The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019

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Magazine West Dorset East Devon South Somerset

Marshwood THE

The best from in and around the Vale

No. 242

MAY 2019

© Tanya Bruce-Lockhart Photograph by Robin Mills

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COVER STORY Robin Mills met Tanya Bruce-Lockhart in Beaminster ‘Born in July ’43, I was a war baby. My parents married Simon Dee, David Jacobs, and David Frost, I set about very young in 1938—my father, Guy, was in the RAF being a celebrity hunter for them all, although some and my mother, Judy, barely out of school. War was bookings were catastrophic! looming. With only a couple of days to celebrate their Eventually, I joined Humphrey Burton as producer marriage, my father borrowed a Tiger Moth aeroplane on his arts magazine series Aquarius, alongside Russell to fly his new bride to honeymoon in Paris. Having Harty. He and I were then offered a slot for a late night given my mother full instructions on safety procedure, chat show which became Russell Harty Plus. Russell was they took off from a little airfield in Suffolk with an unknown and needed ‘branding,’ so I ensured that the wedding party waving them on their way. Within we were invited to first nights, premieres, star parties, minutes, my father turned to shout something to my etc. He hated it as he was shy and loathed being in the mother which she supposed was an order to bail out! spotlight. On one occasion, after the Royal Premiere of Without hesitation, she threw herself with parachute Funny Girl, I had ordered a limo to meet us. Unknown © Tanya Bruce-Lockhart Photograph by Robin Mills from the plane and landed in a ploughed field with a to me Russell had cancelled the limo and booked his broken ankle! My father, having rescued her, chided regular Ford Cortina with the dodgy aerial. Cars were her for mistakenly hearing his ‘I love you’ for an instruction to evacubeing hailed—HM the Queen, the American Ambassador and Russell ate. Not at all amused, my mother spent the first day of her marriage in Harty. I threw myself into what I thought was our limo only to be asked Ipswich hospital. When war came my father joined Bomber Command by the driver glumly whether I was with the American Ambassador’s party! and was seconded to the SOE, flying little Lysander aircraft into Northern In dismay, I had to clamber out into the rain, only to retreat into the Ford France to drop off or rescue agents from behind enemy lines, landing at Cortina! We also made a film bringing together Sir William Walton who lived night in rough terrain with the dim lights of the Resistance to guide him on Ischia and Dame Gracie Fields who lived on Capri—using the Bay of in. He was the bravest of the brave, and there is a granite memorial to him Naples as a backcloth. Sadly, they had absolutely nothing to say to each other near Thouars as a mark of gratitude from the Free French. in spite of their northern roots. The sun shone but conversation was icy!

Meanwhile, my brother, Sauvan, was born but died tragically aged two When Russell joined the BBC, I returned to Aquarius, working on films and a half of meningitis whilst my father was on active service. From the such as The Treasures of the Hermitage where I was constantly tailed, in what SOE he joined the Pathfinder Squadron, headed up by my godfather Air was then Leningrad, by men in black, and The Great Gondola Race which Vice-Marshall Don Bennett. Guy was shot down and killed over Germany featured the restoration of buildings in Venice racked by the elements. in 1944, poignantly on my mother’s birthday. He is buried in a War CemThen Humphrey returned to the BBC, and Melvyn Bragg joined LWT to etery at Durnbach close to Munich. I hope to return there sometime soon head up his critically acclaimed and eclectic South Bank Show series. I think with my son, Jamie, with Mummy’s ashes to reunite them both at last. he was a bit unsure about Rikki and the manner in which the dog brought My grieving mother had lost both her husband and her son and now I programme meetings to an early conclusion with his chemical emissions! had to fulfil both losses. With the support of my grandmother, my mother However, we all got used to each other. had to rely on her own courage and resourcefulness to care for us both.

From LWT I was asked to join Granada Television, and the latter part She remarried in 1948 but my step-father and I never had a comfortable of my career in TV was to work with the choreographer Kenneth Macmilrelationship as I was my father’s child and not his—I think he always felt lan, bringing his ballets to ITV. I loved my time in telly and still miss those jealous of my father, the war hero. Living in north London I was educated days very much. in what can only be described as a happy environment but the school had In January 1981 I met my husband Gordon Giles, a banker, and we little academic ambition. I was both bored and restless and would probably quickly became engaged. That February my mother was diagnosed with be diagnosed now as ADHD! I was always being moved up a year in order a brain tumour resulting in major surgery, and our wedding plans for July to harness my energy and took O levels and A levels at a ridiculously early were set aside as Gordon was diagnosed with testicular cancer. We brought age with, curiously, some distinction. our wedding forward, and a small group of our friends and family joined Dispatched to Paris to learn a language, I persuaded myself that the us at Southwark. There was a brief weekend in Somerset before Gordon headmistress had been a collaboratrice during the war, and after two terms had to start treatment at the Marsden. At the hotel, I managed to set fire I implored my mother to rescue me. Back in London, I reluctantly did a to my heavily lacquered hairdo as a result of lighting a ferocious Calor gas secretarial course which led to my first job as a junior journalist for a weekly fire. With my mother having lost her hair, Gordon about to lose his and magazine Woman’s Own. After two years on the home features desk I needed the dog being hairless as a result of mange—we became the heirless family a change. This coincided with London Weekend Television winning the which was not so funny. Gordon and champion jockey Bob Champion had contract for ITV’s weekend programming and I presented myself as a girl treatment at the same time; both were amazingly gallant about the horrors Friday soon after. As the company grew, the creative heads of department of chemo-therapy. Both survived. Against all the odds, after Gordon arrived including Humphrey Burton as Head of Arts and Frank Muir as finished treatment, our son Jamie was born. Jamie was barely 18 when his Head of Entertainment. Frank plucked me from my coffee making dogsfather died tragically in 2002 from pancreatic cancer. body duties to join him as his general factotum; working together was great I got to know this part of Dorset through friends who lived in the fun until he felt I needed to spread my wings and become a programme Bride Valley, and Gordon and I decided to buy a weekend retreat in researcher. About this time, I had a holiday in Marbella, well before it beUploders which I still had when he died. On my own, I felt isolated in a came a celebrity hot spot. There I met a stray dog—one of many—in a very village especially with Jamie away at school in Wiltshire. Moving to Beamdistressed state. I nursed the dog, Rikki, back to life and decided to get him inster I also hoped—and failed—to be anonymous. Happily I became to England. After six months’ quarantine Rikki was liberated and I started involved with the Beaminster Festival for Music and the Arts and its to take him to work with me at Wembley Studios. A disagreeable studio Director for ten years. With contacts from my time in TV, I was able to manager complained regularly about Rikki’s ‘free range’ and subsequently expand the festival considerably. Meanwhile, the internationally respected banned him. I appealed to Frank, indicating that my working association Bridport Prize for Creative writing, hosted by the Bridport Arts Centre, with the company depended on Rikki and me, or neither of us. Frank wrote was going from strength to strength and after several meetings with the to the Chairman, explaining that I had rescued what I believed to be an then director, Chris Huxley, the idea of the Bridport Literary Festival was animal of canine origin, but the vet had recognised that this was not a dog developed. Now in its 15th year, BridLit has charitable status and attracts but a very rare species of hornless Andalusian goat! Frank saw nothing in audiences who wish to banish the blues of November with a programme the terms of employment that ‘goats’ were banned. The chairman agreed of events to enlighten and enjoy. and said he had met the most amiable beast in a corridor. The ‘goat’ stayed Apart from books, my three delights are my son Jamie, my dog Lily and on at LWT and so did I. Soon promoted to work on ‘live’ programmes with rhinos—but that’s another story.’

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MV UP FRONT We never really know what people are thinking. We might believe we do, but in reality, the complexities of the brain and the human ability to distort embellish or even completely invent thoughts and scenarios make it impossible for us to ever categorically know what’s going on in someone’s head. But that doesn’t stop us from passing judgment; both on those we know as well as on complete strangers. I got stuck in a lift once with someone whom I’d seen around for years but had never really met. We were only held there for about ten minutes, but it was enough time for our shared discomfort and concern to break down the usual barriers suffered by the less gregarious. We talked about the fact that we had seen each other around but never really chatted. Within those few minutes, we found that we had a lot in common. We shared a similar sense of humour, world view and even upbringing. By the time we got out of the lift we were giggling about our adventure, and, since we were heading in the same direction, decided to pop into the local pub for a drink.

It was then that we discovered one of the reasons we had never spoken. For the previous couple of years, he had made a decision about me based on something he had heard. It transpired that at a company event years before, someone had pointed in my direction and commented on what they believed was my opinion on a recent international crisis. Their judgement couldn’t have been further from the truth, but to my new friend, that accusation had left a lasting impression. For the next couple of years, his attitude to me had been influenced by this throwaway comment. Coincidentally my accuser was in the pub and remembered the occasion. It turned out he had been pointing at someone just beyond me. I had been smeared by mistaken identity. My new friend and I never became great buddies, and a few months later I got a job overseas. In fact, I never saw him again.

But that quirk of fate that put us together in a dodgy elevator often haunts me when I find myself about to pass judgment on a person or situation, especially when based on no real knowledge, something perhaps we’re all guilty of. Sadly, we are all human, with all the fallibility that comes with that territory and there will always be occasions where an opinion is blurted out based on nothing other than instinct and unconscious bias. But now and then I find myself benefiting from remembering that scenario and taking a step back before damning my fellow man. I wish I could do it more often.

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

This Month 3 6 8 34

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Cover Story By Robin Mills A Nest of Songbirds By Margery Hookings Coast & Countryside Events A Songbird makes a welcome return to East Devon By Philip Strange Courses and Workshops News & Views Laterally Speaking By Humphrey Walwyn

42 44 46 48 50 52

House & Garden Along the Road to Canterbury By Cecil Amor Vegetables in May with Ashley Wheeler May in the Garden By Russell Jordan Property Round Up By Helen Fisher Crab’s Revenge By Nick Fisher

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Food & Dining After-work spicy fish parcels By Jo Pratt Muffulettas By Lesley Waters Poismole By Mark Hix People in Food By Catherine Taylor

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

Arts & Entertainment Places I Remember By Fergus Byrne Museums and Galleries, Performance, Preview and Film

“Indecision is the key to flexibility.”

Fergus Byrne

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

Editorial Director

Contributors

Fergus Byrne

Deputy Editor Victoria Byrne

Design

Fergus Byrne Emily Secrett-Hill

Advertising

Sue Norris sue@marshwoodvale.com

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Cecil Amor Helen Fisher Nick Fisher Richard Gahagan Margery Hookings Mark Hix Russell Jordan

For local events follow us on Twitter @marshwoodvale

Robin Mills Gay Pirrie-Weir Jo Pratt Philip Strange Catherine Taylor Humphrey Walwyn Lesley Waters

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

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

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

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

A Nest of Songbirds Margery Hookings makes some musical connections when she discovers the raucous singing past of her local pub, The White Lion at Broadwindsor.

W

hen folksinger and folklorist Nick Dow visited West Dorset with his wife in the late 1980s, it made a lasting impact.

The couple’s mission was to seek out old Dorset folk songs, following in the footsteps of the great Cecil Sharp and Somersetbased brothers Robert and Henry Hammond, the sons of a clergyman from Priston, near Bath.

Sharp (1859-1924) is considered to be the founding father of the folksong revival in England in the early 20th century. He gathered thousands of tunes from rural England – including Somerset and Dorset.

Inspired by Sharp, the Hammonds went on long bicycle rides into the Dorset countryside in search of songs, collecting about 600 of them on several expeditions between 1905 and 1908.

Says Dow: ‘It came as some surprise to me, as a fledgling folklorist, to find that no serious research had been made into Dorset folksong survival since 1908.’

And so it was that Dow, who at the time lived in Blackpool, set off with his wife, Mally, armed with a collecting grant and a tape recorder to capture some of these ‘lost’ songs.

I have always been very familiar with the songs and dances that Sharp collected. I went to a tiny primary school in a South Somerset village in the late 1960s. The songs were part and parcel of my family’s life. I thought everyone knew them. I had no idea they had ever been on any endangered list.

My late uncle, Somerset farmer George Withers, was a folk singer.

As a child he was immersed in the songs of a time gone by, along with

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popular music hall numbers of the day, as passed down to him by my grandmother and my grandfather, who were both blessed with good singing voices.

Eddie Upton, who set up Folk South West in 1992, said of George in The Folk Music Journal: ‘He grew up with songs around him. Not only at home, where both his mother and his father sang, but at his uncle’s neighbouring farm, where Jack the carter was a noted singer.

‘His older sisters brought home songs they had learned at school, and George recalled that at a very early age he was hearing songs collected

by Cecil Sharp, in several cases from the very singers from whom Sharp had collected. “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know The Seeds of Love, I rather claimed this for my own.”’

Fittingly, Uncle George’s version of this song was played at his funeral in 2009 and also at that of my own father who, like George, had been a farmer on one of the county council’s smallholdings, which were set up for returning soldiers after the First World War. Says Upton: ‘The family farm had apple orchards but no cider press, so every year the cider apples were taken to a neighbour’s farm to make cider there. “Cider making involved periods of frenzied activity, and quiet times while the juice is running and you wait for time to screw the press down a bit more. That’s the time when stories are told and songs are sung. I recall Jim and Dad, both old soldiers, singing an old song about an army recruit. It involved some bad language, which impressed me. I was about 12 years old. I only heard it once but remembered it quite well.”’

I include my uncle’s quote about the bawdy song because of what Nick Dow and his wife found on their folk song collecting trek. They amassed some 150 songs, through interviews with people as diverse as a retired ploughman, thatcher and hurdle maker to a hospital porter to an ex-serviceman.

But his real desire was to discover a community where the songs were sung as a matter of course in the local pub, rather than being sung at request into a tape recorder. Cecil Sharp wrote in 1909 that ‘every West Country village holds a veritable nest of songbirds!’.

One only has to chat with people who have lived in these rural areas all their lives to discover a wealth of folk song knowledge.

In 1989, Dow discovered what he describes as ‘the crock of gold at the end of our rainbow’.

It was the White Lion Inn at Broadwindsor, a village north of Bridport. He was invited to record ‘Flash’ Phelps, who would visit from Chard with his accordion ‘when the spirit moved him and many a lively night was had by all’.

With the famous axion from folklorist and singer A L Loyd ringing in his ears—‘folk music differs from other music as day differs from night, but it’s impossible to tell when day becomes night and night becomes day’—Dow says he held his subjectivity before him ‘like a torch and advanced into academic darkness and the welcoming glow of the White Lion’.

In a piece for Farmers Weekly back in 1985, Dow wrote about his visit to the White Lion: ‘The catholic taste of the singers of ages past is still evident in the repertoire of the assembled singers at The White Lion. Flash would strike up the melody of Putting on the Agony or Home on the Range and that would be followed by a music hall song and maybe Dick Corbett the landlord would sing The Bachelor Song, better known to folklorists as The Foggy Dew. ‘The Old Armchair would put in an appearance, hotly pursued by the Farmer’s Boy and a song from singer Doug Phillips called The Young Countryman Who Kept Company With Me, to the tune of the traditional song The Female Drummer.

‘The ubiquitous Threshing Machine would usher in anything from Charlie is my Darling through to Crystal Chandelier, but might equally be followed by Died for Love or any other song of traditional pedigree.’

Dow says the atmosphere in the White Lion ‘gave lie to academic wrangling, or musical pretensions. The singers gave voice with a wilful celebration of life and living’.

The old songs venerated in folk clubs or condemned to dusty books on library shelves, ‘shook themselves and marched in again proud to be next to their cousins from any number of distant musical mediums, including the hilarity of the music hall, and the unabashed lyrics of the rugby song.’

Would Cecil Sharp have turned in his grave? Dow thinks not.

‘Perhaps the end of the rainbow is not so far from its beginning.’

Musician Simon Emmerson, who lives in the village, is fascinated by the White Lion’s musical history and Dow’s research. He is the founder of folk musical project The Imagined Village, which produces folk music representing modern multiculturalism in the UK. The band features musicians from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

He and Dow have been in touch.

Says Emmerson: ‘When I moved into Broadwindsor 15 years ago, I had no idea of this connection with folk music. It came as a great surprise when I introduced myself to someone in the pub and he told me that the village has a long tradition with taking people to Sidmouth Folk Festival since its inception.

‘In researching music for my project, The Imagined Village, I found records at Cecil Sharp House of folk collectors coming to the school in the village to record folk dancing. This tradition was still alive and active at the time of Nick’s recordings. Steve Knightley of Show of Hands told me that West Dorset was a fantastic place for folk music.

‘It was an absolute delight to find these past recordings that Nick has. The only missing pieces of the jigsaw is to bring back singing in the local tradition.

Wouldn’t it be great if all the pubs in West Dorset were full of the songs they were only 30 years ago?’

• Nick Dow has been singing and collecting traditional folk songs for over forty years. He has gleaned songs from the West Country, and been given songs by the Travelling people with whom he has lived and worked. Nick Dow is trained in the dying art of Gypsy wagon painting, and has worked as a painter for a long list of celebrities including Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones.

Photographs: Nick Dow (opposite page) by Derek Catley.

Simon Emmerson (right) by James Dawson.

Black and white photos from White Lion all by Nick Dow. Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 7

Coast &Countryside Events WEDNESDAY 1 MAY Wyld Morris Sunrise at Stonebarrow 5.20am. Dance and breakfast at Whitchurch Canonicorum 6.30am. Sidney Gale House 10.30am. Crown Inn Bridport 7.30pm.

Benefits Advice Session at Age UK Shop, Bridport… an initiative by Dorset Welfare Benefits Partnership. Age UK Dorchester and Dorset County Council’s Welfare Benefits Team are working together to help older Bridport residents to maximise their benefits entitlements. Advice sessions will be held on the first Wednesday in each month, between 9.30am and 12noon at Age UK Shop, Bridport, and will be strictly by appointment. To make an appointment, please contact our Bridport Shop on 01308 424859 or at 16 West Street, Bridport DT6 3QP. Lyme History Walks 11am from the Marine Theatre, this and every Wed, Thurs and Sat in May. Discover the unique and colourful history of Lyme Regis. Hear stories of amazing people and adventures on land and sea. Experienced Tour Guide Chris Lovejoy. Lasts 1+1/2 hours. Cost: £8, Children half www.lymehistorywalks.com 01297 443140 / 07518 777 258 for further information. Booking not required.

New Art and Paper Craft Club Come and paint, make cards or do paper craft in company with a small group of like-minded people. Come and join in. Portesham Village Hall, Wednesday afternoons 1.30pm – 4pm.

Just turn up or Contact: Kim 01305 873884 Or Email kimmo.dawe@gmail.com. Do your own thing- no tuition fees, just £3.

The Importance of Being Earnest Certificate PG. Duration 133 minutes including interval. £5 under 18s advance or on the door / £11 adults advance / £14 on the door Starts 7pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. www.marinetheatre.com.

A History of Devon Orchards Axminster History Society Talk. Think of Devon and you are likely to have an image as a county of orchards and cider. But historically this was by no means always the case, in truth Devon presented many challenges to the growing of fruit. Author Michael Gee explains how special circumstances enabled ale-drinking Devon to become a cider county in Tudor and Stuart times. 7.30pm All Welcome, Non Members £2 The Bradshaw Meeting Room, Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, EX13 5AH. IAMRoadSmart set of 3 free Lectures commence at 7pm with an 9pm finish at Committee Room 1, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ. Entry to Committee Room 1 is through glass doors at Colliton Corner and parking is free. The Lectures, all different in content, given by a Class One Civilian ex-Police Instructor and IAMRoadSmart Examiner with many years’ experience and a sense of humour, contain

information and advice that could save your life. As we strive to better ourselves at most things in life, why not driving? No need to book, just come along and bring your friends. Also 8 and 15 May. Gittisham Folk Dance Club 8pm - 10.15pm in Gittisham Village Hall, Gittisham EX14 3AF. A friendly club with live music and guest caller every week - this week featuring Gibby and Ian with Mary Marker calling. Membership available, with entry at £4; visitors £4.50, includes light refreshments. All welcome, no partner or previous experience required. Contact Steve on 07793 124 229 or secretary Rosie, secretarygittishamfolkdance@gmail.com.

See https://gittishamfolkdanceclub.org.

Axminster History Society Talk Devon’s Orchards: How Devon took to Cider.

Devon has an image of orchards and cider, but historically this was not always the case as the county presented many challenges to the growing of fruit. Author Michael Gee explains how ale-drinking Devon to become a cider county in Tudor and Stuart times. All Welcome. £2 Non Members 7.30pm The Bradshaw Meeting Room, Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AH. The Importance of Being Earnest Certificate PG. Duration 133 minutes including interval. £5 under 18s advance or on the door / £11 adults advance / £14 on the door Starts 7 pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

THURSDAY 2 MAY Axminster Country Market Thursdays 8.30am – 12noon, Masonic Hall, South Street, Axminster. Come and meet the producers! Cakes, savouries, crafts, cut flowers, plants, free-range eggs, fruit & veg all seasonal, produced in or near Axminster.

Reduce your carbon footprint, with food you can trust. Tea & coffee available too, come and say hello.

West Dorset Ramblers 8 miles/12.9 km.

East Fleet Coast Path. Starts at 10am. Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 897702.

Community Coffee Morning in Clapton & Wayford Village Hall 10am – 12noon.

Raffle, and a cake stall/’bring & buy’ with home-made items, produce etc. Croissants & bacon rolls will also be served. Do come and join us, for an opportunity to meet friends & neighbours - or get to know new people. Local or not, you can be sure of a warm welcome in Clapton. More details from Julia 01460 72769.

Lyme History Walks 11am from the Marine Theatre, this and every Wed, Thurs and Sat in May. Discover the unique and colourful history of Lyme Regis. Hear stories of amazing people and adventures on land and sea. Experienced Tour Guide

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Chris Lovejoy. Lasts 1+1/2 hours. Cost: £8, Children half www.lymehistorywalks.com 01297 443140 / 07518 777 258 for further information. Booking not required.

Wellbeing Walk at Radipole Lakes (Stepping into Nature) 11am – 12noon.

Contact RSPB Radipole Lakes on 01305 778313. This event is free as it’s part of Stepping into Nature. Visit www. stepin2nature.org for more info.

Historical Walking Tours of Colyton Every Thursday until 29 September at 2pm. Meet at the Dolphin Street Car park.

Booking not necessary. £3 for adults, under 16s Free. To arrange a walk for a larger group please phone 01297 552514.

WDHS Retirement Fellowship 2pm in the Boys Brigade Hall, Sawmills Lane, Dorchester DT1 2RZ when Gordon Bartlett will give a talk on Mechanical Music. New members welcome.

Royal Opera Live screening: Faust (12A) 6.45pm Adult £15.30, Student £12.30.

Experience the decadence and elegance of 1870s Paris in David McVicar’s spectacular production of Gounod’s best-loved opera.

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

Chard Camera Club Competition night will be held at 7.30pm in the Baptist church hall, Holyrood Street. the subject on the night will be Prints for subjects of Monochrome, Nature and an Open subject and the judge for the evening will be Mr Barry Welch. All would be made most welcome and more details can be obtained via www.chardcameraclub.org.uk or by 01460 66885 to members secretary Mrs Joyce Partridge.

Chard History Group 7.30pm in the Ballroom at Phoenix Hotel, Fore Street, Chard. “Out of the mouth of the Parrett”, a fantastic new film made this year to celebrate the river which shapes so many lives. The film makers, The Theatre Melange, Sandy and Chris have offered to come and introduce the film. Refreshments are available downstairs in the Bar. New members and Guests are welcome.

Members £2 Guests £3. For information 01460 66165.

Lyme Voices Community Choir Seeking new members to sing for fun. Learn tunes by ear. Everyone welcome, first session free.

7.30pm - 9.15pm at the Baptist Church (Pine Hall round the back), Silver St., Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Visit www-pete-linnett. co.uk, phone 01297 445078 or email petelinnett@naturalvoice.net. Also 9, 16, 23 (Thursdays) May. Tatworth Wives Group “The Life of a Funeral Director” is the title of the talk to be given by Barry Gibb at 7.30pm in St John The Evangelist church rooms Tatworth.

Royal Opera Live screening: Faust (12A)

Coast &Countryside 6.45pm Adult £15.30, Student £12.30.

Experience the decadence and elegance of 1870s Paris in David McVicar’s spectacular production of Gounod’s best-loved opera.

The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton. co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

FRIDAY 3 MAY Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Outing Depart by coach UVH 9.15am Garden Festival Powderham Castle.

More than 100 exhibitors, offering quality plants from award-winning nurseries, unique West Country craft, artisan food and drink along with live music, talks and tips on growing and cooking fruit and vegetables all in the fabulous grounds and interior of Powderham Castle We are going on the Friday, the first of the two days, to see everything at it’s best. Cost £16 for coach & admission. Please ring Rose Mock 01297 34733 to book.

Do you need to make or change a Will or Power of Attorney? A free one-toone surgery given by Ian Campbell, Senior Associate at Blanchards Bailey, solicitors.

9.30am - 12.30pm at Age UK Dorchester, Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, DT1 1PW. For further details of all Age UK Dorchester services, please

telephone 01305 269444 or look at the website: www.ageuk.org.uk/dorchester.

The Living Tree cancer self-help group.

2pm Tripudio. 2.15pm Jenny Malyon talking on Homoeopathy as an effective, safe, gentle and scientific system of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. 3.15pm – 4.15pm Therapy session– Worry Busting with Louise Wender. 07341 916 976 or thelivingtreedorset@gmail.com.

Beaminster Short Mat Bowls 7pm in Beaminster Public Hall. Also on Thursday 9, 16, 23 and 30. 01308 538971.

Indian Feast @ Old Dairy Kitchen Monthly feast night in the Old Dairy Kitchen at Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £35, booking essential, olddairykitchen. co.uk.

Gigspanner at 8pm. In the wake of his departure from Steeleye Span, multiaward-winning fiddle player, Peter Knight, has turned his full attention to his trio, Gigspanner - and in the process, established their reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British Folk scene. Tickets: £18 Full. £17 Concessions. The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www.thedavidhall.org.uk 01460 240340.

Unique Boutique Event community

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evening street food markets back to East Devon for summer 2019. Friday evenings in the summer have become a way to get together over food and connect with your community. You’ll find a great location with views out across the Jurassic coast, the reasonably priced pop up bar and cool music to accompany your culinary journey around the world. Jubilee Gardens, Seaton, EX12 2QU First Friday of the month – 5pm – 9pm. Contact: Eleanor Carr chat@UniqueBoutiqueEvents.co.uk www.

UniqueBoutiqueEvents.co.uk 07970 857696.

Environmental and Marine Current Issues Owen Day describes marine protection in the Lyme Bay and the Caribbean, while Julia Hailes MBE asks the question, have the public gone bonkers about plastics? £8 advance and on the door.

Bar opens 6pm. Starts 7pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

SATURDAY 4 MAY Musbury Village Plant & Craft Sale 9.30am - 12noon Musbury Village Hall, Seaton Road. Lots of plants and crafts for sale, as well as raffle and refreshments.

Proceeds help finance the Musbury Village Show in August.

Marshwood Vale YFC Coffee Morning

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

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

10am – 12.30pm Salwayash Village Hall with Games, Stalls, Raffle and Bacon Rolls. Some of Marshwood YFC members are doing the Jurassic Coast Challenge – 34k on Saturday 8th June. All proceeds from this event will go towards Cancer Research, the chosen charity for this challenge.

St. Swithun’s Church Allington Annual Plant Sale plus Coffee, Cake and Jazz.

Weather permitting at the back of the Church in the Hall Courtyard 10am – 12noon. Proceeds to go towards the Church Garden plus coffee cake and jazz In the Church Mood Indigo and Zack Chantler - drums Retiring Collection for Cupboard Love, Bridport’s Food Bank Free parking.

Axminster Wood Turners will be hosting Simon Hope in an all day demonstration on wood turning skills. If you are not a member of the club admission will be £15, this will include tea and coffee throughout the day and a good two course lunch. The start time will be 10am sharp and will run until about 4pm. If you would like to come you must pay and book in advance as room is restricted. Please contact Barrie Golding by email (goldingbarrie@gmail.com) or ring him on 01884841162 to secure your place.

Visit Simons web site to see what he is all about. There are directions to our club on

our website axminsterwoodturnersclub.com if you want to check us out. Your visit may lead to a membership of a thriving club and a new skill to develop.

White Tara Day The Divine Feminine with Anna Howard and Dean Carter 10am 5pm. Known for her capacity to bring swift healing and long life, in Tibetan Buddhism White Tara is regarded as a female Buddha.

The day will offer an introduction to White Tara, explaining who she is and ways of working with her energy through breathwork, meditation, guided visualisation, and feature a full crystal and Tibetan singing bowl soundbath in the afternoon with musician and sound healing facilitator Dean Carter. £40 for the day – deposit £20. Bring lunch to share, and something padded to lie on and warm to lie under for soundbath.

Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA. Chess Club Every Saturday 10am – 12noon. Free/Donation. Meet in the spacious indoor Courtyard, there will be introductory tuition for new players and competitors for those who know what they’re doing. LSi Bridport, 51 East Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JX. http://www. lsibridport.co.uk/chess-club-on-saturdays-2/.

Plant Sale 10.30am The Jubilee Hall

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Winsham. £1 entry (children free.) Tea, coffee & refreshments will be available so come along fill your bags with gardening goodies and have a chat over a cuppa & slice of cake - we look forward to seeing you. For more details please contact Debbie 01460 432815 .

Plant Sale organised by Winsham Horticultural Society at 10.30am in Winsham Jubilee Hall for details tel Debbie 01460 432815.

Lyme History Walks 11am from the Marine Theatre, this and every Wed, Thurs and Sat in May. Discover the unique and colourful history of Lyme Regis. Hear stories of amazing people and adventures on land and sea. Experienced Tour Guide Chris Lovejoy. Lasts 1+1/2 hours. Cost: £8, Children half www.lymehistorywalks.com 01297 443140 / 07518 777 258 for further information. Booking not required.

The Palaeontological Society Maria McNamara gives a whirlwind tour of geological time and spectacular fossils, while illustrating prehistoric animals is the topic for artist James McKay. Starts 12noon. Free Entry Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

Storyteller with Woodroffe Student Stories Join Bridport-based Martin

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Coast &Countryside Maudsley to uncover the magical stories behind Colpexies’ Fingers, Snakestones, and Fairy Loaves. 1.30pm and 2.45pm Free Entry Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

World Labyrinth Day Walk Seaton Labyrinth at 12.30pm at Cliff Field Gardens in Seaton EX12 2PH. Free event. Contact Christina Bows on 01297 23822 for further information or visit labyrinthsociety.org/ world-labyrinth-day.

British Antarctic Survey Huw Griffiths and Cath Waller discuss microplastics in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Free Entry Starts 3.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

The Government Inspector 7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre www.bridport-arts. com.

