FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 13
Mystery appearance of a new face on the Trailway: Page 11
April 2013
Town centre manager plan could give trade a boost Councillors angry at being left out of Asda supermarket talks THE appointment of a town centre manager has been suggested as a way of mitigating the possible impact on the town centre of a new out-of-town supermarket for Blandford. It is one of the proposals discussed between North Dorset District Council planners and representatives of Asda, who have applied for planning permission for a store on the north side of town between Shaftesbury Lane and the Blandford bypass. The outcome of the application remained undecided when Forum Focus went to press, but might have been resolved at the meeting of North Dorset's development management committee on Tuesday 26th March. It had been suggested that it would be considered at the February meeting, and when it failed to appear on the agenda, the expectation remained that it would be considered at the following meeting. But town councillors were angry at their meeting on 11th March to learn that, as with the application to extend the Tesco store on the Blandford St Mary side of town, negotiations had taken place
by Nicci Brown between the developers and planners without consulting town representatives. The talks had been about requirements totalling up to ÂŁ570,000 to mitigate the effect of the scheme on the town centre. In addition to an improved bus service between the store and town centre through extension of the X8 bus route to include it and the new residential areas, it is suggested they fund the salary and expenses for four years of a dedicated manager. Dorchester has one, as have other towns across the country, to boost town centre business and the quality of life. Also suggested are shopfront improvements and funding for a specific but un-named town centre project related to the development and the mitigation of its impact on the town. Town councillors asked who would employ such a manager, where they would be based and what the project might be. They also said it was "utterly bizarre" that they had not been consulted.
Concern over dirty streets Mandy and Carl Wyeth, who are planning a fundraising fair for the charity and church which supported them before and after Ruby was born with a chromosome deficiency which robbed her of life after 11 weeks. Story: Page 5.
POOR cleanliness in the town centre in recent weeks has been reported to the Dorset Waste Partnership, which is now responsible for street cleansing. The town clerk confirmed to town councillors at their town and general purposes meeting that officers were reporting issues online, and that a review on the need for employment of a town orderly would be an item on the agenda for the next meeting of the committee.
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April 2013
FORUM FOCUS HELPING
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DROP POINTS Main drop points for Forum Focus in Blandford and Blandford St Mary are at Blandford Post Office, Blandford Library, Jeans and the Corn Exchange in the Market Place, James Newsagents in The Plocks, Homebase, the Co-op in Salisbury Road, Tesco at Stour Park, One Stop in Salisbury Road, Blandford Leisure Centre and the Heddington Drive Nisa shop. In the villages they are at the Charlton Marshall Church Rooms and Charlton pub, Woodpecker pub at Spetisbury, True Lovers Knot and Langton Arms in the Tarrant Valley, Pimperne shop, White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster post office, Shillingstone garage, Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, Winterborne Stickland Post Office and the Cricketers at Shroton.
DEADLINES Adverts: Friday 12th April Editorial: Monday 15th April
Blandford Forum Town Council Annual Town Assembly Wednesday 24th April 2013 at 7pm Blandford Forum residents, local organisations and the business community are invited to attend the Town Assembly in the Corn Exchange, Blandford Forum, where the Chairman of Council and Town Mayor, Cllr Sara Loch, will give a report on the Town Council's activities throughout the year. Members of the public are encouraged to ask questions on the activities of the Town Council. Should you have a question you would like to ask, it would be appreciated if you could submit it to the Town Clerk at the address below by Monday 22nd April 2013 to enable a full answer to be given on the night. There will be an opportunity to chat to councillors and officers after the meeting when light refreshments will be available. We look forward to seeing you there! Corn Exchange Planning Application Blandford Forum Town Council has submitted planning and listed building consent applications for the restoration and regeneration of the community's historic Corn Exchange buildings. As the buildings are Grade I listed, the Secretary of State has to confirm their decision. He has decided to hold a local inquiry and the Town Council is currently waiting to hear when this will take place. Town Council Grants The deadline to receive applications for grants to charitable and voluntary organisations benefiting the Blandford Forum community is 22nd May 2013 and applicants will be advised of the outcome after the June Town Council meeting. Grants application forms are available on our website and will also be available at the Annual Town Assembly 2013. Town Council Dates for Your Diary Saturday 13th April 2013 Blandford Community Expo, Corn Exchange Thursday 18th April 2013 Tea Dance, Corn Exchange Wednesday 24th April 2013 Town Assembly, Corn Exchange Monday 6th May 2013 May Day Hamdinger, Marsh & Ham Friday 10th May 2013: Mayor Making Ceremony, Corn Exchange Wednesday 22nd May 2013: Deadline for grant applications to the Town Council
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Praise be - your Forum Focus is one year old THIS month Forum Focus is proud to celebrate its first anniversary after first hitting the streets in April 2012. We considered throwing a party to thank the many people who have given us their help and support, by booking advertisements, sending us stories, and turning out every month to help us distribute it free to what is now up to 7,000 homes. But as a non-profit-making community venture run by volunteers, we decided instead to mark the milestone by sharing with you some of the many positive comments we have received. Here are a few examples: "Congratulations to you and your team, I have just picked up one of your new magazines from our shop and it is fabulous. Well done to you all." (Friends of Blandford Hospital, March 2012). "So many have said how they like your paper and the way it is set out. Well done." (April 2012). "May I add my sincere congratulations and thanks for the huge amount of effort you have put into this? The result is excellent." "I'd just like to say how pleased my wife and I are with the new magazine. It's very well laid out and full of information that the other local publications don't seem to cover." "I am really enjoying Forum
Focus. I have recently moved to Blandford and find it really useful for learning about the town." (CC, January 2013). "Just got Forum Focus and it's brilliant. Great paper, printing, colours and full of interesting stuff about real people. We have been singing your praises. Brilliant!! Congratulations to ALL the team." (DT11 Partnership). "Congratulations! You've set a very high standard so let's hope your readers appreciate it and perhaps more importantly, the quality attracts advertisers." (Unity.com, April 2 2012). "I'm very impressed with Forum Focus. It looks good quality (nice paper, clear photos) and is interesting to boot - very well done!" (Dorset Scribblers, April 2012) "Congratulations! I have just seen the first edition of Forum Focus and think you should be very proud. Well done! (Peter Hyde, Marketing & Communications Manager, North Dorset District Council, March 2012). "Congratulations for a superb publication. A truly splendid community magazine, well done." (Della Jones, September 2012). "I must congratulate you for Forum Focus. It is just what Blandford needed and it is so well presented and deserves to succeed." (Owen Holland, January 2013).
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April 2013
Isaac's swing the first piece in £100k playground jigsaw AN upgrade costing about £100,000 of all the town councilowned playgrounds in Blandford started in the middle of February with the official opening of a swing which brought joy to a disabled six-year-old. The special swing installed at Larksmead allows Isaac Williams to play alongside his friends. It was installed at the request of his grandmother, Carole Williams, who lives nearby in Ann Close, the same road as Isaac and his family. Isaac suffers from epilepsy, an undiagnosed brain disability and curvature of the spine, so is unable to use any of the usual range of equipment in play areas. Now he can safely enjoy the sensation of flying through the air and experiencing a range of movements for the first time. Larksmead play area was upgraded with new equipment some years ago, but space was left for new items as they were needed and could be afforded. The bird's nest swing, costing just over £5,600, used funds set
aside by the town council for work under the Disability Discrimination Act and a donation of £600 from local group Cobra (Children of Blandford Recreation) which originally campaigned to establish the play area 25 years ago. Cobra's representative, Mike Holloway, attended the opening ceremony. The swing was already in use by a number of able-bodied children when Isaac and his family arrived for his inaugural ride. They happily stood aside to let Isaac have a go with his parents, Craig and Emma. Emma said: "He couldn't play with the other children, but now he can. You can see on his face how much he enjoys it." Isaac started his education with the Blandford Opportunity Group and is now a pupil at Langside Special School in Poole. He also regularly attends Julia's House and Naomi House. Work continued last month on the refurbishment of the Park Road and Langton Road play areas, both of which will eventually be
Tree danger closes road SALISBURY Road was closed for most of the day and into the night on Tuesday 12th March when a tree became unstable and was in danger of falling into the road. Following high winds the previous night, the long-established evergreen, on the boundary of Larksmead House and the neighbouring property at the top of Larksmead, became part-suspended on a power cable, and police road blocks were set up shortly after mid-day at the Shaftesbury Lane traffic lights and at the Blandford bypass to restrict entry, allowing access only to the roads off. The local authority called for the services of a tree surgeon to fell and remove the tree, and the contractors worked through the evening to bring it down. The road was reopened shortly after 11.30pm.
