Marshwood+ August 2021

Time to discover farming Page 10

Leonie launches first album Page 50

Questioning Clive Myrie Page 16

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Marshwood + THE

© Wolfgang Grulke Photograph by Robin Mills

The best from West Dorset, South Somerset and East Devon

No. 269 August 2021

COVER STORY Robin Mills met Wolfgang Grulke in Oborne, Dorset

© Wolfgang Grulke Photograph by Robin Mills

’N

orthern Germany just after WWII was a difficult place to grow up, and when I was a youngster my family moved to South Africa, where I first learned to speak English. I always had an interest in art, but that was not a subject taught at my school, so I ended up doing maths and physics at university—thankfully, I appeared to be quite good at those subjects. I was a passionate collector of odd things even as a young boy.

For a while I was a DJ, and every few months I would fly to the UK to buy records (remember those?), which weren’t available locally.

The destination was always the iconic One Stop Records in London, often meeting the music stars of the day including Hendrix, Clapton etc. London just seemed to be the hub of everything in the late ‘60’s. I think that must have spawned my love for all things ‘UK’. I love the unique English sense of humour, and the way it explodes in all areas of life and work.

I worked for IBM in South Africa, and after a few years I was sent on an international assignment to the UK, in the early 70’s. Subsequently I worked for them all over the world in research, marketing and management. But in the late 1980’s, at the height of apartheid, IBM were faced with an ultimatum from shareholders to leave South Africa. I joined a team responsible for negotiating the disinvestment of the IBM company from South Africa—we were given just a few weeks. This was ironic in many ways, as IBM had always been in the forefront of Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 3

Wolfgang Grulke

© Wolfgang Grulke Photograph by Robin Mills

pushing against the apartheid regulations, with many black employees working in senior jobs that normally they would have been barred from.

We ended up buying the company. This was not a management buyout, it was an employee buyout. As a result, all of the more than 2000 employees were able to buy a part of the company—and they did. About 10 years later, after Nelson Mandela was released, we sold the company back to IBM at many times the price. Every employee benefitted from that strategy.

In the 1990s, I started a consulting network called FutureWorld. Over the next 20-something years this grew into a global team that helped senior executives in business and government to understand how the internet and advanced technologies were shaping the future. I spent most of my time travelling, in regular round-theworld tours, speaking at events and conferences, and writing books about the experience. The most successful of these, titled 10 Lessons from the Future, was translated into Spanish, Arabic and Chinese and became a staple at Business Schools.

The trouble with many businesses is that their perspective is so short-term—2 to 3 years max. To think further ahead you have to accept that there are very different alternative scenarios out there for you—and you have be prepared to believe that you always have a choice. That was our mantra. A US media company commissioned us in the early 2000s to help them understand ‘The Future of Television’. By then it had already become obvious to us that all broadcasting would eventually be digital and delivered via the internet to tablets and phones, but I don’t think that, at first, they really believed us. We took the job on the condition that no one could use the word ‘television’ in the project.

Being in charge of my own business gave me the freedom to choose what to do with my time, and the resources to become a serious collector. As a keen scuba diver I was always interested in shells and marine life. With shells, I soon realised that 90% of all the shells that have ever lived are extinct. That way I ended up interested in

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fossil shells and ammonites, and the fabled Nautilus.

Scuba diving took my wife Terri and I to some particularly remote places, such as the many islands of the Indian and South Pacific Oceans, where we met with a host of industrious and inspiring local tribes. I became fascinated by their art, and how they used materials like shells, teeth, feathers and beetle carapaces, to make spectacular adornments, currencies and charms. During lockdown, one of the projects I’ve been working on is a new book, Adorned by Nature, about their unique material culture. On one of our visits, Terri gave a local chief one of our airline ‘hospitality kits’—which included a razor, creams and cosmetics, comb and a ballpoint pen. He spread it out on the ground for the whole village to admire, and it turned out to be the most extraordinary thing he’d ever seen. In return, he gave us a 1 metre bunch of bananas plus a huge pottery head. Tragically, these were way too big for us to take back on the light aircraft we’d arrived on.

While my interests in marine life, fossils and deep time was developing, I realised that in the same way we think little about the future, we have very little perspective of the past either. As an example: “How long has life existed on our planet?” The answer is around 3.5 billion years, but the vast majority of senior school students answer between one thousand and one million years. The trouble is that the subject isn’t in any school curriculum, nor is the study of nature and its diversity. This is a complete change from Victorian times, when interest was astonishingly high. In some ways, my collection of fossils here is trying to recreate that Age, when curiosity thrived about nature and natural things. Everything seemed new and interesting.

Unending curiosity is something I have always had— things just intrigue me. It makes me sad to meet anyone without a sense of wonder, without a question or two.

For example, the Nautilus has been around for almost 500 million years, is the precursor of all ammonites and is still thriving today. Look at a Nautilus fossil and it compares well with one living in the Pacific Ocean today.

Nautilus has barely evolved at all. Why did an animal that didn’t evolve, outlive all those that did? What would Darwin have said about that? For me, asking “Why?” is the important bit. From intrigue to curiosity, to learning something new.

Fifteen years ago, my wife Terri and I took a week’s break in Lyme Regis. We had sort-of entertained the idea to settle in the UK, so we took the time to do some house-hunting. Our home in Oborne was the very first house we looked at, and Terri was saying we should buy it simply from looking at the brochure as we drove here from the coast. We knew nothing about this area’s fossil history, until our hosts in Lyme Regis exclaimed “You’ve bought where?! That’s amongst the most historic fossil collecting areas in the UK”. They talked about the Frogden Quarry and all the important ammonites that had been found there.

© Wolfgang Grulke Photograph by Robin Mills

Once we moved in we discovered that the locals didn’t know of this fossil history either. Now though they have joined us on several local digs and many have an ammonite on the mantelpiece, some even have their own collections. Our own fossil collection here consists of several thousand specimens, amassed over 20 years or so, of examples from round the world. It documents the story of the evolution of life over the last 500 million years—just think, without fossils we would know nothing of the history of life. The collection is housed in a converted barn, and we can host interested groups of around 10 people. We usually ask for a donation to our local village hall charity. Like all collectors, I enjoy showing, sharing the collection with enthusiasts and chatting about the myriad of questions that they raise.

Academics, collectors and museums from all over the world have visited—including Sir David Attenborough.

After his first visit he wrote in the visitors’ book: “I am,

truly, lost for words”.

The collection is documented in my Deep Time Trilogy of books—Heteromorph, Nautilus, and Beyond Extinction—each book focused on different aspects of the story of life—with fresh perspectives on life’s amazing continuity. We were delighted when the trilogy won the Independent Publishers Award for Best NonFiction Book Series in 2020. Due to lockdown, Terri and I had the pleasure to attend the award ceremony in New York’s Times Square—via Zoom!

One day, hopefully the collection will be housed in a museum, perhaps even local. For me, the collection and study of these extraordinary creatures from deep time has always been a personal project, a labour of love, which, judging by the international attention, seems to have become quite ‘important’—although perhaps in the whole scheme of things, ‘interesting and curious’ might be more appropriate words.

’

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UP FRONT There was a time when August felt like a quiet month because so many people went on holiday.

But this year feels different. Despite reservations regarding large crowds and growing infection rates, there is a general feeling that it may be a busy month and there are many local events highlighted on these pages. Fingers crossed that what is scheduled is not derailed by more upheaval. As well as activities and entertainment in this issue, there are also many contributions that offer food for thought. In our cover story, Wolfgang Grulke mentions the fact that most of us have little perspective on how long there has been life on this planet. He says that many people guess at between one thousand and one million years, but the truth is it’s around 3.5 billion years!

That’s an enormous figure to comprehend.

Wolfgang talks about his fossil collection and how it is a result of his ‘unending curiosity’ and his constant wonder at the world around him.

One imagines that he might have been that little boy in the back of the car who couldn’t stop asking ‘why?’—such fun in one of those traffic jams that Humphrey Walwyn talks about on page 27. But the end result is a fascination for all things, as well as an understanding that intrigue and curiosity are the drivers of learning. His is an inspiring story of an extraordinary capacity to consume information. That same drive to learn and to make a difference is what helped Clive Myrie into his role as a BBC TV News reporter and presenter. In an audio interview featured on our website and highlighted on page 10, Clive talks about the road that brought him from Westcountry reporting to asking the questions on Mastermind. Wildflowers are prominent this month also, with Philip Strange telling us about a wonderful walk around Powerstock Common, while Peter Vojak offers ideas on how to bring wildflowers closer to home. And on the wider question of environment, Andrew Carey highlights the work of Dorset CAN on page 37.

We also feature the launch of Leonie Prater’s first album on page 44. So, whether it’s a quiet or a hectic month for you, there is certainly plenty to enjoy amongst these pages.

Fergus Byrne

Published Monthly and distributed by Marshwood Vale Ltd Lower Atrim, Bridport Dorset DT6 5PX For all Enquiries Tel: 01308 423031 info@marshwoodvale. com

THIS MONTH

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16 20 28 29 30

Cover Story By Robin Mills An Early Summer’s Day at Powerstock Common

By Philip Strange Past Present and Future - Clive Myrie Event News and Courses News & Views Latterly Speaking By Humphrey Walwyn Gypsy Petulengro By Cecil Amor

32 32 34 36 38 39

House & Garden Vegetables in August By Ashley Wheeler August in the Garden By Russell Jordan From Lawn to Wildflower Garden By Peter Vojak Property Round Up By Helen Fisher What can we do about climate change

By Andrew Carey

40 42 44 45

Food & Dining Fresh Baked Tomato Chutney By Lesley Waters Lobster Macaroni Cheese By Mark Hix Pigs and Fish By Nick Fisher

46 46 49 53 58

58 59

Arts & Entertainment Metamorphosis By Fergus Byrne Preview By Gay Pirrie Weir Galleries Young Lit Fix By Antonia Squire Health & Beauty Services & Classified “Knowledge is free at the library. Just bring your own container.”

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Editorial Director Fergus Byrne

Contributors

Deputy Editor

Cecil Amor Andrew Carey Seth Dellow Helen Fisher Nick Fisher Richard Gahagan Mark Hix Russell Jordan

Victoria Byrne

Design

People Magazines Ltd

Advertising

Fergus Byrne info@marshwoodvale.com

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Robin Mills Gay Pirrie Weir Antonia Squire Phillip Strange Peter Vojak Humphrey Walwyn Lesley Waters Ashley Wheeler

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.

ENCOURAGING a future in farming

ALTHOUGH the Melplash Agricultural Society’s flagship event, the Melplash Show, is cancelled for 2021, the Society is holding a special Discover Farming event aimed at under 12s at Vurlands Animal Farm, Swyre DT2 9DB in August by kind permission of the Ives family.

The Society believes passionately that it is vitally important for the ‘next generation’ to understand the role that farming and agriculture play in the local economy and environment. At a time of great technological change, the Society hopes to inspire the younger generation to take up careers in this exciting industry, not only in farming but also other rural industries.

Society Director George Streatfeild says: ‘We will be building on the success of the Melplash Show’s popular Discover Farming marquee—a must visit for all families who are interested in learning more about food production and farming. There will be lots of activities and interactive demonstrations where children of all ages can get hands on experience of a variety of ‘Farm to Food’ activities.’

Amongst the many activities on offer there will be: Driving a radio-controlled tractor around the farm; taking a virtual dairy farm tour; making and cooking pancakes; juicing apples and making smoothies as well as making butter, wool spinning and even calving a cow!

Discover Farming at Vurlands Animal Farm will take place on Thursday 26 August from 10am – 4pm. Admission is Free to all children under 16 years and £2 for adults (redeemable for those purchasing a ticket to visit Vurlands Animal Farm). Tickets MUST be booked prior to attending online at www.melplashshow.co.uk Why not make a day of it and visit Vurlands Animal Farm? Spread over 20 acres the farm has a wonderful variety of animals, play areas for little ones (including soft play), a willow maze, the Egg Cup café and picnic area. For more information visit www.vurlandsanimalfarm.co.uk

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Past, Present and FUTURE Clive Myrie talks to Seth Dellow

F

rom his days covering news in the Westcountry at the BBC’s Points West to his now regular presenter slot at BBC News at Ten, Clive Myrie has always been one of the most measured and accessible presenters on television.

However, despite exuding a professionalism that any budding journalist would aspire to, he sometimes questions whether the dispassionate stance required of journalists is always the right position to take.

Talking to Seth Dellow in an audio interview available on the Marshwood Vale Magazine website, Clive highlighted his wish to move towards more empathetic reporting ‘which is not simply being an observer’ he says, or a ‘disinterested outsider.’ It’s about telling the story through the eyes of whomever he is talking to and trying to put himself in the position of the viewer. He believes he should be presenting the pain and feel that pain as a viewer feels it. ‘I need to be that viewer more often than not, rather than a dispassionate observer who breezes in and then breezes out.’ He says that if he can make the viewer or listener understand the story from an emotional perspective, then hopefully that story will live longer in their mind.

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Clive Myrie photographs by James Moffatt Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 13

Ideally, he would like people to want to become better informed about the story that he is reporting on. ‘And that, in turn, leads to a more educated and well-informed viewership’ he explains. ‘Surely that’s the point of what we do as journalists. You know, we’re informing the public of the world around us and the society in which they live, and in doing that, ... can help them make better choices about where they live; how they conduct their lives; who they vote for; how they act within a society.

And if you can do that with just one person, then I think that is a good thing.’

Some of his thoughts on offering a less detached form of reporting come from the last year when the Covid pandemic brought shocking stories to the forefront.

Covid has been the constant story and ‘it’s been difficult’ he says. There also hasn’t been much respite. But he says it’s been heartbreaking as well. He is used to covering conflicts and wars and death around the world. ‘To be covering it on the scale that we see now in our own backyards here in the UK is very sobering’ he says. ‘And it shows that despite our wealth and despite our position in the world, we can be humbled too. I think that’s a salutary lesson for us.’ He believes there’s a lot to be learned about how we as a nation deal with poorer nations, especially in terms of the amount of assistance we can offer. Or in terms of the rhetoric that we use talking about them or describing them. `We’ve learned a lot about our own societies as well,’ he says, especially about the divisions and those sections that have been affected more adversely as a result of the pandemic. ‘The divisions within our society have been accentuated and have been laid bare for anyone who wants to see. There should be a renewed commitment on all of us to try and make a better society in this country, and a more equal one.’ He says ‘that’s what Covid has shown us’.

Born and raised in Bolton, Lancashire, Clive grew up watching TV and seeing reports and stories and films from around the world. It gave him a window on a world that was beyond Bolton. ‘That’s partly, I think, why I wanted to become a foreign correspondent,’ he says. ‘I was just fascinated by all these exotic locations that people like Alan Whicker would go to.’ He also cites seeing Trevor McDonald reading the news as something that made him feel it was something he could get into as well.

He remembers Bolton being a ‘welcoming’ place and doesn’t recall being aware of racial abuse growing up, although he recalls that the black population in Bolton at the time was small. However, he was growing up in a time when there was mass immigration from South Asia

in the early to mid-seventies. ‘I think that contributed to a level of ill-feeling among some whites towards South Asians.’ He thinks there may have been more virulent antiblack feeling elsewhere and knows that perhaps his father encountered problems with racism, but his own memory is that it ‘wasn’t something that really darkened my door.’

His parents came from a generation that didn’t talk about that at home. ‘A bit like First World War veterans’ he says. ‘It’s something that you sort of lock in.’ He compares it to a world today where ‘everybody thinks they have to communicate absolutely everything about their lives—which can be intensely tedious. They are just from a generation that didn’t do that.’

But despite the lack of immediate impact on his youth, the question of racism and the impact of the Black Lives Matter initiative is inevitably on his radar. ‘Things are better than they have been in the recent past,’ he says, ‘but there are still a lot of issues. We don’t have as intense a legacy here as the Americans do and America hasn’t really come to terms with that past.’

However, despite the lack of intensity, he says racists here are much cleverer at hiding their true prejudices. ‘And

‘There should be a renewed commitment on all of us to try and make a better society in this country, and a more equal one’

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it does tend to be institutional racism’ he says, explaining that it’s perhaps woven into how big institutions operate highlighting ‘recruitment practices and so on.’ And although he agrees things have improved along those lines, he points to the disproportionate figures in terms of the number of senior managers in big corporations who are from black or ethnic backgrounds. ‘If you look at University faculty numbers for people who are from black ethnic backgrounds’ he says, ‘those kinds of areas do show that there is a problem. And that simply cannot be because black people are stupid or can’t get these positions—there must be something else going on. I think we’ve moved a long way and the discussion is now about how we take the next step in trying to identify the subtler forms of racism that exist and try to find a way of tackling them.’

