25th.

Devon Pubs – A Pictorial Retrospective written by Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott is published by Akeman Press and available at £15 from bookshops.

ISBN 9 780956 098986.

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Another Weymouth resident, piano accordianist Louise Dukes joins the line-up. Barnardos Champion Child For Music in 1989 Louise toured with the National Youth Music Theatre on Broadway, New York when she was 17. She teaches piano and accordion privately and has composed several new arrangements of traditional Christian spiritual songs as well as writing her own original instrumental pieces.

Tickets are available from Weymouth Pavilion on 01305 783225. Telephone 01305 783225 or visit www.weymouthpavilion.com.

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Where will you go for your Big Day?

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Six of the Best Local Wedding Venues

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S

o you’ve already made the first sensible decision by choosing to have your wedding in or around the Marshwood Vale but now it’s time to figure out exactly where. And it isn’t necessarily easy there is a fantastic choice of wonderful locations that between them can tick all the possible boxes needed to have an unforgettable wedding.

Have a look at the venues promoted on these pages.

If you are looking for real West Country character visit The BridgeHouse Hotel in Beaminster.

Dating from 13th Century the BridgeHouse boutique hotel and restaurant is a magical, Dorset country house hotel steeped in romantic architectural beauty and offers wonderfully charming and elegant rooms in which to hold your wedding or civil partnership reception.

Call them on 01308 862200.

Or if you are looking for an idyllic seaside venue why not try the Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis. For a grand affair or a smaller more intimate wedding The Alexandra Hotel, with its stunning views over Lyme Regis makes for an perfect day. Telephone 01297 442010.

Back inland and also near Beaminster the 14th century manor house at Hooke Court provides an idyllic backdrop for your special day. Whether you are planning an intimate wedding celebration for 20 or a grand affair for 200, whatever your budget, we will be on hand to help create your perfect day. Telephone 01308 862260.

Another excellent Dorset venue is The George Albert Hotel between Yeovil and Dorchester. The George Albert Hotel is a private hotel located in the rolling Dorset countryside and offers all the modern facilities you would expect with a distinctive friendly atmosphere.

Telephone 01935 483430.

Not far away in Somerset The Lordleaze Hotel near Chard is a converted 18th Century building with 25 bedrooms for you and your guests. A family run hotel offering superb attention to detail The Lordleaze is an ideal venue for your perfect day. Telephone 01460 61066.

For something unique why not try Stockland Victory Hall in East Devon.

The large hall has a sprung wooden floor for dancing and stage blocks suitable for live performances. Muslin drapes and uplighters are available for hire to transform the hall into a beautiful wedding venue. Telephone 07593 648983.

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Coast &Countryside Events Monday 30 January Mindfulness drop-in class at Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre 7.30pm – 9pm. Experienced meditators and beginners all welcome. No charge, donations appreciated. No need to book. Contact Kath Woods, accredited mindfulness teacher, 01404 831605 or just turn up.

Mon 30 Jan - Fri 10 February Compton Valence Snow Drops Village Hall Lunches and Teas. Come and Walk/ Drive through our beautiful village and see the stunning white drifts of snowdrops.

The village hall is below the church. Open (weather permitting) 10.30am - 3.30pm Daily. Please ring Tessa Russell 01308 482227 or tessa@cvfarms.co.uk to book so they can cater accordingly. Pre booked guests will take priority as the hall is small.

In bad/icy weather we may not be open.

Please be considerate of our village/verges etc when parking or ring to discuss any needs so you can be advised where to go.

Wednesday 1 February Mosterton Ramblers invite you to join

their morning walk (approx 3 hrs) in the Frampton/Compton Valence area - viewing the snowdrops - followed by a village hall lunch. Meet at Orchard Way 9.30am, transport available. Details from Chris on 01460 76405.

South Dorset Ramblers The Tollers, SY57796, MAP117, DT2 9ER distance 9.5 miles moderate. Meet at small walkers car park off Roman Road 10am. Contact Mike 01305780742 07813 265962 all welcome bring picnic.

West Dorset Ramblers 7.5 mile Portesham, Coryates, Friar Waddon and Bronkham Hill walk. 10am start. Bring picnic. No dogs. All welcome. Please call 01300 341664.

Seaton and District Probus Club Talk by David Buldock: RHS Gardens at Wisley and Rosemoor. 10am at Seaton Methodist Church small hall. The club is open to retired or semi-retired men over 55. New members/prospective members welcome – come and give us a try. Please contact Stephen Lord on 01297 21872 for more information.

Acrylic Painting With guidance and

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advice students of all abilities will be able to explore and develop their own personal painting style, with particular attention given to individual needs. With tutor Juliet Farnese. Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm. £60 for a session of 6 workshops. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Start to Draw With exercises in shape and space, perspective, and the value of light and shade - students will gain an understanding of the importance of drawing as a foundation to painting and as a hugely enjoyable form of expression. With tutor Juliet Farnese. Wednesdays 2pm - 4pm. £48 per 6 week session. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

The Magic Lantern Show This forerunner of the modern slide projector and has been used for hundreds of years to educate, entertain and mystify audiences. Lanternist Humphrey Hamlin will both tell us the history of these fabulous machines and show us how they could produce huge,

brightly coloured, wonderfully animated entertainments for hundreds of people.

Axminster Historical Society, 7.30pm The Bradshaw Meeting Room, Axminster Heritage Centre, Silver Street, Axminster, EX13 5AH All welcome.

Folk Dancing in Honiton at Gittisham Folk Dance Club’s regular ‘first Wednesday’ dance night, 8pm -10.15pm, in the Mackarness Hall, High Street, EX14 1PG. All levels of experience welcome and beginners especially; no partner required. With live music and light refreshments. £3. See website: https://gittishamfolkdanceclub. org Call 01404 813129 or email secretarygittishamfolkdance@gmail.com for more information.

Bridport Scottish Dancers Salwayash Village Hall, evening of social dancing 7.30pm - 10pm. Cost £2 including tea or coffee and cake.

Wed 1 – Sat 4 February Red Riding Hood presented by The Bridport Pantomime players. Bridport Electric Palace. 1 Feb 7.30pm - all tickets £6, other performances - tickets £9.

Children up to 12 years £7. 2 Feb 1.30pm and 7.30pm, 3 Feb 7.30pm, 4 Feb 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets from Bridport TIC 01308 424901. The village of Sunnymead is a happy place where everyone sings and dances, watched over by the good fairy Bluebell. Preparations are well under way for Red Riding Hood’s birthday party but the Big Bad Wolf is hungry and determined to upset everyone. He tricks the local policemen into capturing a Weather Fairy and makes her change the weather to ruin the celebrations.

Luckily, Sam the woodcutter is on hand to help protect everyone. He is especially concerned when Red Riding Hood gets lost in the foggy forest on the way to Grandma’s cottage. Will she discover that the ‘big teeth’ belong to the Wolf? Will Sam reach her in time? Will the Wolf get his dinner? Get tickets for Bridport Pantomime Players production of Red Riding Hood and find out what happens…

Thursday 2 February Art Group An informal untutored group for artists in all media, from oils to acrylics. All abilities welcome. Bring your own materials. Thursdays 2pm - 4pm. £7 per session. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

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Coast &Countryside Mediumship Development Classes Every Tuesday morning in West Hill 10am – 12noon £5, every Tuesday evening at the Scout Hut, Scalwell Lane, Seaton 7.15pm 9.15pm £5. Suitable for all abilities 07900 824089.

Fanny’s Parlour 7.30pm Hurst Barton, Martock. Seasonal home cooked 2 course meal and 2 fabulous bands. Tickets £20 limited places so booking is essential.

Tatworth Flower Club Lisa Fowler, local really talented florist demonstrates” Crafty Creations”. A really entertaining afternoon.

Homemade cakes Visitors welcome £5, 1.30pm for 2pm Tatworth Memorial hall TA20 2QW. WDHS Retirement Fellowship West Dorset Health Service Retirement Fellowship meeting at 2pm in the Boys Brigade Hall, Sawmills Lane, Dorchester DT1 2RZ talk from the Dorset Waste Partnership. Contact 01305 261676 or 785546 for further information.

Friends of Lyme Regis Museum Talk Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm.

“Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in Devon” Presentation by Historian Sarah Bennett which will cover his early days as a Doctor in Plymouth, Dartmoor and the Hound of the Baskervilles, his publisher in Lynton and his cricket in Sidmouth.

Sponsored by the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum. Admission £2 for members, £3 for guests, to include refreshments. For further information contact Margaret Rose, 01297/445503.

Broadwey, Upwey & District Horticultural Society. ‘Dry stone walling’, a talk by Sally Fielding.

St. Nicholas Primary School, Dorchester Road, Broadwey, Weymouth starting at 7.30pm. Details on 01305 813853 or website.

Chard Camera Club 7.30pm in the Baptist church hall, Holyrood Street for an evening talk entitled ‘Abandoned on the plains’ by Tony and Eva Worobeic. Persons interested in attending the club can obtain further details on www.chardcameraclub. org.uk or by contacting Mr Malcolm Brocklehurst on 01460 68616.

The HMS Heron Volunteer Band from RNAS Yeovilton is one of nine such bands in Britain and has laid claim to be the best for many years. They are performing in Martock Parish Church at 7.30pm. Playing marches, classical & jazzy pieces, film music, tributes to famous composers and medleys from musicals. Tickets £8 on the door or £7 from 01935 822706. Wine & soft drinks available.

Crewkerne Folk Dance Club meets every Thursday from 8pm - 10pm, in St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, Abbey Street, Crewkerne. Newcomers always welcome. £2.50 but first visit free. Contact: Denise Smith 01460 77320, or Leslye Stansfield 01460 75760.

Friday 3 February West Dorset Ramblers 7 mile Eype, Symondsbury and Chideock walk. 10am start. Bring picnic. No dogs. All welcome.

Please call 01308 863955.

Watercolour Workshop Brush up on your watercolour techniques in these friendly and relaxed classes. All abilities welcome.

With tutor Nicky Clarke. 10am - 3pm (double session). £24 per double session.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. Book with Nicky on: 01460 281 773. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

The Living Tree cancer self-help group.

1pm Rising Voices with Jane, 2pm Sarah Cooper with fun creative writing, Ann Orchard with reiki/healing. Tea and chat.

Drop in any time between 2pm and 4.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, 95 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NZ. Tel 01308 427851. www.thelivingtree.org.uk.

Lyme Bay Photographic Club Competition – subject Wood; Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PG starting at 7.30pm. www.lymebayphotographicclub. org.

Sidford Canasta Group meets at Sidford Methodist Church, EX10 9RL every Friday at 7.30pm; free parking is available behind Spar. Further details from 01395 579856.

Dorset Wildlife Trust – West Dorset Group ‘Bird Surveys & Getting Involved’ an illustrated talk by Claire Young, Dorset regional representative for the British Trust for Ornithology. 7.30pm, Bridport United Church Hall, East Street, DT6 3LJ. Nonmembers welcome, £2, (£3 non-members) inc. refreshments. Telephone 01308 423442 for more information.

Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society talk by Dr Frances Burroughes about ‘Bristol Blue Glass’, at 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church & Community Centre, Lysander Road, Yeovil, BA20 2BU. Visitors are welcome, £2.

One Night with Blue Note Feature length film of the 1985 concert featuring more than 30 of the world’s most revered jazz musicians. Licensed Bar. The Gateway, Seaton. Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (Open Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00,

16 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

Sat 10am – 1pm).

Concerts in the West presents Matthew Drinkwater Award-winning pianist playing a programme of Mozart, Brahms, Janacek and Beethoven. For full programme information see: www.concertsinthewest. org. At 8pm. Tickets: £15 (£29 with preshow supper at 7pm – must be pre-booked).

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

26th Anniversary Smith Charity Ball 8pm - 1.30am. Freshwater Holiday Centre, Burton Bradstock, Bridport DT6 4PT. Music by The Gen Gap & Trichord. Two course supper at 8.30pm. Tickets £27.50 available from Henry 01308 868313.

Proceeds to local charities.

Saturday 4 February Axminster Wood Turners host Jason Breach at Woodbury Community Hall Axminster. Jason is a nationally recognised wood turner who will demonstrate his art between 10am - 1pm. Entrance for non members is £5 which would be refunded if you joined the club. Refreshments are included in the price. Axminster wood turners is a small friendly club with a wealth of experience at its heart. We are starting our training modules in a few weeks so now is a good time to start a new creative outlet for your ideas. Come along and chat to us you will not be dissapointed.

For more information please ring the secretary, Barrie Golding on 01884841162.

South Dorset Ramblers Kingcombe Nature Reserve SY554991, DT2 OEQ, distance 7.5 miles Meet 10.30am moderate.

Contact Rob & Pat 01305 832857 07767 411600 all welcome bring picnic.

Clapton Wayford Drimpton & District Horticultural Society Potato Day 10.30am - 2.30pm Drimpton Village Hall, Chard Rd, Drimpton, DT8 3RF. Pennards Plants are there with a large selection of seed potatoes and other edible plants.

Also potato printing for children and Dorset Wildlife Trust with be there to help make our gardens more attractive to wildlife. Excellent local food and refreshments. Veteran and novice gardeners can get advice from experts. Non-members welcome. A fun event for people of all ages.

Apple and Pear Pruning Course 01297 631113 fran@trillfarm.co.uk Trill Farm, Pudleylake Road, Musbury, Axminster, Devon EX13 8TU. Blackmore Vale and Yeovil National Trust Association A talk on “Montacute

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Coast &Countryside

Cornish, English, Irish and Scottish Folk, ‘American’ like Jimmie Rodgers and Randy Newman and even 1920s/30s Tin Pan Alley Jazz numbers. Tickets: £14 Full. £13 Concessions. The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www.thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

proceeds to Perennial & The National Gardens Scheme. Also 12 February.

Practice Makes Perfect The next Wind Ensemble Music workshop where the players will rehearse and perform two short gems: Elgar’s Serenade in E minor & Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture. Pendomer Church. Rehearsal from 11.30am do pop in any time, Performance 5pm followed by refreshments. Free though donations for the church gratefully received. For further information please contact info@ pendomer.org.uk or 01935 891328.

Bolshoi Live: Swan Lake Bridport Electric Palace Doors 2pm / starts 3pm £10.50 (£10 + 50p bf) adv / £12 door. By moonlight on the shore of a mysterious lake, Prince Siegfried meets the bewitched swan-woman Odette. Completely spellbound by her beauty, he swears his love to her. However, the Prince realises too late that Fate has another plan for him…

Young Music Makers Concert 3pm in Bridport United Church, East Street, featuring talented young musicians from Bridport and the surrounding area in ensembles and solo performances. Retiring collection for the Richard Ely Trust for Young Musicians. Tea and cake at the end of the concert.

Sat 4 – Sun 5 February

Monday 6 February

Snowdrop Weekends throughout February Forde Abbey and Gardens.

Throughout February the 30 acres of award-winning gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops. Weather pending, the camellias will be in full bloom on the Mount along with an abundance of hellebores and early Spring bulbs making an appearance. Gardens open daily from 10am - 4pm, tearooms and gift shop open every weekend throughout February. www. fordeabbey.co.uk, info@fordeabbey.co.uk with the Tearoom and Shop.

Bird ringing demonstration 9am, Discovery Hut at Seaton Wetlands. A rare chance to see birds up close as they are ringing for conservation monitoring. For more information: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk, 01395 517557.

Lipreading and Managing Hearing Loss Try a free session at Honiton Methodist Church 10am - 12noon. Find out how lipreading can help to hear more and pick up some tips to help cope with hearing loss. Small, friendly group. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Contact Ruth for further details ruth@bizleyart.com 01297 442239 or just come along on the day. Also 13 and 20.

Clay A friendly and informal untutored sculpture group that meets weekly at IAC. All abilities welcome. Mondays 9.30am-3.30pm. £7 per weekly session.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Mature Movers (Fun, Friendship and Fitness) Chard Town Hall 10.30am – 11.30am £3.50 per session, contact Di Ramsay 01823 345626. Age UK Somerset.

Also on 13, 20 and 27 February.

Bolshoi Live: Swan Lake at Bridport’s Electric Palace on February 5

House, Filming, Funding and Future” by Grahame Meaden. Grahame will recount the experience of seeing Montacute House used as the setting for a considerable range of TV programmes and films. Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne and start at 2.30pm. Admission is normally £3 for members of the Association and £5 for guests.

Bridport Ceilidhs continues its monthly dance programme with Abacus plus caller Richard Mason, so get out the dance shoes and come along to Church House (St Mary’s) Hall, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NW. Bring and Share finger food supper, with some soft drinks provided; bring your own beer/wine and make a party of it. Doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm - 11pm dance. Tickets £9.00 on the door, but cheaper in advance at £8 from “The Music Shop”, South Street, “The Lime Tree” Deli, West Street, or online; or book by phone on 01308 423 442 or email monty3dayslate@ yahoo.co.uk. See the website for more details and how to buy online: www. bridportceilidhs.wordpress.com.

Fanny’s Roving Folk Club 8pm full bar with local ales and ciders £3 per pint, All Saints Hall, Langport TA10 9RH Tickets £7 under 18′s £3.50.

Geoff Lakeman at 8pm. Geoff is a stalwart of the West Country Acoustic scene and patriarch of a virtual Folk dynasty. He’s the dad of Seth, Sean (married to Kathryn Roberts) and Sam (married to Cara Dillon). Geoff - who has performed in 29 countries and at festivals from Cornwall to Orkney - is a master of the rare Crane Duet Concertina. Expect self-written songs,

Sunday 5 February South Somerset Ramblers 11 mile walk from Membury. 10am start. Bring picnic.

Assistance dogs only. All welcome. Details from Carl 01460 30163.

Bridport Epicureans February FUNraiser for Food & Drink Pleasure Seekers. 10am - 3pm. WI Hall, North St, Bridport, DT6 3JQ. bridport.epicureans. uk, facebook/twitter/instagram: @ EpicureansUK, contact: Nigel Wheeler nigel@realbritishfood.uk / 01308 897472.

Snowdrop Sundays! Mapperton Gardens 11am – 4pm. Entrance £4.50, children free.

Teas, Coffees & cakes (no lunches) Shared

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Coast &Countryside Clairvoyance Start 8pm Admission £3.50 - Under16’s Free enquiries@ honitonspiritgroup.co.uk 01404 548420.

Masonic Hall, Northcote Lane, Honiton EX14 1NF. Graham Brewer from Exmouth.

Rest of programme on www. honitonspiritgroup.co.uk.

Jazz Jam Session Do you play an instrument? Do you enjoy jazz and want to try improvising around jazz standards and other well-known tunes? Come along to this informal group – you can play, or just sit and listen. 8pm. £2 to take part. Bar available. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock Evening of Social Dancing with instruction with a break for tea and coffee. 7.30pm - 10pm at the Village Hall. No partner required. Cost £1.50. Contact David on 01460 65981; Ann on 01308 422927; or Andrew on 01297 33461, or just come along. www. chardscottishdancing.org.uk Mondays in February: 13, 20, 27. Please note: 27 will be at All Saints Village Hall.

Bridport Folk Dance Club meets at 7.30pm - 9.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport. Enjoy folk dancing mainly in the English tradition from Playford-style to modern-day compositions at Bridport’s long-established weekly club, with club callers and recorded music and frequently on last Mondays of the month live music with guest callers. No partner or previous experience required. Membership available giving admission at £2.50, otherwise £3.

Contact Jane on 01308 898 002 or Monty on 01308 423 442. Also on 13, 20 and 27.

Axminster Carnival Bingo Axminster Guildhall doors open 7pm, eyes down 8pm.

Tuesday 7 February West Dorset Ramblers 5 mile Over Stratton and Lopen pub walk walk. 10am start. Bring snack. No dogs. All welcome.

Please call 01460 77135.

Axminster Probus Club for retired and semi-retired business and professional men meets at 10am for 10.30am in a private room at the A35 Pit Stop, Gammons Hill, Kilmington for a talk by Darren Walker entitled ‘Drink Wise Age Well’ and an optional lunch. Potential members and guests are very welcome. For further details ring 01460 220528.

Lipreading and Managing Hearing Loss Try a free session at Bridport Hospital 2pm - 4pm. Find out how lipreading can help to hear more and pick up some tips to help anyone cope with hearing loss. Small, friendly group. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Contact Ruth for further details ruth@bizleyart.com 01297 442239 or just come along on the day. Also 14 and 21.

The Lyme Regis Art Society Kat Swann, Life Drawing. 2pm Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis. Details-01297 445464.

Wednesday 8 February Cakes and Bakes Stall at the Coffee Morning, Bridport United Church Hall by Bridport Barnardo’s Helpers Group 10am – 12noon.

Adventures in Crochet – Hearts Explore the exciting craft of crochet, learn basic stitches, traditional designs and complete short projects. With tutor Lynne Raddall. For more details contact Lynne: lynneyraddall@yahoo.co.uk. 10am - 1pm. £22 per session (excluding materials).

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Free Make & Munch with HALFF

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10.30am – 12.30pm (Health and Local Food for Families). For parents and carers of children (0-18), a hands-on course of six sessions. Have fun preparing simple delicious food and enjoy eating it together.

Pre-school age children welcome with parents/carers. At the Masonic Hall, South Street, Axminster. To book a place call Ros on 01297 631782 for more information or email admin@halff.org.uk.

Living Willow Workshop Learn to make living, growing garden structures. Ideal for arbours, dens or play tunnels. £35 including lunch, at Furzeleigh Down Dairy, Axminster. Call 01297 32159.

Singing for the Soul A talk by Sam Abrahams on the benefits of singing both physically and mentally. Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth 2.30pm. All welcome. www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk.

Parlour Music & Merriment Sidholme Music Room, Elysian Fields, Sidmouth.

EX10 8UJ. 3.30pm - 4.30pm, The Old Bull & Bush Company, Maestro Trevor Bolshaw, Jan. Sutcliffe, Mo. Cuthbert & Brian Rees.

Bridport Scottish Dancers at Church House, South Street, Bridport. 6.30pm 8.30pm Session for Beginners or those wanting more tuition, 7.30pm - 10pm classes with instruction and social dancing.

Come and have fun - no partner required.

Cost £2 including tea, coffee or squash and biscuits. Contact Ann 01308 422927 or Petronella 01297 639717 for details. Also on 15 and 22 February.

The Beehive Acoustic Café 8pm – 10.30pm Free. Come along to sing or listen in the Beehive bar. Plugged or unplugged.

Hosted by Terry Stacey. The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www. beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

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Coast &Countryside Thursday 9 February What’s that bird? 10am - 12noon, Tower Hide at Seaton Wetlands. Improve your bird ID skills with an experienced guide.

For more information: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk, 01395 517557.

Art Group An informal untutored group for artists in all media, from oils to acrylics.

All abilities welcome. Bring your own materials. Thursdays 2pm - 4pm. £7 per session. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org. uk.

Sherborne and District Gardeners’ Association Annette Beardsley, Floral Photographer Land of Fire, Ice and Plants, 2.30pm. Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. £2 for visitors.

Thorncombe Gardening Club A Gold Club Talk - “Alternative Plants for Alternative Places” Thorncombe Village Hall at 7.30pm. Non members welcome entry £4.

Crewkerne Gardening Club is pleased to welcome Andrew Tolman, a gardener

from Highgrove, to talk about “Stumperies, Ferns & Shady Friends”. Apologies because Andrew was unable to give this talk in January. It takes place in the Henhayes Centre at 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £2.50.

Chard Royal Naval Association Bi monthly social meeting at 7.30pm in the Chard Rugby football club Essex Close.

The members will be entertained by Mrs Margaret Adams giving her comical version of life as a farmers wife. The association is always on the look out for new members and any one wishing to attend their meeting on the night should came along where they would be made most welcome. Further details can be obtained from Mr Gary Pennells on 01460 77978.

Seavington Gardening Club 7.30pm in the Millennium Hall the Gold Club will be giving a talk on “Growing Fruit and Vegetables on the Patio”. Plants for sale.

Visitors welcome £2 payable at the door and refreshments will be available plus a raffle. Karen Day 01460 249728.