Motorcyclist dies in crash A MOTORCYCLIST died of multiple injuries after a two-vehicle crash on the A350 near Blandford St Mary on the afternoon of Friday 22nd February. Derek John Collings, 64, from Bournemouth, who was riding a black Kawasaki, was treated at the scene and airlifted by the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to Dorset County Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. He was described as an 'experienced biker, brother, loving hus-
band, father and grandfather' and a 'true gentleman who would be sorely missed'. A 22-year-old Wimborne man, driving the black Peugeot 207 involved in the accident on the single-carriageway road between Charlton Marshall and Blandford St Mary, was arrested and bailed until the beginning of April. The road was closed for several hours while an investigation was carried out and police appealed for witnesses to the accident.
Mike Holloway of Cobra presents £600 towards the cost of the swing to Mayor of Blandford Sara Loch with committee chairman Lynn Lindsay and Isaac Williams. provided with equipment suitable for use by disabled children, and a consultation has been carried out on what sports should be catered for by the creation of a multi-use ball games area at
Langton Road. The final piece of the jigsaw will be the installation by the summer of outdoor fitness equipment for users aged from seven upwards at Larksmead.
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April 2013
More cost for council as Corn Exchange plans go to inquiry A diamond couple
Ethel and Les Coombes, the parents of former Blandford Mayor Esme Butler, celebrated their diamond wedding on 14th March. A family party was held in the Blandford British Legion Club the following evening, where current Mayor Sara Loch (left) presented the couple with a bouquet.
Dumped by the Co-op FORUM FOCUS apologises to all those who for the first 11 months have picked up their copy from the Co-op in Langton Road, which last month informed us that our dump-bin from which hundreds of copies were collected every month is no longer welcome in their store. We have taken this up with their customer services department, but in the meantime can only appeal for more volunteers to come forward in that area to take copies to neighbours in their streets. However, we are delighted to report that Tesco at Blandford St Mary, which initially declined our request that they host a dump-bin for the publication, agreed in February to have one, and have now been added permanently to our list of distribution points. Please note that house-to-house deliveries may not be immediate since many of our volunteers have full-time jobs, but we aim to have all papers through the letterbox or into the drop-bins by the first of the month.
TOWN councillors met in private to consider the way forward after learning that their planning application for refurbishment of the town's Corn Exchange and extension to its council offices is to go to a public inquiry. The proposals have been 'called in' by the Secretary of State for the Environment following objections to the ÂŁ5m scheme, which was given approval in principle by North Dorset District Council planners last November. No date had been set for the inquiry when members met to consider approval for the expenditure which will be incurred in presenting their case to it. In a statement to Forum Focus, the council states: "The proposals for the buildings are the culmination of many years of work and have involved consultations with advisory bodies and the local community. "We already have significant funds set aside, plus North Dorset District Council is collecting developer contributions towards the cost of the scheme, but we will still have to carry out a lot of fundraising and apply for grants to reach our goal. "The Town Council wants to transform the civic buildings so that they can continue to contribute to local life. By providing versatile and well-equipped facilities, the buildings will be able to better serve everyone that uses them and in turn become selfsufficient and not a burden on the taxpayer." At North Dorset District Council's development management meeting following the announcement
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of the minister's decision to call in the application, head of development services John Hammond said the local authority was not in a position to present the case, but could advise the town council. Objections to the scheme came from a number of bodies, including English Heritage and the Georgian Group, to the detail of the scheme and the impact on the Georgian street scene and nearby listed buildings, a view with which the district council's own conservation officer concurred. News of the call-in has prompted the response from local resident Nic Nicol urging people to support the scheme which he describes as "crucial to the town". [See letter, p.6] "This is the most important building in Blandford. Regeneration will secure its future as a thriving community centre, function and leisure facility (including theatre and cinema) and will secure it for generations to come," he writes. But the scheme has attracted criticism in some quarters. Private Eye's Nooks and Corners column in January listed the objections of English Heritage and highlighted the proposal to add glazing behind the columns in the Shambles and remove the council chamber, built in 1936. Town councillor Mike Owen, who last month raised his own concerns about the scheme, said: "I am against the four-storey building at the back and in favour of some aspects. But I lament the fact that more public money is being spent on the public inquiry which results from the call in." The architect's plans for the Corn Exchange can be seen at: http://www.williamslester.com. WHAT'S YOUR VIEW? Let us know what you think about the plans for the Corn Exchange. Contact Forum Focus by emailing editor@forumfocus.co.uk or write to the Editor c/o Colin's Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford. NEXT month's Forum Focus will carry a special feature on local food producers in association with the first Blandford Food Festival being organised by the Crown Hotel (see page 12). For details of discounted advertising rates, please contact advertising@forumfocus.co.uk
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April 2013
Fair will celebrate a precious little life THE tragically short life of a baby girl who died at 11 weeks will be celebrated by a Blandford family when they hold a spring fair to raise funds for the organisations which supported them through their loss. When Ruby Hope Wyeth was born on Ascension Day, 17th May, last year her parents already knew that she suffered from a
chromosome deficiency which was likely to take her life at a very young age. She died 11 weeks and two days later on 4th August. Mandy and Carl Wyeth were told of her condition when she was in the womb, but they resolved to see through the pregnancy and give their first child the chance of life, however short it might be. "Anything else was never an
Calling time: the Damory Oak pub is to close.
Damory Oak pub set to become homes CONFIRMATION from brewers Hall & Woodhouse that they would be closing the Damory Oak pub in Damory Court Street at the end of March and submitting plans for its residential redevelopment has prompted renewed concerns about potential traffic problems in the area. The closure of the pub was rumoured for several weeks, but its future remained in doubt until February, when town councillors were told that the owners would be seeking planning permission for homes on the site. At March's full council meeting, district councillor John Tanner said the issue of parking congestion had not been helped by the granting of planning permission for the redevelopment of the former ATS tyre depot next door with little or no provision for parking within the curtilage. It was agreed that another letter should be sent by the town council to the district council urging reconsideration of its decision to charge for the nearby Station
Court car park, with the comment that on-street congestion would be further aggravated if the pub site, tyre depot and former waste depot off Damory Court Street were developed with only limited off-street parking. Mr Tanner said that although the government had relaxed parking standards, the highway authority continued to work to the recommendation that parking spaces in town centre developments were not needed because people could use public transport. * The pub is named after the gigantic oak tree that grew near the original Damory Court and which, according to legend, had a cavernous hollow trunk large enough to be used as the premises for an ale shop during the Civil War and, later, as a home for two families whose own home had been destroyed in the Great Fire of 1731. The tree, represented on the pub's sign, was said to be 75ft high and 23ft around the trunk at ground level. It ended its days as firewood in 1755.
option," said Ruby's mum, Mandy, of Warrington Walk, Blandford. "It has been an emotional roller coaster but I don't regret it. I was carrying a live baby and at the same time grieving for it, but we had a wonderful 11 weeks with her and we enjoyed every minute of it." She said the family were first approached by a representative of the Three Ells Trust when they were in Dorset County Hospital and were offered help and support. "They helped us plan so that we could give Ruby the best possible experience of life and arranged for us to go to Sandbanks, to Paultons Park, to the New Forest, and to see Peppa Pig. "They gave us the money to do some special things, and at Naomi House they took her fingerprint and set it in jewellery so that we all now have a piece." The family were also supported by the Teddy20 and Amelia’s Rainbow charities. Mandy, 40, and her husband Carl, 48, married three years ago after meeting at Jacon Ltd in Gillingham, where they both worked. Mandy's two daughters from her first marriage, Sophia,
15, and Lauren, 13, became godparents to baby Ruby, and will be taking up an invitation from Naomi House for a special day for siblings later this month. Now all the family, and Mandy's mum, Mary Toop, of Fontmell Magna, are planning the charity fair in Blandford Corn Exchange, which will be held on Saturday 11th May. Proceeds will be shared between Three Ells and the church. Until the day before Ruby's funeral, the family lived in Hod View, Stourpaine, where they were supported and counselled by the vicar, the Rev Stephen Coulter, and Sue Atkinson, a close friend and godmother, who were a tremendous help. The village's church of the Holy Trinity was packed with friends and neighbours who rallied round to help. Donations are being sought towards the family's fundraising effort, and Mandy is hard at work making extra bunting and cushions and items which she sells as Ruby's Miracle Gifts on a market stall every Thursday in Blandford in support of the charity. To help with donations for the fair, call 07799 433452.
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April 2013
FOCUS letters
Traders have to change if they are to survive
Chairman of Blandford Choral Society David Longfoot and treasurer Madeline Bridle present £150 to the Cupola Project appeal for Blandford church to project chairman and churchwarden Sara Loch. Right: Plasterwork fallen from memorials.
Decaying church shows why funds are needed HUNDREDS of people attended an open day at Blandford Parish Church last month to find out why a £3 million appeal has been launched to fund its restoration - and how they could help. Visitors were given a detailed breakdown of the costs of repairs and refurbishment needed to make the building more usable. They saw examples, too, of how the church might be remodelled, by removing pews, opening up the south door and improving facilities for the disabled. Mayor of Blandford Sara Loch, a churchwarden and passionate admirer of the building, has the Cupola Project as one of her mayoral charities. Fundraising has been continuing since the appeal was launched in June 2011.
