June 2013 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS

Fun in the sun at the Hamdinger: Page 4

For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 15

June 2013

Miles better!

Final trailway stretch opens A ROUTE linking Blandford with Sturminster Newton on the North Dorset Trailway was officially opened on Sunday 19th May with a massed walk, cycle ride and trek from Station Court to Stourpaine recreation ground.

The final three-mile stretch is the result of months of work by volunteers, North Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council, the national cyclists network Sustrans and the North Dorset Trailway Trust, and the co-operation of many local landowners.

The opening followed a period in which people have been able to access parts of the trail along the track of the former Somerset & Dorset railway line, giving them the opportunity to raise a number of issues.

There was early criticism of the amount of tree felling carried out by the Countryside Rangers, which has been answered by Rangers Giles Nicholson and Graham Stanley. They said years of minimal management of the growth around the track had left it in serious need of work, and the removal of excessive tree cover has already resulted in the generation of increased biodiversity.

More recently there have been concerns that the tarmac track is not only unsuitable for runners but also for cyclists who are said to have suffered tyre punctures.

The 2.5-metre tarmac track

by Nicci Brown alongside a rougher surface for walkers and riders was insisted upon by Sustrans, which has given funding totalling ÂŁ440,000 towards the extension of the trailway from Stourpaine.

Nick Hitch of Child Okeford said he had witnessed a number of cyclists suffering punctures because of the sharpness of the material used on the surface.

And Steve Guy, organiser for the past five years of the Blandford Bridges running event which used part of the trailway route through the town, has written to Sustrans expressing disappointment that the lane of gravel/shingle/cinder mix next to the tarmac cycling track has in many places insufficient width and that the main surface is more road than trailway, encouraging speed which could lead to accidents.

"The original cinder track from Station Court to the Milldown was perfectly adequate for all users, but naturally slower and therefore safer."

Other concerns raised by residents and put forward for discussion at the next town and general purposes committee meeting of Blandford Town Council by its chairman Cllr Hugo Mieville, are the lack of a pedestrian and To Page 3

Dogged observers: every dog has its day and this attentive trio greatly enjoyed their visit to the annual dog show at Knighton House School, Durweston. Story: Page 20.

Hospital ward shutdown shock PATIENTS were temporarily moved out of a ward at Blandford Hospital following a warning over the standard of their care from the independent health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission.

Dorset HealthCare Trust provides in-patient beds for patients with specific mental health needs, including dementia, in the Betty Highwood Unit and community rehabilitation on the Tarrant ward.

An unannounced visit was made to the hospital in March by the CQC, which found breaches of four national regulations covering respecting and involving service users, care and welfare, staffing and records, concluding that care was not being delivered according to people's needs.

Risk assessments and care plans were not always up to date, and patients and staff on the ward and unit said they were short-staffed at times.

Ian Biggs, deputy director of the CQC in the south, said:

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"These are the standards that everyone should be able to expect, and providers have a duty to ensure they are compliant."

Paul Sly, chief executive of Dorset HealthCare, said the trust had already addressed the regulator's concerns. "We temporarily amalgamated the Betty Highwood Unit with the Chalbury Unit at Weymouth Hospital to consolidate medical and nursing staff in one location to improve the quality of the care we provide," he said.

"During the temporary amalgamation, we have undertaken a focused recruitment drive, after which we plan to move patients back to the Betty Highwood ward. We are liaising with the affected in-patients and their families and offering financial support for travel costs."

Mr Sly said the CQC report had highlighted several areas where action needed to be, and had been, taken very swiftly.

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June 2013

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DEADLINES Adverts: Wednesday 12th June Editorial: Friday 14th June

Hospital ward closure shock From Page 1 "However, it is worth noting that the unannounced visit also resulted in positive feedback from patients, said Mr Sly. A Tarrant ward patient said "staff looked after me well", a Betty Highwood ward patient said they "were able to make choices" about their care. Other patients and two relatives commented that "the care they received met their needs."

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-ops in Salisbury Road and Langton Road, Tesco at Stour Park, One Stop in Salisbury Road, Blandford Leisure Centre, the Heddington Drive Nisa shop and Blandford Tourist Information Centre, West Street. 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.

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Cash concerns delay Asda verdict A DECISION on whether Asda can build a supermarket on the north side of Blandford has again been deferred for further discussion on how the £500,000 offered by the store to mitigate the effect on the town centre should be spent.

Members of North Dorset District Council's development management committee agreed that suggestions should be considered by local district and town councillors and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce as well as by planning officers.

Ideas put forward by officers and agreed with Asda include a regular bus service between the store and town, the appointment of a town centre manager, funding for a town centre project, and shopfront improvements.

Tesco are also committed to providing funding for town centre enhancements if they proceed with their own expansion plans.

Town councillor for the ward, Jackie Stayt, questioned the way the package had been drawn up without consulting the town, asking to whom the town centre manager would be responsible and why a project to create offices for the DT11 community partnership was considered to be mitigation of Asda's arrival.

"These ideas were never discussed with the town council, Blandford's district councillors or the Chamber of Commerce," she

said, asking that negotiations be reopened and that they should include local councillors.

Local district councillor Tony Harrocks, who is also a town councillor, said: "We were frankly very surprised and disappointed that all these conditions have been put in without consultation with the town or district councillors for the ward."

Development control manager John Hammond said the package needed to be accepted by all parties and meet the requirements for a community infrastructure levy, and if it failed the decision could be subject to judicial review.

He added that deferral would not prevent Asda from making preparations for work necessary before development could start.

Rec equipment for grown-ups OUTDOOR exercise equipment for adults has been installed by Blandford Town Council on Larksmead Recreation Ground and is available for use at all times.

The official opening on Thursday 2nd May was attended by representatives of the North Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group and other local organisations in recognition of the funding given by NHS Dorset, which contributed £5,000 to the near £9,000 total cost.

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June 2013

Final stretch of trailway is open at last From Page 1 cyclist protocol, and the potential for motorcyclists to use the trailway, rendering it dangerous for walkers, cyclists and horse riders for whom it is intended.

Kevin Humphreys, Sustrans area manager, said: "Some of the track surface made of road planings was standing slightly proud and was scraped off and replaced and the surface needs time to settle down. Complaints about the surface on behalf of runners preceded the laying of the top layer.

"I think as people become familiar with using the trailway they will get used to the mix of pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders. There are signs warning that motorcycles are not allowed. Their use on the trailway is illegal and riders would be liable to prosecution.

"The North Dorset Trailway has already proven to be immensely popular and Sustrans are delight-

ed to help fund this latest section.

The new route will provide a fantastic opportunity for the community to enjoy the health and economic benefits of walking and cycling more easily and more often."

Giles Nicholson from Dorset County Council's Ranger Service said: "Getting permission from all seven landowners was a real challenge but we eventually reached agreement which enabled the trailway to be built. It is hugely popular for locals and visitors and a real asset for the whole area."

Horse rider Liz Crawford of Turnworth, hacking with her friend Cheryl Miller between Blandford and Stourpaine a week before the official opening, said it was ideal for them. "We feel very privileged that we can now ride in safety all the way from Sturminster Newton to Blandford," she said.

Liz Crawford and Cheryl Miller hacking on the trailway near Stourpaine.

Another entry in the race for broadband WHILE Trailway Broadband may have hit a hurdle, another internet service is forging its way into the rural community around Blandford.

Wessex Internet have signed up more than 100 subscribers, including three private schools, for its 30Mb broadband service provided by accessing the fibre-optic cable between Blandford and Shaftesbury to broadcast wireless to receivers in homes.

It was founded by a local computer science graduate and developed three years ago by James Gibson Fleming, of the Ranston estate, Shroton, in partnership with M12 Solutions Ltd, business telecoms providers, whose managing director lives in Shaftesbury and his son in Shroton.

Mr Gibson Fleming said: "I got fed up with the lack of broadband service to the estate and did not want to accept the charge BT would have made to give us a supply.

"We set up an initial system with cable from the Blandford to Shaftesbury connection to equipment at Ranston, which could then be fed wirelessly to other BADGERS will be appearing on the bypass roundabout near the Tesco supermarket as part of its sponsorship by the Hall & Woodhouse Badger Brewery. But the three planned to occupy their new 'sett' will not be causing a traffic hazard - they are sculptures, not live animals.

properties."

It was when Clayesmore School came on board as a partner that the scheme was extended, and it has now been joined by Sandroyd and Hanford schools, as well as individuals around the rural area who could not hope to receive fast broadband speeds from any other source.