Friday 10 February West Dorset Ramblers 8.5 mile Cerne

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Abbas and Buckland Newton walk. 10am start. Bring picnic. No dogs. All welcome.

Please call 01300 320168.

Slow Stitch New workshop with k3n, focusing on simple hand-stitching, exploring techniques such as kantha, Boro, collage, visible mending and embroidery.

Create small textile pieces, clothing, bags or cards or start a regular stitch journal.

Bring hand-sewing kit. 10am - 1pm. £12 (includes materials). Ilminster Arts Centre,The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Social and information morning for University of the Third Age (U3A) Heritage Coast – Lyme Regis and area.

Come for free coffee and chat. Members old and new can relax in each other’s company and survey all the opportunities for learning and leisure represented by the 50 or more activity groups that run under the U3A umbrella. Many group leaders will be there. Members and non-members all welcome. Coffee served from 10am.

Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3PG. To find out more about the U3A,

and to join in if you wish, see website www.lymeregisu3a.org or telephone 01297 444566.

Food on Friday at Clapton & Wayford Village hall, 12noon. Two course hot lunch, roll & butter and unlimited tea/ coffee; £4.50. Open to all ages; very friendly atmosphere, newcomers really welcomed, but please book places in advance by phoning June 01460 77057 or Jackie 01460 72324, who will also provide more information if required.

The Living Tree cancer self-help group. 2pm Handling fear & anxiety Sue Howse, counsellor & mindfulness practitioner. Healing/acupuncture advice with Ro. Tea and chat. Drop in any time between 2pm - 4.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, 95 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NZ. Tel 01308 427851. www. thelivingtree.org.uk.

Readers’ Group Spend an afternoon once a month with like-minded people, a good cup of tea or coffee and a chat about the latest ‘read’. All books are provided by the library service. 2.30pm - 4pm. £4 per session (includes refreshments).

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Lyme Bay Photographic Club Horseshoes selection - members make selection. Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PG starting at 7.30pm. www. lymebayphotographicclub.org.

Chard History Group David Sutcliffe talks about ‘History of Somerset Music Halls’. “We have largely forgotten the music hall and parlour songs of our grandparents. These were swept away

by World War One and then American jazz”. Using his own original research into local newspapers of the era, David Sutcliffe plays samples of Edwardian music and shows photographs of Chard bands and societies of the time.’ At Manor Court Primary, opposite Sainsburys.

Refreshment available. New members and guests welcome. Members £2 Guests £3.

Free School Yard parking.

Songwriters in the Round presented

by Monks Yard 7pm. Warm up those February shivers with a night out of eclectic music and soulful food. Ticket price includes dinner. £18 in advance and £20 at the door. Available at Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster, TA19 9PT. Kilmington Garden Club Echinacea and Redbeckia by Martin Young. In an interesting talk, Martin covers the

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Coast &Countryside versatility of this very popular plant group, from providing late summer and autumn colour in the garden to the medicinal use of Echinacea. Kilmington village hall, Whitford Road, Kilmington, EX13 7RF 7.30pm Non members £1.

New Orleans Heat Wonderful original tunes from the ‘crescent city’ - jazz, stomp, blues, and spirituals.

At 8pm. Tickets: £14 (£28 with pre-show supper at 7pm – must be pre-booked).

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Valentines Disco 7.30pm. Come along to ‘strut your funky stuff’ or ‘ shake yer bootie’ to music from the 1950s to 2000 with a Romantic edge. Tickets: £5. No concessions. The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www.thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

Ebenezer Presents Professor Ronald Hutton - The Battle for Merry England.

The Ebenezer, in The Seed Factory, Aller, Somerset TA10 0QN. ebenezer@ ebenezerpresents.com. If you have not RSVP’d before the night and received confirmation then please ring 07879 206 543 in case there are no seats available.

Ralph McTell & Wizz Jones 7.30pm £20 (seated). It was 50 years ago that Wizz invited Ralph to Cornwall to play with him at the now legendary Folk Cottage. 50 yrs later Ralph asked Wizz back to record their first album together. A fantastic chance to see two master performers. The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www. beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Fri 10 – Sat 11 February Snowdrop Open Garden (Taunton) 10.30am – 3.30pm. Anita and Tom Harris are kindly be opening their ‘Snowdrop garden’ for everyone to enjoy. At a time of year when many plants are yet to bloom, don’t miss the chance to see these spectacular flowers in abundance, in a garden you can explore. It’s only £5 to come along this February, and you’ll not only be raising money for Somerset Wildlife Trust, but get tea and cake too.

There is no need to book, just turn up in your wellies! Higher Yarde Farm, Staplegrove, Taunton, TA2 6SW. For more information please contact Emma at Emma.

Jones@somersetwildlife.org.

Saturday 11 February Valentines Coffee Morning held

by Crewkerne and District Twinning Association at Crewkerne Heritage Centre in the upstairs room, from 10am – 12noon.

Cake and top ups of Coffee or tea £2.50.

Everyone is welcome if anyone has an interest in hosting this year from 25/28 May please come along as well to hear what we have planned. Otherwise come along for a social morning.

Valentine’s Farmers Market Come and buy a loved one a free range chicken or even some damson gin. 10am -1pm in the Moorlands Shopping Precinct, North Street, Martock. 16 stalls. 01935 822202 for a table. Weaving with Rush a course with Windrush Willow, 10am - 4pm, Reed Base at Seaton Wetlands. Suitable for beginners we will make simple designs in rush including, mats and vases, all tools and materials provided. Booking required, £40 per person. To book: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk, 01395 517557.

Bridport Seed Swap 10am – 12noon.

In the back room, Ropemakers Inn, West St, Bridport. Join this informal gathering of local gardeners and swap your surplus seeds or simply come along and take your pick for a donation to charity.

Painting and Drawing on Saturday New monthly Saturday morning classes. Aimed at all abilities, but particularly beginners and intermediate levels these sessions will encourage individual and group painting/ drawing projects. 6 sessions every 4 weeks, Saturday 11am - 1pm. 11 March, 8 April, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July. susanrhughes@ gmail.com or phone 077125 32289 / 01305 780078.

Egyptian Society Taunton “Deir el-Medina - louts behaving badly” by Rosalind Janssen, UCL. The Friends Meeting House, Bath Place, Taunton.

2pm start. £7.50 non-members http:// egyptiansoctaunton.wixsite.com/home.

Workshop with Tom Toomey 3pm - 5pm.

This two-hour workshop will start with a brief overview of what actually goes into the making of an album but for the majority of the event, Tom will concentrate on demonstrating and sharing his acoustic playing. Tickets: £25. A complimentary copy of Tom’s CD ‘MonfiCat’ will be given to everyone attending the workshop.

The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www. thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

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Jazz Jurassica Tony Roberts with The Ray D’Inverno Trio. Tony Roberts is simply one of the best saxophone players around and has had a distinguished career playing with giants of the jazz world. Here, with The Ray d’Inverno Trio, he delivers 1940s/50s classics with great panache. A truly class double-bill and a perfect evening for your special Valentine’s sweetheart.

Doors 6.45pm, Supper 7pm - 8pm, Music 8pm - 10pm, Ends 10.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £19.95 + b/f includes 2 course supper from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre on 01297 442138 or online at :www.lymeregisjazzfestival.co.uk/ jazz-jurassica.

Tom Toomey & The Monfi Cats 8pm.

Hypnotic sound that can be described as inspirational Fusion music that’s unique, and with a contemporary and distinctive flair. It is rooted in a fluid tapestry of different music genres that include Blues, Jazz, Rock, Roots and Folk…all beautifully coloured by Spanish, African and Eastern influences. Tickets: £15 Full.

No concessions. The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www.thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

Sat 11 – Sun 12 February Snowdrop Weekends throughout February Forde Abbey and Gardens.

Throughout February the 30 acres of award-winning gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops. Weather pending, the camellias will be in full bloom on the Mount along with an abundance of hellebores and early Spring bulbs making an appearance. Gardens open daily from 10am - 4pm, tearooms and gift shop open every weekend throughout February. www. fordeabbey.co.uk, info@fordeabbey.co.uk with the Tearoom and Shop.

Sat 11 – Sun 19 February February Half Term Family Fun! Visit Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum with fun for all the family. Walk back in time from the birth of TV and radio to the modern day, the museum is like a Tardis, opening up inside to reveal an unexpectedly immense number of displays, probably the largest collection of toys, books, annuals, jigsaws and games related to TV and radio programmes. A trip out which 3 generations of one family can enjoy and share memories together. Weekdays and Saturdays 11am - 5pm Sundays 12noon - 5pm, Adults: £7.99 Concessions: £6.99

Children: £4.99 Family (2Adults + 2Children): £22.99. For more details see www.montacutemuseum.co.uk. Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum, 1 South Street, Montacute, Somerset TA15 6XD 01935 823024, info@montacutemuseum. co.uk. Facebook and Twitter: @ montacutemuseum.

Snowdrop Weekends throughout February Forde Abbey and Gardens.

Throughout February the 30 acres of award-winning gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops.

Weather pending, the camellias will be in full bloom on the Mount along with an abundance of hellebores and early Spring bulbs making an appearance. Gardens open daily from 10am - 4pm, tearooms and gift shop open every weekend throughout February. www.fordeabbey. co.uk, info@fordeabbey.co.uk with the Tearoom and Shop.

Sunday 12 February South Somerset Ramblers 10 mile walk from South Petherton. 10am start. Bring picnic. Assistance dogs only. All welcome.

Details from Dave 01935 592536.

South Dorset Ramblers 10.30am Yarn Barton Car Park (fee £2) ST 481014, DT8 3EF. 9.5 miles moderate, bring a picnic. All welcome.

Contact 01305 820814 / 07840385895.

Snowdrop Sundays Mapperton Gardens 11am – 4pm. Entrance £4.50, children free. Teas, Coffees & cakes (no lunches) Shared proceeds to Perennial & The National Gardens Scheme.

Ebenezer Presents Belle de Jour, with intro by Dr Jimmy Hay. The Ebenezer, in The Seed Factory, Aller, Somerset TA10 0QN. ebenezer@ebenezerpresents.com.

If you have not RSVP’d before the night and received confirmation then please ring 07879 206 543 in case there are no seats available.

Monday 13 February Clay A friendly and informal untutored sculpture group that meets weekly at IAC. All abilities welcome. Mondays 9.30am - 3.30pm. £7 per weekly session.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

The Probus Club of Yeovil meets at The Yeovil Court Hotel every second Monday of the month at 12noon for social interaction, a healthy luncheon and an interesting talk. Talk subject this

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Coast &Countryside

National Theatre Live: St Joan at The Gateway, Seaton on February 25

month ‘A Victorian Head Gardener’. New members are always made very welcome.

The Club arranges regular Theatre visits, country walks and Skittles matches as well as supporting a charity. Please contact Geoff Byham, Secretary, 01935 881422 or geoff @byhamgm.plus.com.

Figure Drawing This is a non-tutored drawing session from the clothed model.

Two models will be provided each session for one hour each. Please bring your own paper and drawing materials. Book with Andrew Sutton 07814 641609 or andrewjsutton@hotmail.com Mondays 6.30pm - 8.30pm. £7 per weekly session.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Clairvoyance Start 8pm Admission £3.50 - Under16’s Free enquiries@ honitonspiritgroup.co.uk 01404 548420.

Masonic Hall, Northcote Lane, Honiton EX14 1NF. Bobbie Simpson Walkden from Honiton. Rest of programme on www. honitonspiritgroup.co.uk.

Tuesday 14 February West Dorset Ramblers 8 mile Wareham, Piddle and Frome walk. 10am start. Bring picnic. All welcome. Please call 01308 898484.

Wildlife gardening 10am - 2pm, Wildlife Garden at Seaton Wetlands. Help the Seaton Wetlands Rangers in the Wildlife Garden. Learn how to make your garden more wildlife friendly. Make a bird feeder or bee box to take home. £3 per child for crafts. £7.50 per bird box kit. For more information: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk, 01395 517557.

Colyton & Colyford Probus Club meets at the Swallows Eaves Hotel, Colyford at 10am for coffee after which Tony Green will give a talk ‘Fleet Air Arm – the First 100 Years’. New members welcome: David Evans: 01297 553007.

Bird watching for children 2pm - 4pm, Tower Hide at Seaton Wetlands. Join an expert guide as they introduce you to the art of birdwatching. See what you can spot! Binoculars available to borrow and telescope se up to use. No dogs.

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Booking required, suggested donation £2 per child. To book: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk, 01395 517557.

Broadwindsor Jammers Guitar Club meet every 2nd Tuesday in the month at the Comrades Hall in Broadwindsor, 2pm 5pm. Playing popular songs from the 40’s - 70’s using song sheets with chords. All levels of ability welcome. Contact Geoff Kerr on 01308 867221.

St Francis tea dance Tickets £7 in advance David 01395 579856.

IIe Valley Flower Club Dave Moon of the National Garden Scheme with a “Digital Visual Presentation” at Broadway Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome as visitors or future members this should prove to be interesting to all Flower Arrangers and Gardeners.

Bolshoi Ballet’s Swan Lake at The Gateway, Seaton. Licensed bar and refreshments. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £15 in advance (£17.50 on day) from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (open Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am – 1pm).

Tue 14 – Satu 18 February Guys and Dolls presented by The Piddle Valley Players. A musical fable of Broadway based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon. 7pm, new venue Buckland Newton Village Hall. £10 including refreshments. Tickets from Old Chapel Stores, Buckland Newton and Piddletrenthide Post Office.

Aladdin The Magical Family Pantomine

by Honiton Community Theatre Co. 7pm + 2pm Sat Matinee. Tickets: Adult £10, Under 16 £6. The rags-to-riches tale features plenty of twists, turns and Twankeys, perfect for all the family in February half term. Join us for rip-roaring routines, outrageous costumes, stunning sets and chart-topping hit songs. The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www. beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Wednesday 15 February Mosterton Ramblers invite you to join their morning walk (approx 3 hrs) in the Winsham area, followed by a pub lunch.

Meet at Orchard Way 9.30am, transport available. Details from Chris on 01460 76405.

South Dorset Ramblers Meet Yarn Barton Car Park (fee £2) 10.30am ST 481014, DT8 3EF, 8.5 miles moderate. Bring a picnic, All welcome.

Contact 01305 782644 07780464803.

Seaton and District Probus Club Talk

by Tony Burgess: The Jurassic Coast and its Hinterland. 10am at Seaton Methodist Church small hall. The club is open to retired or semi-retired men over 55. New members/prospective members welcome – come and give us a try. Please contact Stephen Lord on 01297 21872 for more information.

Learn to Cook Healthily with HALFF 11am - 1pm (Health and Local Food for Families) Join us for a free hands-on course of six sessions, including help with meal planning, understanding food labelling, cooking hints and tips to help make your life easier as a carer. You’ll even receive a free meal to take home. At the Masonic Hall, South Street, Axminster. To book a place, or for more information, call Ros on 01297 631782 or email admin@halff.org. uk.

Honiton U3A meeting at the Beehive, Honiton with speaker Sarah ObermullerBennet who is talking about ‘Devon Ghosts & Legends’ - a costumed talk on ghosts, scandal and shaking chains in haunted Devon! The Beehive, Dowell St.,

Honiton. Doors open 1.30pm for a 2pm start. Members free - Visitors welcome (suggested donation of £2). Further information: 01404 598008 or Website: http://u3asites.org.uk/Honiton.

Axe Valley Centre, National Trust, AGM and talk by Ian White entitled ‘This is your Captain Speaking’. This will take place at Colyford Memorial Hall at 2.30pm, nonmembers welcome admission, £2 including refreshments.

Devonshire Association Axe Valley Branch 2.30pm at the The Pavilion, Peace Memorial Playing Fields, Colyton. An illustrated talk “The Colyton Canal”. Ken Clifford will tell how in the 19th century there were plans for a Ship Canal to cross Devon and Somerset. Thomas Telford, a floating harbour at Beer, a cut through the chalk cliff, a famous smuggler as consultant...All welcome, admission £1 for DA members, non-members £3. Details from 01297551529 or brian_denham@ talktalk.net.

WDDFAS: The Glasgow Girls Speaker: Jennie Spiers. Highlands End Leisure Centre, Eype at 2.30pm. For details contact 01297 443615.

Colyton & District Garden Society Talk

by Dr Mike Lock on ‘Behind the Scenes at Kew’, Colyford Memorial Hall, 7.30pm.

Members free, guests £2.

Micro-moths: John Day Yeovil 7.30pm 9pm. A wonderful illustrated talk on micromoths. St John’s Church Rooms BA20 1HE. For more information please contact Barrie Widden on email yeovilareagroup@ somersetwildlife.org. Cost, £2 per person.

Somerset Wildlife Trust.

Thorncombe Rail Activities Club talk and slide presentation given by Phillip Bissatt entitled ‘Ireland in the Nineties’.

Thorncombe Village Hall, TA20 4NE at 7.30pm. Non-Members are welcome, there are refreshments, a raffle and the parking is free. Contact Richard Holt, Chairman Tel. 01460 30428 or Google “traclubsite” for information.

Thursday 16 February Adventures in Crochet - Granny Square Explore the exciting craft of crochet, learn basic stitches, traditional designs and complete short projects. With tutor Lynne Raddall. For more details contact Lynne: lynneyraddall@yahoo.co.uk. 10am - 1pm. £22 per session (excluding materials).

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Bird and bug box making 1pm - 3pm.

Bird and bug box making with the Countryside rangers. Make homes for the wildlife in your garden. Booking recommended for bird boxes £7.50 per box (concessions to EDDC tenants). To book and for more information: wildeastdevon. co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk , 01395 517557.

Bridport and District Gardening Club 7.30pm The Donkey Sanctuary. WI Hall, North Street, Bridport, DT6 3JQ. Seaton Music Concert Galliarda, a highly entertaining small classical group presenting an unusual combination of instruments which promises a memorable evening entitled “The Mediterranean Temperament” a programme of 17th & 18th century Spanish, Italial and French music. The concert is at Seaton Town Hall on Thursday 16th February at 7.30pm.

Individual tickets are £14. Full details and further information can be found on www. seatonmusic.org.

Licenced to Trill by the brilliant double-act ‘Opera Dudes’. Villages In Action event at Sheldon Village Hall providing an evening of fabulous entertainment. No ordinary operatic duo, the two tenors rip up the rule book with an act ranging from classical Verdi through show songs and rock to ‘Carry On’ fun. Tickets for this show are available now from John Carr on 01404 841367. Prices – Adult £10 Child £5. Doors open 7pm. Licensed Bar. South Dorset R.S.P.B. Group St. George’s Church Hall, Fordington, Dorchester at 7.45pm talk given by Oliver Smart. The talk is “The Science and Beauty of Birds”.

A fascinating talk on the adaptation, evolution and physiology of birds including the aesthetics and rewards of bird photography. Admission £3 members, £3.50 visitors to include coffee and biscuits.

Wet, Wet, Wet! The RSPB’s Work on the Somerset Levels & the Severn Estuary An illustrated talk by Richard Archer (RSPB Conservation Officer) who will tell us about these internationally important wetlands, including breeding wader conservation and the on-going success of the common crane re-introduction programme. The Millennium Hall, Seavington St. Mary, nr. Ilminster – 7.30pm. Group members £2.50, non-group members £3.50, under 18’s free (incl. tea/ coffee). Wheelchair access. Non-members very welcome. Call 01460240740 or go to www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southsomerset for further details.

National Theatre Live: Saint Joan Bridport Electric Palace Doors 6pm / starts

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Coast &Countryside 7pm £10.50 (£10 + 50p bf) adv / £12 door.

Josie Rourke (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Vote, Coriolanus) directs Gemma Arterton (Gemma Bovery, Nell Gwynn, Made in Dagenham) as Joan of Arc in this electrifying production. Bernard Shaw’s classic play follows the life and trial of a young country girl who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France. As one of the first Protestants and nationalists, she threatens the very fabric of the feudal society and the Catholic Church across Europe.

Bridport & District Gardening Club The Donkey Sanctuary, talk by Emily Morris.

7.30pm at The Women’s Institute Hall in North Street, Bridport, DT6 3JQ, tel Peter 01308 459469 peter.gough182@btinternet. com.

Painting the Landscape with Kit Glaisyer presented by The YCAA. The Johnson Studio, in The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil at 7.30pm. Tickets from Box Office - £6. Meet Kit Glaisyer – the cinematic landscape artist and see his remarkable oil paintings. A stimulating and relaxing evening for all.

Chard Camera Club In house Digitally Projected Image competition the subject being ‘two open images’. They will also be judged on their Portfolio images (a panel of three images covering a subject of their choice) the judge for the evening being Mr Peter Hyett.

First Aid in the Home talk and demonstration to be given by Paul Morgan of the Red Cross, to Tatworth W. I. at their meeting in Tatworth Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.

Friday 17 February West Dorset Ramblers 7 mile Beer, Seaton Marshes and Holyford Nature Reserve walk. 10am start. Bring picnic.

No dogs. All welcome. Please call 01297 631130.

Felt Making Discover the wonderfully tactile and rewarding art of felting by making felt scarves, bags, slippers - or whatever takes your fancy! Beginners to

advanced welcome.. 10am - 3pm. £23 per monthly session (excluding materials).

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Chef’s special lunch at Henhayes Centre Crewkerne 12.30pm, three course meal Roast Chicken followed by Apple strudel.

Start with fruit juice and finish with tea/ coffee and choccies. The bar is open. Only £8. Please let us know you are coming 01460 74340 henhayescentre@btconnect. com.

The Living Tree cancer self-help group.

1pm Rising Voices with Jane, 2pm AGM of The Living Tree + our own Elizabeth as “guest speaker” sharing her passions for gardening and art. Drop in any time between 2pm - 4.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, 95 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NZ. Tel 01308 427851. www. thelivingtree.org.uk.

Lyme Bay Photographic Club Speaker Simon Emmett, local photographer.

Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PG starting at 7.30pm. www. lymebayphotographicclub.org.

Hawaiian Night St Paul’s Church, Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth DT4 0RF 6.30pm. Food, quiz, hawaiian dancing, raffle. BYO drinks Tickets £6.50 available from the parish office. Phone 01305 771217.

Saint Joan (live National Theatre broadcast). Josie Rourke directs Gemma Arterton as Joan of Arc in this electrifying production. Bernard Shaw’s classic play follows the life and trial of a young country girl who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France. The Gateway, Seaton. Doors open 6.30pm. Licensed bar & refreshments. Tickets £12.50 in advance (£15 otd) from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (open Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am – 1pm).

Fairport Convention – 50th Anniversary Tour Bridport Electric Palace Doors 7pm / starts 8pm £26 (£25 + £1 bf) adv / £28 door. Enjoy an evening of musical celebration with Fairport Convention at

this golden anniversary concert. The band plays a selection of tracks from the album as well as long-established favourites from their extensive repertoire. The concert also features an opening performance

by Sally Barker, one of England’s most talented singer-songwriters. Sally came to prominence in the all-girl folk group The Poozies but is best known for her appearances on the BBC TV talent show The Voice where she sang on Sir Tom Jones’ team.

Saturday 18 February Whitelackington Table Top Sale 10am 1pm at Whitelackington Village Hall (TA19 9EF). Tables are £5 to book please call Dawn 01460 55606. Free entry for buyers.

Refreshments are available.

Children’s Art Chest Saturday morning art club led by artist Margaret Micklewright.

This week’s theme is ‘Frosty February’ - create a range of freezing effects using paint and look at frost and its effect on plants and landscape. Ages 8+. 10.30am - 12.30pm. £5 per session (including materials). Please bring an overall!

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Workshop “Beyond the Six Senses” sight, hearing, feeling, smelling, tasting and knowing are the senses which enable s to navigate this world - find out what lies beyond them. Rainbow’s End in Branscombe. 10am - 4.30pm £35 07900 824089.

A Life with Vintage Motor Sport A warming winter illustrated talk by Robert Heelis presented by The Friends of our Church, Hinton St George. 6pm, £5 to include a glass of wine. Available from the shop, Dorothy’s Tea Room or at the door.