John Etheridge and Vimala Rowe Café Sladers, Sladers Yard, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL Dinner from 6.30pm, performance from 8pm Tickets: £18 or £36 with dinner 01308 459511 sladersyard.co.uk.

World-famous guitarist and fabulous vocalist play jazz/world music, some classics, some original music, with plenty of banter and laughs. A hugely entertaining evening.

Evolution Rocks Local young people from B Sharp, Woodroffe School, and Mrs Ethelston’s Primary Academy entertain with original music inspired by the theme of evolution. £8 advance and on the door Starts 7pm Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

Samswara Sitar & Tabla Duo performance at Axminster Minster at 7.30pm. Tickets £12 / £10 cons Available from Archway Bookshop, Church St. Axminster EX 13 5AQ. Tel: 01297 33595. Samswara – www.samswara.com Ricky Romain (Sitar) and Jon Sterckx (tabla) have been regularly performing Indian music together since 2001 and were voted ‘Best Group in South West & South Wales’ in the MTM South Asian & Ethnic Minorities Awards 2014.

Peter Knight’s Gigspanner 8pm May 2019 marks the tenth anniversary of the release of the intriguingly named Lipreading the Poet, the debut album by Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, which had the distinction of being listed as one of the best 10 Global albums of 2009 by The Wire Magazine.

Tickets are £14 full price or £14 for Members of Dorchester Arts, under-18s or those on low income and are available from the Dorchester Arts box office on 01305 266926, in person at the Corn Exchange (weekdays 10am - 4pm) or via www. dorchesterarts.org.uk.

SATURDAY 4 – SUNDAY 5 MAY The Secret Garden, Hilfield (DT2 7BE) This weekend explore the grounds of Hilfield Friary, which range from meadows (with livestock) and woods, to the ongoing

reclamation of neglected woodland garden.

Open in aid of the National Garden Scheme charities, see mature trees, bamboo, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, camellias, palms, other choice shrubs,and a stream on all sides crossed by bridges. Stout shoes advised for woodland garden. Open 2pm 5pm. Adm £5 chdn free. www.ngs.org.uk.

The Causes of the Bindon Landslip Teachers Ian Wood, Julia Lamb Wilson, and John Haylock alongside geologist Richard Edmonds and Woodroffe School students debate the causes and effects of the 1839 event. Free Entry Starts 2pm on 4 May and 12noon on 5 May. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

SUNDAY 5 MAY Big Breakfast Yarcombe Jubilee Hall 9am - 2pm, EX14 9BN. Under 11’s £5, Over 12’s £7, and preschool children - donations welcome. Cooked English breakfast - cereals, fruit, toast, jams and marmalades, fruit juices, tea and coffee all included. In aid of Hall funds. Further details or any dietary needs - please contact Helen on 07966 035370.

West Dorset Ramblers 8.5 miles/13.7 km.

West Dorset Wander, Burton Bradstock, Loders, Walditch. Starts at 10am. Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 897702.

Steam Train Day 10.30am – 4pm. Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction 01935 410420. www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com.

White Tara Healing 2:1 sessions. Dean and Anna are offering a combination of their modalities for individual clients: Anna’s White Tara Healing, a fusion of traditional healing methods with White Tara energy, given simultaneously with Dean’s individually tailored Soundbath using Crystal Singing Bowls and vocal overtoning in the client’s Personal Key. Limited spaces, available from 10am – 4pm, Session £50. Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA. Spring Cleanse One-Day Retreat at the Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum.

10am - 5pm, £85. Cleansing food, yoga, meditation, nature connection, relaxation and rejuvenation. Brought to you by The Well Life Lab. For details see Eventbrite or call Helen on 07704093016.

Wyld Morris 12noon Bridport Community Orchard.

Laura Chatton and her Harris Hawk This is a talk about how birds have descended from dinosaurs, with a live harris hawk in attendance. Free entry Starts 1pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

The Great Landslide Geologist Richard Edmonds describes the formation of Goat Island and the Chasm. Free entry Starts 2pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

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Plant Sale at St Nicholas’ Church, Combe Raleigh, Nr Honiton, EX14 4TG, 2.30pm - 5pm. An opportunity to stock up your garden and enjoy tea/coffee and cake.

Proceeds in aid of Church Funds. For info phone 01404 43929 or 01404 43166.

Charity Day on The Drax Estate hosted

by Coastwatch, Portland Bill Highwood Gardens, Charborough Park nr Wareham BH20 7EN (The Drax Estate) is open 2.30pm – 6pm, admission £5 adults, £2.50 children (6 – 16) Sorry no dogs. Stroll in the beautiful tranquil bluebell woods, see the rhododendron & azalea bushes, enjoy the views. Cream teas, crafts, cakes, local cards, books & Tombola Stalls – Music from The Durnovaria Silver Band. Learn more abou t the work Coastwarch do at Portland Bill and meet the team. Support this local hardworking charity. www.nci-portlandbill. org.

Bluebell Walk Meet St Nicholas’ Church, Dinnington for 2.30pm start. The walk takes about 1 ½ hours and there is likely to be some rough ground. Boots, or wellies if wet, advisable. Adults £3; children free.

Free hot or cold drink on return. Donations for cake. Controlled dogs welcome. Some parking near church, more near Docks. For satnav, use TA17 8SU. Any queries, contact Emma Way on 01460 55965; emmaeway@ btinternet.com.

Closing Festival Talk Sir Ghillean Prance, former director of Kew and Richard Lane, former Director of Science at the Natural History Museum host a discussion on ‘thinking like a scientist’. Free Entry Starts 3pm Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

Lyme Bay Chorale’s spring concert 4pm at St Michael’s Parish Church, Lyme Regis. Conductor Andrew Millington, accompanist Alex Davis. Bass soloist: Exeter Cathedral lay clerk Julian Rippon.

The programme:Louis Vierne’s ( 18701937) Messe Solennelle; Herbert Sumsion’s Anthem -They that go down to the sea in ships; Andrew Millington’s Give Me My Scallop Shell (written for HM the Queen’s visit to Exeter Cathedral for the Golden Jubilee 1st May 2002); The Seafarer - a new work by Andrew Millington, Beethoven’s Meeres Stillest und Gluckliche Fahrt. Tickets £15 on the door. £13 in advance from Lyme Regis TIC and Penny Black’s Cafe ( behind Lyme’s PO) to include post concert buffet. 18’s and under go free.

Excalibow by comedy quartet, Bowjangles 7pm at Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall, New Road, TA14 6SF. Tickets bought for previous cancelled performance can be exchanged or used at this performance. £6 child Under 16 yrs / £10 adult Buy 4 tickets or more and get a 10% discount. Available from Norton Sub Hamdon Village Shop or from John Bailey 01935 881227 or from www.takeart.org.

SUNDAY 5 - THURSDAY 9 MAY Spring Music Event at Sidholme Music Room, Elysian Fields, Sidmouth EX10 8UJ. Sunday 3.30pm - 4.30pm Woodbury Wind Octet – Jane Godber and friends play Mozart.

Monday 7.45pm - 8.45pm Sidmouth Ukelele Band- With a Song and a Smile, Leader Nick Birt. Tuesday 7.45pm - 9pm An East Devon Music Festival, piano recital by Nina Savicevic.

Wednesday 7.45pm - 8.45pm Blundells School Young Musicians, M.D. Dr. Oliver Leaman.

Thursday 7.45pm - 8.45pm The Phoenix Singers - A Maytime Selection, Conductor Maureen Cook. All events free, with retiring collection.

MONDAY 6 MAY Seaton Lions Club Book Stall 9.30am – 1.30pm The Square, Seaton.

Have you ever thought of playing croquet? Give it a go at Dowlish Wake Croquet Club, come along on any Monday from 11am. Contact the secretary on 01460 74048 or email dwcroquetsec@gmail.com Alternatively call Liz Earl on 01460 30163.

You never know you might enjoy it!

Bluebell Day Holyford Woods, Colyford, East Devon. 11am - 4pm free parking.

Colyford Memorial Hall-- Free Shuttle Bus to Holyford. Refreshments, Stalls, including Plants, Bric-a-brac. East Devon Countryside Service Mobile Display, Axe Vale and District Conservation Stand. Guided walks both Botanical and Historical through the magical Bluebell Woods. Last bus-- 4.15pm. EDDC (wildeastdevon.co.uk).

May Day Celebration at Combe Farm, Axmouth EX12 4AU from 2pm - 5pm.

Come and dance round the Maypole with live music. Lots of activities to enjoy and our wonderful teas, cakes and the famous nettle scones! Entrance £1, accompanied children free. Please contact Christina Bows on 01297 23822 for further info or visit at thespiralcentre.wordpress.com.

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock Evening of Social Dancing at Chardstock Village Hall, tea or coffee included.7.30pm – 10pm. No partner required. Contact David on 01460 65981; Ann on 01308 422927; or Andrew on 01297 33461, or just come along. Cost £1.50. www.chardscottishdancing.org. Also 13th (end of season party, please bring a plate of food to share).

TUESDAY 7 MAY Bird Watch, Somerset Levels Bitterns, Hobbies, etc. 8am – all day. With Rob Johnson. Meet Ashcott Corner (ST449396).

Inform Fran Sinclair 07804 835905 if attending. Bring a picnic. Wild East Devon event.

Magdalen Farm Volunteering Help the ranger with practical and animal related jobs around the farm 10am – 4pm. Lunch, tools and all training provided. To book your volunteer place please email julia@

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 15

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

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

magdalenfarm.org.uk for details. The Magdalen Environmental Trust, Magdalen Farm, Winsham TA20 4PA. Telephone 01460 30144 www.magdalenfarm.org.uk.

Sing and stroll in Bridport Every Tuesday (Stepping into Nature) If you would like to gently improve your fitness, sing along, meet others, exercise your memory or just meet up and have fun, this is for you. Join on a guided walk to natural spaces in and around Bridport. On the way we will stop and sing. Led by experienced singing leader Tina Bridgman. Each walk is designed to avoid stiles and difficult terrain, and will have the option of a short, medium or longer walk to suit your fitness and time. Basic refreshments will be provided. All These walks are free and are dementia friendly.

Starting at 1.30pm at Buckydoo Square in Bridport. To book your place email timeandscale@gmail.com or call Peter on 07817 397331. Visit www.stepin2nature.org for more info.

Lipreading & Managing Hearing Loss Bridport Community Hospital 2pm - 4pm.

Learn how to manage your hearing loss by using lipreading and coping strategies, while building confidence in a supportive environment. First session free. Small, friendly group. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Contact Ruth for further details ruth@bizleyart.com 01297 442239 or just come along on the day.

Scottish Country dancing every Monday 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Ashill village hall nr Ilminster TA19 9LX. Also 14, 20, 28 May. Learn steps, formations and dances – led by fully qualified teacher. Come along for fun, fitness and friendship. For more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 or email anitaandjim22@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY 8 MAY West Dorset Ramblers 10.5 miles/16.9 km. Broadmayne circular. Starts at 10am.

Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 423346.

U3A Heritage coast Lyme Regis talk on The Festival of Britain An illustrated talk by Mathew Denney : 6 years after the end of the 2nd World War, and exactly 100 years since the famous Great Exhibition of 1851 – the Festival of Britain was a display of might and fortitude on a national scale, showcasing the best of British manufacturing. Mathew Denney will be speaking about the Festival of Britain and its impact on the country. Woodmead Halls, Hill Road ,Lyme Regis DT7 3PG. Free to members, non-members £2 donation suggested. Coffee served from 10am 10.45am followed by talk at 11am - 12noon.

To join U3A see website www.lymeregisu3a. org or telephone 01297 444566.

Got-any-gum-chum? An evening of wartime memories in conversation with

Arthur Watson formerly of the Riverside Restaurant, West Bay. Held at Salt House, West Bay 7.30pm. Part of West Bay Discovery’s commemoration events to mark the 75th Anniversary of D Day. Tickets £3 from West Bay Discovery Centre or from Bridport TIC 01308 424901 www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk.

Yeovilton Military Wives Choir in concert at St Mary’s church, Thorncombe TA20 4NE, 7.30pm. Music for all tastes. £8, tickets funds includes interval refreshments, available at the door. Proceeds for church funds.

The Dramatic Exploits of Edmund Kean Dorchester Corn Exchange. 8pm.

Tickets are £12 full price or £10 for Members of Dorchester Arts, under-18s or those on low income and are available from the Dorchester Arts box office on 01305 266926, in person at the Corn Exchange (weekdays 10am - 4pm) or via www. dorchesterarts.org.uk.

The Australian Ballet: Sparticus Electric Palace, Bridport www.electricpalace.org.uk.

The Beehive Folk Café 8pm Free entry.

Come along to sing or listen in the Beehive bar with the lovely folkie host, Sue King.

The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton. co.uk.

THURSDAY 9 MAY Seaton Garden Club – Outing to “Pencarrow” Bodmin, Cornwall. Visitors welcome Cost £26 - Contact details 01297 21869.

Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club Open Days 10am – 4pm Come along and visit our club, try your hand at croquet, enjoy the sea views and friendly atmosphere. All welcome.

Please wear flat shoes. Westfield Close, EX9 6ST 01395 442548. Also Sunday 12 May enquires@budleighcroquet.org.

Why Garden? A Talk by Anna Pavord, horticulturist and journalist. 7.30pm. £10.

LSi Bridport, 51 East Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JX lsibridport.co.uk.

Jo Harman The Mirror called her the ‘UK’s finest female soul blues voice’ who, according to Country Magazine, writes ‘lipbiting beautiful songs’. Lyme Regis’s Joanna Cooke supports. £12.50 advance / £15 on the door Starts 7.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

Beaminster Short Mat Bowls 7pm in Beaminster Public Hall. Also on 16, 23 and 30. 01308 538971.

Modou Ndiaye and band Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall – 7pm for 7.30pm.

Modou Ndiaye, brother of Seckou Keita, is a virtuoso kora player, songwriter, drummer and percussionist, and a member of the famous Cissokho family of Griot musicians from the Cassamance region of Southern Senegal. www.artsreach.co.uk, www. modoundiaye.com. Tickets: £10 (U18:£7)

16 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

Fam:£28 From the Self Service Box Office Box at The Charmouth Medical Practice Reception under The Royal Oak or Reserve on 01297 560948 and pay on the door. Bar and Raffle. All Proceeds to upkeep of the hall.

Rachael Newton 7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre www.bridport-arts.com.

Talk at St Andrews Church, Colyton Anne Swithinbank, Gardening broadcaster and writer will be talking about Rewilding the Garden’ in St Andrews Church, Colyton at 7.30pm. This is part of the Friends of St Andrews series of events, raising money to support the fabric of this beautiful church.

Tickets are £5, £4 for FoStA members, free for under 18’s and are available on the door or in advance from The Little Shop, Market Square, Colyton Tel: 01297 552057.

FRIDAY 10 MAY Seaton Lions Club Book Stall 9.30am – 1.30pm The Square , Seaton.

West Dorset Ramblers 10 miles/16.1 km.

Maiden Castle to Hardy’s monument. Starts at 10am. Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome.

Please call 01300 320084.

Food on Friday at Clapton & Wayford Village Hall 12noon - two course lunch, roll & butter + unlimited tea/coffee, £4.50.

Special diets can usually be catered for if requested in advance. Open to all ages; very friendly atmosphere, newcomers really welcomed, but please book places in advance by phoning June 01460 77057 or Jackie 01460 72324, who will also provide more information if required.

The Living Tree cancer self-help group.

2pm Tripudio. 2.15pm Jo Perfect and Richard Walsh will update us all on the Stepping Out programme and activities.

2.30pm - 4pm Therapy session – Peter Cove offering Swedish Massage for hands & feet (please check beforehand if you have Lymphoedema or lymph nodes removed).

Anne Escott offering foot massage. Drop in any time between 2pm and 4.30pm at the Friends’ Meeting House, 95 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NZ. Tel 07341 916 976. www.thelivingtree.org.uk.

At The Ebenezer Professor Sir Steve Sparks : Volcanoes & Society Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The Ebenezer in The Seed Factory, Aller, Somerset TA10 0QN. To RSVP, please email ebenezer@ ebenezerpresents.com.

Kilmington Gardening Club No dig gardening by Stephanie Hafferty. Stephanie is an author and a professional organic no dig gardener. She will share her experiences and the ecological benefits of the no dig method, growing vegetables and flowers while working with nature and sustaining wildlife. Kilmington village hall, Whitford Road, Kilmington EX13 7RF.7.30pm non members welcome £3.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 17

Belshahazzer’s Feast Paul Sartin (ex Bellowhead) and Paul Hutchings combine a blend of excellent musicianship and humour! The Speedwell Hall, Abbey Street, Crewkerne, TA18 7HY. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £12. Booking essential.

Call 07877206124. Please note there is no bar available so bring your own. There is car parking immediately opposite the hall.

Megson: Contradicshuns Dorchester Corn Exchange. Comprised of husband and wife Stu and Debbie Hanna, their live performances draw heavily on their Teesside heritage to create a truly unique brand of folk music. They have gained fame on the British folk scene, not only for their arresting & intelligent songwriting, but for their exquisite musicianship and northern humour. Tickets are £15 full price or £13 for Members of Dorchester Arts, under-18s or those on low income and are available from the Dorchester Arts box office on 01305 266926, in person at the Corn Exchange (weekdays 10am - 4pm) or via www.dorchesterarts.org.uk.

Mercury: Queen Tribute Band 7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre www.bridport-arts. com.

Supper & Conversation with Herbert Girardet: An Economy for a Sustainable Future Join in for enlightening conservation and a delicious supper in the Old Dairy

Kitchen. From 6pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £5 talk only, £30 with supper trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

Magnolia Jazz Band New Orleans trad jazz from a popular Devon-based ensemble playing less well known tunes as well as familiar favourites. 8pm. Tickets £14 (£29 with pre-show supper at 7pm – must be prebooked). Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Kris Drever With support. £12 advance / £14.50 on the door. Starts 8pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre. com.

FRIDAY 10 – SATURDAY 11 MAY White Wedding with Bootleg Blondie Friday7.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm Adult £14, U16 £8 A musical comedy about a group of accidental time travellers featuring music from top tribute act Bootleg Blondie. Presented by Harley’s Aunt Productions. The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

SATURDAY 11 MAY Uplyme Village Hall Plant Sale & Coffee morning 9.30am - 11.30am. Raising funds to support Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. Plants and home

produce (cakes, jam, veg) for sale. Entry £1.

Contact 01297 444962 for more details.

Martock Farmers Market 17 stalls, including Whitelake Cheese, Duncan’s cauliflower, Eggardon black pudding, Peter’s walnut loaf, Barry’s bangers, Giles coffee, David’s honey, Gina’s cakes, Brenda’s marmalade and loads more local food. 10am – 1pm in the Moorlands Shopping Precinct, North Street, Martock. 01935 822202 for a table.

Living Spirituality Event 10am – 4pm Grief as a Sacred Work of Healing. Quaker Meeting House 95 South Street Bridport. contact iona.lake@aol.co.uk.

Whitford Produce Association Plant Sale of high quality locally grown flower & vegetable plants 10am - 12noon at Whitford Village Hall. There will also be a Cake Stall, Bric-a-brac & Raffle. Tel Secretary Christine Wyatt on 07872621094 for more information.

Seavington Gardening Club will hold their annual sale of good quality plants in Seavington Millennium Hall. Enquiries to Karen Day 01460 249728.

Colyton Garden and Food Festival , in the grounds of Colyton Grammar School, which is situated in the East Devon village of Colyford (EX24 6HN). Gates open at 10am and close at 4pm, with plenty of parking and entry to the Festival is free.

Advertorial

Axe Vale Show June 22nd – 23rd 2019 - Buy your tickets now!

A fantastic weekend for all, that celebrates the best of the local area whilst raising money for local good causes Located just outside Axminster, the Show expects to welcome record crowds to help celebrate 25 years of local fundraising for Axminster. Last years grants of some £30,000 were awarded to applicants.

The Show has a lot to offer and this year we continue to expand to include new and exciting activities and entertainment that we hope will appeal to all age groups. As well as the magnificent food marquee, there are arts, crafts, toys, collectables, antiques, interesting and beautiful floral displays. Numerous stalls selling everything from beeswax food wraps and other recyclable items to woven bags will be present.

New this year, the owners of Atkins Auctions are kindly sponsoring the Vintage, Retro and Antiques Marquee—come along and have your jewellery valued or enter a competition to guess the auction value of a selection of items.

National celebrity, Anne Swithinbank, a trained horticulturist, freelance gardening national broadcaster and writer will be giving a talk and answering your gardening questions on Saturday at 2pm.

New in 2019 is the Photography Competition—this is being hosted by the Axminster Photography Group—for criteria and the application process, see the website. www. axevaleshow.com There will be great entertainment in the arena and a Dog Show on both days - In addition, come along and watch Debonair Dogz demonstrate good dog grooming techniques, answer your questions and solve any quick fix issues.

Online tickets are terrific value at £10 for adults, only £2 for children aged 5-16, and under 5’s are free!

For more general information and if you want to take part as a volunteer, please contact us via the website www.axevaleshow.com Axe Vale Show is a charitable fundraising event for the charity ‘ Axe Vale Festival Limited’. Charity number 1130829 Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook www.axevaleshow.com 18 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

Over 60 stalls including garden plants, tools & furniture, food & drink, and crafts of all types. www.colytongardenfoodfestival.uk stalls@colytongardenfoodfestival.uk.

A Space for Living Spirituality at the Quaker Meeting House, 95 South Street Bridport 10am - 4pm. Grief as a Sacred Work of Healing led by Janet Lake as event number 3 in the series Spirituality and healing Donations £10 - £40 Bring and share lunch, information and booking at iona.lake@aol.co.uk.

Lopen Village Plant Sale 10.30am – 1pm.

A wide range of bedding, perennials and vegetables. Refreshments and free parking.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8 mile walk from Uplyme Hole Common, Harcombe, Ames Plantation. 10.30am start.

Bring picnic. No dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 898002.

A ‘Day to Celebrate Somerset’ at Clapton & Wayford Village Hall 11am – 4pm – local food & drink tasting, light lunches , cream teas, licensed bar. Other attractions include Morris dancing (12noon – 12.30pm), exhibition beehive, raffle with prizes including local produce. Entrance 50p, children free. Some tables still available to book. For further information/table booking, phone Adrienne 01460 75313.

Chardstock Gardening Club Annual Plant Sale 10am – 12noon. Vegetables,

perennials, shrubs, bedding, etc. Chardstock Community Hall, Westcombes, EX13 7BJ. Everyone welcome. Free entry.

Refreshments. Enquiries: 01460 221619.

Wood Sale Halstock. 10am – 4pm Contents of Wood Store-room for sale, due to downsizing. Veneers. Character Woods such as Walnut. Short lengths of hardwoods suitable for turning. Some furniture and fittings.

Quartet Table. Unit 9, Winford Rural Workshops, Halstock Leigh, Halstock, BA22 9QX. 01308 868025.

Sponsored Dog Walk at Ham Hill Country Park 9am registration for a 10am start. In aid of Ferne Animal Sanctuary, shorter 3-mile route taking in the Ham Hill War Memorial with stunning views over the Somerset Countryside. The 6-mile route descends into Witcombe Valley for a longer, and more challenging route. Advance registration is £10 or £15 on the day. Register online at www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/about-ferne/ events/ or call the Sanctuary on 01460 67587.

South Petherton Plant Sale at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in South Petherton. There will be plants, bedding plants, vegetable plants, geraniums, annuals, perennials, and many others - as well as refreshments. 10am – 12noon.

Egyptian Society Taunton “The Beautiful Moment: Creation Mythology

of Ancient Egypt”. Speaker: Lucia Gahlin.

2pm at the Friends Meeting House, Bath Place, Taunton, TA1 4ED http:// egyptiansoctaunton.wixsite.com/home.

Broadwey, Upwey and District Horticultural Society Plant Sale Memorial Hall, Broadwey, 2pm www.budhs.org.uk.

Beer Wurlitzer Theatre Organ Show with Matthew Bason at the Congregational Church, Fore Street, Beer, 2pm - 4.30pm, £7 at the door, children free, visit beerwurlitzer. org.uk or phone 01297 24892.

West Dorset Group - Somerset and Dorset Family History Society Meeting Loders Village Hall, 2pm. Carlos Guarita is talking about ‘ Clarence Austin, the Bridport Photographer and the Bridport Wildcat Women’ a strike at Gundrys. Copies of his book will also be on sale. Members £1.50 and visitors £3, all welcome. For more info contact Jane on 01308 425710 or email: jferentzi@aol.com.

Charity clothing event in aid of Dorchester Food Bank & Holiday Lunch Club, 2.30pm – 5pm, Dorford Centre (by Top of Town roundabout). Donate your best clothes you don’t wear any more. Can be collected - Cate Tel 837208 / 0774 3953837 – please call by 5 May if possible.

Cream Tea at Holy Trinity Church, Bothenhampton between 3pm - 4.30pm.

Delicious buttered home-made scones with

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or without home-made jam and clotted cream served in our beautiful church. For the energetic there is an optional short local walk leaving the church at 2pm. Back in time to enjoy a cream tea if wished. Contact Ro 01308 459259.

Dub Pistols + Support 7.30pm Electric Palace, Bridport www.electricpalace.org.uk.

Sangre Flamenca at 7.30pm. This evening will take the audience on a journey around Spain, filled with vibrant colours and a passion for food, Flamenco music and dance. Flamenco dancers Aneta Skut and Victoria Clifford are joined by the finest Flamenco musicians in the South West: Cuffy Cuthbertson (guitar), Jaime Cantera and Kostka Garcia (vocals/ percussion). Tickets: £15. No concessions.

Includes performance and tapas. Please book by Wednesday 8 May. No tickets will be available on the night. The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www.thedavidhall.org. uk 01460 240340.

Parnham Voices at St Mary’s Church Corscombe, 7.30pm. This extremely popular and highly regarded Beaminster based choir will sing a wonderful range of music from mediaeval to modern , including Tudor anthems, English part songs and spirituals, as well as works by Pizzetti, Gesualdo

and Rutter. Tickets £10 To include glass of wine /juice and light refreshments.

Tickets available from Celia Tomkins celiatomkins@gmail.com 01935 891083 or Charles Gaskell thegaskells@waitrose.com.

In aid of Funds for Restoration of St Mary’s Church, Corscombe.

Bridport Choral Society Spring Fantasia An eclectic mix of choral music styles from the 18th Century to the present day.7.30 pm Bridport United Church, East Street. Tickets £10 (including refreshments) available from Bridport Music or on the door.

Dorset Chamber Orchestra St Mary’s Church Dorchester. DT1 2HL 7.30pm.

Overture ‘Donna Diana’ – Reznicek, Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Soloist: Frida Backman, Beethoven Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) http://dorsetchamberorchestra. org/. Tickets £15 (18 and under £1) available on-line or at Harmony Music, 3-4 The Forum Centre, Trinity Street Dorchester 01305 260360.

Robyn Hitchcock With support from Jess McAllister. £16 advance / £18 on the door Starts 8pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

SUNDAY 12 MAY Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club Open Days 10am – 4pm Come along and visit

20 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

our club, try your hand at croquet, enjoy the sea views and friendly atmosphere. All welcome. Please wear flat shoes. Westfield Close, EX9 6ST 01395 442548 enquires@ budleighcroquet.org.

Honiton Pottery Collectors Society 10.45am – come and meet the experts and learn about Honiton Pottery. 12noon – Charles Collard’s time in Illminster, talk

by Robert Garrett. 2pm Honiton in war and peace time, presentation by Honiton historian Terry Darrant. Entry £2 for visitors, Refreshments available, www. hpcsoc.com. Function Room, Heathfield Inn, Walnut Road, Honiton EX14 2UG. Minterne Spring Fair 11am - 4.30pm Entrance £5 for adults, children free. With one of the best shrub gardens in England and 100-year old Rhododendrons & Azaleas at their peak splendor, this promises to be a popular day out for all the family and your dogs. As seen on BBC Gardeners’ World and voted One of the Ten Prettiest Gardens in England by The Times, there are wonderful walks in 27 acres of woodland garden through towering rhododendrons in full bloom collected since the 1840s. Head Gardener, Mark Bobin will be on hand during the day for all those Horticultural skill-testing questions! Punch & Judy Show, Face-Painting, Craft stands, Plant

Stalls, Bouncy Castle, R.N.L.I. Souvenirs, Food, Cakes & Cream Teas will be some of the attractions on offer; alongside demonstrations from the Longbow Champion and a Classic Car Display.

This year Kate Adie, CBE, DL, English Journalist & Chief news correspondent for BBC News (retired) will be judging the Family Dog Show. Parking available at no charge. www.minterne.co.uk 01300 341370.

Severalls Jubilee Bowls Club Open Day 10am - 4pm at War Memorial Grounds, Severalls Park Avenue, Crewkerne, TA18 8HQ. Fancy trying outdoor bowls? We are a very friendly club with great social nights and we welcome new members of all ages.

Free refreshments are available throughout the day with free on-site parking. Bowls and coaching provided and please wear flat soled footwear. For more information phone Geoff Kerr on 01308 867221.

Plant stall at West Bay Discovery Centre Fill up the empty spaces in your borders and pots, many of our home-grown cuttings are suitable for coastal conditions.

Funds raised will go towards running costs for the Discovery Centre www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk.

Have you ever thought of playing croquet? Give it a go at Dowlish Wake Croquet Club On National Croquet Day

today. Or come along on any Monday from 11am Contact the secretary on 01460 74048 or email dwcroquetsec@gmail.com.

Alternatively call Liz Earl on 01460 30163 You never know you might enjoy it!

Free Fun Family Friendly Scottish Ceilidh organised by the Somerset Branch of the RSCDS 2.30pm - 4.30pm at Long Sutton village hall, Martock Rd, Somerset, TA10 9NT. Hot and cold drinks will be provided foc. All dances will be called, dancing to CD’s. Wear some tartan if you wish. For more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 or email anitaandjim22@ gmail.com.

Phoenix Brass Band with Mawgan Stott (vocals). 3pm St. Bartholomew’s Church, Crewkerne. A programme of music and songs from Bernstein and Carl Jenkins to Wagner. Bar available and free canapes.

Tickets £10 (£12 on door) under 18’s free from Crewkerne Town Hall or Stephen 01460 73960.

Sidholme Music Room 3.30pm 4.30pm. The Nick Brown Trio - A varied programme for Clarinet, viola and piano.

Sidholme Music Room, Elysian Fields, Sidmouth EX10 8UJ. Crystal and Tibetan Singing Bowl Soundbath 7pm - 8.30pm. £12, Booking in advance and further details www.

centreforpuresound.org ahiahel@live. com 01935 389655. Bring something comfortable to lie on and wrap around you. Dorchester YMCA, Sawmills Lane, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2RZ. Salway Ash Village Hall Easter BingoTop prize £50! Lots of other great prizes. Doors Open 7pm Eyes Down 7.30pm.