Meanwhile, the team behind Superfast Broadband that aims to deliver 24Mbps to 95% of Dorset premises through a partnership based at Dorset County Council is urging residents to register for the improved service if they want it.

Only a small percentage have done so and North Dorset District Council chief executive Liz Goodall has warned that rural areas will get left behind if they fail to register their interest at www.dorsetforyou.com/superfast.

She said: "We are very aware and concerned about the poor level of broadband service in North Dorset. Superfast Dorset will invest almost ÂŁ19 million of public funding to bring access to superfast broadband speeds in rural areas. The project team needs to know where people want this improved service - whether to improve their business or their social lives."

Project leader Dugald Lockhart said: "We want to ensure that we make good decisions at the very local level about how and where investment will be made. We want to make sure that North Dorset gets the best possible service."

The Superfast Dorset project will

be working throughout North Dorset but excluding the towns of Blandford, Shaftesbury and Gillingham, which will be covered commercially.

They say other operators providing broadband access and planning do not meet national requirements in terms of affordability, coverage and funding.

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June 2013

Crowds enjoy the energetic routines by dancers from Blandford’s Studio B.

Elegance in tutus: girls from the Janet Knight School of Dance.

Hamdinger holiday fun is a hit with all ages

Egg, spoon and a steady hand.

Adult class winner in the flotilla was Robert Meakin, with Voyager 1.

LOCAL singer songwriter Nick Tatham may not have won over the judges on The Voice a few weeks ago, but he was a big hit with his home audience at the Blandford May Day Hamdinger a couple of weeks later.

Nick, whose unaccompanied performance wowed the celebrities on the top TV talent show even though he'd failed to impress with his audition piece, sold scores of copies of his CD when he took to the stage on the Marsh and Ham. Another big attraction was the young dancers of Studio B, who have a busy schedule of local appearances this year. They took part in the Youth Aid concert in April, the Durweston and Milldown school fetes last month and the Hamdinger, where they thrilled a large audience with their routines.

The Hamdinger was a follow-up to last June's Jubilee party on

Nick Tatham on stage. the Marsh and Ham and was a great success. Hundreds attended the six hour programme of largely home-grown entertainment and activity.

Three performance areas were

set up, with a stage, sports arena and dance area for a non-stop series of entertainment from groups including Blandford St Mary and Downlands primary schools whose pupils gave maypole and country dancing displays, the Gurkha dancers, the North Dorset Karate Club and Blandford Rugby Academy, the community choir, the Stour Valley Band, the Janet Knight School of Dancing, the High Cs band and the Child Okeford Mummers.

There were also traditional fairground games, rides and races for children and adults as well as free punch and cakes served by volunteers from a range of community groups including the Blandford Guides, Blandford Rugby Club, Army Cadets, Blandford Stour Rotary, Blandford Royal British Legion and the Blandford Celebration Group, which organised the event on behalf of Blandford Town Council.

A highlight of the afternoon was the flotilla, a collection of model boats made from recycled materials that were judged by Philip Warren, creator of the Matchstick Fleet.

After the judging the boats were sailed down the leet of the River Stour.

Esme Butler , chairman of the celebration group, said: "The recipe proved a great success again, and the results showed that people enjoyed themselves. Thanks to everyone, both visitors and traders, who made generous donations of nearly ÂŁ450 which will mean we can hopefully do the same again sometime, although it won't be on the same date since next year the Georgian Fayre is back."

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June 2013

Brave postman foils jewellery shop raider A BRAVE postman from Blandford and a quick-thinking passer-by helped police catch a suspected jewel thief in the town.

The pair gave chase after a bangle worth ÂŁ10,000 was taken from Horrocks & Webb jewellers in Salisbury Street.

Shop owner Trina Horrocks was

The stolen bangle.

showing it to a customer when he snatched it and ran out of the shop.

Mrs Horrocks said: "I was just stunned. He just shot out of the door and across the road."

Postman Alistair Baker heard Mrs Horrocks's cries of "Stop thief!" and saw the suspect running away.

He gave chase, leaping over the bonnet of an oncoming taxi in the pursuit. He was joined by an unidentified passer-by as the chase continued along The Plocks, Church Lane, Sheep Market Hill, Orchard Street, Damory Street and Oakfield Street.

During the chase, the suspect tried to change his appearance by taking off his long jacket and deerstalker hat. Mr Baker managed to inform the police while keeping up with the man, using his postman's knowledge of local streets.

He said: "I never stopped to think about what I was doing. It was purely instinctive. I have an inherent hatred of theft because our home was burgled twice when I was a child.

Burglars attack woman A WOMAN in her 80s was attacked after two men broke into her home at Hinton Martell, near Blandford.

Police have appealed for information about the aggravated burglary, which happened at 9.30am on 2nd May. The victim was assaulted and suffered minor facial injuries when she called for help, and her handbag, some personal items and jewellery were stolen.

Detective Constable Andy Brix said: "This was a cowardly and vicious attack on an elderly lady in her own home."

He urged anyone with information to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 02:504, and asked the drivers of a small white car and a silver Mercedes seen in the area to come forward for elimination.

Both offenders are described as white men in their 20s, one of slim build, tall, with pale blue or grey eyes, and the other slightly shorter.

Boost for town cleanliness EXTRA resources have been put in by the Dorset Works Partnership to make up for shortcomings in the cleanliness of Blandford, town councillors were told.

County Councillor Barrie Cooper reported that the shortcomings had been due in part to long-term sickness and recent retirements in the staffing structure. A thorough review has been undertaken, and further changes to the work schedule are expected.

Tony and Trina Horrocks of Horrocks & Webb jewellers with Alistair Baker, right, who gave chase when a valuable bangle was snatched from their shop.

"I feel a moral obligation to say we won't accept this in our town. I carry mail around so I'm always aware of the risk of crime."

Mrs Horrocks said she was extremely grateful for the bravery and quick-thinking of the two men.

She has given Mr Baker a handsome reward and would very much like to hear from the man whose identity is still not known.

She said: "Had it not been for

these two men, the bangle would not have been returned. It is people like them who make a real difference, and it's reassuring to know there are such people out there. They are real heroes."

She also thanked Dorset Police and PCSOs for doing a great job and keeping them informed.

A 29-year-old Bournemouth man was due to appear in court in midMay.

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June 2013

Beer festival goes down a treat . . . and now pub offers a stage for all talents to perform THE 9th Blandford Beer Festival at The Railway in Oakfield Street was blessed with fine weather and a wonderful range of 60 beers and cider from South West England.

Beer of the Festival was Potholer, from Cheddar Ales, and the runners-up were Arthur's Ale, from Tintagel, and Otter Bright, from Otter. Cider of the Festival was Devil's Device.

A programme of great entertainment included Matt Black the Pianoman, Chris Payne, Nick Tatham (fresh from his appearance on BBC TV's 'The Voice'), the reunion of Owen & Darren, and Riff Mission.

Special plans are afoot for the 10th Blandford Beer Festival at The Railway next year, and for a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the opening of Blandford to Templecombe railway line at the end of August this year.

The Railway has launched Open Mic Sunday, an open stage gig where anyone can get up and showcase their creativity and possibly access the professional world of music, poetry or comedy.

It is a chance for people to express themselves, gain confidence, practise, or just show off their talents.

The lunchtime gig is run in a traditional fashion by Thomas 'Taff' Morse, who hosts the session, and anyone from poets to songwriters to bands to comedians can perform.

Taff's philosophy is to encourage everyone involved to set fresh goals, whether it is to begin writing original music or to record an album.

Open mics can be the base for a creative community, and a bridge to the professional world of music, poetry or comedy

and where artists can develop their craft and support each other towards their ambitions.

Ultimately, however, the main focus of the sessions is to provide somewhere to relax with family or friends and listen to music with a drink and something to eat.

If you fancy yourself as the new Pink, Bob Marley or Jon Bon Jovi and would like the opportunity to air your talent in a friendly and supportive environment, just pop along to The Railway.

A PA, guitar, and percussion drum box are provided. For more details go to www.railwayblandford.com.

The pub is also looking for feature acts who can play for the chance to get a paid gig at The Railway on a weekend evening.

Milldown estate approved Full steam ahead for The Railway’s history project PLANS for the redevelopment of the former Milldown Primary School site, next to the Milldown, with 43 homes have been approved by North Dorset planners, but with the opposition of one local member and abstention by the other.

Councillor Esme Butler opposed the scheme, which had been amended to include a kerbed footway on the access bridge over the North Dorset Trailway, after concerns that a shared pedestrian and vehicle access would be dangerous, and queries over the structural capacity of the bridge to take construction traffic.