In an era when taking a shot at the BBC has become something of a national pastime, Clive talks about enormous depth in its value as a news provider. He cites how polls ‘from the right and the left’ regularly suggest the BBC is the most trusted news source. But is the BBC foolproof ? ‘Absolutely not’ he says. ‘Are mistakes made?

Absolutely, but there are mechanisms within which the BBC operates that allow for restitution if mistakes are made. That is not the case on social media. A mistake goes out there and it stays out there. No one corrects it. There is no official arbiter for dealing with a lot of the problems that exist in terms of fake news and so on online. But the BBC is beholden to a regulator and to its own internal charter. So that means the public can have confidence if a mistake is made, if there is a problem—that there will be rectification and an apology if necessary.’

Clive’s career to date has seen him reporting from over 80 countries, offering balanced reporting, and asking tough questions when needed. His latest role sees him in the chair that he remembers Magnus Magnusson sitting in from his days watching television as a lad. As the new presenter of Mastermind, he now gets to ask questions where he already knows the answer.

Seth Dellow’s full interview with Clive Myrie is available to listen to on the Marshwood Vale Magazine website.

Visit www.marshwoodvale.com.

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AN EARLY SUMMER’S DAY at

Powerstock Common

by Philip Strange

T

he minor road that climbs past the Spyway Inn near Askerswell was quiet that day, a welcome relief from the seemingly endless traffic clogging the A35. Eventually, though, Eggardon Hill came into view, the road levelled out and our attention was captured by the stunning panorama laid out to the west. Below, the land unfolded in a mosaic of fields, trees and hedges with different colours and textures, backed by the hills of west Dorset rising mysteriously in the slight haze that softened the air. To the south west, the sea and the familiar ups and downs of the Jurassic Coast completed the image. We drove on and, just before the road dipped under the old railway bridge, turned into the car park at the Powerstock Common Nature Reserve.

Trees surrounded the car park and bright early June sunshine filtered through the leaf cover casting dappled light across the parking area.

Birdsong echoed around us and the rippling sound of running water emerged from the nearby woodland. Common vetch scrambled through the fences along the car park edge and its purplish-pink pea-type flowers were proving popular with plump, furry, pale brown bumblebees.

We set out along the woodland path taking a right fork to stay on the northern edge of the reserve. The track felt enclosed but wildflowers grew along the margins including the inconspicuous bright blue speedwell and the purplish-blue spikes of bugle. In time, the woodland melted away leaving the path to run between broad sloping banks topped by trees and scrub. This is the Witherstone cutting, once the path of the Bridport branch railway as it ran between Powerstock and Toller stations.

This branch line opened in 1857 linking Bridport to Maiden Newton and the main line. The coming of the railway to West Dorset revolutionised social and commercial life in the area which, at the time, was poorly served by roads. People could travel more widely and I tried to imagine trains passing through the cutting, drawn in a haze of smoke and noise by the small steam engines of the Great Western Railway.

I pictured people on the trains, travelling for work or for leisure or moving about during the two world wars. The line was also important for the transport of milk, watercress and the net and twine produced in Bridport. As motor transport came to dominate, traffic on the railway declined resulting in its closure in 1975. Although the tracks were lifted, there are still signs of the old railway, notably the rusty fence posts that line the track. The remains of an old brickworks can also be found in the nearby wood. This was set up near the railway to take advantage of the clay that remained when the cutting was excavated.

On the day of our visit, the sloping banks on either side of the path were mostly clad in short rough grass although there were some areas of exposed grey soil, perhaps a result of slippage. The former railway

Images: Opposite page: Common spotted orchid.

Over page: Common blue butterfly; Male long-horned bee on bird’s foot trefoil; Milkwort; The old railway cutting.

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cutting felt very sheltered and the bright yellow flowers of bird’s foot trefoil grew across the grassy areas. We also found many small flowers of milkwort, almost hidden in the grass. Milkwort is a common plant on rough grassland and the flowers exist in several colours. Pink and purplish-blue flowers grew at Powerstock Common but each flower also had one white petal divided into finger-like lobes giving it a passing resemblance to a miniature cow’s udder. This may account for the name of the flower and its use in the past for increasing milk production. We also found one common spotted orchid with beautiful purple markings but more should appear, along with many other flowers, as the season advances The abundance of flowers attracted insects and several common blue butterflies flew past or around us displaying their sky-blue upper wings and intricately patterned lower wings. Two yellow butterflies also passed by, dancing around one another in the air. I hoped they would land so that I could identify the species but they did not oblige. Bumblebees moved lazily among the flowers but we made our most exciting observation on a slightly raised area of rough grass with some exposed grey soil not far from the main path.

Here we found bees flying about at high speed, backwards and forwards and from side to side, just above the ground, accompanied by a clearly audible buzz. There were perhaps a hundred or more of the insects, and with their incessant movement this was an impressive sight.

It was difficult to identify them at first owing to their frantic activity but they were honeybee-sized and I thought I could see shiny black abdomens. Very occasionally, one would pause to feed from the bird’s foot trefoil revealing a yellow face, a pale brown-haired thorax and two very long antennae, each as long as the rest of their body. Such long antennae, resembling shiny black bootlaces, are seen only on one UK species of bee, the male long-horned bee (Eucera longicornis).

The obvious excitement of these male bees arose because they were anticipating the emergence of females and wanted to try to mate. Indeed, on several occasions some left their frantic flying to coalesce into a small mobile cluster. Others tried to join in, some left the melee. This was a mating cluster and formed when a virgin female emerged from her nest chamber. Many males then pounced upon her hoping to mate but only one was successful. Once mated, females get on with nest building and laying of eggs to secure the population of next year’s long-horned bees.

The long-horned bee was once a common sight in May and June across the southern half of the UK, unmistakeable from the long antennae of the males. Agricultural intensification led to destruction of habitat used by these bees along with a loss of their favoured flowers such as wild vetches and peas. As a result, the species is now quite rare being restricted to twenty or so UK sites many of which are along the southern coast. The Powerstock colony is large and seems to be prospering; it was a treat to see it that day.

Powerstock Common is a rich and varied nature reserve and we glimpsed only a small part during our visit. Even so, we enjoyed the peace and the floral beauty of the old railway cutting and discovered a fascinating mixture of natural and industrial history.

At the beginning of July, Natural England announced that the combined land at Powerstock Common and nearby Kingcombe Meadows would become a National Nature Reserve recognising the unique character of these west Dorset sites and the rare wildlife they contain.

Three short videos of the long-horned bees can be seen on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCvXWn_9QYdx0AU6guJ3iYLA

Philip Strange is Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Reading.

He writes about science and about nature with a particular focus on how science fits in to society. His work may be read at http://philipstrange.wordpress.com/ 18 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 Tel. 01308 423031

August

EVENT NEWS AND COURSES Whilst most events are still on schedule there may be last minute changes.

Please ensure to confirm the event is on before setting out July 29 - August 3

Art Exhibition - an eclectic mix of acrylics and watercolours at The Bomb Shelter in Beer EX12 3EG Daily 10am - 4pm - Sunday 11am - 3pm Contact - eupchurch22@yahoo.co.uk

July 30

East Devon Ramblers 5 miles moderate walk. Aylesbeare common. Telephone 07812-433184.

Mr Tea and the Minions The David Hall, South Pethetton 8:00 pm. Tickets: £16/£15 Concessions. Tickets can be purchased via the website www.thedavidhall.org.uk or from N&D News in South Petherton.

July 31

MAJU glamping Axminster 3-Course Rustic Forest Feast Cooked Over Fire - Hosted by Feast Alba. https://www.exploretock.com/ majuglamping.

Creative Crafters Fair at Monks Yard from 10 – 4.30. Local Creative Crafters are holding a fair to showcase the beautiful handmade work they have produced during the Covid restrictions.

Free entrance, and parking plus a great welcome.

August 1

King Arthur (The Last Baguette). 2.30pm, Maumbury Rings DT1 1QN. This fun and farcical adventure is a deliberately anarchic and anachronistic re-telling of the Arthurian Legend with live music, physical comedy and lo-fi acrobatics. Ticket price£11 / £9 membs & concs / £36 family (max. 2 adults, 2 u18s) www.dorchesterarts. org.uk/whatson East Devon Ramblers 11 miles Strenuous walk. Hemyock. Phone 01395-516897

August 2

Hawkchurch Film Nights, in association with Devon Moviola, presents ‘Summerland’ (100 mins, Cert.12A - moderate threat, occasional strong language) Hawkchurch Village Hall, EX13 5XW. Performances at 4.45pm (doors 4.30pm) and 7.45pm (doors 7.30pm). Tickets £5.00 on the door or in advance from csma95@ gmail.com or 01297 678176. Refreshments available.

August 3

HOP (Help Our Planet) Talk No. 3. Professor Tom Brereton on Whales and Dolphins in Lyme Bay. The talk takes place at the Marine Theatre Lyme Regis at 7pm and is the third in the series ‘Help our Planet’. Tom is well known sight in West Bay observing bird migration. He is steeped in knowledge of the wild life of the area and a breadth of experience in ecology and conservation. He is

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an ideal person to lead our considerations about how we can help to sustain the coastal ecology of Lyme Bay. After the talk he will be joined by the panel of marine ecologists and the evening ends with questions from the audience. Tickets can be bought via the Theatre website.

August 4

Axminster Heritage, Heritage Alive presents: ‘The Legacy of Slavery in Britain.’ 7pm – 8pm. Cost £3.50. In this Zoom talk, author Nigel Sadler will illustrate how those involved in slavery and emancipation are remembered in the urban landscape and discuss some of the more controversial statues and memorials.

Tickets are available from Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/the-legacy-of-slavery-in-britain-tickets-159226914989?aff= ebdsoporgprofile

August 5

Hidden West Bay walk. Join West Bay Discovery Centre on a guided walk to explore the fascinating history and stories linked to some of West Bay’s buildings at 10:30am. This guided walk is approximately 1 mile and about 1.5 hours in length. There is a £5 fee per person (no dogs please) and numbers are limited, so it must be booked in advance. Further details: http://www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/ ‘Acting Strangely’ book launch at Waterstones Dorchester.

Published by Honeybee books, a gripping, light hearted tale of ghosts, tinned beans and golf. Suitable for readers aged 13 upwards.

Written by Andrew Trim wth illustrations by Dorchester artist Sam Zambelli, the obscure references to local history and locations will delight and amuse both adults and children.

Gandini Jugglers- Smashed 2. A Bridport Arts Centre outside event at the Millenium Green, Bridport 4:30pm & 7pm This funny, inventive and characterful work is akin to dance theatre and will challenge your perception of contemporary juggling.

Colyton Town History Walks, Every Thursday, 2 pm from Dolphin Car Park - £3 approx 1 hour. Contact 01297 552415

August 6

East Devon Ramblers 5 miles. Moderate walk. Seaton Hole.

Phone 01297-444301

August 6 to 9

Art Exhibition. Six Local Artists, Painting, Textiles, Photography.

St Mary’s Church, Thorncombe 10am – 4pm. Free Entry. Selling exhibition

August 7

Johnny Cash Revisited 7.30pm - Rick McKay and special guest

Jodie McKay pay tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter with the fabulous live band, Starkville. Hear all the classics from “Hey Porter”, “I Walk The Line”, “Ring Of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues”, to “A Boy Named Sue”, “San Quentin”, “Sunday Morning Coming Down”, “One Piece At A Time” and the incredibly powerful “Hurt”. This will be a reduced capacity socially-distanced screening. The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050 Loders Fete is on from 2-5pm in the grounds of Loders Court near Bridport, DT6 3RZ (next to Loders Church). Entry: £2 adults, Under 12’s free. Parking free.

Moscow Drug Club…. Transcendent Troubadours of Gypsy Cabaret & Swing The David Hall South Petherton @ 8:00 pm Tickets: £19. No concessions. Tickets can be book via the website www.thedavidhall.org.uk or by phone on 01460 240 340 Summer Art Workshop with Dorset Artist and Tutor Trudi Ochiltree. ‘Loosening up with Landscape’. Experiment with watercolour and mark making to loosen up your style and create expressive art works. 10am – 4pm The Village Hall, Charmouth £45 p.p or £80 both workshops. Booking is essential and full payment is required to book a place. All art materials and refreshments are provided. Please bring a packed lunch. Suitable for adults and young people aged 16+. To book call or email Trudi on 07812 856823/ trudiochiltree@gmail.com

August 10

She Stoops to Conquer (Rain or Shine) 7pm, Maumbury Rings DT1 1QN Ticket price: £14 / £12 members & concessions / £44 family (max. 2 adults, 2 under 18s). www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/ whatson

August 11

East Devon Ramblers August. 11 miles. Moderate walk.

Beaminster. Phone 07922-651426 Lifeboats RNLI BBQ at Seatown from 4pm. Support the RNLI with the annual BBQ at Seatown beach. Watch the lifeboat at sea, get something from the BBQ and enjoy the many stalls with skittles, Aunt Sally and tombola. Cash only. Call Sadie 07811 470127 / Annie 07790 713156 for more information.

August 12

West Cliff and Eype guided walk from West Bay. Join West Bay Discovery Centre to discover the fascinating landscape between West Bay and Eype. This guided walk is approximately 2.5 miles and about 2 hours in length. The walk includes some steep gradients.

There is a £5 fee per person (no dogs please) and numbers are limited, so it must be booked in advance. Further details: http:// www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/ Garden Open for the NGS Broomhill, Rampisham DT2 0PT. 2-5pm, £5 entry children free. Come and enjoy a lovely 2 acre garden deep in the heart of tranquil west Dorset. There is plenty see, paths wind around the mixed borders overflowing with many unusual perennials, roses and shrubs, leading to a large wildlife area and pond. There is also an orchard and veg garden. Homemade teas and plants for sale.

EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER Live or Online send your June event details to info@marshwoodvale.com by August 16th.

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August

EVENT NEWS AND COURSES Colyton Town History Walks, Every Thursday, 2 pm from Dolphin Car Park - £3 approx 1 hour. Contact 01297 552415

August 12 and 13

Children’s Drop in Art Workshop Local artist Darrell Wakelam will be working with West Bay Discovery Centre to create a 3D wall hanging using recycled materials to highlight the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. Free drop in workshops for children will be taking place at the Salt House, West Bay from 11am -1pm and 2pm -3.30pm.Please check website for latest information as it could be subject to change. http://www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/

August 13

East Devon Ramblers 4 miles. Leisurely walk. Newcombe Erish.

Phone 01404 45944 Lyme Regis u3a Food glorious food: a UK love affair presented

by David Drury at 11am. This presentation, via zoom, will feature the history of all our British classics, from fish and chips to curry, roast dinners to cooked breakfasts and afternoon teas to comforting desserts. David also examines the complete change in dining habits within a generation and the growth of Michelin star restaurants and street food markets as well as looking at the classic pubs and traditional cafes. David is a Yorkshireman who has lived in London for the past 30 years where he is a Blue Badge Guide. 76 of 80 reviews on his web site are ‘excellent’. Definitely something to whet your appetite! Please see www.lymeregisu3a.org for details of how to join.

August 14

Mr Stink by David Walliams (Heartbreak Productions) 6pm, Maumbury Rings DT1 1QN Join us at Maumbury Rings for this outdoors re-telling of David Walliams’ best-seller Mr Stink. Packed with fun, humour, and a heart-warming message, this touching tale provides the perfect family entertainment. Age guidance: 7+ Ticket price: £12 / £10 membs & concs / £40 family (max. 2 adults, 2 children) www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/whatson Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Fleet Lagoon. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340.

Charmouth Gardeners Annual Flower Show at 14.30 in the ‘Community Hall’ Lower Sea Lane and the ‘Village Hall’ Wesley Close. Exhibits will include flowers, fruit and vegetables, home produce, photography, children’s sections and Handicrafts (needlework, woodwork, knitting and painting). We welcome entrants for all classes although *fruit and vegetable produce* must be grown within a ten-mile radius of Charmouth. FREE show schedules and Entry form detailing all classes (free to enter) will be available from Fortnam Smith & Banwell Estate Agent’s Office in Charmouth from mid-July (with details of where to return by 11th August). Entry on the day is £1 for adults (to cover both halls) children free entry. Please do join us, it’s a fun community day.

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Maiden Newton Pop Up Art Exhibition 10.30 – 4.30 Village Hall DT2 0AE near the Station. Maiden Newton Art Group are back together again and we are holding a one day Exhibition to celebrate!

Free admission. For further info please contact Jane on 01300 321405.