Scottish Dancing Dance in Chardstock 7.30pm – 10.30pm. Bring a plate of food to share. Contact David on 01460 65981; Ann on 01308 422927; or Andrew on 01297 33461, or just come along. www. chardscottishdancing.org.uk.

Stephen Fearing at 8pm. Since relocating

Looking ahead highlights for next month Sat 4 March

Sun 5 March

Fri 10 March

Weymouth Music Festival 2017 at Budmouth College. Full information is available at www. weymouthmusicfestival.co.uk. Buy a full day pass online for £4.50.

Plant & Gardening Fair with thirty plus stalls Forde Abbey, nr Chard www.fordeabbey.co.uk, info@fordeabbey.co.uk.

Ebenezer Presents Richard Lewington, ex-Ambassador to the ‘stans. The Ebenezer, The Seed Factory, Aller, Somerset www.ebenezerpresents.com.

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LOOKING TO INCLUDE AN EVENT? Charity and fund-raising entries in Coast & Countryside Events are free of charge. Please check times with organisers or venues.

Email: info@marshwoodvale.com before the 10th of the month.

back to Vancouver, Stephen has built a national - and international - audience for his music that has seen him named as one of the finest songwriters in Canada. Fearing is a gifted storyteller and true musical nomad with the ability to captivate audiences of all sizes and attitudes. Tickets: £14 Full. £13 Concessions. The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www. thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

Valentine’s Supper 6.30pm for 7pm.

St John’s Church, Waterlake Road, Tatworth, Somerset TA20 2NZ. 3 Course Meal plus a free glass of Sherry. Chicken or Vegetable casserole plus rice or potatoes. Selection of romantic desserts, cheese & biscuits.

Soft drinks provided, please bring any additional drinks. Tickets £7.50 available from Helen Johnson on 01460 220221.

Reg Meuross performing in St Andrew’s Church, Colyton at 7.30pm.

Doors open 6.45pm. Part of the Friends of St Andrew’s Church fundraising programme to help support the fabric this beautiful church.

Reg is a true modern troubadour, representing contemporary English folk writing at its best. He will preview songs from his new album, Faraway People (to be released in the Spring) which comments bravely on life as he sees it, bringing wide ranging stories, from the ravages of austerity to some of the most beautifully disarming love songs ever written, as well as performing a selection of old favourites. Tickets available on the door or in advance from The Little Shop, Market Square, Colyton 01297 552057 Prices £12, FoStA members £10, under 18s - £5. To include refreshments and nibbles.

Seventies Explosion Fantastic live band and 70s Disco at Axminster Guildhall 8pm to Midnight. Licensed bar. Tickets £10 from The Archway Bookshop 01297 33595 or on the door.

Sat 18 – Sun 19 February Snowdrop Weekends throughout February Forde Abbey and Gardens.

Throughout February the 30 acres of award-winning gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops.

Weather pending, the camellias will be in full bloom on the Mount along with

an abundance of hellebores and early Spring bulbs making an appearance.

Gardens open daily from 10am - 4pm, tearooms and gift shop open every weekend throughout February. www. fordeabbey.co.uk, info@fordeabbey. co.uk with the Tearoom and Shop.

Sunday 19 February Workshop “Mediumship Development” the Spirit of Life.

Rainbow’s End in Branscombe 10am 4.30pm £35 07900 824089.

Snowdrop Tea at St Nicholas’ Church, Combe Raleigh, Nr Honiton, EX14 4TG, 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Admire the snowdrops in the churchyard, enjoy tea/coffee and cake, snowdrops for sale. For info phone 01404 43929 or 01404 43166.

Axe Vale Orchestra 3pm Seaton Methodist Church. Glinka ‘Karaminskaya’ Haydn Cello Concerto in C ( soloist Arturo Serna), Schubert Symphony no. 3. Tickets £10 includes tea & cakes, available. Steve’s News, Fore St. Seaton, Archway Book Shop, Axminster. Under 18’s free.

Tea Dance at Stowford call David 01395 579856.

Acoustic Night 7.30pm - 10.30pm.

All styles and forms of performance welcome – not just music. Anyone wishing to perform please send an email to folk@chriswatts.org to secure a slot. The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www.thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall. org.uk.

To advertise on these pages telephone 01308 423031

Monday 20 February Clay A friendly and informal untutored sculpture group that meets weekly at IAC. All abilities welcome. Mondays 9.30am - 3.30pm. £7 per weekly session. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster.

TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Chard, Ilminster & District U3A invites anyone who has retired from full employment to come to Chard Guildhall at 2pm for a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits and listen to a talk by Canon Andrew Evans about ‘A Tale of Two Tapestries’.

Mindfulness drop-in class at Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre 7.30pm – 9pm. Experienced meditators and beginners all welcome.

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Coast &Countryside No charge, donations appreciated. No need to book. Contact Kath Woods, accredited mindfulness teacher, 01404 831605 or just turn up.

Axminster Carnival Bingo Axminster Guildhall doors open 7pm, eyes down 8pm.

Clairvoyance Start 8pm Admission £3.50 - Under16’s Free enquiries@ honitonspiritgroup.co.uk 01404 548420. Masonic Hall, Northcote Lane, Honiton EX14 1NF. Kim Moore from Somerset. Rest of programme on www. honitonspiritgroup.co.uk.

Jazz Jam Session Do you play an instrument? Do you enjoy jazz and want to try improvising around jazz standards and other well-known tunes? Come along to this informal group – you can play, or just sit and listen. 8pm. £2 to take part. Bar available. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Tuesday 21 February Bird ringing demonstration 9am, Discovery Hut at Seaton Wetlands. A rare chance to see birds up close as they are

ringing for conservation monitoring. For more information: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk , 01395 517557.

West Dorset Ramblers 8.5 mile Burton Bradstock, Shipton and Loders walk. 10am start. Bring picnic. No dogs. All welcome.

Please call 01308 897702.

Watercolours Learn the techniques of watercolour in these friendly and relaxed classes. Tuesdays 10am – 12noon or 1pm - 3pm. £132 per 11 week term. Book with tutor Nicky Clarke on 01460 281773.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Boden shopping day with discounts exclusive to this event plus a complimentary Boden gift to the first 30 customers placing orders. Fairwater Head Hotel, Hawkchurch, EX13 5TX – 10.30am - 7pm. Free entrance plus complimentary tea/coffee on arrival. Tel: 01297 678349 or email info@fairwaterheadhotel.co.uk for more information.

Cooking for One Demo with HALFF 11am – 12.30pm (Health and Local Food for Families). Free healthy cooking

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demonstrations giving hints and ideas for cooking for one and covering nutritional advice for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. At the United Reformed Church, Chard Road, Axminster.

No need to book, just turn up, it’s free.

Call Hannah on 01297 631782 for more information or email hannah@halff.org.uk.

I, Claude Monet: Exhibition on Screen This striking film from award-winning director Phil Grabsky takes a new look at arguably the world’s favourite artist – through his own words. The Gateway, Seaton. Licensed Bar and refreshments.

Doors open 1.30pm. Tickets £10 from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (Open Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am – 1pm).

Beaminster Museum Talk ‘Winemakling on the Furleigh Estate’ given by Rebecca Hansford. Rebecca tells about the well known and respected local vineyard near Salway Ash; how it started and what is involved in producing English wine of superb quality. Admission charge £2.50 per person. Everyone welcome, the talk takes place in the Museum and starts at 2.30pm. www.beaminstermuseum.wordpress.com.

The Lyme Regis Art Society Christine Allison, Birds of Prey. 2pm Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis. Details 01297 445464.

Hills to Levels Project Taunton, Somerset Wildlife Trust. 7.30pm 9.30pm. Sabine Peukert, Resource Protection Adviser at FWAG gives an illustrated insight into the project that aims to reduce flooding and help deliver the Somerset Flood Action Plan. She highlights work being done in the upper catchment of the River Parrett to “slow the flow” from the hills to the Levels, and in the lower catchment to reduce the impact of flooding on the Levels and Moors.

St George’s Catholic School, The Mount, Taunton, TA1 3NR. For more information contact Simon Briggs simon.briggs@somersetwildlife.org or 01823 270529. Cost, £3 per person.

Wednesday 22 February Community Day at Monks Yard Ilminster 9am – 5pm. Somerset Wildlife Trust. The café serves lovely homemade cakes and organic fairtrade coffee and tea, and at lunchtime serves hot meals, soup and sandwiches. The busier it is, the more money will be raised, so please come along and support us and a local business. Monks Yard is at Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9PT. Dogs are welcome along, but can’t come inside. For more information please ring Ring Monks Yard on 01460 259286 or email emma.jones@ somersetwildlifetrust.org. If you would like to book lunch, it is advisable you book with Monks Yard 01460 259286.

Entry is free.

Coffee Morning 10am – 12pm. Pop in for a cup of real coffee and a chat.

Look around the book and bric-a-brac stalls and more often than not, listen to some live music. Entry is free. The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www. thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

Beginners Bookbinding course starts at Leafwork, Whitchurch Canonicorum.

Small, supportive and friendly class, all tools and materials provided. Five sessions on Wednesday mornings 10.15am - 1.15pm, £150. For more information contact nesta@leafwork. co.uk or call 07984001830.

Coffee Concert 10.30am – 12noon Sidholme Music Room, Elysian Fields, Sidmouth, EX10 8UJ. Arranged jointly with the Friends of Sidmouth Town Band.

Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society 7.30pm Talk ‘Four Head Gardeners Explore the Wilds of Chile’

by Steve Griffiths of Abbotsbury Gardens. Secretary, Rose Mock, whose phone number is 01297 34733, email rosemary.mock@btinternet.com or https://ulrhs.wordpress.com.

South Petherton Local History Group meeting The life and times of the bonded servants of Somerset will be brought to life by local historian Sarah Villiers, 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall. Visitors welcome £3.

Thursday 23 February West Dorset Ramblers 8.7 mile Milton Abbas and Woolland Hill walk.

10am start. Bring picnic. No dogs. All welcome. Please call 01300 320346.

Pastel Pencils Learn the techniques of drawing in pastel pencils, using British Wildlife as your subject matter. Tutor Linda Hampson. Suitable for beginners and those with more experience.

Thursdays 10am - 1pm. £60 for 6 workshops. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster.

TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Art Group An informal untutored group for artists in all media, from oils to acrylics. All abilities welcome.

Bring your own materials. Thursdays 2pm - 4pm. £7 per session. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Sailors with Wings - The History of Fleet Air Arm St. Aldhelm’s Centre, Spa Road, Weymouth, DT3 5EW. 2.30pm. Talk by Dr. Phil Judkins.

Presented by National Trust South Dorset Association. £3 members, £4 guests inc. tea/biscuits. 01300 321601 geoffwrench@lineone.net.

One World Forum - An evening of Raga on Sitar Talk and Performance Ricky Romain Musician and Human Rights Artist St Johns Catholic Church 7.30pm. Shortmoor Beaminster, Visitors £4 Including Refreshments, Enquiries Peter Glanville Tel: 01308 458283 Email: peterglanville25@ gmail.com.

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National Theatre Live: Amadeus (encore) Bridport Electric Palace Doors 6pm / starts 7pm £10.50 (£10 + 50p bf) adv / £12 door. Lucian Msamati (Luther, Game of Thrones, NT Live: The Comedy of Errors) plays Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s iconic play, broadcast live from the National Theatre, and with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia.

Thur 23 – Sat 25 February Little Jack Horner Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society Tatworth Memorial Hall. By Paul Reakes. Tickets on Sale at South Chard Post Office & Stores, Dyke Hill, Tatworth Herberts News, Fore Street, Tatworth Kenny’s Men’s Hairdresser, 43 Holyrood Street, Chard Adults: £6, Concessions: £4, Family: £18 (2 Adults & 2 Children) On Thursday & Friday at 7.30pm & Saturday at 2.30pm & 7.30pm.

Friday 24 February Bookbinding Class at Leafwork, Whitchurch Canonicorum 10.15am 4.45pm. Make a traditional style photo album bound in cloth and decorative paper. Beginners very welcome. £65 plus small materials charge. All materials and tools provided. For details or booking contact nesta@leafwork..co.uk or call 07984001830.

Rag Rugs Come and make beautiful rag rugs from recycled materials. Be warned - it’s addictive! 11am - 1pm. £10 per monthly session. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

The Living Tree cancer self-help group.

2pm Art with Libby, foot massage with Anne. Tea and chat. Drop in any time between 2pm - 4.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, 95 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NZ. Tel 01308 427851. www. thelivingtree.org.uk.

Spend More Time In The WILD Abbie Barnes of SongThrush productions, local film-producer, wildlife campaigner and adventurer will talk generally about the importance of ‘Spending More Time In The WILD’ and what she stands for.

Her message is about people taking responsibility for their own physical and emotional wellbeing by getting outdoors together with some of the projects she has undertaken. May include some information on Climate change based on recent project at Kilimanjaro. Somerset Wildlife Trust at Parish Hall, North St. Ilminster TA19 0DG, starting at 7.30pm. Adult members £2, non-members £3, no charge for children.

Refreshments available. Enquiries 01460 234551.

Ebenezer Presents Ash Ranpura ~ Nightmares & Phantasms. The Ebenezer, in The Seed Factory, Aller, Somerset TA10 0QN. ebenezer@ebenezerpresents.com.

If you have not RSVP’d before the night and received confirmation then please ring 07879 206 543 in case there are no seats available.

Mumbo-Jumbo Take Art programme.

Three experienced friendly musicians who give a great night out, with music and a huge dollop of fun. It’s a big band sound in a small package, with a terrific combo of trumpet, keyboard, accordion, washboard and vocals. Concert £10, including Supper £18. Bar opens at 6pm, Supper at 6.30pm, Concert starts at 7.45pm. Tickets from Henhayes Centre Crewkerne 01460 74340, henhayescentre@btconnect.com.

Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston 8pm Tickets: £12. One of the most sought after duos on the English folk & roots scene.

The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

The Dave Betts Quartet Funky contemporary jazz with a latin flavour from this Bristol based band led by drummer and percussionist Dave Betts. At 8pm.

Tickets: £14 (£28 with pre-show supper at 7pm – must be pre-booked). Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Where is Love? Presented by Poems, Pints and Puds Presents at 7.30pm. Petherton Arts Trust invites all Romantics out there to contribute or listen to an informal evening of poems, readings, songs to enlighten and entertain, accompanied by desserts and drinks. Ticket: £5 including food. NB: Please book by Wednesday 22 February. No tickets available on the night.

The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www. thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

Saturday 25 February Henhayes Centre Crewkerne Breakfast 10am - 12noon still only £4. Egg, sausage, bacon, tomato or beans, toast, tea/coffee extras available at 50p each 01460 74340.

Reiki 1 and 2 Certificate Facilitators for the day are Harry and Pauline Alldritt.

All courses are accompanied by a certificate signed by the teacher confirming students have received instruction and satisfied the requirements of the First and Second Degree of Reiki. Reiki Course

32 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

Fees First and Second Degree cost £85 paid on the day of your course. www. honitonspiritgroup.co.uk/healing For Reiki Courses Phone 01404 548420.

Beaminster Museum Book Sale in the Museum from 10am - 1pm.

For more details see website www. beaminstermuseum.wordpress.com.

Wildlife gardening 10am - 12noon, Younghayes Community Centre, Cranbrook. Help the country Park Ranger to finish off the bug hotel in the Country Park. And look at some other ways to encourage wildlife into your garden, Meet at the Younghayes building and walk down together. Weather permitting. For more information: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk , 01395 517557.

Maiden Newton Annual Potato Day 10.30am - 2.00pm at Maiden Newton Village Hall (DT2 0AE). Free entry, refreshments, easy parking and next to the station with local arts and crafts as well. Come and choose from 80+ varieties of potatoes, lots of heritage seeds, fruit trees and kitchen garden plants. All your growing needs and advice on hand if required. For more info ring Charles Le Vay on 01300 320974 (Maiden Newton Allotments Association).

What’s that bird? 11am - 1pm, Tower Hide at Seaton Wetlands. Improve your bird ID skills with an experienced guide.

For more information: wildeastdevon.co.uk, countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk , 01395 517557.

Hot Pastry Lunch and Punch at Bothenhampton Village Hall commencing at 12.30pm. Lunch including hot pasties and other pastries, mulled cider or fruit punch. On the table quiz, no need to form a team just come along and “team up” at the table. Ticket entry at £5 each only available from Bridport Music, South Street, Bridport or call Ro 01308 459259.

Musical Extravaganza for Family Counselling Trust Dorset. 7pm onwards including 5 choirs and much else at Weymouth Pavilion. An evening of singing and family fun. Contact Catherine Boyd catherineboyd75@hotmail.com, FCT Dorset 01305 871810.

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Singers from the RWCMD present an entertaining programme of arias and ensembles from opera and operetta, including favourites from Gilbert & Sullivan. At 8pm. Tickets: £14 (no suppers). Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster.

TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.

themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Quiz Night At Horton Village Hall 7pm for 7.30pm start £5 per person with a sandwich supper, bring own beverage.

Excellent Quiz Master. In aid of Carrage Driving for the Disabled ( Forde Abbey Branch). Please book on 01823 481348 or 01460 75025.

Quiz & Supper Evening at Clapton & Wayford Village Hall 7pm. All welcome; come in a team or join one on the night – prizes for winning team. Licensed Bar; £9 includes hot supper, all proceeds to village hall development. Please book in advance on 01460 74849 or 01460 72769.

The Fliss Gorst Band Axminster born and bred band leader/saxophonist Fliss Gorst will be joined onstage by a stellar line up of London’s finest musicians performing the very best authentic swing, jumpin’ jive, 1950s rock n’roll and new takes on old classics. The Gateway, Seaton. Doors open 7.30pm. Licensed bar. Tickets £13 in advance (£16 otd) from box office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (open Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am – 1pm).

Sunset Café Stompers are making a welcome return to Winsham. Playing in the Jubilee Hall, Church Street, TA20 4HU. The concert starts at 8pm and refreshments

are served during the interval. Proceeds will go to the St Stephen’s Tower Fund.

Tickets will be on sale in Winsham Village Shop. Please ring 01460 30032 for further details.

Reg Meuross West country based singersongwriter in concert at St George’s Church, Hinton St George TA17 8SD 7.30pm Doors open 7pm. Refreshments available. Tickets £12 now on sale at Our Shop Hinton St George and Dorothy’s Tea Room. Box office: 07500532543 or email: hintonstgeorgefestival@gmail.com, www. hintonfestival.btck.co.uk.

Sat 25 – Sun 26 February Snowdrop Weekends throughout February Forde Abbey and Gardens.

Throughout February the 30 acres of award-winning gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops. Weather pending, the camellias will be in full bloom on the Mount along with an abundance of hellebores and early Spring bulbs making an appearance. Gardens open daily from 10am - 4pm, tearooms and gift shop open every weekend throughout February. www. fordeabbey.co.uk, info@fordeabbey.co.uk with the Tearoom and Shop.

Sunday 26 February South Somerset Ramblers 10 mile walk from Winsham. 10.30am start. Bring picnic.

Assistance dogs only. All welcome. Details from Sue 01460 249297.

Dalwood 3 Hills Challenge 11am start from Dalwood Village. 10 mile (approx.)

Multi Terrain Run. 3 mile (approx.) Mini Challenge 1.5mile (approx.) Fun Run. Form available at www.axevalleyrunners. org.uk.

Legacy to Landscape Project Ancient tree hunt in Woodend Park, nr Shute, Axminster, 2pm – 5pm. Learn how to record ancient and other veteran trees and meet the more elderly tree residents in the legacy landscape. With Jill Butler from The Woodland Trust. Please bring flexible tape measure, and if you have them a GPS, Smartphone or Tablet. No booking required. Free Legacy to Landscape event.

Parking Haddon Road, Shute, EX13 7QR. Meet in front of Shute Barton entrance.

Email legacytolandscape@gmail.com; or 01404 310012.

Rusalka from Met Opera Live at The Gateway, Seaton. Mary Zimmerman brings her wondrous theatrical imagination to Dvořák’s fairytale of love and longing, rejection and redemption in this production

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 33

starring Kristine Opolais as the mythical Rusalka, who sings the haunting “Song to the Moon.” Licensed Bar and refreshments.

Doors open 2.30pm. Tickets £15 in advance (£17.50 on day) from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (open Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat 10am – 1pm).

The ISCA String Quartet & String Quintet 3.30pm – 4.30pm. Sidholme Music Room, Elysian Fields, Sidmouth, EX10 8UJ. Leader Roger Hendy, Haydn Op. 76 ‘Emperor, Dvorak Op. 97 ‘American’.

Steve Knightley - Landlocked Tour at 8pm. The 2014 Grow Your Own Gig tour saw Steve Knightley perform at a bedrock of intimate rural venues, drawing on the English countryside. In 2015, Steve turned his attention to the sea for his All at Sea tour. Songs from both shows were recorded and two albums emerged. In 2017, Steve will be combining material from both recordings for his solo Landlocked tour. One half of the evening will feature original and traditional songs of the land and the second half will draw on his nautical themes. Tickets: £19. No concessions. The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www.thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

Monday 27 February Clay A friendly and informal untutored sculpture group that meets weekly at IAC. All abilities welcome. Mondays 9.30am 3.30pm. £7 per weekly session. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

A box full of wonders - NT Archaeological discoveries in the South West Talk by Nancy Grace. Bridport United Church Hall, East St, Bridport.

2.30pm Presented by the Golden Cap Association (West Dorset). Non-members welcome. Admission £3. Includes tea or coffee and biscuits. For further information 01308 863577.

Figure Drawing This is a non-tutored drawing session from the clothed model.

Two models will be provided each session for one hour each. Please bring your own paper and drawing materials. Book with Andrew Sutton 07814 641609 or andrewjsutton@hotmail.com. Mondays 6.30pm - 8.30pm. £7 per weekly session.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Musbury Garden Club 7.30pm at Musbury Village Hall. Roger Platts, the

well-known garden designer, nurseryman and Chelsea winner gives an illustrated talk on simple garden design. Refreshments from 7pm. All welcome. £2.50 nonmembers.

Bridport Folk Dance Club last Monday of the month, with guest fiddler Ruth Thompson providing the music, at 7.30pm - 9.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street.

Enjoy folk dancing mainly in the English tradition from Playford-style to modern-day compositions at Bridport’s long-established weekly club. No partner or previous experience required. Entry £4 on guest band nights. Contact Jane on 01308 898 002 or Monty on 01308 423 442.

Axminster Carnival Bingo Axminster Guildhall doors open 7pm, eyes down 8pm.

Clairvoyance Start 8pm Admission £3.50 - Under16’s Free enquiries@ honitonspiritgroup.co.uk 01404 548420.

Masonic Hall, Northcote Lane, Honiton EX14 1NF. Tony Whitehead from Axminster. Rest of programme on www. honitonspiritgroup.co.uk.

Tuesday 28 February Cooking for One Demo with HALFF 11am - 1pm (Health and Local Food for Families). Free healthy cooking

Solution to Humphrey’s Seasonal Puzzler

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demonstrations giving hints and ideas for cooking for one and covering nutritional advice for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and modified diets (eg puree/fork mashable). At the United Reformed Church, Cross Street, Seaton EX12 2LH. No need to book, just turn up, it’s free. Call Laura on 01297 631782 for more information or email laura@ halff.org.uk.

All Saints Tea Dance David 01395 579856.

Martock History Group 7pm for 7.30pm. Back by popular demand, Stephen Honey will continue the story of Muchelney Abbey where he left off last time, taking us from 1066 to the Dissolution. His all round knowledge of both the religious context and the landscape around it make him an interesting speaker. At Martock CofE school, Elmleigh Road. Admission £3 or annual subscription for only £10.

Contact Fergus Dowding on 01935 822 202 for more info.

Dorset Industrial Archaeology Society “New Forest Airfields” is the subject of Henry Goodall’s lecture.