Kokoro: A night in Vienna7pm (doors & bar 6.30pm) £15 / £13 members & concessions Dorchester Arts, The Corn Exchange, High East Street, DT1 1HF 01305 266926 www.dorchesterarts.org.uk.

MONDAY 13 MAY Do you need to make or change a Will or Power of Attorney? A free one-to-one surgery given by Robert Bracher, Wills and Probate Consultant at Berensens, solicitors, Chard. 9.30am - 11.30am at Age UK Dorchester shop, 16 West Street, Bridport, DT6 3QP. To make an appointment, please telephone 01305 269444 - Peter Lindsley.

Lym Valley Croquet Club. Club sessions every Monday and Thursday afternoon, with Weekends as reserve days. This super game is open to all ages. It’s an easy game to play, but increasingly difficult to win as one progresses. If you like a challenge, call David to arrange a free taster session

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Coast &Countryside at the Uplyme club. Friendly members and practical handicap system ensure level play from the start. Probably the least expensive sport in the South. Please call David BrookeSmith on 07909 111512.

Inspired by Archives 10.30am (Stepping into Nature) Enjoy the countryside? Love history? Enjoy both with pictures, maps or recordings at the Dorset History Centre (Dorchester) and learn something new about the natural world and local artists. The group is open to everyone including carers, those with dementia or with mobility, sensory or learning difficulties or those who would just enjoy the company and stimulation. It’s all about relaxing, meeting new people and having fun. Contact Maria on 01305 228947 or m.gayton@dorsetcc.gov.uk to book. Visit www.stepin2nature.org for more info.

Yeovil Probus Club from 1.30pm School in a Bag Charity at The Yeovil Court Hotel.

New Members always most welcome, please contact the Hon. Secretary on 01935 414765 for further details.

Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support Affected by cancer? Looking for support?

Need help or advice? Drop in for a chat.

Refreshments available free of charge.

Lyme Regis, LR Football Club, Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3DT 2pm 4pm. For more details contact info@ axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk.

Hawkchurch History Society Robert Hesketh will be giving an illustrated talk on A History of Devon’s Inns. Robert has published many books and articles on local history in Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Hawkchurch Village Hall 7pm for 7.30pm start. Non-members £5 inc. refreshments.

Biodanza @ Othona Express, Connect, Relax! Dance like no one’s watching, no steps to learn, no partner needed, uplifting music + holistic health benefits. All ages 19 to 90. Teacher: Julia Hope-Brightwell. 2nd + 4th Mondays. 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Cost £8-10. Othona Community, Coast Road, Burton Bradstock DT6 4RN. Contact Robin 01308 897 130 / biodanza-bridport.co.uk.

Scottish Dancing Party in Chardstock Evening of Social Dancing at Chardstock Village Hall, tea or coffee included.7.30pm – 10pm. No partner required. Contact David on 01460 65981; Ann on 01308 422927; or Andrew on 01297 33461, or just come along.

Cost £1.50. www.chardscottishdancing.org. end of season party, please bring a plate of food to share.

The Arts Society Neroche South Somerset 7.15pm at Frogmary Green Conference Centre, South Petherton. The Holland Park Circle by Jennifer ToynbyHolmes. Visitors £5.

Radipole & Southill Horticultural Society The society will be holding its next meeting at the Southill Community Centre starting at 7.30pm. Local historian Stuart Morris talks about ‘Weymouth Piers and Pavilions’, covering a part of the town that

has an interesting and varied past and that is likely to see major changes in the coming years. The meeting is open to members and non-members and refreshments will be available. Further information can be obtained on 01305 788939.

Bridport Folk Dance Club now in its 100th year, meets at 7.30pm - 9.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport DT6 3JQ. Enjoy folk dancing mainly in the English tradition from Playford-style to modern-day compositions at Bridport’s longestablished weekly club, with club callers and recorded music All welcome, no partner or previous experience required. Admission £3 for members, £4 visitors (membership available). Taster sessions available at no cost. Contact Mecki on 01308 423 442. Also on 20th, but closed on 6th and 27th.

TUESDAY 14 MAY West Dorset Ramblers 8 miles/12.9 km.

West Bay, Thorncombe beacon and Eype.

Starts at 10am. Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 423927.

Honiton Decorative & Fine Arts Society Painting the Land of the Midnight Sun: Romantic Visions of Norway – Stella Lyons.

All lectures held at 2pm, The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton, EX14 1LZ. www. honiton-dfas.org.uk.

Time for Tea Talk -Textile conservation at Axminster Carpets - Heather Tetley is an accredited conservator with 25 years of experience and research. She holds a Royal Warrant from HM The Queen and oversaw the restoration of the 1769 Rockbeare carpet which hangs in the Axminster Heritage Centre. £3 Tea & cake served. Call 01404 831207 to book. 2pm - 3.30pm at The Bradshaw Meeting Room, Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AH. Bridport History Society Meeting United Church Hall, East St. Bridport, 2.30pm.

Stuart Morris is presenting ‘Weymouth Piers and Pavillions’. Stuart has published many books on the Weymouth and Portland area.

Members £1 and visitors £3 all are welcome.

For more info contact Jane on 01308 425710 or email: jferentzi@aol.com.

Sidmouth Charity Tea Dance Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing with a warm, friendly welcome. £4 each, including Tea, coffee and biscuits at 2.30pm at St Francis Hall, Woolbrook, EX10 9XH. Further information from 01395 579856 or 577122.

The Ile Valley Flower Club open to all evening with National Demonstrator Tracey Griffin, National Designer of the year 2017.

The Warehouse Theatre Ilminster 7.30pm ( doors open 6.30pm ) Tickets £10 Can be purchased from Harrimans of Ilminster in person or 01460 75025/67149.

Chard WI AGM at Chard Baptist Church Rooms, Holyrood Street TA20 2AH. Meeting starts 7.30pm. New members welcome. Call Madeleine on 01460 68495

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or e-mail info.chardwi@gmail.com for more information. Meetings second Tuesday of each month.

Axe Vale Stamp Club Bradshaw Rooms, Silver Street, Axminster EX13 5AH, 7.30pm for 8pm. Club Visit by Taunton Stamp Club.

01297 552482.

NT Live: All My Sons Broadcast live from The Old Vic, Oscar-winner Sally Field and Bill Pullman star in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama centred on the failings of the American Dream. £5 under 18s advance or on the door / £11 adults advance / £14 on the door Starts 7pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

WEDNESDAY 15 MAY Uplyme &Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Outing Depart by coach UVH 9.15am Buckland Abbey. With 700 years of history, Buckland Abbey is part museum, part house, filled with treasures such as the legendary Drakes Drum. Gardens not extensive but include kitchen and cider house garden with borders full of seasonal blooms, lawn carpeted with wild flowers (bluebells?) in spring and winding paths through trees and shrubs in wild garden at end. Take a walk around 600 acre estate.

Restaurant. Cost NT members £14 Non NT £21. Please ring Rose Mock 01297 34733 to book.

Nordic Walking @ Trill Farm With local instructor Gillian Butcher, suitable for beginners. 10am - 1pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £70 trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

Dartmoor stroll for moorland birds 10am – all day. With Rob Johnson. Meet King’s Oven C.P. (SX676811). Inform Fran Sinclair 07804 835905 if attending. Bring a picnic.

Wild East Devon event.

Friends of Sidmouth Town Band Coffee Concert 3rd Birthday Coffee & Cake 10.30am Concert 11am.-12noon The Music Room, Sidholme Hotel Elysian Fields, Temple Street, Sidmouth EX10 8UJ Free Admission Disabled Access Retiring Collection for Sidmouth Town Band.

Lyme History Walks 11am from the Marine Theatre, this and every Wed, Thurs and Sat in May. Discover the unique and colourful history of Lyme Regis. Hear stories of amazing people and adventures on land and sea. Experienced Tour Guide Chris Lovejoy. Lasts 1+1/2 hours. Cost: £8, Children half www.lymehistorywalks.com 01297 443140 / 07518 777 258 for further information. Booking not required.

Bridport Probus Club Seaton Down Hoard – Thomas Cadbury, meets at the Eype’s Mouth Hotel at 12noon on the third Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by a talk. For more information contact Graham Pitts on 01297 561569.

Inner Wheel Club of Crewkerne meet for a fun and friendship lunch at Haselbury Mill TA18 7NY on the 3rd Wednesday of

the month at 12noon for 12.30pm. Interesting speakers booked. Prospective new members are welcome to visit, advance booking required. Contact innerwheel@uwclub.net or 01460 63856.

Honiton U3A welcome their speaker - Robert Hesketh – whose talk is entitled ‘A Curious Look at Devon’s Churches’ Well-known local author and photographer, Robert will be exploring the wealth of artistic and historic treasures that can be found in our churches. The Beehive, Dowell Street, Honiton. Doors open 1.30pm for a 2pm start. Members Free and Visitors welcome (suggested donation - £2) Further information: 01404 598008 or visit our website: http://u3asites.org.uk/honiton.

Dorset Wildlife Trust Sherborne Group.

Sharandys Birds of Prey will talk on birds of prey, covering captive and wild birds. A selection of birds will be brought along and there will be a flying display. Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NL at 7.30pm. Cost £2.50.

The Arts Society West Dorset Wonder Workers & the Art of Illusion. Speaker: Bertie Pearce. The Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock at 2.30pm. For details contact 01308 485487.

Wyld Morris Half Moon Melplash 7.30pm.

Thorncombe Rail Activities Club talk and slide presentation given by John Barrowdale entitled “Patriot new-build Project”. The meeting is at Thorncombe Village Hall, TA20 4NE and starts at 7.30pm. Non Members are welcome, there are refreshments, a raffle and the parking is free. Contact Richard Holt, Chairman Tel. 01460 30428 or Google TRAC “traclubsite” for information.

LYRA hosted by The Five Alive Mission Community. This is a four piece ensemble

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from St Petersburg in Russia. “a capella” group who perform both sacred music of the Russian Orthodox Church and choral music by famous composers such as Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. They also perform secular music which includes arias from operas, folk songs, dance and love songs. St. Michael and All Angels Church, Stockland. EX14 9BR 7pm Tickets: £12 from Archway Books, Church Street, Axminster. 01297 33595 at the door or from Members of the Five Alive PCCs. For more information contact Michael Dods on 01404 831208, or Rozanne Bulmer on 01404 881838.

THURSDAY 16 MAY Painting Plein Air in the Vineyard with Robert Innes. 9.30am – 4.30pm. Tickets £80. For more information and to book visit furleighestate.co.uk/events or call 01308 488991.

West Dorset Ramblers 8.5 miles/13.7.

Symondsbury, Denhay and Chideock. Starts at 10am. Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome.

Please call 01308 862981.

Wellbeing Walk at Radipole Lakes (Stepping into Nature) 11am – 12noon.

This is a relaxed, sociable and gentle monthly walk which is open to all , a health walk for healthy body and mind.

This walk is dementia friendly, and particularly suitable for anyone wishing to lose weight, recovering from illness or wanting to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Contact RSPB Radipole Lakes on 01305 778313. This event is free as it’s part of Stepping into Nature. Visit www. stepin2nature.org for more info.

Lyme History Walks 11am from the Marine Theatre, this and every Wed, Thurs and Sat in May. Discover the unique and colourful history of Lyme Regis. Hear stories of amazing people and adventures on land and sea. Experienced Tour Guide Chris Lovejoy. Lasts 1+1/2 hours. Cost: £8, Children half www.lymehistorywalks.com 01297 443140 / 07518 777 258 for further information. Booking not required.

Bridport & District Gardening Club Seaside Gardening, speaker Caradoc Doy. 7.30pm in the Women’s Institute Hall, North Street, Bridport. The meetings are also open to non-members (£2 entrance fee).

Aleksander Madžar - pianist 7.30pm in the Great Hall, Forde Abbey Tickets £20 www.fordeabbey.co.uk.

The Sci-Fi Guy – A talk by Illustrator Chris Moore. 7.30pm. £6 LSi Bridport, 51 East Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JX lsibridport.co.uk.

Dorchester Yoga & Therapy Centre 7pm – 8pm – Chanting of Sri Rudram.

Hear this powerful mantra for peace chanted for peace, protection and well being. Sung authentically in the Vedic tradition with a short introduction and followed by 20 minutes of meditative silence. All welcome.

Free admission. Donations to local charity.

For more information please contact Marj Snape 07747429559 marjsnape@gmail.com or see www.yogaliving.co.uk.

South Somerset RSPB Group ‘Winter’s Big Flocks and Transition to Spring’ An illustrated talk presented by local award winning wildlife photographer Robin Morrison. An opportunity to view the large winter flocks of birds in the South West, followed by the transition into Spring.

Also bring and buy Plant Sale. 7.30pm The Millennium Hall, Seavington St Mary Entry: Group members £3, non-group members £4, under 18’s free (tea/coffee & biscuits included) – wheelchair access.

Non-members welcome. Denise Chamings (group leader) on 01460240740 www.rspb. org.uk/groups/southsomerset.

Radio Active with Angus Deayton 7.30pm Electric Palace, Bridport www. electricpalace.org.uk.

Tatworth W.I. Annual General Meeting in Tatworth Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.

Royal Ballet Live Screening: Triple Bill (12A) Flight Pattern / Within The Golden Hour / New Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui 7.15pm Adult £15.30, Student £12.30. Two recent works and one world premiere showcase the contemporary face of the Royal Ballet.The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton. co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Hollie McNish A show of performance poetry from the Ted Hughes Award winner, with support from Vanessa Kisuule. £12 advance / £15 on the door Starts 7.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

FRIDAY 17 MAY Coach Trip to Tyntesfield (NT), a Victorian Gothic country house and estate created for the Gibbs family. 9am Pickups Dalwood, Axminster and Chard. NT entrance fee applies Axminster Heritage Alive event £15 (coach only), £13.50 for AH members. Info and to book call 01404 831207.

Special Lunch Roast Beef followed by Tarte Tatin with a choice of fruit juice to start. Tea/coffee and chocolates to finish. Vegetarian option also available.

Booking essential. £8 Members/£9.50 Non-members. Bar opens at 12noon, lunch served at 12.30pm. Telephone: 01460 74340 or email henhayescentre@btconnect.com to book.

The Living Tree cancer self-help group.

2pm Tripudio. 2.15pm Geoffrey Smail from the Wessex Cancer Trust (WCT) will be talking about WCT work and support centres. 3.15pm Rising Voices with Jane.

2.30pm – 4pm. No therapists available today.

Drop in any time between 2pm and 4.30pm at the Friends’ Meeting House, 95 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NZ. Tel 07341 916 976. www.thelivingtree.org.uk.

Jazz Cafe: Pete Canter & Simon Latarche 8pm Bridport Arts Centre www. bridport-arts.com.

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Tolpuddle Man with Graham Moore and James Findlay at 8pm. Graham Moore, James Findlay and company present songs and scenes from the renowned folk musical ‘Tolpuddle Man,’ within the original Old Crown Court, where the six Dorset labourers were tried in 1834. Tickets are £12 for adults and £10 for children. Shire Hall, Dorchester www.shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.

Richard Digance at 8pm with support from Eric Sedge. Making his seventh performance at The David Hall, Richard will be supported by singer/songwriter, Eric Sedge. Tickets: £16 Full. £15 Concessions.

The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www. thedavidhall.org.uk 01460 240340.

A fascinating talk and slideshow on the life and travels of Marianne North, Victorian Botanical Artist. Presented by Sarah Oldridge of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. At 7pm in Burton Bradstock Village Hall. Tickets £10 to include a cream tea are on sale at Burton Bradstock Post Office and Bridport Arts and Crafts. Also by calling 01308 422894. There will also be a raffle and craft stall. All proceeds to Myaware, (Myasthenia Gravis), registered charity : 1046443.

Flying Folk Eclectic and informal folk night compered by Jemima Farey and featuring toe-tapping music from Mitchell & Vincent, and Arquebus. 8pm. £10 (no suppers; licensed bar). Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

SATURDAY 18 MAY Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8 mile walk from Minterne Magna. Circular walk via Buckland Newton. 10.30am start.

Bring picnic. No dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 898002.

Lyme History Walks 11am from the Marine Theatre, this and every Wed, Thurs and Sat in May. Discover the unique and colourful history of Lyme Regis. Hear stories of amazing people and adventures on land and sea. Experienced Tour Guide Chris Lovejoy. Lasts 1+1/2 hours. Cost: £8, Children half www.lymehistorywalks.com 01297 443140 / 07518 777 258 for further information. Booking not required.

Health and Wellbeing Picnic in the Park in Borough Gardens in Dorchester.

Free, dementia friendly community picnic suitable for people of all ages, taking place from 11am - 3pm. Nordic Walking with Laura Spencer, Dorchester Stollers, Dorset Long Distance Walkers, Zumba with Lou Sams, Natural Choices stall – with co event organiser Maria Clarke, Mindfulness Walk in Borough Gardens with Maria Morris. 01305 819463.

The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences of all ages for over 30 years with the art, magic, and

fun of bubbles. He is a family favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed twelve years of sell-out success. £10 children, £12 adults advance / £12 children, £14.50 adults on the door. There are two matinees that start at 11am and 2.30pm Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

Lecture: ‘Turners Travels, JWM Turner the artist in context’ The lecture will look at Turner as an artist and his evolving career and motivations, it will also explore his travels which gave him much of his subject matter, including the trip to ‘Devonshire and Dorsetshire’, that spawned the watercolour painting of West Bay that is coming to Bridport Museum in June, which is discussed in more detail. If you would like to book a place for this lecture contact Pam Simpson by email on chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com or telephone on 01300 321715. White Room, Chapel in the Garden, East St, Bridport. 2pm - 3.30pm. Fee: £10, to be paid in advance to reserve your place.

Dalwood Plant and Garden Sale Jubilee Field Fundraiser 2pm - 5pm Jubilee Field. Varied selection of plants including perennial, bedding and vegetables and herbs, Bushes, Good condition garden and wicker accessories, Professional information on gardening and horticulture, Raffle. Any plants or miscellaneous garden supplies gratefully received. Delicious refreshments will be served in the Woodhaven Pavilion on the field. Please contact Shelagh Beak on 01404 881760 for further information.

Plants for awkward areas in your garden a talk by Roger Hirons ‘The Plant Doctor’.

Chideock Village Hall, 7.15pm for 7.30pm.

Advance tickets £7, on the door £8. Contact Paul 07749 715091 or email chideockvh@ gmail.com . Includes glass of wine & nibbles.

Alden Patterson and Dashwood Folk/ Americana. Caryford Community Hall, Castle Cary Advance tickets £10 from www. wegottickets.com/event/454553. £12 on door.

Doors 6.45pm.

The Tuckers Jazz Club 8pm. Jeremy Huggett’s Band of Gold. The Tuckers Arms, Dalwood, near Axminster, EX13 7EG (just north of the A35 between Axminster &

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Looking Ahead Saturday 1 June

Broadwindsor Fun Day, 2pm until late, Broadwindsor Square DT8 3QD. Please note that West Street will be closed to traffic. Stalls, Sideshows, live music and much more. Free entry.

Honiton). Tickets £10. www.dalwoodvillage. co.uk 01404 831 280.

Wayford Church – Life in Local Villages Illustrated Talk by David Bryant, local historian. 7pm £5 to include glass of wine. Preview of Exhibition of photos etc depicting life in and around Wayford and Clapton.

Clueless at The Keys with Colin Sell 8pm (doors & bar 7.30pm) £15 / £13 members & concessions Dorchester Arts, The Corn Exchange, High East Street, DT1 1HF 01305 266926 www.dorchesterarts.org.uk.

I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue’s much maligned pianist Colin Sell talks and sings at the keyboard in an evening of anecdotes about his life in comedy and music – on radio, in cabaret and on stage, working with the likes of Barry Cryer, Willie Rushton, Dora Bryan and Nicholas Parsons.

New Elizabethan Singers concert of 20th century English choral music in the United Church, East St. Bridport starting at 7pm. It features works by Elgar, Britten, Rutter and Tavener. The choir will be joined by professional soloists and musicians.

Tickets are available from Bridport Music and Goadsby Estate Agents, both in South St. They cost £12 but under 18s are free.

Shadowing Hank 7.30pm £10.50 adv, £13 on the door (seated). Justin Daish’s exciting and affectionate tribute to Britain’s original guitar hero, Hank Marvin of The Shadows.

The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton. co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Bacchaeia Talented young wind quintet play a delightful programme of quintessentially French music of the 19th and early twentieth centuries. Featuring special guest, Canadian pianist Lysandre Menard. A Charity concert in aid of Lions International and Dementia UK. 8pm.

Tickets £16 (£31 with pre-show supper at 7pm – must be pre-booked). Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Lyme Regis Comedy Club with Mike Bubbins A legend on the UK comedy circuit, this month’s headliner has supported Rich Hall on tour. Wayne the Weird, Jon Pearson, and Tom Glover also perform. £8 advance / £10 on the door Starts 8pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

SATURDAY 18 – SUNDAY 19 MAY National Garden Scheme - Kilmington Gardens (Shute Road), EX13 1.30pm -

Sunday 2 June

At The Ebenezer Ruth Pavey: A Wood of One’s Own. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start. The Ebenezer in The Seed Factory, Aller, Somerset TA10 0QN. ebenezer@ebenezerpresents.com.

5pm. Combined admission £6, children free. Spinney Two (1/2 acre) and Breach (3 acres). Homemade Teas. Details: www. ngs.org.uk or contact celia.dunsford@ btopenworld.com.

Spring Tide Food Festival Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock, 10am – 4pm. Nearest postcode DT6 4RF. £2 per person entry, under 12’s are free. More information see nationaltrust.org.uk/burton-bradstock or contact 01297 489481.

SUNDAY 19 MAY Yeovil Railway Centre Yeovil Junction, Stoford BA22 9UU: Family Train Day with a Character. Recorded information on 01935 410420, or visit www.yeovilrailway. freeservers.com.

Wayford Church Morning Service 10am Ongoing exhibition of Life in and around Wayford and Clapton past and present.

Wayford Manor Garden open for NGS 2pm.

Music in the Meadow Returning by popular request this afternoon entertainment will take place in the Secret Garden at the far end of West Street, Hinton St George, from 2pm. Ricky Romaine will play haunting sitar along with two accompanists and folk group Teasing the Cat will apply their expertise to traditional instruments and songs, all performing freely for charity. There will be a marquee for shelter and interesting stalls.

Adults:£8, Children: a donation. Please bring chairs and your own drinks and enjoy this happy event in aid of refugees.

Geraldine Downey, Refugee Support Group, South Somerset tel. 271358.

Sidmouth Charity Tea Dance Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing with a warm, friendly welcome. £4 each, including Tea, coffee and biscuits at 2.30pm Stowford Centre, EX10 9YL (opp Waitrose) (01395) 579856 or 577122.

Gillans, Minterne Parva (DT2 7AP) A one-off opportunity to admire this hidden 5 acre garden set in a deep valley beside ponds and River Cerne. Surrounded by ancient trees with borrowed landscape, admire spring bulbs and blossom, magnolia, cornus, as well as carpets of primroses around the camellias and rhododendrons. Open 2pm 6pm. Adm £5 in aid of the National Garden Scheme charities. Chdn free. www.ngs.org.uk.

The Decadettes performing on the bandstand in Greenhill Gardens, The Espanande, Weymouth 2pm – 4pm. Free Entrance. A Friends of Greenhill Gardens Event 01305 775829 janechandler123@

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Wednesday 5 June

75th Anniversary of D Day organised

by Friends of Crossways Library showing a presentation on the new F35 Lightning II in the “Spitfire Club”, Crossways, at 7.30pm. Tickets 01305 854129.

hotmail.com www.greenhill-gardens.co.uk.

Crystal and Tibetan Singing Bowl Soundbath 2pm – 4pm. £12, Booking in advance and further details www. centreforpuresound.org ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655. Bring something comfortable to lie on and wrap around you. Stour Row Village Hall, Stour Row, nr. Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0QG. Salway Ash Cream Teas Strongate Farm, Salway Ash, DT6 5JB. Freshly baked scones and home made cakes, plant stall and raffle, 2pm – 5pm, all welcome, follow the signs in the village for directions if need be.

Proceeds to Holy Trinity Church Salway Ash. Allington Strings Summer Concert 3pm at St Mary’s Church, South Street, Bridport.

Musical Director, Mark Westwood-Gould has chosen a Scandinavian theme for the concert which includes works by Sibelius, Grieg, Svendsen, Roman and Wiren. Tickets priced at £10 are available in advance from Bridport Music and Bridport Bookshop and will be available at the door.

The Sunday Sessions with Jinder Jinder plays American roots music and Delta blues. His music features in the recent film ‘Fisherman’s Friends’. He’s the headline act for May’s free-entry Sunday Sessions, with Declan Duffy as host. Free entry, no tickets.

Bar opens and starts 3pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

Sidholme Music Room 3.30pm - 4.30pm.

Colyton Grammar School Young Musicians – M.D. David House. Sidholme Music Room, Elysian Fields, Sidmouth EX10 8UJ. Acoustic Night 7.30pm – 10.30pm.

All styles and forms of performance welcome – not just music. If you wish to perform please drop us an email at folk@ chriswatts.org to secure a slot. The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www.thedavidhall.org. uk 01460 240340.

MONDAY 20 MAY Inspired by Archives 10.30am (Stepping into Nature) Enjoy the countryside? Love history? Enjoy both with pictures, maps or recordings at the Dorset History Centre (Dorchester) and learn something new about the natural world and local artists. The group is open to everyone including carers, those with dementia or with mobility, sensory or learning difficulties or those who would just enjoy the company and stimulation. It’s all about relaxing, meeting new people and having fun. Contact Maria on 01305 228947

or m.gayton@dorsetcc.gov.uk to book. Visit www.stepin2nature.org for more info.

Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support Affected by cancer? Looking for support?

Need help or advice? Drop in for a chat.

Refreshments available free of charge.

Axminster Scott Rowe Meeting Room, Axminster Hospital EX13 5DU 2pm - 4pm. For more details contact info@ axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk.

Musbury Garden Club 7.30pm at Musbury village hall, Claire Hart will be guiding you through various ways to plant up problem areas, be they dry and shady, wet and boggy, or just plain windy. She will explain how you can camouflage unattractive sections of our gardens and recommend plants for troublesome areas.

Doors open at 7pm when refreshments are served. All welcome. Non-members £2.50.

Plenty parking.

Axminster Carnival Bingo Eyes down 8pm Axminster Guildhall.

Hooked: Mark Hix in Conversation with Mariella Frostrup Marine Theatre’s patron celebrates the launch of his new book with an in-conversation fundraiser chaired by Mariella Frostrup, the broadcaster known for BBC Radio 4’s Open Book. Part of the anniversary celebrations. £6.50 advance / £8.50 on the door. Bar opens 6pm, starts 7pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

Beaminster WI 7.30pm at Beaminster Public Hall. Jennifer Matthew will give a talk entitled ‘Decluttering, Hints and Tips’. Guests are welcome to attend two meetings per year without charge.

MONDAY 20 – SATURDAY 25 MAY Sidmouth Arboretum Tree Week Returning for the 3rd year a week of walks, talks and garden visits. All events free of charge, Donations welcome. Walks at moderate pace, dogs on leads welcome. Monday - Sidbury Guided walk 2pm Meet: Sidbury Council car park. Tuesday - Trees for Multiple Benefits Illustrated talk by Bob Chard 3pm Kennaway House Cellar Bar. Wednesday - Salcombe Regis Guided walk 2pm Meet: Sidmouth Tourist Information. Thursday - Trees for Climate Change, Illustrated talk by Dame

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Julia Slingo 7.30pm Sidholme Hotel, Music Room. Friday - Sidmouth Guided walks 10.30am Meet: Museum, Church Street.

Friday /Saturday - Meet the Trees. Visits to private gardens – for details of times & map: go Sidmouth Tourist Information or google ‘Sidmouth Arboretum’.

TUESDAY 21 MAY Seaton Lions Club Book Stall 9.30am – 1.30pm The Square , Seaton.

Magdalen Farm Volunteering Come join in at Magdalen Farm as they transplant the veg seedlings into the organic kitchen garden 10am – 4pm. Lunch, tools and all training provided. To book your volunteer place please email julia@magdalenfarm.org. uk for details. The Magdalen Environmental Trust, Magdalen Farm, Winsham TA20 4PA. Telephone 01460 30144 www.magdalenfarm. org.uk.

National Trust South Dorset Association at 2.30pm “Tyntesfield - a Magnificent Victorian Gothic House and Garden” a talk

by John Hallett. St Aldhelm’s Church Centre, Spa Road, Weymouth, DT3 5EW Members NTSDA £3, Non- members £4 inc. tea/ biscuits. Geoffrey and Elizabeth Wrench geoffwrench@lineone.net / 01300 321601 www.southdorset.org.uk.

Martock History Group 6.30pm A visit to the Hanging Chapel in Langport, inside and out, space inside restricted, so please be patient! And please don’t park selfishly, give time to share cars, for drop off and walking to the venue, which starts at 6.30pm. £3 visitors, free to members, but as all money will go to our host’s favored charity, it is hoped all will contribute. Ring Fergus for info on 01935822202.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY West Dorset Ramblers 8 miles/12.9 km.

Country and Coast, Worth Matravers (6m option). Starts at 10am. Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome. Please call 01300 341664.

Behind the Scenes Tour Shire Hall, Dorchester at 2pm. Tour is £2 per person, in addition to a valid Museum Annual Pass.

Limited availability. Booking advised, visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.

Wyld Morris Coach and Horses South Perrott 7.30pm.

Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society 7.30pm Uplyme Village Hall Talk ‘Shady Ladies & Damp Damsels’ by Sally Gregson of Mill Cottage Plants. Suggestions for planting in those difficult spots from dry shade under trees to heavy damp areasincludes some epimediums and hydrangeas.

Plants for sale. https://ulrhs.wordpress.com.

Gittisham Folk Dance Club 8pm - 10.15pm in Gittisham Village Hall, Gittisham EX14 3AF. A friendly club with live music and guest caller every week - this week featuring the Stick the Fiddle with Jeremy Child calling. Membership available, with entry at £4; visitors £4.50, includes light refreshments. All welcome, no partner

or previous experience required. Contact Steve on 07793 124 229 or secretary Rosie, secretarygittishamfolkdance@gmail.com.

See https://gittishamfolkdanceclub.org.

THURSDAY 23 MAY West Dorset Ramblers 11 miles/17.7 km.

Around Bridport. Starts at 10am: Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 459282.

Sidmouth Society of Artists demonstration evening with Colin Brown, focusing on London Townscapes in acrylics.

7pm. Kennaway House, Sidmouth 01395 515551.