Broadwindsor Fun Day. Classic Car display in the morning. We have Children’s entertainment from Strawberry Jam Live Music starts at 4pm with Nina Garcia. Bill & Ben from the Leggomen are performing in the evening. Please address all enquiries to: bwfunday20@gmail.com Live and Local with Reg Meuross at 7.30pm at The David Hall South Petherton. There are so many fantastic local musicians in the area and Live and Local is the perfect opportunity for The David Hall to give them a platform to perform on. Petherton Arts Trust is especially pleased that Reg Meuross is able to perform as the headline act. A selection of local entertainers will perform across the evening and would welcome your support on the night. Who knows, you may even be seeing the next big act! Tickets: £10. No concessions. Tickets can be book via the website www.thedavidhall. org.uk or by phone on 01460 240 340.

Lyme Morris Dancers Bridport Folk Festival All Day. Lyme Regis Carnival Procession 8 pm.

August 15

Alice in Wonderland (Boxtree Productions) 5 pm, Maumbury Rings DT1 1QN Ticket price: £11 / £9 members & concessions / £36 family ticket (four people, max. two adults) www.dorchesterarts. org.uk/whatson East Devon Ramblers 8 miles. Leisurely walk. Dunkeswell.

Phone 01404-45944 Sherborne Steam & Waterwheel Centre - Open Day. See how the area overcame a previous health crisis. Waterwheel and steam engines running, audio visual displays and many items of local and historic interest. 11.30am to 3.30pm. Tea Room. Picnic Area. Toilet.

Oborne Road DT9 3RX. Free parking on road. Entry by Donation (cash or card). SSWC.co.uk f: SherborneSteam

August 18

East Devon Ramblers 9 miles. Moderate walk. Trinity Hill. Phone 01395-260114 Lyme Morris Dancers Bucky Doo Square Bridport 10 am.

August 19

Chideock WI Cream Tea. Chideock WI will be holding their annual Cream Tea at Chideock House, Main Street between 3pm and 5pm. Teas £5.00. Raffle and WI Cake Stall. For more details email chideockwi@gmail.com.

Stormy Seas and crumbling cliffs. Discover how the weather has shaped West Bay through time and how the challenges of rain, wind and coastal erosion have been met with West Bay Discovery Centre.

This guided walk is approximately 1.5 miles, 1.5 hours in length and on easy terrain. There is a £5 fee per person (no dogs please) and

numbers are limited, so it must be booked in advance.

Further details: http://www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org. uk/ Colyton Town History Walks, Every Thursday, 2 pm from Dolphin Car Park - £3 approx 1 hour. Contact 01297 552415

August 21

Powerstock Hut. A fascinating talk by Powerstock resident Jo Willett on her first book “The pioneering life of Mary Wortley Montagu: scientist and feminist” who introduced into England inoculation against the smallpox in April 1721 (300 years ago) 2.30 for 3pm. Admission on the door £8 per person includes refreshments and scones afterwards. Good disabled access and Parking DT6 3TB. For further information on Jo Willett www.devoniaroad.co.uk. For further information on the event - Julian Payne 07736 147598 or jp.pdpr@gmail.com Proceeds to Powerstock Hut Registered Charity No 301171 www.powerstockhut.co.uk Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8 mile walk from Buckham Down. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340.

Henry V at Meerhay Manor. “Once more, unto the breach, dear friends, once more...” will be echoing around the hills of Beaminster this summer. The Festival Players are returning to Meerhay Manor, by kind permission of Diana and Robert Clarke, with their current production of Shakespeare’s Henry V. The lovely gardens at Meerhay will be open for picnics from 5.00 pm and the openair performance will begin at 6.30 pm. A marquee is available should the heavens open. Tickets (adult £16.00, under 18s £8.00) may be purchased online through Cornish Riviera Box Office www.crbo.co.uk/henryv and at Yarn Barton Centre in Beaminster (cash or cheque only) on 01308 862943. For further information call Diana Clarke on 01308 862305.

Talisman – Bristol Roots Reggae. A ‘Chance to Dance’ Event @ 8:00 pm The David Hall South Petherton. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, Talisman were

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August

EVENT NEWS AND COURSES one of the UK’s top Roots Reggae bands. Their prowess earned Talisman support slots with acts as diverse as Burning Spear, The Clash and The Rolling Stones. Tickets: £16 Full. £15 Concessions Tickets can be book via the website www.thedavidhall.org.uk or by phone on 01460 240 340.

Summer Art Workshop with Dorset Artist and Tutor Trudi Ochiltree. ‘Jurassic Mixed Media’. Explore this versatile medium and the local coastline, plus en-plein air time at Charmouth beach, weather permitting. 10am – 4pm. The Village Hall, Charmouth. £45 p.p or £80 both workshops. Booking is essential and full payment is required to book a place. All art materials and refreshments are provided. Please bring a packed lunch. Suitable for adults and young people aged 16+. To book call or email Trudi on 07812 856823/trudiochiltree@gmail.com

August 21 & 22

Higher Ground Meadow Open Day. 10 am - 5 pm. Visit the Round Barrow which offers an amazingly serene and beautiful permanent resting place for ashes. Covid regulations permitting. Higher Ground Meadow, Corscombe DT2 0QN. 01935 891245 office@highergroundmeadow.co.uk. www.hgff.

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co.uk, www.highergroundmeadow.co.uk, www.theroundbarrow. co.uk.

August 22

East Devon Ramblers 7.5 miles. Leisurely walk. Beaminster.

Phone 01395-579607 Acoustic Night @ 7:30 pm Petherton Arts Trust is encouraging local performers to come to The David Hall and perform on a professional stage. All types of performance welcome – The David Hall has had music, comedy, poetry, dance…. Everyone has the opportunity to deliver for 10 – 15 minutes with full PA and lighting. If you would like to attend Acoustic Night as a performer or audience member, please e-mail Chris Watts at folk@chriswatts. org or call 07715501157. Payment is on the door.

Lyme Morris Dancers RAF Association Big Brew Salthouse West Bay 1 pm.

August 24

Bridport and District u3a presents a talk by Ian Keable entitled ‘The Century of Deception; The Birth of Hoax in the Eighteenth Century’, online via Zoom at 2pm. Please visit our website

for specific details and contact information, www. bridportu3a.org.uk, or email membership@bridportu3a. org.uk

August 25

The Great Gatsby (Heartbreak Productions) 7pm, Athelhampton House & Gardens DT2 7LG. Dress for the weather, bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and don’t forget the picnic and prosecco. Ticket price: £16 / £14 members & concessions / £52 family ticket (four people, max. two adults) www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/ whatson Coffee Morning Pop into The David Hall in South Petherton @ 10:00am for a cup of real coffee and a chat. Entry is free.

August 26

Hidden West Bay walk. Join West Bay Discovery Centre on a guided walk to explore the fascinating history and stories linked to some of West Bay’s buildings at 10:30am. This guided walk is approximately 1 mile and about 1.5 hours in length. There is a £5 fee per person (no dogs please) and numbers are limited, so it must be booked in advance. Further details: http:// www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/ Colyton Town History Walks, Every Thursday, 2 pm from Dolphin Car Park - £3 approx 1 hour. Contact 01297 552415 Discover Farming at Vurlands Animal Farm from 10am – 4pm. Admission is Free to all children under 16 years and £2 for adults. Tickets MUST be booked prior to attending online at www.melplashshow.co.uk

August 27

East Devon Ramblers 5.5 miles. Moderate walk.

Dalwood. Phone 01404-549390

August 28

Winsham Horticultural Society Annual Show & Car Boot. The Show is open to all comers from all areas, and has classes for children, photography, art, crafts, baking, preserves, flower arranging as well as the usual fruit, veg & flowers. Classes are only 25p to enter and entries close at 7pm on Wednesday 25th. Programmes are available from the village shop or by contacting Chloe 01460 30032. On the day the exhibition marque & car boot sale will be open to the public at 2.30pm entrance is £1. Cars booters can set up at 1.30 & pitches are £5 each (sorry no trade). Do come along and enjoy the displays and bag yourself a bargain or two from the car boot sale. For more details contact Debbie on 01460 432815.

August 30

Flower & Dog Show - Whitchurch, Morcombelake & Ryall Flower and Dog Show. Entry to the show is £2 (children under 16 free). Dog show includes varied classes. There will be a bar, Morris Dancers, live music, stalls & classic vehicles. Held at the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall, Dorset, DT6 6RF, from 2pm to 5pm. Enquires 07979 475120.

Advertorial

HOW OLD ARE BEER QUARRY CAVES?

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hen you come to visit us we’d like to be able to give you a definitive answer. We can’t. The problem of aging the caves begins with the maps we have, which are neither complete nor comprehensive.

Quite how incomplete we can indicate easily. Our best assessment of when limestone mining began at the cave site is derived from the presence of beer limestone at the Roman ‘villa’ site in Seaton. This puts the beginning of the caverns you will see at some time between 47 AD and perhaps 50 AD to 70 AD. After that, our maps show just two entrances or exits. But there are at least 18 exits or entrances to the quarrying site that we can detect from above ground, especially along the face of the car park as you look from our gated entrance. So, two known and 18 at least to go.

But Steve Rodgers our ‘master of flint’ at the site keeps finding beautifully worked and shaped flint tools. Beer has always been known as a flint site, but how big were the flint works, and how old? There are two broad possibilities.

The first is a period dated from about 14,000 BC and with the flint worked by home sapiens. The 2nd possibility that we discussed recently with John Allen the archaeologist at Exeter Cathedral, is a link between the Neolithic Broom site at Axminster, where the numerous axe heads found there in the 1880s have been scientifically dated to 350,000 BC by the Royal Albert Museum in Exeter. If the sites are linked we would have a ‘bridge’ between the assumed last of the Neanderthals in Britain, at the first flourishing group of home sapiens in East Devon.

Then there are two ‘mysteries’ associated with the caves.

In one portion of the caves, towards the west, we can hear running water, but not see it. If it flowed above ground through the caves we would flood, as indeed a guidebook from the 1800s suggests we did. The guidebook says ‘don’t come without a guide, you might drown’. No sign of that now but we speculate that this water comes, however indirectly, from the ‘ancient aquifer’ adjacent to us. We believe that this aquifer, identified as Permian Jurassic by the Geological Survey in a paper no longer accessible, takes us back in geological time to the period when the caves were laid down, possibly as long as 300 million years ago. The other legend that links to this one is that the Beer stream,

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which feeds the water flowing down Beer Fore and High street, has never dried up, not at least since Roman times, 2000 years ago.

Just inside where you enter the caves for a visit, a Roman entrance we believe, behind our 15th-century church window, there is a small entry to a region below the caves themselves, where there are rumours of a set of caves below our caves. This would not be unusual in limestone formations and is seen in the limestone caves in the Mendip hills.

Our working hypothesis at the moment is that the river in the caves is fed by water from the aquifer, and exits down underneath Beer Head, close to the Branscomb alit. The water we find in the caves now is ‘sweet’ to the taste and we have obtained our testing kit from South West Water, in case we can one day offer visitors water that is two or three hundred million years old.

Beer village and the age of Beer Quarry Caves But it’s not only at the caves that mystery prevails. Beer is identified in Domesday One of 1086 as one of the larger settlements in Devon. With fishing down on the beach and the quarries above, that is likely, But after that, we have a paucity of records until the second Domesday of 1873, one contemporaneous with the better of our two maps. We have detected the following landowners in the area of Beer, Branscombe, Farway at that time (1873); Four farmers in Farway, H Broome, Diment J, Mylem Miller, Giles and Mr Wood also of Farway. In Beer, only the Railway company owns land, and in Branscombe, nothing.

The majority of the people who worked in the caves, during the 2000 years etched on the cavern walls, probably came from Beer. It is a thriving place now. But its past does not appear in any record, save perhaps the one that Steve Rodgers is actually encountering in the flint tools he is finding at the cave site. The real story of Beer Quarry Caves is likely the story of a small seaside settlement at what is now Beer, that goes back at least 6,000 years, and probably double that. The people of this forgotten settlement were creating flint tools for the whole of the South West, occasionally even for Stonehenge. As we push further into the history, not of our caves but of the surrounding area, we hope to reconnect the caves directly with the people who worked there and the place they came from, Beer. If you can help us build this picture then we will be very grateful.

Steve Rodger. Curator and Flint Master, Beer Quarry Caves Kevin Cahill. FRHistS, emeritus, historian in residence, Beer Quarry Caves

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News&Views

CHARD Thieves at a wedding

Avon & Somerset Police are appealing for information to help recover items stolen from a wedding near Chard. They include a personalised wooden post box containing numerous cards and monetary gifts, two grey milk churns without lids and a distinctive Dutch bottle of Genever. The items are believed to have been stolen between the hours of 2:45am and 5:10am on 7 July from a farm in Otterford, Chard. Detective Sergeant Scott Chadwick commented: ‘We’re appealing for anyone near the Chard area to please keep a look out for any of these stolen items. The milk churns are fairly sizeable and are quite distinctive.’ If you can help, please call 101 and quote the reference number 5219153887.

BRIDPORT Marshwood Vale MBE

‘Surprised’ ‘honoured’ and ‘really chuffed’ is how local farmer George Streatfeild described his feelings at finding his name in the Queens’ honours list this year. CEO of Denhay Farms outside Bridport, George has helped either found or been a driving force within numerous community activities for many years. As well as being Chair of Governors at Symondsbury school, cofounding initiatives like Discover Farming and Taste of the West he was also Dorset High Sheriff until March this year.

LYME REGIS Outstanding in their field

Local shanty singers, Lyme Bay Moonrakers, have been finding different outdoor venues to rehearse in lately including singing the Wellerman Shanty in a wildflower meadow. The following week they were outside the farmer’s barn. Group member Phil has kindly been allowing the group to use his fields and barn until they can rehearse indoors again. If you are interested in joining, visit their website www.lymebaymoonrakers.org or email lymebaymoonrakers@gmail.com.

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BRIDPORT New Normal service returns

People around Bridport will be able to gain information and advice about Dorset Council services in person after recently it reopened at Mountfield. Since March 2020, due to COVID-19, many more people have been accessing services online or by phone, but many residents like to see someone face-to-face. The council is now working with Bridport Town Council to re-open at Mountfield on Rax Lane. Customer services will be able to assist with council enquiries or urgent needs that cannot be supported over the phone or online. Opening times are: Wednesday: 9am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-5pm Thursday: 9am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-5pm Friday: 9am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm.

WOOL Agri-tech innovation

Draper Ventilation Limited (draperVENT) opens the doors to a new Agri-tech Innovation Centre at Dorset Innovation Park—an Enterprise Zone based in Wool. Thanks to a £740,000 Growing Places Fund loan from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in July 2020, draperVENT, who increased the total investment to approximately £1.9 million, have purchased land and developed a new 1720m2 facility within a year. The new draperVENT hub will host research and innovation to advance automated livestock farming systems to achieve much higher levels of animal welfare and sustainability.

For more visit www.dorsetlep.co.uk.

Summertime Queues Laterally Speaking by Humphrey Walwyn

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s the song says, “…there ain’t no cure for the summertime queues”. Queues for the sea side, the parking, the ice creams, the loos… yes, it’s that time again when we welcome the August flock of lovely visitors and their cars to the Southwest. It’s just like an annual migration of birds—in this case the urban puffin and the great northern driver—as they fly south to our summertime camping fields and beaches. And, after such a dismal year, we welcome them all with open arms and half-empty wallets because our local shops, B&Bs, caravan parks, pubs and hotels desperately need their business.

But I feel we could do more to encourage tourists to visit us. We should make better use of our southwestern creative hospitality to offer visitors a more complete experience.

We’ve only got a few short weeks of summer holidays, so let’s make the most of it! Here are some entirely lateral (and not particularly recommended) ideas to help make tourists welcome and to perhaps make a bit of spare cash on the side…

Glamping: Owing to complete Covid confusion about overseas holidays and zero confidence at being able to return from Spain or France without spending a fortnight in purgatorial quarantine, it’s been a bumper season for us in the southwest. Most Brits very sensibly would rather ditch the risk of crowded airports and unplanned emergency flights home and prefer to spend their summer hols in the UK. If you own a B&B or hotel, you’re probably already doing well since every place to stay has been booked solid for the last 3 months. But there’s one category that’s proving very popular—‘Glamping’—and there simply isn’t enough available locally. Glamping is of course Camping with Glamour. No boring old camp sites with rows of rain sodden tents or attempting to heat instant Pot Noodles in a fine English drizzle. If you’ve got a garden with a small shed at the bottom of it, this is your opportunity! Clean it out a bit (leave the cobwebs—good for authenticity) and put a blow-up mattress on the floor (next to the lawn mower) and cook them a delightful local feast of Devon sausages and mash. Or choose a holiday theme… You could wear a grass skirt and make them frozen pizza with bits of pineapple on top for that “Romantic Hawaiian Glamping experience”. Or maybe stick-up posters of the Taj Mahal and pick up a meal from your local Indian takeaway for an “Exotic Bombay Night for Two”.