Councillor Joe Hickish abstained, saying he still felt the density too high and that a footbridge would be safer. "This should be an opportunity to enhance a bit of a danger area to make it absolutely safe, not just for compromise," he said.

He also asked whether pedestrian access could be provided between the new estate and Jubilee Way for ease of access to local shopping facilities.

DEPENDING on how much you know about the history of Blandford, or indeed how interested you are in the age of steam, you might be surprised to learn that it was 150 years ago this summer that Blandford Forum Railway Station opened.

It is more than 40 years since the sound of a train has been heard in the town but it has certainly left its mark.

In place of the station there

is now a car park and flats named Station Court.

Where the trains used to approach the station from the south there now stands a supermarket, which bears a hand-carved wooden plaque to commemorate and remind us of the steam trains which once passed that place on their way to Bath or Avonmouth, to Bournemouth, Poole and beyond in either direction, maybe to meet a ship in either channel.

Among the things left behind from the era is Oakfield Street and the Railway Hotel, built predominantly to service the station, its workers and its passengers.

This summer The Railway would like to celebrate its part in Blandford's history.

August 31st is the exact day that the station opened, so on that day The Railway is planning a family fun day and, in the lead-up to it, there will be competitions for all ages.

To link the pub to its past an appeal is being made for stories, anecdotes, facts, news articles and photos of Oakfield Street.

To contribute anything or to find out more, call in or go to the website www.railwayblandford.com or call Lisa at The Railway on 01258 456374.

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June 2013

Homes evacuated after crash causes gas leak FIVE houses in Charlton Marshall were evacuated on the night of Monday 13th May after a car collided with roadworks at around 11pm and caused a gas leak.

Residents were asked to leave their homes as a precaution, and a 100m cordon was placed around the scene in the areas of Green Close, Meadow Road and May Grove.

No-one was injured in the collision and the driver, a 68-year-old man from Poole, was able to get out of the vehicle but the engine was still running.

A retained fire crew from Blandford used a water jet to disperse the gas until hazardous materials officers arrived, and the Red Cross fire emergency support vehicle was requested from Springbourne.

Road closures were put in place at Spetisbury, between Blandford and Charlton Marshall, and at the Parkhill Junction of the A350.

Southern Gas Networks used monitoring equipment at the crash site before working to stop the leak, and the vehicle was removed after 3am.

Stateside conference is Linda’s prize BLANDFORD'S town clerk Linda Scott-Giles has won a competition to take one of two places at the International Conference of Municipal Clerks in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

She flew out on 19th May to spend four days in America with more than 750 clerks from all over the world.

To win her place, she wrote a paper about the Blandford's cemetery extension project for which she has carried out a great deal of research.

Before she left, Mrs Scott-Giles said: "I hope people don't see it as a jolly as I am getting a bit

upset about the prospect of leaving my little boys so I am definitely not seeing it like that. It will be a really useful and, hopefully, inspiring conference.

"This is a great opportunity for us as a council and for my professional development. I have contacted the clerk of Blandford, Massachusetts, in the hope that we can meet up for a chat and photo."

The bursary covers the registration fee, flights and travel to Heathrow and back, and visa, and the council has agreed to fund her accommodation and return shuttle from Philadelphia airport to Atlantic City.

Warning issued about new waste collection dates THE Dorset Waste Partnership is reminding residents who have received their new bins for the 'Recycle for Dorset' service not to put them out for collection until the service starts on Monday 10th June otherwise their rubbish may not be collected.

The DWP has been delivering new containers and information packs to 40,000 households in North Dorset and part of East Dorset ready for the start of the service. The user guide explains that their current collection schemes will continue up to and including the week before the change.

Residents are advised to start filling their new containers after the last collections of their current service and not to put

them out until the first dates marked on their new calendar.

Collection crews have been finding a number of households putting out the new containers, filled with waste, for collection.

They have attempted to empty them where possible, but some vehicles are unable to empty the wheelie bins and there is no way to collect food waste.

Mike Bell, DWP head of operations, said: "While it's nice to see residents eager to use their new bins, if people put them out now it may mean their waste can't be taken."

Residents can find out more about how to use the 'Recycle for Dorset' service and check their collection dates at www.dorsetforyou.com/recycle.

Mandy and Carl Wyeth, centre and right, Mandy's mum Mary Toop, left, and daughters Lauren, 13, and Sophia, 15, at their raffle stall for the fundraiser for the Three Ells Trust and Stourpaine Church.

Family’s show of thanks A SPRING fair organised by the family of a little girl who died as a young baby raised £725.30p for the charity and church which supported them through their loss.

The fair in the Corn Exchange at Blandford was staged by the parents and relatives of Ruby Hope.

They had been helped by the Dorset-based Three Ells charity and by the clergy and parishioners at the church of the Holy Trinity at Stourpaine, where they lived until shortly after Ruby died.

The fair included local traders selling their crafts, a raffle and tombola stall.

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June 2013

Town says thank you to five of its finest FIVE members of the Blandford community were recognised for their service to the town at the mayor-making ceremony in the Corn Exchange on 10th May. In addition to the award of Freedom of the Town to former St John Cadet leader Jackie Vacher - who was told by retiring mayor Sarah Loch that she could now go through the town with sirens blaring, rather than bayonets fixed - certificates of appreciation were presented to John Paulley, for services to education, to Gordon and June Boutelle, for services to the Blandford Fashion Museum, and to Carol Bunnagar, for services to Blandford Age Concern.

The main item on the agenda was the installation of Councillor Bob Brannigan as Mayor, and Councillor Steve Hitchings as his deputy.

Councillor Brannigan, a retired

Above: Blandford’s new Mayor, Councillor Bob Brannigan. Above right: recipients of certificates of appreciation (left to right): June and Gordon Boutelle, Carol Bunnagar and John Paulley. colonel who still works at Blandford Camp as garrison liaison officer, is also president of the Blandford Royal British Legion and has been a member of the town council since 2009.

His proposer, Councillor Lynn Lindsay, itemised what he described as "30 years as a professional nomad" in a military career which had taken him all over the world until settling in the town in 1997. After a series of jobs in uniform at the camp, he became a civil servant there, while his wife Carole became a

teacher at Pimperne Primary School. The New Mayor said his two mayoral charities would represent place and people, in the form of the Parish Church Cupola Fund and the Friends of

Blandford Community Hospital, and that his escorts at civic occasions would be his wife, four children - Martin, Mark, Leanne and Austin - and fellow members of Blandford Town Council.

Lib Dem Cooper holds county seat VOTING in the Dorset County Council elections on 2nd May brought no surprises in the Blandford area, where Liberal Democrat Councillor Barrie Cooper was re-elected.

North Dorset District Council leader Deborah Croney retained the seat of her Conservative predecessor and former county leader Angus Campbell, who stood down, and in Winterborne, Hilary Cox kept her seat, also for the Conservatives.

Councillor Croney topped the poll in North Dorset with fifth highest

number of votes in the county, and the closest fight was in Blandford between Lib Dem, Conservative and UKIP with fewer than 170 votes separating the three top candidates.

Turnout percentage was in the low 30s compared with the mid40s four years earlier. Countywide the Conservatives retained control with 27 of the council's 45 seats, an overall loss of two. Five Labour councillors were elected in Weymouth & Portland, and county-wide there are now 12 Liberal Democrats, and one UKIP.

Full results in local divisions were: BLANDFORD: turnout 30.69% Barrie George Cooper (Liberal Democrat) 861 (35.73%) Nic Nicol (Conservative) 696 (28.88%) Len Alabaster (UKIP) 553 (22.95%) Mike Owen (Labour) 300 (12.45%) HAMBLEDON: turnout 32.43% Deborah Croney (Conservative) 1671 (60.99%) Bob Trethewey (Independent) 478 (17.45%) Hugo Anthony Mieville (Liberal Democrat) 328 (11.97%) Keith Yarwood (Labour) 263 (9.60%) WINTERBORNE: turnout 33.37% Hilary Ann Cox (Conservative)1314 (51.51%) Geoff Lambert (UKIP) 732 (28.69%) Christopher Michael Tomlinson (Liberal Democrat) 278 (10.90%) Kim Alywin Fendley (Labour) 227 (8.90%)

PLANNING permission for four homes on the site of the former tyre depot in Damory Court Street, Blandford, has been granted following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

North Dorset District Council was persuaded by local members to refuse the application on grounds of overdevelopment after concerns at the lack of adequate parking restrictions.