An Evening with Dorset Author Damien Lewis Local disability charity, Diverse Abilities, is inviting the local community to join them in a private audience with Sunday Times best-selling author Damien Lewis, following the release of his latest book – SAS Italian Job. Damien will reveal the amazing story, which has made the national press, of Dorset man Mike ‘Wild Man’ Lees – the hero of South Lytchett Manor, now Lytchett Minster School, and his daring WWII parachute mission to destroy a supposedly secure Nazi fortress. Guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to meet Mike Lees’ daughter Christine Bueno and a Special Forces veteran, as well as bid for some very unique auction prizes, including a number of very rare Special Forces coins and an author’s mention in Damien’s next book. The evening will take place in the heart of the original Lees’ family home - The Manor House at Lytchett Minster School - from 7.30pm. Guests will enjoy a cheese and wine reception before hearing the remarkable story of Mike Lees. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to get their copy of Damien’s book signed.

Tickets for the event are just £25. All proceeds will support Diverse Abilities to continue its vital work across Dorset, providing care to children and adults living with disabilities, and their families. To join Diverse Abilities at this event, please visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk/events or call the fundraising team on 01202 718266.

Chard Ladies’ Evening Guild welcome Revd. Anna Flindell to speak at the monthly meeting. Her talk is about Prison Chaplaincy and promises to be a fascinating insight into a different side of prison life. The meeting starts at 6.45pm at the Crowshute Centre and there is easy free parking at the adjacent public car park. Refreshments are available and visitors and new members are very welcome. For any further details please ring 01460 64502.

Northanger Abbey Cyphers Theatre Company 8pm (doors & bar 7.30pm) £14 / £12 members & concessions Age guidance: 12+ Dorchester Arts, The Corn Exchange, High East Street, DT1 1HF 01305 266926 www.dorchesterarts.org.uk. A timeless adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel about growing up and getting it all wrong,

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told in an accessible, energetic style.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake £5 under 18s advance or on the door / £12.50 adults advance / £14 on the door. Starts 7pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

FRIDAY 24 MAY Seaton Lions Club Book Stall 9.30am – 1.30pm The Square , Seaton.

The Living Tree cancer self-help group.

2pm Tripudio. 2.15pm Julia Williams talking about the health benefits of Nordic Walking.

2.30pm - 4pm Therapy session – Peter Cove offering Swedish Massage for hands & feet (please check beforehand if you have Lymphoedema or lymph nodes removed).

Drop in any time between 2pm and 4.30pm at the Friends’ Meeting House, 95 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NZ. Tel 07341 916 976. www.thelivingtree.org.uk.

At The Ebenezer Guy Shrubsole : Who Owns England? Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The Ebenezer in The Seed Factory, Aller, Somerset TA10 0QN. To RSVP, please email ebenezer@ ebenezerpresents.com.

Kick Ass Brass Hot horns, banging beats & soulful vocals to celebrate the legendary Tower of Power 8.30pm, Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. £15 advance/£18 on door. Tickets: www. jazzjurassica.co.uk or Box Office: 01297 442138.

Alan Barnes & Art Themen with the Dave Newton Trio Three of the UK’s best jazz musicians under one roof, for an evening of absolutely cracking modern jazz. 8pm. Tickets £18 (£33 with pre-show supper at 7pm – must be pre-booked).

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

Songwriters in the Round An evening of original music presented by The Flying Fish. 7pm sharp. Featuring the artistry of: Ellie Baer, Elijah Wolf, Emi McDade, Mark Barnwell & Danny Sumbler Tickets available at The Flying Fish, Wood Road, Ashill, Ilminster TA19 9NX Telephone: 01823.480.467 £20 TIX Includes a Caribbean Dinner.

Ma Bessie and Her Blues Troop 7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre www.bridport-arts. com.

Jazz Jurassica: Kick Ass Brass Part of Lyme Regis’s jazz festival: funky and full on, with steaming horns and soulful vocals from Eleisha Milverton, this is the best brass band on the scene right now. £15 advance / £18 on the door Starts 8.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

SATURDAY 25 MAY Annual Plant Sale Crewkerne Gardening Club in Falklands Square from 8.30am – 12noon. Come along a grab a bargain.

Somerset Wildlife Trust Grand Plant Sale Ilminster/Chard group 9am – 12noon.

It is their Major fund-raiser for SWT. Wide variety of plants for sale as well as cakes and preserves. Please donate good quality, labelled plants & home-made produce. Offers of help appreciated. Market Hall, East St, Ilminster roadside parking or town carparks Grid ref: ST362 146. Enquiries Valerie 01460 234551.

Colyton & District Garden Society Annual Plant Sale Colyton Town Hall, opens 9.30am, entry £1. Please bring any plants, produce, cakes etc for sale between 6pm - 7pm, on Friday 24 May. For information Sue Price 01297 552362.

Henhayes Big Brunch Great value breakfast/brunch, £4.50 for egg, sausage, bacon, toast, tomato or beans and tea/coffee.

Extras available at 50p each including black pudding, hash browns and mushrooms.

Served 10am – 12noon (last orders 11.30am).

Vegetarian option also available. No need to book just come along and enjoy! For further information please call in or contact us on: 01460 74340 or henhayescentre@btconnect. com. The Henhayes Centre, South Street Car Park, Crewkerne, TA18 8DA. www.henhayes. co.uk.

Golden Cap Estate Dorset Wildlife Trust A look at grassland communities with Jim White. 10am – 12noon. Meet National Trust Stonebarrow car park. Book with Jim White, 01929 481 535 www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Coffee Morning Tea and coffee and delicious cakes for sale.10am - 1pm in The Bradshaw Meeting Room, Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AH. Coffee Morning and Table Top Sale at St Mary’s Church House Hall, South Street, Bridport, 10am - 2pm. Stalls include jigsaws, books, bricabrac, plants and cards. In aid of Bridport Millennium Green and the Indian Street Children charity. Details Sue Wilkinson, 01308 425037.

Free live music by Clive Smith and his Arcadia Jazz band, 11am – 3pm followed

by Plum Jam from 1.30pm. This BBQ event is the first of the Music in the Sarden season organised and sponsored each year

by Axminster Arts. It will take place in the Courtyard Garden at the Arts Café Bar, The Old Courthouse, Church Street, Axminster EX13 5AQ. 01297 631455.

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Sound of Blue Note BBQ Cool as cucumber with some spunky boogaloo + delicious BBQ 12.30pm, The Mariners Hotel, Silver Street, Lyme Regis. £18 – booking essential. Tickets: www.jazzjurassica. co.uk or Box Office: 01297 442138 Plant & Garden Sale Selection of plants including perennial, bedding, vegetables and herbs; bushes; good condition garden and wicker accessories; professional information on gardening and horticulture. Any plants or miscellaneous garden supplies gratefully received. Refreshments. 01404 881760 for further information. 2pm - 4pm Axminster Heritage Centre Dye Garden, Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AH. THG Garden Party 5pm - 8pm Join THG for fun art activities for all ages celebrating the national Museums At Night festival and the opening the exhibition: Paper Play.

Family art activities, face painting music, food and bar. Free art activities, donations welcome. Pay bar and food. Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG), Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX www.thelmahulbert.com 01404 45006.

Equinor Big Band Sassy swing in “Shades of Ellington” 5pm, Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. £10 advance/£12 on door. Tickets: www.jazzjurassica.co.uk or Box Office: 01297 442138.

Axminster Choral Society 7pm at the Minster Church. Axminster Andrew Millington and David Davies Music for Two Pianos. A Rachmaninov Suite, Gustav Holst’s The Planets and other items. Tickets £10 from Archway Books, Church St, Axminster, Tel. 01297 33595 or members of the choir. For further information phone 01404 881 838 or see website: www. axminsterchoral.co.uk.

Laurence Jones Electrifying live performance from guitar wizard changing the face of British blues 8.30pm, Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. £18/£15 advance/£18/20 on door. Tickets: www. jazzjurassica.co.uk or Box Office: 01297 442138.

SATURDAY 25 – SUNDAY 26 MAY River Cottage Food Fair Why not experience a taste of River Cottage during the May Bank Holiday weekend? The Food Fair is a real family occasion and all under 16s can come for free. It is packed full of activities and family fun – from chef demos, artisan food stalls, kids’ workshops, talks and live music, to garden and foraging tours. Tickets £15 per adult, under 16s come free. See www.rivercottage.net or call Josie in our Events Team on 01297 630302.

SATURDAY 25 – TUESDAY 28 MAY Spring Family Camp @ Trill Farm Rewild yourself and your children during a three-night stay at Trill Farm’s eco-campsite with Chris Holland. £90/child, £160/adult, £450/family, Trill Farm, Musbury, EX13

8TU trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

SATURDAY 25 MAY – SUN 2 JUNE Shire Hall Book Week at 1pm. Dress up as your favourite book character and come on down to Shire Hall, Dorchester to celebrate all our favourite stories. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.

SUNDAY 26 MAY Angels of Sound Voice Playshop 10am - 12.30pm. £12, Booking in advance and further details www.centreforpuresound.org ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655. Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA. The Old Rectory, Netherbury (DT6 5NB) is opening its 5 acre garden in aid of the National Garden Scheme charities.

Open 11am-5pm. Adm £6 chdn free. www. ngs.org.uk. Also 28 May. Transportation, with Prof Oxley and Dr Meredith 1pm at Shire Hall, Dorchester.

This talk, by Professor Deborah Oxley the Professor of Social Science History at University of Oxford and Dr David Meredith, the Associate Member of the University of Oxford’s History Faculty in Economic and Social History, examines transportation from England to Australia.

Tickets costs £6.50, and this includes a soup lunch (served from 12pm). For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.

Crystal and Tibetan Singing Bowl Soundbath £12, Booking in advance and further details www.centreforpuresound. org ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655. Bring something comfortable to lie on and wrap around you. Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA. Matt Carter & Leigh Coleman – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” Stevie Wonder songbook in the spotlight 5pm, Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. £10 advance/£12 on door. Tickets: www. jazzjurassica.co.uk or Box Office: 01297 442138.

Blackbeard’s Tea Party. A ‘Chance to Dance’ Event. 7.30pm. Tickets: £18 Full. £17 Concessions. The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www.thedavidhall.org. uk 01460 240340.

Powerhouse Gospel Choir Red hot, booty-shaking gospel – hallelujah 8.30pm, Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. £18 advance/£22 on door. Tickets: www. jazzjurassica.co.uk or Box Office: 01297 442138.

SUNDAY 26 MAY – SUN 2 JUNE Pirate Half Term Fun Pirate activities during the half term holidays - come and discover what West Bay Discovery Centre has to offer. Open daily 11am – 4pm excluding Mondays. Admission free, donations welcome. Further details www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/.

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MONDAY 27 MAY Charmouth Vintage Fair Community Hall, 10am - 4pm. Next Date: Sunday 30 June 01297 560634.

Stockland Fair Starts 1.30pm. Stockland Village EX14 9EF. 6 miles equidistant Honiton, Chard and Axminster. www. stockland.org.uk. Fun for all ages Litton Cheney Village Fete & Dog Show Come and enjoy a BBQ lunch, a Fun Dog Show (entries on the day), bouncy castle, teas & ice creams, bottle tombola, games and wonderful stalls.

12noon - 4pm in and around Litton & Thorner’s Community Hall (DT2 9AU) in the beautiful Bride Valley. Entrance £1.50 for adults, children under 16 free.

Neil Maya’s Brubeck Brunch Effortless cool of Dave Brubeck’s music combined with two-course brunch 12.30pm, Royal Lion Hotel, Broad Street, Lyme Regis. £25 – booking essential. Tickets: www. jazzjurassica.co.uk or Box Office: 01297 442138.

Family dog show Wootton Fitzpaine social club, Start 1.30pm. 10 classes plus best in show, Cream teas, BBQ, Bar Info 01297 560184 Burton Bradstock Village Fayre Church Street, Burton Bradstock, DT6 4QD. Held in the delightful Rectory Walled Gardens from 2pm - 4.30pm. An ideal afternoon out for all local and visiting families, with tests of skill for children and people of all ages, lots of stalls and games, ice creams, soft drinks, barbeque and renowned Dorset cream teas. Featured again for children this year are Face Painting, high striker, supervised games with prizes for winners, pig racing, toy stall, sweet stall, coconut shy, train game, “splat the rat” and many more.

Parking is free. Entry is £1 for Adults, children under 12 enter free. For further information see posters around the area.

Please note that a section of Church Road, Burton Bradstock outside the Village Hall will be temporarily closed from 9am – 6pm on the day of the Fayre.

Biodanza @ Othona Express, Connect, Relax! Dance like no one’s watching, no steps to learn, no partner needed, uplifting music + holistic health benefits. All ages 19 to 90. Teacher: Julia Hope-Brightwell. 2nd + 4th Mondays. 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Cost £8-10. Othona Community, Coast Road, Burton Bradstock DT6 4RN. Contact Robin 01308 897 130 / biodanza-bridport. co.uk.

TUESDAY 28 MAY West Dorset Ramblers 8 miles/12.9 km.

Bride Valley, Swyre, Berwicks, Hive beach.

Starts at 10am. Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 424714.

The Old Rectory, Netherbury (DT6 5NB) is opening its 5 acre garden in aid of the National Garden Scheme charities.

Open 11am-5pm. Adm £6 chdn free. www. ngs.org.uk. Also 28 May.

U3A Monthly Talk The U3A (University of the Third Age) offers a wide variety of general interest groups for retired, and semi retired people in Bridport and the surrounding areas. 2pm in Bridport United Church Hall in East Street.

The cost to non members for each talk is £2. Further Information can be found at www.u3asites.org.uk/ bridport. Former Senior Producer/ Director for BBC/ITV presents ‘50

years in Television’.

Sidmouth Charity Tea Dance Ballroom, Latin and Sequence dancing with a warm, friendly welcome. £4 each, including Tea, coffee and biscuits at 2.30pm at All Saints Hall, Sidmouth EX10 8ES. Further information from 01395 579856 or 577122.

Martock History Group 6pm A visit to the Hanging Chapel in Langport, inside and out, space inside

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restricted, so please be patient! And please don’t park selfishly, give time to share cars, for drop off and walking to the venue, which starts at 6.30pm. £3 visitors, free to members. All monies taken will go to charity. Ring Fergus 01935822202 to secure a place.

Merriott Gardening Club ‘Patio Gardening’ a presentation by a member of the Gardens Group, Sherborne. Please meet as usual at the Tithe Barn, Church Street, at 7.30pm - refreshments and raffle.

Non-members £2 at the door - everyone welcome. For more information please contact 01460 72298.

Bring & Share Supper at The Hub in Lyme Regis to highlight the services available provided by the Dorset Woman’s Refuge, The Friends of the Refuge and the Women’s Action Network Dorset- WAND. As well as 3 very entertaining speakers and food the organisers hope that those who attend can gather information on the services that are available for themselves or a friend plus discover ways they can help and get involved in supporting these organisations. Also seeking donations of items for the Women’s Refuge, this could be for the women themselves, their children or the Refuge itself. To attend or offer help on the night at the event or have any donations please contact Karen Forrester-Jones on 07572 543 781 or email on forresterjones.k@gmail.com with the subject title Bring & share Supper.

WEDNESDAY 29 MAY Powerstock Common Dorset Wildlife Trust A second look at grassland communities with Jim White, 10am – 12noon. Meet at the reserve, book with Jim White, 01929 481 535. www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Lego morning 10.15am- 12.00 noon. All Lego Builders, (young and old) are welcome in Burton Bradstock Community Library.

Children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Artsreach Children’s Event. For further information info@ burtonbradstocklibrary.org.uk or go to www. burtonbradstocklibrary.org.uk.

Crafty Coffee Morning 10am-12noon involving craft activities for grown-ups and kids. Free Entry. The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www.thedavidhall.org.uk 01460 240340.

Marvellous Moths Rowlands Orchard, Shute 10am – 12noon. Join moth expert Paul Butter, on a moth survey and count in this historic orchard. After overnight traps will have been set up to attract these mysterious creatures of the night, a chance to get up close and examine them and then release back into the orchard. Rowlands Orchard is an historic orchard dating back to the 17th century, when Courtenay Pole of Shute Barton planted hundreds of fruit trees on his Shute estate. Refreshments available. All ages welcome. Free event, no booking required. Legacy to Landscape

Community Heritage project event.

Rowlands Orchard, Little Orchard Alpacas, Haddon Road, Shute, EX13 7NX, Grid Ref 256 974. Further information please contact, Ruth Worsley, Legacy to Landscape Project Co-ordinator: 01297 489741 or email: legacytolandscape@gmail.com; www. eastdevonaonb.org.uk/our-work/wildlife/ legacy-to-landscape.

Wildlife Gardening Talk, Demonstration & 3 Course Dinner with Author and Journalist Kate Bradbury Arrive at 3pm for tea and cake. Finishing at approx.

8.30pm. £75 pp. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, DT20EQ. T: 01300 320684. Visit www.kingcombe.org to book online.

Gittisham Folk Dance Club 8pm - 10.15pm in Gittisham Village Hall, Gittisham EX14 3AF. Contact Steve on 07793 124 229 or secretary Rosie,secretarygi ttishamfolkdance@gmail.com. See https:// gittishamfolkdanceclub.org.

Wyld Morris Three Horseshoes Burton Bradstock 7.30pm.

Much Ado About Nothing The HandleBards pedal from venue to venue to perform sustainable Shakespeare. Join them for an outside performance with riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter. £12.50 early bird, £16.50 adult, £10.50 under 18s, £5.50 under 10s advance / £18.50 adult, £10.50 under 18s, £5.50 under 10s on the door. Starts 6.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

through the Big Lottery Fund.

Universarama! Squashbox Theatre 2pm (doors 1.30pm) £8 / £6 / £25 family (max.

2 adults) For adults and children 8 years + Dorchester Arts, The Corn Exchange, High East Street, DT1 1HF 01305 266926 www.dorchesterarts.org.uk. Let Professor Johnson of the Squashbox Theatre Astounding And Amazing Astronomical Research Society (S.T.A.A.A.A.R.S) take you on a journey to the edges of space and time! This family show, blending spectacle, storytelling and cabaret, is the creation of Craig Johnson - actor, musician, puppeteer, astronomy fan, and long-standing member of Cornwall’s renowned Kneehigh Theatre.

Family Explorer Afternoon 2pm – 4pm Colyton Community Woodland. Join Penny Evans for an afternoon of outdoor fun. Explore the area, find out about the wildlife that lives there and get creative using natural materials. Parents too, please. Meet at Colyton Picnic Site (SY245934). Book with EDDC wildeastdevon.co.uk or 01395 517557. £5 per family.

Black Cat Jazz Martock Church. The Black Cats perform New Orleans “Dance Hall” inspired music created by musicians prominent during the 1940-1960 traditional jazz revival music with a mixture of trumpet; trombone; euphonium; clarinet; sax; strings & drums but they will also play spirituals and popular tunes from earlier periods. 7.30pm Admission: £9 or £ 8 at 01935 829576 www.martockonline.co.uk/ events, www.blackcatjazz.co.uk.

THURSDAY 30 MAY West Dorset Ramblers 7.5 miles/12.1 km. Colmers hill and Thorncombe beacon.

Starts at 10am. Bring picnic, no dogs. All welcome. Please call 01308 424512.

Wildlife Wellbeing Walk at the Chesil Beach Centre (Stepping into Nature) 11am.

A gentle, relaxing walk around Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, taking in the seasonal wildlife. Over 18’s only. All abilities welcome. This walk is dementia friendly, and particularly suitable for anyone wishing to discover the outdoors, lose weight, recover from illness or wanting to improve their mental health and wellbeing. This event is Free as it is funded by Stepping into Nature through the Big Lottery Fund. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland (DT4 9XE).

To book your place please call Chesil Team on 01305 206191.

West Bay Discovery Walks explore the nature found in West Bay. (Stepping into Nature) 10.30am to start at 11am. West Bay is rich in history, culture and wildlife and is internationally recognised for its dramatic landscape. Through themed guided walks, taking about 40-60 minutes (1 mile distance), you can learn about and see what West Bay has to offer. Starting at the West Bay Discovery Centre (DT6 4EN). To book please call 01308 427288. This event is Free as it is funded by Stepping into Nature

FRIDAY 31 MAY The Living Tree cancer self-help group.

2pm Tripudio. 2.15pm Art with Libby.

2.30pm - 4pm Therapy session Peter Cove offering Swedish Massage for hands & feet (please check beforehand if you have Lymphoedema or lymph nodes removed).

Drop in any time between 2pm and 4.30pm at the Friends’ Meeting House, 95 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NZ. Tel 07341 916 976. www.thelivingtree.org.uk.

A Way with Words Enjoy words spoken, sung and performed by local wordsmiths.

Short pieces of poetry, prose, song and flash fiction. 6.45pm for 7pm. £5. For more info, or to take part, please contact Ken Cooper admin@awaywithwords.xyz. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Quentin Crisp Naked Hope 7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre www.bridport–arts. com.

Steve Turner at 8pm A pioneer of highly sophisticated English concertina song accompaniments - he is a multiinstrumentalist, playing mandolin and banjo and also accompanying himself on the cittern. Tickets: £14 Full. £13 Concessions.

The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www. thedavidhall.org.uk 01460 240340.

32 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

Selectors Announced for the Marshwood Arts Awards 2019 First launched over ten year’s ago, The Marshwood Arts Awards has become one of the most anticipated exhibitions in the South West.

This year’s show will take place at Bridport Arts Centre from November 9th to December 7th and a total of seventeen artists/makers will be chosen to exhibit with the selectors for what promises to be a unique and exciting exhibition. In keeping with the policy of adding new selectors for each event we are delighted to announce the list of those working with the Marshwood Arts Awards and The John Hubbard Prize for 2019.

CATEGORY: PAINTING & DRAWING Selector: Dave White A Fine Arts graduate of the Liverpool John Moores University, Dave White is a contemporary British Artist who’s exhibitions include Shanghai, New York, Rotterdam, Miami and London, with solo exhibitions in London, Copenhagen and Los Angeles. In 2018 he created a hand painted Rhino for Tusk which was installed for a month on New Bond Street in London and auctioned at Christie’s alongside works by Harland Miller, Marc Quinn, Gavin Turk and The Chapman Brothers. davewhiteart.com CATEGORY: SCULPTURE Selector: Tania Kovats Tania Kovats is renowned for producing sculptures, large-scale installations and temporal works which explore our experience and understanding of landscape. Her work was the subject of a major solo exhibition at The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh in 2014. She was Course Director, MA Drawing at UAL, Wimbledon and is Professor of Drawing at Bath Spa University. She is also the author of Drawing Water (2014) and ‘The Drawing Book: A Survey of Drawing – The Primary Means of Expression (2017).

CATEGORY: PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL MEDIA Selector: Brian Griffin Guardian Newspaper’s ‘Photographer of the decade’ in 1989 Brian Griffin has also been described as ‘the most unpredictable and influential British portrait photographer of the last decades’ by the British Journal of Photography and was feted as ‘one of Britain’s most influential photographers’ by the World Photography Organisation in 2015. He received a Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University and in 2016 was inducted into the Album Cover Hall Of Fame. www.briangriffin.co.uk

CATEGORY: APPLIED ARTS Selector: Kate Malone Recently featured as a judge on BBC2’s The Great Pottery Throw Down Kate Malone is known for creating large, complex sculptural vessels—though her works include everything from egg cups to building facades. Works are now in collections including at the Ashmolean Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and Manchester Art Gallery. www.katemaloneceramics.com

CATEGORY: APPLIED ARTS Selector: John Makepeace John Makepeace started his career as a designer and maker in 1959. His passion for designing furniture for individual clients has grown steadily alongside his love of our indigenous woodlands and transforming their produce into artefacts for the future. Each becomes a landmark in the evolving story of fine craftsmanship in wood. www.johnmakepeacefurniture.com

For more information about the Marshwood Arts Awards 2019 pick up the June issue of Marshwood Vale Magazine or if you would like information about entry details email info@marshwoodvale.com The final date for receipt of applications is September 19th 2019.

A Songbird makes a Welcome Return to East Devon

by Philip Strange

The Cirl Bunting is an attractive songbird once found throughout the southern half of the UK. Its numbers declined precipitously in the second half of the 20th century following changes in farming practice and, by the late 1980s, it was confined to coastal farmland in south Devon and might have become nationally extinct. The RSPB recognised the problem and worked with farmers to support the bird resulting in a dramatic increase in its numbers.

In a recent expansion of its range the bird has established itself in East Devon at Stantyway Farm near Otterton having been absent for more than 30 years.

34 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

T

he Cirl Bunting was first reported in the UK by Montagu in the winter of 1800 near Kingsbridge in south Devon. It is roughly sparrow-sized and the male, in particular, is very distinctive with its black and yellow striped head and olive-green breast band. The bird gradually spread across the southern half of the UK, its numbers peaking in the early years of the 20th century. Since then it has declined and by the late 1980s only 118 pairs remained, confined to coastal farmland between Plymouth and Exeter.

With the Cirl Bunting facing national extinction, the RSPB identified changes in farming practice linked to agricultural intensification as responsible for the precipitous decline. In the winter, the bird forages for insects and spilt grain in weedy stubble fields. In the summer, it nests in hedges or scrub and forages on unimproved grassland rich in invertebrates with grasshoppers being important for chicks. With agricultural intensification, there was a shift from spring-sown cereals to autumn sowing so that far fewer arable fields were left as winter stubble; grubbing out of hedges took away nest sites and loss of the hay meadows and increased use of pesticides reduced invertebrate numbers and summer food for the bird.

Once the cause of the decline had been identified, the RSPB worked with farmers in south Devon to support the birds by reinstating some traditional agricultural practices, supported by government agrienvironment schemes. The effect was spectacular and by 2016, numbers of Cirl Buntings had increased to over 1000 pairs. Most of the increase occurred in the bird’s core range but there was some spread along the coast and inland where habitat was suitable. This was a major conservation success, also benefitting other species.

The bird has a reputation for being sedentary and it had been

assumed that the estuary of the river Exe would be a barrier to further eastwards expansion of its range. So, it was a surprise when, around the end of 2010, a single Cirl Bunting was seen at Stantyway Farm near Otterton in East Devon followed by several more sightings early in 2011. Since then, the numbers at Stantyway have increased suggesting that the local conditions suit the birds and from 2015 it was clear that a breeding population existed.

Stantyway Farm is owned by Clinton Devon Estates and when the tenant, Mr Williams, retired in 2014, the farm was taken back into Clinton’s own Farm Partnership. Clinton Devon Estates were keen to support Cirl Buntings and other species on their arable farm at Stantyway so they took advice from the RSPB and applied for agrienvironment support. This was awarded in 2016 and supports planting hedges to provide more nest sites, leaving wildlife margins around fields to provide invertebrates as summer food, and planting spring cereal crops that are harvested in the autumn leaving weedy winter stubbles with seed as food. These are all activities shown to be critical in supporting these birds in south Devon. The farm was also put into organic conversion in 2016; organic farming by its nature supports wildlife and increases invertebrates. Cirl Bunting numbers at Stantyway gradually increased across this time.

In 2017, Clinton Estates advertised for a new tenant farmer at Stantyway and Sam Walker was appointed. Although the farm is still mainly arable, Sam keeps 52 cows whose calves are raised and sold on to beef finishers. About a third of the land is now devoted to grass for silage production for winter animal feed.

Sam has, however, embraced the existing philosophy of the farm in supporting wildlife: he has maintained the organic status and intends to apply for further agrienvironment support when the current scheme runs out in 2021.

Solitary mining bee on Alexanders (left) and on Blackthorn (right)

Above: Female Cirl Bunting and Below: Male Cirl Bunting Photographs courtesy David R White

36 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

I wanted to see the farm for myself so, on a mild early April day, I went to Stantyway. I left the car on the rough ground across from Stantyway Farmhouse and stood for a few moments enjoying the sunshine. The air was filled with the endlessly inventive song of the skylark and occasionally a buzzard mewed as it circled lazily overhead. Sometimes a low buzz cut through all of this and when I looked, I realised this was from all the insects about.

I walked away from the farm along the gentle downhill slope of Stantyway Road with views developing over rolling East Devon countryside on one side and to the hazy mid-blue sea on the other. The lane descended between wide grassy verges backed by luxuriant hedges.

Spring flowers grew through the thick grass including stitchwort, celandine, dandelions, violets and white dead nettle. The dominant flowering plant was, however, alexanders, with its fleshy green stems, copious shiny dark green foliage and pale mop head flowers. This was proving very popular with many kinds of fly and a selection of solitary mining bees, some collecting large lumps of white pollen on their back legs.

My walk included a long section of the coast path skirting the edge of Stantyway fields. Thick scrubby hedges, mainly flowering blackthorn, lined the cliff edge along with more alexanders. The occasional hedge break afforded spectacular views along the red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast towards Ladram bay with its crumbling stacks, past the white elegance of Sidmouth and finishing in the chalk of Beer Head. Again, there were many solitary mining bees taking advantage of the flowers. I did not see any Cirl Buntings on my walk but, on two occasions I heard their distinctive, rattling, metallic trill telling me the birds were about.

It’s a beautiful place made all the better by glorious early April weather and I was surprised to see so many insects along the paths. Perhaps this reflects the methods used at Stantyway, showing that productive farming and wildlife can coexist and prosper. Around the farm, each field gate has an information board giving the crop and some other useful information. An Honesty CafÊ has been installed near the farmhouse providing continuous hot water for tea or coffee and homemade cakes that I can strongly recommend. All of this suggests an outward looking, open approach to farming.

When I met Sam Walker, the farmer, he explained that, in addition to the provisions of the agrienvironment scheme, he has put skylark plots in cereal fields, created wild bird seed corridors and put up swift boxes to support wildlife. I came away feeling that at Stantyway, Cirl Buntings were getting the best support they could. His methods have already benefitted other farmland birds with numbers of skylarks and reed buntings doubling over the past year and in a further twist to the Cirl Bunting story, some of the birds have now been seen to the east of Sidmouth.

I should like to thank Sam Walker, Doug and Joan Cullen, Kate Ponting and David White for generous help in preparing this article.

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/

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 37

Courses&Workshops WEDNESDAY 1 MAY Willow Fencing and Edging Learn to make your own hurdles and edging from willow, with Richard Kerwood, 9.30am - 4.30pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £85 incl. lunch trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

Art class of drawing and painting 9.30am – 12.30pm This class is held each week. £16 most materials supplied. Mangerton Mill, Tara 07505 268 797.

Bonkers Science Childrens workshop about gravity with Will Caro. Most suitable for 8-11 yr olds. 4pm - 6.30pm. £10. LSi Bridport, 51 East Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JX lsibridport.co.uk.

New Art and Paper Craft Club Portesham Village Hall, Wednesday afternoons 1.30pm – 4pm. Just turn up or contact Kim on 01305 873884 kimmo.dawe@gmail.com. Do your own thing- no tuition fees, just £3.

THURSDAY 2 MAY Solo Charleston Course - New 4 Week Course - on 9, 16 & 24 May 1.30pm – 2.30pm Bridport Leisure Center, DT6 5LN - £22 book in advance at www.dynamic-dance.uk/.