Use your imagination. Design special menus and distribute them around waiting cars on the A303. You would probably make a tidy profit given the desperation of tourists to avoid spending the night queuing in their car rather than spending a night in an authentic Southwestern garden environment.

Well, mostly authentic...

In-Car Sales and Services: Backed-up traffic piled fifty deep near the A35 Bridport roundabout offers such a good commercial opportunity! You could walk up and down

Long delays on the A303 may represent a commercial opportunity

with a bucket full of soapy water and offer to mop up the pooped pigeon poo on their car windows. You could put a tray around your neck and sell ice creams and snacks (just like in cinemas in the olden days). You could even sell the contents of that old cardboard box in your attic… you know, the one with all that junk you once bought at a jumble sale ten years ago. Old holiday ashtrays from Paris, rude amorous plastic donkeys from Spain, a battered corkscrew from Inverness in the shape of the Loch Ness monster and a vase with hideous purple daisy design which you wanted to give to your sister but changed your mind when you looked at it properly in daylight. Call all this rubbish ‘East Devon Antiques’ and you should sell some of it. Or maybe not, but at least you’ve given the box contents a much-needed airing after a decade stuck in your attic.

Given that your target market is entirely captive, you could probably sell just about anything. They’re not going anywhere and it’s very boring sitting in a traffic jam. You could offer your services as a Southwestern tour guide, giving advice (for a small fee) on things to do in Lyme Regis or Honiton (if they ever get there). Offer jars of Aunt Ethel’s Dorset blackberry jam (great deal at £5 a jar etc). You may hate the stuff but this nice couple from Manchester sitting in their Mondeo will possibly love it. You may need to ham it up a bit. Talk with a fake West Country accent with lots of Zs and Rs. Wear a Worzel Gummidge hat and suck a straw for extra rural authenticity.

Children and Animals: Crying children are a nightmare when you’re stuck in a car, so be bold and offer your services as a children’s entertainer. Make silly faces and tell corny jokes or even dress as a clown and do handstands on the car bonnet. Don’t get too manic or you may get arrested. Quickly move on to the next car which has a dog barking in the back. Anyone travelling with a doggie may get worried after 3 hours stuck on the A37 near Yeovil.

The dog is worried too as it desperately needs to do a wee.

You can offer a dog walking service! Take the doggie round the stationary cars for a couple of minutes so it can do its business against someone else’s car tyres rather than all over the inside of their Fiat. Don’t forget to take dog poo bags— you don’t want to get caught out by getting more than you planned for…

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Gypsy Petulengro

By Cecil Amor

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hen I was small I could read quite well, and when my father had finished reading the Sunday newspaper I would avoid the large news items and turn to a column of astrology by Gypsy Petulengro. It did not occur to me then that many people would have the same birth sign and apparently have identical fortunes. I was intrigued by photographs of the gypsy, wearing a spotted handkerchief on his head and another round his neck. He also advertised herbal remedies.

Petulengro broadcast on the radio in the 1930s and 40s, including In Town Tonight on the BBC. His first name was Xaviar and his surname derives from horseshoe and man, blacksmith, and the surname is as common to gypsies as Smith is in England. He was known as a horse trader, a violinist and “King of the Gypsies”.

Petulengro was said to have been in the British army and I wonder how his NCO’s coped with his name!

Before 1939 gypsy ladies frequently called at houses in our village, selling bunches of wild flowers or clothes pegs, which had been made by their families, and they were always polite. I became interested in their use of herbs, which I had read about and tried to make tea from roasted dandelion leaves, supposed to be a headache cure and also coffee from the roasted root, but neither was very successful. I obviously did not have the gypsy expertise.

I have been reminded of the foregoing by coming across a book my wife had been reading The Girl in the Painted Caravan — Memories of a Romany Childhood by Eva Petulengro, published in 2011. It is an easy to read book, including 16 pages of black and white photographs and tells much of the Romany language and customs. Eva does not mention Xaviar, presumably not being closely related, although they have many similarities. Eva lived in a painted caravan, which they called a vardo, and they travelled in Norfolk and Lincolnshire at first. Most of the females of Eva’s family could read palms, or dukker, which was passed down from one generation to another. Eva was born, like most of her cousins, in her grandmother’s vardo in 1939, which was very special, having been made by Dunton’s of Reading and thought of by Romanies as a Rolls-Royce. It was painted red outside with gold leaf motifs and a carriage lamp either side of the door. Inside were engraved cut-glass mirrors reflecting china Dresden ornaments by the light of two ruby cut-glass oil lamps. Grandmother was called Alice Eva Taylor and married

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Nathaniel Petulengro, a horse dealer. After the wedding Alice’s mother gave her a gold charm bracelet with five gold sovereigns hanging from it. This was a Romany custom as they did not trust banks and they could wear their savings, or sell their rings, ear rings or necklaces, if necessary.

The family fortune changed in 1927 when Grandfather Nathaniel met an old friend, Billy Butlin, who was about to open an amusement park in Skegness.

It was suggested that Alice could open a palmistry booth there for six months.

Alice and her daughters operated two booths, under the name of Madam Eva, charging 2s 6d per hand. The boys bought cameras and sold holiday snaps. Later Alice realised that life on the road with a horse drawn wagon was becoming difficult and decided to buy aluminium caravans and cars. The boys took driving lessons and the vargas were left on permanent sites.

Non Romanies are called gorgers by Romanies. Life became more difficult as some gorgers imitated gypsies and gave them a bad name. We still meet men who offer to “tarmac your drive for a tenner”, who may not be gypsies.

Eva’s mother, Laura Eva, married a gorger, Eddie Price who had worked erecting Butlin’s park. At first all was well, but when war came he joined the army and afterwards seemed to be changed, keeping them away from their relatives and was rough with his wife and children.

Young Eva did not go to school, but she managed to learn to read and write, sufficient for her purpose. They had problems during the war, not being registered for ration books, pensions or “dole”, but they received temporary ration books and lived quite well. Grandmother Alice kept hens and men hunted hedgehogs, which they called hotchi, eaten after baking in clay.

Aged 9 young Eva would sit in and learn from her mother reading palms. As soon as a client entered, she would say, loudly, “I’m going to tell you what I see and what I feel”, to stop them talking. Eva became interested in astrology and tried to assess people’s characters and their star signs. Young Eva opened a palmistry booth and was quite successful. When she became 21 she found an advertisement in the World’s Fair magazine for a palmistry place in Brighton. They sold the vardo and her mother found a furnished flat. In April 1960 Eva arranged to rent the forecourt of a house opposite the

Children Get Creative

ARTSREACH SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT

West Pier and she erected a garden hut, carpeted inside, with a card table and two chairs. A notice outside read “Eva Petulengro, Palmist and Clairvoyant”.

Soon after opening up they heard the Brighton Evening Argus newspaper was organising a ball at the Regent Ballroom, for charity and Eva offered her services, giving readings for the public. The editor of the newspaper invited her to join the celebrities and read some of their hands. First was Zena Marshall, the first Bond girl, followed by William Hartnell (Doctor Who), who danced with her, as did Norman Wisdom.

She also met Phyllis Calvert and Leo Glenn.

Next day the newspaper had a double-page spread, which was very complimentary about Eva and her work. This was followed by an invitation to meet the editor at his office. She took along a sample horoscope. The editor was impressed and surprised when she presented her offering and invited her to write a daily column.

He called in a secretary and asked her to type it, adding you may have to dictate it, as Eva’s script was not very intelligible. He asked Eva to write a daily column for £3 a week. After six months it was suggested she should go to the Press Association and have her column syndicated to other papers and this was succesful.

In 1962 Eva was invited to appear on the TV programme What’s My Line, presented by Eamonn Andrews, with a panel of Lady Isabel Barnett, Barbara Kelly, Gilbert Harding and Gerald Nabarro. She appeared to the panel as Eva Smith. Barbara Kelly, second to guess, asked are you a clairvoyant or astrologer?

Eva’s next venture was to suggest a horoscope magazine to the Brighton Evening Argus and this was produced for Christmas, proceeds for charity, funded by advertising and sold 5,000 copies. Eva then had the magazine produced regularly.

The Beatles came to Brighton, playing at the Hippodrome in 1964 and Eva managed to meet them back stage, reading the palms of George Harrison and Paul McCartney, before they performed. Soon after Eva was photographed separately reading the palms of Michael Crawford, Vera Lynn and Bob Monkhouse.

Eva went on to marry a gorger, Johnnie, and apparently had a happy marriage following her interesting young life.

SCHOOL summer holidays are here, and Artsreach, Dorset’s rural touring charity, has lots of fun, affordable and creative ways to keep children entertained. The summer programme of activities, which runs from 28th July to 31st August has many brilliant events to tap into every child’s creative interests.

Whether it’s circus skills, outdoor exploration, film-making, crafts, storytelling or audio and digital adventures, there is so much to do, catering to a wide range of ages.

This year’s Artsreach summer workshop programme will be running in 14 rural communities, from Fontmell Magna to Halstock.

Go on a Wild Adventure with Dorset Forest Schools at Buckland Newton and Broadmayne, in a session packed with nature-craft skills, games, challenges and even campfire cooking.

Budding artists and makers have plenty Who wouldn’t want to explore another Galaxy? to turn their hands to, with local artist Fran Quinlan leading a Wild Withy session, creating giant structures out of willow inspired by seed pods, flowers, cones, vegetables and fruits at Halstock.

Treehouse Theatre heads to Yetminster to offer an exciting and interactive hour of making music, dressing up, singing songs and creating stories in Sally & The Limpet, an eco-conscious story which encourages children to think about the inhabitants of rock pools and the seaside environment. Meanwhile Abbie Thommes and Laurie Newman present a storytelling and craft session, Jessie The Jellyfish at Martinstown. Hear the story of Jessie who is a lonely jellyfish, use unrecyclable plastics to make your own jellyfish then learn a brand-new song based on the story.

Kevin Burke invites you to join the Secret Circus in Yetminster and Sturminster Newton; learn a variety of circus skills including juggling with clubs, rings, balls and scarves, diabolo, flowerstick, stuntsticks, plate spinning, stilts, poi and rolla bolla!

Pageant Productions offer a fun and engaging Stop-Motion Animation workshop in Halstock and Blandford, for children who want to create their very own short film; constructing sets, creating scenes and using props to capture an original story.

Why not visit The Discovery Lab at the Kingcombe Centre in Toller Porcorum.

Travelling aliens Kela, Orchi and Amar are on an earth exploration mission to learn more about earth science from you, the earth experts. Pop along to their pop-up lab to investigate, explore, think and wonder in an interactive workshop for families.

Who wants to explore the galaxy? The Gramaphones are offering an exciting adventure for galactic explorers with a mission to investigate Another Planet and find out if humans could survive there. To take part in this new audio adventure all you need to do is to download an audio track, and visit a nearby green public space to experience the adventure. Collect important scientific samples, dodge alien invasions and delve deep underground to discover more about the mysterious planet you land on. Audio guide Astrid the Galaxy Hopper will take you on your mission as you boldly go where no child has gone before. Registration is through the Artsreach website.

All workshops have limited places and often sell out, so booking is essential. For full details visit he Artsreach Summer Activities programme at www.artsreach.co.uk.

Cecil Amor, Hon President, Bridport History Society.

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House&Garden

Vegetables in August

By Ashley Wheeler

J

uly was a fairly big turnaround month when lots of earlier spring crops get taken out and replaced with crops sown for late summer and early autumn. This continues through August. It is easy to think that after all of the spring plantings the veg garden can be left to grow, maybe weeded and watered a bit, but otherwise left for the veg to be harvestable. However, by missing out on all of the July and August plantings you will miss out on a whole load of autumn veg like fennel, salad turnips, kales, winter radish, kohl rabi, beetroot, chinese cabbage and much more.

With an organised crop plan we have been able to make the most of the hot weather through July to let the soil life and sun do the cultivating for us. We have become much better at mowing off old crops as soon as they have finished and then putting either black silage plastic over them (ideally watering beforehand) for a week or two in the summer, or if we need the beds sooner, then we use clear plastic which solarizes the beds. This means that it uses the heat of the sun to kill off any crop residues and weeds, and takes just a day in temperatures of 24 degrees or higher. Both techniques are really useful for minimising the amount of soil disturbance, and when the beds are ready we simply rake them out and plant straight into them. This can be done at any time of year, but works quickest during the summer, and the solarising can only be done on hot days. Having a clear crop plan for the garden means that we know when a bed needs to be clear and ready for planting and we can work back from that to work out when we need to mow the previous crop down and plastic the bed.

August is one of the busiest months for us in terms of harvests - with all of the summer fruiting crops requiring picking two to three times a week. We then need to make sure all of the sowing and planting is done as a priority (and sow making sure the beds are prepared is equally as important), and then hoeing and weeding comes as the next priority during the summer.

As the days begin to get shorter (I know…) the timings of sowings and plantings becomes more critical so that autumn crops have enough time to reach full maturity before the first frosts. It is also really important to make sure that any new plantings get a good soaking in at this time of year. We soak the trays of plants in trays filled with water before we plant them out, and then we water them in generously after planting. This ensures that the new roots have good contact with damp soil around them and quickly establish.

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Although we like to make the most of the space in terms of making each bed as productive as possible, we also like to leave some to go a bit wild. These leeks were left to flower, providing lots of food for the bees

WHAT TO SOW THIS MONTH: endive, winter purslane, salad mustards (best sown direct) such as Golden Streaks, Purple Frills, rocket, land cress, chard, leaf radish, texsel greens, lettuce, fennel (early in the month), broad beans (for tips in salads) & peashoots, autumn radish and turnips, chinese cabbage and pak choi (early in the month), parsley (for overwintering in polytunnel/glasshouse), corn salad & spring onions & spring cabbage (all late in month for overwintering) WHAT TO PLANT THIS MONTH: OUTSIDE: fennel, beetroot, lettuce, chard, kohl rabi, chicory, salad leaves: buckshorn plantain, salad burnet, chervil, endive, turnips and winter radish (sown direct), pak choi and chinese cabbage INSIDE: summer purslane, goosefoot OTHER IMPORTANT TASKS THIS MONTH: Keeping on top of taking old crops out and planting with new crops is still important throughout August. There is still plenty of time to get late crops in the ground, and as we roll into September it can almost be like a second spring (with the benefit of already warm soil) Generally it is a time to harvest - keeping on top of harvesting courgettes and beans will keep them going and mean that they don’t get too big or too stringy. Also continue with the weekly job of sideshooting tomatoes and removing lower leaves to get good airflow going through the crop.

Kingcombe recognised as haven for wildlife MORE than 30 years after a national campaign to save ‘the farm that time forgot’, Kingcombe Meadows has been recognised as a gold-standard haven for wildlife, as it is declared England’s newest National Nature Reserve (NNR).

Dorset Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with Natural England, announced the designation of the new Kingcombe NNR in July.

Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common, two of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s flagship West Dorset nature reserves, have been designated by Natural England as a combined NNR, encompassing 309 hectares of grassland, woodland and scrub habitat either side of the River Hooke.

The designation, which includes two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, recognises these places as nationally and internationally important landscapes.

Kingcombe Farm, in the heart of the meadows’ unimproved grassland, was in disrepair when its owner died. It was broken up into lots sold at auction in 1987. Funds were raised by local campaigners and Dorset Wildlife Trust to buy several lots. Since then, more of the original land has been accrued and the farm still functions as an organic pesticide-free business.

This ‘unimproved’ landscape features marsh fritillary butterflies and wildflowers such as bee orchids, pepper saxifrage and devil’s-bit scabious, which also grow at neighbouring Powerstock Common, and its patchwork of woodland edges, scrub and scattered trees provides perfect conditions for foraging bats. A network of ponds supports amphibians, with toads, frogs and all three species of native newt breeding on site. Dorset Wildlife Trust restored Powerstock Common by removing conifers, planting native trees and allowing a mosaic of rich wood-pasture habitat to regenerate with the help of the resident cattle and ponies.

For more information visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/kingcombe-centre.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 33

August in the Garden

By Russell Jordan

W

atering is often the most important gardening task this month assuming we are lucky enough to have a decent spell of dry weather during this late summer period. Plants growing in beds and borders should not need watering if they have been planned originally according to ‘right plant, right place’ principles.

This is simply the idea that, when planning a new planting, the chosen plants are suited to the conditions that prevail in the place where they are being planted. If your soil is free draining and the planting area is in full sun then everything in your planting scheme needs to be able to thrive in those conditions. My greatest inspiration for this concept, one of the greatest plants people of recent times, was Beth Chatto and her books on the subject are a very good place to start when populating a garden.

Unlike plants growing in the open ground, plants in pots and containers will have reached the stage where their roots have completely filled the containers they are confined to and they are completely reliant upon you to fulfil their water and food needs. It is very difficult to rewet compost which has completely dried out so regular watering is a necessity in order to avoid this. It’s also important in order to avoid stressing the plants which will run to seed more quickly, effectively ending their usefulness, if allowed to dry out to the point of wilting.