Meetings commence at 7.30pm in the

Dorset Room, Colliton House, Colliton Park, Dorchester (opposite County Hall). Non-members welcome (small donation suggested). Further details from 01305 785968 or 871863.

Merriott Gardening Club Meet at the Tithe Barn, Church Street, Merriott TA16 5PS at 7.30pm. A talk by Penny Richards “Wildlife Gardening Hedgehogs”. Refreshments and raffle.

All welcome – non-members £2. Any queries please contact Barbara Byford 01460 72298.

The Royal Ballet Live: The Sleeping Beauty 7pm. Tickets: Adult £15, Student/Child £12, Family of four (2+2) £46. Live screening from The Royal Opera House. A perennial delight and a much-loved classic, ‘The Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty’ combines the best of classical ballet, with all its charms and virtuosity, splendid music and talented dancers.

The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

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News &Views AXMINSTER

CHARD

CREWKERNE

Despite having two artificial hips, Allan Hill is celebrating his 80th birthday by jumping out of a plane from 15,000ft.

Allan, from Axminster, will be doing a tandem skydive in aid of Devon Air Ambulance. He hopes to raise £2,000 when he does the jump at Dunkeswell on 3 February.

A retired BT engineer, he moved to the town with his wife, Val, 30 years ago. Ten years ago, when he was 70, he did a tandem skydive in New Zealand.

He said he wanted to do something more challenging than just have a party for his 80th so decided to help the air ambulance. He’s never had to use it but, as a motorcyclist, he says he’s comforted by the fact that it’s there.

Chard’s Got Talent is having its first open mic night at the Rugby Club on Friday, 10 February, from 7pm to 11pm.

The monthly nights are being run by Chard resident John Gudge at the Rugby Club, and will culminate in a live final at the Guildhall in June. He is hoping people of all ages will turn up at the open mic sessions—singers, musicians, magicians, comedians, school choirs and dancers.

Donations are being taken on the door. Money raised will go to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, which was chosen as John lost his wife, Rose, to cancer last year.

For more details about either the open mic nights or the main event, call John Gudge on 01460 261989 or 07977 144656 or email johnpgudge@yahoo.co.uk.

The landmark George Hotel in the centre of Crewkerne has been sold after nearly seven years on the market.

Frank Joyce has sold it to South Coast Inns and the new landlady is Julie King, who was Frank’s assistant manager. Frank spent more than 22 years at the George but lost his wife a few years ago. He said work helped him at the time but he was now looking forward to his retirement. At nearly 70, Frank says he wants to take a break from work and go travelling to see friends and family, as well as continue his hobby of Scottish dancing. He thanked his customers for their patronage over the years and said he would miss them.

Allan’s 80th birthday skydive

John’s call for talented townsfolk

LYME REGIS

Fossil hunter’s iconic role Lyme fossil hunter Mary Anning is to feature in a national exhibition aimed at changing the perceptions of women in science. Photographer Leonora Saunders and a group of women scientists called the Trowelblazers have crowdfunded more than £11,000 for the Raising Horizons exhibition in Burlington House in London. It’s the home of the Geological Society, which Anning was never allowed to join, despite finding the first complete fossil ichthyosaurus at Lyme in the early 19th century. Her image will be recreated by Leonora by using Anning’s modern-day counterpart, Dr Lorna Steel, dinosaur expert and Natural History Museum senior earth sciences curator, as a model.

Raising Horizons begins on 1 February.

36 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

George Hotel is sold

BRIDPORT

Triplets family appeal A crowdfunding appeal has been set up to help a family of five from Uploders buy a bigger car after the mother discovered she was expecting triplets. Jo and Ben Harp already have three children, aged eight, 10 and 16, and their youngest son has autism. They were shocked to discover that their baby due in March was, in fact, fraternal triplets. The odds of conceiving triplets naturally is around one in 8,000. Jo’s mother, Alison Tebbs, set up the appeal to help secure the family an eight-seater car to fit everyone in, along with three baby seats and an extra-large pushchair in the boot.

Jo said she was grateful to her parents and friends who have helped so far. To support the campaign, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/transportfor-triplets.

The Year Ahead

Laterally Speaking by Humphrey Walwyn

A

fter the shocks and excesses of last year with Trump and Brexit, what we really need in 2017 is a period of calm and peaceful stability. I can however safely predict that we’re not going to get it. With a brand sparkly new Power Ranger in the White House, it’ll be a roller coaster sort of ride where virtual reality may seem more real than the real thing.

Technology itself may move faster and faster but it never moves in a straight line.

It wiggles and jumps about in unpredictable patterns. By the end of this year, you may be asking your iPhone10 to help you with the washing up but don’t be surprised if it descends into a teenage strop and sulks all day by refusing to power up.

Your car may be able to teach you fluent Chinese while it drives itself (and you) to work but you’ll get increasingly annoyed with the constant health and safety videos that pop up whenever you turn on the ignition. Techie science may finally discover Life on Mars and a new cure for the common cold but meanwhile—back on planet Earth—I guarantee that mobile reception will still be rubbish throughout much of the south west and digital radio will remain a non-obtainable pie in my west Dorset sky.

In the sporting year ahead, we’ll have one of those occasional summers when not much happens. There’s no World Cup and no Olympic Games, so you don’t need to sit in a cardboard box in June and July to avoid the wall to wall sports TV coverage.

Instead 2017 is a Ladies’ year with the Women’s Cricket World Cup followed by the female Rugby World Cup in August.

So, it’ll still be wall to wall TV but the language will be more refined. Maybe…

On February 26th, the Oscars rear their glitter-balled heads again so you can discover all the films you should have seen in 2016 and somehow missed—which in my case is nearly all of them. This is great because one year later you can now rent them or view them all on Netflix or Amazon Prime. However, I can guarantee that you’ll still miss them because you’ll be just too busy feeding the cat or brush-

ing up on your Chinese before tomorrow’s test (organised by your car).

Key new movies to look out for include a new version of Alien in May (start screaming now) and you won’t be able to avoid the tons of hype for the blockbusters Power Rangers and Beauty and the Beast—both in March and both obviously about Donald Trump (joined presumably by Melania in the latter). And then, just when you thought it was safe to go to the cinema again, you’ll be hit by the latest Star Wars in December.

Star Wars 8—you know, the one before the other prequel that’s actually shown second to last but happens after the next one. And then we’ll have to suffer the next Sherlock series on TV. Hopefully, somebody will leak the final episode to YouTube just like they did in the last series. That way I can cut straight to the final denouement without needing to sit through the totally confusing dog’s dinner of the first two episodes.

I’ve already briefly mentioned technology, but I can predict a couple more advancements if I just remove my Virtual Reality headset for a moment… You see, while I’ve been writing this article I’ve been playing ‘super Mario VR’ at the same time and have just jumped into a boiling cauldron of digital tiramisu, so it’s probably a good idea to stop. Anyway, by the end of 2017 I predict that Bristol Zoo will celebrate the birth of a baby drone from a breeding pair—see picture of “mother and baby doing well” on this page. Also, I predict Amazon will deliver my Christmas shopping before I even realise I want it, let alone order it. But why wait? I think this is already happening and it’s only February.

My personal shopping habits have already been monitored, copied, cloned and put on order 10 months beforehand. Creepy—but probably true.

Baby Drone born at Bristol Zoo—mother and baby doing well

In the real global world, it’ll be an even busier year. Mrs May’s already said Brexit will become more than a virtual reality by the end of March when (or even ‘if’) she summons Article 50. But we’re not alone… France holds its own elections in April and May (‘Frexit’) and so does Germany in September (‘Germexit’ or maybe ‘Merkelexit’) and Holland in March (‘Netherlexit’ or I prefer the simpler ‘’Hexit’). Next month sees the 60th anniversary of the original Treaty of Rome so it’s a good time to see if anyone else is likely to leave the club along with the UK. And then there’s Trump again. Who knows? So unpredictable… he could start World War Three before lunch or visit Yeovil and go shopping for Melania at Laura Ashley next Thursday afternoon.

Nobody knows—not even he does, which could make life very exciting if only it wasn’t so scary.

It’s quite a year for dates… Next month sees the 100th anniversary of the start of the Russian Revolution, so watch out for further invasive moves in various bits of the world like the Ukraine or Syria.

And then it’s the Nobel Peace Prize in December—awarded to those who have “…done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations”. Obviously that must be the peace loving Mr Putin.

President Trump probably the year after. I simply don’t know… it could be so exciting, but I think I’ll hide in a cardboard box till it’s all over. Unfortunately cardboard is not very effective insulation against nuclear fallout.

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House&Garden Crispy Pancakes and Brexit at Cygnet

Local Businesses support Cancer Appeal

Family bonds and friendships are polarised by...

DEVON-based Substance and Shadow Theatre Company brings a topical new play, The Brexit Club, to the Cygnet Theatre at Exeter on Friday 3rd February.

Described as “a tale of intolerance, alienation and Findus Crispy Pancakes,” the play is set on 23rd June 2016—the day of the European Referendum. It’s just an ordinary lunchtime in the works canteen for cousins Len Silver, Melvyn Gould and their workmates, but beneath their love of haute cuisine and jovial banter there’s trouble brewing. Sid’s Vishnu’s Lentil Dahl and Don Beattie’s bangers and mash are emblems of a nation divided!

Family bonds and friendships are polarised by politics, but in the cold light of the referendum hangover, whether leave or remain—will lunchtimes ever be the same again?

Is Brexit really the best thing since sliced bread, will cousins Len and Melvyn manage to bridge the great divide, or will they be left crying over spilt milk?

The Brexit Club takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the conflict, confusion and commotion that followed the referendum. There are two performances at 7pm and 8.30.

38 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

Guy Crabb and office staff processing funds for the Cancer Appeal

DORSET companies continue to support Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Cancer Appeal. In October last year Guy Crabb Plumbing and Heating of Bridport raised over £1000 by donating 10% of their boiler servicing revenue for the entire month to the Cancer Appeal.

Guy Crabb, Director, commented ‘I am delighted by the support of our customers for this fundraising initiative and the excellent work of our plumbing and heating engineers to carry out record numbers of boiler services within October. Supporting the Cancer Appeal was personally important to me and members of the team, many of whom have had family members and friends facing cancer. Bringing services to our local area is vital and we wish the fundraising team every success in reaching their goal. Our contribution may be a small step towards their target but every little helps and we will continue to support this great cause in every way we can’.

Dorset County Hospital Charity is raising £1.75 million to support the provision of radiotherapy services in Dorchester for the first time. The new Radiotherapy Unit at Dorset County Hospital will transform cancer care for many patients who will no longer have to travel to Poole for their treatment. In addition the Charity’s cancer appeal will fund improvements to the hospital’s chemotherapy unit and provide counselling and support facilities for all cancer patients. The radiotherapy bunkers and the machines themselves are being paid for by Poole Hospital including a large donation from Robert White.

Recent donations have pushed up the appeal total up to £960,000—over 50% of the amount needed.

Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, the Charity’s main partner in the appeal, have already given £250,000 and pledged a further £100,000 and many other Dorset companies and community groups have also supported the appeal.

Work has begun at the hospital and it is anticipated that the first patients will be treated at the new Radiotherapy Unit by spring 2018.

For more information about the Cancer Appeal please contact Rachel on 01305 253215, email charity@dchft. nhs.uk or visit www.dchft.nhs.uk/charity.

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Fundraising Concert for Folk Festival

Denise Buchanan, David Greenshields, Ian Buchanan and Chris Deacon

F

olk Music fans clear your diary, on Thursday 16 March at 7.30pm the best local folk bands will be jostling for space on the Arts Centre stage to whet appetites for the Bridport Folk Festival this summer. A small group of folk fans, who resist being called a Committee, consisting of Denise and Ian Buchanan, David Greenshields, and Chris Deacon are organising the event as a fundraiser for the Folk Festival.

Denise Buchanan said “It is exciting to have our own folk festival here in Bridport, and I want to help out in any way I can; firstly, by raising funds, and simultaneously awareness, for the forthcoming event” The Arts Centre is generously hosting the Concert where Denise’s own newly formed band “The Lost Souls”, will make their Arts Centre debut. The order of performance is not yet decided but will include The Pickwicks, which consists of the immensely talented Declan Duffy and songbird Lauren Glover, Elfentale, HiDDen, Mitch Norman and the Silver Chix. The line up will of course include Chris Deacon’s Acoustic Rooster with Alan Twelftree on accordian, Maurice Blogg on guitar and Rob Malpas on banjo.

Chris Deacon, the moving spirit behind the Bridport Folk Festival which is on Friday 11th August to Sunday 13th August 2017 said “This summer we will be inviting leading folk acts to perform here, and this concert will help cover the costs inevitably incurred when you take on such a venture with headline acts. We intend the festival to encourage young people to find out more about folk music and to take part, there will be awards for them for both playing and song writing” The organising group are enthusiastic about their concert to support this summer’s Folk Festival, David Greenshields who is a relative newcomer to Bridport insisted “I am keen to help to contribute to the vibrancy of the music scene in Bridport” and Denise commented “I love the eclectic mix of music that exists in the contemporary folk music, and it is great it is being brought here to Bridport this summer” and Ian chipped in “Music re-invents itself, and continues to do so and folk music is no exception” Tickets for the event will be available from the Bridport Arts centre and Bridport Music centre at £9 and £7.50 for concessions. Chris Deacon has previously organised events for the RNLI and they will be given a charitable award after costs are met.

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Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 41

Unique pre-school helping West Dorset children with special needs faces closure after 25 years A UNIQUE specialist pre-school helping children with additional needs is facing closure after nearly 25 years, due to a shortfall in funding.

The Dorchester Opportunity Group, is a charity serving a wide area of West Dorset, providing pre-school education through play for 2-4 year olds. It’s unique as all the children who attend the sessions have been referred by paediatricians, health visitors, speech and language therapists or social workers.

Autistic spectrum disorder, genetic and chromosomal disorders, speech and language delay and Angelman’s syndrome are some of the conditions that these children are living with.

Rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, the Group’s existence is threatened as, in very tough fund-raising conditions, it has been unable to secure further funding from the Big Lottery. Up to October 2016 the Big Lottery had provided

£40,000 a year, representing some 40 per cent of the total budget.

Gemma Follett, a newly-appointed Trustee and parent of two children, who have hugely benefited from the Group, says: “It’s been a lifeline for our family and dozens of others. Without its fantastic support, as a parent of a disabled child, you feel isolated and judged till you’re at breaking point.”

The Group, located at the Prince of Wales Pre-school Centre on Maiden Castle Road in Dorchester, provides almost 1 to 1 care for the children, including speech & language therapy; music & singing; gym & movement sessions; swimming; family learning programmes and outreach support.

“We desperately need funds” says Opportunity Group manager, Nyree Gibbs. “It would be a tragedy if these children were denied the facilities and support we offer, not just for them, but

42 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

also their families who need some respite and help.”

The Dorchester Opportunity Group is highly respected by professionals in Children’s Services and the NHS. “The Group provides a valuable resource for young children with identified special needs, and for those who have clear difficulties but for whom clarity of diagnosis has not yet been reached”, says Dr Wei Liang Yap, Paediatrician Consultant at the Dorset County Hospital, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Dr Wendy D’Arrigo and Dr Philip Wylie, fellow consultants at the hospital. Dr Yap adds: “It would be a significant loss, if these children are no longer able to access this service, which is excellent. There is no equivalent alternative locally.”

To make donations or suggest funding opportunities please call Nyree Gibbs on (01305) 751707, or email: dorchesteropportunity-group@btconnect.com.

Golden Convention at the Palace VETERANS of the British folk rock scene, Fairport Convention come to Bridport’s Electric Palace on Friday 17th February, as part of their 50th anniversary tour.

Fairport first took to the stage in 1967’s summer of love. Throughout the intervening five decades (and numerous changes of line-up) the band’s passion for live performance has never wavered.

The line-up for the golden jubilee tour is Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion.

To mark its 50th year, the band has released a new CD titled 50:50@50—the EP concert will include a selection of tracks from the album as well as longestablished favourites from their extensive repertoire.

The concert will open with a set by

Fairport Convention on their Golden Jubilee tour

Sally Barker, one of England’s most talented singer-songwriters. Sally came to prominence in the all-girl folk group The Poozies but is now perhaps best known for her appearances on the BBC TV talent show The Voice where she sang on Sir Tom Jones’ team.

Fairport Convention has attracted critical acclaim throughout its long career.

The band won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award, Radio 2 listeners voted their groundbreaking album Liege & Lief as The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time.

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Dorset’s Best Village competition launched

T

he search has begun again for Dorset’s Best Village with the launch of the 2017 competition this week. The competition has been organised by Dorset Community Action (DCA) for the past 30 years. Entry details are being sent to the county’s villages inviting them to enter either through the parish council, village hall committee and other active community groups. Under 25 Groups are being offered the chance to enter a new “Young People’s Award”.

Magna Housing has been the major sponsor for the competition since 2010 and has continued its generous support for another year. Additional sponsorship comes from Dorset County Council, The Dorset Echo, Dorset Magazine, Blackmore Vale Magazine, along with local food producers Clipper Tea, Fudges Biscuits, Honeybuns, Craig’s Dairies and Helen Furness Catering.

DCA’s Competition Organiser Rita Burden says: “Last year we celebrated 30 years of running the competition. Looking to the future we want to encourage entries from young people so we have launched a special category for them. Don’t forget that any organisation can enter its village—the Village Hall committee, Preschool or Primary School, Youth Club, Scout or Guide group, Women’s Institute, Over 60s Club, Sports Club, nor any other active community group, besides the parish council. Even Dorset’s smallest hamlets can enter.”

Catriona Fountain, head of communication for Magna Housing, said: “We support the communities we are based in so we are really pleased to be main sponsors for the Dorset Best Village awards for eight years now. We’re particularly excited to find out about some of the great things our young people are doing through this

44 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

year’s special young person’s award.”

Besides the main Best Village competition, there are four other entry sections: The People’s Project—the village judged to have entered the best project involving local active people; Environmental Champions—the village judged to be doing the best ‘Green’ initiative.

Best Village Shop—the sponsors, Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is supporting this category for a third year. Communities are asked to nominate the village shop which serves them best.

Young People’s Award—a new category thsi year which is for projects led by people aged under 25 years of age who are helping their community or local environment.

“We want villages to demonstrate that they work together, taking a pride in their local surroundings and amenities, while promoting great community spirit” Rita Burden added.

The deadline for entries in the Best Village category only is 5.00pm on Monday 10th April 2017. For all other categories the deadline is 5.00pm on Monday 3rd July 2017.

DCA has again appealed to groups to save paper by entering the competition online if possible. Entry details can be downloaded from www. dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk or by telephoning DCA on 01305-216407 to be sent a copy by email or on paper.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 45

Go Green with Transition Town Bridport

B

ridport will be going green for a fortnight this spring, when the Town holds its first ever “Green Fortnight”. The event, from Friday 24th March – Saturday 8th April 2017 is being organised by Transition Town Bridport. It will aim to celebrate Bridport’s local shops and products and inspire local people towards a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce their carbon footprint.

Transition Towns Bridport will be working with other groups, businesses and individuals in the Town to promote a greener and more sustainable local economy. Bridport Town Council are supporting the Green Fortnight and will turn the Town Clock face green for the duration of the event.

One of Green Fortnight’s organisers Sarah West said “Bridport is lucky to have a high street full of greengrocers, butchers, bakers and local businesses.

One of our key messages will be that we want people to ‘Buy Local’. This helps keep money and jobs in the local area and reduces the mileage that goods have to travel from production to shoppers, which in turn reduces the carbon impact.

As well as the campaign to promote local shops and products there will be a number of events held including a talk by Green member of the European Parliament, Molly Scott-Catto, who is also a Director of Transition Towns Stroud, a showing of the film Before the Flood, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and a Green Quiz.

Some local schools will also be participating in the fortnight through projects related to the re-use and recycling of everyday items including clothing.

Sarah West added “The era of cheap energy, abundant oil and mineral resources is over and impact of climate change is already being felt around the world.

Here in Bridport we can show others

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how a more sustainable way of life can be good for the local economy, make us more resilient and help lessen the effects of climate change”.

Bridport has been a Transition Towns since 2009. Transition Towns are a nonpolitical organisation that was originally set up in Totnes and has now spread to 50 countries worldwide. The aim of Transition Towns is to devise ways of meeting environment challenges by involving the whole community in taking more responsibility for our own future and having a more fulfilling life while achieving this: to learn more visit www. transitiontownbridport.co.uk.

If any local community groups would like to hold an event that would be relevant to the Green Fortnight please get in touch. Enquiries from any businesses who would be interested in sponsorship are also welcome. Contact Sarah West on 01308 423758.

Multi-talented artist show in Dorchester

Rodden - The Wind from the Sea by Merrily Harpur

DORSET County Museum is currently showing an exhibition by Merrily Harpur, the well-known cartoonist and illustrator, her work having appeared regularly in all the national broadsheets, and in books by Kingsley Amis, Miles Kington, Gerald Durrell, John Michell and others.

Merrily also found time to write the authoritative study of Britain’s mystery big cats—the panther and puma-like creatures regularly spotted in our countryside, not least in Dorset.

However she has always been a secret painter of landscapes, and upon moving to this county fell hopelessly in love with its beauties and surprises— the unexpected changes of angle and perspective that West Dorset offers with each half mile travelled. She paints en plein air or, more accurately, in situ—sitting in the car, enjoying the scent of turpentine and listening to Radio 3. If you spot a mossy, mud-bespattered car in an unlikely corner of a field or lane, this could be her—probably paint-bespattered—attempting to conjure up, in paint, the genius loci—the particular magic of our place.

She now lives and paints in Cattistock, where in 2013 she inaugurated the Fox Festival, and wrote the libretto for Nick Morris’s acclaimed oratorio The Fox That Walked on Water.

Merrily’s work will be for sale during the exhibition, and it will be free to come and view.

Cartoonist, illustrator, artist and writer Merrily Harpur Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 47

Vegetables in February

By Fergus Dowding

WHAT can I write about in February? The winter is such a difficult time for leaves to grow or look happy, and if they do then wildlife moves in and eats them.

Yet there are still many good harvests of below and above ground roots (above ground being swede, turnip, beetroot) and leaf crops such as leek, kale and cabbage. The savoy cabbage seems to be the only cabbage not attacked by birds in our garden—I don’t know the reason but I’m very happy about it. The curly kale has netting over it and looks beautiful and prosperous. We pick the kale about three times, harvesting mid-sized leaves, leaving the bottom ones and also the top ones to grow, ready for the next pick. Then when sprouting flower buds arrive these are delicious too.

Red Drumhead cabbage is still under its Enviromesh, but being eaten by rats, which isn’t an appetising thought. If we cut and store them, they lose their taste, sometimes rot and start sprouting. This is the case with most stored veg, and so we leave most outside, even the celeriac if the woodlice problem isn’t too bad.

Has anyone noticed that Red Drumhead seed has been variable of late— we sowed two different packets last year, and some are dark red and cook crisp and crunchy, the others are almost variegated and have an unexciting texture. The reason we used two different packets is because we noticed it the previous year, and are wondering what’s going on. This is the ‘fun’ with buying seed at all times!

Where we have garlic growing since November in between salad, such as true spinach, there are no slug holes in the leaves. Finding this, we have ‘planted’ bits of garlic from the kitchen waste all around the salad crops, especially near lawn edging.

This time of year is no joke in the garden, so no joke this month, readers—sorry!

What to sow this month Late in the month you can sow broad beans variety Aquadulce, and early and second early potatoes. Put fleece over both to warm soil which will also keep birds from eating the beans. Potatoes shoots should emerge in about a month, and keep well fleeced until the last frost. In return for this extra effort you should get an earlier and bigger crop.

Indoors or in a heated greenhouse you can sow quite a few crops, so long as you have somewhere warm enough to transplant them when they outgrow their modules. Beetroot, lettuce, true spinach, summer cabbage and parsley are examples, only sow peppers and tomatoes if you have a heated greenhouse.

This is spinach growing over a soil warming cable in the greenhouse on 19th February last year.