Art class of drawing and painting 9.30am – 12.30pm This class is held each week. £16 most materials supplied. Mangerton Mill, Tara 07505 268 797.

Fabric Printing with 10 by 8 Print Studio.

The Town Mill, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PU. 10am – 2pm, £40 Tickets are available from www.10by8printstudio.com.

Adult Art Class Tuesdays 10am – 1pm, term time only at Whoopsadaisy, Silver St, Lyme Regis. Taster Class £7.50. Half termly fee, equivalent of £15 per class depending on length of term. 07812 856823 trudiochiltree@ gmail.com. www.trudiochiltree.co.uk.

FRIDAY 3 MAY Adult Collage/Drawing workshop Drawing with Cut Paper. 2pm - 4.30pm, £30 / £28 THG Friends. Limited places, please book early: info@thelmahulbert.com / 01404 45006.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG), Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX www.thelmahulbert.com.

Creative Watercolours 10am-3pm. £30.

Book with Nicky on: 01460 281773. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.

SATURDAY 4 MAY Introduction to Floristry Skills 9.30am-5pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £145 incl. lunch trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

Spring Herbs and their Properties 9.45am for 10am finish approx. 4pm. £80 includes morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea & cake. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, DT20EQ. T: 01300 320684. Visit www.kingcombe.org to book online.

Create a Mixed-Media Landscape using watercolours and fabrics. 2pm - 5pm Tutor: Jan Dimond. Axminster Heritage Alive event 01404 831207 to book. £16 The Bradshaw Meeting Room, Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AH. SATURDAY 4 – SUNDAY 5 MAY Colour and Creativity Course Tutor Trudi Day. Cost - £185 Lunch and materials included. The School of Art and Wellbeing - www.artandwellbeing.net - 01404 45699 Cuckoo Down Lane, Honiton, Devon EX14 9TT. SUNDAY 5 MAY Keeping a notebook with Kim Squirrell Try your hand at prose, poetry, pattern and doodling in these informal sessions of skillsharing, practice and discussion. £129 Sundays 10.30am- 12.45pm. Ink & Page, 29a West Allington Bridport. www.inkandpage.co.uk, kim@inkandpage.co.uk. Until Sunday 19 and 16 June.

MONDAY 6 MAY Cyanotype Lampshade Making workshop Taught by Angela Heron Watkins. Arrive at 9.45am for 10am finish at approx. 2pm. £80 The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, DT20EQ. T: 01300 320684. Visit www. kingcombe.org to book online.

TUESDAY 7 MAY Hannah Twine’s Art Class on the first Tuesday of each month, taking place over two sessions and sometimes including a lifedrawing class. 10.30am - 12.30am & 1.30pm - 4pm. hannahtwine@googlemail.com and mobile 07912 627071. Kennaway House, Sidmouth 01395 515551.

WEDNESDAY 8 MAY Make a Batik Lampshade 10.30am 12.30pm £25 Coastal Craft Collective, 10 Marine Place, Seaton, Devon EX12 2QL 01297 691362 www.coastalcraftcollective.co.uk.

Upholstery Class with tutor John Cooper.

9.30am - 3.30pm in Dalwood Village Hall, £15 per day. As places are limited, please book in advance by phone on 01404 831207.

THURSDAY 9 MAY Make Unique Wax Wraps 10.30am - 1.30pm join artist Fiona Winning to make unique hand printed wax wraps at Corscombe Village Hall DT2 0NY. £30. Email fionah.winning@gmail. com.

Kusudama Flowers Learn how to make Japanase kusudama (origami flower ball ornaments). 2pm - 4pm. £12 (plus £2 for materials payable to the tutor) Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East St, Ilminster TA19 0AN. 01460 54973.

38 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

FRIDAY 10 MAY Card Appliqué Workshop 9.30am – 11.30am. £25 includes all instructions, materials and refreshments. Loders workshop.

More info: Boarsbarrow.com, email info@ boarsbarrow.com or call 07771 588 999 to reserve your place.

Wet felting textile workshop with local artist Lizzy James at The Durbeyfield, West Bay, Dorset. £50 whole day, all materials included.

To book visit: www.thedurbeyfield.co.uk.

Baking Masterclass with professional Cake Maker Jane Brunt. 2pm - 5pm Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton 01460 249758 www.frogmarygreenfarm.co.uk.

By the Loom Axminster Heritage Spinning and weaving group hands-on spinning and weaving group. £3 More info: 01404 831207 or to book. 10.30am – 3pm at Dalwood Pavilion EX13 7EU. FRIDAY 10 – SUNDAY 12 MAY Botany for Artists and Wildlife Gardeners Friday 9.45am course start at 10am and finish approximately 1pm Sunday with lunch. Led by Sally Pinhey and Margaret Tebbs. Res £304, Non-res £220. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, DT20EQ. T: 01300 320684. Visit www.kingcombe.org to book online.

SATURDAY 11 MAY Foraging Walk @ Trill Farm 10am-1pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £65 trillfarm. co.uk 01297 631113.

SATURDAY 11 – SUNDAY 12 MAY Life Drawing - Colour Line (Inktense pencils + oil pastels) Tutor Louise Banks.

Cost - £195 Lunch and materials included.

The School of Art and Wellbeing - www. artandwellbeing.net - 01404 45699 - Cuckoo Down Lane, Honiton, Devon EX14 9TT. SUNDAY 12 MAY From Wolf Hall to Poldark: Historical Dance Class meets 1.30pm – 4pm at Royal British Legion Hall, Victoria Grove, Bridport DT6 3AD. £6 per stand-alone session, just turn up (check before first time) info Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771 thedancingmaster@ outlook.com.

Keeping a notebook with Kim Squirrell £129 Wednesdays 6.30pm - 8.45pm. Ink & Page, 29a West Allington Bridport. www. inkandpage.co.uk, kim@inkandpage.co.uk.

Until Wednesday 22 and 19 June.

MONDAY 13 MAY Silver Metal Clay Jewellery Taster 1.30pm - 4.30pm £60 Leader: Monica Weber-Butler.

Coastal Craft Collective, 10 Marine Place, Seaton, Devon EX12 2QL 01297 691362 www.coastalcraftcollective.co.uk.

Clay Sculpture Mondays 10am - 3pm. £7

per weekly session. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East St, Ilminster TA19 0AN. 01460 54973.

TUESDAY 14 MAY Monoprinting with 10 by 8 Print Studio. The Town Mill, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PU 10am – 2pm £40 Tickets www.10by8printstudio.com.

THURSDAY 16 MAY Naturally Dyed Silk Scarves with Shibori Taught by Annabel Wilson. 9.45am for 10am finish at 4pm with afternoon tea. £89 includes morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea & cake. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, DT20EQ. T: 01300 320684. Visit www.kingcombe.org to book online.

Painting Plein Air in the Vineyard with Robert Innes. 9.30am – 4.30pm. Spend the day at Furleigh Estate painting in the vineyard under the expert guidance of painter Robert Innes. Delicious refreshments on offer throughout the day including lunch with wine.

Tickets £80. For more information and to book visit furleighestate.co.uk/events or call 01308 488991.

FRIDAY 17 MAY Bridport Embroiderers Stencils for Stitch workshop with Dee Priest. New members and guests welcome, Bridport Embroiderers meet monthly, at St Swithuns Church, Bridport, from 10.15am – 3.30pm. 01308 456168 or email cherry.bonhamlovett@btinternet.com.

Cooking from the Garden @ Trill Farm 9.30am - 4pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £110 incl. lunch and veg box trillfarm. co.uk 01297 631113.

SATURDAY 18 MAY Busy Bee Sewing Day – Create a garment 10am-3pm Tutor: Jan Dimond. £16 Axminster Heritage Alive event 01404 831207 to book. The Bradshaw Meeting Room, Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AH. Salad Growing @ Trill Farm Garden with Ashley Wheeler. 9.30am - 4.30pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £85 incl. lunch trillfarm. co.uk 01297 631113.

SUNDAY 19 MAY More Artisan Soft Cheese Making with Louise Talbot. 9.45am - 2.30pm includes lunch and a glass of wine. Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton 01460 249758 www. frogmarygreenfarm.co.uk.

Baking for the Sweet Tooth with Chris Onions. 9.30am - 4pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £110 incl. lunch trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

Learn Letterpress printing with David Squirrell Set and print a postcard in our print studio at St Michael’s Studios Riverside. £65 11am – 4.30pm. Ink & Page, 29a West Allington Bridport. www.inkandpage.co.uk, kim@inkandpage.co.uk.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY Marbling 10am – 1pm £30 Leader: Monica Weber-Butler. Coastal Craft Collective, 10 Marine Place, Seaton, Devon EX12 2QL 01297 691362 www.coastalcraftcollective.co.uk.

Doterra Essential Oils Workshop 7.30pm. £5 LSi Bridport, 51 East Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JX lsibridport.co.uk.

WED 22 MAY – FRI 24 MAY Spinning Wool @ Trill Farm Tutor Jane Deane. 10am - 4.30pm, Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £245 incl. lunches trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

THURSDAY 23 MAY Dances With Shakespeare: Historical Dance Class meets 1.30pm – 4pm at Barrington Village Hall TA19 0JE. £6 per stand-alone session, just turn up (check before first time) info Ann Hinchliffe 01935 472771 thedancingmaster@outlook.com.

FRIDAY 24 MAY Slow Stitch With Paula Simpson. 10am 12.30pm (and 1.30pm - 4pm if morning session full). £15 (excluding materials).

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

FRIDAY 24 – SATURDAY 25 MAY Stained Glass Workshop with Jackie Hunt Cost: £150 + £25 materials. Dorset Centre for the Creative Arts, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3AR. Booking essential: tel: 01305 764713 or www.dorsetcreativeartclasses.co.uk.

SATURDAY 25 MAY Make Your Garden Wildlife Friendly workshop with John Horsey Horticulture 10am - 4pm at Burrow Farm Gardens near Axminster. £65 to include refreshments and lunch. Booking essential via www. johnhorseyhorticulture.co.uk. or tel.

01460 68905.

Gallery (THG), Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX www.thelmahulbert.com 01404 45006.

Fused Glass 10am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm (if morning session full). £28 (plus £8 for materials and firing, payable to tutor). Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East St, Ilminster TA19 0AN. 01460 54973.

WEDNESDAY 29 MAY Wildlife Gardening Talk, Demonstration & 3 Course Dinner with Author and Journalist Kate Bradbury Arrive at 3pm for tea and cake. Finishing at approx. 8.30pm. £75 pp. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, DT20EQ. T: 01300 320684. Visit www.kingcombe.org to book online.

House History - how to go about it?

Hosted at Marsh Barn, Burton Rd. Bridport.

10am – 4pm bring lunch. Cost £30 Contact Jane on 01308 425710 or email: jferentzi@ aol.com.

Upholstery Class with tutor John Cooper.

9.30am - 3.30pm in Dalwood Village Hall, £15 per day. As places are limited, please book in advance by phone on 01404 831207.

Fruit Poly Prints Children’s Art Workshop.

Suitable for ages 8-14. 10am – 12noon. £12 per child. Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East St, Ilminster TA19 0AN. 01460 54973.

THURSDAY 30 MAY Design + Create in Nuno Felt 10.30am -12.30pm / 1pm - 3pm £20 / £18 THG Friends. All materials provided. Booking essential, limited places. Call 01404 45006 to book your place. Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG), Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX www.thelmahulbert.com 01404 45006.

Kingfishers & Riverbeds using Acrylic Paints. 10am - 4pm £35 (plus £6 for materials payable to the tutor). Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East St, Ilminster TA19 0AN. 01460 54973.

SAT 25 – SUNDAY 26 MAY Herbal Medicine at Trill Farm Trill Farm, Musbury EX13 8TU. £295/ non-residential, £395/residential trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

SAT 25 – TUESDAY 28 MAY Spring Family Camp @ Trill Farm £90/child, £160/adult, £450/family, Trill Farm, Musbury, EX13 8TU trillfarm.co.uk 01297 631113.

TUESDAY 28 MAY Half Term Family Workshop – Storytelling Drop in anytime between 11am - 3pm. Free, suggested donation £2/child. Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG), Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX. www.thelmahulbert.com 01404 45006.

Half Term Family Workshop – Paper sculpture Thelma Hulbert

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 39

News &Views

LYME REGIS

SOUTH PETHERTON

DORCHESTER

The seaside town of Lyme Regis has been named as one of the best places to live in the south west.

Lyme was listed by the Sunday Times as one of the top 10 towns in the region. It is the first time the resort has made it on to the list. Topsham, near Exeter, was at the top. The report states that a starter home in Lyme costs £215,101, a mid-market home is £286,790 and a top-end home costs £587,477. The Sunday Times says no two houses are the same in Lyme. “For a proper panorama, head to Somers Road or Uplyme, inland and uphill. Four-bedroom houses start at £500,000, but you might need to splash more than £1m for rooms with a view.”

Swimmer Caroline Faithfull won two gold and four silver medals at the European Downs Syndrome Open Swimming Competition in Southampton.

Caroline, from South Petherton, achieved personal bests in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke. She is now in training at Taunton Deane Swimming Club for the next European Championships, which are due to be held in Sardinia in September.

Last year, she was chosen as Team GB captain for the ninth Down’s Syndrome World Swimming Championships in Canada and had to raise £3,500 to fund her trip to Nova Scotia. She has been swimming competitively since 2009 when she won her first competition. She competed at the world championships in Italy in 2012, Mexico in 2014, and took home a bronze medal in the 200m backstroke when competing in Florence, Italy, in 2016.

Simon Bishop, 63, who had a kidney transplant 40 years ago, is raising money for Dorset County Hospital where he is a governor. He wants to raise as much as he can to give patients the choice to dialyse at home or at the hospital. He was given a new kidney, which he calls ‘Fred’, in February 1979 after several years of dialysis, which he started at hospital but then continued at home. He said dialysis at home in the evenings gave him more freedom as it meant he could go out to work. Mr Bishop, from Poole, is raising money through Just Giving. “The hospital doesn’t have that much money to spend so every little bit helps. If I can raise money for more people to dialyse at home that’s good for me and the hospital,” he said. To donate, visit justgiving. com and search ‘Simon Bishop’.

One of the best places to live

Caroline home with clutch of medals

BRIDPORT

100th member joins the youth club Membership is thriving at Bridport Youth Centre. The team is working hard to make sure the service continues. Youth leader Heather Marston attended the club in the 1970s and her children were members in the late 1990s. She said youth clubs were a ‘fundamental component’ of the community.

The county council cut funding to youth centres three years ago and the youth and community centre is now run by local trustees working voluntarily. Funding from Magna Housing will help plans to run a regular youth club on Saturday mornings.

It is hoped to refurbish the centre to make it more welcoming to adults and young people alike. To help or find out more about the youth club, contact Katrina Polanska at bridportycc@gmail.com or call 01308 422500.

40 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

Governor raises money for renal unit

DORCHESTER

School’s use of social media praised

The Prince of Wales School is the first in the county to be given the Social Schools Award, a certified quality mark to recognise a school for the way it uses social media to connect, promote and engage with parents/carers and the wider whole-school community. The school has been using social media to promote the engagement of parents since it began using Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in 2009.

Headteacher Gary Spracklen, who joined the school two years ago, is a former SouthWest Digital Educator of the Year. He said: “When using social media to promote parental engagement and support learning, I would recommend starting small, go where you feel comfortable first.” The school now leads social media workshops for others across the region.

Arts and Crafts Laterally Speaking by Humphrey Walwyn

SOME of my best friends are artists.

Or rather… some of my best friends are really good artists who can draw and doodle at the drop of a #4 Red Sable brush. Some of them are also pro artists and even exhibit and regularly sell their own paintings. I wish…The only time I sold a work of art was by accident when I painted a portrait of my sister which made her look like a long-nosed dinosaur with huge scary eyes and hair covered in pink custard. Very ‘Jackson Pollock’ I thought, although my sister was not impressed. A graphics illustrator from Leeds bought it for twenty quid and used it as inspiration for his next horror cartoon magazine. If you turn to page 12 of “Shazzam Monster Animator Monthly (January 2014)” you will see why my sister was so upset. Apologies for scaring the living daylights out of any of your children.

When proper artists paint a watercolour of—say—the River Axe at sunset, it looks great. It looks like it’s supposed to look—i.e. a river, a rowing boat, reed beds, a bird or two and a beautiful evening sky. My attempt at the same scene resembles a splodge of blue and orange with blurry black bits (supposed to be ducks) and in place of a boat, there’s something that looks very like a dead vulture poking out of the water. My arty endeavours over the years leave quite a bit to be desired and rather more to be imagined, but I keep trying.

I used to be part of an art class run by one of my good friends (she’s a seriously good artist and can even tell you the exact shade of yellow of the inside of a daffodil—Cadmium Yellow Pigment 37, in case you were wondering). I kept going for years without ever achieving even a minor masterpiece but, as she told me, “I must keep experimenting”. One of my so-called experiments was an oil painting of Sutton Bingham reservoir. It wasn’t too bad but I got bored with it one rainy afternoon and in a mood of complete frustration I added a German submarine to the foreground which failed to improve it. Probably the only reason I kept going to art was because I was the only man in her art class.

It was much more interesting to sit and experiment with pencils and brushes when surrounded by attractive ladies.

To be a good artist, it helps if you’re a little weird. Picasso carried a real gun around and if you asked him about his

Burton Bradstock Beach with Duck (acrylics & mixed media) - H Walwyn 2019 art, he’d pull it out and threaten to shoot you. Salvador Dali kept a pet ocelot and stole the pens of all fans who asked him for autographs, while Michelangelo may have painted the Sistine Chapel, but he was a right stinker… he never bathed and only rarely changed his clothes. Despite a lifetime of painting ballet dancers and young ladies combing their hair, Edgar Degas was a dedicated misogynist who hated all women. He preferred racehorses apparently. Perhaps I’d be a better artist if I too cultivated a few weird behaviours like wearing a pair of underpants on my head or walking a live lobster around Bridport.

Degas once famously said: “Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.” This is SO true and it partly explains why my ten-year-old granddaughter is so much better at painting than I am. She looks at something and simply draws it. Voilà! Poetry on a page…

On the other hand, I first have to choose the medium: watercolour or acrylics? Today, it’ll be acrylics because water colours are too difficult since you can’t erase a brush stroke if you don’t like what you’ve done. Next, what type of paper?

This means going through all my pads of paper—white, grey, dark red or buff yellow paper, or maybe acrylic canvas board?

Some of them I’ve never ever used, but I like to have them there just in case. It’s strangely comforting. Then I can start to get ready. Firstly, I remove last week’s brushes from the cold cup of coffee, rinse them thoroughly and then dry them for no particular reason particularly as I’m about to wet them again. Repeat this rinsing and drying routine. Then I sit down, pour a fresh coffee (because the last one had traces of Burnt Sienna in it) and spend ten minutes contemplating. This is a very important moment artistically. I have to allow time to relax and let the image of what I intend to try and paint sink inside my brain… Deep breathing to help bring on the “inner me” etc. Then I remove an orange from the ‘Still Life Arrangement’ and eat it.

Finally, I draw a couple of lines (horizon or something) and then dabble a few round blobs of green paint to give the impression of some grapes. Then I make them too big and turn them into apples.

My still life of ‘an orange with a bunch of grapes’ looks OK but it’s somehow missing something important. Ah yes… the orange. That’s why I lack the patience to ever become a great artist. I’m sure you get the picture. Or rather, in this case, you don’t.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 41

House&Garden

New Heritage Centre now open in Axminster

With a party atmosphere Dr Peter Bradshaw officially opened the New Heritage Centre

AFTER almost 20 years of planning and hard work by many local dedicated people, Axminster has a New Heritage Centre. It was officially opened last month by Dr Peter Bradshaw, a direct descendant of Thomas Whitty the first carpet maker in Axminster in 1755.

Visitors will be able to take an interesting trip through time to learn what has made Axminster and the surrounding area what it is today. The new attraction has been designed to appeal to residents and tourist visitors of all ages. Children can enjoy their own trail with dressing up points and hands on activities. The new extended display gallery, with its heritage collection and modern interactive displays, enables you to discover ‘The Story of Axminster’.

In addition to the museum gallery, courses and workshops are regularly held and a small gift shop and the town’s Tourist Information Point are located in the new reception area. All this is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. See https://axminsterheritage.org/ for more.

42 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 43

Along the road to Canterbury

By Cecil Amor

LAST month I related the description by Chaucer of some of the pilgrims starting along the Canterbury road. Now I propose to look at the remaining pilgrims, the laity. They might possibly be described as ordinary people, from middle class to working class, in today’s parlance. Chaucer writes as if he was one of the group and so could describe his companions.

So we start with a Merchant with a forked beard, a Flemish beaver hat and daintily buckled boots. He discussed his increasing capital, how he was expert in exchanges and administration of loans, bargains and negotiation, and the need for sea-police between Harwich and Holland, which sounds very modern. But no one knew he was in debt. He was an excellent fellow, all the same.

There was an Oxford Cleric, still a student, who had studied logic long ago. His horse was thin and so was he and his overcoat was threadbare. He preferred books rather than clothes and had not found preferment in the church and was too unworldly to look for other work. Although he was a philosopher he could not turn base metal into gold and if friends gave him money he would spend it on more books and pray for them. He said little, but was pleased to learn and to teach.

Another, a Serjeant at Law used to meet his clients discreetly at the entrance of St Pauls. He had often acted as a Justice of Assize and was knowledgeable about the law, without question. But for this journey he had left his robes and wore a homely partly coloured coat tied by a silken pin striped belt. He was accompanied by a Franklin, that is a freeholder of land, but not of noble birth. His beard was white and he had a high colour and lived for pleasure and entertaining with a well stocked larder and cellar. He was well thought of as Justice at Sessions and had often been Member for the Shire and carefully checked audits as Sheriff. On his girdle hung a dagger and silk purse in white.

A Haberdasher, a Dyer, a Carpenter, a Weaver and a Carpet-maker all wearing the livery of their impressive guilds also travelled with the party.

They all looked trim and their clothes would pass for new and their knives made with pure silver, displayed on their girdles and pouches. They each appeared to be a worthy burgess, wise enough to be an alderman. Their wives believed they should be called “Madam” and carried their mantles like a queen when going to church.

An excellent Cook in the party could tell London ale by flavour, as well as cooking, all one could ask for. But Chaucer thought it a pity that the Cook had an ulcer on his knee.

Riding a farmer’s horse as well as he could was a Skipper from Dartmouth who owned a barge named The Maudelayne. He wore a woollen knee length gown with a dagger on a lanyard around his neck and down under his arm, and he was sun tanned brown. The Skipper was an excellent seaman, but had little conscience, drinking wine at Bordeaux while the traders backs were turned and if he took enemies prisoners he made them walk the plank.

Along the road it was clear that the Doctor could talk well on medicine, surgery and astronomy, drawing horoscopes for his patients, then prescribing drugs. He was careful with his own diet and wore blood red garments, slashed with bluish grey, lined with taffeta. However he was tight with money and loved gold, which is said to stimulate the heart.

The Wife of Bath was deaf, but was skilled with cloth better than the French. She was haughty and no one dared to reach the altar steps before her. Her kerchiefs were the finest, especially those she wore on her head on Sunday, her hose were of the best scarlet, gartered tight and her shoes were soft and new. Her handsome face was bold and red. She had married five husbands, apart from other company in youth! She was widely travelled and would wander. She had gap-teeth which she said suited her as a mark of Venus. Laughing and talking about love, she rode easily on an ambling horse.

Her wimple was topped with a hat as broad as a shield and her large hips were hidden by her flowing gown.

There was a Ploughman, the Parson’s brother, honest and hard working, 44 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

whether carting a load of manure, thrashing corn or digging a ditch. He would help the poor for the love of God. He paid all his tithes promptly and wore a tabard smock whilst riding a mare.

Another man entirely was a Miller, a stout man of sixteen stone who could win the prize at any wrestling match. His red beard was spade shaped and his nose had a hair tufted wart and wide black nostrils. He had a large mouth and he told “pub” stories, usually filthy. A blue hood topped his white coat and at his side hung a sword and buckler. His favourite instrument, the bagpipes, he played as they left the town.

From the Inns of Court came the Manciple a man very careful with his money who watched the market closely. He had over thirty masters in the College full of legal knowledge, but none could match him financially.

The Reeve could match the Manciple, but in his care of his master’s estate, when he presented his annual accounts better than any auditor.

He knew the yield from the land and animals and was feared by all the employees. He had a lovely dwelling, shaded by trees and had become rich, but would give his lord loans or gifts to ingratiate himself. He rode a dapple grey stallion-cob at a slow trot at the rear of the party, wearing a bluish shade, overlong overcoat, tucked under his belt and a rusty blade slung at his side.

The final member was their Host at the tavern. He welcomed them to the Tabard and gave them a fine supper and strong wine. A striking man, well built, merry and proposed that each should tell two stories towards Canterbury and two more on the return journey, to while away the time. He would judge the best story and the teller would have a free meal on their return to Southwark, paid for by all the pilgrims. This was agreed and the Host said he would ride with them and they set off next morning at slightly more than a walking pace.

Then began the stories, some of which are quite long and so I can only provide a flavour of them. The first was the Knight’s Tale which is long and intricate with allusions to early Greeks. This was followed by the Miller’s Tale, humorous, but perhaps too rude for a family publication. Several of the stories have similar crude material. Perhaps in Chaucer’s time attitudes were different. However the Reeve’s Prologue spoke out against the Miller, but was interrupted by the Host and told to stop preaching. The Reeve continued with a story of a miller who tricked two young customers, who eventually “turned the tables” by ending up in bed with the miller’s wife and daughter.

The Cook started by laughing at the Miller in the Reeve’s story but was told by the Host to get on with his story. The Cook, Roger, replied referring to the Host as Harry Bailey and proceeded with his tale of a no good apprentice, but this story was not completed by Chaucer.

Chaucer parodies himself by writing in the Man of Law’s tale who said “Chaucer, clumsy as he is at times, in metre and the cunning use of rhymes” and then requested by the Host to tell a tale, he commenced “Sir Topaz” and was stopped by the Host for his “doggerel rhyme” and commanded to try prose. Chaucer then commenced “Melibee” but ends it abruptly.

You will recall that we were told originally that there were around thirty pilgrims, to each tell one tale on the way to Canterbury and another on the return, but I have only found twenty three in total, including Chaucer’s.

Because of their length and complexity I have not been able to even precis them all, so all I can suggest is that if you “have the stomach for it” you apply to your local library, or book shop for a copy. Perhaps they keep it on the top shelf! Just to give a final flavour of it, our west country woman, the Wife of Bath, implied that each of her five husbands and those outside wedlock all agreed that she “was good in bed”.

Next meeting of Bridport History Society will be in Bridport United Church Main Hall, East Street at 2.30 pm on May14th when Stuart Morris will talk about “Weymouth Piers and Pavilions”. All welcome, visitors entrance fee £3.

Cecil Amor, Hon President, Bridport History Society.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 45

Vegetables in May with Ashley Wheeler

MAY marks a real change in the vegetable garden. Towards the end of the month we can be fairly certain of no frosts, so fleece can be taken off the spring plantings and rolled up for next year. It is a month that more tender plants go in the ground, with the likes of courgettes, squash and corn going outside, and tomatoes, peppers and aubergines being planted under glass or in polytunnels. It is not too late to sow squash, corn and courgettes either, so don’t worry if you haven’t yet done that.

At Trill Farm Garden we are lucky enough to have polytunnels, and we use these mainly for salad and hardy herbs over winter, and then change over to sugarsnap peas, tomatoes, french beans, cucumbers, peppers, a few other salady bits and some plants for seed saving from the end of April onwards. So this month sees a real change in the tunnels as well as outside. We also use the tunnels to extend the season a little, for example by planting garlic, spring onions and sugarsnaps in the autumn we can harvest them earlier than the outdoor grown crops, making the hungry gap slightly shorter. If you have fairly free draining soil you can do this outside too with the use of fleece or cloches to protect the autumn plantings more from the winter weather.

When you are planting new crops in the ground, whether it is in polytunnels or outside it is always a good idea to think about how to maintain good soil health. Rather than using the conventional approach of removing the old crops and double digging, why not consider cutting the old crops down at the soil surface, leaving the roots underground so as to maintain the biological activity in the soil. You can them pull out any perennial weeds and mulch the bed with a couple of inches of compost before planting a new crop. This approach not only saves your back, but also preserves and improves biological activity in the soil. It is always best to try and minimise soil disturbance as much as possible as it will damage any myccorhizal and other biological activity under the ground.

This soil life helps plants to access a wide area and range of nutrients as well as water.

WHAT TO SOW THIS MONTH: Courgettes, french beans, squash (early in the month), chard, beetroot, lettuce, winter brassicas, spring onions, swede (end of the month), carrots (or leave until June to avoid the first carrot root fly), parsnips, radish, forcing chicory, WHAT TO PLANT THIS MONTH: OUTSIDE: Courgettes, french beans, beetroot INSIDE: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, chillies, aubergines, basil, summer purslane OTHER IMPORTANT TASKS THIS MONTH: Keep on top of weeds - keep hoeing whenever you get the chance and whenever the weather allows it (ideally on a sunny breezy day). Try to hoe before you even see the weeds germinating - it is much quicker and easier and will knock the weeds back as they are germinating under the soil surface. We usually hoe about a week after planting a bed.

46 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

Melplash Garden and Allotment competition

Melplash Agricultural Society Garden Competition 2018 Large Garden Winner Mrs M Stones, Uploders

THE annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s Garden and Allotment Competition is the most prestigious garden competition in the West Dorset area. It is open to all residents within a 12-mile radius of Melplash Village Church. Gardens and allotments of any size can be entered and there are prizes for the best large, medium and small garden and best allotment as well as a prize for the overall winner.

The only stipulation is that they must not employ a gardener for more than 8 hours per week.

The winners of each category are presented with their prizes at the Melplash Agricultural Show in the Horticultural Marquee on Thursday 23rd August.

For application form visit www.melplashshow.co.uk

Melplash Agricultural Society Garden Competition 2018 Medium Garden Winner Mr & Mrs Tarling, Bridport

Melplash Agricultural Society Garden Competition 2018 Small Garden Winner Mrs L Ford, Bridport

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 47

May in the Garden

By Russell Jordan

I

f you are not a seriously committed, plant obsessed, sort of gardener then May may be the first month that your garden actually gets any proper attention. Everything is in growth, most plants have produced new leaves or top growth, and there are generally enough warm, dry, days that you are likely to be tempted outdoors.

The older I’ve got the more I’ve become a ‘fair weather’ gardener myself; double-digging, in freezing winter weather, loses its appeal once the bloom of youth has well and truly worn off.