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June 2013

Food Festival triumph means it's here to stay THE runaway success of the first Blandford Food Festival has encouraged organisers to pledge it will become an annual event on the town's calendar.

Francesca Bethell, events coordinator of the Crown Hotel, said: "We will most definitely be back next year and will run alongside the Georgian Fayre.

"Our mission was to put Blandford on the foodie map and to raise lots of money for charity, and we have achieved both."

The festival, held in the Sealy Suite and grounds of the Crown Hotel on a sunny May Day Bank Holiday Monday, attracted more than 30 food producers, most of whom sold out before the end.

Throughout the day a steady flow of hundreds of visitors enjoyed food demonstrations from some of the county's top chefs in the outdoor kitchen, picnicking in the gardens, and entertainment from singers and musicians, facepainters, a magician and cheerleaders.

A total of £1,239.77 was raised for Naomi House and Jacksplace, the hospices that provide respite care for children and young people and their families across the region.

Francesca said: "We are delight-

Festival crowds enjoy the May Day sunshine in the Crown Hotel gardens.

Award-winning cheesemaker James McCall, of James’s Cheese, was selling a newly developed cheese that is as yet unnamed. He has promised to consider calling it Forum Focus since Blandford is the mid-point between Cranborne, where it is made, and Child Okeford, where it matures. James’s Cheese is based at The Byre, Gold Hill organic farm. ed with how much money has been raised for this fantastic charity and have had great feedback from both exhibitors and visitors to the festival.

She co-organised the event with Karl and Chrissy Regler, of the Blandford-based jam and chutney company From Dorset with Love.

It was the first event of its kind in the town and had gone off with a real bang, Francesca added. "We had a lot of producers coming forward at the last minute to exhibit with us, including a number who were launching their businesses with us."

One of these was the Bethellbridge Bakery, run by friends Lisa Hollings and Lisa Davies, of Blandford, who make cakes and cupcakes for events, parties, weddings and as gifts.

The company's name comes from a combination of their maiden names.

Anyone wishing to exhibit or to make suggestions for next year's event should contact Francesca at the Crown Hotel on 01258 456626 or email her at crownhotel.events@hall-woodhouse.co.uk.

LEFT: Blandford friends Lisa Hollings and Lisa Davies, on their Bethellbridge Bakery stand at the Food Festival.

Food Festival co-organiser and co-founder Chrissy Regler on her stall selling her From Dorset With Love jams, chutneys and preserves, with her brother, Andy.

10

June 2013

Artists open studios for a Trail across the district ELEVEN artists living and working in the Blandford area are opening their studios to visitors as part of the Summer Art Trail of the New Dorset Art Group from 25th May to 2nd June.

Most are open daily from 10am to at least 4pm, but full details can be found in leaflets available from venues.

Artists include musician David Norton at 20 Alexandra Street, Blandford, who paints portraits, still life and simple and direct oil landscapes in Dorset and France,.

Printmaker Orsola Adlem at The Laurels, South Holme, Stourpaine, features an excit-

ing exhibition of prints and oils with a mix of subjects inspired by nature and travel, and Clare Thomas at 2 Berkeley Cottages, Church Road, Pimperne, paints the Blackmore Vale and Cranborne Chase.

Clare Shepherd features large oil paintings of the Cranborne Chase at 82 Minchington, near Cashmoor, and ceramic artist Janet Parker Laird, originally a Poole Pottery artist, at Elm Tree Cottage, Priory Gardens, Pimperne, is showing glazed pots and plates inspired by sketches made on a trip to New Zealand Simon Polkinghorn's expressive style drawings and paintings of the human form and ani-

mals are at 11 St Richards Close, Tarrant Keyneston, and Sue Fawthrop at Brewery Cottage, Ansty, produces vibrant semiabstract landscapes and coastal works.

Printmaker Vanessa Stanfield specialises in collagraphy at Badgers Walk, Dorchester Hill, Blandford St Mary, and Sue Bates paints in watercolour at Fieldways, Telegraph Street, Shroton. Painter and printmaker Eleanor Spencer Norman at Firefly House, Hammoon, and printmaker Catherine Pitchford at 1 Green Close, Charlton Marshall are both inspired by the Purbeck and Dorset coastline and countryside.

Alfredo brings a magic touch to life A

COUPLE who spent more than six years living in Spain have been bringing a touch of magic to the Blandford area since moving to the town last year.

Alf and Jo McKay have settled near their daughter and son-inlaw, Flo and Dan Winstanley, and are enjoying being close to their

twin grandsons, Morgan and Oscar, who will be two in July.

"We loved Spain and it has been hard to settle back in Britain, but Blandford is such a beautiful town and we have found everyone so friendly," says Alf, who uses the more exotic name of Alfredo in his work as a magician and entertainer.

Alfredo and Jo were kept busy at Blandford Food Festival (below) where they transformed children into pirates and butterflies (left) and amazed onlookers.

"The twins have made the move easier," he says. "They brighten up every day and we feel blessed to be such a big part of their lives."

Alfredo and Jo are becoming wellknown as children's entertainers at local events. Alfredo pipes the children aboard his pirate ship 'Cyril', which was given its name by cerebral palsy sufferer Alfie O'Neill at the Alfest charity festival at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury showground in May. Once on board, the children are transformed into pirates with balloons that Alfredo and Jo twist and configure into a sword, belt and hat as well as a parrot to sit on

the shoulder.

"We are proud of Alfredo's Pirates because we have developed it ourselves and the children love it," Alfredo says.

"It allows me to be a kid again, performing magic and telling crazy jokes."

The couple also entertain at children's private parties with a magic show and ballooning, and among their forthcoming dates is an appearance at Colin's Community Club in Damory Street on the afternoon of Saturday 6th June.

Alfredo specialises in close-up magic, which lends itself to mix and mingle or table-top events such as weddings, dinners, corporate functions and other events.

They are now looking for a suitable place to rent, with a garage or solid shed where they can store their equipment, make magic props and do a bit of antique restoration.

"I have been a cabinet maker and restorer for over 30 years and getting back to that too would really make us feel settled here," he says.

Find Alfredo online at www.alfredoelmago.com or at www.cabinet-maker.biz. On Facebook he is alfredoelmagomagician.

Show by first-timers MEMBERS of Art For Everyone painting and drawing classes are showing off their work this month with their first-ever exhibitions.

The weekly classes are taught by local artist and tutor Deborah Chisman at Durweston, Marnhull and Shaftesbury and have been running for a couple of years, combining demonstration and step-by-step tuition with personal projects based around a theme and using a range of techniques.

The Durweston group exhibition is on Sunday 30th June, 2.30pm to 5.30pm at the vllage hall. Drop in for a complimentary glass of wine to meet the artists, find out more about the classes and enjoy some original art in a diversity of styles.

For information contact Deborah on 01258 820349.

11

June 2013

Teddy Rocks outside the Greyhound.

Teddy Rocks is a huge hit for charity MORE than £6,000 was raised for childhood cancer charities at the second Teddy Rocks music festival hosted over three days by the Greyhound Inn in Blandford at the beginning of May. The music event was launched by the Teddy20 team who started fundraising in 2009 for local boy Ted Newton, who died of cancer at the age of 10.

Headliners Riff Mission, Spitfire and Ultimate Madness topped the bill on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively and were among more than 20 bands which played over the three days, including Blandford School's battle of the bands winners, Last Resort.

The event ran alongside a cider festival with an outdoor bar featuring nearly a dozen different ciders, together with a barbecue and hog roast.

Music lovers from far and wide enjoyed Blandford's newest outdoor musical extravaganza, and

Tom Newton, who masterminded Teddy Rocks in memory of his brother Ted, said: "This year's festival has set a benchmark for the future.

"Music lovers from all over joined in with the local community to help raise money in aid of CLIC Sargent, which exceeded £6,000.

"The Teddy Rocks Festival would not have been possible without the help of Jan and Gaz Boyd who hosted the event outside their public house, The Greyhound Inn. "Many thanks to all those volunteers and staff who also made the event run smoothly over a very busy weekend. Plans are now being made for Teddy Rocks 2014."

The next big fundraiser planned was due to be the community cricket day, The Teddy20 Big Bash on Bank Holiday Monday 27th May at Blandford Cricket Club in Park Road, with barbecue, bar, refreshments, stalls, games and live music.

Church’s big landmark PARISHIONERS in Charlton Marshall will start celebrating the 300th anniversary of the rebuilding of their church on Sunday 2nd June when the Bishop of Sherborne, Dr Graham Kings, attends the 9.30am service.