At this time of the year it is more fun in the greenhouse and tunnel. It is surprising how many people just have paved floors and grow crops in pots or bags. A soil floor is productive, and at this time or year can grow salads and annual herbs such as dill, coriander and parsley.

48 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

Snowdrops at Forde Abbey

THROUGHOUT February the thirty acres of award-winning gardens at Forde Abbey near Chard are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops.

Weather pending, the camellias will be in full bloom on the Mount along with an abundance of hellebores and early Spring bulbs making an appearance.

The gardens are open daily from 10am - 4pm, and the tearooms and gift shop are open every weekend throughout February.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 49

February in the Garden

By Russell Jordan

T

here’s been a bit of a cold snap recently which doesn’t suit my ‘luxury’ hound (being half Italian Greyhound he’s prone to shivering) but is pretty good for getting on with things in the garden and properly cold weather is exactly what we should be getting around now. I remember that in the warmer, wetter, winter last year I got behind with my tasks because there were so many days when I couldn’t get onto the soil.

To a certain extent decently cold temperatures reduce the number of pests overwintering in the myriad cracks and crevices that a garden provides. I help this along by clearing up the leaf litter and associated detritus that gets trapped amongst the stems in the borders. This tends to coincide with the removal of leaves from winter flowering hellebores and Epimedium varieties where the flowers only show if last year’s foliage is removed.

The downside to this is that it removes one of the food sources for the birdlife that frequent the garden but at least it’s preferable to doing a complete ‘bare earth’ border annihilation in the autumn. It’s funny how gardening practices evolve over time. When I worked in large country house gardens, as a student, it was common for the ‘herbaceous border’ to be completely cleaned bare before winter.

That was the tradition in gardens which covered many acres because it was possible to develop different areas of the garden to peak at different times and the owners merely planned their promenades avoiding the sections which were not at their best. For most people that is a luxury they cannot afford so having areas of the garden which are just flat earth, for half the year, doesn’t make sense.

Also, very few domestic scale gardens have strictly ‘herbaceous’ borders these days. Instead they have ‘mixed’ planting schemes with

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trees, shrubs, bulbs, evergreens and every other sort of plant material, including herbaceous perennials, jostling ‘cheek by jowl’.

Having said that, now’s the time to clean up the borders if weather conditions allow. It’s not a good idea to be tramping all over the soil when it is very wet, due to the damage you will do to the soil structure by compacting it, and you won’t be able to work it if it’s frozen solid. During dry, but not completely frosty, spells you can go through the borders cutting down dead stems and removing last year’s decaying leaves from herbaceous plants and weeding out anything that you don’t want in the border—not just ‘proper’ weeds but the self-sown progeny of ornamental plants which can begin to take over; forget-me-nots for example.

I’m at a bit of a dilemma here because usually I would try to do all my tidying, chopping and weeding along with a gentle forking, feeding and mulching. I’ll still do that towards the end of the month, when spring is a little closer, but I’d not want to add any fertiliser, even the comparatively low nitrogen ‘fish, blood and bone’, when it’s not going to do the plants any good. It’s best to ‘play it by ear’ and add the feed, followed by your chosen mulch (garden compost in my case) if you know you won’t get another chance or if the weather is mild and plant growth is underway. If not used by growing plants, then any feed you add now will get washed though the soil before it can be utilised for plant growth.

A very timely task is the pruning of wisteria to encourage bigger and better blooms. Ideally you will have shortened all the long, whippy, growths towards the end of the summer to prevent them from being ripped off in autumn gales. These can now be shortened to just a couple of buds, or leaf joints if no buds are visible yet. This

does mean that you are removing a fair proportion of flower buds, remember “you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs”, but the ones left behind will produce bigger and better blooms which is, with a showy plant like wisteria, the name of the game. Regular pruning keeps this vigorous climber within bounds and under control That’s what gardening is all about; nature “whipped into shape”.

As I write, I am rather behind with planting bare-rooted trees and hedging. In fact, I haven’t even ordered what I intend to plant—mostly ‘wood fuel mix’ trees to expand my ‘mini wood’. Unless spring starts with a heatwave you can assume it’s safe to plant bare-rooted material up until the end of March so I’ll hold off panicking just yet. I can’t resist bare-root plants because they establish quickly and are the cheapest way of obtaining common varieties of deciduous trees and hedging plants.

Due to the ease of sending bare-root plants through the post there is healthy competition amongst suppliers so it’s sensible to do an online search to see who offers exactly what you want and

for the best price. Having said that, it’s worth checking to see if you have a local supplier because collecting in person is always preferable. It saves on subjecting your chosen specimens to an unnecessary postal experience and you may get a cheaper price without the cost of delivery. You’ll need to check with the local supplier, don’t just turn up, as most plants are lifted ‘to order’ and may not be available for days, possibly weeks, after your initial enquiry.

The nursery won’t be able to dig up any stock in very wet or completely freezing weather.

On a different tack, after last year’s successes with growing random perennials, half-hardy and tender annuals from seed, I must get going with some more for this year. I started some too late so, this year, I’ll be sowing as many as possible now. Tricky when they’ll be vying for space in the greenhouse with veg seedlings, the overwintering tender perennials plus the cases of freesias and pots of arums being forced for early cut flowers. The sooner the weather warms up enough to decant a lot of the smaller pots into the cold frames the better!

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 51

PROPERTY ROUND-UP

Homes with good dog walks on the doorstep

By Helen Fisher

THORNCOMBE £615,000

BRADPOLE £380,000

Jackson-Stops & Staff Tel: 01308 423133

Goadsby Tel: 01308 455455

An attractive 16th/17th century village property in excellent decorative order. Many period features, inglenook fireplace, flagstone floors and sash windows. Family kitchen with Aga. Pretty, well-stocked southerly facing gardens with terrace. Ample parking and stone barn.

A stunning period cottage of character and charm with 3 double bedrooms.

Fabulous open fireplace with original bread oven. Well maintained sunny rear garden with a natural spring running through. Single garage plus on street parking. Village location with easy access to open countryside.

MUSBURY £325,000

WEST BEXINGTON £500,000

Gordon and Rumsby Tel: 01297 553768

Humberts Tel: 01308 422215

A Grade II listed 2 double bedroom thatched cottage, completely renovated in 2014. Stunning throughout.

Now used as a successful holiday let. Spacious sitting room with multi-fuel stove, double glazed windows with shutters. Enclosed sunny garden plus parking. Short walk to Musbury Castle with great views over the Axe Valley.

HARCOMBE £895,000

A detached 6 bedroom Victorian hideaway set in a prime position with splendid views. Stunning farmhouse style kitchen with log burner. Well proportioned rooms throughout. Private gardens and grounds with 4 paddocks, formal gardens, purpose built stable block and woodland.

Stags Tel: 01308 428000

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An impressive and individual 4 bedroom chalet-style house. Many excellent features; UPVC double glazing, modern fitted kitchen and bathrooms plus open fireplace.

Long range sea and coastal views. Large, well-stocked secluded garden with detached garage/workshop. Dorset Coastal Path within a few minutes walk.

RYALL £650,000

A secluded 4 bedroom period cottage with stunning countryside views.

Large contemporary kitchen with oak worktops plus an inglenook fireplace and wood burner. Formal gardens, orchard and veg garden bounded by a brook with bridge, leading to a small woodland. Ample parking, detached garage and 2 outbuildings. Symonds and Sampson Tel: 01308 422092

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 53

Who am I?

By Cecil Amor

MY surname was a puzzle to me from an early age until I discovered there were several families of the same name in two separate villages in Wiltshire. But why? When I started to investigate my family history I found the family had been in the same village for 300 years. A possible connection in another village was found, about ten miles away, less as the crow flies, which if proved would take us back another 100 years. Family historians are never satisfied.

Television programmes by archaeologists or scientists, like Sir David Attenborough, have told us that we all are descended from early man in Africa, who presumably made his way into Europe perhaps 100,000 years ago. His skin and eye colour occurred lighter over time. It has been said that the only flaw in the disguise of Lawrence of Arabia was the colour of his eyes. More recently Attenborough has argued that homo erectus first evolved from apes standing erect in water to harvest fish and mussels, etc. Fossil remains of catfish have shown signs of butchery from stone tools. The addition of Omega 3 from the fish may have aided brain evolution. He cited two marine biologists who posited this theory, suggesting that the apes lived in trees near the waterside. If I become unsure 54 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

of my footing I find that sometimes I involuntarily move my toes, as if I am clutching onto the branch of a tree, perhaps a throwback to early ancestry! Recently on Radio 4 on the BBC’s the Life Scientific Jim Al-Khalili with a Dutch Behavioural Biologist, Frans de Waal, said that we share 99% of our DNA with the chimpanzee, who have most of our attributes, except perhaps speech.

In 1953 Jim Watson and Francis Crick working in the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge published their work on DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). They showed that from four bases there are long chains twisted into a double helix, which we regularly hear about on radio or TV. This research has led to advances in genetics, medical work, criminal investigations and family history. So becoming “stuck” with conventional family history I started saying to my immediate family that I needed to investigate my DNA. When they chorused “why?”, I replied that I would like to know which of the apes hanging from the branch I am descended from.

Eventually our son called my bluff by giving me a kit from a well known multinational company as a birthday present. The kit contained a plastic test tube into which I had to introduce

my saliva, close the tube and shake it, to mix in a chemical stabiliser and then send it by post in the packaging supplied. It was sent to Ireland, but I believe the parent co. is in the USA. Eventually we received the results, after a delay by our misquoting our post code.

When the results (An Ethnicity Estimate) arrived I was surprised. I am 99% European, with 32% from Scandinavia and 22% from Ireland, with 19% belonging to Great Britain.

Western Europe produced 11% and the Iberian Peninsula only 5%, which was a surprise as with my surname I had expected more Latin connections, and we had found the name in Italy, Portugal and France. Italy and Greece showed 4%, with Finland and Northwest Russia 3%, which was the same as Eastern Europe. Western Asia and the Middle East were both less than 1% and the African countries were all zero. So presumably this is why my eyes are blue/grey, not brown and the survey must have been long after the migration from Africa and there were no apes to be found!

If I paid a subscription to the company which provided the DNA I could be sent details of others with the same DNA and name, but have not done so, as moving house recently has been time consuming.

We understand that no one in England had a surname before 1066, although some used personal names and some nicknames. The Normans introduced surnames with their aristocracy, but ordinary people still used personal or occupational names. By the early 14th century most people had surnames which were still changing and evolving. The Black Death in the mid 14th century wiped out some names. It has been said that we are all descended from Richard III, but I have not found him on my family tree so far!

Recently on TV the attractive Professor Alice Roberts told us that many of us are descended from Neanderthals, themselves descended from apes. She said her DNA showed 2% Neanderthal, so her test was more detailed and searching than mine.

On February 14th Bridport History Society will learn about “Mining in Cornwall after the First World Warâ€? from Prof. Roger Burt in the United Church Main Hall, East Street at 2.30 pm. All welcome, non members entrance ÂŁ2.50.

Cecil Amor, Hon. President Bridport History Society.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 55

Nostalgia

By Nick Fisher

M

ost men are emotional retards. Ask any woman. Men are useless at feelings. Any feelings other than the basic; hunger, thirst and anger, are hidden under layers of carefully constructed defence. And they either show no emotion at all, or else, show totally inappropriate emotions at totally inappropriate times.

When they could show a little emotion, do a smidgen of well-timed feeling, they forget. Family birthdays, anniversaries, personal celebrations get forgotten in a blink of an eye. ‘Bleedin’ forgot the wife’s birthday, didn’t I?’ said a postman standing at the till in our local tackle shop. ‘Now she’s bein’ all frosty and fed up. Wouldn’t let me go fishin’ yesterday’.

So, here we have a cycle of emotional grief, set up by the simple act of emotional paralysis.

Because most men don’t think further than their throat, stomach or wedding-tackle, they forget important emotional events. Thus creating a bad emotional feeling in their nearest and dearest. Who in return, gets the hump, and stops them from doing the thing they want to do most. Which in this instance, is fishing. Emotions get blamed for a lack of rod-bending action.

And therefore emotions are deemed to be bad news.

As a result men get increasingly emotionally retarded, and less likely to investigate their feelings. Wives get more annoyed. Fishing gets done less. Men feel more hard done by. They get more closed off and grumpy, and so on and so on...

Oddly enough, there is one emotion that men of a certain age, 35 plus, seem to be able to access easily. That emotion is nostalgia. Personal, historical, childhood nostalgia. Men don’t seem to be inhibited or embarrassed about getting all mushy over something that happened, or something they owned, or even somewhere they went, twenty-odd years ago. Especially if it’s connected to fishing.

‘I’m going to drive to Throop fishery. I might not even fish. I might just walk the bank’ said my mate Tony one morning as he backed out of my drive, on his way home to London. ‘It was always a day ticket fishery. And I know I wrote in the visitors’ book in 1976. I wrote down details of my best specimen chub. It’d be so great if it was still there.’

Male nostalgia, the safe emotion, and sport, seem to be very closely linked. The sport element seems to provide a safe arena to explore feelings of time-past, longing, of far-off youthful joy and warmth.

Tony’s mini-pilgrimage to the Throop fishery on the Dorset Stour, is a gentle tread down memory lane, designed to put him in touch with the 13 year old boy who spent two weeks in a caravan back in the mid- seventies, with his mate and his mate’s mum and dad.

‘It was brilliant’ he remembers, coming over all misty-eyed. ‘We fished for chub and roach on the river, and mackerel off the harbour wall at Christchurch’. Tony then proceeded to tell me a long story of how his home-built Mark 4 carp rod had fallen off the roof rack of his mate’s dad’s car, on a trip back from the sea. Now, it was time for my

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eyes to glaze over....with boredom.

But, tedious or not, my point is, that nostalgia, especially nostalgia connected with sport, is a rich running vein of emotion, in otherwise fairly frigid-feeling men.

You only have to visit vintage tackle or sporting goods auctions to see how much men can get in touch with, and heap value on, the sentiments of their innocent past. Vintage tackle auctions are full of guys with beards, searching for an identical Mitchell Match or Coxon Aerial reel, to the one their dad bought them for their tenth birthday.

Rods, reels, creels and accessories of a certain era, can induce such a flood of nostalgic emotion, that by-standers risk drowning in a wave of grown men’s tears.

Fishing reels are the railway sets of the outdoor post-war child. Even bait boxes, lead shot holders and peacock quill floats, get snapped up by guys, who thirty or forty years later, are trying to recreate the tackle box of their youth.

Sales and auctions of fishing tackle attract those who, by hook or by crook, through the passage of time, have lost possession of those memory-making bits of kit.

But, there are plenty of men who don’t lose stuff. They’re alien to me, of course, because I’m someone who loses everything.

I’ve fished with many guys in their 40s and 50s, who will produce an immaculate, well-used, but meticulously maintained reel, that they bought with their hard-saved pocket money, aged nine.

Part of me is really impressed by this. Impressed that they should be able to cherish and preserve something for so long. I just don’t have the staying-power. I like to move on: out with the old and in with the new - sort of ideology. Maybe I’m losing out. By not keeping a symbol of my youthful pleasures, maybe I’m somehow letting go of a portion of them.

I guess I’m sort of jealous of Tony, being able to tromp through Throop fishery and remind himself where he caught a certain fish on a certain day, way back when the summers were longer and the beer was stronger. I’m jealous, but I’m also worried that if I kept on looking back, I’d stop looking forward.

I suppose I can’t really decide if having an active nostalgia gland is a good thing or bad. Obviously, it gives a lot of pleasure to some guys, to collect or keep the fragments of their past, and use the objects as keys to open warm memories.

Instead, I’m like some sort of serial chameleon who changes his face and sheds his old skin, on a frequent basis. Still, I’m glad to see otherwise mute guys get in touch with some feeling, even if it’s only by revisiting their youth.

I guess my rear view mirror’s a bit too cracked to give a worthwhile view. Or maybe, by having three sons it’s just that I get to relive my childhood and act like a big kid so regularly, I don’t feel a need to reconstruct it with ephemera. Anyway, if I had any nice old bits of kit from my youth, my boys would only steal it.

Food&Dining Give a Hen a Home for Valentine’s

FEBRUARY, the month of love, is here and the British Hen Welfare Trust is hoping kind members of the public will open their hearts and give a few of its hens a bit of loving care.

The national animal welfare charity is holding a ‘pop-up’ re-homing day for hundreds of ex-commercial laying hens on Saturday 20th February in Dorset, and is now seeking happy free range homes for these hens retiring from their daily task of egg laying.

If you are looking for love this February, or just want to form new friendships then local co-ordinators for the charity, Steve and Jackie Gee, explain: “These hens may look a little tatty when they first arrive, but with love they will soon flourish, and you will wonder how you ever lived without them! Adopting our hens opens up the opportunity for new friendships too with plenty of chicken chat with like-minded people?”

The charity has found homes for over 500,000 hens since hatching in 2005 and as well as saving commercial hens from slaughter, the charity also educates the public on how they can make a difference to hen welfare through their shopping basket and eating habits.

If you could offer a few of the charity’s hens a loving and long-lasting free range home, please call 01884 860084, or email hens@bhwt.org.uk.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 57

ABBOTS HILL APPLE PIE Serve this mulled pie with thick Dorset cream or local ice-cream

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PASTRY

▪ 140g (6oz) plain flour ▪ 55g (2oz) instant dried polenta or semolina ▪ pinch salt ▪ 115g (4oz) butter ▪ 1 large egg, beaten ▪ cold water

LESLEY WATERS

DIRECTIONS 1

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6/ 200C/400F.

2

Into a large bowl, sieve the flour, salt and polenta. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg and water to bind the dough together. Chill the pastry for 30 minutes.

3

Place the apples in a shallow, round oven proof dish approx.

23cm in diameter. Combine the melted butter with the cider and pour over the apples. Sprinkle the apples with the brown sugar and tuck in the sprig of rosemary.

4

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry until it is large enough to lay as a blanket over the apples. Carefully lift the pastry over the apples and roughly trim the edges and tuck inside the dish. Lightly sprinkle the pastry with the caster sugar.

5

Bake the pie for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven to Gas Mark 4/170C/350F. Bake for a further 30-35 minutes until the apples are softened and cooked. Serve with thick cream.

FOR THE FILLING

▪ 6 large dessert apples, peeled, cored and halved ▪ 55g (2oz) unsalted butter, melted ▪ 150ml (1/4 pint) fruity cider ▪ 25g (1oz) soft brown sugar ▪ sprig rosemary ▪ caster sugar for sprinkling Serves 6-8

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Lesley to Judge Baking Competition

Lesley Waters at her cookery school in Halstock

HOME bakers and preserve makers will be given the opportunity to have their bread, marmalade and chutney judged by a celebrity chef on Tuesday 14 March, when Lesley Waters, TV chef and owner of Lesley Waters Cookery School in Halstock, takes on the role of head judge at Brimsmore Gardens’ Baking and Making Competition in Yeovil.

Entry is now open for everyone from novices to experts to take part in this culinary competition, which will raise money for Yeovil Community Arts Association (YCAA), a local charity run by volunteers who organise international writing competition, the Yeovil Literary Prize. Judging will start at 3pm in The Apple Tree Restaurant and as part of the garden centre’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the Baking and Making Competition will be open to the public, who are welcome to join in and enter the competition, watch the judging unfold, sample some of the entries and try their luck in a fundraising raffle.

Cath Collins, group food manager at The Gardens Group, explains; “We are really looking forward to welcoming Lesley Waters back to The Apple Tree to help mark our 25th anniversary and celebrate home baking and making with our customers. The standard of cakes entered into Brimsmore’s Cake Off last spring was outstanding, so we are all anticipating some delicious bread, chutney and marmalade entries from the local community this time around.”

The competition is open for entry until Monday 6 March and costs £5 per entry. Application forms can be downloaded at www.thegardeneronline.co.uk

Breakthrough on sell by dates may allow food to go to charities THOUSANDS of tonnes of food that might otherwise have gone to waste could now become available for feeding the homeless, vulnerable and needy in society following an agreement between the British Sandwich & Food to Go Association (BSA) and Government agencies.

Until now, the law was interpreted to mean that at midnight on the stated date all sandwiches and other food carrying a ‘Use-by’ date had to be destroyed.

Supermarket sandwiches, for example, undergo rigorous shelf-life testing and are generally fine for consumption beyond the use-by date.

As part of a programme looking at ways the industry could reduce waste, the BSA argued that provided retailers were satisfied about the safety of products, they should be allowed to relabel them and give them to charity. To do this they would need to be confident of their safety by undertaking appropriate microbial shelf-life testing.

Research across just five leading retailers shows that this change in how the law is interpreted will potentially save some 2000 tonnes of products going to waste each year. Based on this the BSA estimates that the industry could divert up to three times that tonnage to charities in future.

The agreement, which will allow retailers to relabel short shelf-life chilled foods for charity use, means that thousands of tonnes of packaged product could potentially be donated to charities.

Retailers and charities can now begin to plan for this additional use which may take some time to implement.

Furthermore, while the agreement specifically relates to sandwiches and food-to-go products, the implications of the agreement could be much wider across the food industry.

February 2017 Food Markets Please check dates and times with venues or organisers

Fri 3rd Sat 4th Thur 9th Fri 10th Sat 11th

Thur 16th Fri 17th Sat 18st Thur 23rd Fri 24th Sat 25th

Ottery St Mary, Hind St Car Park, 9am - 1pm Poundbury, Queen Mother Square, 9am - 1pm Shaftesbury, Town Hall, 9am - 1pm Wareham, Town Hall, East Street, 9am - 1pm Blandford, Blandford Forum, 9am - 1pm Bridport, Bridport Arts Centre, 9am - 1pm Martock, Moorlands Precinct, 10am - 1pm Yarcombe, Village Hall - 10am - 12noon Purbeck, Commercial Rd, Swanage, 9am - 1pm Honiton, St Paul’s Church, High St, 8.30am - 1pm Sherborne, Cheap St, 9am - 1pm Seaton, Town Hall, 9am - 1pm Wimborne, Market Square, 9am - 1pm Crewkerne, Falkland Square, 9am - 1pm Wareham, Town Hall, East Street, 9am - 1pm Weymouth, St Thomas St, 9am - 2pm Dorchester South, High Street, 9am - 4pm Barrington, Village Hall, 10am - 12noon Yeovil, Middle Street, 9am - 2pm

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 59

CLASSIC SODA BREAD I frequently turn to soda bread when the breadbin is bare. If there’s nothing for lunch or to serve with soup for supper, it’s a quick and simple answer – and sustaining, too. This classic recipe lends itself to endless tweaking and variation. Slot it into your repertoire and you’ll never regret it.

INGREDIENTS ▪ 500g plain white flour ▪ 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda ▪ 1 teaspoon fine sea salt ▪ About 400ml buttermilk or live yoghurt ▪ A little milk, if necessary

DIRECTIONS 1

Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda into a large mixing bowl and stir in the salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk, stirring as you go. If necessary, add a tablespoon or two of milk to bring the mixture together; it should form a soft dough, just this side of sticky. Tip it out on to a lightly floured work surface and knead lightly for about a minute, just long enough to pull it together into a loose ball but no longer – you need to get it into the oven while the bicarb is still doing its stuff. You’re not looking for the kind of smooth, elastic dough you’d get with a yeast-based bread.

2

Put the round of dough on a lightly floured baking sheet and dust generously with flour. Mark a deep cross in it with a sharp, serrated knife, cutting about two-thirds of the way through the loaf. Put it in an oven preheated to 200°C/ Gas Mark 6 and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath.

3

Cool on a wire rack if you like a crunchy crust, or wrap in a clean tea towel if you prefer a soft crust. Soda bread is best eaten while still warm, spread with salty butter and/or a dollop of your favourite jam. But if you have some left over the next day, it makes great toast.

Makes 1 medium loaf

HUGH FEARNLEY WHITTINGSTALL Recipe taken from River Cottage Every Day, written by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, published by Bloomsbury, £25.00, hardback, available from rivercottage.net Photography © Simon Wheeler Why not join us for a winter dining experience at River Cottage? You’ll enjoy four courses of River Cottage local and season fare, planned on the day to showcase the freshest and the best.