One thing I’ve never been very keen on is the noise of powered garden machinery. Even the most basic garden tends to include an area of lawn, unless it is so small that it is paved from fence to fence, and regular mowing is one gardening task that really is worth pursuing with religious fervour. Improvements in cordless technology mean that an electric lawnmower, without the danger of a trailing electric flex, is a real alternative to a petrol powered machine. Even if it weren’t for the perceived benefits of switching from fossil fuel to battery power, I’d still consider cordless machinery for the reduction in noise pollution alone.

Large lawns are still best served by petrol driven mowers, although I’m sure big, cordless, lawnmowers will become available / affordable in time. For example, petrol powered chainsaws are still the preferred option, for most gardeners, due to the limitations of price and performance of the, relatively new, cordless versions, but this will shift in time.

The best cordless chainsaws, from the leading manufacturers, are, I’m assured by those better acquainted with them than myself, just as competent as comparative petrol models. As with all new technology, until the economies of scale come into play, its relative extra expense will move closer to parity as the market ‘matures’ - it was always thus.

Back to more horticultural matters; it should soon be safe to plant out tender bedding plants once they have grown to a suitable size in frost-free conditions. It is still possible to have overnight frosts in May, even in the comparatively balmy south west, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and have some horticultural fleece handy, to throw over any dubiously hardy plants, if temperatures take a tumble.

It’s very tempting to impulse buy packs of bedding plants when visiting garden centres, or on a trip to the supermarket, but it’s worth remembering that these may have been kept in protected conditions, up until being sold, so they will benefit from a period of acclimatisation before being planted out. If they are very small plants then it might even be worth potting them into a pot the next size up, using fresh potting compost, and growing them on a bit, under glass or on a windowsill, before their final planting out.

48 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

Shrubs which flowered in the spring should be pruned, once their flowers have faded, using the ‘one in three’ method. This refers to the aim to remove one third of the main stems of a mature shrub, every year, in order to maintain a good balance between vigour and flowering potential. Early flowering shrubs produce their blooms on shoots that grew in the previous year and it is these youngest shoots that have the best flowering potential.

This means that when pruning them it is the oldest one third of shoots that should be cut out, after the initial removal of any damaged, weak or diseased material. Cut them right down to the ground, or as near to the base of the shrub that you can, so that new shoots arise from the base and not half way up the plant. There is nothing worse, in my opinion, than cutting the ends off old stems leaving unnatural, ugly, truncated limbs which then respond by producing a thicket of new growth at eye level. The aim, when tackling anything in the garden, is to achieve the desired result, managing nature, in such a way that your intervention is undetectable. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; ‘ars est celare artem’.

If you’ve not done it already, I often fail to get mine installed in time, insert pea-sticks around floppy herbaceous plants early in the month because soon they’ll be too big to get the sticks in without damaging the plants. I love pea-sticks for their near invisibility which is a huge bonus compared with the completely unnatural appearance of those dreaded, green ‘plasticoated’, metal staking products which link together on a hook and eye principle. Pea-sticks can be woven together using their natural form which supports herbaceous perennials in a twiggy embrace. Those ugly metal stakes, especially when dressed up in a lurid green never seen in nature, tend to cause the herbaceous stems to appear trussed up, down below, yet dangerously unsupported up above.

As mentioned last month, but now even more likely to become a problem, pests are responding to warming temperatures by multiplying exponentially. I am glad to report that, compared to when I was training in horticulture thirty years ago, it is now the exception, rather than the rule, to reach for a chemical control when pests threaten damage. I can’t remember the last time I used a pesticide in the garden, with the exception of vine weevil killer in potted specimens, and this is mostly due to experience having taught me that pest damage is rarely so serious that it warrants chemical warfare.

There are some pests which do require constant vigilance, lily beetle being a case in point, and if these seriously bother you then the ultimate solution is to plant something else which isn’t susceptible to that pest; sometimes life is too short to fight battles which you are never going to win—however unfair that may seem!

The good thing about May is that it is such a blooming mar-

vellous month for floral exuberance, it’s no coincidence that the legendary ‘Chelsea Flower Show’ is held at this point of the year. Any gardening shortcoming is soon overshadowed by another tribe of plants hitting their stride.

There is colour, striking foliage and intoxicating scent at every turn. With any luck the threat of dangerously hot weather, with possible drought, has yet to occur so, with the exception of plants in containers which require regular watering, the garden as a whole is largely self-sustaining. If your own garden is just crazy paving, nothing wrong with that, it’s a great time to get out and about in other people’s gardens, so you get all of the ‘gain’ with none of the ‘pain’.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 49

PROPERTY ROUND-UP

Thatch’ll do nicely!

By Helen Fisher

LOSCOMBE GUIDE: £800,000

A 16th Century 4 bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse with enormous charm and character. Open fireplaces, timbered ceilings, panelled walls and flagstone floors. Kitchen with 4 oven Aga. Well stocked, mature private gardens plus 3 paddocks with stream. Parking and garage.

Symonds and Sampson Tel: 01308 422092

PAYHEMBURY £410,000

A beautifully conserved and renovated 3 bedroom cottage with inglenook fireplaces, woodburning stove and original bread oven. Delightful gardens and grounds with open farmland at the rear and woodland dell opposite. Parking, detached workshop plus summer house.

Stags Honiton Tel: 01404 45885

WHITCHURCH CANONICORUM £665,000

A comfortable and stylish home with 4 bedrooms. Spacious and well proportioned with underfloor heating, contemporary bathroom and designer kitchen. Village location with far reaching views. Ample parking, double garage with loft room above plus summerhouse/office.

Stags Tel: 01308 428000 50 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

SPARKFORD £425,000

A charming Grade II listed 4 bedroom cottage with many original features inc: fireplaces, stone walls and timbered ceilings. Well stocked mature gardens to front and rear and ample parking plus detached studio/workshop.

No onward chain.

Cooper and Tanner Tel: 01963 350327

ABBOTSBURY £350,000

A truly delightful 3 bedroom end of terrace cottage situated on a peaceful bridleway. Finished to the highest of standards 20 years ago to create a contemporary home with a period property feel. Double glazed, stone flooring, fireplaces and solid wood kitchen. Private rear mature garden and parking.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt Tel: 01305 268786

CAME £1.1M

Georgian rectory with 6 bedrooms designed by John Nash and former home to Dorset scholar William Barnes. Lovingly restored, improved and enlarged. With completely private gardens inc: walled knot garden, summer house, rose tunnel and water lily pond.

Knight Frank Tel: 01935 808498

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 51

Crab’s Revenge

By Nick Fisher

I

’ve had a few close shave in my time. Near misses. Car crashes. Spinal operations.

And a messy affair involving four Kungfu fighting Chinese waiters in a King’s Lynn shopping precinct car park, one murky night....

But never have I shaved so close, teetered so precariously near the edge, as I did when I was attacked by a toxic crab.

My nightmare began after my fishing trip to Santa Monica Beach pier. Afterwards, I rode a hired bike along Venice Beach in the boiling sun, smirking at all the pumped-up body builders. Then, I drove my rental Chrysler convertible back into the city. Once again, I did that in sun that could strip pine. I only mention the sun, because I am Glaswegian born and bred, with all the protective skin pigmentation of a bowl of tapioca.

I then mooched around the Farmer’s Market in central LA, before pouncing upon a huge plate of Cajun crab tostada. This was a creation made of a huge bowl-shaped crispy biscuit, like an enormous popadam, filled with crabs, crab meat, hot sauce and crunchy salad.

I wolfed it down with a couple of cold beers and a heavy measure of enthusiasm.

Then, I returned to my hotel room, a bit hot and wobbly. What unfolded over the next few days, is pretty much a mystery. All I can remember is being monstrously sick in my hotel bathroom. Sick to the bottom of my stomach, until I could see little flakes of blood trickling down the side of the toilet bowl. And, once I’d barfed for Britain, then the world fell out my bottom.

The next thing I remember was waking up in the Intensive Care Unit of the UCLA hospital, with a tube down my throat, reaching into my lungs, attached to a respirator. A tube into my femeral artery in my groin, pumping in antibiotics. Two tubes into veins in both of my arms feeding saline fluids. And a tube up my dick, draining into a huge bottle, filling up with fluid that looked just like frothy real ale.

‘Do you know where you are?’ asked a casually dressed, smiling nurse. ‘Ungh’ was all I could manage to reply. My mouth dry and sore from the tube. My tongue covered in huge red welts.

‘You’re in the ICU of the UCLA hospital.

In Los Angeles, California. You’ve been here for three days’. ‘How peculiar’ is what she later told me I replied. I don’t really remember. I just recall feeling like someone had dragged a strimmer across my tongue.

I could hardly move my head. Only my eyes. And when she left my single-person

observation ward, I flicked them painfully around the room. In the corner was a huge fish tank. A fancy affair with silver flake ‘bubbles’ filtering upwards from the bottom, a sky-blue background and huge-finned exotic yellow fish swimming around craggy crystal rocks. Believe me, by now, I wasn’t hallucinating. This was real. My second vision back on planet Earth was a tank load of fish. D’you think someone’s trying to tell me something?

If I dig back in the murk of my memory, I vaguely remember talking on the phone with my agent, from the hotel room. I said I was sick. She asked me did I want a doctor, and apparently I said yes.

The doctor wouldn’t come to visit me without speaking to me first. But by this time, I had slipped into some sort of coma brought on by a toxin ingested from the crab.

Probably aided in its severity by my body’s sun-dehydration. My agent had to eventually force hotel security to open my door, where they found me face down in a pool of vomit.

Unconscious. Dead to the world.

Now, what’s really weird is what happened next. The paramedics revived me with a series of injections, and I went crazy. I had a violent fit. The medical team had to call for back-up. Eventually it took six paramedics to restrain me and get me onto a gurney and into the ambulance.

Once in the ER, they again tried to revive me and I went ape-shit all over again. Punching, kicking, attacking the medics who were trying to treat me. This time I had to be restrained with leather straps. My ankles and calves were scabbed and bruised from cuts the leather straps caused, as I thrashed about.

None of this means anything to me. It’s just what I’ve been told by my agent and by smiley nurse Shadi. My fits and violence apparently pointed to one thing; they thought I had a brain tumour or a brain haemorrhage. So they did a CAT scan and an MRI scan. And tested me for every known drug. Everything came up negative.

‘You suffered severe increased electrical activity to the brain’ explained a doctor. ‘You had a seizure or series of seizures caused by the ingestion of an unknown toxin. Most likely when you ate shellfish’.

Yikes!

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Now, it sounds like I had a rough time caused by my Clifornian crab-munching. But nothing compared to my wife. She received a call at 3 am one morning from a voice saying - ‘This is Doctor Blake Grayer, from UCLA hospital in California. We have your husband here. In a critical condition. He may only have a 50-50 chance of recovery.’

Being a brick of the first order, she got my mate Tony to look after the children and jumped on the next plane to get me. By the time she arrived, I was off the critical list.

Weak. Beaten. Wobbly. But alive.

After four more days down on the main ward, they released me. I was still showing signs of liver and kidney damage due to the toxin, which they never strictly identified.

‘I’m not surprised’ said a doctor. ‘You get some weird stuff with shellfish’.

We flew home to smiling children and a gorgeous Dorset autumn, which made me never want to leave again. And getting my feet back under my own table made me feels heaps better.

Then, on the Sunday, a good local friend and part-time crabber arrived at my door with two, still-warm lobsters that he’d just boiled. As a get-well gift.

They sat looking pink and delicious on the kitchen work top, after he’d gone. ‘You won’t be wanting any of them’ said Helen, with a grin. ‘Great. All the more for me’.

She’s a saint my missus, but if she thinks a near-death experience is going to put me off eating lobsters, frankly, she’s living in a dream world.

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Guest Recipe

JO PRATT A TV cook, food stylist and author of seven books including The Flexible Vegetarian, Jo Pratt is a regular contributor to various magazines and publications. She’s former food editor for both Elle and Glamour magazines and was named one of Waterstones ‘Writers of the Future’.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find Jo presenting recipes online, on TV, on stage performing live cookery demonstrations or hosting cookery classes and workshops.

Jo has worked with Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Marcus Waring and many high-profile chefs and global food brands. She is executive chef of award winning-restaurant The Gorgeous Kitchen and her most recent project is The Cookbook Festival, which she founded and co-chairs.

AFTER-WORK SPICY FISH PARCELS You’ll often need a quick ‘go to’ recipe for those busy days when you know cooking will have to take a back seat. This one is a favourite in my household, as it is so simple and always tastes different, depending on the spice paste or fish I’ve used.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 3 tbsp curry paste – your choice such as korma, tikka masala, rogan josh, etc.

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 4 thick fish fillets, skin on or off, such as cod, salmon, pollock, hake, haddock or coley • 4 handfuls of baby spinach (about 125g/4½ oz) • 16–20 baby plum or cherry tomatoes, halved • ½ red onion, peeled and very finely diced • juice of 1 lime • 200ml/7 fl oz tinned coconut milk • handful of coriander leaves • flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • mango chutney, to serve • cooked rice or naan bread, to serve

1. Mix together the curry paste and oil, then rub all over the fish fillets.

2. Cut four large sheets of foil or baking paper and divide the spinach between them, placing it in the centre. If you are using baking paper, it works better if you really scrunch it up beforehand, which makes it more pliable.

3. Place the fish on top of the spinach, and scatter over the tomatoes and onion.

Drizzle over the lime juice and season with salt and pepper.

4. Fold up the foil or paper to make a loose parcel. Pour the coconut milk between the parcels and tightly seal each one by either scrunching the foil edges together or using string to tie the baking paper into a pouch/parcel.

5. Place the parcels on a baking tray, and bake for 15 minutes.

6. Open up the parcel and either serve on the paper or carefully move the spinach and fish onto the serving plates and pour over the sauce. Scatter the coriander, and serve with a spoonful of mango chutney.

Serves 4

The Flexible Pescatarian by Jo Pratt, £20 White Lion Publishing and The Flexible Vegetarian, £20 Frances Lincoln.

Photography for both by Susan Bell

Flexible Alternative As well as trying out various different types of fish for the parcels, you could also use raw peeled prawns or scallops lightly coated in the paste; 125g–150g/4½–5½ oz per person is plenty.

If you want a vegetarian option, diced paneer cheese or even some sliced firm tofu works really well.

Food&Dining

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MUFFULETTAS Serve these delicious muffulettas warm straight from the oven with a homemade spring time soup or they are great served with Denhay bacon and baked tomatoes for a tasty brunch

LESLEY WATERS

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• • • • • • •

1.

2.

3.

225g self-raising flour 55g mature Cheddar, grated 2 large free range eggs 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil 200mls natural yoghurt 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard Serves 4

56 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

4.

5.

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5 190C. Lightly grease an eight well non-stick muffin tin.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cheese and herbs.

In a jug, whisk together the eggs, oil, yoghurt and water.

Add the wet ingredients to the flour and cheese and quickly combine, taking care not to over stir.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Stars come out for the River Cottage Food Fair SOME of the country’s leading chefs, cooks, food pioneers and cookery writers are joining Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall for a weekend of fun on the farm and food for thought at the River Cottage Food Fair on the late May bank holiday weekend.

A food lover’s dream weekend, the Food Fair is taking place at the idyllic River Cottage HQ, a 100-acre organic farm in Axminster, on the Dorset and Devon border.

This hugely popular annual event is a treat for all the family to learn new culinary skills, meet the animals and be immersed in a weekend of cooking, growing, relaxing and (most importantly) eating.

Held on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May, the Food Fair is a must-visit for food-lovers and gardeners, to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of spring, surrounded by the rolling Devonshire hills, just a few miles from the Jurassic coast.

Hugh has curated a line-up of food talent and speakers to provide thought-provoking and possibly controversial, debate and discussions including special guests Yotam Ottolenghi, Kate Humble, Chetna Makan, Billy & Jack, Samin Nosrat, Calum Franklin, Thom Hunt, Georgina Hayden, Nick Weston and Niki Segnit.

The Fair is packed full of activities from chef demos on the main stage and cooking over fire, artisan food stalls, craft workshops, talks and live music to garden and wild food tours. The talented core River Cottage team, Gill Meller, Steven Lamb, John Wright, Naomi Devlin and Rachel De Thample will be will be on hand across the site to share culinary tips and gardening wisdom, throughout the weekend.

Children under the age of 16 go free and will be kept entertained with a huge choice of activities including a gnocchi making masterclass, giant bubbles, games, craft workshops, meet the animals’ area, face painting,

skittles and hula hooping— to name but a few.

Those keen to learn something new can book onto one of the popular masterclasses. Starting at £20 you can make Bread & Butter from scratch in an hour, a tasty Devon Ramen Bowl, supercharge your digestion with a Happy Gut Masterclass, go back to ba-

sics with Outdoor Cookery, participate in a Somerset Cider Brandy tasting or one of John Wright’s notorious Wild Cocktails Masterclasses.

The River Cottage Food Fair is on Saturday 25 May – Sunday 26 May 2019. 10am6pm. Tickets £15, under 16’s go free. www.rivercottage. net/foodfair.

May 2019 Food Markets Please check dates and times with venues or organisers

Sat 4th Thu 9th Fri 10th Sat 11th

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

Poundbury, Queen Mother Square - 9am - 1pm Shaftesbury, Town Hall - 9am - 1pm Wareham, Town Hall, East Street - 9am - 1pm Blandford, Blandford Forum - 9am - 1pm Bridport, Arts Centre, South St - 9am - 1pm Martock, Moorlands Shopping - 10am - 1pm Yarcombe, Village Hall - 10am - 12noon Purbeck, Commercial Road, Swanage - 9am - 1pm Honiton, St Paul’s Church, High St - 8.30am - 1pm Sherborne, Cheap St - 9am - 1pm Wimborne, Market Square - 9am - 1pm Crewkerne, The Henhayes Centre - 9am - 1pm Wareham, Town Hall, East Street - 9am - 1pm Dorchester South, High Street - 9am - 4pm Barrington, Village Hall, 10am - 12noon Yeovil, Middle Street - 9am - 2pm

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 57

POISMOLE Avocados have taken over the world and what was once a rarity in households has become a must-have fridge or fruit bowl commodity. Avocado with prawns was a childhood memory when I worked in the kitchen of the local pub, but avocado on toast didn’t really exist, and now it’s almost a menu necessity. Like all fruits, avocados have a season which most people are oblivious to and really don’t care where they come from or how they are grown and how many miles they have travelled to satisfy the needs of a healthy diet.

The popularity and demand of the fruit come with its environmental issues though, and pine forests are illegally being replaced with avocado farms increasing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of fertilisers and pesticides and of course, increased pressure on local water reserves.

I’ve never been a massive fan of the bland avocado until I tasted a locally grown one in Barbados which had a flavour beyond anything I had ever tasted and confirmed my dislike of what’s available in the shops.

I won’t bang on anymore, but we certainly need to think a bit more about what we eat and how often we eat it and if you are scratching around for an alternative give It a go with frozen peas which taste better and are full of vitamins and minerals.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• • • • • •

1.

30-400g frozen peas The juice of 1or 2 limes 2 tbls chopped coriander 1 green chilli 1 spring onion, finely chopped Sea salt and resell ground black pepper

Serves 4 - 6

MARK HIX

2.

3.

Cook your peas in boiling salted water for a couple minutes then drain, reserving some of the water for blending.

Blend the peas in a food processor or liquidiser to a coarse constancy with enough water to assist the blending then remove and plead out on a plate or tray to cool.

Once cool mix with the other ingredients and season to taste.

HIX Oyster and Fish House is Mark’s local restaurant that overlooks the harbour in Lyme Regis and boasts the most stunning panoramic views across the Jurassic coast—this is easily one of the most picturesque spots to enjoy British fish seafood.

To book please call 01297 446 910.

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PEOPLE IN FOOD & DRINK

Ros Nelmes - photograph and words by Catherine Taylor

ROS NELMES Chiropractor by day, gin maker by night, Ros Nelmes started Fordington Gin with her husband Colin, distilling batches of gin on their kitchen table top. She was inspired by a Conker gin tasting she attended in Bridport a few years ago, and decided to give it a go herself.

Fordington Gin is named after the area they live in, just outside Dorchester and is the result of many a tasting party with friends. The outcome is a smooth, delicious gin with flavours of star anise, lemon balm, mint, wormwood, juniper and coriander.

Working three days a week in Blandford as a Chiropractor; Ros’s career for over 20 years now, she has four days a week to work on the gin business. She comes up with the magic – the making of the gin, marketing, sales and admin. Colin runs the logistics, delivering gin round the county, to pubs, bars, farm shops, wine shops, independent delis and restaurants. As an Animal Chiropractor he is on the road anyway, so his role in the business ties in nicely. Ros is the face of Fordington Gin, also doing talks, birthday parties, tea parties with a twist, charity events, food fairs and fetes too.

In addition to the standard Fordington gin there is also Gurt Lush, a new gin they have brought out. At 50% ABV proof it’s not for the faint hearted, but Ros confirms it is a complete triumph and something everyone who enjoys gin should try. Now with a dedicated converted stable found at the bottom of their garden, Ros has a purpose built gin-making emporium. She can now produce even more batches of her tipple, as she tries to meet the growing demand. Local, award winning producers are also using her gin. MaBolton, producer of allergy friendly artisan baked goods, preserves and syrups uses Fordington Gin to make her Marma’gin marmalade. And gelato makers Baboo have made a Fordington Sorbet.

A stickler for making everything from scratch, Ros likes to know what she is eating, and cooks pretty much every night, usually with a gin and tonic in hand. Her chickens in the garden cluck away as she busies herself, preparing the evening’s meal, catching up on emails and tinkering around with syrups, concocting new flavour combinations for even more gin tastings. Lucky friends!

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Arts &Entertainment

Places I Remember Home Secretary is just one of the many cabinet positions Alan Johnson held during his twenty years as an MP, but it could all have been so different if someone hadn’t stolen his guitar.

He talked to Fergus Byrne about his life in music and politics and the career that might have been.

THE late Roger Mayne once told me that he felt he had ‘saddled’ himself with Southam Street, the street in North Kensington that he photographed extensively in the late fifties. He wasn’t complaining; just explaining how one can be typecast by the series of photographs. His Southam Street series went on to become iconic in their reflection of life on the rough streets of what is now better known as Notting Hill.

For former MP and Cabinet Minister, Alan Johnson, Southam Street was home. He remembers Roger Mayne’s photographs with a sense of affection and recalls that in one of them he recognised his older sister playing as a child. One of his prized possessions is a letter Roger wrote to him after he mentioned the photographs on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.

During twenty years as an MP, eleven years as a Government Minister and five years in various Cabinet positions, Alan never really highlighted his upbringing. He says he only ‘alluded’ to it occasionally, explaining that it was ‘because it sounds as if you’re using it for political advantage. I was very loathed to do that then.’

The details of his extraordinary childhood were eventually put into his first memoir, This Boy, which was published in 2013. He went on to write two more memoirs about his time as a postman as well as his life in politics. Throughout each of the three books, his interest in music runs like a persistent loose thread sitting alongside the story and sometimes feels like a suppressed energy waiting to be let loose. He has recently unleashed that narrative of his dream to be a rock star and his passion for popular music into a new book, In My Life. When featured on Desert Island Discs in 2007, whilst still working as a politician, Kirsty Young mentioned that ‘all politicians like to lay claim to popular culture’ but In My Life shows a knowledge, an understanding and an affection for music that goes far beyond an interest in needing to associate with young, or even not so young voters.

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Anyone who has written or related stories and moments from their early lives will know that one of the key benefits, apart from restoring precious memories, is bringing events and even people back to life. In This Boy, Alan Johnson relished the opportunity to give his mother’s life a place in history. At the age of seven, his father had left home one Christmas Eve while his mother was in hospital and didn’t return. Alan, aged just seven and his ten-year-old sister Linda were left to eat the sweets they found hidden in a pillowcase for Christmas before venturing out to see their mother in the hospital. His father appeared briefly again but soon disappeared for good.

Suffering from an unusual heart condition, Alan’s mother Lily died a few years later when he was not yet fourteen. ‘The glorious thing for me is that I was making my mother live again on the page’ he says. ‘And no one knew about my mother. There’s no grave— her ashes were scattered somewhere in Kensal Rise cemetery.’ His sister’s boyfriend at the time paid for a little rose to be planted with a plaque. But they didn’t know it had to be renewed every five years and so it was ripped up. ‘So there’s nothing to mark her life.’ The fact that This Boy has now sold half a million copies gives him some solace. ‘That’s the privilege of it’ he says. ‘My mother lives again, and so many people now have related to her story.’ Her death and the difficult circumstances in which she lived were not unusual.

‘And so many people of that generation, the generation before mine, who went through the war and went through the depression of the 30s, who came from big families, were used to death’ he explained. Two of his mother’s siblings died in infancy, and her mother had borne eleven children. His mother’s siblings died of pneumonia following measles, which Alan says was very common.

‘They were an amazing generation, and my mum was just one representative of them.’

It was his Mums efforts to scrape the money together to take

him to see Lonnie Donegan at the Chiswick Empire that sealed his passion and dreams of becoming a musician. ‘As soon as I saw him on the stage with the guitar that was something I wanted to emulate’ he explained. ‘My father was a talented musician, and part of that comes down in my DNA—and of course the generation I come from. I hit my teens just as the Beatles came out and grew up with Rock ‘n’ Roll.’

This was at a time when music was the attraction, not fame.

Today, the ubiquitous imagery and access to the lives of those that perform in public is such that the icon is often the attraction, not the talent. Growing up in an era when the BBC was constrained by ‘needle time’ and could only play a small percentage of recorded music, Alan remembered how music was a ‘shared experience’. His were the days of what he describes as, ‘crackly radio Luxemburg or the pirate radio stations’. That’s not to say that he doesn’t appreciate the huge choice available today. ‘It’s great to have more choice’ he explains, but he feels there was a benefit to the limited coverage and unavailability of choice in what you listened to, because ‘you had these enormous shared experiences—millions of people watching and listening to the same programme.’ There is a certain sense that today’s wider choice has had the effect of pushing people into smaller and more disparate groups.

Like his previous books, which were all titled after a Beatles song, In My Life is broken down into year chapters which are all given a title of a song from that year. From the Cole Porter penned True Love which was a hit for Bing Crosby in 1957 to Billy Joel’s Allentown in 1982 there is an enormous breadth of musical history that is not only engrossing but will bring back many memories for those who felt aware that there was a musical soundtrack to their lives. Thankfully it doesn’t read like a history textbook, but as Alan says, ‘rather depressingly what I call my youth is described by others as social history.’

Despite being part of two proper groups and auditioning with a reasonably major band at the time, his efforts to make his living out of music didn’t pan out. His mother had left a surprise legacy after she died which allowed him to buy a guitar, what he described lovingly as ‘a cherry-red Höfner Verithin with Venetian double cutaways, mother-of-pearl inlay on the head and neck, a black scratchboard and a Bigsby tremolo unit.’ Although he claims it was probably through lack of talent, with a growing interest in popular music and the wherewithal to allow people to access it, it’s likely that he could have pursued his dreams and achieved a level of success. But a mixture of bad luck in having all his kit stolen, not once but twice, along with the fact that at a very young age he had three mouths to feed, meant he had to move on—despite the fact that in 1971, having moved to his first proper council house on the Britwell estate in Slough, he remembered how music was as critical to his life ‘as the air in my lungs and the blood in my veins’.

Although the music carried on pulsing through those veins and he carried on writing and playing, his interests, from Johnny Kidd & the Pirates to Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello grew, and they ramble engagingly across the years covered by the book.

Unlike many who fell under the spell of Bob Dylan’s gravelly protest lyrics, he doesn’t believe that music ever politicised him. He puts that down to a teacher who introduced him to the writings of George Orwell. ‘This was a year after the Cuban missile crisis’ he remembers. ‘We boys were going out into a world dominated by fear.’ He became obsessed with Orwell and had read everything by him by the time he was 20. ‘I’d say a combination of George Orwell and my experiences in the Union politicised me’ he says. In his early 20s, married with three children, Alan’s career path was via the Post Office to the then Union of Post Office Workers, which in time, became the Communication Workers’ Union. He would eventually become General Secretary and go on to join the Labour Government under Tony Blair holding a variety of different Cabinet positions in both Blair’s and Brown’s governments, including Home Secretary, before retiring in 2017.

As it happens, the day we speak is March 29th, the day that Britain was scheduled to leave the EU. So it seems reasonable to ask where he stands on what history will call the Brexit crisis—or perhaps the “first” Brexit Crisis. ‘I would have voted for the deal first time round in December’ he says of the Prime Minister’s withdrawal deal. ‘The wonder to me is that Theresa May can’t sell her own deal. She is so unpersuasive. It actually is a good deal in terms of the withdrawal settlement. Because all the discussion, whether it’s about Common market 2.0, which I support, or whether it’s about the Canada option or whatever, that’s all for the next stage of the future relationship.’

He admits that Theresa May was dealt a lousy hand but says she’s played it very poorly indeed. However, he is just as bemused by his own party. ‘I can’t understand why Labour is against it other than wanting to force a general election’ he says, echoing what many throughout the country have said. ‘Really it should be about country first and not your political interests.’ He also believes history could have been written differently if the Prime Minister had been a tad more careful in how she addressed her fellow members of parliament after yet another defeat to her proposal. What he called the ‘naughty naughty’ speech blaming MPs for not supporting her probably didn’t help. ‘My sense was that she could have got more Labour people to vote for it if she hadn’t made that extraordinary speech. She castigated the very people she had to persuade just as they were starting to come over. People like Lisa Nandy and Caroline Flint had already been voting for it. She shot herself in both feet… which means there’ll be an extension of article 50 and we’ll see what happens then.’ However, as we have all learned, a week, no a day in politics is a very long time, and between March 29th and the time people read this just about anything could have happened.

Alan Johnson’s ‘In My Life: A Music Memoir’ is published

by Bantam Press, ISBN 9780593079539 He will be appearing for this year’s Ilminster Literary Festival at The Warehouse Theatre on 30th May where he will be sharing his musical memoirs with Mike Lanigan. For questions or details about tickets, email ilminsterlitfest@gmail.com.

Museums&Galleries 1 – 5 MAY Affordable Art Fair all work by local artist Bryan Dawkins. Kennaway House, Sidmouth 01395 515551.

4 MAY – 9 JUNE Between Order & Chaos: Jordi Raga Frances The first UK solo show of Spanish artist and sculptor Jordi Raga Frances, a sculptor exploring materiality and the relationship between chaos and order. Messums Wiltshire, Place Farm, Court St, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LW 01747 445042.

John Walker For more than a decade from the 1970s British artist John Walker was one of the most influential and imitated painters working in the UK; he exhibited alongside Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, represented his country at the 1972 Biennale, had extensive survey shows at both the Tate and Hayward galleries and was short-listed for the first Turner Prize in 1984. Messums Wiltshire, Place Farm, Court St, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LW 01747 445042.