I have lived in Blandford Forum for over 45 years and worked for the benefit of the community. In that time I have seen many changes - the destruction of the historic entrance to the town, the railway arches, and the changing of Damory Street, where I live, from two-way to one-way, creating a racetrack, to which was then added a cycleway at a cost of £100,000, including the lights at the bottom. I have seen the general run-down of the town centre due to the arrival of supermarkets, and the disorganised chaos of the socalled 'town centre enhancement' which changed the road layout. We are now faced with another change to the community, the Asda plan. The town has suffered from supermarkets big-time. We cannot turn the clock back and undo mistakes made in the past. The town centre has to change to
encourage people to shop there and offer people an experience the supermarkets cannot give them, not blindly try to carry on as before. As in all things you must move with the times and change to survive. Allowing Asda to have a store on the other side of town, where there are very few shops and services for all the new houses which have been and are being built, would increase competition and keep prices competitive. The people of this community reacted with petitions, etc, when they were first presented with the opportunity of another supermarket on the bypass. Will they do the same now and let their views be known? A decision against Asda coming to Blandford would be yet another example of a wrong decision for the community that wants and needs it. Colin Young (by email).
Corn Exchange regeneration is crucial for Blandford NICCI Brown's report [Forum Focus, March] on the Town Council's review of the Corn Exchange regeneration plan at the meeting on 11th February highlights why all Blandfordians should give their full support to the project. This is the most important building in Blandford. Regeneration will secure its future as a thriving community centre, function and leisure facility (including theatre and cinema) and a business venue, and will secure its heritage for generations to come. In modern speak, you might well ask 'what's not to like?'. Concerns that costs will fall to those who live in the town are misplaced. The Secretary of State has just announced that the Corn Exchange regeneration plan is to be the subject of a public enquiry.
This will test the resolve of the Town Council and will cost money to win. All interest and age groups, including current users of the Corn Exchange, will benefit from regeneration. The Town Council should drive this forward with determination and vigour, to put Blandford on a par with other Dorset towns, bring more people into Blandford and increase the prosperity of the town. Fundraising can start in earnest as soon as approval is given. Similar projects have demonstrated that a strong and well-prepared bid will secure funds from Heritage Lottery, EU, commercial and local benefactors. The architect's plans for the Corn Exchange can be seen at: http://www.williamslester.com Nic Nicol, Blandford Forum.
FORUM FOCUS Seen something you’d like to comment on or share with other readers? Anxious to give a local topic an airing? Email your letter, which must be as brief as possible, to: editor@forumfocus.co.uk or call 01258 459346. You can also deliver by post or by hand to Forum Focus, c/o Colin's Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford DT11 7HD.
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April 2013
Museum will identify garden treasures KEEN young archaeologists - and any full-grown varieties - are being invited by the Blandford Museum to join in their local area finds collection. The museum and schools have supplies of plastic bags and data recording sheets for young people to collect and record finds as part of the Blandford Archaeological Garden Survey (BAGS). They are then invited to bring their finds to the Angus Wood Community Woodland Day on Saturday 4th May, or to the museum beforehand, for identification and recording. All finds will be plotted on a map to be displayed at the museum. The museum, which was due to open for the season on Saturday 30th March, now also has the benefit of two new touchscreens purchased as part of two major projects to make local archaeology come to life. They will also make the exhibits on the first floor accessible to those unable to climb the stairs of the building in Bere's Yard off the Market Place. Funding has come from the Blandford Schools & Community Lottery Project under the Heritage Lottery Fund, designed to create and improve community access
to archaeological materials in the area, and the MoD Community Covenant Grant to develop military exhibits at the museum, whose Living History project is working with Blandford Camp personnel and their families. One goal has been to create an exhibition, now on view, that will foster a better understanding with the local community of the lives which military families lead. Curator Peter Andrews said that during the closed season, a lot of work had been carried out to improve the internal decor of the building, and curatorial staff had been assisted in their work by a number of local students. New exhibits to be found in the museum this season include a redesigned archaeology section, including the Shillingstone Roman villa dig, the excavation on the Milldown in 2009 and 2011, and one at Knighton House School, Durweston, and silk escape maps of France and Norway used by World War II airmen and hidden in their boots. The World War II defences exhibit, which has been developed over the past two years on the first floor of the museum, will have its own dedicated opening on Friday 3rd May.
Major repairs for historic Durweston bridge PLANS have been submitted by Dorset County Council for permanent repair and refurbishment of the historic Durweston bridge, which over the years has been frequently damaged by vehicles turning on the junction of the A350 and A357. Remodelling of the junction a few years ago has reduced the number of incidents, and now the highway authority which is responsible for roads and bridges is planning to lower the water level of the Stour around it to allow two phases of work on the three arches. Vegetation to the north west of the Grade II* listed bridge will be cut back to provide access, and the bridge aprons will be repaired and in cases replaced with concrete, missing stones replaced with those matching the original, lost mortar repointed, stone facings repaired and disturbed stonework sections rebuilt. The bridge was built in 1795, designed by Joseph Towsey for H.W. Portman of Bryanston so that roads crossing the estate parkland could be closed and traffic diverted outside the boundary. It carries one of the signs warning of deportation for anyone found responsible for defacing it. As far as is known, no artic drivers have yet been deported.
Assistant curator Michael le Bas with one of the silk escape maps recently donated to the Blandford Museum.
Stephen Dunning, Tessa Pearce and Martin Green examine material from the Knighton House dig in 2011 that will form part of the new HLF funded archaeology exhibit at the Blandford museum.
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April 2013
FOCUS on art
Society hosts practical art sessions
Artist's mosaics on show ARTIST of the month for April at Blandford Museum is Judy Baker, of Blandford St Mary, whose work has ranged from ceramic sculpture to stone carving and mosaics. Her exhibition at the museum celebrates her mosaics, with a particular focus on her study of hares. Judy's work has been wide ranging, including large-scale community projects such as the commemorative Olympic sailing mosaic on Portland. More recently, her work, which also includes Blandford Museum's own Diamond Jubilee mosaic on the rear wall of the building, has returned to her love of sculpture and she is building wire relief images within a mosaic framework. Find out more about Judy’s public and privately commissioned work on her website, www.smashart.co.uk
TWO practical events hosted by Blandford Art Society this month will give members and guests the opportunity to practise their techniques in the company of experts. A meeting in Blandford Parish Centre starting at 6.50pm on Wednesday 3rd April will focus on 'Approach to Still Life' with David Marl, who trained at Kingston School of Art and the Royal College of Art as a designer in stained glass. His paintings draw the viewer into a world that is sometimes familiar and sometimes lies on the edge of dreams. On Sunday 14th April a workshop at Pimperne Village Hall will see Max Hale using watercolours to paint interior and exterior scenes. Max has been a painter and illustrator all his life. He paints almost every subject in watercolour, pastel, oil and acrylic and has exhibited in local galleries and further afield, including London. Two of Judy Baker's mosaic works.
Photographer Louise showcases her expertise LOUISE Lobban, of Blandford, who is well-known for her pinhole photography, is one of the invited artists taking part in the first-ever Dorset Art Trail between 5th and 7th April. The weekend will be a celebration of art and food in the west and north-west of the county and Louise's participation will showcase the magic of pinhole photography using the grounds and external architecture of Minterne House, near Cerne Abbas, for inspiration. She will lead a daylong workshop, which is one of the ticketed events. The weekend is organised by Dorset Visual Arts as a celebration of the talents of many renowned artists, designers, makers and food producers, including cook Lesley Waters, sculptor Marzia Colonna and furniture maker John Makepeace. An Art Trail fringe will feature exhibitions at open studios around the main route and walks and cycle rides will lead visitors
along the trail through some of the county's most breathtaking coastal and inland countryside. This trail, the first of four that are planned to spotlight different parts of the county, is called 'A Movable Feast'. The second Dorset Art Trail, in October, will focus on North and Mid-Dorset and explore the themes of wood and fibre. Find out more at on the website www.dorsetarttrails.co.uk or from the Dorset Visual Arts office on 01305 853100. Louise’s website may be found at www.louiselobban.com.
Jonathan Miller will direct Dorset Opera at Bryanston DORSET Opera has announced that its 2013 festival at Bryanston will be directed by television presenter and opera director Sir Jonathan Miller, who will also be giving a lecture in the Coade Hall theatre in May. The annual festival, taking place at the conclusion of the company's summer school at Bryanston from 24th to 27th July, will feature La Traviata, directed by Sir Jonathan, and The Flying Dutchman, to celebrate the bicentenary of composers Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner. Roderick Kennedy, Dorset Opera Festival artistic director, said:
"We are delighted that possibly Britain's greatest living polymath has agreed to direct our new production. "Many of Jonathan Miller's works are repertoire mainstays for Britain's major opera companies." La Traviata will be conducted by Phillip Thomas, an old English National Opera colleague of Jonathan, who was responsible for Dorset Opera's Tosca in 2011, and Il Trovatore last year." Sir Jonathan will also be giving a lecture, 'Under the Influence', at the theatre on Saturday 25th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the box office on 01202 499199.