Marshwood Vale reader offer: Get 20% off our Friday and Saturday night dining in February and March when you quote MVDINE20. See www.rivercottage.net or call Tamsyn in our Events Team on 01297 630302.

60 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

VARIATION Six-seed soda bread Mix together 2 tablespoons each of sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, poppy and linseeds, plus 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds; set aside. Follow the main recipe but use half white flour and half wholemeal flour. Add all but 1 tablespoon of the seeds to the dry ingredients before proceeding as above. After cutting a cross in the top of the loaf, brush it with a little buttermilk or ordinary milk and sprinkle with the remaining seeds. Bake at 200°C/Gas Mark 6 for 40–45 minutes.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 61

POACHED YORKSHIRE RHUBARB WITH KINGSTON BLACK ZABAGLIONE We struggle with the British fruit situation at this time of year – the options seem somewhat exhausted, meaning we often have to look further afield for fruity dessert inspiration. So it’s a bit of a relief when the first British forced rhubarb appears in January: it’s one more ingredient to slot into the pudding menu.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

FOR THE RHUBARB

1

To make the zabaglione, put the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla seeds in a round-bottomed steel or Pyrex bowl (not aluminum, or it may go grey). Beat well with a whisk for 2-3 minutes, then beat in the Kingston Black. Hold the bowl with a cloth and fit it over a pan containing 3-4cm of simmering water. Whisk continuously for a few minutes until the mixture is thick and frothy.

2

For the rhubarb, preheat the oven to 200˚C/gas mark 6. Cut the rhubarb roughly into 1cm pieces. Place in a baking tray or ovenproof dish and scatter over the caster sugar. Cover with foil and cook in the oven for about 30 minutes until the rhubarb is tender.

3

Carefully pour off the cooking juices from the rhubarb into a saucepan. Bring to the boil and let bubble until reduced by about half and thickened. Pour back over the rhubarb and leave to cool.

4

To serve, put the rhubarb in bowls or plates and pour over the warm zabaglione, if you wish glaze under a pre heated grill, or use a blow torch if you’re feeling a bit cheffy.

▪ 300g-400g rhubarb, trimmed and washed ▪ 120g caster sugar

FOR THE ZABAGLIONE MARK HIX

▪ 4 medium egg yolks ▪ 5tbsp caster sugar ▪ A third of a vanilla pod, split and the seeds scraped out ▪ 120ml Kingston Black apple apéritif Serves 4

HIX Oyster and Fish House is Marks local restaurant that overlooks the harbour in Lyme Regis and boasts the most stunning panoramic views across the Jurassic coast – this is easily one of the most picturesque spots to enjoy British fish seafood. To book please call 01297 446 910.

62 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

FUNraiser for Bridport Food Fans FOLLOWING on from their popular preChristmas event, Bridport Epicureans invite all ‘Food & Drink Pleasure Seekers’ to join them for an afternoon of food, drink and fun.

They are hosting a February FUNraiser for on Sunday 5th February from 10am-3pm at the WI Hall, North St, Bridport, DT6 3JQ. It is an opportunity to catch up with some of your favourite traders from Bridport’s Sunday Food Market which is having a little rest over winter, with an exciting relaunch planned for Spring.

Wessex wines will be hosting a wine bar and wine tasting quiz, with beers, ciders, coffee and soft drinks also available.

Tasting platters will also be on offer, sourcing ingredients from the market traders to produce a range of delicious hot and cold meals.There will also be snacks, food demos, tastings, music and a kids area.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 63

Arts &Entertainment

Arboreal

James Crowden sees the ‘sparkle and shimmer’ of a collection of Woodland writings

Archie Parkhouse cutting trees Addisford, Dolton, Devon, 1974 by James Ravilious

64 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

J

“Just imagine a world without wood and woods”

ust imagine a world without wood and woods. Where would we be? Imagine a world without the texture of wood, the sight of grain, end on and elliptical. No bark, no spalt, no planks, no quarter sawn, no furniture, no tables, no chairs, no beams, no roof trusses, no windows, no floor boards, no wooden boats, no houses even. No woodpeckers hammering away, no wooden coffins. We would be stuffed to put it mildly.

The value of woods and woodland as a cultural and economic resource is immense. Yet all too often we take them for granted. We sail by in our motor vehicles, we take the dog for a walk in the woods. We picnic there, we hunt for butterflies, deer and fungi. We comment on the autumn colours. Yet rarely give a thought to the timber.

Forests, native, ancient hunted, pollarded or deliberately planted, all have an atmosphere of their own. Many forests aren’t even forests at all: take Dartmoor and Exmoor, hardly a tree in sight except for the odd ancient grove of sheep grazed oak. Yet they are all under Forest Law. Working in the woods month after month is hard work but also a great privilege. For 20 years, on and off, I worked in woods, starting on the edge of Cranborne Chase that straddles Dorset and Wiltshire. I learnt an enormous amount about the customs and ways of old woodlanders, the hurdle makers who learnt their craft before the war, before the tractor age when horses were king. Men like Cecil Coombs of Ashmore who often worked in a coppice called ‘heaven’, which in bluebell time was an apt description. But extracting timber and driving old blue Fordsons down steep slopes covered in a sea of bluebells has its own peculiar problems.

You can easily slide right down the hill with a full load pushing you on behind. Bluebells can be very dangerous at certain times of year. A pretty, dangerous job…

So it was a great pleasure when I was asked to review a new book of essays about woodland called Arboreal in memory of that great lover and observer of woodlands, the ecologist and natural historian Oliver Rackham. These essays, nearly forty in all, with a scattering of poems thrown in for good measure, all sparkle and shimmer in their own way.

There are some wonderful writers. Jay Griffiths for instance entrances us with her analysis of birdsong in a Welsh wood, an essay I have read several times and savoured long and hard as if listening to the birdsong itself. Other essays are by good friends such as Sue Clifford of ‘Old’ common ground who, back in the 1980s with Angela King, started a project called ‘Trees, Wood and Green Man’. Here Sue talks about Nottingham Forest in all its incarnations. Here also is Paul Evans with whom I made some radio 4 Landline programmes.

Paul meditates about woodlands and extols the virtue of an old oak tree whilst stuck on the 7.46 from Shrewsbury to Crewe. Then there is an essay by Philip Marsden, another favourite writer of mine, talking about a small remote tangled, oak wood running down to the Helford estuary. Then Robin Walter, one of the few writers who has actually worked in the woods, debates the dilemmas that all woodman face when they mark up trees for felling or thinning and this is in a steep ‘lookout’ wood near Shaftesbury called Kingsettle.

Helen Dunmore writes about Bristol docks and

The Dwelling 2, Puddletown Forest, Dorset, 2012

by Ellie Davies

the Avon Gorge and mentions all the varieties of white beam that live there and the birds gorging themselves on silence. Her writing brought back many memories. Back in the 1970s I knew the Docks and the Avon Gorge very well and worked as a boatman on the Bristol Packet. I often climbed under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and once fell fifty feet. Tree roots can sometimes be a matter of life and death. I also knew some of the old tramps who lived in Leigh woods like Reg who suffered from shellshock. Now his story would have been interesting. Arboreal in the true sense of the word— living in the woods.

Then there are other essays by excellent writers as diverse as Fiona Reynolds and Germaine Greer. Thrown into the clearings between essays are poems by Kathleen Jamie, Simon Armitage, Jackie Kay, Adam Thorpe, Richard Skelton as well as photographs by James Ravilious and Kathleen Basford, charcoal sketches by David Nash and historic images of Andy Goldsworthy constructing enigmatic sculptures for Hooke Park, near Beaminster.

This is a book with something for everybody with resonances which remind me very much of Roger Deakin and Wildwood. Well edited and chosen. A forest of its own words which will no doubt grow in importance as the years progress. As it happens the word book derives from Old English boc meaning a ‘writing tablet’ which derives from bece or bok meaning beech.

Yes—Arboreal—an excellent ‘bok’ but I would have liked one or two more essays from those that have actually worked in the woods: underwoodsmen, sparmakers, hurdlemakers, bodgers, shipwrights, gamekeepers and even poachers. But then very often those that have worked longest in woods, have very little to say: they have become part of the woods and merge into the undergrowth. They have become like the Green Man. You have to look out from the wood as well as looking in…

Arboreal, edited by Adrian Cooper, is published by Little Toller Books, Dorset £20 ISBN 978-1-908213-41-9

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 65

Museums&Galleries 9 February - 1 March

Coastline. An exhibition by Dorset and Devon artists who are responding to the iconic Jurassic Coast, at the Town Mill, Lyme Regis February 9 to March 1

1 February - 18 March

Until 5 February

Found in the Fields: Carry Akroyd Lithographs incorporating text from poems by 19th century poet John Clare. The Brewhouse, Taunton. www.carryackroyd. co.uk.

Three Devon amateur artists with a variety of painted subjects in oil, acrylics and watercolour are exhibiting for the very first time at the Axminster Arts Café.

Rose-Marie Davies, Stef Ariss-Barker and Sally Nowel draw their inspiration from the love of the Cornish painters’ landscapes, big cats, little cats, dogs and nature in general. Cards will be available as well as prints. Tea and coffee available at the cosy Arts Café. Axminster Arts Café, The Old Courthouse, Church Street, Axminster, Devon. EX13 5AQ. 01297 631455. Open Monday - Sunday: 9am – 3pm.

Woodroffe School Annual Exhibition This exhibition showcases the artistic talents of students from all years of Lyme Regis’s Woodroffe School. The Malthouse Gallery, The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU. 10.30am - 4.30pm. Free admission. www.townmillarts.co.uk.

3 – 5 February The Creative Mind Exhibition The exhibition, inspired by Re-Think Mental Health’s “Time to Talk” Day, explores the benefits of creativity for mental well-being and raise funds for Weymouth Samaritans, HUGS (Hughes Unit Group Support) and the Chapel in the Garden. Work on show is by local artists of all ages and include pottery, photography, video installation, poetry, painting and calligraphy. 10am - 4pm, The Chapel in the Garden, East Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JX. Free, but donations encouraged. Contact number: 01308 421720 www.facebook.com/bridportscreativemindexhibition/.

Printmakers Open After the success of last year’s event, The Town Mill is proud to host its second Printmakers Open.

This unique exhibition will showcase the best of West Country printmaking and feature work made using the full range of different print techniques. Allied to the exhibition will be a series of print workshops. The Malthouse Gallery, The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU. 10.30am - 4.30pm. Free admission. www. townmillarts.co.uk.

Coastline An exhibition by Dorset and Devon artists who are responding to the iconic Jurassic Coast, its people and local history, its geology and palaeontology, its colours, shapes and rhythms. The ever-changing light, frequent storms and busy beach and harbour life offer great opportunities for painters, sculptors, writers, illustrators and photographers alike to capture and share with us the essence of coastal living. The Courtyard Gallery, The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU. 10.30am - 4.30pm. Free admission. www.townmillarts.co.uk.

Until 11 February Modern & Contemporary Prints including work by Edward Ardizzone, Stephen Chambers, Prunella Clough, Eileen Cooper, Robyn Denny, Raoul Dufy, Mary Fedden, Patrick Heron, David Hockney, Matthew Hilton, John Hoyland, Albert Irvin, Andrzej Jackowski, David Jones, Tess Jaray, R.B. Kitaj, Fernand Leger, L.S. Lowry, Robert Medley RA, Ana Maria Pacheco, Brian Rice, Peter Sedgley, Graham Sutherland, Richard Smith, Julian Trevelyan, Italo Valenti, Robert Medley, Ana Maria Pacheco, Robyn Denny, Fernand Leger. The Art Stable, Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8HB,

LOOKING TO INCLUDE A GALLERY? To include your gallery in these listings, please send details to info@marshwoodvale.com before the 10th of the month.

Please check times with organisers or venues.

01258 863866, www.theartstable.co.uk.

It’s a Wonderful World West Country artists celebrate the beauty of the world we live in - through a glorious mix of mediums and styles. Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm. Saturday 9.30am 2.30pm. Free. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster.

TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

13 February - 25 February Schools Go Visual VI Dazzling display of artwork by students at 5 local schools.

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Saturday 9.30am - 2.30pm. Free. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

14 February - 25 March Susan Williams: Papers in the Attic. A reflection on transience, lives lived and an ‘unfixing of time’. Bridport Arts Centre.

01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com.

Until 24 February Loop Hole An art and science col-

laboration with the Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford.

Curated by Paul Finnegan. Library, Arts University Bournemouth, Wallisdown, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5HH. 01202 363272. www.aub.ac.uk/gallery.

Until 25 February From Life and Memory. A celebration of painting and sculpture on natural form and landscape.

The Brewhouse, Taunton. www. thebrewhouse.net.

Until 26 February ‘Radiance’ - Explorations of light’ by Daisy Cook, Luke Elwes, Michael Bennallack Hart, Stephen Jacobson, Alex Lowery and David West. Contemporary British landscape in its many forms from a stunning group of artists plus gifts and accessories by leading artist designers. Furniture by Petter Southall. Sladers Yard, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL 01308 459511. gallery@

sladersyard.co.uk, www.sladersyard.co.uk.

Shifting Ground - new exhibition at Hestercombe Gallery Stephen Smith, Hestercombe’s 2016 artist in residence, presents new work for the Shifting Ground exhibition the culmination of his six-month residency at Hestercombe Gallery. Predominantly working with painting, drawing, print and installation,

Stephen Smith’s work is bold, contemporary and quirky. His confident collaged mark making and use of bright colours makes his work instantly recognisable.

He describes his latest body of work as “exploring conspiracy theories, bit-rot, psycho-geography and post-traumatic landscapes leading to human’s interaction with and on the landscape.” In 2011 a visit to the exclusion zone of Chernobyl and the lost city of tomorrow Pripyat with Unknown Fields Division (Architectural Association, London) had a huge effect on his practice. This exhibition is heavily influenced by his time at Hestercombe. Hestercombe House, which was previously the headquarters for the Somerset Fire Brigade, was acquired by Hestercombe Gardens Trust in 2013 and is now home to a contemporary art gallery which showcases some of the best examples of art. For more information about Hestercombe www.hestercombe. com. Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton TA2 8LG. Phjne: 01823 413923.

27 February – 25 March Confluence Group exhibition by Somerset artists, featuring an inspirational selection of work across a wide range of mediums. Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm. Saturday 9.30am - 2.30pm.

Free. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org. uk.

Until 22 March Lucienne Day: Living Design A centenary celebration of the birth and design legacy of one of Britain’s most influential textile designers, Lucienne Day. Curated by Professor Emma Hunt and Dr. Paula Day. TheGallery, Arts University Bournemouth, Wallisdown, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5HH. 01202 363272. www.aub. ac.uk/gallery.

Until 1 April An Exhibition of Merrily Harpur’s Artwork Dorset County Museum is pleased to present an exhibition by Merrily Harpur, the well-known cartoonist

and illustrator, her work having appeared regularly in all the national broadsheets, and in books by Kingsley Amis, Miles Kington, Gerald Durrell, John Michell and others. She also found time to write the authoritative study of Britain’s mystery big cats – the panther- and puma-like creatures regularly spotted in our countryside, not least in Dorset. However she has always been a secret painter of landscapes, and upon moving to this county fell hopelessly in love with its beauties and surprises – the unexpected changes of angle and perspective that West Dorset offers with each half mile travelled. She now lives and paints in Cattistock, where in 2013 she inaugurated the Fox Festival, and wrote the libretto for Nick Morris’s acclaimed oratorio The Fox That Walked on Water. Merrily’s work is for sale during the exhibition, and free to come and view. Dorset County Museum, Dorset Natural History & Archaeological Society, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA. Telephone: 01305 756825 www.dorsetcountymuseum.org.

Museums

Please telephone for opening hours ALLHALLOWS MUSEUM

High Street, Honiton.

01404 44966. www.honitonmuseum.co.uk

AXMINSTER HERITAGE

Silver Street, Axminster.

01297 639884.

BEAMINSTER MUSEUM

Whitcombe Road, Beaminster.

01308 863623. www.beaminstermuseum. wordpress.com

BLANDFORD MUSEUM

www.chardmuseum.co.uk.

CHIDEOCK MUSEUM

Church of Our Lady, North Road, Chideock. 01308 488348. www.chideockmartyrschurch.org.uk

COLYTON HERITAGE CENTRE

Market Place, Colyton www.colytonheritagecentre.org

CREWKERNE & DISTRICT MUSEUM

The Heritage Centre, Market Square, Crewkerne. 01460 77079.

BereÕ s Yard, Blandford Forum. 01258 www.crewkernemuseum.co.uk 450388.

DORSET COUNTY www.blandfordtownmuseum.org High West Street, Dorchester.

01305 262735.

BRIDPORT MUSEUM South Street, Bridport. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org.

01308 422116.

EXMOUTH MUSEUM www.bridportmuseum.co.uk.

Sheppards Row, off Exeter Road, Exmouth. 07768 184127.

CASTLETON WATERWHEEL MUSEUM

Oborne Road, Sherborne. www.castletonwaterwheelmuseum. org.uk

CHARD MUSEUM

Godworthy House, High Street, Chard. 01460 65091.

FAIRLYNCH ARTS CENTRE AND MUSEUM

27 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton.

01395 442666.

GROVE PRISON MUSEUM

Governors Gardens, The Grove, Portland. 01305 715726.

68 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

ILCHESTER COMMUNITY MUSEUM High Street, Ilchester

(at the side of the Town Hall).

01935 841247.

LYME REGIS MUSEUM

Bridge Street, Lyme Regis.

01297 443370.

NOTHE FORT

Barrack Road, Weymouth. 01305 766626. www.fortressweymouth.co.uk.

PORTLAND MUSEUM

Sidmouth. 01395 516139.

THELMA HULBERT GALLERY, ELMFIELD HOUSE

Dowell Street, Honiton.

01404 45006.

THE MILITARY MUSEUM OF DEVON AND DORSET

The Keep, Bridport Road, Dorchester. 01305 264066. www.keepmilitarymuseum.org.

TOLPUDDLE MARTYRS MUSEUM

217 Wakeham Portland. 01305 821804.

Tolpuddle, nr Dorchester.

01305 848237.

ROYAL ALBERT MEMORIAL MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

3 Trinity Street, Weymouth. 01305 779711 or 812341.

Queen St, Exeter, EX4 3RX. 01392 665858.

SEATON MUSEUM

Top Floor, Seaton Town Hall, Fore Street, Seaton. 01297 21660.

SHERBORNE MUSEUM

Abbey gatehouse, Church Lane, Sherborne. 01935 812252. www.sherbornemuseum.co.uk.

SIDMOUTH MUSEUM

Hope Cottage, Church Street,

TUDOR HOUSE

www.weymouthcivicsociety.org.

WATER SUPPLY MUSEUM

Sutton Poyntz Pumping Station, Sutton Poyntz, Weymouth.

01305 832634 www.wessexwessex.co.uk.

WEYMOUTH MUSEUM

Brewers Quay Hope Square, Weymouth. 01305 457982 www.weymouthmuseum.org.uk

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 69

PERFORMANCE Monday 30 January BRISTOL, Old Vic, and various venues, Bristol Ferment, new writing and work in progress, to 2 Feb. Colston Hall, Lantern, Chatham County Line, Bluegrass and old time, 7.30.

The Tunnels, Darlingside, Americana.

Carpenter.

SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Captain Fantastic, Moviola film, 7.30.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Hits of Motown, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Johnny Cash Roadshow, 7.30.

Tuesday 31 January

Saturday 4 February

BRISTOL, The Tunnels, James McMurtry, Americana.

HONITON, The Beehive, ll Trovatore, live from the Royal Opera, with Dmitri Hvorostovsky, 7.15.

AXMINSTER, Axminster Inn, Dorset singer-songwriter Adam Sweet.

BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Gaz Brookfield, Bristol singer songwriter, 8.

BURTON BRADSTOCK, Village Hall, Townsend Productions in Dare Devil Rides to Jarama, 7.30. AR KINGKERSWELL, St Mary’s Church, Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston, The Watchmaker’s Wife, folk, 7.

SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Geoff Lakeman, (father of Seth, Sean and Sam), folk, 8.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Let’s Dance, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Barbara Dickson, 7.30.

Wednesday 1 February BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Comedy Cafe with Danny Ward, 8.

Electric Palace, Bridport Pantomime Players in Red Riding Hood, to Sat, 7.30, Thus mat 1.30, Sat mat 2pm.

EXETER, Northcott Theatre, Exeter University Gilbert & Sullivan Society in Ruddigore, to Sat 7.30, St mat 2.30.

SIDMOUTH, Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth Youth Theatre in Happy Days, new musical, to Sat, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Classical Concert Series, Sinfonia Classica, dir Hans-Peter Hofmann, Angela Hewitt, piano, Elgar, Haydn, 7.30

Thursday 2 February BATH, Theatre Royal, Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures, to Sat. EXETER, University Great Hall, BSO, cond Vassily Sinaisky, Imogen Cooper, piano, Mozart, Berlioz, Richard Strauss, 7.30.

HATHERLEIGH, Lower Pulworthy, Concerts in the West, Matthew Drinkwater, piano, Mozart, Brahms, Janacek, Beethoven, 7.30.

SALISBURY, Playhouse, Chris Chibnall’s Worst Wedding Ever, to 25 Feb.

Friday 3 February BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Concerts in the West, Matthew Drinkwater, piano, Mozart, Brahms, Janacek, 11am: Cardboard Citizens in Cathy, 7.30.

EXETER, Cygnet Theatre, Substance and Shadow in The Brexit Club, 7.

ILMINSTER, Arts Centre, Concerts in the West, Matthew Drinkwater, piano, Mozart, Brahms, Janacek, Beethoven, 8.

LITTON CHENEY, Village Hall, Harbour Voices, Songs of the Sea, 7.30. AR LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, James Reynolds, piano, original compositions, 8.

POOLE, Lighthouse, Mary Chapin

Sunday 5 February BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Swan Lake live by satellite from the Bolshoi, 3pm.

PORTLAND, Royal Manor Theatre, Village Hall, Harbour Voices, Songs of the Sea, 7.30. AR YEOVIL, Octagon, Yeovilton Military Wives Choir, 7.30.

Monday 6 February EXETER, Barnfield Theatre, Substance and Shadow in The Brexit Club, 7.30.

Tuesday 7 February PLYMOUTH, Theatre Royal, Drum Studio, Red Cape Theatre in Be Brave and Leave for the Unknown, to Sat.

Wednesday 8 February BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Woolf Works ballet, live by satellite from the Royal Opera House, 7.15.

YEOVIL, Octagon, So You Think You Know about Dinoasaurs with Ben Garrod, 6.30.

Thursday 9 February.

EXETER, Northcott Theatre, Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures, The Infernal Galop, Town and Country, Watch With Mother/Spitfire, to Sat 7.30, Sat mat 2.30.

HALSTOCK, Village Hall, Spitz and Co in Glorilla, 7.30. AR ILMINSTER, Warehouse, IES in three oneact comic plays, A Man of Letters, Purvis and Notta Lottery, to Sat, 7.30.

70 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Monmouth, Community play presentation, 6pm.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Jimeoin in Renonsense Man, comedy, 8.

Friday 10 February BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Tmesis Theatre in Happy Hour, 7.30: Jazz Cafe, Le Voyage a Paris, chansons, 8.

COLYFORD, Memorial Hall, Iain Thomson and Marc Duff, Scottish folk, 7.30, ViA HONITON, The Beehive, Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones, folk, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Ruby Wax, Frazzled, 7.30.

Saturday 11 February BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Southern Tenant Folk Union, 7.30.

Electric Palace, Life, Animated, documentary film, 7.

BRISTOL, Colston Hall, Shirley Collins.

DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Jo Harman, jazz and blues, 8.

DUNKESWELL, Village Hall, Iain Thomson and Marc Duff, Scottish folk, 7.30, ViA EXETER, Cathedral, Laura Rossi’s new work The Battle of the Somme (1916), Exeter Symphony Orchestra, 7.30.