Two weeks later, the church will be open for a flower festival during the village Open Gardens weekend on 15th and 16th June. There will be a choir singing during the afternoon on the Sunday followed by a service of Evensong with the Gravellers singers.

The rebuilding of the church in 1713, when it was reported to be "in danger of falling", was funded by then Rector, Dr Charles Sloper, resulting in a beautiful Georgian building often described as being "in the style of Wren". A booklet is being produced featuring some of the church's highlights.

For more information contact the churchwardens Francoise Witheridge on 01258 452548 or John Griffin on 01258 454653.

12

June 2013

FOCUS letters

A civic seal of approval I am writing on behalf of the Town Council to thank the team at Forum Focus very much for their hard work to set up and keep this local magazine going.

You have achieved so much over the last year, not just in filling (and filling it with abundance!) the hole left by the departure of the Western Gazette, but also the magazine has, I believe, encouraged a growing sense of Community. You can be sure that it is very much appreciated.

The Town Council is very grateful for your team's expertise, and feel that it is of great benefit to the town. Congratulations to you all!

SARA LOCH, Chairman of Blandford Forum Town Council.

Better use of Asda cash Town councillors of Blandford and elected representatives on the District Council are right to be concerned at the lack of consultation on Asda, who apparently will be required to contribute £500,000 to mitigate the impact on the town centre shops.

Part of that proposal is to spend £240,000 on a bus service from the town centre to Asda. It seems hardly surprising that Asda would support this expenditure since it is entirely to benefit them - to the detriment of the town shops. What madness!

A much better use for this money would be to provide free one-hour

parking in Blandford to make it easy for everyone to use their local shops and support the town centre.

The second part of the proposal is to employ a Town Development Manager for four years at a cost of £185,000. He is unlikely to be effective unless he has a budget to implement good ideas. Also it would seem more sensible to employ someone now on a oneyear contract who is really talented - whilst the recession is still impacting heavily on town centres. If he is good, his contract could be renewed."

JOHN CHARNLEY (by email).

Take steps to get the town dancing Thank you to the Town Council for holding a very enjoyable tea dance at the Corn Exchange on Thursday 18th April. All the seats were taken from the moment the doors opened but they did not stay occupied for long as the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band struck up the first dance tune and people took to the floor. Tea and home-made cakes were on offer throughout the afternoon to help replenish flagging energy and, as the saying goes, a good time was had by all.

The question now is: when will the Town Council hold the next tea dance and might it become a regular feature at the Corn Exchange? There was certainly a lot of support for the idea among those attending. Also, what can be done to establish dancing lessons in the town? There are no dance classes for adults other

than the line dancing run by Knees Up on a Thursday morning.

Ballroom, Latin American and sequence dancing were the options favoured by most people but country and western and Scottish dancing were also popular choices and were seen by the older dancers as good forms of exercise.

Surely there must be some dance teachers in and around Blandford who could step up and meet this obvious need. Perhaps, if the Town Council can be persuaded to hold weekly tea dances, the first hour could be given over to instruction, followed by two hours of dancing.

So folks, take your partners, please!

TERENCE DEAR Marsh’s Court, Blandford.

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 should 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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June 2013

Reader's research sheds more light on bomber's Bulbarrow crash AFTER reading the article in the March edition of Forum Focus about the airmen buried in Blandford Cemetery, local man Adrian Oliver wanted to know a little more and thought readers would also be interested in what he was able to find out.

Flying Officer Norman Hartney, Royal Canadian Air Force, was the bomb aimer of what was believed to be a multi-national seven-man crew Short Stirling four-engine heavy bomber of 90 Squadron RAF, identification code WP-J (manufacture number R9306).

On the night of 16th February 1943, WP-J took off at 18.59 hours from RAF Ridgwell near Halstead, Essex. The target for the night was Lorient on the Brittany coast of northwestern France, which was the location of World War II's largest German U-boat pens and where Admiral Karl Donitz had estab-

A Short Stirling four-engine heavy bomber similar to the one which crashed on Bulbarrow in 1943. lished his staff HQ in 1941.

The RAF had discovered earlier in the war that these U-boat pens were virtually impenetrable, with 14-ft thick reinforced concrete roofs, and had therefore changed tactics to destroy the surrounding area so as to deny the U-boat base of support and services.

On the homeward leg of the mission both of the Stirling's starboard engines failed, whether

from mechanical failure or battle damage is undetermined, but it resulted in the aircraft being unable to maintain height. While over Dorset, the order to abandon the aircraft was given, but only three of the crew were able to bail out before WP-J crashed at 23.05 hours into Bulbarrow Hill, five miles west of Blandford. The three RAF survivors, Flight engineer Sergeant J.A. 'Jock' Rodger, Midupper Gunner Sgt William Hurn, and Sgt E.R. Evans were taken to the then secret RAF Bulbarrow Hill radar station before being collected by the authorities.

Sadly, all four RCAF crew-members were lost: the pilot, Flying Officer James S. 'Jim' Brydon, age 29; WO2 Willard K. Rosenberry; Flight Sergeant William C Morton and Flying Officer Norman Hartney, age 22. After their funeral in Blandford, they were interred in the cemetery.

Cyclists cover 777 miles for hospice charity Ben Holden (left) and Jamie Smith (right), of Badgers on a Bike, outside Off Camber with Lucinda Gray of Hall & Woodhouse and Alex Day of Off Camber.

Hambeldon secrets revealed A PRESENTATION by archaeologist Professor Roger Mercer on the excavations of Hambledon Hill in the 1970s and 1980s will be held at Shroton Village Hall on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June at 7.30pm.

Prof Mercer is kindly returning to Shroton at his own cost from his home in Edinburgh to give his talk, 'What Lies Beneath? - an expert's perspective and memories of the excavation of Hambledon Hill', and all proceeds will go, with his full support, towards funding the village hall, which is currently undergoing an upgrade.

The event is expected to be very popular, and anyone wishing to go should call 01258 861565 as soon as possible for tickets at ÂŁ7.50.

A TEAM of cyclists from Hall & Woodhouse took part in the Badger on a Bike fundraising event, cycling 777 miles to raise money for Naomi House and Jacksplace, the Wessex hospices for children and young adults.

They pedalled between 52 of the company's managed houses, and two of the bikes and their equipment were sponsored by Blandford's specialist bike and equipment shop Off Camber.

Julian Day, co-owner of Off Camber, said: "100 miles every day for seven days is a very big test and certainly not for the fainthearted. The team needed as much encouragement as possible and we were more than happy to help."

Hall & Woodhouse directors Anthony Woodhouse and David Hoare attended a reception hosted by Samantha Cameron at No 10 Downing Street in April for major supporters of the charity.

Staff and guests of Hall & Woodhouse's public houses and brewery have raised more than

ÂŁ200,000 to support the hospice, the company's nominated charity for the past two years.

Mrs Cameron thanked all at Hall & Woodhouse for their hard work and enthusiasm in raising such a magnificent sum.

Mr Woodhouse said "It was very kind of Mrs Cameron to host this reception. David and I felt very honoured to be representing Hall & Woodhouse's team and guests who actually did all the hard work of fundraising."

Doctors honoured A NEW plaque was unveiled in the Dr Davies' gardens at the junction of Wimborne Road and Langton Road on 2nd May in memory of Dr David Davies and his widow Dr Joan Davies, who died last November.

Members of the family gathered with town councillors for the unveiling in front of the tree planted by the couple for the people of the town the year before his death in 1995.

14

June 2013

FOCUS on gardens

Transition group looks to the future - starting with a community orchard

Blandford Transition Group members in the community orchard at The Blandford School. From left: Ann Taylor, Margaret Grayland, Chris Taylor, Tony Taylor and Kerry Horne.

How to get involved To join in the work of Blandford Transition Group, develop a real community project and, in time, share in the produce, contact Ann on 01258 857336, Paul Macintosh by email at paul@da21.org.uk or see the website http://transitionblandford.wordpress.com.

A TRANSITION Town Group has started up in Blandford as part of a nationwide scheme to raise awareness of sustainable living and to build up local ecological resistance for the future.

One of the key areas of interest is food and the local group has chosen an apple orchard on the Blandford School campus as their initial project.

It is thought the first batch of fruit trees on the site were planted in the 1970s when the former Milldown Middle School ran a smallholding as part of the curriculum.

About 10 years ago fruit was taken to be identified by a fruit expert from RHS Wisley, revealing at least one old variety, Annie Elizabeth, in the orchard, dating back to 1868. Since then, labels have been lost and the orchard has been left virtually untended due to lack of time and a change in teaching priorities.