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April 2013
FOCUS on arts
Physical energy and high kicks in the New York section of Global Rhythm at the Coade Hall and the finale, which brought the audience to its feet.
Young performers earn a standing ovation STUDIO B Dance, in East Street, Blandford, has earned a reputation for creating amazing stage shows which regularly feature more than 120 local children. They dance, act and perform an array of skills such as fire poi, sign language and stilt walking. For their eighth annual show, the group presented Global Rhythm, at the Coade Hall theatre, Bryanston, taking their audience on an international journey that started and finished in London and travelled through such countries as Africa, France, Egypt and Brazil. The show contained various styles of dance, from street and hip hop to jazz and commercial, as well as fire juggling in Africa, amazing pyrotechnics in America, an entire theatre filled with flying parrots in
Brazil, and back in London it actually rained on the dancers! After 90 minutes of global travel the entire cast ended the show with Heal the World. While the cast were singing and taking their bows, there was a particularly moving contribution from Rowan Haines who signed the words for the audience. The scenery changes from country to country were seamless, the costumes incredible and the dancers of every age and style were so well rehearsed with their first-class routines that it was hard to believe it was not a West End performance. Every child looked as though they were thoroughly enjoying themselves and the standing ovation showed the audience enjoyed it too.
Choir needs more male voices NEW members are being sought for a popular male voice choir which regularly performs in the Blandford area and which next year will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The Mill Singers have a full diary of concerts lined up for the coming year, but as their current members grow older, they want to build a choir which will survive the next 20 years. They meet at Child Okeford village hall on Thursday nights from 7.30m to 9.30pm, with a break for wine and nibbles. New singers with tenor or bass voices are always welcome. For information contact Dick Hood on 01747 811659 or visit the website, www.millsingers.co.uk. COMIC Relief has been and gone, but it came and went after our deadline for this month's Forum Focus. We know of a number of events which took place and a number of fundraising activities. If you have pictures and reports that you’d like to see published of the funny things you did to raise money, send them to us by the end of March for inclusion in the May issue. Send words and pictures to editor@forumfocus.co.uk.
Studio B will be performing at the May Day Hamdinger on the Marsh and Ham on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May and at the Milldown School Summer Fete on Saturday 15th June. On Saturday 30th March, a workshop session was due to be
held with Paul Kitson, who played Johnny the dance instructor in Dirty Dancing in the West End. For more information, photos and details of the next event at Studio B Dance go to www.studiobdance.co.uk.
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April 2013
FOCUS on groups
Wildlife talk by county ecologist
Above: Ian Corben, Blandford and District Lions current President with his guests of honour at their 40th anniversary dinner. Above right: Albert Whittle and Henry Cuff cutting the cake.
Albert helps the Lions look back 40 years AN original member of the Blandford and District Lions was a special guest at the club's 40th anniversary dinner at the Crown, Blandford, in February. Albert Whittle, now a member of Wimborne and Ferndown Lions and the founding father of Blandford Lions when they received their Charter in 1973, was asked to cut the cake. He was ably assisted by Henry Cuff, the longestserving current member who joined the club just six months after it had been formed. The dinner was attended by the current Lions and their partners, along with many past members and
members from neighbouring Lions clubs. The main guests were the District Governor Roger Munday from Fleet Lions and his Vice Governor David Merchant from Newbury Lions, and their wives. The party were entertained by Spetisbury duo Take Two and pupils of The Blandford School with which Blandford Lions have a long association. The Lions provide charitable support across DT11 and anyone interested in learning more about what they do may contact secretary Tony Ives on 01929 472336.
DORSET'S diversity of plants and habitats makes it a haven for a host of different wildlife species. But even the most observant may not have spotted a Reed Leopard or Cistus Forester - or if they were fortunate enough to glimpse one, they may well have not realised what it was. County ecologist Dr Philip Sterling can help identify hundreds of the wonderfully named, beautiful moths that Dorset is home to, as well as some rare migrants to the county such as the Tawny Wave. Dr Sterling will be giving an illustrated talk to the North Dorset Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust on Wednesday 17th April at Fontmell Magna village hall after the short AGM which will start at 7.30pm. Admission is £2 and includes tea or coffee. There is no charge for children, and non-members of DWT are very welcome.
Wheels start turning for cyclists' group MEMBERS of the newly formed Blandford branch of the Dorset Cyclists Network set out their initial ideas at a recent meeting for improving the plight of local cyclists and at the same time of co-ordinating social bike rides. New and old members met up with Michael Evans, the chairman and originator of the DCN, to learn how it started and how it might go forward. The DCN started 21 years ago and now stretches all over Dorset, lobbying the councils and organising social rides of anything from five miles to 20 miles. Safety is a big concern and the
DCN has its own code of conduct for cyclists. Michael stresses that it is not all about Lycra and speed but about using bikes as transport and recreation. He told the meeting of the importance of local contacts in raising awareness of the simplest issues, from potholes to signing and how these improve the safety and enjoyment of cycling. The next meeting will be at Ashley Reach, 40 Kings Road, Blandford, at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th April. More information from Garry Barker on 07964175573, or at blan@dcn.org.uk.
An Easter science outing AN Easter holiday treat is planned by community transport operators Bus2Go with a visit to the Intech Science Centre and Planetarium in Winchester and an opportunity to explore the city on Friday 5th April. The cost is £15.60 return for adults (£12 for children). Further details are available from Margo on 01258 837749 or by email to bus2go@btinternet.com
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April 2013
FOCUS on groups
A tree sculpture which has appeared on the North Dorset Trailway beyond the Milldown.
Concern at trailway's short back and sides WORK is progressing on the North Dorset Trailway as the Dorset Rangers and volunteers move towards the date of the official opening of the route through from Stourpaine to Blandford, scheduled for next month. The extent to which trees and foliage along the route have been cut back has been a cause for comment in some quarters, and the hope was expressed at a recent town council meeting that there would be new planting once the route has been established. In the meantime, the tree surgeons responsible for the clearance have been demonstrating some of their artistic skills in forming the first part of what may or may not become a sculpture trail. It has been suggested that the item pictured looks very like a selfportrait of the artist as a not so young man!
Police appeal for help following theft of timber THE theft of timber from a smallholding at Milton Abbas has prompted an appeal for witnesses and information by Dorset Police. The incident, in which a large number of felled ash trees were taken, happened between Saturday 16th February and Saturday 23rd February. A Blandford police spokesman said: "The quantity of timber stolen is approximately 35 cubic metres cut into five-metre lengths. A flatbed trailer with a hydraulic grab arm would have been required to move this amount of wood in one go. "I would urge anyone who may have witnessed this theft taking place, has seen anything suspicious in the area at the time or may have information about those responsible to call Dorset Police. "I would also ask anyone who has been offered timber in strange circumstances or at an unusually low price to contact police." Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 26:107 or call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
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April 2013
FOCUS on food
Food festival pioneers seek others to join in
Hardy gives a literary flavour to Kate’s cake TO celebrate Thomas Hardy's birthday on 2nd June, Heathcote House, a boutique bed and breakfast in Milborne St Andrew, has taken inspiration from Dorset's literary son and created the 'Hardy Cake', which is a honey and beer spice cake using local Dorset Badger ale. Kate Guilor, owner of Heathcote House, which was listed by the Guardian as one of the top 10 B&Bs in Dorset, said: "As we are located at the heart of Hardy's country, we wanted to create something that our guests can enjoy. “Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure worked in his aunt's bakery and baking is enjoying a massive resurgence, so we thought, why
Kate Guilor with the Hardy Cake. not make a literary cake!" The cake will be served to guests for the first time at Heathcote House during Hardy's Birthday Weekend on 1st and 2nd June. The writer and poet was born in Higher Bockhampton, east of Dorchester, in 1840 and died in 1928.