Cygnet Theatre, Giles Shenton in Old Herbaceous, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Townsend in Dare Devil Rides to Jarama, 7.30.

SIDMOUTH, Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth Town Band, in aid of Lions Club charities, 7.45.

SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Tom Toomey and the Monfi Cats, folk roots, 8.

WEST STAFFORD, Village Hall, Spitz and Co in Glorilla, 7.30. AR WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Syd Lawrence Orchestra, 7.30.

WIMBORNE, Tivoli, The Colin Blunstone Band, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, The Story of Pride and Prejudice with Hayley Mills and Ashley Wass, piano, and Matthew Trusler, violin, 7.30.

Sunday 12 February DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Instant Sunshine, jazz and comedy, 8.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Sean Hughes, comedy, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Fisherman’s Friends, 7.30.

PERFORMANCE Monday 13 February BEAMINSTER, Public Rooms, Bridget Jones’s Baby, Moviola film, 7.30.

EVERSHOT, Village Hall, Angel Heart Theatre in Malina’s Dream, 4pm. AR

Tuesday 14 February BRISTOL, Hippodrome, Evita, to Sat. Old Vic, Miles Jupp, comedy, 8.

HONITON, The Beehive, Honiton Community Theatre in Aladdin, The Magical Family Pantomime, to Sat, 7.

YEOVIL, Octagon, The Chris and Pui Show, 11am and 2pm.

Wednesday 15 February DORCHESTER, County Museum, Dorchester Museum Series, The Bach Players, Pour le Souper du Roy, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, LR Pantomime Society in Robinson Crusoe, to Sat, 7.30 Sat mat 2.30.

WEYMOUTH, Library, AsOne in The Fisherman’s Daughter, 11am.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Ben Portsmouth, The King is Back, Elvis tribute, and Thurs, 7.30.

Thursday 16 February BATH, Bach Festival, various venues, to Saturday.

Assembly Rooms, Bach Fest, Academy of Ancient Music, dir/oboe Frank de Bruine, Bojan Cicic and Rebecca Livermore, violin, Alastair Ross, harpsichord, Bach, Vivaldi, Albinoni, Marcello, 7.30.

BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, St Joan, with Gemma Arterton, live by satellite from the Donmar, 7pm.

Library, AsOne in The Fisherman’s Daughter, 11am.

DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Hansel and Gretel workshop, 10am.

EXETER, Northcott Theatre, Sing-alongaRocky Horror Picture Show, film, 8.

University Great Hall, BSO, cond Karabits, Nemanja Radulovic, violin, Bartok, Barber, Lutoslawski, 7.30.

SHELDON, Village Hall, Opera Dudes in Licensed to Trill, tenors Tim Lole and Neil Allen sing music from Verdi to Elvis, 7.30.

ViA

Friday 17 February BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Fairport Convention 50th anniversary tour, 8.

DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, The Poetry of Plays, with Stephanie Dale and David Edgar, in aid of Dorchester Arts and Dorchester Community Play Assoc, 8.

Library, AsOne in The Fisherman’s

Daughter, 11am.

EXETER, Cygnet Theatre, Twelfth Night, set in 1916, 7.30.

SEATON, The Gateway, St Joan, live by satellite from the Donmar, 7pm.

SIDMOUTH, Manor Pavilion, Ballet Theatre UK, Giselle, and Sat 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Singalonga Rocky Horror Picture Show, 7.30.

Saturday 18 February BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Focus Group, play, 8.

CERNE ABBAS, Village Hall, Paddleboat Theatre in Margo and Mr Whatsit, 11am.

AR SIDMOUTH, Parish Church, Mishka Rushie Momen, piano, Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, Schumann, Schubert, 3pm.

SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Stephen Fearing, Canadian singer songwriter, 8.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Buddy Holly - a Legend Reborn, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, 7.30.

Sunday 19 February BATH, Chapel Arts, The Tannahill Weavers, 8.

DORCHESTER, Charlton Down, Herrison Hall, Morgan and West, Spiffing Magic Show for Kids, 4pm. AR YEOVIL, Octagon, Round the Horne, 50th Anniversary Tour, 7.30.

Monday 20 February BRISTOL, Hippodrome, The Commitments, to Sat, Wed/Sat mats.

Tuesday 21 February PLYMOUTH, Theatre Royal, Drum Studio, Breach Theatre in Tank, to Sat.

Wednesday 22 February BATH, Theatre Royal, Cheek by Jowl in The Winter’s Tale, to Sat, 7.30, Thurs/Sat mats 2.

DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Mike Denham Speakeasy with Enrico Tomasso, trumpet, jazz, 8.

Thursday 23 February EXETER, Cygnet Theatre, Denada Dance in Ham and Passion, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Slightly Fat Features Comedy, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Richard Alston Dance Co Triple Bill, 7.30.

Friday 24 February CREWKERNE, Henhayes Community Centre, Mumbo Jumbo, troubadours and raconteurs, blues with comedy, 7.45. TA DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, European Arts Company in Chekhov’s Shorts, 8.

HONITON, Beehive, Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston, The Watchmaker’s Wife, folk, 8.

ILMINSTER, Arts Centre, Dave Betts Latin Quartet, jazz, 8.

LUSTLEIGH, Village Hall, Panta Rei Danseteater in Lullabye, 7.30. ViA SHIPTON GORGE, Village Hall, Pip Utton, Playing Maggie – _The Iron Lady, 7.30. AR WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, I’m Still Standing – the Elton John Songbook, 7.30.

Saturday 25 February BRIANTSPUDDLE, Village Hall, Pip Utton, Playing Maggie - _The Iron Lady, 7.30. AR BROADMAYNE, Village Hall, The Ridgeway Singers and Band, Linden Lea and a Barnes supper, 7pm. AR ILMINSTER, Warehouse, Nzingabeth or When Ana met Virginia, 7.30.

Arts Centre, Students of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, arias and ensembles from opera, operetta and Gilbert and Sullivan, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, La Volta, with Kate Westbrook and Sarah Owen, Berio, Weill, Vaughan Williams and Walton’s Facade, 8.

SEATON, The Gateway, The Fliss Gorst Band, swing and jive, 7.30.

SIDMOUTH, Manor Pavilion, Variety by the Sea, comedy cabaret, 7.30.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, A Royal British Legion Musical Extravaganza, 7pm.

DORCHESTER, United Church, Dorchester Choral Society, Come and Sing Bach St Matthew Passion, 11am onwards.

Sunday 26 February DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Jenny Eclair, How to be a Middle-Aged Woman (Without Going Insane), comedy, 8.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, European Arts Company in Chekov’s Shorts, 7.

SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Steve Knightley 7.30.

Monday 27 February EXETER, Northcott Theatre, Roald Dahl’s The Twits, to Sat, various times.

PLYMOUTH, Theatre Royal, Lyric, Room on the Broom, to 1 March.

Pavilions, Kaiser Chiefs.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 71

PREVIEW On Stage - In and Around the Vale A Feast of Barnes BROADMAYNE LINDEN Lea, famously set to music by Vaughan Williams, was actually a dialect poem by William Barnes and will be a highlight of an Artsreach event at Broadmayne village hall on Saturday 25th February.

Linden Lea and a Barnes Supper will be a feast of Dorset fare to celebrate Barnes’s birthday. The Ridgeway Singers and Band will perform a two-part arrangement of Linden Lea. William Barnes relished the country dances, folksongs and carols of Dorset, and often wrote about community celebrations, where music was a key part of the proceedings.

Alongside a supper of Dorset food including watercress soup, Blue Vinny cheese and apple cake, the Ridgeway Singers and Band will perform traditional songs collected across the county by the Hammond brothers, play dance tunes from the repertoire of Blackmore Vale fiddler Benjamin Rose, and perform some of the poems that keep alive the rich dialect of Dorset.

Booking is essential for the Barnes evening which begins at 7pm. Book on 01305 854205. For more information visit www. artsreach.co.uk

New Community Project LYME REGIS ONE of the West Country’s most (in)famous historical stories is the ill-fated Monmouth Rebellion and the subsequent brutal legal processess—known as the Bloody Assizes— against the rebels, led by the notorious “Hanging”: Judge Jeffreys.

The Monmouth Rebellion began with a landing on what is now called Monmouth

Beach at Lyme Regis and this summer, the town’s Marine Theatre will be staging a major community open-air drama to tell the story.

The new project follows the huge success of last year’s Tempest of Lyme, and the Marine Theatre team, led by artistic director Clemmie Reynolds, were keen to build on that success: “We really can’t wait to do it all over again, bigger and better! We hope to see the same faces as before and look forward to welcoming new ones!”

The play, Monmouth: The West Country Rebellion, has been commissioned by the Marine Theatre from the theatre’s patron Andrew Rattenbury, who was involved in the development of the Tempest Of Lyme, which linked Shakespeare’s play with Lyme’s historic connections with the island of Bermuda.

The new play, which will be staged in July, is a re-telling of the real historical events of the Monmouth Rebellion which began at Lyme Regis in 1685.

Clemmie is hoping that local people of all ages and abilities will get involved in all aspects of the production including acting, music, backstage, set design, costumes, props and fundraising.

If you would like to take part, email Becky, Clemmie’s assistant, officeassistant@ marinetheatre.com to register your interest.

Casting workshops will take place during January and the rehearsals will run on Tuesday evenings and some weekends from April to July. The show will take place during the last three weekends of July on Thursdays through to Sundays.

If you would like to help with the fundraising, Clemmie is asking supporters to vote before the end of February

for Monmouth to receive a Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund of £300.

There is an event at the Marine on Thursday 9th February, from 6pm. Chris Copson, curator of the Keep Military Museum will talk about the Monmouth Rebellion and the journey to Sedgemoor and there will be a reading of the play by Andrew Rattenbury.

Instant Sunshine DORCHESTER IF there’s one thing we all need in February it’s a bit of sunshine, and it doesn’t come brighter than the trio of musical humorists who call themselves Instant Sunshine, making a welcome return to Dorchester on Sunday 12th February.

The 2.30pm matinee show at the Corn Exchange follows their side-splitting performance at Dorcheseter Arts’ 2015 Summer Sunday fundraiser, Instant Sunshine return by popular demand!

After an unexpected but successful debut while they were all medical students at St Thomas’s Hospital, 50 years ago, in 1967, the three founder members—Peter Christie, David Barlow and Alan Maryon Davis—and still going strong.

Peter pens the music and lyrics and also plays the guitar, trumpet and ukulele. David is the lead guitarist and doubles on mouth organ and spoons. Alan is the group’s percussionist and rubber face.

Red Riding Hood BRIDPORT BRIDPORT Pantomime Players will bring the wildwood into the town’s Electric Palace for this year’s pantomime, Red

The Iron Lady turns back to Dorset SOLO performer par excellence Pip Utton turns his extraordinary talents to Mrs Thatcher in his new show, coming back to Dorset for two Artsreach dates at Shipton Gorge village hall on Friday 24th February and Briantspuddle on Saturday 25th.

The play, Playing Maggie... The Iron Lady, has already had two Dorset outings at which audiences were totally bowled over by the skill and emotional power of the Frome-based actor’s performance.

Before your very eyes, Pip becomes Maggie. It starts with that voice and it becomes the whole person, helped by the signature hair-do, the pearls and the blue suit, but it is the whole person who seizes the packed village hall and draws them in.

This is a show like no other, even for an actor whose other characters include Francis Bacon, Charlie Chaplin and Adolf Hitler. Love her or hate her, still curse her memory or mourn her passing, Maggie Thatcher was a remarkable politician, and this is your chance to ask her all the questions you never got to put to her when she was alive.

During the evening, Pip, an Edinburgh Fringe veteran, explores how to portray a politician who helped to change history but divided the nation and answers the audience’s questions on everything from Trump’s hair do (she could recommend a better hairdresser) to the European single market (some of the topics at West Stafford).

And then there is the question of the miners’ strike ... Unmissable.

72 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

Riding Hood, on from Wednesday 1st to Saturday 4th February.

The village of Sunnymead is a happy place where everyone sings and dances, watched over by the good fairy Bluebell.

Preparations are under way for Red Riding Hood’s birthday party but the Big Bad Wolf is hungry and determined to upset everyone. He tricks the local policemen into capturing a Weather Fairy and makes her change the weather to ruin the celebrations.

Luckily, Sam the woodcutter is on hand to help protect everyone. He is especially concerned when Red Riding Hood gets lost in the foggy forest on the way to Grandma’s cottage.

Performances are at 7.30pm, with matinees at 1.30 on Thursday and 2pm on Saturday.

Black Humour TOURING ANTON Chekhov wrote a series of wonderful one-act black comedies which are coming to the stage of four Dorset arts centres in February.

European Arts Company brings Chekhov’s Shorts, including The Evils of Tobacco, The Dimwit, The Bear, Swan Song and The Proposal, to Poole’s Lighthouse on 23rd February, Dorchester Arts at the Corn Exchange on 24th, Bridport Arts Centre on 25th and Lyme Regis Marine Theatre on 26th.

Originally performed in Russian vaudeville theatres, these bittersweet plays are Chekhov at his comic best—before the great quartet of full-length plays on which his international reputation is based, The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, The Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard.

violinist Jonathan Davies and has performed at leading classical music venues including St Martin in the Fields and St John Smith’s Square, at festivals and at the University of Valladolid Opera School in Spain, where he works as a repetiteur.

Concerts in the West’s founder and director Catherine Maddocks (formerly Hodgson) says: “This is our 12th concert tour series and we are going just as strong as when we first started. Our performers offer an opportunity for people in the West Country to sample the sort of music you would normally only be able to hear at venues such as the Wigmore Hall.”

Daredevil Riding to BURTON BRADSTOCK EIGHTY years ago, a former speedway star and a poet-philosopher were both killed at Jarama, fighting for the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil war.

Discover their stories in Townsend Productions’s new play which Artsreach brings to Burton Bradstock on Saturday 4th February and is also at the Marine Theatre at Lyme Regis on Saturday 25th.

Dare Devil Rides To Jarama looks at the powerful political and economic forces that engulfed 1930s Europe, and explores why so

many ordinary people made the extraordinary choice to leave family and livelihoods and fight in a brutal war so far from home.

Compelling and humorous, the play contrasts the lives of Clem Beckett, a Lancashire blacksmith and famous star of the speedway track, and Christopher Caudwell, a renowned writer, poet and philosopher.

Both men were killed together at Jarama in February 1937, having become friends as members of the British Battalion’s machinegun company. Through stirring song, poetry and compelling movement and dance, the raw passions and emotions of the time are captured. The musical director is folk singer and squeezebox player John Kirkpatrick.

When Gloria met the Gorilla HALSTOCK ANGLO-French theatre and comedy duo Spitz & Co are back on the Artsreach circuit with a show coming to Halstock village hall on Thursday 9th February and West Stafford village hall on Saturday 11th.

In this new show, Glorilla, French actress Gloria Delaneuf, who communicates with animals, shares her life-changing experience with the gorillas of the Kungalunga jungle.

GPW

Concerts in the West TOURING THE new series of Concerts in the West begins with pianist Matthew Drinkwater at Lower Pulworthy, Hatherleigh, on Thursday 2nd February, a coffee concert at Bridport Arts Centre on Friday 3rd, and a recital at Ilminster Arts Centre that evening.

Winner of the Chappell Medal, the Royal College of Music’s most sought after piano prize, Matthew is a passionate supporter of 18th and 19th century music for piano, especially the works of Haydn, Beethoven, Schumann, Schubert and Brahms. The Concerts in the West programme is Mozart’s Sonata in B flat major, Brahms’ Six Piano Pieces, Janacek’s Sonata I:X:1905 and (not Bridport) Beethoven’s Variations and Fugue in E flat major Op.35, ‘Eroica’.

He plays with the Poznansky Trio and with Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 73

On Screen - In and Around the Vale

Tuesday 7 February Loreak/Flowers (15) by Jon Garano & Jose Mari Goenaga, Spain, 2014, 99mins, Basque with English subtitles. Bridport Film Society, info@bridportfilmsociety.co.uk, www.bridportfilmsociety.co.uk. Screening at Bridport Arts Centre. Season membership available. Guest seats (£5, students £2) must be booked in advance by prior to midday on the day of the screening. Be at the venue by 7.30pm to claim guest tickets. Doors and bar opens at 7pm, screening at 7.45pm.

Wednesday 8 Feburary

Monday 30 January Brooklyn Cinema afternoon in Axminster.

This film tells the story of a young Irish woman’s immigration to Brooklyn. The Bradshaw Meeting Room at The Axminster Heritage Centre, Silver Street. Doors open at 1.30pm for a 2pm start and tickets at just £4 can be booked in advance on 01404 831207.

Wednesday 1 February Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) Moviola screening at Kilmington Village Hall, doors and bar open 6.45pm with the show starting at 7.15 pm. Tickets £5 in advance or £5.50 at the door. See village web for alternative pre-booking & film information: http:// www.kilmingtonvillage.com/moviola.html or Tel: 01297 32335.

Thursday 2 February Sarah’s Key (2010, French, 12A 111 mins) English & Subtitles showing at Clapton & Wayford Village Hall, doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm start. Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a tenyear old girl, is taken with her parents by the French police as they go door-to-door arresting Jewish families in the middle of the night. Desperate to protect her younger brother, Sarah locks him in a bedroom cupboard – their secret hiding place – and promises to come back for him as soon as they are released. Sixty-seven years later: Sarah’s story intertwines with that of Julia Jarmond, an American journalist investigating the roundup. In her research, Julia stumbles onto a trail of secrets that link

her to Sarah, and to questions about her own romantic future. Pre-booked guest tickets are £4 per film. For more information, or to pre-book, please email mickpwilson53@ btinternet.comnet or ring Mick Wilson on 01460 74849 or Di Crawley on 01460 30508. Clapton & Wayford Film Society.

Friday 3 February Captain Fantastic at 8pm. Presented by Petherton Picture Show, starring: Vigo Mortensen. Tickets: £5. No Concessions.

The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www. thedavidhall.org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk.

One Night with Blue Note Feature length film of the 1985 concert featuring more than 30 of the world’s most revered jazz musicians. Licensed Bar. The Gateway, Seaton. Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (Open Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat 10am – 1pm).

Saturday 4 February A United Kingdom (12A) 7.30pm Tickets: Adult £6.50, U16 £5.50, Family £20 (2 Adults+2 U16s) or (1 Adult+3 U16s). Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana causes an international stir when he marries a white woman from London in the late 1940s. The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

74 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

Double bill of animated classic films showing at the Evergreens Cinema. Double bill of Walt Disney’s enchanting ‘The Aristocats’ and the Wallace and Gromit favourite ‘A Grand Day Out’. Cinema lights dim at 1.45pm, tea and biscuits served during the showing for just £1.50, ice creams are also available. Everyone is welcome to come along to Age UK Dorchester’s centre in Prince of Wales Road, a great afternoon of animated fun on the big screen entertainment.

For further information please contact Lucy or Carol on 01305 269444.

Friday 10 February The BFG (PG) CineChard at The Guildhall, Chard at 7pm (please note family-friendly start time). Following the huge success of the first children’s film in November, it is recommended you get your tickets in advance from Eleos, Barron’s and the Post Office for £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

Tangerines Estonia/Georgia: 2013:15: 87mins: S/T. An Estonian immigrant farmer (his crop the tangerines of the title) gives shelter to two wounded soldiers from opposing sides in the brutal separatist conflict that embroiled post-Soviet Georgia in 1992.

Filmcrew - The Crewkerne and District Community Cinema, Wadham School, Mount Pleasant, Crewkerne TA18 7NT. Admission begins and refreshments from 7pm; films start at 7.30pm. www.crekernefilm. wordpress.com. Admission for the year £25. Membership call Joan Clemow 01935 822656 or otherwise Rick Canning 01460 271215.

Saturday 11 February Life, Animated (PG) (2016) 89 mins Bridport Electric Palace. Doors 6pm / starts 7pm. £4 on the door. Advance tickets www.

electricpalace.org.uk/films. This poignant documentary is about a boy with autism who learned how to understand the world and communicate with it through Disney characters. Roger Ross William’s (God Loves Uganda) remarkable new documentary has won awards and acclaim at festivals across the US. A representative from Autism Wessex will be at this film.

Bridget Jones’s Baby (15) Hinton St. George presented by ‘Flix in the Stix’ in the Hinton Village Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from the Village Shop and Dorothy’s Tea Room, or £5.50p on the door. To reserve Tickets please contact Bob Kefford on 01460 72563.

Sully (12A) 7.30pm Tickets: Adult £6.50, U16 £5.50, Family £20 (2 Adults+2 U16s) or (1 Adult+3 U16s) The untold story behind the miracle on the Hudson. Directed

by Clint Eastwood. Stars Tom Hanks. The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Monday 13 February Bridget Jones’s Baby Presented by Moviola in the Beaminster Public Hall 7.30pm (doors open 7pm). Tickets at Yarn Barton 01308 862715. Weekdays 9.30am - 12.30pm & Saturdays 9.30am - 1pm.

Or ring Elaine on 01308 861746 £5 (in advance) £5.50 (on door).

Friday 17 February Bridget Jones’s Baby (Cert 15) shown by T & F Movies starring Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth, in Tatworth Memorial Hall, at 8pm. The doors open at 7.15pm and there is the usual bar and raffle. The entry charge is £4.

Bridget Jones’s Baby at 8pm. Presented

by Petherton Picture Show. Starring: Renee Zellweger, Gemma Jones, Jim Broadbent.

Tickets: £5. No Concessions. The David Hall Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA, www.thedavidhall. org.uk, 01460 240 340 or boxoffice@ thedavidhall.org.uk.

Saturday 18 February Room (15) by Lenny Abrahamson, USA 2015, 118mins. A young woman (Brie Larson) has been kidnapped and imprisoned for years by a psychotic abuser and she and her young son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) are forced to live in a tiny locked room. Film starts at 7.45pm,

doors open at 7.15pm. the cinema at the warehouse, Ilminster. For t&c and more information please see www. cinemaatthewarehouse.co.uk.

La La Land (12A) (2016) 128 mins Bridport Electric Palace. Doors 6.30pm / starts 7.30pm. £4 on the door. Advance tickets www.electricpalace.org.uk/films.

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone give terrific performances in Whiplash director Damien Chazelle’s beguiling musical romance.

Bridget Jones’ Baby Film picnic evening at The Gateway, Seaton. Doors open 6.30pm – bring your own food to enjoy before start or just come for the film.

Licensed Bar. Tickets £5 from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (Open Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am – 1pm).

Tuesday 21 February I, Claude Monet: Exhibition on Screen This striking film from award-winning director Phil Grabsky takes a new look at arguably the world’s favourite artist – through his own words. The Gateway, Seaton. Licensed Bar and refreshments.

Doors open 1.30pm. Tickets £10 from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (Open Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am – 1pm).

The Dance of Reality (18) by Alejandro Jodorowsky, Chile/France, 2014, 131mins, Spanish with English subtitles. Some nudity and scenes of disgusting nature & torture. An adaptation of this 80-yearold director’s quasi-autobiographical novel. Bridport Film Society, info@ bridportfilmsociety.co.uk, www. bridportfilmsociety.co.uk. Screening at Bridport Arts Centre. Season membership available. Guest seats (£5, students £2) must be booked in advance by prior to midday on the day of the screening. Be at the venue by 7.30pm to claim guest tickets.

Doors and bar opens at 7pm, screening at 7.45pm.

Thursday 23 February Classic Film Matinee at The Gateway, Seaton. Please call for details of film.

Refreshments. Doors open 1.30pm. Tickets £4 from Box Office, in person or by phone 01297 625699 (Open Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat 10am-1pm).

Friday 24 February Nostalgic Cinema: Broadway Melody of 1940 (U) 2pm Tickets: £3.50 includes tea

and biscuits. Dementia friendly screening.