Some years ago, the trees were

inexpertly pruned and became in need of attention and time to recover. This is now taking place under the care of some keen volunteers in conjunction with the school and its students so that a taste of homegrown fruit can be distributed for the enjoyment of local people.

The Transition Town Group holds monthly weekend working mornings, and initially made good progress at clearing the ivy growing on the trees.

Members have worked on identifying and pruning, mending protective fences, and are now seeing the blossom return to the branches.

Spokesman Ann Taylor said: "We won't see a lot of apples this year, although there will be some on the mature specimens which form part of the orchard. Our agreement with The Blandford School, which has given us permission to manage the orchard as a community project for local people, includes supplying the school with some of the produce."

15

June 2013

FOCUS on gardens PRING may have sprung a little late this year, resulting in some of last month's open gardens events featuring more greenery than colourful borders.

This mattered little at the Trees for Dorset event held at the Old Rectory in Langton Long on 12th May, where the star attraction was the foliage of the wonderful array of forestry features.

Visitors took shelter from the rain and enjoyed cream teas, while also taking advantage of the opportunity to enhance their own gardens with purchases from the plant stalls.

An open gardens and art exhibition at Tarrant Gunville on the last weekend of May coincided with open gardens for the National Gardens Society at Coombe Cottage and Lawsbrook, Shillingstone.

In June the season is in full swing, with open gardens events in Blandford St Mary, Pimperne, Spetisbury, Charlton Marshall, Tarrant Monkton and Tarrant Launceston, and a flower festival at Iwerne Minster. Next month there will be a craft and gardens fair at Chettle.

The Pimperne event was revived last year when, despite appalling weather, it attracted 100 visitors on the first day and nearly 200 on the second.

This year the organisers aim once more to showcase the village's wonderful gardens, with gardeners showing their everevolving plots in full glory.

These range from gardens that have opened under the National Gardens Scheme, those of garden designers and landscapers, the sculptural, the low maintenance, and those of real plantsmen and plantswomen who just love to garden and delight in showing their work.

Tickets, including a map and

S

Through the gate: a chance to admire other people’s hard work information on each garden, will be available from the village hall, where there will be plants for sale, garden related crafts, an art exhibition and some delicious food. landford Stour Rotary's 6th Blandford Hidden Gardens event on Sunday 16th June will have 15 gardens on show, as well as teas, cakes and plants to buy and a number of hidden teddies to find. Last year, £1,500 was raised for local charities and groups on a lovely and relaxing day out which took many visitors to parts of the town they had never seen before.

Tickets to all gardens cost ÂŁ4, with young adults and children free, and are available at the Blandford Information Centre.

A Flower Festival is being staged at St Mary's Church in Iwerne Minster on 21st to

B

23rd June. The money raised will help to restore the parts of the roof where lead was stolen, and for the ongoing fabric maintenance and development. The celebration coincides with the 100th anniversary of the installation of the church organ.

The church will be open between 10am and 5pm on all three days, and on Friday 21st a concert at 7pm features Philip Lange accompanying David Le Prevost, Bryony Purdue and Charlotte and George Hewett, all tremendously talented local young people. Cheese and wine will be served after the concert across the road at the Oak House.

An Arts and Crafts Fair will be held in the Village Club on the Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm and cream teas will be served at River Cottage.

See the back page listings for details of other events.

The garden of the Old Rectory at Langton Long was opened to the public as a fundraiser for Trees for Dorset

16

June 2013

17

June 2013

FOCUS on events

Watermeadows in line for accolade The Clean Up Blandford team with Ranger Graham Stanley and the Mayor of Blandford Bob Brannigan.

Spetisbury Festival offers something for everyone THE biennial Spetisbury Festival kicks off on Friday 31st May with an official opening by Sid Hannam at the start of a three-day art exhibition in the village hall and a concert with Poacher's Moon and Round the Horne radio play at the Woodpecker pub.

On Sunday 2nd June the Country Day, with a range of country pursuits, and the Anonymous Travelling Market at Crawford Bridge, are on all day.

In the village hall on Tuesday there's a film night featuring the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, and on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June, a comedy theatre night will be presented by the Spetisbury Occasional Dramatics Society.

Sunday sees the Great Spetisbury Bake-off, for which entries close on Monday 3rd June, with 2.30pm prizegiving and cake sale in the village hall, followed in the evening by a Stour Piano Trio recital in Spetisbury church.

The Festival Quiz in the village hall on Tuesday 11th June is followed on Thursday by 'A Conversation with' British film editor Mick Audsley and film screening.

Friday 14th June is Ladies' Evening at Spetisbury School, and on Saturday the end of Festival Party in the village hall takes the form of a 1950s Prom Night.

For further details, see www.spetisbury.org.uk.

A new fortnightly Sunday Village Market which launched in May at Springfield, West End, opposite the First School, will follow, and is an extension to the fortnightly Friday Trading Post, with produce from local growers and farmers, arts, crafts and handmade goods, a table top sale, vintage cream teas, children's activities, bar, hog roast and barbecue.

BLANDFORD'S riverside meadows could earn the Green Flag status to put the area on a par with another special area in town, the Milldown.

Clean Up Blandford campaigners at their annual Big Blandford Clean Up on 11th May were urged to help keep the meadows clean and tidy and ensure they qualify for the award, which recognises an area's high environmental management.

Countryside Ranger Graham Stanley said: "The Rangers have done a lot of work on the meadows and are hoping that Stour, Langton and Marsh & Ham meadows will earn Green Flag status for their high environmental

standard. We are encouraging everyone to keep the area clean and tidy for judging, which will be some time in June."

The Clean Up team collected some 30 bags of rubbish from around the town, Blandford St Mary, the meadows and the river, with assistance provided by the Rangers, Blandford Stour Rotary members, the Stour Valley Canoe Club and a number of individual helpers.

The event was started by the Mayor Cllr Brannigan, attending his first official engagement in his year of office.

The next big clean-up will be on Saturday 22nd September.

Climate change charity talk A TALK will be given by Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, the Foreign Secretary's special representative for climate change, on Friday 7th June at the Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary.

Neil Morisetti's role in his final

Summer fun at Stourpaine A GREAT summer's afternoon of entertainment is promised at Stourpaine village fete on Sunday 30th June when activities will include ferret racing, an impromptu dog show, a collection of vintage cars, tug of war and lots of children's entertainment.

There will also be the more traditional stalls offering books, bric a brac, cakes, bakes and local produce for sale, and Mark Farwell will be bringing his two magnificent steam engines to the fete to create a miniature version of the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Unfortunately the production of the Wind in the Willows announced last month has had to be cancelled.

appointment before retiring last year was as the UK Government's Climate and Energy Envoy, working for the MoD to address the security implication of a changing climate, and the impact on the availability of resources in a globalised world.

All proceeds from the event, at the invitation of Mr and Mrs PittRivers, will go to Home-Start North Dorset, the charity bringing friendship and support to families in need.

Tickets for 'The impact of a changing climate - what it means for you' can be bought from the Home-Start office on 01258 473038 or via the website www.home-start-northdorset.co.uk.

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June 2013

FOCUS on groups

Dance time for Signals members

Edna’s long service is rewarded LONG service to two organisations was recognised in the presentation of an award to Edna Moore of Blandford by the Dorset Federation of Townswomen's Guilds, of whose Blandford branch she is the secretary.

The Doreen Samuels Plate, named after a former member and awarded to Volunteer of the Year, was presented to Mrs Moore at the 26th anniversary meeting of her branch by chairman Annette Samways.

Mrs Moore was a founder member of the Blandford Age Concern branch, has been a volunteer with the Blandford Fashion Museum, and secretary of the TWG branch for 15 years.

Two years ago, after herself becoming the victim of failing sight, she founded the Blandford branch of the Macular Society, the charity for anyone affected by age-related macular degeneration, macular disease or macu-

Edna Moore, secretary of the Blandford Townswomen's Guild, with the Doreen Samuels Plate for Volunteer of the Year, with Guild chairman Annette Samways, left, and treasurer Anne Derbyshire. lar conditions.

The Townswomen's Guild meets monthly at the Williams Opportunity Hall in Whitecliff Gardens on the afternoon of the

fourth Wednesday. It organises other social events and outings and at its annual birthday party in April members enjoyed a linedancing session.

BLANDFORD Fashion Museum is staging a special half-price event during the week beginning 24th June for the benefit of local residents visiting the costume collection in The Plocks, Blandford.

Half-price entry will apply on production of proof of postal address within the DT11 7 postcode area on the Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, when opening hours are 10.30am to 5pm. For more information call: 01258 453006.