A SEARCH is on to find local food suppliers to join Blandford-based company From Dorset With Love at the first-ever Blandford Food Festival, which will be hosted by the Crown Hotel on Bank Holiday Monday, 6th May. Chrissy and Karl, of From Dorset with Love, approached events manager Francesca at the Crown with the idea, and she booked the date in her diary without hesitation. Francesca said: "So many other towns in Dorset host them, in Wimborne, Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, etc, and as we have a wealth of amazing suppliers in the DT11 postcode and around, they thought we should host one too. "I completely agree, and this bank holiday is Georgian Fayre day every other year, so we are starting on a quiet year to give people an event to go to that day. "In the future we hope it can be an annual event which will run alongside the Georgian Fayre every other year." Chrissy and Karl, who originally combined their business activity with separate careers and bringing up their two young sons, launched From Dorset with Love when they discovered a chutney in a Blandford pub made with ale from a rival brewery. Chrissy set about making her own, sourcing local ingredients, and with Karl covering the business side, she started to develop her range of preserves. In August 2011 they were finalists for the Innovation Award in the Taste of Dorset Awards, and later the same year they were voted Best Food Producer in the Dorset Food & Drink Awards. Read their story and find out what they produce at www.fromdorsetwithlove.co.uk
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April 2013
Up the Garden Path BLANDFORD Horticultural Society has its roots with gardens and growing in the town and was established alongside the allotments at Lamperd's Field, the subject of February's article. Two of the new allotment holders were retired teacher Cyril Hovard and Bill Gallagher. In 1986, founder member Cyril became Secretary, setting up a trading store in the purpose-built, burglar-resistant premises on the allotment site, which became very popular with gardeners joining the society and making the most of the favourable prices. An advertisement in a local paper stimulated interest and in the Society's heyday membership grew to 300. Three horticultural shows are held annually: in March, midJune and August at Tarrant Keynston village hall, with open entry in August. The Society has a broader horticultural base than the allotment society and visiting speakers are invited throughout the year on a wide range of gardening topics. The society celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, but membership has dropped to about 80, which in fact is more on a par with other local gardening groups. The Society is always looking for new members interested in all things horticultural. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday in the month at the United Reformed Church Hall in Blandford at 7.30pm, when there is usually a speaker. Visitors are very welcome for a modest admission fee.
An occasional series of articles with a gardening theme from the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden Club
A Horticultural Society member's garden. It is hoped that the creation of a website and other publicity will attract new members. If interested
Orchard housing plans prompt site visit NEW plans for development on a former orchard at Charlton Marshall were deferred for a site meeting by members of North Dorset District Council's development management committee. The site, for which two earlier applications have been refused at appeal, was viewed by committee members three years ago, but it was agreed to revisit the location off Church Lane because there had been a number of changes in committee membership. The revised application by Mr and Mrs R Lawton and Major R Sandford is for 35 homes with parking and access for vehicles and pedestrians. The first two applications, which attracted strong objection from the parish council and local residents, were for 41 homes and 30 homes respectively, and were refused because of their impact on neighbouring properties and the adverse impact of the site layout on the village conservation area. More than 20 people attended the meeting in February to hear members call for the site visit, which was held on 19th March. The outcome will be reported next month.
please contact Cyril Hovard on 01258 459395 or email hovey84@talktalk.net.
Service of thanks to mothers A SPECIAL service was held at Blandford Parish Church on 10th March in celebration of Mother's Day. It included prayers and thanksgiving for mothers and those who have been "mothers" to people in all sorts of ways - as grandparents, carers or simply older friends to advise and help in life - and looked at the love shown to Moses by his mother as she hid him for protection in the bulrushes. The service was followed by coffee and refreshments, and posies were presented to all the mothers present. The Rector of Blandford Forum and Langton Long, the Rev Tim Storey, said: "There are lots of different types of families in society today. But mums, and those who care for us as a mother, are the people whom we value so much because of the love they give to us. This was an opportunity to come and say 'Thank You'."
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April 2013
BLANDFORD COMMUNITY EXPO WE at Forum Focus, a free, volunteer-run publication for the whole of the Blandford area, strive to bring the area's army of volunteers to the attention of the wider public by reporting their activities on a regular basis. We hope it helps them to attract new helpers and participants to enhance the quality of all our lives. We hope you will support them when they give up their Saturday morning to bring you more detailed information, and will visit them in the Corn Exchange between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 13th April. In addition to our advertisers, exhibitors should include the local Age Concern, Cats Protection League, Bowling Club, Blandford Mortain Twinning Association, Art Society, Credit Union, Leisure Centre Action Group, Blandford United FC, Police, Blandford Parish Church, Larksmead PreSchool, Girl Guiding Association, Royal Naval Association, Cricket Club, DT11 Forum, Afternoon Townswomen's Guild, Knees Up and the Paulley Charitable Trust.
The Corn Exchange was packed with visitors at last year’s event.
See why DT11 is such a great place to live THE extent to which volunteers help to maintain the quality of life in the DT11 area will be powerfully demonstrated in the Corn Exchange when more than two dozen organisations exhibit their activities at the Blandford Community Expo on Saturday 13th April. They represent a broad range of services to people who are elderly, sick, disabled, young and old as well as able-bodied, and which cater for an equally wide range of interests in sport, culture and heritage. The Expo has been organised by Blandford Town Council as an alternative to inviting groups to describe their work at the annual town assembly, which over the years had become repetitive and attracted an audience which consisted largely of the representatives of the groups concerned. The Expo is a way of opening up the presentation to the wider community. A town council spokesman said: "Local organisations and groups will be gathered to promote and explain to the public what they do. "It seems like a great chance to showcase the town's wonderful community groups who work tirelessly to make our local community so active and vibrant. "Please come and see what is on offer in the town, meet people and perhaps get involved with something new!" Some of the exhibitors advertising here and reported elsewhere in the pages of Forum Focus demonstrate the variety of services and activities offered by organisations large and small which represent in total hundreds of people who work for their community in all sorts of different ways.
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April 2013
PLANNING ROUND-UP
Spar stores under fire TWO separate Spar franchises came in for criticism and objection from Blandford town councillors at their planning meeting over their applications to extend facilities on offer. The first came from the convenience store in the Market Place through an application to install an exterior ATM. Planning committee chairman Mike Owen said: "This is clearly needed since people have to walk at least 17 metres to reach the ATM at the HSBC bank, and eight metres in the other direction to that at the NatWest bank." Members agreed to object on the grounds of its being detrimental to the conservation area, and overdevelopment in view of the number of similar facilities nearby, including the cash machines at the Barclays and Lloyds banks across the road. The second application came from the Damory Garage in Salisbury Road, which also operates as a convenience store, and wanted to extend its licence to offer alcohol 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Members were reminded that at the time of the licence being granted for normal trading hours at the garage, it had been argued that motorists would not purchase alcohol to drink on the premises. Councillor Haydn White said it was an area with 400 houses and no pub, and would lead to those who had been drinking in town purchasing further alcohol as they returned home in the early hours of the morning causing nuisance in the area. Members were told that as a council they could not object, but as individual councillors they could on the grounds of being contrary to the aims of the Licensing Act.
Holiday homes FARM buildings at Child Okeford Manor could be converted into two units of holiday accommodation. An application for change of use of the buildings has been advertised by North Dorset District Council as having possible impact on a public right of way.
School block HANFORD School near Child Okeford is planning to build a new teaching block to replace temporary buildings.
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April 2013
Musical dogs to go with a bang DOGS Without Collars, the band made up of five clergy from Dorset including Rector of Blandford the Rev Tim Storey, have announced that the current tour, 'Don't Put Me Down', which finishes in July, will be their last one together. But as they are set free to roam the musical landscapes, they intend to go out with a bark not a whimper. Over the past seven years, DWC have raised in excess of ÂŁ30,000 for church and community projects at more than 50 gigs around Dorset and beyond. Several of the band members are likely to be moving on in the next year or two so they have decided that now is the time to call it a day. They would like to thank the hundreds - even thousands - of people who have supported gigs over the past years and hope that the evenings of may-
hem and madness have been enjoyed as much by the audiences as by the band members. They would also like to apologise to serious musicians and song writers for abusing their hard work. "It will soon be time for us to hang up our leads and curl up in front of the fire, but we wanted to say thanks to everyone for everything and invite people to come and see us before it is too late," said Mr Storey. The remaining gigs on the tour, all of which appear on the band’s website at www.dogswithoutcollars.com, are: 12th April: West Moors; 26th April: Moreton Village Hall; 24th May: Loders Village Hall; 26th May: Party In The Park in Charmouth; 7th June: Ferndown; 28th June: Hindon; 5th July: Blandford; 19th July: Shaftesbury.
FOCUS on schools
Portillo tells of his journey FORMER MP Michael Portillo was the guest speaker for the 2013 Clayesmore School Lecture. His witty and engaging talk entitled 'Life: a game of two halves' included him describing himself as a 'former future prime minister'. He touched upon many facets of his life in politics, including his surprise election defeat in the 1997 General Election. He also spoke about his new career as political commentator, broadcaster and journalist, mentioning his appearances on BBC1's 'This Week' and his popular Railway Journeys following on the trail of Bradshaw's Guide. Younger members of the audience will undoubtedly have been encouraged and inspired by Mr Portillo's life story and successful recovery from a downfall. He concluded with a deftly handled Q&A session covering a range of topics encompassing our hopes for the new governor of the Bank of England, monetary policy, David Cameron's future and recommendations for a top railway journey.