Any nutrients that were originally present in the potting compost will also have been exhausted by now so adding a feed to the water, following the dosing instructions on your chosen brand, will encourage your potted plants to continue to grow and produce flowers. Regular dead-heading, as always, is essential in order to keep summer displays performing as long as possible—right up until the first frosts if you are lucky.

Dahlias are a case in point. They are only just gearing up to their full potential at this time of year. If kept well watered and well fed they will keep on getting bigger and bigger, with more and more blooms, if indulged and dead-headed. You may have to intervene with some extra support, pea sticks if you have them, as they are prone to collapsing if we have one of those summer storms or unseasonably strong winds.

34 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 Tel. 01308 423031

In fact, going over beds and borders performing judicious editing, cutting back and removing spent flowers, plus propping up anything that is prone to flopping, is another timely task if you want to ensure that your summer displays carry on for as long as possible.

‘Structural’ hedge cutting may commence this month; it’s good to start this task relatively early if you have a lot of hedges to tackle. Those which require frequent trimming can be done anytime, species which are usually cut on an annual basis, yew being chief amongst these, tend to be cut from around now, to late next month, to give them time to ‘harden up’ before the coldest winter weather.

Evergreen hedges and topiary provide the skeleton of the garden, supporting the ‘flesh’ which is the more ephemeral planting around them. Clipping them into shape is another way to keep the garden looking good when a degree of unruliness is beginning to take over. Lawns are another element of the garden which act as a foil to the planted areas. In dry periods it’s a good idea to raise the cutting height of the mower so that the grass is less stressed by being cut too short. It’s never recommended to irrigate lawns as this is a waste of water which should be conserved wherever possible. Even in the driest summer, the lawn will always bounce back, to verdant green, once the rains return.

Rather than just doing regular maintenance tasks, vital though they are, you may also want to try something that is non-essential, but very rewarding: propagation. In its simplest form this is simply collecting and sowing seed from your garden plants, many of which will have set seed by now or will be doing so soon.

A more challenging method of propagation is by means of cuttings. At this time of year shrub growth has had a chance to mature to the ‘semi-ripe’ stage and the hormone levels, necessary for successful rooting, will be at their optimum. This means that cuttings made from these shoots are easier to handle and are more able to survive once separated from the parent plant.

You need to select material from the parent plant which will make finger length cuttings, of a pencil thickness.

Remove, using a craft blade or sharp penknife, all but their

uppermost leaves and make a clean cut under the last leaf joint. Insert these prepared cuttings into an ‘open compost mix’ (I use a 50:50 mix of potting compost and perlite) around the edge of a pot. Water well with a fine rose on a watering can and cover with a plastic bag over the whole shebang— inserting a cane into the centre of the compost to hold the plastic off your cuttings. Place in a warm, light, position but shaded from full sun as excessive heat is likely to cook the cuttings before they get a chance to grow roots.

In a matter of weeks the cuttings will either have started to root or, pretty obviously, failed to root and turned to mush.

They are worth persevering with, even if a fair proportion do not root successfully, as they are plants for free and all you have lost is a bit of time and materials. Try anything that has suitable shoots; spring flowering shrubs are often successful candidates and so are many of the twiggy tender perennials—especially salvias. August is a good time to shear back Mediterranean type sub-shrubs, lavender being the most obvious candidate, in order to reinvigorate them and allow regrowth before winter.

These are also worth propagating from cuttings, although they are likely to be shorter than those from larger shrubs.

As a parting shot, and only applicable if you are lucky enough to have one, now is the time to shorten the whippy growths on wisteria to about five or six buds. These long growths are further reduced, to flowering spurs, around February time. Removing excessive growth now encourages the remaining shoots to ripen and reduces the likelihood of the wisteria from being wrenched off its supporting structure during inclement weather. Fingers crossed that the weather this month is suitably benign.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 35

From Lawn to Wildflower Garden Rewilding is not just for vast tracts of land. Peter Vojak, from Leahurst Gardening and Meadows, looks at ways everyone can enjoy the benefits of wildflowers along with the diversity of nature that comes with them. Photographs by Colin Tracy

“…Almost everybody over the age of about fifty years old can remember a time when any long-distance drive in summer resulted in a windscreen so splattered with dead insects that it was necessary to stop occasionally to scrub them off. Driving country lanes at night in high summer would reveal a blizzard of moths in the headlights. Today, drivers in Western Europe and North America are freed from the chore of washing their windscreen”. (Prof Dave Goulson).

We all love to see butterflies and bees in our gardens.

Unfortunately a number of factors in recent decades have reduced the number and diversity of these insects. These include habitat loss, urbanisation, land use intensification and intensive use of fertilisers and pesticides. Of the 2430 British insect species assessed by Natural England, 55 have gone extinct and 286 (11%) are threatened (UK Parliament PostNoteNumber 619 March 2020).

Lawns may look like attractive green spaces to our eyes but from the viewpoint of a butterfly or bee they are a relative desert, even more so if they contain few flowering plants. But any gardener can convert all or just a modest part of a lawn to make it more insect friendly.

With an estimated 24 million gardens in the UK this could have a significant impact for our beneficial insects.

Beneficial insects include not only pollinators but insect predators like hoverflies and ladybirds which eat garden pests such as aphids.

The key change to make is to ensure soil fertility is reduced and the soil surface disturbed to allow wildflower seeds to get a foothold in direct contact with the soil.

Bare soil is the easiest surface to seed as wildflowers have the best chance of germinating there provided the soil has not recently been enriched with fertilisers. Such enriched soil should be left fallow for the year before seeding. All vegetation appearing will need to be cut regularly and all cuttings removed promptly to reduce fertility.

A lawn, not recently improved and given fertilisers, can be scarified or rotavated or even have the surface turf removed altogether to give the necessary open areas for wildflowers to colonise.

Take care that the seed mix you choose is suited to the soil conditions and local environment. Wildflowers suited for thin soil over chalk will differ from those that grow well in a damp low lying area. If there are existing

36 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 Tel. 01308 423031

vigorous grasses in place then include Yellow Rattle seeds in the mix you use to re-seed. This is an annual plant which is able to parasitize vigorous grasses. The following season it will weaken them and again help to give the less vigorous wild-flower species a foothold.

To plant a perennial wild-flower area it is best to seed your prepared area in September/October when rain is expected. Tread or roll the seeds in after scattering them to ensure good contact with the soil. If grasses and pernicious weeds continue to grow in the same area cut them short or better still uproot them and remove all cuttings so that a blanketing of grass thatch does not cover the wild-flower seeds. A nurse crop of annual wildflowers can be sown alongside the perennial seed mix to give a fast burst of colour the following season.

This could include Cornflowers, Corn Poppy, Corn Marigold and Corn Cockle. The seeded area should be kept short until the following early spring. In traditional meadows this would have been done by grazing cattle over the winter. In the absence of a herd of cattle a gardener must do their own regular cutting and removal of vegetation.

From early spring the wildflower area is allowed to grow, flower and set seed. To make a more striking display of the newly wilded area you can choose to keep the areas adjacent to flower borders cut short, as well as a path through the longer vegetation so that you can get up close and personal with the new range of wildlife. The remainder should be cut around mid-July and all cuttings removed. In a farming system this would be used as hay for the animals. As the vegetation will be quite long an ordinary mower may not cope. A hedge trimmer or shears could be used over a small area. A larger area may need a scythe. The Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland (http://scytheassociation.org ), often working with Wild-Life Trusts, run courses on scythe use or can put gardeners in touch with experienced local scythers. If motorised cutting machinery is used all cuttings must be removed.

Keep the wild flower area short until the next spring.

Even a small area of lawn can be turned over to wildflowers to make a new area of interest and a home for useful insects. If more gardens had such areas then they could form the stepping stones in pathways for pollinators linking nearby plots. You would be supporting a greater diversity of beneficial insects. And you would be helping mitigate, at a local level, some of the key drivers of the loss of beneficial insects.

Summary of the first year of development of a wildflower area.

• • •

• • •

•

Remove, pernicious weeds like docks or nettles. Remove all cuttings in season before sowing.

Prepare the soil surface by late summer.

Choose a suitable type and quantity of seeds. Emorsgate Seeds is a reputable supplier with many years of experience but other sources of seed do exist.

In autumn sow your chosen seed mixture. Hand sowing can be done even over large areas pretty quickly.

Cut down and remove any rank growth of competing weeds in autumn and up to the early part of following spring.

Do not cut the main area again from March until after around mid-July and enjoy the resulting display. Once flowers have gone to seed, cut and remove all top growth after letting seed fall.

You will see a significant increase in plant and insect diversity in the first season after planting. This will also include birds. For example if Teazle heads are left to stand in the winter Goldfinches may well visit them to find seeds.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 37

PROPERTY ROUND-UP

Homes for Village People!

By Helen Fisher

CHARDSTOCK £350,000

An opportunity to purchase a 3 bedroom family home with a built in business. This thriving post office and stores is the hub of the village. Attached family home is very well presented throughout.

Outside: ample space for produce and parking plus side entrance to large, west facing private garden.

Gordon & Rumsby Tel: 01297 553768

WEST COKER £825,000

An L shaped, 5 double bedroom, Grade II listed house dating from 1805. The 3 reception rooms have windows on 2 sides giving a light and airy feel. Pretty gardens of about an acre with summerhouse, kitchen garden and all weather tennis court. Ample parking and former coach house for garaging.

Knight Frank Tel: 01935 808426

SALWAY ASH £240,000

BROADWINDSOR £570,000

A ‘chocolate box’ style cottage with 2 double bedrooms.

Characterful features inc: stone fireplace, cottage doors and deep windowsills; all rooms recently decorated and fitted with new flooring. Well stocked westerly garden with mature trees and shrubs. Off street parking for 2 cars.

Symonds and Sampson Tel: 01308 422092

A historic Grade II listed 4 bedroom home dating back to 1521 with tons of character inc: flagstone floors, exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and window seats. In excellent order throughout. Sunny, private front garden with rear walled courtyard and terraced garden. Single garage and off road parking for 2 cars.

Stags Tel: 01308 428000

UPLODERS £400,000

SHIPTON GORGE £667,000

An attractive modern, detached 3 bedroom house, beautifully presented throughout. With a recently fitted modern kitchen and large sitting room with antique fireplace and French doors to front and rear terraces. Enclosed lawn area overlooking a shallow stream.

Adjoining garage with power.

Parkers Tel: 01308 420111

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A 1960s detached 5 bedroom chalet bungalow, recently renovated and extended to an extremely high standard.

Family sized kitchen/diner with 4 oven Aga and new flooring. Landscaped front and rear gardens with ponds, fruit and veg gardens, greenhouse and detached garage/workshop.

Kennedys Tel: 01308 427329

What can we do about climate change?

Vicki Elcoate from Dorset Climate Action Network talked to Andrew Carey Some people are tired of hearing about the “climate and ecological emergency”.

Where do you stand?

It’s frighteningly real, its impact is accelerating faster than many scientists predicted, and we all need to do our bit. You may be aware of it through the heat dome in North America, floods in Europe, melting glaciers in Greenland, and fires in California … or through the loss of swallows, cuckoos, skylarks, frogs, butterflies and hedgehogs …or through the plastic rubbish on the beach, the state of the river, air pollution in Chideock, the antibiotic crisis and Covid.

What can ordinary people do?

Locally, a lot’s happening already. In Bridport, there are concerted moves to grow and sell more food locally. Around Beaminster, over 1,500 trees have been planted in the last two years. In the Marshwood Vale the Lifelines Project is mapping and extending chemical-free corridors across the countryside. The River Char Community Project is working to improve the quality of the water in the river. Lyme Regis is set to get an electric car sharing scheme and has been “plastic-free” since 2018. In Charmouth there are big efforts with green roofs, litter and wildflower meadows. Beavers have been reintroduced in West Dorset. These efforts, and others, are being driven by local people determined to take action. That’s where DorsetCAN comes in.

What is DorsetCAN? Late last year Dorset Climate Action Network (Dorset CAN)

was set up to co-ordinate these efforts. Already we have offered detailed responses to Dorset Council on its Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and its Dorset Local Plan, which aims to build nearly 40,000 new homes that encroach on the Green Belt and AONB. We’re campaigning for a county-wide retrofit programme for energy-inefficient houses and for the idea of the Great Dorset Hedge. We will campaign for a network of safe cycling routes and we’re committed to campaigns to reduce levels of waste and to recycle more.

These moves are bringing together Dorset farmers and gardeners, scientists, schools, families, businesses, parish councils and others to take action locally and to demand that Dorset Council act with more urgency to tackle the climate and nature crisis.

What can we do to help?

The more members DorsetCAN has, the louder our voice. Please join us. Membership is free and there are teams you can help if you have time, as well as guidance on what families can do to cut their carbon footprint, recycle more or encourage wildlife back into their gardens. Read more about our dream for Dorset, and join us, at www.dreamfordorset.org.

Vicki Elcoate is a Lyme Regis resident and former Director of the Sumatran Orangutan Society, the UK Environmental Law Association and the Council for National Parks.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 39

Food&Dining

Best of food and drink and more...

Local producers in Poundbury

T

he Dorset Food and Arts Festival Market—lite is back and getting ready to showcase a bumper crop of local food, drink, art, craft, and community talent.

The event takes place on Saturday 7th August from 10am -4pm at The Great Field, Poundbury, in Dorchester.

Dorset Food and Coordinator Caz Richards said ‘The festival market will look and feel a bit different this year, as we have been advised to scale down, so there won’t be the usual cookery demonstrations or live music programme, but we are hoping to have a few ‘gentle’ buskers to give the pop up shopping and trading experience some atmosphere.’

Caz continues ‘We really hope the local community and staycationers will come and support this popular event and look forward to seeing everybody. Shopping and in the fresh air, catching up with friends and supporting local producers.

It’s a winning combination!’

Held on the Saturday closest to the late Queen Mother’s birthday, the festival follows the successful pattern of previous years with free entry for all.

Dorset Food & Drink (DF&D) is a member-based organisation overseen by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team.

It represents Dorset’s food, drink and hospitality business community bringing a strong and vibrant sector together under

Local craft will also be on display

one banner and celebrating their connection to the county.

The Festival has been generously supported by the Duchy of Cornwall, and in 2018, the coordination was taken on by Dorset Food & Drink.

Dorset Food & Drink are taking a cautious, but optimistic leap of faith, that restrictions will be relaxed by August, but The Great Field in Poundbury is a fantastic outdoor venue with plenty of room for social distancing. DF&D Coordinator Caz Richards said ‘We shifted the festival location to give us more space and to operate safely. But look forward to returning to our natural home in Queen Mother Square next year!’

Cider awards highlight International popularity

Three Wines UNDER 10

Emiliana Adobe Rosé £9.50

A mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Shiraz from the Rapel Valleys in Chile. This rosé is bright light pink in colour with intense fruity aromas, such as cherry and blackcurrant. Emiliana was voted by Wines of Chile as ‘Winery of the Year 2016’.

Available in Bridport from www.selectedgrapes.co.uk WHETHER visiting or living in the Westcountry, it is hard to avoid an introduction to local cider. One might even be forgiven for thinking that this is the centre of the cider-making world. But that is not what the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) decided after their inaugural tasting of what they described as ‘100% juice, not-fromconcentrate ciders, perries and fruit wines’.

In partnership with Cider is Wine, the IWSC chose Llanblethian Orchards La Petite Grange du Cidre NV in Wales for their Cider Trophy and awarded their Ice Cider Trophy to Swedish entrant Brännland Cider for their Brännland Iscider Barrique 2012. Judges commented on the ‘wonderful golden oak colour, multi-layered to the rim, rich eastern spice & fruit—a complex style mouth-filling sweet dried fruit and apricots with fresh walnut and spiced aromas finely balanced with lipsmacking acidity, which extends to a long fruit finish.

Opulent, decadent, stylish’.

Although cider from The Newt in Somerset and an offering from Trevibban Mill in Cornwall joined the Gold winners, the dominant producers were from Sweden, with gongs also going to Poland and France.

Entries spanned a vast range of categories, from ice ciders, keeved ciders, pet nats and many more, with 10 countries represented at the tasting. The unprecedented number of entries meant more judges were recruited to ensure the IWSC’s rigorous judging process was carried out to its high standard.

All entries were judged blind, with the experts awarding bronze, silver and gold medals to the stand-out drinks.

With this tasting, the first of its kind, the IWSC and Cider Is Wine set out to raise awareness amongst the trade and industry of this oftenmisunderstood category. Co-founder of Cider Is Wine, Alistair Morrell explains that ‘the stunning array of flavours, tastes and styles has wowed the judges with its diversity and the potential to be appreciated as much as fine wine. The results are truly a tribute to the producers’ careful crafting, reflecting where these drinks come from, who produced them, the varietals that made them and the year in which they were harvested. In years to come this tasting will mark the beginning of what the category can achieve with consumer recognition.’