ABOUT 80 members, friends and guests of the Dorset branch of the Royal Signals Association gathered in the Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel in Blandford for their annual dinner-dance.

It was presided over by president Col (Retd) Cliff Walters and musical entertainment was provided during the meal by the Stour Valley Band, many of whose members are former members of the Signals Corps band. After dinner music was played by a band led by Martin Ansell and Debbie Cassell.

The branch meets monthly at the Blandford Constitutional Club and four times a year for a supper evening to which wives, partners and friends are invited.

It is always on the lookout for new members, particularly younger members of the Corps who, as serving or retired soldiers, have donated through their pay to the RSA, entitling them to life membership of the Association and local branch.

19

June 2013

FOCUS on groups

Rotary gift helps social bus group A GENEROUS donation has been given by the Rotary Club of Blandford towards the operational costs of Milborne St Andrewbased community transport organisation Bus2Go. The money, presented by Nic Nicol, president of RCB, will be used to support the loss of revenue incurred when passengers travel in wheelchairs or more than two rollators are on board, meaning two seats have to be removed in order to accommodate them safely.

Bus2Go volunteers are needed

Curator launches museum talks THE first in a series of monthly talks at the Blandford Museum will take place on Thursday 6th June when museum curator Peter Andrews will speak on 'Catalhoyuk, a Neolithic Town in Turkey.'

The progamme of short talks given by local people on a diverse range of subjects will be on the first Thursday of each month, starting at 7.30pm and lasting about an hour, including the opportunity to ask questions.

Future talks planned include Michael Le Bas, deputy curator, on 4th July on 'The Portman Family' and Tony Owen, museum president, on 1st August on 'The History of Computers'.

Advance booking is not necessary, but space is limited. Although admission is free donations to the museum will be gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be served.

See the website for further details: www.blandfordtownmusuem.org.uk.

once a month on a rota basis, usually on a Wednesday, to help with the service which operates during the school day between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

No lifting is required, but duties include assisting less able-bodied passengers, help with choosing food from a menu and with clothing and plants when out shopping.

Project leader Margo Kirk said: "Health officials are noting the benefits the community bus has to offer, including greater socialisation, confidence-building and well-being."

For further information and an application form email bus2go@btinternet.com or call Margo on 01258 837749.

From left to right: Bus2Go committee members Roy and Pam Jeffrey, project leader Margo Kirk, Nic Nicol, president of Blandford Rotary Club, and Bus2Go chairman Ron Ward.

Camera Club hands out annual awards THE final Points Cups competitions of the season for Blandford Camera Club were followed by the presentation of annual awards by judge Alison Cawley from Southampton. She was also judge for the club's annual exhibition in the Corn Exchange on May 25th and 26h.

Points Cups for the season were presented for DPIs to Stephanie Selwyn with 56½ points, for colour prints jointly to Norman Carey and Paul Hunter, both with 55 points, and for monochrome to Malcolm Bowditch who scored maximum points of 60.

The evening's DPI competition, with 27 entries, led to the award of the maximum score of 10 for an image by Marilyn Peddle, and from an entry of 20 prints, the highest score given for colour was 9½ to Marilyn Peddle and Paul Hunter. Two tens were given for monochrome print entries to Colin Sansom and Malcolm Bowditch.

The previous month Andrew Wilson was a welcome guest speaker with a presentation titled 'Where the sea meets the sky', a refreshingly different slant on the conventional use of photographs to illustrate the life and landscape of Cornwall.

For more information on the club, contact Alf Tompkins on 01258 454450 or visit the website at www.bfcclub.co.uk for details.

Social club's full diary ACTIVITIES planned for the Forum Flyers, the Brendoncare-run social club for older people in Blandford which meets each Wednesday at the Parish Centre in the Tabernacle between 2pm and 4pm, include a talk on the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden by Heather Hinsley on 5th June.

On 12th June Danny Stine will play the guitar and lead a singalong, on 19th June Christopher Legrand presents a talk, 'A Little Night Music, Vienna', and on 26th June there will be a team game of kurling.

20

June 2013

FOCUS on schools

Knighton’s dogs have their day TERRIERS, dachshunds, spaniels and labs in all shapes and sizes descended on Knighton House School in Durweston for the annual school dog show held in unexpectedly fantastic weather.

The fun family event was organised by the Friends of Knighton House and included categories such as 'catch the biscuit', 'bushiest eyebrows' and 'waggiest tail'. However, it was the grand finale of the Terrier Racing which caused most merriment.

The category was open to all breeds, not just terriers, and saw them chasing a lure across the field at top speed. The overall winner was Pip the Parson Russell terrier owned by Mrs Hardy, the music teacher, with Delilah the golden Labrador not far behind.

Ali Russell, chairman of the Friends of Knighton House, said dogs had been part and parcel of school life at Knighton since it was established 60 years ago and there is never a shortage of participants.

Money raised from the event will be donated to the Nowzad, Barnardos and Margaret Green charities.

Ellie tunes in for a radio career A YEAR 11 student at The Blandford School, has already started on the career path to her ideal job.

Ellie Failes hopes to work as a presenter on BBC Radio One and she already co-presents a Sunday afternoon show at Dorset County Hospital's Ridgeway Radio.

Ellie works with Charlie Hammer, a student from Queen Elizabeth's School in Wimborne, to produce a three-hour topical chat and music programme. They take turns in running the mixing desk, playing music and interviewing guests whose appearance they have organised themselves.

Ellie said: "We do a weekly review of the news, things that we find interesting. We also chat to people that we know have something interesting to say.

“My best friend Chloe came in to talk about her trip to New York at Christmas and Charlie's friend Kim had been to Peru last year so we talked to him about that."

Ellie is continuing her studies at

The Blandford School taking A levels in Psychology, History, Drama, English Literature and Language. She then plans to go to university to read History and American Studies so that she has a solid education to fall back on.

She wants to get involved with student radio and pursue her career that way.

On your marks: owners and their dogs at the Knighton House show.

County hails its young entrepreneurs

Some of the Twende Young Enterprise team members from Clayesmore School.

A COMPANY based in Clayesmore School, Iwerne Minster, has won the Dorset final of a nationwide Young Enterprise competition.

Young Enterprise is a charity that seeks to teach young people about business and enterprise in the sixth form. Pupils run their own company and compete for the best Young Enterprise Company title nationally.

A spokesman for the group of sixth-formers who formed Twende, said: "Our product is a range of T-shirts, made by the company using an African fabric called Kanga, which is quite rare outside Kenya and Tanzania.

"We ship the cotton Kanga in and stitch it into designs using a Blandford seamstress and a Dorset-based firm called Oakapple. We are also working on a children's range.”

Twende has already been successful with the Anonymous Travelling Market at venues around Dorset. The team not only triumphed over seven others as overall Dorset winners in the county finals, but also won awards for best trade stand and best product.

21

June 2013

FOCUS on schools

Tempest goes down a storm

The Milldown Primary team - winners of the Handball Festival.

You have to hand it to Milldown!

YEAR 5 pupils at Milldown Primary School took part in a handball festival at The Blandford School.

It was organised by the Blandford School's BTEC Sports students from whom they learnt the skills and rules for playing handball before competing in teams in a series of matches.

At the end of the afternoon Venus were named champions and presented with 'The High Rise Cup'.

All the children really enjoyed the afternoon and were excited to learn and play a new sport.

Future champions? Watch this space!

CLAYESMORE Prep's junior production of Shakespeare's The Tempest was an ambitious project executed with such stylish assurance that at times it was hard to realize that the children were all under 10.

Year 4s took the main parts with the exception of Edward Rimmer in Year 3, who offered a forceful portrayal of Prospero.

Leo Burnet, Ben Hart and Oli Brown played a gang of amusing drunks, while Ella Browse, Isabel Heaton and May Purbrick were a cheeky trio of Ariels.

Libby Ingram and George Somper were the love-struck Miranda and Ferdinand and all the principals were ably supported by an enthusiastic band of Hobgoblins and Sprites from Year 3 and a group of all singing, all dancing and some ukulele-playing Year 5s.

This early introduction to the Bard, a feast of colour, song and dance, provided exciting opportunities for associated classwork and a trip to Salisbury to see a production by a touring theatre group.

The sun shone only just long enough for the dancers from Durweston Primary School to complete their school fete maypole dancing display on the recreation ground before many of the visiting crowds were driven into the village hall by the rain.

Entertainment carried on regardless both inside and outside the hall, with a dance display by Studio B, welly throwing, football, splat the rat and throw a sponge at an already wet teacher in the stocks.