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April 2013
FOCUS on schools
MP talks to pupils about his work YEARS 3 and 4 pupils at Archbishop Wake Primary School in Blandford had a chance to talk to local MP Bob Walter about their current projects and his own role as North Dorset's parliamentary representative. Ahead of a school visit to Parliament on 17th April, Bob met children aged from seven to nine from two classes to explain more about his job and to find out what they've been learning as part of their Key Stage 2 studies. Recent work has included a Question Time-style debate, persuasive writing, designing leaflets and looking at the arguments for and against new housing development in the area, alongside other cross-curricular activities that included planning their own town and looking at where their school is in relation to the rest of Britain and Europe. It has also included meeting representatives from the Crown Estates and from the Bryanston Park Preservation Group to discuss the debate over the Crown Meadows. Mr Walter said: "Having tried out their Question Time skills on class teacher Julie Mills already, I welcomed the chance to answer the children's questions on a range of issues, from local housing to my role as MP. "Visits to local schools, and in return welcoming them to Parliament, are a great way of engaging young people in our political system at an early stage. Hopefully it will also encourage a few more North Dorset pupils to stand as UK Youth Parliament candidates in future."
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Platinum award winners Last Resort at The Blandford School's Band Bash.
Last Resort are first in the band parade EIGHT bands from across The Blandford School's years 7 to 13 featured in the school's annual band bash held on Valentine's Day, 14th February. The judges were teachers, Tony Jones and Becky Mutimer, and last year's Platinum Award winners 'Anatemy' - Natalie Hawkins and Emily Denton-Smith. Host Jamie Cardno said: "It was a good night. The
Three-year-olds Olivia Reeves and Freya Skinner, members of the Little Birch Pre-School at Blandford St Mary, enjoyed having their faces painted at the preschool's spring fair in Blandford Corn Exchange on 2nd March.
quality of the bands was superb. Big thanks to J.P Dubock for all his hard work, the lighting and sound team and the sixth-formers for selling concessions." The awards were: Platinum - Last Resort; Gold Domino City; Gold - Mysterious Chutney Sellers; Silver - Dropkick Vanilla, Lonely Hearts and The Grind; Bronze - Overlooked.
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April 2013
FOCUS on charities
Cancer group stalwarts stand down after 30 years A GATHERING in Winterborne Zelston village hall on 25th March marked the end of an era for the Blandford Friends of Cancer Research UK, run for the past 30 years or more in an informal way by friends and neighbours Rita Burden and Della Jones. With the help of a small group of supporters they have organised a range of social events and raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity. Now they find that rules and regulations require the group to be put on a more formal basis, and a young cancer sufferer, Wendy Edwards, of Charlton Marshall, has volunteered to take on the
Glenda White shows off one of the quilts made by the Longmeadow Quilters for the Special Care Baby Unit at Dorchester Hospital.
role and responsibility of chairman. Wendy stood in at short notice as organiser of recent collections at Tesco in Blandford, which raised nearly £2,000, and she has already made new contacts and has interesting ideas for future fund-raising events. Mrs Jones said: "The gathering was organised so that I could officially hand over my responsibilities and offer my grateful thanks to everyone who has helped me over the years." One of the dedicated scientists working on research gave a talk at the meeting and updated supporters on the work being undertaken to combat cancer which is funded by the charity.
Lions commit to support Marie Curie
Quilters’ skills make life more comfortable for prem babies NEARLY 50 tiny quilts have been made by women in the Blandford area for the Special Care Baby Unit at Dorchester Hospital They are the work of the 22-strong Longmeadow Quilters who meet every Tuesday at Rowena Ellis's studio in Shillingstone between 10.30am and 3pm. The quilts are placed under the babies in their cots, incubators or special machines and go home with the babies when they leave the unit. Under Rowena's guidance, the quilters have also produced larger quilts for the LINUS project, providing quilts for children in hospices all over the country. In addition to producing quilts for these projects, they make quilts, cushions, bags, wall hangings and other items for their own families and friends.
BLANDFORD Lions Club have pledged their support for the next three years to Marie Curie Cancer Care's biggest annual fundraising campaign, the Great Daffodil Appeal. The appeal encourages everyone to give a donation and wear the charity's iconic daffodil pin during March, and on Friday and Saturday 15th and 16th March Lions Club members were collecting in Tesco in Blandford. Every £20 raised helps to fund an hour of Marie Curie nursing care, which is provided free of charge to more than 600 people with terminal cancer and other illnesses every year in their own homes in Dorset. Before the collection, Amy Llewellyn, community fundraiser at Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: "We are very excited to have support from our local Lions Clubs. As an organisation that works to serve the community, we're confident they will help make this year's Great Daffodil Appeal the best yet. Tony Ives of Blandford Lions Club said: "Caring for local communities is the essence of what Lions Clubs are about, so this partnership with Marie Curie is the perfect match.
Some facts about Marie Curie Cancer Care: Around 70 per cent of the charity's income comes from the generous support of thousands of individuals, membership organisations and businesses, with the balance of funds coming from the NHS. More than £83 million a year is spent on care and research activities. For every £1 received, 70p is spent directly on providing end of life care and research, 22p is invested to generate future funds and 8p is spent on support, governance and raising awareness. Marie Curie has nine hospices around the country. It is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS. Marie Curie Hospices provide care for patients with cancer and other illnesses and provide support for families and carers, all free of charge. The charity mainly cares for people with cancer but also cares for people with other life-limiting illnesses such as dementia, Motor Neurone Disease and heart failure.
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April 2013
FOCUS on charities
Rotary chips in to help sensory room project for Opportunity Group BLANDFORD Rotary Club has given £250 to the Blandford Opportunity Group towards the refurbishment of its sensory room. Enhancements will include new flooring and wall panels, a purpose-built ball pool with light, sound and vibration, a new curtain of fibre-optic lights, bubble tube, light panels, projectors and updating the electrics and control panels. Work to extend the room using a store cupboard will be done mostly by volunteers. Sharon Kevern, of the group, said: "So far we've raised £3,500 of the estimated £10,000 cost of refurbishment. "We are always looking for new ideas to fund-raise and would welcome people to come and join our committee, or just to help at events." Blandford Rotary Club president Nic Nicol said: "The Blandford Opportunity Group does fantastic
work for children with special needs in Blandford and the surrounding area. I am privileged to have them as one of my charities in my year as president."
Sharon Kevern, staff and children at the Blandford Opportunity Group receive a cheque for £250 from Andy Munden, Blandford Rotary Club's New Generations chairman.
RDA group makes a plea for helpers MORE volunteers are being sought by the Bryanston Riding for the Disabled Group, which holds fortnightly sessions at Deer Park Stables in Blandford. Expertise or experience is not necessary as training is given in all aspects of the activities. The riders are adults with varying degrees of disability who benefit in many ways from experiencing the freedom that riding gives them, and from regular contact with the gentlest of horses. While the need to raise funds for the group is ever-present, as it is entirely self-supporting, an appeal is being made for more helpers. Anyone able to give a few hours every other Thursday morning may contact Jackie Abbott on 01258 863683 or email her at springheadjackie@hotmail.com.
A Bryanston RDA session at Deer Park stables. Could you help, too?
Helen Rawles and Christine Foley of the North Dorset Oxfam Group with a selection of cakes on offer at their fairtrade coffee morning in the Parish Centre.
Cakes and sale for Oxfam THE North Dorset Oxfam Group held a fairtrade coffee morning in the Parish Centre, Blandford, on Saturday 2nd March as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, when a range of products was offered for sale together with delicious cakes and refreshments. Just under £200 was raised. The town's Oxfam Bookshop in Salisbury Street will be staging a Sci-fi Easter fun day on Saturday 6th April, which will include a visit from the Dorset Troopers. Starting at 10am, the event will feature face painting and mask making, and all proceeds will go to the Oxfam Syrian Refugee Emergency. The following Saturday, 13th April, the shop will be hosting a poetry evening for the East Street Poets. Discounts on all books will be available for those attending.
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April 2013
FOCUS on service
Blandford residents having their blood pressure measured at a previous event in the Corn Exchange.
Check your blood pressure BLANDFORD Rotary will hold its annual 'Know your blood pressure' day on Saturday 20th April in the Corn Exchange. Doctors and nurses will be on hand to measure blood pressure and to advise if further action is necessary. The event is organised by Blandford Rotary in conjunction with the Stroke Association, who will provide information about stroke prevention and treatment.
High blood pressure is the major risk factor in causing strokes, 40 per cent of which could be prevented if blood pressure was controlled. There are 150,000 strokes per year in the UK, or one every five minutes. 'Know your blood pressure' day runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm and is free of charge. Refreshments will be available, and there is no need to make an appointment.
Bus users' views are sought for survey BUS travellers have until Monday 15th April to respond to a consultation by Dorset County Council which aims to find out people's priorities to help shape the future of bus services in the county. Although the majority of local bus services are operated by bus companies on a commercial basis, the county council subsidises many socially necessary bus services through contracts with bus operators. At present, about 11 million individual bus journeys each year are made in Dorset with about 25% of them being made on these subsidised services.
Residents have been asked to take part in the consultation by completing bus service questionnaires and returning them to the Dorset County Council passenger transport team. A separate questionnaire is available for people who use, or are thinking of using, community transport such as community car or community bus schemes. Copies of the questionnaire are available from a number of council offices or can be completed online at www.dorsetforyou.com/busconsultation.