UNTIL 6 MAY The Great Heath: Brian Graham paintings, Adela Powell ceramics, Petter Southall furniture New paintings exploring the ‘part real part dream’ Egdon Heath of Thomas Hardy and the artist Brian Graham’s own childhood. With layered textured ceramics on theme of erosion. Sladers Yard Contemporary Art, Furniture & Craft Gallery, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL Entry free 01308 459511 sladersyard.co.uk.

UNTIL 11 MAY Greenfylde School Work by pupils in a variety of mediums – every piece is celebrated as an achievement, recognising that there is no right and wrong in art, only individual interpretation. Free.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN.

01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org. uk.

11 MAY OPEN FOR ART 19 Launch event 10am - 4pm at award winning Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington, see artists working, demonstrating and exhibiting at special entry price £7.50. www.openforart. co.uk.

11 – 25 MAY James Tatum : Resonances: Re-Wondering the Landscape This new collection of paintings represents my work over the past 12 months and is the result of my process of searching for resonances between the landscape (and more particularly, the natural world) and myself. This process involves a conscious effort to seek the unknown as opposed to the known. White Space Art – Totnes, 72 Fore Street, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5RU www.whitespaceart.com.

11 MAY – 15 JUNE Drawn In What is drawing? A new exhibition at Bridport Arts Centre called ‘Drawn In’ invites viewers to explore a variety of approaches to drawing by nine artists from London, East Anglia and the South West. Bridport Arts Centre www. bridport-arts.com.

11 MAY - 30 JUNE Jeremy Gardiner works on paper: Lyme Regis to Old Harry Rocks Akiko Hirai ceramics. Petter Southall furniture.

Highly acclaimed painter joins the gallery with his new series of Twenty Stations of the Dorset Coast alongside Akiko Hirai, one of the leading ceramic artists in this country. Sladers Yard Contemporary Art, Furniture & Craft Gallery, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL. Entry Free 01308 459511 sladersyard.co.uk.

62 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

13 – 17 MAY An exhibition of local practising artists, Allan Green and Moira Baumbach to be held at Mayfair Town & Country, The Square, Beaminster.

Come along and visit the office to view the impressive art produced within this wonderful town. 10am – 4pm, every day.

A percentage of all proceeds raised will be gifted to The Prout Bridge Project (formally Beaminster Youth Club) 01308 862606 www.mayfairproperties.net.

13 – 18 MAY Made @ IAC A pop-up exhibition by students on our Slow Stitch and Pastel Pencils workshops. A chance to admire what has been achieved over the past few terms, and get inspired yourself.

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

UNTIL 18 MAY Michael Williams – Folds of Landscape Michael Williams was born in Patna, India in 1936. After reading History at Oxford he studied painting at La Grande Chaumiere in Paris. Returning to London he taught Art History at St. Martin’s (1964 -71) and then Fine Art at Goldsmith’s (1972 – 81). In the 1970s he moved to Wales which led to a shift from a kind of ‘pop art’ painting to a kind of Ruskinian landscape painting, devoted to the Marches and later to the Greek and Aegean landscapes. In 2015 he won Second Prize in in the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition. Kelly Ross Fine Art, The Art Stable. www.theartstable. co.uk. The Art Stable Child Okeford Blandford Dorset DT11 8HB. 18 MAY – 2 JUNE OPEN FOR ART 19 is happening in the South Dorset area. An open studios event with over 70 venues and 200+ artists to

visit in large group venues in historic buildings, galleries, cafes, shops and artist’s own studios. A chance to see artists and their work ranging from painting, printing, sculpture, pottery to textile art, jewellery and glass making, the visitor can purchase, commission or just enjoy the view. Brochures available from tourist offices, libraries, galleries, local cafes, hotels and shops or view online at www.openforart. co.uk. Use maps and weblinks for more information on artists and to plot your route, paying attention to opening times when planning your visits. Take the Trail, enjoy, be inspired, support your local artists and sign up to the website to receive OFA updates. Launch event on 11 May 10am - 4pm at award winning Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington, see artists working, demonstrating and exhibiting at special entry price £7.50.

20 MAY – 8 JUNE The Creative Collective Diverse group of makers creating unique, high quality pieces – ceramics, silversmithing, textile screen prints, fused glass, embroidery, painting, botanical and wildlife art. Free.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster.

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

23 – 31 MAY Jan Shayler solo exhibition of paintings. Kennaway House, Sidmouth 01395 515551.

25 MAY – 22 JUNE Paper Play This exhibition showcases work created by artists and the community taking inspiration from ‘On Paper’: an Arts Council Collection Touring Exhibition. Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG), Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX. www.thelmahulbert.com 01404 45006.

UNTIL 2 JUNE RWA Sculpture Open Exhibition Showcasing some of the most exciting sculptors from across the country and beyond. It’s a journey through contemporary sculpture and the perfect way to discover new artists. Royal West of England Academy, Queen’s Road, Clifton Bristol BS8 1PX, 01179735129 www. rwa.org.uk.

Extreme Imagination: inside the mind’s eye When you daydream,

remember, or think of someone you know, do you see a picture in your mind? Is it extremely clear and vivid, foggy or non-existent? If you had no image at all in your mind’s eye, would this affect your work if you were an artist? Extreme Imagination: inside the mind’s eye explores these questions through the work of 22 artists with aphantasia (no inner visual imagery) and hyperphantasia (its opposite). Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RX www.rammuseum.org.uk.

UNTIL 23 JUNE Exhibition: Warm Beer and Cabbages at West Bay Discovery Centre. The men from the US 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One), 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, F Company, were stationed in West Bay from November 1943 – June 1944 prior to D Day. Landing on Omaha beach, many never made it home. The exhibition will retell their stories on this 75th Anniversary year.

Open daily 11am – 4pm excluding Mondays. Admission free, donations welcome. Further details www. westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/.

Journeying to Light: The mosaics of Elaine M Goodwin A celebration of mosaics and be entranced by the play of light on gold, coloured glass and marble.

This retrospective exhibition celebrates forty years of mosaic art by this remarkable artist. Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RX www.rammuseum. org.uk.

UNTIL JULY 6 Wicked Wessex - Witches in Wessex Discover how those suspected of witchcraft were treated in Wessex, and see a scold’s bridle (on loan from Salisbury Museum.)

It was used to punish people who were suspected of witchcraft. It was placed over the victim’s head, so they couldn’t speak, or more importantly, curse anyone. This is one of the horrible punishments used during the 17th century witch trials that took place not just in Wessex, but across the whole of Europe. Some witches faced the stocks or ducking stool, others were hanged. Free to visit with museum ticket. For more information visit shirehalldorset. org or call 01305 261849. Shire Hall, Dorchester.

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PREVIEW On Stage - In and Around the Vale Modou’s music played on the soundtrack of the 2006 film Blood Diamond, and was also featured on the award-winning Channel 4 TV series Skins.

Hise latest album, Londo, unites world-class musicians and blends together an irresistible mix of beautiful harmonies with the gentle yet lively tones of the kora, the vibrant grooves of bass guitar and a variety of African percussion instruments.

Modou’s music draws on inspiration from his homeland, his life experiences and current global issues. For these concerts, he is joined

by Suntou Susso (Gambia) on drums and percussion, Amadou Diagne (Senegal) on percussion and Edd Bateman (UK) on bass guitar.

Beatson and Cassini TOURING Senegalese kora master Modou opens the Artsreach summer season at Wootton Fitzpaine and Buckland Newton

Virtuoso Kora player VILLAGES

SENEGALESE kora player Modou Ndiaye and his band opens the Artsreach summer season with performances including at Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall on Thursday 9th May, and Buckland Newton on Friday 10th, at 7.30pm.

Modou, aka Mamadou Ndiaye Cissokho, brother of Seckou Keita, is a virtuoso kora player, songwriter, drummer and percussionist, and a member of the famous Cissokho family of Griot musicians from Southern Senegal.

Modou fuses modern and traditional beats, playing a variety of West African instruments including his leading instrument, the mesmerising 22 stringed Kora, a West African harp.

Often in demand for both TV and film,

SCOTTISH pianist Alasdair Beatson makes a welcome return to Concerts in the West, playing sonatas by Schubert, Brahms and Faure with the Franco-American violinist Elissa Cassini on 2nd, 3rd and 4th May. The concerts are on Thursday 2nd at Wellhayes Vineyard, Wiveliscombe, Friday coffee concert at Bridport Arts Centre and evening concert at Ilminster Arts Centre and Saturday, at The Dance House, Crewkerne (Somerset) Founder and director of Concerts in the West, Catherine Hodgson, said: “We are privileged to have Alasdair Beatson perform again for us this season. He brings with him a wonderful colleague and friend, Elissa Cassini, who is a passionate chamber musician.

We are delighted to welcome her to the West Country and of course Alasdair is already a firm favourite with our audiences.”

Described by the Sunday Times as: “Artistry incarnate—that was Beatson”, the Scottish pianist is now one of the UK’s most prominent chamber musicians, as well as a prolific

soloist, performing in London’s major venues and festivals in the UK and abroad. He has a particular affinity with classical concerto repertoire by composers including Bach, Bartok, Faure and Mozart. Equally, he is not afraid to explore works by more exotic or little known composers such as the Russian Catoire and the French Gabriel Pierné.

He is Chamber Pianist in Residence at Sage Gateshead and has recently become co-artistic director of Ernen Festival in Switzerland where he has performed many times.

Elissa Cassini has a Masters degree from the Juilliard School in New York and has been described by the New York Times as “truly communicative” and an “impeccable and powerful soloist” by Neue Musik Zeitung.

Performances include Philip Glass’ concerto The American Four Seasons with the Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne in Rennes, and Jérôme Combier’s concerto, Conditions de Lumière, with the Argento New Music Project and the Cairn Ensemble in New York.

Bessie Smith—her life in music BRIDPORT

BESSIE Smith rose from poverty-stricken beginnings to become the best known African American performer of her time.

The story of the “Empress of the blues and jazz” is told in Ma Bessie and Her Blues Troop, a narrated show with music at Bridport Arts Centre on Friday 24th May. The production tells Bessie’s story from childhood in a one-room shack in Blue Goose Hollow, Tennessee, where she was born in 1894, through to success as the highest paid black entertainer of the time, and her tragic death on Route 61 in September 1937 at Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Bessie is played by Julia Titus, with a stellar line-up of musicians as her band—Sam Kelly, drums, Paul Jobson, keyboards, Tony Quinta,

EDMUND KEAN AND DORCHESTER THE greatest and most popular actor of his age, Edmund Kean had unexpected and tragic links to Dorchester which are revealed in a play coming to Dorchester Arts at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 8th May Ian Hughes, a long-time member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and winner of the first Ian Charleston best actor award, plays the title role in The Dramatic Exploits of Edmund Kean, a humorous and heart-breaking solo show which celebrates the spirit of one of British theatre’s most remarkable talents. Written and performed by Hughes, the play charts the rise and decline of the great 19th century actor. After years of treading the boards around the country as a strolling player, Kean was catapulted to stardom by his performance as Shylock at Drury Lane in 2014. This engagement arose directly from Kean’s being seen on stage in Dorchester the previous year. But the links with Dorset were also deeply sad. On that same visit, Kean’s young son died and is buried in the churchyard at Holy Trinity on High West Street. Kean became the most popular actor of his day, electrifying audiences with his Shakespearean performances. But after a few years, his increasingly erratic behaviour—fuelled by alcohol—and scandals in his private life damaged his relationship with the public.

As well as his stage career, Ian Hughes has many television credits including appearances in Dr Who, Robin Hood, Torchwood, Ransom, Gavin and Stacey, Mutual Friends and Stella.

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PREVIEW guitar, Richard Sadler, upright bass, Clare Hirst, sax and clarinet and Kevin, trumpet.

The show features music from the period, including 22 of Bessie’s songs.

Gigspanner and more SOUTH PETHERTON

MAY at the David Hall, South Petherton, begins with a gig by Gigspanner, Peter Knight’s acclaimed trio, on Friday 3rd May. In the wake of his departure from Steeleye Span, the multi-award fiddle player Peter Knight turned his full attention to this trio, establishing them as one of the most exciting and ground-breaking bands on the folk scene.

Gigspanner are also with Dorchester Arts and the Corn Exchange on Saturday 4th May The mood turns more sultry on Saturday 11th for an evening of flamenco music and Spanish food. Sangre Flamenca features dancers Aneta Skut and Victoria Clifford with musicians Cuffy Cuthbertson (guitar), and Jaime Cantera and Kostka Garcia on vocals and percussion. The ticket price includes the music and tapas.

Veteran entertainer Richard Digance comes to the David Hall on Friday 17th.

With a staggering career including 4,200 live shows, 62 British tours, 17 books, three stage plays and 32 albums, Digance has been delighting fans for nearly 50 years with his mix of original songs, folk music and comedy.

On Sunday 26th, the David Hall hosts a “chance to dance” event with festival favourites Blackbeard’s Tea Party. Regulars at Cambridge Folk Festival, Cropredy Convention and Glastonbury, the band play a mix of traditional and original folk rock songs guaranteed to get the audience up on their feet.

The month ends with a gig by Steve Turner, a master of the English concertina and multi-instrumentalist who plays mandolin and banjo and accompanies himself on the cittern. He has played with many of the greats of the British folk scene, including Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy and Nancy Kerr.

Baroque Theatre Company stages Death and the Maiden at Bridport and Weymouth rights abuses. Paulina is convinced that the charismatic Dr Miranda was the supervisor of her torture and abuse when she was held as a political prisoner. When their paths accidentally cross, Paulina takes Miranda prisoner and puts him “on trial.” The impact of Gerardo Escobar is powerful as he is pulled between his wife and his new friend.

You will never hear Schubert’s great quartet, known as Death And The Maiden, the same again!

White wedding HONITON

HONITON’s Beehive Centre has a musical comedy, White Wedding, featuring popular tribute band Bootleg Blondie, on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th May.

The show, which is at 7.30pm, with a 2.30 Saturday matinee, is described as “an outrageous, time-bendingly funny play” about a group of accidental time travellers, by John Gregory, performed by Harley’s Aunt Productions.

Later in the month, the Beehive audience will be Shadowing Hank. Justin Daish’s exciting and affectionate tribute to Britain’s original guitar hero, Hank Marvin of The Shadows, is on Saturday 18th May at 7.30pm.

Jazzing it up LYME REGIS

JAZZ Jurassica, Lyme Regis’s super-cool jazz festival, returns for four days over the late May bank holiday, from 24th to 27th May with a range of free and ticketed gigs at venues including the Marine Theatre and local pubs and hotels as well as the Marine Shelters.

It’s a treat for dedicated jazz fans and lovers of the blues, and for anyone who likes good music in a gorgeous location.

Performers include KickAss Brass, Laurence Jones, Powerhouse Gospel Choir, Equinor Big Band, Matt Carter and Leigh Coleman, and Neil Maya’s Brubeck Brunch. For more information, visit www. lymeregisjazzfestival.co.uk.

GP-W

Death and the Maiden BRIDPORT AND WEYMOUTH

ONE of the darkest episodes in 20th century South American history provides the backdrop for Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden, a brilliant play that became a film, and is now on tour with Baroque Theatre Company, coming to Bridport Arts Centre on Tuesday 7th May, Weymouth Pavilion on Wednesday 8th and Minehead’s Regal Theatre on Thursday 9th.

The play is set in an unnamed country that is emerging painfully from a period of totalitarian dictatorship, a time of disappearances, torture and terror. It explores the after-effects of repression on the hearts and souls of victims, survivors and perpetrators.

Paulina Escobar’s husband Gerardo is to head an investigation into past human

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PERFORMANCE TUESDAY 30 APRIL BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Faust, by satellite from the Royal Opera, 6.45.

WEDNESDAY 1 MAY BATH, Forum, Remembering the Movies with Aljaz and Janeette from Strictly Come Dancing.

BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, The Importance of Being Earnest, recorded from Vaudeville Theatre, 11am.

BRISTOL, Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet in Beauty and the Beast, to Sat, various times.

EXETER, Northcott Theatre, Le Navet Bete in The Three Musketeers, a comedy adventures, to Sat, 7.30, Fri/Sat/Sun mats.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, The Importance of Being Earnest, recorded from Vaudeville Theatre, 7pm POOLE, Lighthouse, BSO, cond Marta Gardolinska, Johannes Moser, cello, Grieg, Haydn, Leshnoff, Mozart, 7.30.

SHERBORNE, Abbey, Lunchtime organ recital, James Henderson, 1pm.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Paul Young, 35 Years of No Parlez, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Go Now - the Music of the Moody Blues.

THURSDAY 2 MAY BATH, Theatre Royal, Ustinov Studio, Suzi Ruffell in Nocturnal, comedy, 8.

BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, All About Eve, Gillian Anderson and Lily James, encore from West End, 7pm.

BRISTOL, Old Vic, Barber Shop Chronicles, to 18 May. HONITON, Beehive, Gounod’s Faust, recorded by satellite front he Royal Opera, 6.45.

SIDMOUTH, Parish Church, BSO, cond Marta Gardolinska, Johannes Moser, cello, Grieg, Haydn, Leshnoff, Mozart, 7.30.

SOUTHAMPTON, Nuffield City, Kneehigh in Dead Dog in a Suitcase, to Sat, 7.30.

TIVERTON, Wellhayes Vineyard, Clayhanger, Concerts in the West, Elissa Cassini, violin, Alasdair Beatson, piano, Schubert, Faure, Brahms, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, The Carpenters Story.

FRIDAY 3 MAY BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Rich Hall, SOLD OUT. Arts Centre, Concerts in the West, Elissa Cassini, violin, Alasdair Beatson, piano, Schubert, Faure, Brahms, 11am: Notflix, the Improvised Musical, 7.30.

BRISTOL, St George’s, BSO, cond Marta Gardolinska, Johannes Moser, cello, Grieg, Haydn, Leshnoff, Mozart, 7.30.

EXETER, Cygnet Theatre, Exim Dance Co in Marked, 7.30.

EXMOUTH, Pavilion, Money for Nothing, Dire Straits tribute.

ILMINSTER, Arts Centre, Concerts in the West, Elissa Cassini, violin, Alasdair Beatson, piano, Schubert, Faure, Brahms, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, LR Fossil Festival, talks, debates, storytelling, music, to Sun. SHERBORNE, Sherborne Abbey Festival, classical and jazz concerts, film, workshops, to Tues.

Abbey, Nicola Benedetti, violin, Festival Orchestra, cond Leonard Elschenbroich, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, 7.45.

SIDMOUTH, Manor Pavilion, The Story of the Beach Boys, tribute, 7.30.

SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Gigspanner, 8.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Amy, tribute to Amy Winehouse, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Paul Merton’s Impro Chums. SOLD OUT SATURDAY 4 MAY BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Shifting Sands in The Government Inspector, 7.30.

Electric Palace, Bite Sizes Ballet on Screen, Northern Ballet’s The Tortoise and the Hare, 11am: Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, 1971, 7.30.

CLAYHIDON, Village Hall, Bojangles play Excalibow, comedy classics, 7.30. ViA CREWKERNE, Dance House, Concerts in the West, Elissa Cassini, violin, Alasdair Beatson, piano, Schubert, Faure, Brahms, 7.30.

DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, folk, 8.

EXETER, Cygnet Theatre, Finding the Will in Naming the View, reimagining of Shakespeare’s Shrew after 30 years of marriage, 7.30.

Southernhay UR Church, Exeter Choral Society, Haydn, The Seasons, 7.30.

Barnfield Theatre, Simon and Garfukel Story, 7.30.

EXMOUTH, Pavilion, Jive Talkin’, BeeGees tribute.

SHERBORNE, Abbey, Tenebrae, 20th century choral works, 7.

SIDMOUTH, Manor Pavilion, Mike Grogan’s Life After Sherlock, play, 7.30.

TAUNTON, Centre for Young Musicians at Richard Huish College, Concerts in the West, Elissa Cassini, violin, Alasdair Beatson, piano, Schubert, Faure, Brahms, 10.45am.

WEST BAY, Sladers Yard, John Etheridge, guitar, Vimala Rowe, vocas, jazz, 8.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, The Carpenter’s Story.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Rich Hall’s Hoedown, music and comedy.

SUNDAY 5 MAY BRISTOL, Old Vic, The Horne Section, 7.30.

EXETER, Corn Exchange, Mark

Beaumont, Around the World in 80 Days, explorers talk, 7.30.

NORTON SUB HAMDON, Village Hall, Bojangles, Excalibow, comedy classical, 7pm TA SHERBORNE, Big School Room, Claire Martin and Ray Gelato, jazz, Let There be Love, 7.45.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Peter Pan, Easter pantomime, 2 and 6.

MONDAY 6 MAY BATH, Theatre Royal, The Rocky Horror Show with Joanne Clifton, Ben Adams and Steve Punt, to Sat, various times.

Komedia, Rozi Plain, singer songwriter.

EXETER, Northcott Theatre, The Mousetrap, to Sat, 7.30, Wed/Sat mats 2.30.

PLYMOUTH, Theatre Royal, Annie with Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan, to Sat. SHERBORNE, Abbey, James O’Donnell, organ, 10am; Festival Chorus, Sherborne Classical Players, cond Paul Ellis, bass David Soar (Elijah), soprano Josephine Goddard, mezzo Frances Gregory, tenor Rhys Batt and bass Adam Maxey. Mendelssohn’s Elijah, 7.30.

Digby Memorial Church Hall, Disney’s Fantasia, relaxed screening, 10.30am.

Sherborne Girls, arts centre, The Pity of War, Martin Roscoe, piano, Matthew Trusler, violin, Petroc Trelawney, narrator, music by Elgar, Debussy, Janacek, poems by Wilfred Owen, 2pm.

YEOVIL, Swan Theatre, The School for Scandal, to Sat. TUESDAY 7 MAY BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Baroque Theatre in Ariel Dorfmann’s Death and the Maiden, 7.30.

BRISTOL, Hippodrome, Matilda the Musical, to 8 June, 7.30, Wed/Sat mats 2.30.

FROME, Memorial Theatre, Frome Musical Theatre Co in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, to Sat, 7, Sat/Sun mats 2pm.

PLYMOUTH, Theatre Royal, Drum Studio, National Theatre Connections, to Sat. SHERBORNE, Abbey, Alexander Armstrong, and band, songs from the musicals, jazz classics and more, 7.30.

SIDMOUTH, Sidholme Music Room, Nina Savicevic, piano, East Devon Music Festival, 7.30.

WEDNESDAY 8 MAY BOURNEMOUTH, BIC, Katherine Jenkins, Her Favourite Songs.

BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Spartacus, satellite screening from The Australian Ballet, 7pm.

DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Ian Hughes in The Dramatic Exploits of Edmund Kean, 8.

WIMBORNE, Tivoli Theatre, Show of Hands, folk, 7.30.

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PERFORMANCE WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Baroque Theatre in Death and the Maiden.

THURSDAY 9 MAY AXMINSTER, Minster, Margaret AagesenHughes, soprano, Andrew Wilson, piano, lunchtime concert, 12.30.

BOURNEMOUTH, BIC, Olly Murs.

BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Rachel Newton, folk singer and harpist, 7.30.

Electric Palace, The White Crow, film, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Jo Harman, blues, 7.30.

SALISBURY, Playhouse, Salberg Studio, Jethro Compton’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a new Celtic musical, to Sat, 7.45, Sat mat 2.45.

SOUTHAMPTON, Mayflower, Welsh National Opera, The Magic Flute, 7.15 and Sat 3.

TAUNTON, Brewhouse, European Arts Co in Trials of Oscar Wilde, 7.30.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion,Stewart Francis, Into the Punset, comedy.

WOOTTON FITZPAINE, Village Hall, Modou N’Diaye and band, griot from Senegal. 7.30. AR YEOVIL, Octagon, Motiv8 in Starlight Express, to Sun, and 14-18 May, Tues-Sat, 7.30 and Sat mats 2, Sun 6pm.

FRIDAY 10 MAY BATH, Forum, Paul Young.

BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Jason Donovan, 7.30.

Arts Centre, Mercury, Queen tribute, 7.30.

BRISTOL, Fiddlers, Wreckless Eric.

BUCKLAND NEWTON, Village Hall, Modou N’Diaye and band, griot from Senegal. 7.30. AR DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Megson, folk, 8.

EXETER, Cygnet Theatre, Artemis Storytelling, Sunflowers and Buddha Babies, 7.30.

EXMOUTH, Pavilion, Richard Jones, Britain’s Got Talent winner.

FROME, Cheese and Grain, Sharon Shannon and band, with Seckou Keita.

HONITON, Beehive, White Wedding, musical comedy with Bootleg Blondie, and Sat, 7.30, Sat mat 2.30 ILMINSTER, Arts Centre, Magnolia Jazz Band, 8.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Kris Drever, Scottish folk singer and guitarist, 8.

SOUTHAMPTON, Mayflower, Welsh National Opera, Donizetti’s Robert Devereux, 7.30.

TAUNTON, Brewhouse, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, to Sun, various times.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion,The Bon Jovi Experience.

SATURDAY 11 MAY BATH, Forum, Katherine Jenkins, Her Favourite Songs.

BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Dub Pistols, 7pm.

Arts Centre, Dialogues des Carmelites, by satellite from Metropolitan Opera, 5pm.

DORCHESTER, St Mary’s Church, Dorchester Chamber Orchestra, cond Walter Brewster, Frida Backman, violin, Reznicek, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, 7.30.

EXMOUTH, Holy Trinity Church, Exmouth Choral Society, Vaughan Williams, Britten, Howard Goodall’s Requiem, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Robyn Hitchcock, singer songwriter, 8.

SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Sangre Flamenca, music and dance, 7.30.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, He Writes the Songs, the Barry Manilow songbook.

SUNDAY 12 MAY DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Kokoro, A Night in Venice, Berg, Webern, Schoenberg, 7.

MONDAY 13 MAY EXETER, Northcott Theatre, Frozen Light in The Isle of Brimsker, multi sensory story for audiences with profound and multiple learning difficulties, and Tues, 11am and 2pm.

TUESDAY 14 MAY BATH, Theatre Royal, Rona Munro’s Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, to Sat, 7.30, Wed/Sat mats 2.30.

PLYMOUTH, Theatre Royal, Cirque Berserk, to Sun: Drum Studio, Starving Artists in Let Me Look At You, to Sat. WEDNESDAY 15 MAY BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Benjamin Zephaniah and Revolutionary Minds, 8.

EXETER, Northcott Theatre, Pip Utton in And Before I Forget I Love You, I Love You, 7.30.

Corn Exchange, Show of Hands, folk, 8.

Barnfield Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to Sat, 7.30.

THURSDAY 16 MAY BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Radioactive, with Angus Deayton, comedy, 7.30.

Arts Centre, Christopher Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour, Crystal Pite’s Flight Pattern and Medussa by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, live by satellite from Royal Ballet, 7.15.

EXETER, Northcott Theatre, Hartshorn and Hook in Rotterdam, to Sat, 7.30 Sat mat 2.30.

Corn Exchange, Francis Rossi, 8.

HONITON, Beehive, Christopher Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour, Crystal Pite’s Flight Pattern and Medussa by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, live by satellite from Royal Ballet, 7.15.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Holly McNish, poetry, 7.30.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Johnson Studio, Yeovil Community Arts with novelist Jane Borodale, 7.30.

FRIDAY 17 MAY BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Jazz Cafe with Pete Canter and Simon Latarche, 8.

DORCHESTER, Shire Hall, Graham Moore and James Findlay, Songs and Scenes from Topuddle Man, 8.

EXETER, Cygnet Theatre, Pilot’s Thumb in Yezno, 8.

Corn Exchange, Radioactive with Angus Deayton, 8.

EXMOUTH, Pavilion, The Opera Boys.

LMINSTER, Arts Centre, Flying Folk, lineup tbc, 8.

SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Richard Digance, 8.

SATURDAY 18 MAY BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Dr John Cooper Clarke, poet, 8.

Arts Centre, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, 11am: The Robbie and Olly Show, Williams and Murs tribute.

DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Colin Sell, Clueless at the Keys, comedy, music and anecdotes, 8.

EXETER, Cygnet Theatre, Spring concert, local performance, fundraiser, 6.

EXMOUTH, Pavilion, Singalonga The Greatest Showman.

HONITON, Beehive, Shadowing Hank, tribute to Hank Marvin, 7.30.

ILMINSTER, Dillington House, Vogler Quartet, Mozart, Mendelssohn, 11.30am: Symanowski, Mendelssohn, 8.30pm.

Arts Centre, Bacchaeia Wind Quintet, with Lysandre Menard, piano, Farrenc, Roussel, Ravel, Francaix, etc, fund raiser for Lions International and Dementia UK, 8.

LUSTLEIGH, Village Hall, Little Soldier in Journey to the Impossible, retro futuristic adventure for the family, 7.30. ViA LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, The Amazing Bubble Man, children’s theatre, 11am and 2.30: Lyme Regis Comedy Club with Mike Bubbins, Wayne the Weird and Jon Pearson, 8.

SUNDAY 19 MAY BRIDPORT, Electric Palace, Carmen Suite and Petrushka, live by satellite from Bolshoi Ballet, 4.

ILMINSTER, Dillington House, Vogler Quartet, Schubert, Mendelssohn, 11.30am: Vogler and Piatti String Quartets, Bach, Walton, Mendelssohn, 2.30pm.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Jinder, Delta blues and bluegrass, 3pm. FREE SEATON, Gateway, Carmen Suite and Petrushka, live by satellite from Bolshoi Ballet, 4.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Some Guys Have all the Luck, 7.30.

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On Screen - In and Around the Vale WEDNESDAY 1 MAY Stan & Ollie (PG) Steve Coogan and John C Reilly excel in this bittersweet film about the twilight years of the great double act.

Moviola screening at Kilmington Village Hall, doors and bar open 6.45pm with the show starting at 7.15pm. Tickets £5 in advance: 01297 639758 leave contact info to receive acknowledgement. £5.50 at the door. See village web for email contact & film review https://www.kilmingtonvillage. com/other-organisations.html.

THURSDAY 2 MAY All is True Starring Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen, this film tells the story of William Shakespeare’s final days. £6 advance / £7.50 on the door Starts 7.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

FRIDAY 3 MAY Fisherman’s Friends (12A) 7.30pm £6.80/£5.80 Family of four £22. The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton. co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

SATURDAY 4 MAY Dumbo (PG) 3pm £6.80/£5.80 Family of four £22. The Beehive, Honiton. www. beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

TUESDAY 7 MAY Rebecca (U) Joan Fontaine plays the second wife of Maxim de Winter, forever in the shadows of the first – especially where Mrs Danvers, the housekeeper, is concerned. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Duration 130 minutes £6 advance / £7.50 on the door. Starts 7.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre. com.

WEDNESDAY 8 MAY Casablanca Tickets include welcome cocktail, two course dinner and film in the chapel, £30. Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3HZ England 01297 442010 www. hotelalexandra.co.uk/the-hotel/specialoffers.