Visit www.iwsc.net for full list of winners.

Specially Selected French Vegan Rosé £6.99

A South of France Special Selection for Aldi, this pale pink rosé offers rich fruit flavour with aromas of strawberry and raspberry and a hint of candyfloss.

“Lovely example of a pale southern France rose—dry with a fresh and fruity finish—perfect on a warm summers day (or any day really)” www.aldi.co.uk

The Society’s Sicilian Organic White 2020 £7.95

From organically tended vineyards, many of which overlook the sea in western Sicily. A fresh, peach, chalk and salted-lemon scented white from a blend of 80% grillo and 20% carricante. “Definitely one to have for a party. Great balance of flavour and dryness without acidity.” www.thewinesociety.com Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 41

FRESH BAKED TOMATO CHUTNEY The recipe this month was very hard to select. I have so many favourite tomato dishes.

So I have plumped for one of our cookery school favourites, a fresh chutney that’s wonderful with cheese, roasted chicken or seared salmon.

LESLEY WATERS

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 450g (1lb) cherry tomatoes • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • 2 tablespoons demerara sugar • 2 dried chillies, roughly broken up • Salt & freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 150C / 300F / gas mark 2.

2. In a small roasting tin toss the tomatoes with all the remaining ingredients and season.

3. Bake in the oven for 1 ¾ hours until softened & split. (Be careful not to allow the sugary juices to burn on the base of the tin).

4. Allow to cool and transfer to sterile jar. The chutney will keep for 2/3 days in the fridge.

Enough to fill 225g jar

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Prout Bridge Crowdfunder success A project to deliver accessible activities and support for people in and around Beaminster has been a huge success. Thanks to the generosity of all the people and businesses who have given money and rewards to the Prout Bridge Project (PBP) Crowdfunder campaign and the Gilbert! Affectionately named after Gil Streets the late founder of the charity time and support of many more, they exceeded their target and their vital work in the community can now go mobile.

The campaign was also backed by Dorset Council, Comic Relief, Sport England – Return to Play, Power to Change Community Business Crowdmatch and the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership Crowdfund Dorset Business which enabled PBP to meet their target.

There was special thanks also to corporate sponsors—Mayfair, Multiform, the Ollerod and Tangerine as well as community business partners and patrons. Their valued support and input into the charity has helped them get where they are today.

Paula Tuff, Manager of the PBP said ‘Everyone at the PBP is so grateful to everyone who has supported our Crowdfunder campaign, we achieved the impossible and now have an amazing vehicle to take our services about and about to isolated areas..

The team plan to continue to work tirelessly to provide youth work, mental health support and community outreach activities throughout the rest of 2021 and beyond. For further information about the charity visit www.proutbridgeproject.com

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LOBSTER MACARONI CHEESE There is something comforting about a plate of macaroni cheese especially with the addition of lobster.

This is a quick and simple recipe not relying on the traditional roux-based cheese sauce. Rigatoni or other similar shaped pasta can be used, the idea being that the sauce fills the tubes as it’s baking.

MARK HIX

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 1 small lobster, cooked and all of the meat removed (reserve the shells) • 500ml fish stock • 1 tsp tomato purée • 250-300g macaroni, cooked • 300g cream cheese • 60g Cheddar cheese, grated, plus another 20g to scatter on top • 150ml double cream • Salt and pepper • 2 tbls fresh white breadcrumbs • 2 tbls chopped parsley

1. Put the lobster shells in a pan with the fish stock and tomato purée, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 45 minutes then strain into a clean pan through a fine meshed sieve. Simmer on a medium heat until it reduces down to 2-3 tablespoons.

2. Add the double cream, cream cheese and 60g of the grated cheddar and bring it to the boil and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Whisk the sauce well and mix with the cooked pasta.

3. Cut the pieces of lobster into 2-3cm chunks and fold into the mixture.

4. Put the macaroni mixture into an ovenproof serving dish. Preheat the oven to 220°C/440°F/Gas mark 7. Mix the breadcrumbs with the extra cheddar and scatter on top.

5. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until nicely browned, scatter the parsley on top and serve.

Serves 4

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Pigs and Fish

By Nick Fisher

W

hen I was a boy, pigs would eat anything. At my Norfolk grammar school we’d queue up at the kitchen window, where rosy-cheeked dinner ladies would splat great wedges of bone-dry shepherd’s pie on our plates. These we’d coat in white pepper and salt (the only condiments available) and eat as much as was humanly possible. This pleasure-fest, would then be followed by something lardy, with a wafer thin seam of red jam and a covering of lumpy discharge laughably referred to as ‘custard’.

At the end of each course, we’d take our plates, table by table, back to the hatch, where the dinner ladies gaggled, and we scraped our plates into the ‘pig bin’. Two heavy gauge dustbins stood side by side, and into them we scraped our ‘dirty wee leavings’ as my dour Scots granny would call anything left on a plate by a small boy.

The pig bins fascinated us. Of course, like any school boys, we’d ‘accidentally’ lose spoons and forks in the swill, which I’m sure gave some local pig farmer a prize pain in the butt (and an unnaturally full cutlery drawer), but at least it established a tangible link between us and farm animals. On a very basic level, we were made aware that pigs ate swill. That what we didn’t eat, could be eaten by pigs, and in turn, that bacon and pork might come from pigs that were fattened on our leftovers. It closed a circle and illustrated a simple and direct connection between our eating habits and the farmed livestock that is bred for us to eat.

Now, no-one knows what pigs eat. Slop bins have been outlawed. Pigs are no longer allowed to gorge themselves on the food we chuck away. Instead, our slops and scrapings, which in some households and institutions constitute up to 40% of total waste, is now sent to landfill or for incineration.

This is such a shame. It’s one of those hard-to-comprehend situations we so often find ourselves in these days where, because of fears of contamination—which in the past led to BSE and Foot and Mouth disease—swill feeding of pigs is deemed too risky. Which is a crying shame, not just for what we lose in terms of a neat circle of recycling, but also, it’s a tragedy for pigs.

Pigs eat anything. And the more they have to work to get a mouthful, the more they enjoy it. Every year, at home we fatten a pair of saddleback boy pigs, from weener to a kill weight of about 80 kilos. Their life with us lasts only from May to November, by which time they’re ready to be slaughtered.

During the six months that they live at the bottom of our garden, they eat everything from gone-to-seed broad bean plants to de-breasted pheasants and barrow-loads of crab apples. In the past, my pigs have eaten squirrels, mackerel, doves, crab shells, the rough ends of pineapples, rabbit skins, beech masts, acorns, avocado stones, several Aga accidents of black charred meals left overnight in the simmering oven, and 26 sesame coated buns left over from school sports day.

I realise there is no practical way for commercial pigs to enjoy this sort of diet, but pigs really do love it. I watch them

eat. See them wrestle and headbutt each other over the rights to a well-picked corn cob or a pile of slimy scallop frills.

Eat is what pigs do. Eat and dig. Oh, and when they’re boys, they compete. Over everything. My two current boy pigs, try to outdo each other all the time. They compete over food obviously, but also they see who can dig up the most rocks, roots and treasures with their snout.

Like most Victorian house gardens, mine is littered with buried bottle dumps. One day, a couple of years and a couple of pairs of pigs ago, I arrived at their pen one afternoon to see my two pigs fighting over an ancient Thermos vacuum flask complete with plastic cup which one of them had dug up.

During the summer, as I catch trout to make gravad lax or teriyaki-flavoured fillets, all the heads and frames are fed to the pigs. Sometimes, if I can be bothered, I’ll boil them up for Spike, but the pigs take them raw. They’ll fight over heads and skins and spiny fish skeletons, like Sonny Lister and Muhammed Ali slogging it out in the ring.

Commercial pig feed is uninspiring stuff. It looks like anemic All Bran and most of the protein content is from fishmeal anyway, only in my house I’m able to give it to them direct, without the need for processing. Living off fish scraps and garden vegetable waste in the summer, and then enjoying an autumn of crab apples and buckets of windfall fruit, I believe these are the happiest, and ultimately the tastiest pigs, you could ever hope to eat.

The joy of raising pigs like this is not just the lip smacking, chin-drooling, end product, for me it’s also about the pleasure I get from seeing every scrap of waste food from my household being eaten. Otherwise, guts, heads and skins just get put into a black bin bag where they putrify and gather bacteria around them quicker than Mrs Beckham can muster a swarm of paparazzi. These swell in the summer heat for a week (two weeks, if the refuse collection changes, as threatened) only to be then buried alongside industrial and domestic waste in an ever-growing landfill hill, somewhere off the A303.

Fish waste is the worst to deal with; buckets of bass scales, bags of slimy scallop frills, mackerel heads and handfuls of hairy ‘dead man’s fingers’ this sort of waste has the potential for serious stink. It never feels right chucking this stuff away, in fact it’s probably more likely to cause a health hazard sitting out on a street, ripped up by mangey foxes and pesky cats when my pigs could make it disappear with a snuffle and a burp.

Actually, I’ve been wondering if they could maybe do the same to the VAT inspector.

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Arts&Entertainment

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METAMORPHOSIS

W

Leonie Prater is launching her debut album in Lyme Regis in August. She talked to Fergus Byrne.

When locally based musician and singer songwriter, Leonie Prater, dreamed of recording her first album at home, she can’t really have envisaged tying an old jumper around her head in order to get the sound she wanted. But that’s exactly what happened. The album, Metamorphosis, was recorded at her Marshwood home in March 2020 during the first lockdown, and whatever techniques were necessary they have obviously helped to deliver a unique and powerful reflection of her music.

Metamorphosis is an emotionally driven testament to a life touched by more than its fair share of pain. A&R journalist, Amelia Vandergast described the album as resonating with ‘the contemporary mood of melancholic reflection.’ She pointed to it as ‘a reminder of how visceral emotions can be when our lives aren’t constrained by necessary draconian means.’

The technical aspect of recording at home, apart from wrapping a jumper around her head, included Leonie playing all the instruments and enlisting the help of George Arnold from Devon-based Rapunzel Studios to offer guidance on how to get the best sound—as well as to mix and master the album. But the emotion that drives her songs comes from somewhere much closer to her heart. Born in Dorchester to a mother half Swiss and half Sri Lankan, Leonie moved to Switzerland with her when she was four years old. As her mother was suffering from mental health issues, Leonie was put into a foster home at age five—something that she remembers as ‘the best decision ever’.

Although she says she was ‘very lucky to grow up in a loving family’ that she describes as ‘my home and my safety’, she has always had to deal with the question of what is her home, and where does she really come from. So, somewhat inevitably, some of her songs deal with this as well as the difficulties experienced by her mother.

‘My mum suffered from depression all her life and sadly passed away in January 2019’ explained Leonie. ‘There are two songs that helped me process her death.’ One of those songs is named Tasha, after her mother. It features acoustic guitar and violin, with haunting lyrics about the “demon” in her mother’s body and how she hadn’t got any other choice other than “losing her mind.” She says that ‘Tasha, in particular, describes exactly what my mum went through. It is such a simple song but with a very deep meaning behind.’

The title song, Metamorphosis, is also dedicated to this experience. Leonie describes it as being about a person who just can’t bear living in this world and struggles to leave their past behind. The lyrics also highlight memories of childhood and feelings of lost hope. ‘Nowadays so many people are suffering from mental health issues’ says Leonie.

For her, putting these experiences into words and songs is a cathartic way to deal with it.

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‘

and more people are walking through the alley but the busker still feels lonely and alone.’ The song points to how, even in all the loneliness, the person feels an inner peace and an inner light that gives him or her strength to keep on going.

The album’s second song, 1999-2019, highlights happier times and the wonderful days spent in Switzerland amongst great friends in sunny weather. With an absorbing and powerful simplicity Leonie builds a refrain that conjures up memories of those that helped her through difficult times.

Although she travelled back and forth to see her father, who is English, she returned from Switzerland because she missed the English mentality. ‘I feel more at home here, with the people and the culture. I feel closer to the culture’ she says. ‘It was a huge step for me to move back to the area where I originally came from but the South West has always felt like home.’ Her mum also loved the South West and Leonie appreciates coming back to a place that her mother loved so much.

In 2016 Leonie appeared on a Swiss TV talent show that taught her much about how some aspects of the music industry are more industry than music. ‘In the end I was so glad that I didn’t get through’ she says ‘because there were so many rules and strings attached to the show. It was

’

It was a huge step for me to move back to the area where I originally came from but the South West has always felt like home

Leonie cites a range of different influences on her music.

She says that Devon based Ben Howard and his first album, Every Kingdom, was a strong motivator for her to set aside her original instrument, the violin, and develop a new style. ‘He’s sort of the reason why I started playing guitar and writing songs’ she says. Phoebe Bridgers and Alice Phoebe Lou also feature in her influences, as well as Asgeir.

But another big influence is her family. ‘My family has been a massive inspiration too’ she says. ‘My mum played guitar and listened to a lot of singer-songwriters such as Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading. Before she passed away we played a lot of music together and I actually learned my tunes on her old guitar.’ A guitar that, although now in need of repair, she treasures. Her father has also been a big music inspiration and one of the reasons she produced the vinyl version of Metamorphosis.

‘He introduced me to vinyl and helped me start my vinyl collection. That’s why I decided to create and design my own vinyl, which was so exciting. He used to be a DJ and has a wide knowledge about different artists and genres.’

Another song from the album, Market Alley, takes inspiration from the picturesque city of Winterthur in Switzerland, where there is a bustling alley named Market Alley. Situated in the old town, it usually brims with life but in the early mornings when no one is around it has a peaceful and still atmosphere. It was these moments which inspired Leonie to write the song. ‘The song is about a lonely musician busking in the alley’ she explains. ‘More

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a good experience but I would have had to sign a proper contract.’ She was uncomfortable with the way interviews and activities were filmed in one context but then cut together to fit what producers wanted. Despite gaining confidence from the experience and seeing it as an ‘eye opener’ she says ‘Looking back now I wouldn’t attempt a show like this again.’

However, that brush with TV fame may have helped galvanise Leonie’s wish to focus on honesty in her music and herself. ‘I really hope people can experience me through my music’ she says. ‘I try to be true to myself and as authentic as possible.’ She also hopes that her songs can encourage other people who might have dealt with similar challenges in their lives.

In the meantime she would love to work with a professional video producer for her next single and her dream is to be an opening act for a well-known band and to go on tour with them. ‘I would love to gain more live experience and to become even more confident’ she says.

She is already working on her second album which she hopes to release in 2022 and looks forward to collaborating with other musicians in the future.

There is a debut album release event for Metamorphosis at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on August 26, 2021. Leonie will be performing with a full band of musicians that she currently works with. To listen to her music and learn more about Leonie Prater visit www.leonieprater.co.uk/

August PREVIEW

Circus skills in the Open Air

HONITON THE Beehive Centre at Honiton plays host to a spectacular show by Company Zid on Thursday 12th August, at 6pm in conjunction with Devon’s rural arts touring charity, Villages in Action.

Routine, performed by multi-talented Moroccan artist Said Mouhssine, is an acrobatic comedy show. It tells the story of a person stuck in a room, with nothing to do.

Sleeping is a fight against boredom but no matter what he does, he can’t even sleep. It’s a show about hope and pushing personal boundaries in order to bring about change.

The Beehive has another event with Villages in Action on Sunday 29th August, when Assembleth Theatre performs Shodyssey. If you think you know about the Trojan Wars, think again. Forget everything you learned at school. This is Troy, sometime BC when a young bull herder accidentally eats a golden apple. Three goddesses aren’t happy ... ten years later a city burns... Originally commissioned for Outpost Festival 2014 by New Model Theatre, Assembleth has re-vamped this cult classic.

Greek tragedy it definitely is not.

The Honiton Show, on Friday 6th August, has another Villages in Action event, the delightful Pirate Taxi with Pirates of the Carabina. This is a family friendly show with mechanically ingenious sets, extraordinary aerial, circus and live music performed in, on and above an oldschool London taxi.

Pirate Taxi is also at Ipplepen on Wednesday 18th August.

Festival 24 ½

BEAMINSTER IT was tantalising to not quite reach their 25th Anniversary in 2020, but now with special events in August and September, organisers are thrilled to stage Beaminster Festival No. 24½ They welcome back the brilliant Rain or Shine company to the glorious grounds of Beaminster Manor performing She Stoops to Conquer, a rollicking 18th Century farce with comments on attitude to class and country/town manners still pertinent today.