Welcome for clampdown on payday loans FIRST Dorset Credit Union, which has a local manned service point in Blandford, has welcomed news of the Government's clampdown on high-interest 'payday' loan companies. David Milsted, who is the Credit Union's director for the Blackmore Vale, said: "This crackdown is long overdue. We see people - especially young people - whose lives have been ruined by these payday loans. "They are easy to get and can seem attractive, but all too often they spiral out of control when people can't afford a full repayment after just a week or so. Then they take out another payday loan to pay back the one they've got. It's a very slippery slope. "Working with other organisations we can get their lives back on track and set them up for a fresh start, but we are all too aware of the misery they have gone through before they come to us. "The payday companies are only interested in profit. Our priority is to help people by
enabling them to take out loans they can genuinely afford, and to help them budget for their needs." There are currently 240 payday firms operating in Britain, mostly on the internet, charging interest rates between 1,700 per cent and 4,240 per cent a year. The Credit Union offers people who join it the chance to save, while also offering loans at very low interest rates to its members. It is able to do this because it is a co-operative, run by volunteers - but it is regulated in the same way as a bank, and all its savers are covered by the Financial Compensation Guarantee scheme. It can offer loans of up tp ÂŁ3,000 for small weekly or monthly repayments, subject to personal interview. First Dorset operates across Dorset, and in Blandford offers a local manned service point at the Treads/CAB office in Bere's Yard every Saturday from 10am to 12pm. The service points are all listed, with their opening times, on the FDCU website, www.fdcu.co.uk or people can phone 01305 268444.
Another free wills session AGE Concern Blandford are holding another wills and attorney surgery on 23rd April from 10am to 1pm at their office in Nightingale Court, Blandford. Contact the office to book a free 15-minute advice session with Jerome Dodge from Blanchards Bailey solicitors. The charity are also looking for someone who is computer literate and has book keeping experience to become their new treasurer and trustee, and more volunteers, who will be given full training to help run the information and advice service. In both cases, CRB checks will be required but all expenses will be refunded. For more information contact Carol Bunnagar (tel 01258 458250) or contact the office 4 Nightingale Court, Blandford DT11 7ED.
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FOCUS on service
Clayesmore's music starlets steal the show
Winners Lauren Morgan and George Hewett with Rotarian John Edwards after their success in Winchester. FOLLOWING their success in Blandford Rotary's Young Musician of the Year competition, Clayesmore School students George Hewett and Lauren Morgan triumphed again at the district final in Winchester and now go forward to the regional final at Teignmouth on 6th April. George, a lower sixth-form student at Clayesmore, came second in the solo instru-
Winning vocalist Lauren Morgan receives her prize from Rotary District Governor Mary Pike and competition organiser Denis Welstead.
mentalist class with his excellent saxophone playing of 'Tango and Charleston' by Trevor Hold. Lauren was awarded first prize in the solo vocalist class. She impressed the judges and endeared herself to the appreciative audience with her moving renditions of 'Down by the Sally Gardens' (words by Yeats) and 'On my Own' from 'Les Misérables'.
If successful at Teignmouth, George and Lauren could qualify for the national final in May. John Bentley, president elect of Blandford Rotary, said: "Both George and Lauren are extremely talented musicians. They perform with superb technique and reach out to their audience. We wish them both the best of luck in the regional final."
Hall & Woodhouse has plenty to celebrate THE launch of this year's Community Chest by Hall & Woodhouse was an opportunity for the Blandford St Mary brewery to outline to civic leaders from across Dorset the latest news from the county's second largest independent employer. Mark Woodhouse highlighted some of the major achievements of the company, which dates back to 1875, including its nine per cent share of the premium bottled ale market, its exports to nine countries including Australia, and the opening of its new brewhouse last June. With 220 pubs across the south, it has also been investing in new outlets in Bath, where £6 million has been spent on the redevelopment of a former auction rooms, and in Portishead, Bristol, where a new pub has been created from 28 recycled containers. He said their aim was to be leaders in the UK market in brewing and hospitality, and investment to become, if not the biggest,
Civic leaders at the launch of the Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest at the Half Moon pub in Shaftesbury. then the best. He said 90 per cent of shareholders could still trace their roots back to the Hall and Woodhouse families or to the founders of the Matthews of Gillingham brewery which has been part of the company since 1963. He also outlined ways in which the brewery supported the community in addition to the annual Community Chest awards scheme in which £20,000 is shared between local organisations bidding for grants.
"We want to be valued by our stakeholders, team members, guests, suppliers and local residents because we need the support of the local community, where our average pub raises £2,000 a year for charity," he said. The company itself has raised £150,000 in the last two years for Naomi House children's hospice, its nominated charity, through sponsored events by its retail team which have included a skydive and a hike around the Isle of Wight. A team of six cyclists from the
retail team is due to embark on a 1,100-mile bike ride across the south to visit every pub in the brewery's portfolio in seven days. Application forms are now available from the Hall & Woodhouse website for the Community Chest, which supports local community initiatives providing longterm help to local people. The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd May. There is also an opportunity to nominate an individual for a Local Hero award of up to £2,000 for their organisation.
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April 2013
FOCUS on sport
Medals for swimmers FOR a relatively small club, Blandford Forum Swimming Club is achieving good results. Six swimmers were accepted by Dorset ASA to swim in the County Championship Finals at Littledown. All swam strongly and for the first year some of the swimmers came away with medals. Lucy Denton-Smith, swimming in her first county finals, came first in the nine-year-old 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly races and fourth in the 50m breaststroke. Ollie Cleal was third in the 10-year-old 50m backstroke race and seventh in the county in the 50m freestyle and the 50m breaststroke races. Dominic Flavell, Max Denton-Smith, Hattie Burnell and Jacob Owen also swam close to or better than their previous personal best times. Blandford Forum Swimming Club also has a water polo section which is taking part in the Dorset Water Polo League. The KS3 team is currently in second place in the table. Seven of the players made it through the trials to train at the regional training centre at Exeter. For information about the club and for contact details please go to www.blandfordflyers.co.uk.
Blandford Rugby academy members at the Exeter Chiefs ground.
A memorable day for Blandford youngsters A GROUP of players and their families from Blandford Rugby Club Academy attended 'Super Saturday' at Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club. Children trained with Exeter Chiefs players and coaches, then had the opportunity to tour the stadium visiting their gyms, changing rooms and physio suites. After a break for lunch, they collected their tickets for the Aviva Premiership game between Exeter Chiefs and London Welsh. The children were then lucky enough to go onto the pitch to form a tunnel for the players at
the start of the game and to parade around the pitch at halftime to advertise Blandford RFC Academy. After the match, academy members met the Exeter players and collected autographs. The academy members were inspired by the trip and were excited to come away with goody bags and souvenirs. Blandford RFC Academy welcomes new players, boys or girls age four upwards throughout the year. Visit www.blandfordrfc.com or email academy@blandfordrfc.com for more details.
Rugby shirts sent to Uganda
Boxers put on a show BOXING clubs from across the south were represented at a show hosted by Blandford Amateur Boxing Club at The Blandford School. Nine Blandford boxers took part in the bouts, which were followed by the senior ABA championships between a dozen boxers from visiting clubs. Mark Benham and Henry Lancaster, both from Blandford, opened the show, which was sponsored by a number of local businesses, with impressive skills bouts in which there are no winners or losers. Mark was subsequently judged best home boxer of the night. Blandford's Boxer of the Year award, sponsored by the John Paulley Trust and presented by Mr Paulley, the club's president, was won by George Ging, who secured a points win over F Masters of Bodmin. Other winners for Blandford were J. Stockwell, M. Manston and H. Lefby. The club, which holds boxing classes for those aged 10 and above with training days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at its premises on the Littletowns Industrial Estate, Blandford Heights, welcomes both male and female participants. For details call 0799 907343 or 01258 458849.
BLANDFORD Rugby Club Academy arranged for their former rugby kit to be sent out to St Jude's Primary School in Idudi, Uganda. Learning of the school's need for sports equipment and clothing, the club arranged for 40 rugby shirts to be delivered. The school's headteacher said: "On behalf of the entire community of St Jude's Primary School, I would like to convey our sincere gratitude to you for the parcel of rugby uniforms received. It was a surprise and excitement filled our hearts. "Rugby has not been a common game, especially in the primary schools, but now you have set the ball rolling in our field and I shall look for a coach to train our children. Thank you very much."
Members of Blandford Amateur Boxing Club who took part in the show.
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April 2013
FOCUS on sport
Welsh wizards take charge at Ashley Wood THERE was a strong Welsh accent to Ashley Wood Golf Club's St David's Day celebrations. The day was marked with a fun pairs competition organised by club Captain Mike Lane and the lady Captain Sheila Davidge,
both of whom were born in Wales. They also teamed up to win the event. Welsh cakes and mulled wine were the order of the day halfway round, and leeks featured in the lunch that followed. All who participated were
Ashley Wood ladies' secretary Kay Everett (centre) presents the St David's Day pairs tournament prizes to the winners, club captain Mike Lane and lady captain Sheila Davidge.