In this film Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell dance the single greatest tap routine ever put on film in the stunning, “Begin the Beguine.” The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www.beehivehoniton. co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Saturday 25 February I, Daniel Blake 7pm for 7.30pm Martock Film Club, directed by Ken Loach and which won the Palme d’Or at the 2016 Cannes Film, Festival. Starring Dave Johns and Hayley Squires, At Martock Parish Hall, Church Street. £5 in advance, £5.50 at door. 01935 826457. Drinks and Snack bar.

Manchester By The Sea (15) 7.30pm Tickets: Adult £6.50, U16 £5.50. The life of a solitary Boston janitor is transformed when he returns to his hometown to take care of his teenage nephew. Written/ Directed by Kenneth Lonergan. The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Monday 27 February Brooklyn (2015, 12A). ‘Movies at the Museum’, Axminster Heritage Centre.

Film starts at 2pm, doors open at 1.30pm.

Tickets £4 plus refreshments, advance booking on 01404 831207.

Tuesday 28 February The Royal Ballet Live: The Sleeping Beauty 7pm. Tickets: Adult £15, Student/ Child £12, Family of four (2+2) £46. Live screening from The Royal Opera House. A perennial delight and a much-loved classic, ‘The Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty’ combines the best of classical ballet, with all its charms and virtuosity, splendid music and talented dancers. The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LZ www. beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Wednesday 1st March I Daniel Blake (15) Moviola screening at Kilmington Village Hall, doors and bar open 6.45pm with the show starting at 7.15 pm. Tickets £5 in advance or £5.50 at the door. See village web for alternative prebooking & film information: http://www. kilmingtonvillage.com/moviola.html or Tel: 01297 32335.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 75

Health&Beauty Exhibition supports mental wellbeing AN exhibition in Bridport hopes to highlight mental wellbeing and raise money for local charities.

The Creative Mind Exhibition, inspired by Re-Think Mental Health’s “Time to Talk” Day, will explore the benefits of creativity for mental wellbeing and raise funds for Weymouth Samaritans, HUGS (Hughes Unit Group Support) and Bridport’s Chapel in the Garden.

The work on show will be by local artists of all ages and will include a range of

76 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

disciplines including pottery, photography, video installation, poetry, painting and calligraphy.

The exhibition, at The Chapel in the Garden, East Street, Bridport, Dorset

DT6 3JX will be open from 10am - 4pm, Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th February 2017.

Entry is free but donations are encouraged.

For more information telephone 01308 421720.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 77

Yeovil Hospital seeks children to help with national flu study

Y

eovil Hospital is looking for children with flu-like illness, who may be at greater risk of developing further complications from flu, to take part in the study that could change the way we use antibiotics.

For most children, flu is a mild and relatively short illness. However, for those with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and cerebral palsy, as well as some children who were born prematurely, flu may lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia and ear infections.

The ARCHIE study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research and led by researchers at the University of Oxford, is working with a selection of GP surgeries and hospitals across England to see whether early antibiotic treatment may prevent these children from developing further complications from flu.

Leading this research work at Yeovil Hospital is Paediatric Registrar Dr Camelia Vaina. She said: “The research department at Yeovil Hospital is extremely active and ARCHIE is just one of the many studies we

are currently involved in. It’s a really exciting study which could have a very positive impact on the way in which we use antibiotics effectively.

“One of the challenges we face is that nasal spray flu vaccine for children has proven to be very successful, meaning we are very limited on the number of children coming into hospital with flu-like symptoms, which is obviously great news. However, this does mean that we are still very much on the lookout for parents and children who might be interested in joining our study.

“The flu virus seems to particularly predispose children to bacterial infections, which may make children with flu-like illness even more unwell. We therefore want to find out whether targeting antibiotics specifically at children who we already know are more susceptible to bacterial infections can help prevent further complications and speed up recovery times.”

Current research has found that children with neurological conditions and diabetes are at greater risk of developing flu-related complications and children born prematurely

78 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

are more likely to need to be admitted to hospital as a result of flu-like symptoms than those born at full term.

The hope of the study is that, if early antibiotic treatment is found to be effective in these children, this will help guide more accurate targeting of antibiotics in the community, and help minimise the development of antibiotic resistance due to unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

The researcher teams at Yeovil Hospital and Taunton’s Musgrove Hospital are calling on parents and children interested in taking part in their study to visit within the first five days of their child developing flu-like symptoms. Children will be tested to see whether they have the influenza virus and given a five-day course of study medication. Children may also have further optional tests to look at whether using antibiotics in this way may have implications for their effectiveness in treating future infections.

If you would like to discuss whether your child may be eligible please call the research team in Yeovil on 01935 384 297.

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Call 01297678588 or 07516433595.

Feb 17

Logs well-seasoned ash, beech, oak delivered.

01308 458339

Feb 17

PROOFREADING Proofreading, editing, transcription, secretarial for writers and businesses.

Excellent references.

Penny Dunscombe 07825339289.

Becky Groves, photograph and words by Catherine Taylor

BECKY GROVES

Feb 17

PEST CONTROL

ELECTRICAL

Mole pest control. Traps not poison. Robin Gundry 07802 800124 / 01404 881555

Apr 17

GARDEN HELP Mandy Cave garden maintenance. If you need help please ring 01460 221319. MJ. 07855 250382 mandy_cave@btinternet. com Feb 17

COUNSELLING Talk to Ellie…

Counselling, Walk & Talk, Decluttering. For a clearer head, home and life…Talk to Ellie. ½ hour FREE consultation. 07833 150570. Talktoellie8@ gmail.com

SHEDS Ex-display sheds, stables, fieldshelters, garages, summer houses, offices, agricultural etc. 01935 891195

BUILD

Green fingers seem to run in the family, as Becky Groves, who runs Little Groves in Beaminster can ascertain. One of three, her older brother Charlie manages Groves (aka Big Groves) in Bridport and her younger brother, Chris is a Garden Designer who works for the National Trust. And although Becky has her feet planted firmly in Dorset soil, growing up and going to school in Bridport, she hasn’t always lived here.

For 10 years Becky lived in Wales. She completed a Degree in Ecology in Bangor, North Wales and then did a Masters in Countryside Management.

She became Conwy’s BioDiversity officer and also worked for Snowdonia National Park as an Ecological Consultant. However, the opportunity to open Little Groves arose, so following a long-planned extended holiday to the Galapagos Islands, Becky hit the ground running, with only two weeks to set up before opening the gates to the public.

Little Groves is a delight to walk round. The beds are themed into Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring, with a dedicated scent section for the different times of year. There is also the cottage garden, shade, wildlife, rose and edible sections. Becky specialises in herbs and aromatic plants. Growing all the vegetables and herbs on site she can ensure minimal amounts of chemicals are used. Also labelled for easy picking, there are herbs for chicken, fish, salads and red meat, spicy herbs, herbs for tea and even herbs for cocktails.

In addition to Little Groves, Becky is also Nursery Manager at Big Groves, spending time each week with her team there. With management also comes spreadsheets, so when she gets home Becky is still keen to get stuck into her garden. She grows lots of vegetables and uses a large herb bed just outside the kitchen when cooking for her family; husband Lee and daughter Mia, who is nearly two.

Feb 17

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 79

FOR SALE FREE ADS for items under £1,000 Classified advertising in The Marshwood Vale Magazine is normally 65 pence+VAT per word in a box. This FREE ADS FORM is for articles for sale, where the sale price is under £1000 (Private advertisers only — no trade, motor, animals, firearms etc). Just fill in the form and send it to the Marshwood Vale Magazine, Lower Atrim, Bridport, Dorset DT6 5PX. or email to info@marshwoodvale.com. (Please do not send in capital letters).

Unfortunately due to space constraints there is no guarantee of insertion of free advertising.

We reserve the right to withhold advertisements.

FOR GUARANTEED CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE USE ‘CLASSIFIED ADS’ FORM

Name.....................................................Telephone number .................................

Address.................................................................................................................

Town.................................. County.................... Postcode ..................................

Monthly Quiz –

February 2017. Tel 01460 221863.

Antique Victorian Chest of Drawers in Mahogany. Five Drawers. 42 inches high and 40 inches wide. Nice peice 15kg Calor butane gas and good condition. Buyer cylinder unused. Worth collects. £120. Tel 01308 £36 accept £22 01308 898374.

488193 3-seater leather sofa, dark brown, part-worn but very Leather sofa 2 seater good condition. £150. Buyer dark brown, traditional, collects. Tel: 01297 35081 excellent condition. £350 Pembroke table, mahogany, ono 07871 175071 early 1900’s. Takes up little space. Leaves up 30”x7”, John Lewis wing back leaves down 30”x34”. £40. chair. Good condition £65 01404 42512 ono 01297 599298 Unwanted Christmas present with label on Chad Valley red children’s Womans burgundy fluffy table, 20” high and 17” cardigan size 10 £ 7.00. square plus matching red 01308427478. chair, £10. Two further Lyme Regis a Retrospect children’s plastic chairs, 1922 1st edition complete one blue and one orange, with all maps and plates. £2.50 each. Telephone 01305 Very clean inside £48-00 012 786576.

97442627 Pilot headset Avcom TA200 DVD recorder as new condition with carry LG-DRT389H Freeview bag £80.00 01297442627 hdmi twin scart usb Bosch, Exxcel Express upscale HD manual remote dishwasher. 12 place setting. & cables included £75-00.

White. Excellent condition.

01297 442627 £50. Available from 13 Parker Knoll slim, winged recliner (No PK1102) £50 - Telephone 01935 873943

Win a book from Little Toller Books

Send in your answer on a postcard, along with your name and address to: Hargreaves Quiz, Marshwood Vale Magazine, Lower Atrim, Bridport, Dorset DT6 5PX. Study the clues contained in the rhyme and look carefully at the signposts to work out which town or village in South Somerset, West Dorset or East Devon is indicated. The first correct answer drawn out of a hat will win a book from local publisher Little Toller Books.

There is no cash equivalent and no correspondence will be entered into.

Last month’s answer was Street. The winner was Angela Turner from Charmouth.

80 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

SURFACE PREPARATION

ANNEXE TO LET

WORKSHOP TO LET

Alberny Restoration In-house blast cleaning for home and garden furniture, doors and gates.

Agricultural/construction machinery and tooling.

Vehicles, parts and trailers etc. 01460 73038, email allan@alberny.co.uk, FB Alberny Sandblasting

Small rural detached furnished annexe offered in exchange for some help house/garden. Suit country person. Buckland St Mary, Chard 01460 234461

Workshop to let in Bridport. Shared use of large established woodworkshop available to rent with 3 phase machinery.

Would suit self employed Carpenter/Joiner. ÂŁ200pcm 07971 692529

CHIMNEY SWEEP

HOLIDAY RENTAL Champagne /Burgendy border 3 bed village house and adjacent 2 bed Gite.

Details: jill.rayment@ yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01460 30348

SITUATIONS VACANT Courier/ Driver - Do you drive to London to deliver goods on a weekly basis?

We are looking for a driver to take fresh produce to London each week.

Please contact Lindsay on 07747768005 if interested.

To advertise on these pages telephone 01308 423031

SITUATIONS WANTED Friendly experienced carer (NVQ3) available for evenings, nights, sleep-ins DBS, references, Bridport Agnieska 0789 4657471 Mature lady with limited physical ability would like to help you with light duties; form filling, letter writing and phone calls etc. Good organiser and motivator.

Also emotional support/ company. Excellent references. Please call 07908 416161 for a no obligation informal chat about your needs. ÂŁ5.50 hr.

Fuel expenses over 6 mile radius of Beaminster.

AERIALS

CHIMNEY SWEEP

SAXOPHONE Play the saxophone Advice on instruments.

Progressive tuition from an experienced musician. Age no barrier 07879 615159 Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 81

FOR SALE

WANTED Pierre Balmain mens suit, made in Israel, the trousers are 34inch waist and 33 half leg, the bottom of the trousers are already turned Secondhand tools up and are worn out, so you wanted. All trades. Users will need a tailor to redo them for you, the jacket is & Antiques. G & E C size 42inches, in very good Dawson. 01297 23826. condition, £55.00 ono, please www.secondhandtools.

Box clever. Wanted by call 01308 458794 after 5pm. co.uk. collector and restorer. Old Mitsubishi car bumper wooden boxes, trunks, 2013, slight damage & chests, coffers, writing markings, buyer to collect Vintage & antique boxes, games boxes, £100.00 ono, 01308 458794 textiles, linens, costume jewellery boxes. Any Black laptop bag, hardly buttons etc. always sought inlaid boxes or caddies. used, 17 inch, £10 call 01308

by Caroline Bushell. Tel. Any condition considered. 458794 after 5pm.

01404 45901.

Please phone 01297 Safe - Smith & Locke 16L 553399. Top cash paid for Electronic Safe. 3-8 Digit Jan 17 right items.

Code. Brand new unopened Records wanted by in original packaging. enthusiastic collector.

Unwanted Christmas Gift.

Cream coloured Best prices. Please £35. Tel: 01404 549503 Ekorness chair: telephone 01305 266174.

2 Desiqual dresses, size M/L Telephone 01935 873943 Apr 17 £30 each Wool lined 3/4 lengths raincoat, Danish Design, FOR SALE very smart £15 Exclusive Airband radio receiver new never worn, no box.

Hermes 3/4 lengths very soft Maycom AR108 boxed Men’s grey jacket, chest size black leather with beige trim in very good condition 40, very good condition, £30 Peruvian connection with manual. £28-00 £10.00 ono, call 01308 cotton/linen long waistcoat 01297442627 458794 after 5pm. size M £25 01395 576818 Silverline 10-drawer Dennis vintage lawn mower, Triple section ladder silver metal cabinet, W11, call if interested further Youngman’s Trade ladder 3 D16, H24 ins. Ideal for 01308 458794 after 5pm.

X 4.2 m. sections. Extends to storing stationery and Jimmy Choo Ladies Boots 10.6 m. 150 kg load capacity.

A4 documents. Excellent they are size 4l and half Used. £100 Buyer collects. condition. £25.00. 01297 shiny high black, very good Phone 01308 488088 480898. condition, as new with Sheep creep feeder 4ft.

Ladies dresses, size 14, boot bag, genuine make covered only used a couple 2 in beige & 1 Red, all only worn couple of times of times last season. Good from Topshop, very good £100 ono, please call 01308 as new £130 . 01308 424217 condition, £25 for all 3 call 458794 after 5pm.

(Bridport) 01308 458794 call after 5pm Fridge/Freezer Daewoo.

Black Marble Floor Tiles x Ladies mule/shoes, would vgc W60cm D62cm 30. 1 foot square by 10 mm suit nurse/carer, size 4, £20, H171cm. £60. 01297 560402 Dave buys all types of tools 01935 428975.

Mar 17

Postage stamps. Private collector requires 19th and early 20th century British. Payment to you or donation to your nominated charity. 01460 240630.

Mar 17

Jul 17

STORAGE

82 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031

thick. £1.50 each - cost £3.00 each. Phone 01297 444437 Cast stone bird-bath.

Ornate and decorative. £50.00 Phone 01297 444437 Cast stone owl. £5.00.

Phone 01297 444437 Garden seat. Hardwood and very heavy. £55.00 Phone 01297 444437 3 Spotlights in brushed aluminium with bulbs set in one circular ceiling fitting.

Modern. £7.50 Phone 01297 444437 Aqualisa thermostatic shower with control, fittings and instructions. Does not include cubicle. Mixer type drawing hot and cold water.

Instruction booklet is clear to enable easy fitting. Carefully removed and in good condition and working order. £47.00 Phone 01297 444437 Cold water tanks. Two that interconnect and made from plastic and go in roof space.

Fitted with modern float valve. Each holds 18 litres.

40 cms long by30 cms wide by 30 cms high. £25.00 for both tanks. Phone 01297 444437 Electric Hob by Philips.

Brown enamel. Vgc. £20.00 Phone 01297 444437 T.V. Shelf and Bracket.

With fittings. £7.00. Phone 01297 444437 Electric Oscillating Table Fan by Goldair. £5.00.

Phone 01297 444437 Yamaha Kill Cords for outboard engines. £4.00 each. Phone 01297 444437 Roller Slider Exerciser with

mat. £5.00. Phone 01297 444437 Corby Trouser Press with 15 / 30 minute timer and jacket hanger £25. Pool/ Snooker Table approx.

6’x3’ (183x91cm) £85 Antique Farm Machinery, ideal restoration or garden ornaments: Vintage Sack Truck/ Hoist with cast iron wheels. In working order showing original selling agents name £200. Bamford Mill £200. Horse Drawn Plough £60. Bale Grab £50.

Tel:01297 678440 Ceramic radiant hob AEG model HK624010FB. 590x520mm. Very good condition. £150. Tel 01308 863531 Four Hunting prints drawn and etched by H Alken, £25 Four hunting prints by E.A.S. Douglas, £30 Both vgc 01404 881337 BT Converse Corded telephone white £25.

Netgear Super G Wireless Router £12. Rare Canvas Print Blue Boy by Pablo Picasso over 50 years old 35 x27 £80 Tel: 01297 552841 King Size Mattress topper.

Very comfortable and warm with hardly any use and perfect condition. £15 no offers. Near Martock 01935 823177 Kenwood Chef. Classic Kenwood Chef Model A901A, with dough hook, whisk and bowl. In very good condition and working order. £45. 01300 341637

Venetian Blind. As good as new beech timber, measures 82cm wide and 98cm drop wall to wall. £10.00. 01308 420721.

Ladies large light tan Sheepskin Jacket. Excellent condition. As new. £45.

Tel. Weymouth 01305 786720 Three wheeler walking frame, complete with shopping bag. Good condition. £25 01297 32024 Canon pixma mp980 printer £65 o.n.o Tel 01308897121 Bath Buddy inflatable bath lift. Portable. Lowers you fully into the water. Vgc £80 ono. Could deliver. 07557 258757 Leach type potters wheel eco friendly! £80 01460 234276 LitePod SAD lightbox for sale. Compact, for use on a desk, etc. Light but powerful.

Very good condition £40 tel: 01308 482466 Fisher Electric Bathroom Heater. 750 Watts (can be seen working). £200. Tel: 07854 496043 Four Ercol Elm and Beech Dining room chairs (two of which are carvers) £150 ono tel 075655 26524.

Wall Shower seat white plastic brand new still in box £20 ono 07565526524.

68 Piece Palissy Summertime dinner tea and coffee set £150 01297 442647.

Tag Heuer F1 Midi watch s/s on bracelet model 1211 VGC Boxed £300 07980186160 (Seaton).

Antique-look pine single wardrobe (drawer at base) purchased from The Creamery £100 07746 937592.

Black wrought iron gate (brand new) 5’6” high x 2’6” wide £60 when purchased now £45 tel 07746 937592.

Wooden open backed 4 shelf unit (ideal for children’s bedroom) tel 07746 937592.

Bauer Roller blades size 10 £65, size 7 £50 excellent condition less than half original price 07746 937592.

Wallace Sacks 3/4 length mans coat 100% leather (black) as new cost when purchased £250 now £135 tel 07746 937592.

Shimano Stradic Spinning Rod 9’1” 15-50g casting weight hardly used half price £90 01308 456990.

Framed black & white scene of New York with highlighted yellow taxi cabs 55” x 40” £35 tel 07746 937592.

Mahogony tilt-top table 24” dia VGC £50 01935 817769.

Antique pine side table 36”x18” 30high drawer lovely patina £95 ono 01935 817769.

Big Ezee Golf clubs 4 iron to S Wedge G cond £40 ono 01935 817769.

Mans M&S North West coat medium worn once cost £50 sale £30 ono 01935 817769.

Ben Sayer golf bag as new cond £30 ono 01935 817769.

Futon quality solid pine slatted structure, green cotton cover, 155cmW x 90cmD x 74cmH photos available Lyme Regis 07792018917, £50.

Jetec (Epson) Ink Cartridges in sealed packs E71 /to 711 4 yellow, 3 cyan, 2 magenta, 1 black cost £52 accept £25 (Sidford) 07831316536.

Epson copier/printer SX218 for Windows 7, £20 (Sidford) 07831316536.

Gel bicycle saddle unused half price £10 tel 01308 456990.

The Incredible Sun Ancon Chi Machine, re-aligns, exercises the body to its natural state £197 call Lesley 07884058248.

Panasonic Viera TH-37PE50B 37” Plasma TV with Freeview, stand, leads, remote control, operating instructions, £30 VGC 01308 423177.

Pirelli space saver wheel T125/85 R16” to fit Volvo S40/S60 new £100 tel 01297 20750.

Wall shower seat (new still in box) white plastic £15 07565526524.

Ladies Schwynn Bicycle folding 7 speed Shimano plus extras. Mauve and white frame Rear rack VGC paid £264, £150 ono 07779875907.

Brass bedstead with base and mattress, antique £120 tel 01395 576644.

G plan chloe power recliner chair beige brown very good condition £200 01308 424029.

Zanussi Washing machine v.good working order £50 07804 614361.

Original 1950’s retro style formica-topped kitchen table,

very sturdy in excellent condition £58 01460 52023.

1 ltr “Tiger” Vacuum jug, hot or cold beverages, chrome & black, unused and boxed £12 01460 52023.

Polished solid wood bureau - bookcase with sloping drop front, interior compartments, once long drawer with 2 cupboards and underneath shelf, excellent condition, £75 01460 52023.

Oak biscuit barrel with china lining, 70 years old, excellent condition £8 01460 52023.

Large external bow dish £5, plate same £5, curtains £8 per pair 5ft 6ft, clean assorted car boot items £30, brown calf leather long boots size 5 cost £97 accept £35, bathroom cabinet mirror front metal body 2 glass shelves £35 01305813004.

Setees for sale. 2 x 3 seaters colour sand/beige one recliner also matching arm chair also recliner + pouffe/store box. All in very good condition very comfy, must be seen. Sizes approx sofas 69L 27D 37H, chair 37W 29H genuine reason for selling £300 ono 01395 516832.

Car stereo radio CD player Kenwood KDC-W3037 class 1 laser product removable face excellent condition £20 please ring 01297 24687.

Brand new close boarded side gate 1500 high x 800 wide all fitting and latches never been hung so bargain at £50 01935 817190.

Heat lamp and heat mat suitable for pet reptiles £10 Lyme Regis Buyer collects Jo 07525 005430.

Wolf tree loppers 4m reach never used half price at £30 Seaton 01297 553890.

Military LP’s including Hong Kong, Fiji, Bermuda bands, eight police, thirteen metropolitan, two scottish police bands £30 01935 411372.

Panasonic Home theater audio system sound bar model no SC HTB485 as new £75 ono 01297 489460.

Lloydloom wicker commode chair complete with receptacle, Padded cushion v good clean condition £15 ono 01305 266407.

Kitchen sink with mixer tap stainless steel excellent condition £40 01297 792218.

7 cu ft chest freezer good

condition £25 tel 01460 64128.

Card table good condition 01308 423629 £15.

Fiamma Motorhome carry box £125, small echo chainsaw £50 01297 553782.

Table lamp designed around a vintage shell mex Petrol can £75, wine rack from used horseshoes decorated with grapes £70 01460 64607.

Old oil on canvas venetian scene 137 x 95cm, valuable ornate frame ideal for large wall space £160 01300 348327.

Venetion blind light beige 10’ wide 6’ drop 1” metal slats super condition with fixings phone anytime 07594 687485 £60 ono.

2nd World War pictorial books 1939/45 set £40 ono.

Bat boxes large matured £15 each. Sky/box Thompson RS232 £20 ono 01297 489725 DT6 6EN. Eckman Lawn mower.

Manual with cutter cassette, aerator, scarifier £30. folding 3 sections mult purpose ladder £25 01935 891647.

Walking poles “Leki prestige” used twice cost £110 accept £45 01297 552561.

Vintage Hornby Doublo, 3 rail track silverking 2 coaches £180, Duchess Montrose 2 coaches £180, 2-6-4 tank 2 coaches track 1950s £160 01305 834554.

Jersey c.i. definitive stamps (1969 - 2007) also postage dues (1969 - 1982) in mint condition in album real price approx £450, £370 ono 01305 834884.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 83

84 The Marshwood Vale Magazine February 2017 Tel. 01308 423031