FRIDAY 10 MAY SPY Milborne Movies, At Milborne St Andrew Village Hall, DT11 0JX. Doors and bar open, 7pm; film starts 7.30pm.

Melissa McCarthy shines in this clever action-comedy showcase provided by writer and director Paul Feig.

A Private War presented by Petherton Picture Show at 8pm. Starring Rosamund Pike as the celebrated war correspondent, Marie Colvin. Tickets: £5. No concessions.

The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www. thedavidhall.org.uk 01460 240340.

Green Book shown by CineChard. Oscarwinning film at Chard Guildhall. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets online from ticketsource/ cinechard, or at Eleos, the PO or Barron’s for £5 and £2.50 or on the night for £6 and £3.

SATURDAY 11 MAY Bohemian Rhapsody (15) presented by Hinton St. George ‘Flix in the Stix’ in the Hinton Village Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from the Village Shop and Dorothy’s Tea Room, or £5.50 on the door.

Doors open 7pm. To reserve Tickets please contact Bob Kefford on 01460 72563.

MONDAY 13 MAY Stan and Ollie Beer Film Society at Steamers Restaurant, Beer. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm screening. Members £4, guests £5. All welcome Bar, coffee, ice cream and raffle available.

FRIDAY 17 MAY Wild Rose (15) 7.30pm £6.80/£5.80. The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton. co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

Mary Queen of Scots Starring Saoirse Ronan: Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England, finds her condemned to years of imprisonment before facing execution. £6 advance / £7.50 on the door Starts 7.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

SATURDAY 18 MAY Bohemian Rhapsody (12A) Halstock Village Cinema on the big screen in Halstock Village Hall. A foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury.

Tickets £6 from Halstock Shop or on the door. Licensed Bar opens at 7pm for 7.30pm start.

TUESDAY 21 MAY Rebel without a Cause (PG) James Dean Duration 111 minutes £6 advance / £7.50 on the door. Starts 7.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

FRIDAY 24 MAY Green Book (12A) shown by T & F Movies Biography/Comedy/Drama in Tatworth Memorial Hall at 8pm. The doors open at 7.15pm and the entry charge is £4.50.

Greta (15) 7.30pm £6.80/£5.80. Having lost her mother, Frances quickly grows closer to widowed Greta. The two become

68 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

fast friends - but Greta’s maternal charms begin to dissolve and grow increasingly disturbing as Frances discovers that nothing in Greta’s life is what it seems. The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

The Favourite 8pm presented by Petherton Picture Show. Tickets: £5. No concessions. The David Hall, Roundwell Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5AA www.thedavidhall.org.uk 01460 240 340.

SATURDAY 25 MAY Avengers: Endgame 7.30pm £6.80/£5.80.

After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe. The Beehive, Honiton. www. beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

TUESDAY 28 MAY How to train your Dragon: The Hidden World £4.50 advance and on the door Starts 2pm Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www.marinetheatre.com.

THURSDAY 30 MAY Ralph Breaks The Internet £4.50 advance and on the door. Starts 2pm Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

If Beale Street Could Talk (15) Based on James Baldwin’s book, a woman in Harlem embraces her pregnancy while she and her family struggle to prove her fiancé innocent of a crime. Duration 119 minutes £6 advance / £7.50 on the door Starts 7.30pm. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis www. marinetheatre.com.

FRIDAY 31 MAY Nostalgic Cinema: Born Free (PG) (dementia-friendly screening) 2pm £3.80 - includes tea and biscuits. 1966 British drama film about a real-life couple who raised Elsa the Lioness, an orphaned lion cub, to adulthood, and released her into the wilderness of Kenya. The Beehive, Honiton. www.beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

The White Crow (12A) 7.30pm £6.80/£5.80 Family of four £22. Written

by David Hare and directed by Ralph Fiennes, The White Crow is the incredible true story of legendary dancer Rudolf Nureyev whose escape to the West stunned the world at the height of the Cold War. The Beehive, Honiton. www. beehivehoniton.co.uk Box office 01404 384050.

PERFORMANCE MONDAY 20 MAY LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Mark Hix in conversation with Mariella Frostrup, 7.

Fundraiser.

TUESDAY 21 MAY EXETER, Northcott Theatre, English Touring Opera, Verdi’s Macbeth, and Fri, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Rebel Without a Cause, James Dean 1955 film, 7.30.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY BATH, Theatre Royal, My Mother Said I Never Should, to Sat, 7.30, Thurs/Sat mats 2.30.

Forum, The Waterboys.

BOURNEMOUTH, BIC, Rita Ora. EXETER, Northcott Theatre, English Touring Opera, Mozart’s Idomeneo, and Sat, 7.30.

Corn Exchange, Julian Clary, Born to Mince, comedy, 8.

EXMOUTH, Pavilion, The Band of the Royal Marines.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Emma Johnson and the Gildas Quartet, Haydn, Weber, Mozart, 7.30.

Swan Theatre, Civic Players in Caught in the Net, to Sat, 7.30.

Museums ALLHALLOWS MUSEUM

High Street, Honiton.

01404 44966. www.honitonmuseum.co.uk

AXMINSTER HERITAGE

THURSDAY 23 MAY DORCHESTER, Corn Exchange, Cyphers Theatre in Northanger Abbey, 8.

EXETER, Northcott Theatre, English Touring Opera, Rossini’s Elizabeth I, 7.30.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, recorded satellite screening, 7.

SHUTE, St Michael’s Church, Thomas Bowes, violin, Bach Pilgrimage, unaccompanied sonatas and partitas, 7.30. ViA WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, The Ballroom Boys, Ian Waite and Vincent Simone.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Julian Clary, Born to Mince.

FRIDAY 24 MAY BRIDPORT, Arts Centre, Ma Bessie and her Blues Troop, 7.30.

EXETER, Corn Exchange, Reginald D Hunter, Facing the Beast, comedy, 8.

EXMOUTH, Pavilion, The Ballroom Boys with Ian Waite and Vincent Simone.

ILMINSTER, Arts Centre, Alan Barnes and Art Theman, with Dave Newton Trio, jazz, 8.

LYME REGIS, Marine Theatre, Jazz Jurassica, festival, to Sun. SEATON, Gateway, The Man Hatter’s Music Festival, to Sun, from 6pm.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Walk Right Back,

SATURDAY 25 MAY AWLISCOMBE, parish church, Thomas Bowes, violin, Bach Pilgrimage, unaccompanied sonatas and partitas, 7.30. ViA EXMOUTH, Pavilion, The Rolling Stones Story.

SHERBORNE, Abbey, Mendip Consort of Recorders, 1pm.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, The Bowie Experience.

YEOVIL, Octagon, The Summer of Love.

SUNDAY 26 MAY SOUTH PETHERTON, David Hall, Blackbeard’s Tea Party, A Chance to Dance, 7.30.

WEYMOUTH, Pavilion, Ivo Graham, comedy.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Margo Fonteyn Centenary Celebration, Ballet Theatre UK, 5pm.

MONDAY 27 MAY SHERBORNE, Abbey, Lunchtime organ recital, David Halls, 1pm.

Please telephone for opening hours www.chardmuseum.co.uk.

CHIDEOCK MUSEUM

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

Silver Street, Axminster.

01297 639884.

COLYTON HERITAGE CENTRE

www.axminsterheritage.org

Market Place, Colyton

BEAMINSTER MUSEUM

the Everly Brothers story.

YEOVIL, Octagon, Leo Sayer, Just a Boy at 70.

www.colytonheritagecentre.org

MUSEUM High Street, Ilchester

(at the side of the Town Hall).

01935 841247.

LYME REGIS MUSEUM

Bridge Street, Lyme Regis.

01297 443370.

NOTHE FORT

The Keep, Bridport Road, Dorchester. 01305 264066.

www.fortressweymouth.co.uk.

www.beaminstermuseum.

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

217 Wakeham Portland.

01305 821804.

www.crewkernemuseum.co.uk

ROYAL ALBERT MEMORIAL MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Bere’s Yard, Blandford Forum.

01258 450388. www.blandfordtownmuseum.org

BRIDPORT MUSEUM

South Street, Bridport.

01308 422116.

DORSET COUNTY

High West Street, Dorchester.

01305 262735. (Closed) www.dorsetcountymuseum.org.

EXMOUTH MUSEUM

www.bridportmuseum.co.uk.

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

CASTLETON WATERWHEEL MUSEUM

FAIRLYNCH ARTS CENTRE AND MUSEUM

Oborne Road, Sherborne.

27 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton.

01395 442666.

www.castletonwaterwheelmuseum. org.uk

CHARD MUSEUM

Godworthy House, High Street, Chard. 01460 65091.

GROVE PRISON MUSEUM

Governors Gardens, The Grove, Portland. 01305 715726.

ILCHESTER COMMUNITY

Dowell Street, Honiton.

01404 45006.

THE MILITARY MUSEUM OF DEVON AND DORSET

CREWKERNE & DISTRICT MUSEUM

BLANDFORD MUSEUM

THELMA HULBERT GALLERY, ELMFIELD HOUSE

Barrack Road, Weymouth.

01305 766626.

Whitcombe Road, Beaminster.

01308 863623. wordpress.com

SIDMOUTH MUSEUM

Hope Cottage, Church Street, Sidmouth. 01395 516139.

PORTLAND MUSEUM

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

SEATON MUSEUM

www.keepmilitarymuseum.org.

TOLPUDDLE MARTYRS MUSEUM

Tolpuddle, nr Dorchester.

01305 848237.

TUDOR HOUSE

3 Trinity Street, Weymouth.

01305 779711 or 812341.

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

www.weymouthcivicsociety.org.

SHERBORNE MUSEUM

Abbey gatehouse, Church Lane, Sherborne. 01935 812252.

Sutton Poyntz Pumping Station, Sutton Poyntz, Weymouth.

01305 832634

www.sherbornemuseum.co.uk.

www.wessexwessex.co.uk.

SHIRE HALL MUSEUM

WATER SUPPLY MUSEUM

WEYMOUTH MUSEUM

High West Street, Dorchester.

01305 261849

Brewers Quay Hope Square, Weymouth. 01305 457982

www.shirehalldorset.org

www.weymouthmuseum.org.uk

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 69

Health&Beauty

What can you do for the Red Cross?

There’s a lot more to the Red Cross than many realise

WHEN many people think of the British Red Cross, their thoughts turn to Emergency Response work overseas or First Aid. The emblem is recognised all over the world and it symbolises impartial help and assistance to those in need. However not everyone will be aware that there is a huge range of services helping people in crisis, right here in the UK; from supporting people after a stay in hospital, preparing and responding to emergencies, to reuniting families across the globe.

In Dorset services include Crisis Response, Support at Home, Mobility Aids, Community Connectors and Refugee Services. Like any charity, the British Red Cross is dependent on fundraising and donations to survive, as well as the amazing efforts of a team of dedicated volunteers across the county.

At the end of 2016, the British Red Cross teamed up with Dorset County Hospital to offer a new service which supports patients after a stay in hospital.

The Support at Home service provides patients, who are over 65, with short-term support (up to six weeks) to smooth the process of settling back into a normal routine and enabling people to regain confidence and independence.

The service aims to: • Reduce the risk of re-admission to hospital • Reduce social isolation through signposting to longer term support • Reduce pressure on the hospital Fiona Pearson is the Service Manager for Independent Living Services in Dorset. She said: “I love my job, the services that we run in Dorset really do make a difference. This gives us all a great sense of achievement every day.”

The Support at Home team visit around 35 people a month. Volunteer assistance includes supporting people

70 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

with their shopping, signposting to other organisations within the community, providing welfare checks and taking people to health appointments.

“Sometimes the support can be taking the time to chat and listen over a cup of tea during a visit. Something so simple can make such a big difference” continued Fiona.

Eighty-four year old Sylvia Downing recently used the service after a fall left her with a badly fractured hip. “It’s very good,” said Sylvia. “You don’t realise how much support is out there for you. The British Red Cross visited me and helped me with shopping. You know there’s someone at the end of the phone, if you need some help… it’s just nice to know that people are there.”

Sylvia’s case is a typical one, people using the service tend to live on their own and have limited friends and family that can help.

Anyone can become a volunteer.

People appreciate the support from the British Red Cross, they are happy to accept help from their amazing volunteers.

How to get involved You can help support people in the local community by becoming a volunteer for the British Red Cross. If you have a couple of hours to spare each week, they have a wide range of volunteering roles that they are currently recruiting for in Dorset.

To find out more about volunteering contact Ella Coates ellacoates@redcross. org.uk Tel: 01305 214437 or visit www.redcross.org.uk/volunteer and search Dorset. Or for information on the Support at Home Service email Dorsetsupportathome@redcross.org.uk.

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 71

Services&Classified 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

RESTORATION Furniture restoration.

Antiques large and small carefully restored. City and Guilds qualified, ten years experience in local family firm. Phil Meadley 01297 560335

jul 19

STUDIO WANTED Female artist requires dry studio space within the Bridport area. Contact 07443516141

May 19

CURTAINS

DECORATING

Little Curtains.

Handmade Curtains, Blinds and Cushions.

Contact 07443 516141 or 01308485325

Mar 20

MUSIC

Painting/Decorating Team & Landscaping/ clearance/gardening/odd jobs. Two post university Students. Experienced decorators. Fast, efficient.

Cheap rates. References avlb. Pedro Warner 07557 965887 Jun 19

FOR SALE Darley 27” massage couch, wheeled carrying case, cushions, covers, arm, head rests. Cost £485.

Almost unused. £150. Tel. 07980 809857

Cast Table £180 07730376626.

1930s cut glass vase/jug, Piano, violin, theory grapefruit dishes, butter dish, tuition at your home.

PAINTING/GARDENING jam pot etc all excellent condiHighly qualified teacher. tion £50 01297 442534.

20 years experience.

Two art graduates Patio set of cedar table and Adults and children looking for light chairs with cushions good welcome. Beginners to gardening, painting, quality £75 also Arabic tea/cofadvanced. Dr Thomas clearing and sorting fee set £25 01935 872421.

Gold 07917 835781 Aug 19 work from May - August Bistro set, cane ratten, two 2019. Rate: £10 an hour. seats glass toptable from otter Please contact Holly on nursery good condition ideal GARDEN MAINTENANCE 07540958098 or Daisy on for conservatory £50 01305 07713 656816. Thank you 832103.

Garden maintenance.

Divan bed single storage unLocal man available for all Glass + wrought iron dining der mattress and headboard in types of gardening work. table + 6 chairs. John Lewis, good clean condition includes Grass cutting, pruning, good condition, could be used linen £40 01305 832103. landscaping etc outdoors photos £45 01297 Cross trainer, Marc Cyclone, Also wood/metal repairs 599237. good condition no longer on benches and gates etc.

Electra Beckham Bandsaw needed £45 01305 832103.

Tel.07835450606. Email BAS315 Single phase ripfence. Draper 16” fretsaw. Model white.feathers11@yahoo.

Leg stand 160mm depth of cut. FS16A, max cut 2” tilting table com

Monthly Quiz –

240v £50 ono 07730376626.

Bromsley prof tread mill £900. Wolsey Merry light weight garden tiller £50 01297 21572.

Duvet doublebed size 13.5 tog occasional spare bedroom use £10. American (Sears) shower curtain floral pattern unused £5 01297 443930.

Home helper trolley aid for elderly 2 trays on 4 wheels cost £40 new sell for £10 01297 443930.

Old sewing machine table with sewing machine underneath that rotates up £40. Raffia Moses basket free! 01297 443930.

Free to collector deep freezer 28’/2x30” good working order 01460 55513.

Hahn ceiling rack large rectangular 100x52cm in natural pine (new price £200 approx) excellent condition £55 ono 01460 52289 Ilminster.

Micklem multi bridle standard horse size excellent nearly new condition, can be used as bitless £60 ono 01460 52289 Ilminster.

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 Farway. The winner was Mrs Joyner from Lyme Regis.

72 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

FOR SALE

WANTED Dave buys all types of tools 01935 428975 Jul 19 Secondhand tools wanted. All trades. Users & Antiques. G & E C Dawson. 01297 23826. www.secondhandtools. co.uk.

Feb 19

Postage stamps. Private collector requires 19th and early 20th century British. Payment to you or donation to your nominated charity. 01460 240630.

Vintage & antique textiles, linens, costume buttons etc. always sought

by Caroline Bushell. Tel. 01404 45901.

Jun 19

Wanted. Antique old fishing tackle. Reels, cane rods, fishing books, cased fish. Cash paid. Collector will collect Dorset Devon Somerset 01934 520543 nigel164townsend@ btinternet.com

Auto Vent automatic greenhouse window opener. Unused, still inbox, cost new £34.99, price still attached, sell for £20 ono 01460 220009.

Folding wheelchair vgc £25 01404831122.

3 no 900x 600 mm indian paving slabs, 1 no 600 x 600 mm ditto, 1 no 450 x 450mm riven slab £25 01297 33034.

This England Magazine from 1982 complete. 150 in total in perfect condition. Can deliver in Dorset £100 01305 265468.

Ikea new coat hangers unit 8 with rail and shelf over £20 0140442799.

Childs cot for sale good clean condition 1970 ono £30 01935 872796.

Man’s mountain bicycle Peugeot (Tim Gould) 15 gears.

Good condition £40 01308 427479.

Three skoda heavy duty black storage trunks 149L with strong wheels. Brand new £12 each (B&Q £15.50 each) 01460220266.

Solid oak internal door ledge and braced unused £200 01297 560742.

Spear and Jackson petrol hedge trimmer 18” cutting length good working order £25 07980186160 Seaton area.

Brown soft leather mens jacket size 44 01297 560742.

Babydan playpen, black 4 sides 1 gate plus wall fittings £85 01297 560742.

Zapp easy shelter trader extreme gazebo. H/D aluminium 3m x 3m. Needs new cover. £600 when complete, offers around £250 01308 897488 (Burton Bradstock).

Arm and leg exerciser £25 01297 489252.

Rabbit hutch, good condition 01297 489431 £30.

Walking thumb sticks well made staghorne tops, varied sticks (wood) £12-£15 each 01297 33066.

Wooden shed excellent condition 1m. 1 wide, 1.700 high, 2.130 deep, wooden roof buyer dismantles collects £160 01308 456843.

Brass Rubbins framed 31” x 11” Peyton 1484 Seeham Cambs Lady Sir Robert De Bunes Acton Suffolk 1332 01308 425459 £10.

ELECTRICAL

Wanted. Blacksmith, Silversmith, Bookbinding, Engineering, Glassblowing, Foundry tools & equipment. 07875 Jul 19 677897

FOR SALE Dinner Jacket 48” (with trousers) £50, Gurteen cords 38”s coral red £25, Gurteen Dk.navy pinstripe suit 48” £50, Morning suit Magee 50’ £50 all vgc 01308 868184.

Parker Knoll winged chair gold good condition £50 01460 41118.

Sea Kayak Perception fastnet, yellow with spraydeck £300 07410957900.

Beech planks, two, 8’ x 2.5’ x 2”. Good sound wood could make kitchen worktops £50 pair 07410957900.

Pair of small reclining armchairs light beige button back both excellent condition £200 or near offer phone 07594687485 buyer collects.

Henry Hoover for sale £40 ono 07889019587.

Garden benches for sale from £55 to £75 07854 346512.

BUILD

PEOPLE AT WORK

Ann Griffiths, photograph and words by Catherine Taylor

ANN GRIFFITHS One of the stalwarts of Bridport’s independent shop scene has changed hands. Owner of Bridport Lighting, Ann Griffiths, took over two and a half years ago, buying the shop which has been in South Street for over 30 years. Although keen to keep the feel of the shop and retain the usual offerings for the existing loyal customers, Ann has managed to inject a fresh new selection of modern, fashionable and classic lighting products, attracting an additional surge of local custom. Her attention to detail, ever-changing stock of lights, lightbulbs and furnishings means she is busier than ever.

With a background in banking, Ann is used to customerfacing roles. However, she didn’t know much about lights when she bought the shop. After a six month handover with the former owners, she was then able to take the reins with confidence. Having also completed an interior design course and worked in the design industry for fabric and wallpaper suppliers, Ann was well versed in business knowhow. Putting what she knows into practice every day Ann runs every aspect of the shop, opening it, shutting up and then doing the bookkeeping and admin. With two assistants to help during the week in the shop, Ann is also able to scoot off to a couple of trade shows each year as well.

There is a surprising amount of diversity of stock on display. Rope lights dangle down and new wire filament bulbs entice the pavement gazer. There are glass and fabric shades, converted oil lamp chimneys, wall lights and standard lamps, all nestling together. With a dedicated light bulb section, Ann is able to advise, demonstrate and lead the most unfamiliar shopper through the maze of bulb regulations and changes.

After a day’s work Ann might head home, to be found at her desk with a Manzanilla sherry in hand, completing the last of the admin. Or, she may go straight out to the bright lights of one of Bridport’s hostelries. She enjoys living in a town with so much to offer and eats out regularly.

At the weekend she takes advantage of her National Trust membership, visiting all the estates and gardens in the area.

However, Ann is branching out further afield this summer, on a sailing and cycling holiday in Croatia—a light bulb moment which she is now starting to regret!

Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 73

FOR SALE Dog kennel new tantalised tongue and groove timber wood floor 3’x2’6”, 3’ high £80 01297 552683.

Full size blacksmiths anvil in good condition on stand £280 01460 64607.

Undersink storage cupboard light wood height 23ins, width 19ins, depth 12ins £12 01308 458533 Bridport.

2 seater sofa small red covers buyer to collect £30 01460 279696.

Attractive embossed leather desk 4 drawers each side 1 wide central drawer £45 ono 01460 279687 display cabinet vgc £35.

Saddle, Lovatt Rickets 19” medium, GP Brown. Well used but in sound condition £125 01935 473188 Yeovil.

Harry Hall Man’s heavy duty black riding jacket. 42” excellent condition £125 01935 473188 Yeovil.

Settee black, leather appearance, 2 seater with foldout leg support. 5’3” long X 3’ deep X 3’2” high. £50. Computer table. Black glass with pullout keyboard shelf. 29” high X 24” long X 18” deep. £10 Tel: 07999 462194 Fridge/freezer. Frigidaire.

White, very clean and tidy. 57” high X 21 wide X 22” deep. £30. Dehumidifier Amcor TC-100. Height 19”. Excellent condition. £10 Tel: 07999 462194 Pentax SLR SP500 Camera.

Pentax28mm and 55mm lenses. Hoya telephoto HMC zoom macro 100-300mm.

Weston Master IV light meter.

STORAGE

74 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 Tel. 01308 423031

All in cases, plus carrying case. £70. Telephone 01460 234755 Speakers and Monitor Laney C15 pair speakers and stands and Peavey PRO-15PM monitor with cables £325 Tel: 01297 34958.

Victorian/Edwardian pine washstand with marble top and beautiful tiled back. Small front cupboard door. Side towel rails.

Castors on legs. Top removes for transporting. £150 o.n.o. Phone 07530 368577.

Z-Tec Mobility: ZT-Falcon Rollator 4 wheels, red, hardly used £50.00. 2-seater cane chair with floral patterned seats, good condition £50.00. buyer to collect. Tel: 01308 897249.

4 conservatory cane chairs originally from John Lewis.

William Morris type seat pads. £15 each. Good condition.

Charmouth Tel. 07484734621 2 bar stools chrome with black leather look seat pads and hydraulic lever to adjust height. Very good condition. £30 each. Charmouth Tel 07484734621 Victorian wrought iron lampstand. Very pretty with flowers on. Recently rewired. Can send pics. £30. Charmouth. Tel 07484734621 Futura Singer electronic sewing machine model1100 mounted in table W95cm D50cm H75cm. £25 01305 871 453 Abbotsbury.

Ercol four Quaker dining chairs Ref:1875 Elm finish and table that needs some attention. £80 Bridport 01308 423680

Lady’s Barbour Boots Brown Size 6. Cost £130 Never Worn £60 ONO Tel: 01 395 515253 Emsmorn Lady’s Grey Bowling Trousers Size 18 Never Worn £15 Tel: 01 395 515253 Bowling Bags Maroon. One for 2 Bowls and One for 4 Bowls £15 each Tel: 01 395 515253 Cane suite, good quality and very clean. Consists of two seater settee, two chairs and a glass top coffee table. Removable covers, soft pile material, multi coloured cream, beige, brown, rust. Pictures can be emailed. £200 or near offer.

Telephone 01404 41245 Colclough 27 piece tea set Avon design 8 each cups, saucers and side plates. 1 sandwich plate,milk jug and sugar bowl. Good condition £20 phone 01297 442793 HP Desk Jet Printer 3630 series as New £25. Tel: 07484 689302 Ladies Motorcycle Leathers.

Two piece Frank Usher outfit, size 14. Good condition with small repair to one sleeve zip runner, £65. Also 2 all-weather motorcycle oversuits, one Medium and one XLarge, both unused, £50. Alternatively £100 the lot. Call 074495 82364, please leave a message if no reply.

Bureau. Chinese Style Bureau, Complete with Matching Stool. Fold down top and 8 drawers.

1.09cmHx43cmWx1,09cmL. £80. Card table. Swivel top card table with green baize top.

FOR SALE Ideal for card games. Closed L92cm x W51cm x H72cm.

Open L92cm x W102cm x H72cm. Excellent condition. £60. Folding bicycles. Wayscral W175. 6 speed Shimano.

Wheel size 20”. Folded length 82cm x 38cm x 61cm. As New. £80 each or £150 for both. Call 07855235116 for photos.

Car trailer – made by Bridport Trailers, wood with galvanised frame. Measurements 6ft x 4ft x 18ins. Weight capacity 750kgs. Hinged tail board, number plate board with lights. Plywood inner flooring, plastic mudguards. Tyres in good condition size 5.00 -10 6ply. Trailer is in good condition & lightly used. £300. Tel: 01297 32169 (Axminster) Stunning dark wood polished dining table plus six chairs, subtle pale blue patterned fabric. Exceptional condition, only for sale due to house sale.

64” (1.63m) x42” (1.07m) Extending 83” (2.1m) Sensible offers please.

07593 781478 Royal doulton sherbrooke china, 85 items good condition. £350. will split. Ornate mirror £45. Sideboard contemporary dark wood £35. Matching

display cabinet with light and glass shelves £30. Two wing chairs £50. will split. Further details tel:01460 221441 Acme Roof Tiles Unused.

Single camber. 265mm x 250mm quantity 60. 265mm x 165mm quantity 100.

Reddy/Brown in colour. £20 the lot 01308 485053 Abru. Starmaster extending ladder. Closed 3.565m Extended 6.52m. £50.

Tel. 07842230764.

Shower screen to fit over bath. £25. Tel. 07842230764.

Stihl chain saw safety trousers. Waist 36. Never worn. £50. Tel 07842230764.

“NEW” Unused “Mountfield” Electric Garden Shredder / Chipper. Unwanted gift. £50.00 01297 / 33436 Conservatory furniture.

Natural looking resin weave, very durable. Large 3 seater settee , 2 chairs, lamp table, coffee table, dining table and 6 chairs. £450. Can be sold with or without table and chairs. Further details: Phone 01460221441 Ercol Buffet Sideboard 331.

Solid dark oak, 4 cupboards, 2 drawers. Width 48 in. Height 49 in. Depth 18 in. A useful

and durable piece of furniture.

Excellent condition. £120.

Sidmouth 01395 516435 Old Charm occasional table.

43in by 19in, 17in high. Excellent condition. £20. Sidmouth 01395 516435.

Floor-standing Craft Magnifying Lamp with free-motion head joint for precise and smooth positioning, White, Excellent Condition. £50. Tel 01935 812286 Ladies writing desk £30 circa 1920s. Dark wood . The top locks. 2 shelves underneath.

4 arm rotary drier spike and cover. New unused. £20 Tel 07948712707 Pressure Washer Karcher 2, only used 2 or 3 times. £45. 01297 551105 Breadmaker Morphy Richards Fast Bake. As new. £30. 01297 551105 Set Top Box Digital Stream DHR8203U Twin HD Tuner Digital Terrestrial Recorder with Remote Freeview + HD, 320GB HDD, 3 x USB Good working condition £35. 01297 551105 Hearth. Stove Hearth, 20mm thick, black polished granite.

100cm (40”) x 75cm (30”). £40. Tel. 07790932007

Microscope: Lomo Biolam Model N881405. 2 Optical Components 40.65 and 884280. Complete with Wooden Storage Box and Lock/Key. £50 Tel: 01297 678440 Ladies pashley princess pushbike with wicker basket, Brooke saddle, mudguard and whitewall tyres vgc £180 ono, photos available. Yamaha portable grand DGX520, one pedal, 88 keys, 2 slight imperfections, photos available vgc £215 ono, photos available.

01935 891857 for details.

Bicycle, needs attention, hence £20 ovno. Pine-look bed single, with drawers, 3ft wide, £30 ovno, no mattress.

Body-Blade, DVD, poster, £20 (costs £62 new). Tel 01308485669, near Bridport.

Royal Albert 36 piece china dinner service Haworth design.

Never used. £25 Glynswood Chard 01460 65139 Recliner/Riser armchair, excellent condition and perfect working order. £285.00 Tel. 07495888794 (Bridport area)

Computer monitor - HP 2009V. 50cms colour screen, not wireless. £20, also Canon colour printer, Pixma MP 540 with spare inks £15.

Chinese 100% wool rug.

Light green/pink/beige colour - 34x60 inches vvgc £20. Manmade fibre rug dark green/red in colour - 48x68 inches - vvgc £10. Salton Gold Filter coffee maker 1.5 ltr capacity - vvgc £5. Nest of 2 Teak wood tables 1. - 22x18 inches 2. - 20x18 inches - vvgc £10. Glass Fish Tank thin plastic and mesh top lid - suitable for fish-plant terrarium-small animals 30d x 78l x 37w cms -vgc £10.

Green steel Metal Framed Multi-position sun lounger thick padded cushion - never used - Ex Cond -£10. Mothercare Travel Cot complete with full bedding - vvgc - used 3 times only - £30. Technika Portable CD/Radio/cassette recorder New never used - Ex Cond - £10. 01404 850157

CHIMNEY SWEEP

FREE ADS for items under £1,000 Classified advertising in The Marshwood Vale Magazine is normally 85 pence+VAT per word in a box. This FREE ADS FORM is for articles for sale, where the sale price is under £1000 (Private advertisers only — no trade, motor, animals, firearms etc). Just fill in the form and send it to the Marshwood Vale Magazine, Lower Atrim, Bridport, Dorset DT6 5PX. or email to info@marshwoodvale.com. (Please do not send in all capital letters).

Unfortunately due to space constraints there is no guarantee of insertion of free advertising.

We reserve the right to withhold advertisements.

FOR GUARANTEED CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE USE ‘CLASSIFIED ADS’ FORM

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Tel. 01308 423031 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2019 75