A visitor in action during last year’s Blandford Bowling Club open day.
Try your hand at bowls LAWN Bowls is a great sport for everyone of all ages and all abilities and there's a chance to give it a try at Blandford Bowling Club's open day on Saturday 11th May. The club, next to the recreation ground in Park Road and overlooked by Blandford Hospital, will be open from 10am to 4pm so that those who have never bowled before can find out about the playing and social aspects of membership. No special equipment is needed and there will be coaches on hand to show you the ropes. Many people think that bowls is 'an old person's sport'. While it is certainly ideal for mature people, it also provides exercise, a social dimension and winter indoor activities at low cost, but most of the best bowlers are young! To 'give it a go' or find out more, contact Tony Ives on 01929 472336, email tonyandrosieives@yahoo.co.uk or see www.blandfordbowlingclub.com.
instructed to wear a red item, a leek or a daffodil, otherwise a fine would be imposed. Ashley Wood held a 'Hearts and Clubs' competition to raise funds to purchase an automated external defibrillator for the club. The day went very well and £1,000 was raised towards the cause. Thanks must go to Stuart Atkins and Neil Pike, who spent a lot of time organising the event, and 'healthy' prizes consisted of food hampers and leisure centre vouchers donated by Blandford Leisure Centre. The winning team comprised Stuart Atkins, Ron McCall, Simon Hopwood and Steve Sidney. Their amazing score of 53.2 was three shots better than that of second place. A cheque for more than £800, raised by Ashley Wood Golf Club ladies, has been handed over to the Dorchester Opportunities Group. The group were the charity chosen by the club's past lady captain Jane Webster and was handed over at a recent coffee morning to a representative of the group by Jane's former vice-captain Sheila Davidge.
HOLE FOR ONE: The Ashley Wood Golf Club ladies' section always have a collection for a present for the outgoing Lady Captain and last year Jane Webster asked if some trees could be purchased and planted on the course. Three trees were bought on Jane's behalf and she is pictured planting them adjacent to the eighth hole.
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April 2013
Another good night for Blandford WI THE newly re-established Blandford Women's Institute had another successful evening at its second meeting at the Knees Up fitness studio in Common Lane. Gill Samways, Dorset WI advisor, led the meeting and introduced their first guest speaker, the Mayor of Blandford, Sara Loch. Cllr Loch gave an enthusiastic personal talk about her committed journey to, and time in, local office, encapsulating local history and the work done by local volunteers. After refreshments, the next speaker was Richard Parsons, Bulgaria operations manager from the Trussell Trust, who admirably held the audience's attention for an hour, proving himself a very positive ambassador for the Trust. Founded by Paddy and Carol Henderson from a legacy left by Carol's mother, Betty Trussell, in 1997
to help improve the conditions for orphans in Bulgaria, the Trust received a call in 2000 from a local Salisbury mother saying her child was going to bed hungry that night. The Trust has since set up 310 foodbanks nationwide (continuing at a rate of three a week) and helped provide three days' worth of food to 250,000 people in crisis in the UK this year. Food is donated by local people for local people. For more information see www.trusseltrust.org. After the talk and raffle, the following members volunteered to form the first committee: Teresa Burns, Carol Francis, Jo Luckham, Lynn Moralee and Simone Walls-MacDonald. The Blandford WI meets from 7pm to 9pm on the second Friday of each month at Knees Up, the former dance studio behind M&Co. The meeting on 12th April will introduce Michael Le
Bas from Blandford Town Museum as guest speaker. Joining is not necessary on the first night of attendance, and people can come for two meetings before making
up their mind to commit to the annual fee of £33. For further information please email maxi_mon@yahoo.co.uk (Simone Walls-MacDonald).
Members of Blandford's new Women's Institute with Mayor of Blandford Sara Loch and founder Simone Walls-MacDonald.
Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events Monday 1st April: Car treasure hunt in support of the Disability Action Group (North Dorset) followed by refreshments and raffle, register from 2pm in Langton Road car park, Blandford Wednesday 3rd April: Bryanston Coffee Morning, Bryanston Club, from 10am Wednesday 3rd April: Blandford Art Society practical evening using colour with David Marl 'Approach to Still Life', Blandford Parish Centre 7pm. All welcome (members £1, non-members £3) Wednesday 3rd April: Brendoncare Blandford - Forum Flyers Club, Cathy Lister sings and talks about Romany Life, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, Blandford DT11 7DN 2 to 4pm Wednesday 3rd April: Magnum Carnival Bingo at Pimperne Village Hall, 7.30pm Friday 5th April: Bus2Go visit to Intech Science Centre and Planetarium, Winchester, details 01258 837749 or email bus2go@btinternet.com Saturday 6th April: Oxfam Bookshop, Salisbury Street, Blandford, Sci-fi Easter fun day from 10am Saturday 6 April: Pimperne Pre School Table Top Sale, Corn Exchange, Blandford 9.30am to 1pm Sunday 7th April: Dorset Section of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s Blandford Run, starting from the Corn Exchange, Blandford at 11am Sunday 7th April: Portman Point to Point, Badbury Rings, first race 2pm
Entries in this diary are free of charge. If you have an event you would like included, please send details to Nicci Brown, 01258 459346 or email s.n.b@btinternet.com. This page is available and regularly updated on our website at www.forumfocus.co.uk Sunday 7th April: Barnardo's Quiz Night, in support of Ali Pickford who is running the Brighton Marathon for Barnardo's, Cricketers, Shroton, tickets 01258 860421
12.30pm, details 01258 452253
Monday 8th April: Blandford Floral Group, United Reformed Church Hall, Blandford, 2.15pm for demonstration by Jenny Winstone "Force of Nature". Visitors welcome £5, raffle of arrangements
Wednesday 17th April: Brendoncare Blandford - Forum Flyers Club, Giant Scrabble, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, Blandford DT11 7DN 2 to 4pm
Tuesday 9th April: Blandford branch Dorset Cyclists Network meets 40 Kings Road, Blandford, 7.30pm, details 07964175573, or at blan@dcn.org.uk Wednesday 10th April: Brendoncare Blandford - Forum Flyers Club, Arts & Crafts with Margaret Swift, Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, Blandford DT11 7DN 2 to 4pm
Monday 15th April: Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning Hilary Warner (former BBC producer), Memories of the BBC, details 01258 860767
Wednesday 17th April: Dorset Wildlife Trust North Dorset Group meets Fontmell Magna village hall 7.30pm for illustrated talk on moths by county ecologist Dr Philip Sterling Thursday 18th April: Traditional Tea Dance, Corn Exchange, Blandford
Blandford 9.30am to 12.30pm, details from Liz 01258 861754 Saturday 20th April: Quiz Night, Charlton Marshall Church Hall, 6.30 for 7pm, tickets £7.50 include supper, bookings by 13th April to 01258 488431 Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April: Blandford Orchard Group (Blandford Forum Transition Town) working mornings.All welcome. Contact Ann 01258 857336 or Paul paul@da21.org.uk for information Tuesday 23rd April: Age Concern Blandford Wills and Attorney surgery, 4 Nightingale Court, Blandford, bookings 01258 458250 Wednesday 24th April: Blandford Townswomen's Guild Birthday Party and Line Dancing, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford, 2.15pm. All Welcome Wednesday 24th April: Brendoncare Blandford - Forum Flyers Club, Brian Hemsworth, Get Connected and Karaoke, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, Blandford DT11 7DN 2 to 4pm
Friday 12th April: Durweston Film night Les Miserables, village hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 18th April: Blandford Heart Forum at Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, 7 to 9pm. Speaker Margaret James on ‘My Young Life in the Theatre’, spouses and partners welcome. Details Lisa Hoghton on 01258 860880 or Ray Suter on 01258 860787
Wednesday 24th April: Annual Town Assembly, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7pm
Saturday 13th April: Blandford Community Expo, Corn Exchange, 10am to 2pm
Thursday 18th April: NDDC Design awards presentation, Bryanston School 7.30pm
Friday 26th April: Durweston Film Night: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, village hall, 7.30pm
Sunday 14th April: Blandford Art Society all-day practical workshop, Pimperne Village Hall, Max Hale - Using watercolours to paint interiors and exteriors, details from Tina 01747 811883
Friday 19th April: Impact Theatre present 'My Wife and the King', The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm, details 01258 475137
Saturday 27th April: Youth Aid rock and roll/ Elvis music night at the Crown Hotel, 8pm till midnight. Tickets £10 from Youth Aid.
Wednesday 10th April: DT11 AGM, Durweston village hall 7pm
Sunday 14th April: Ashley Wood Golf Club Open Day, from
Saturday 20th April: Blandford Art Society practical art workshop, United Reformed Church Hall,
Saturday 27th April: St George's Day Quiz, Shroton village hall, 7.30pm, tickets £5 from 01258 861542