“A reserved lover, it is said, always makes a suspicious husband.” In the play, Kate Hardcastle is a young lady fixed up to meet the eligible Marlow with a view to

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Rain or Shine, She Stoops to Conquer

marriage. Marlow is a young gent who is tongue-tied with the upper classes and downright lecherous with commoners. So when Marlow is tricked into believing Kate’s ancestral home is a country inn, and mistakes Kate for a lowly barmaid what could possibly go wrong? Plenty!

Set against the increasingly chaotic proceedings of one very long night, She Stoops to Conquer is a delightful romantic romp filled with ludicrous misunderstanding, mischief and mayhem. So pack your picnic, rugs and chairs, pop open some bubbly and sit back and relax in the summer sunshine, while they whisk you away to the time of big wigs, and even bigger dresses; where fops and foolery

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abound! Suitable for audiences from age 6 to 106 Bring low backed seats, rugs and a picnic from 1pm and have a wonderful summer’s afternoon of hilarity.

Move into the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church for three evening concerts all starting at 7.30pm on 17th, 19th and 21st September. The stunning Trio Sōra , Piano Trio, comes from France and presents an elegant and charming programme.

Cordelia Williams will perform a delightful piano recital with music encompassing song, dance and nature by Scriabin, Schumann and Rachmaninov, bookended by the uplifting Landler and Sonata in A major D664 by Schubert.

Acclaimed cellist Leo Popplewell is joined by Antonina Suhanova, piano for a recital including the wonderfully dramatic Rachmaninov Cello Sonata.

After so many rearrangements, Artistic Director, Lois Pearson keeps her fingers tightly crossed! ‘There is a real desire for live events—we all need to feed our souls after this culturally bleak period and allow these wonderful young artists to perform to an enthusiastic and welcoming audience.’

Whilst Beaminster Festival reserves the right to change the performers or programme if unforeseen circumstances dictate, the organisers will do their best to put any updates on the website www.beaminsterfestival.com.

Dates to book for: She Stoops to Conquer - Saturday 28 August 2.30pm Beaminster Manor.

Trio Sōra Piano Trio - Friday 17th September 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Beaminster.

Cordelia Williams, Piano - Sunday 19th September 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Beaminster.

Leo Popplewell, Cello - Tuesday 21st September 7.30pm St

Gigspanner join the line-up at Lyme Regis Folk Festival

Mary’s Church, Beaminster.

All reasonable precautions will be taken to keep everyone safe and the audience will be seated by stewards upon arrival.

TicketSource Box Office (booking fee) for concerts 0333 6663366.

Homage to Film Noir

VILLAGES CORNWALL’s Bash Street Theatre brings its latest fastmoving, silent-comedy musical theatre show to Dorset for three dates with Artsreach, from 13th to 15th August.

In this inventive new show, The Cameraman, a jaded detective looks back on his early career as a young crimefighter in the Roaring 20s—the days of fake news, a world pandemic and global warming.

Set around a seedy French cafe, this playful homage to film noir features voice-over narration and live musical from a guitar, piano and accordion.

There is topical intrigue, mistaken identities and silent comedy as the storyline follows the fortunes of an inept cameraman who inadvertently becomes involved in an international robbery. With influences as diverse as Tintin, Roger Rabbit, Humphrey Bogart and Buster Keaton, The Cameraman offers a comic view on the digital age with more than a touch of nostalgia for our analogue past.

Bash Street Theatre celebrates its 30th birthday in with this cinematic comedy caper, in the open-air at Ibberton, at 7:30pm on Friday 13th August, 7pm at Winfrith on Saturday 14th and 2pm in Yetminster on Sunday 15th August. Book at www.artsreach.co.uk.

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Wednesday 25th at 7pm, as Heartbreak theatre returns with an open-air adaption of F Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age classic, The Great Gatsby. Get your glad rags on, work up your best Charleston and have your cocktail glass at the ready! (But don’t forget rugs and coats—after all, this is England!

Bird headlines comedy club

Gatsby at Athelhampton

Classic fun and Mr Stink

MAUMBURY RINGS DORCHESTER Arts has a delightful programme of classic comedies and a children’s favourite for the August open air programme, with most events at Maumbury Rings.

On Sunday 1st at 2.30pm, The Last Baguette will be performing their anarchic take on the Arthurian legends with an acrobatic version of King Arthur. Somewhere in England, a very, very, very long time ago (so long ago that nobody quite knows whether it happened or not), a boy pulled a sword from a stone and became King!

Rain or Shine Theatre live up to their name, so fingers crossed for fine weather when She Stoops To Conquer comes to the ancient fort in the centre of Dorchester.

This glorious 18th century comedy, set in a country inn over one long chaotic night, is a romantic romp filled with memorable characters, mischief and mayhem. It’s at Maumbury Rings on 10th August at 7pm.

Heartbreak Productions come to Dorchester on Saturday 14th with David Walliams’ Mr Stink at 6pm. You are invited to celebrate Annabelle’s tenth birthday—(almost) everyone is welcome… that is, everyone apart from Chloe’s particularly smelly new friend, Mr Stink.

On Sunday 15th at 5pm, prepare to head down the rabbit hole as Boxtree brings Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to the rings. Delight in Lewis Carroll’s famous tale of caterpillars, cards and crazy tea parties, a curious world of curiouser creatures. With original songs, colourful costumes and hilarious comedy it’s a great show for all the family.

Dorchester Arts’ final show of August moves to the beautiful setting of Athelhampton House gardens on

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LYME REGIS A RISING star of the comedy scene, Andrew Bird is the headline act at the August Lyme Regis Comedy Club on Sunday 22nd at the Marine Theatre.

Bird has been tour support for Rhod Gilbert, Rob Brydon and Michael McIntyre, on his recent arena tour including Wembley and the O2. He is also one of only seven comedians to perform for Banksy at Dismal Land.

Bird has written for many television shows, including Jon Richardson’s Ultimate Worrier, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Lee Mack’s Duck Quacks Don’t Echo. The line-up at Lyme also includes James \Alderson and resident compere Tom Glover.

Fay Hield at folk festival

LYME REGIS FAY Hield, one of the leading figures on the contemporary folk scene, is coming to Lyme Folk Weekend, 27th to 30th August, performing at the Marine Theatre on Saturday 28th.

Other big names over the weekend include Gigspanner and Merry Hell, as well as a much-requested return visit by Dorset’s own Ninebarrow.

Gigspanner kick off the weekend on the Friday. One the most exciting collaborations of recent times, the band began life as a trio, with former Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, percussionist Sacha Trochet and guitarist Roger Flack. The line-up has been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band and now includes multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin) and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player John Spiers.

After a few years out, Fay Hield is back on tour with brilliant fiddler Sam Sweeney and accordionist Rob Harbron, celebrating Fay’s latest album, Wrackline. She breathes life and meaning into old stories presenting them with a fresh twist and consummate musicianship.

Ninebarrow & Friends, on Sunday 29th, return to Lyme Folk Weekend for the third successive year.

And the festival ends in rousing style with Merry Hell, on Monday 30th. One of the best live acts to hit the folk scene in years. Merry Hell came to Lyme Folk Weekend in 2018 and blew everyone away. Winners of both the Best Band and Best Live Band at the Folking.com awards, the band plays high-energy, foot-stomping folk-rock,—what better way to bring the curtain down on a fabulous weekend of live music? All gigs start at 8pm.

August GALLERIES

Until July 31

A Sense of Abstraction A joint exhibition by internationally collected artists Eva and Marko Humphrey-Lahti exploring their artistic reactions to nature, dreams, light and colour. Hand-carved Alabaster and Limestone originals and limited edition Bronze sculptures. Paintings, limited edition prints and reliefs. A well received exhibition already dubbed the MoMA of Beaminster.

The Square Gallery, 3 The Square, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3SH. Thursday - Saturday 09.30 -15.00 or by appointment. 07973 319 223 www.humphrey-lahti-art.com.

Steven Marshall’s paintings largely in enamel paint on panel and Perspex are outward looking people-scapes. In them figures are choreographed in to compositions with no intended narrative, but stories and relationships inevitably emerge from them, created by the viewer as much as by the artist. Steven has exhibited worldwide, most frequently in the U.K., Italy and the USA. He has lived in Devon for nearly 20 years. Open every day 9-4 at Unique Framecraft, 4/5 Millwey Rise Workshops, Second Avenue, Axminster. EX13 5HH.

Until August 1

Mike Perry Land/Sea Major solo exhibition of work of artist Mike Perry spearheading East Devon’s new climate campaign - Climate Conversations. Perry collects and photographs plastic objects washed up on beaches to focus attention on the environmental crisis and plastic pollution. Open 7 days a week, 105. Ocean, Queen’s Drive, Exmouth EX8 2AY 01395 266500 www. oceanexmouth.co.uk.

Lyme Light: Where Sea Meets Sky Inspiring landscape paintings and drawings by Pauline Sayers, 10.00-16.00 TuesdaysSundays, The Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum, 01297 443370, www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk.

August 1 - 28

Howard Flanagan photo-realistic artwork. Painting mainly in pastels, watercolours and inks Howard manages to create hyper-

realistic landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna, portraits and many observations of nature and countryside as he sees it. Open daily 9- 4 at Unique Framecraft, 4-5 Millwey Rise Workshops, Second Avenue, Axminster EX13 5HH. @uniqueframecraft . Tel 01297 631614.

August 2 - 15

Peter Coates The images Peter mostly paints are a result of two influences: his training in graphic design together with the use of vibrant colours typical of the Mediterranean and Provence which he frequently visits. He works mainly in oils and acrylics, sometimes applying several layers of paint, scraping, then applying more paint to produce an enriched depth of colour. Peter works into these layers to enhance texture that reflect the patterns of the landscape. open daily 10:30-4:30. Sou’- Sou’- West Gallery, Manor Yard Symondsbury Estate, Bridport DT6 6HG.

Until August 3

Art Exhibition an eclectic mix of acrylics and watercolours at The Bomb Shelter in Beer EX12 3EG. Daily 10am - 4pm, Sunday 11am - 3pm. Contact - eupchurch22@yahoo.co.uk.

Until August 7

Malene Hartmann Rasmussen A collection of Malene’s ceramic sculpture will be on view in the tithe barn at Messums Wiltshire, Place Farm, Court St, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LW info@messumswiltshire.com 01747 445042.

Until August 8

Three Miles Square and a Window: Andy Rollo and Corrina Cooper; two artists whose creative practice engages with the everyday, the fractured and broken, the beauty of nature, colour and light. Their still life and landscape paintings continue the modernist tradition of exploring the juxtaposition of abstract and realist elements, gaining inspiration from artists such as Charles Rennie Macintosh and Randall David Tipton. All the work being

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August GALLERIES

exhibited was produced during the pandemic and consequently reflect the restrictions of movement and confinement within small spaces. Both artists, however, do so with a sense of hope for the future by celebrating what is in close proximity to us all.

Open daily from 10.30-4.30. Sou’- Sou’- West Gallery, Manor Yard Symondsbury Estate, Bridport DT6 6HG. Threatened Isle, Ian Dyke. The Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT4 9XE. 10:00am - 4:00pm. The rugged and starkly beautiful Isle of Portland is the inspiration for artist Ian Dyke’s latest exhibition.

plastic objects washed up on beaches to focus attention on the environmental crisis and plastic pollution. Open Thursday – Saturday, 10-5. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX, 01404 45006 www.thelmahulbert.com.

August 10 - 15

August 16 - 30

Imagination Unlocked 2 showcases recent paintings and drawings by two Bridport based artists David Brooke and Caroline Ireland. Both work from their imagination but in different mediums and very different styles. David’s meticulously painted acrylics and Caroline’s vibrant watercolour and pastel pictures will spark ideas and invite you to weave your own stories. This is an exhibition which will take you on a fantastic journey, make you smile, and hopefully inspire you. Open daily 10am to 4.30pm.

Eype Church for the Arts, The Mount, Eype, near Bridport, DT6 6AL www.eypechurcharts.co.uk.

August 11 - 24

Richard Kaye, Recent Work 2017-2021 including Painting, Printmaking and Drawing. 10.30-4.30. The Malthouse Gallery, The Town Mill, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU.

Until August 13

Ilminster Arts Centre Open Art Competition and Exhibition Open to all artists, emerging and existing, in all mediums other than photography. A judged competition, with monetary prizes for the winners. Visitors ‘vote’ for their favourite picture, with the chosen artist then joining the winners of the Open for an exhibition in 2022. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Until August 14

Petal Poise pastel and oil paintings by Helen Simpson following on from a smaller exhibition in May. These highly observed and larger than life pastel and oil paintings of plants show us that the flower’s stillness is simply a momentary suspension of movement in a mysterious and unceasing journey from one form, one landscape, to another. This sense of movement and change is also reflected in the ceramics Helen is showing alongside her pictures.

The Sudio and The Malthouse Gallery, East Lambrook Manor Gardens Silvers Street, East Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5HH. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm Free entry to Galleries Pre-booking may be necessary, dates may have to be altered depending on government guidelines, please check information on the website before you visit. www.eastlambrook.com.

Mike Perry Land/Sea Major solo exhibition of work of artist Mike Perry spearheading East Devon’s new climate campaign - Climate Conversations. Perry collects and photographs

54 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 Tel. 01308 423031

14 August - 5 September

Impressions: 6th Annual Printmakers Open, open daily 10:304:30. Emerg­ing and well-estab­lished print­mak­ers join forces to cre­ate ‘Impres­sions’. Sou’-Sou’-West, Manor Yard Symondsbury Estate, Bridport DT6 6HG.

Sally Stern, open daily 10:30-4:30. Many of Sally’s paintings start from a small idea often inspired by the wonders of nature she sees on daily walks with her little dog Zoe. Colour and vibrancy are central to her art and she loves how an idea can evolve and develop on the canvas into an uplifting and joyful painting. Sally’s chosen medium is acrylic as it gives the depth and strength of colour she most loves to create. Sou’-Sou’-West, Manor Yard Symondsbury Estate, Bridport DT6 6HG.

Until August 20

The Museum of Mystery and Imagination An exhibition of artworks which is purposely mysterious created from the imagination of artists and aimed to inspire the imagination of the audience. Artists taking part in this exhibition are: David Brooke, Tim Carroll, Elaine Dixon, John Hurford, Caroline Ireland, David Lawrence, Debbie Lee, Lisa Lindqvist, Amanda Popham and Suzanne Woodward. Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NR Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm Tel. 01308 424204.

August 22 - 28

Derbyshire to Dorset. Diana Parker, Maria Bolton and Hettie Udall. Ceramics, porcelain and stoneware, landscapes of both Eype, Westbay and Derbyshire. Eype Centre for the Arts, Mount Lane, Eype, Bridport DT6 6AR 10.30am-4.30pm.

August 24 - 28

From Forest to Foreshore Art Exhibition. Two artists, Jackie Cox and Chris Sinden from the Forest of Dean, return to the Arts Centre for an exhibition of the countryside and foreshore, depicting its flora and fauna. Ilminster Arts Centre.

August 28 - 30

Winsham Art Club Exhibition. The Jubilee Hall, Winsham, TA20 4HU. Preview 4-7.30 pm Saturday. Open 11 am - 5 pm Sunday and Monday.

Until September 5

Unkempt Shifting Aesthetics in Landscape Painting an exhibition recognising the advent of a changing aesthetic in landscape – one that is by its nature wild, messy and more empathetic to the

environment. Messums. Wiltshire, Place Farm, Court St, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LW info@messumswiltshire.com 01747 445042.

Lockdown Reflections Work by gallery and guest artists including a range of sculptures, oils, and prints. We think everyone could do with places to go that are calm and peaceful and inspiring, so you are most welcome to visit. This show now incorporates a stunning selection of sculptures by Johannes von Stumm, past president of the Royal Society of Sculptors and current president of the Oxford Art Society. Tincleton Gallery, The Old School House, Tincleton, nr Dorchester, DT2 8QR. Fri/ Sat/Sun/Mon from 10:00 - 17:00, no admission fee. 01305 848 909. http://www.tincletongallery.com.

Until September 12

Gustav Metzger radically challenged our understanding of art, its relation to reality and our existence within society. Our inaugural exhibition of Metzger’s work will explore the intersection between human intervention, nature and man-made environments. Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0NL

Summer Prints and Drawings by Julian Bailey Martyn Brewster, Michael Fairclough, Vanessa Gardiner, Janette Kerr, Alex Lowery, Sally McLaren plus Petter Southall woodwork. Sladers Yard, West Bay Road, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL. 01308 459511. gallery@sladersyard.co.uk.

Until October 31

Turning the Tide Discover the history of plastic and the problem with single-use plastics. Learn how you can help in the fight to reduce microplastics in our oceans. Admission free, donations welcomed. West Bay Discovery Centre. TuesdaySunday 11am - 4pm. www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk.

Until January 3, 2022

Eduardo Chillida was one of the foremost Spanish sculptors of the twentieth century. Experience new encounters between Chillida’s practice and the unique environment of Hauser & Wirth Somerset, featuring seminal works that extend throughout the renovated farm buildings and surrounding landscape. Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0NL

GALLERIES IN SEPTEMBER Live or Online send your September gallery details to info@marshwoodvale.com

by August 16th.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 55

BridLit Returns WITH A SPECIAL LAUNCH EVENT IN SEPTEMBER

T

ickets go on sale for Bridport Literary Festival in August, with a full programme of events lined up to brighten the darkest of November days.

Last year’s event, cut short because of Covid restrictions, was one of the few literary festivals in the country to go ahead.

This year, organisers are pulling out all the stops to make BridLit 2021 – from 7–13 November – a festival to remember.

Key speakers include Lord Sumption, Marina Wheeler, Emma Soames, Alan Johnson, Lord Hain and Christina Lamb.

‘Once again, BridLit has something for everyone,’ festival director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart said. ‘After a disrupted programme last year, we’re determined to make the 2021 festival more intriguing, illuminating and entertaining than ever before.’

56 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 Tel. 01308 423031

General booking is from Monday 30 August but priority booking for Friends of BridLit is open for three weeks from Monday 9 August – Friday 27 August. Tickets are available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre on 01308 424901.

A special day for friends, sponsors and donors is confirmed for Monday 20 September at Bridport Arts Centre, with the Bridport TIC box office now open for bookings.

Three events for this special day have been lined up, with Lachlan Goudie telling The Story of Scottish Art at 11am, Tom Fort talking at 2.30pm about his book, Casting Shadows, the history of freshwater fishing in Britain, and, at 4.30pm, Andrew Ziminski on The Stonemason: a History of Building Britain.

The Story of Scottish Art journeys through 5,000 years of Scottish Art. Since the Neolithic era, creativity has played a vital role in shaping the course of Scotland’s history. Artist Goudie’s

Andrew Ziminski and Tom Fort

tale is one of radicals and visionaries , artists with an international mind-set and a bold sense of their heritage who resolved to create work on the frontline of Western Art and Culture.

Casting Shadows explores the secret, silent world of Britain’s freshwater fish and the art and industry of fishing, which spans thousands of years. Writer Tom Fort also assesses the dangers facing many species and water environments with an appeal to protect the underwater world from industrial fishing and farming.

The Stonemason is a story about the building of

Britain and is part archaeological history and yet a deeply personal insight into an ancient craft. In his 35-year career Andrew Ziminski has worked on many of the country’s greatest monuments.

From Neolithic monoliths to Roman baths and temples, from the tower of Salisbury Cathedral to the engine houses, mills and aqueducts of the Industrial Revolution up to the present day.

Tickets for each Friends’ Day event are £12 or £30 for all three. To find out more about becoming a Friend or for more information about BridLit 2021, visit www.bridlit.com

TICKETS FOR BRIDLIT 2021 GO ON SALE IN AUGUST Lachlan Goudie Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 57

YOUNG LIT FIX IN AUGUST

Health&Environment

Reviews by Antonia Squire

PICTURE BOOK The Cat and The Rat and The Hat by Em Lynas. Illustrations by Matt Hunt Nosy Crow Publishing RRP £6.99 A cat sitting on a mat with a hat.

A rat who wants the hat.

The cat and the rat fight over the hat, back and forth and back and forth until a Bat with a fancy cravat interrupts and the cat and the rat fight over the cravat.

All the while the Bat enjoys the hat.

A brilliantly funny and silly read aloud picture book with racing, rhyming text and wildly vibrant pictures. This is one that kids will be begging for over and over again, but be careful, it’s a wee bit of a tongue twister and the faster you go the funnier it gets.

A new favourite here at The Bookshop, we love it!

MIDDLE GRADE Adam-2

by Alastair Chisholm Nosy Crow Publishing RRP £7.99 I’M going to say, right off the bat, that this is probably the best book I’ve read all year.

Adam lives in a basement, alone, following his routines, as his father taught him, day after day after day.

Until one day, everything changes.

When two kids break into his room and start looking around, searching for anything that might be of use Adam is nervous. But when Adam greets them, they are terrified, they call him a ‘Funk’, which technically, he is, because Adam isn’t human, he’s a robot, a ‘functional consciousness’ and the world he left behind bears no resemblance to the world as it is now. In the intervening years civil war has broken out between

humans and robots and the two sides are in a stale mate—both looking for something that can shift the balance in their favour.

Both sides want Adam and both sides want victory, but what will that look like and can peace ever be possible?

This gripping sci-fi adventure is both thrilling and an extraordinary exercise of ethical dilemma. How far will humans, and the AIs they create go to save themselves, and can anyone see a bigger picture, a solution, peace? I read this in a single evening and I still think about it regularly. Extraordinary.

TEEN The Island

by C. L. Taylor Harper Collins Publishers RRP £7.99 SIX random teenagers find themselves on a deserted island in Thailand where they are to learn how to survive with just their wits, a couple of tools and a mentor to guide them. But while it was totally random that they would meet, they have known each other their entire lives. Their parents were in the same pregnancy and birth class, and they remained friends (for the most part) and holiday together every year.

On the year of the kids’ 16th birthdays they decide to take a special trip to Thailand, but a lot has happened over the past couple of years: family tragedies, break ups, people moving and the baggage the kids bring with them on this trip is mainly emotional.

A brilliant psychological thriller told from the alternating perspectives of Jessie and Danny: when their guide dies and they are trapped on the island, someone is targeting each member of the group in turn with their deepest fears. And as some of those fears are deadly, and they won’t be noted as missing for seven days, anything could happen.

By golly this is a cracking good read!

10% off RRP of these books for Marshwood Vale Readers at The Bookshop, 14 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NQ. 58 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 Tel. 01308 423031

Writing a prescription to visit woodland VISITING woodland could be just what the doctor ordered as phase two of a unique “green social prescribing trial for young people” begins.

Health professionals have been getting out to a Devon woodland in a unique trial to streamline how GPs refer mental health patients to nature for recovery.

During a standard ten-minute consultation earlier this week, a local GP was for the first time able to prescribe someone directly onto Resilient Young Minds, a nature-based wellbeing programme in Fingle Woods on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon.

The ability to write a prescription for nature within a mainstream healthcare setting is the start of something very exciting and transformative.

This month, health professionals have been visiting Fingle to take part in a series of naturebased activities. The aim of the taster sessions has been to give them first-hand experience of the programme so they can identify who would benefit most from the sessions and explain and advocate its benefits.

This is phase two of a pilot project led by Eleanor Lewis, the Woodland Trust’s Community Engagement Officer at Fingle and Dr Lucy Loveday, a Devon GP and experienced medical educationalist, which began on Dartmoor in 2018.

Eleanor Lewis said: ‘The ways in which nature can benefit both our physical and mental health are increasingly well known. Fingle is a beautiful woodland and just a quick visit can make you feel so much better.’

Dr Lucy Loveday said: ‘This programme aims to support individuals and communities wellbeing, and to facilitate them to develop a healthy relationship with the natural environment, so that they feel empowered to protect it, whilst simultaneously developing an understanding and appreciation, that we are not separate from nature; we are nature.

‘The combined evidence suggests that spending time outdoors isn’t just a luxury or a leisure activity – it is an innate human need.’

This activity has been made possible through the ‘Bringing Fingle Woods Back to Life’ Project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which sees the Woodland Trust and National Trust working together in partnership as we restore and manage this ancient woodland for wildlife and people.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 59

Services&Classified FOR SALE Fridge free to collect 85x58x50 Tel 07802 460355 Driveaway awning, Vango Airaway Attar 380 Tall vgc £275. Folding aluninium Carrerra 6061 bike Shamano Atlas 8 speed £100, carrybag £25. Kirby Sentria G10E cleaner, numerous attachments including shampoo system and allergy filter bags £100 Bookcase pine curved top 110cmhx120wx33d £20 01460 221793 U/counter freezer, frost free, 3 drawers £20. Marble back panel 93.5cm x 94 cm high and hearth 40.5 x 115.5 cm long £55 (opening is 42.5 x 590 cm high). Gazco Logic HE coal effect gas fire with Designo graphite coloured frame.£225 (suitable for class 1 & 2 flues).

Spinning black chimney cowl. £25. 01308 423849 2 seater sofa, terracotta coloured £50 Manual recliner, terracotta coloured £40 Flatley iron press with new cover and sleeve board£60 Print by John Corcoran in gilted frame 39” x 22” £20 Buyer to collect these items. Tel: 01460 220026 Large Pet Carrier. VGC £10. Tel: 01395 487554

About 60 hard copies of Marshwood Vale Magazine dating back to 2010, with various issues from each year up to 2020. If anyone knows someone who would be interested (free of course) they could be collected in Marshwood Village. 01297 678 348 or 07985 013 996 call or text.

Quality Efco Chain Saw, 14” bar, with brand new chain fitted, in clean good working order. Not used commercially. £75.

Tel: 01395 487554 Fantastic, individual, very large quality Mirror, size 47 ins x 54 ins, 9mm thick mirror plate with pine boarded and jointed back, and a plain pine moulding surround. £225. Tel: 01395 487554 “Next” Cushions, various sizes and colours with co-ordinated Throws in vgc. From £5.

Tel: 01395 487554 Cat Mate C300 Automatic Pet Feeder with digital timer and individual meal control, and ice packs to help keep food fresh. Boxed, as new. £18. Tel: 01395 487554 Antique Cantonese large ceramic Charger £150. Tel: 01395 487554 Antique large Turkish Copper Ewer £75. Tel:

SITUATIONS VACANT

01395 487554 Garden Shredder Ryobi RSH2455 2400w. With collection bag £30 01297 631283 Fiamma Magnum Motorhome Ramps (47cm L/20cm W/9cm H) £10 01297 631283 13kg empty Calor Propane Cylinder. (New £78.49/Refill £38.50) £15 01297 631283 Brother knitting machine, lace, fair isle, punch cards, v.good con. £95.00. Watch winder for up to two automatic watches £ 45. Seaton.

01297 24745 Lots of model cars, Lledo, Matchbox etc. £300 each. Seaton 01297 2474 For toys or collecting.

Henry hoover by Numatic. Blue. With pack of replacement bags. £40 ono. 01460 242644 Old heavy sledge hammer & heavy round metal tamper. Sad looking but still robust.

Both with long wooden handles. £2.50 each.

01460 242644 Bicycly Rare 1952 Raleigh Sport. 4 speed wide ratio Sturmey Archer, Dynohub, excellent condition, perfect working order, almost completely

Business Development/ad Sales ASSISTANT WANTED Part time. Flexible hours.

Email CV to info@marshwoodvale.com

FOR SALE original one family ownership from new. £150 01308 897607 Mangar Archimedes Bath Lift with 14V controller £50 01308 424291 / 07805 262 894 Victorian chest of drawers mid/light brown. 3 large and 2 small drawers with brass handles. 47”W x 46” H x 20” D. £120 ovno. 01935 891591 (Corscombe) Wine making equipment sale. Clear demijons £2.50 each with airlocks. Sundry equipment including 5 gallon tubs, yeasts etc.

01297 443170 Trailer, 8 foot, drop tail, braked, winch, light board, two new tyres. £150 ono. Shute. 01297 552818 Laura Ashley Adeline tea set, for one, new, boxed, £10. 01308 458533.

Car battery 12V YuaSa YBX3000, 1 year old only £50. 01305 871089.

CLAIRVOYANT Emma Howe Clairvoyant. Established 25 years, BBC recommended. Spiritual solutions to worldly problems. Spiritual Medium. Life Guidance.

Astrology/Tarot. 01458 830276 / 07881 088664Sept 21

RESTORATION FURNITURE. Antique Restoration and Bespoke Furniture.

Furniture large and small carefully restored and new commissions undertaken. City and Guilds qualified.

Experienced local family firm. Phil Meadley 01297 560335 sep 21

SURFACE PREPARATION

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

To advertise on these pages email info@marshwoodvale.com

60 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 Tel. 01308 423031

ELECTRICAL

WANTED

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Vintage & antique textiles, linens, costume buttons etc. always sought by Caroline Bushell. Tel. 01404 45901.

Oct 21

Secondhand tools wanted. All trades.

Users & Antiques.

G & E C Dawson.

01297 23826. www. secondhandtools.co.uk. sept 21

Dave buys all types of tools 01935 428975

Oct 21

Wanted: Old tractors and vehicles. Running, non running. Good price paid. 01308 482320 07971 866364

Dec 21

Coins wanted. Part or full collections purchased for cash.

Please phone John on 01460 62109

Oct 21

FOR SALE Wooden cot (Mothercare) one drop side. Used for grandchild.

Dismantles for easy storage, with mattress, sheet, waterproof sheet, side bumpers £50. Seaton 01297 20611.

Ozark 50mm zoom lens for Pentax 105E camera with filters. £100 ono.

Mint condition with leather case shoulder strap. 07594 687485 anytime.

Garland Super 7 electric window sill heated propagator. £15. 01460 220122 South Chard.

McCulloch grass trimmer strimmer, 28c petrol model complete with nylon cutting line,

FOR SALE old but works well. £12.

01297 552131 Axminster.

Industrial flypress Nortons plus sub bench and tooling £400.

Commercial strimmer too heavy for present operator, winter stored £60 only. 12 horse brasses 01460 64607.

Two person picnic back pack, cool bag, bottle cooler, cutlery plates cheese board etc. excellent condition. £20.

01308 422997.

2 Seater sofa (wine col) £50. Manual recliner wine coloured £40.

Flatley iron press with new board cover/foam £60. John Corcoran print in gilded frame (country scene) £20. 01460 220026.

G-Plan cabinet, floor standing H74cms W 48cms D 48cms glass door self opening top, can email photo £25.

07867 513178.

Bicycle Carrera Xcvulcan red 18 inch frame disc spec £40. Can email photo call or text 07867 513178.

Royal Imperial 21 piece bone china tea set, blue flowers on white back ground, as new, £15.

01308 458533.

Nest of tables, rosewood £80. Coffee table rosewood £60. Side table rosewood £50.

Phone after 6 o’ clock 07720 936603.

Free large indoor plant Crassula Money Plant, 30 inches height, 22 inches width. 01297 34725.

Ladies lovely soft navy leather laced boots with 3” heel, never worn still boxed, cost over £60. £30. 01308 488086.

Large antique brass preserving pan with black handle. Perfect condition. £95. Other old brass items also available. 01308 897385.

Set bowls size 1 plus bag and accessories.

Bowls shoes size 6 all for £40. Musbury. 01297 552497.

Parker Knoll armchairs, pair, immaculate professionally upholstered, cream textured. Non-smoker household. No pets, one lady. Collect, £600 or offers. Chard 01460 64392.

Colour prints suitable for framing good quality and quantity originally for decoupage. Please call to examine, open to any offer. Thank you.

01297 24687 anytime.

DISTRIBUTION

FOR SALE Chaise longue burgundy £100. 01935 434239.

Metal detector, unwanted present still boxed with headphones, suit beginner or experienced person £285 ono. Also Venetian blind, light beige, metal slats, 3m x 2m drop. £45.

Phone anytime 07594 687485.

Kitchen tiles 4 boxes modula design, beige sculptured 10cm x 10cm.

6mm depth, covers 4 square metres, cost £250, accept £15. 07980 186160 Seaton.

John Grey G Banjo 1936 open backed Jo, needs new skin. Offers please West Camel. 01935 850897.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 61

FREE ADS for items under £1,000 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 the text to info@marshwoodvale.com.

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 –

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 Newtown. The winner was Catherine Smith from Charmouth.

62 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 Tel. 01308 423031

BUSINESS NEWS First Responders to benefit from 5G EXCELERATE Technology CEO and founder, David Savage, met with the minister for digital infrastructure, Matt Warman MP on July 7, at an event hosted by Dorset Council, following the company’s delivery of 5G RuralDorset’s connected coastline.

Excelerate has led the works package for the 5G RuralDorset connected coastline for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) backed research project since early 2021. The project not only includes the development and implementation of a robust and resilient 5G network infrastructure to improve the safety, wellbeing and quality of life for the people and first responder community of Dorset, but also underpins the digital technology and applications across consortium partnerships.

5G RuralDorset is aimed at understanding how next generation connectivity can help people live better, safer and more prosperous lives in rural communities, even in environments as sensitive as Dorset’s UNESCO heritage coastline. The research and development project will contribute to the understanding of how 5G can be used to address some specific challenges—public safety, economic growth, food production, and environment—as well as create new opportunities in Dorset and rural communities across the UK. 5G RuralDorset is a consortium led by Dorset Council and includes local, national and international partners. The project is part-funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and is part of its 5G Rural Testbed & Trials programme.

For information visit www.5gruraldorset.org

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine August 2021 63