There was music from the Stour Valley Band, stalls and refreshments including cakes, Pimms and a barbecue.

The event raised about ÂŁ1,100 for school funds.

Some of the cast of The Tempest at Clayesmore Prep School.

22

June 2013

FOCUS on schools

Once upon a time Arthur wrote a story ARTHUR Carpenter, a year 7 pupil at Clayesmore Prep School, has been chosen as a finalist for BBC Radio 2's '500 words short story competition'.

He has been placed in the top 25 in the age 10-13 category out of 90,000 entrants, with his compelling tale 'Through the keyhole'.

The competition is being run in association with Hay Fever, the family and children's programme for the Hay Festival, and was open to children aged 13 and under, in two age categories. They were asked to write an original fictional story of no more than 500 words.

The first round of the competition was judged by a group of teachers and librarians from across the UK. Arthur was invited to the live broadcast of the Chris Evans Show at the Hay Festival on 31st May where the winners will be announced.

Gold medallists will win Chris Evans's height (six feet two) in books plus 500 books for their school. Silver medallists win presenter Alex Jones's height (five feet six), and bronze winners their own height in literature.

Four other Clayesmore writers reached the second stage of the competition, coming in the top 3,000: Tiegan James (Year 7), Bia Cottenden (Year 7), Edward Hart (Year 7) and Leo Burnett (Year 4).

All the stories entered were written and redrafted in Clayesmore's English classes.

Clayesmore has a history of cultivating writing talent. In 2011, the competition's inception year, Abi Morgan was a finalist and Guy Purbrick and Bertie Evans reached the second round.

Dance stars light up rock event A SELL-OUT rock & roll evening at the Crown Hotel in Blandford for the town's youth advice and information centre Youth Aid featured a dance routine by world champions Rebecca and Nuno.

The pair, owners of the Studio B dance school in Blandford, will be representing England in the World Latin Show Dance Championships in Florida.

Also performing were some of the young dancers who belong to the dance school that the couple run from The Blandford School.

Popular local entertainer Clive Smith also took part, donning his Elvis persona for a near non-stop three hours of musical performance.

Arthur Carpenter with his creative writing book.

KEELAN Stringer, a year 10 student at The Blandford School, has rounded off a fantastic rugby season in style with selection to represent the Bath Rugby Academy at an upcoming tournament and summer training camps.

On 10th May the school was represented in a netball tournament in Shropshire, where the Year 8s won the plate, one of two year 9 teams were semi-finalists, and a year 10 team won their league.

Full reports and pictures next month.

World champion dancers Rebecca and Nuno who performed at the Youth Aid evening at the Crown Hotel in Blandford.

Spring clean for church memorials AS part of the planned restoration of Blandford's parish church of SS Peter and Paul, the memorials on the walls will be getting a wash and brush-up.

Some need more urgent repair work, and over the next couple of months expert advice will be taken on the work to be done.

The first to be given attention are those commemorating the Spooner family and Joseph Daniel. The church wants to learn more about the families behind the names on the plaques, and would like anyone whose family is named on any of the memorials to contact the Parish Office on 01258 456260 or email comments@cupolaproject.org.uk.

A Teddy Bear's Picnic was staged in the church on 18th May as part of an open day promoting the Cupola Project to restore and regenerate the Georgian building.

The project is gaining momentum and the open day was the second in the consultation process by the parochial church council to ascertain the views of the community on the future practical uses of the building.

There was a display of the history of the church alongside the challenges the church is facing with the deterioration of the building over recent years and the plans to address this.

Teddy Bear owners were invited to bring their bears for a picnic, with an assurance that the bears would be treated with the utmost respect and have an enjoyable time.

The Rev Tim Storey said: "The project to restore the building is a massive undertaking and one which we hope will capture the imagination and involvement of the whole town community."

Brewery seeks the sun SOLAR panels may be installed on some of the warehouse roofs at the eastern site of Hall & Woodhouse's Badger brewery to try and reduce its impact on the environment.

The panels will provide clean energy, without noise or pollution, and enough natural energy to power 58 homes.

Anthony Woodhouse, managing director, said the orientation of a number of warehouses meant there was "a perfect opportunity to harness green energy and reduce our power requirements with minimal impact to our neighbours".

The company's application for planning permission is currently being considered by the planning authority and, if successful, the work would be carried out later this year.

PLANS have again been submitted to North Dorset District Council for development next to the Railway Hotel in Oakfield Street on a site for which 8 flats were approved in 2001 and again in 2006, when an application for a dwelling and 12 flats was submitted but withdrawn.

23

June 2013

FOCUS on sport

Course work pays dividends for golf club THE reopening of two of the holes has resulted in a total transformation of the golf course at Ashley Wood after welcome improvements.

A major bunker redesign was carried out during the winter around the 16th green, together with levelling and returfing of the 18th tee.

The 2013 season started well with the sun shining down on the A team and their first visitors from Folke Golf Club. A strong team resulted in a 6½ to 1½ victory.

There were wins for Sam Russell, Angus McPherson, Steve Wareham, John Walbridge, captain Jeff Morris and Andy Armitage, a draw for Bob Pace and defeat for Steve Sanger against the away team captain.

Winners of the Joan Robson Trophy, played for over the winter months, were lady captain Sheila

Davidge and Kay Everett, who won on the 16th hole from Judith White and Fel Page.

Easter Bank Holiday saw a large number of hardy souls playing in the mixed pairs' competition for the first perpetual trophy of the Year, the Keith Durbin Shield.

The winners with a very creditable score of 36 points in arctic conditions were Gill Philip and Chris Trowbridge, and the presentation was made by club captain Mike Lane.

A very enjoyable match against Bridport Seniors at home saw wins for Grahame Webb/Mike Bartlett, Hedley Rodgers/David Thwaites, Brian Jones/Rod Oakes, Dave Keig/Micky Briggs and Chris Garland/Arthur Evans to secure a 5 to 1 victory.

The course was in splendid condition, especially the greens, which

Gill Philip and Chris Trowbridge receive the Keith Durbin Easter Shield from Ashley Wood Golf Club Captain Mike Lane (right). considering recent weather conditions is a tribute to the greens staff.

An away match against Bulbury Woods Seniors was more difficult and saw the team lose 5-1. The best performance came from Rod Oakes and Geoff Harris, making his seniors debut, who won 3 and 2.

Ashley Wood Seniors secured an

excellent win over the Isle of Purbeck Seniors by 5½ to ½.

Match skipper Gordon Ramsey and Mike Bartlett won 4 & 3, Dave Keig and Bill Cheeseman won 7 & 6, Tony Hart and Arthur Evans finished 1 up, Des Maguire and Rod Oakes won 4 & 3, and Clive Jones and Arthur Rawson 1 up, with David Thwaites and Terry Everett halving their match.

The desert’s a doddle for runner Craig DORSET Doddler Craig Dixon did anything but 'doddle' when he completed the Marathon Des Sables in Morocco.

He ran 150 miles over six stages, across the Sahara desert, finishing with a combined time of 31 hours and 33 minutes and positioned 221st overall of the 1,000 competitors.

Craig then ran the London Marathon in 3 hours 12 minutes and finished his adventures with seventh place and a 'personal best' of 3 hours and 7 minutes, in the North Dorset Village Marathon.

Reece Ingram was rewarded with third place for finishing the very tough South Downs Way 50 Ultra race, from Worthing to Eastbourne, enduring poor visibility, wind and rain to finish in 7 hours and 39 minutes, and Matt Clayton battled against extreme wind and rain to complete the Dorset Giant 100km race in 16 hours and 42 minutes.

Six Doddlers, four of whom had never run a marathon before, ran the London event, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Craig Dixon, Spencer Mogridge, Ben King, Rachel Harrison, Justine Kingsbury and Louise Millard finished in times ranging from just over 3 hours to 4 hours 43 minutes.

Similar times were recorded in the North Dorset Village Marathon on 5th May by eight Doddlers who reached their personal goals, again raising money for charity.

Despite the very hot conditions, Suzanna Baker, Ali Cundick, Craig Dixon, Jenny Fuller, Ian Hitching, Scott Pound, Ginny Mills and Dan Simmonds, ran the 26.2 miles. The men's team came fourth and the mixed team were placed 13th overall from the 33 teams entered.

The Dorset Doddlers meet at Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre at 7pm on Thursday evenings and at various loca-

tions across Dorset at 7pm on Tuesday evenings, usually followed by a pub supper. In addition, various weekend runs are organised among members.

Anyone new to running or not confident enough join a running club is welcome to join the Blandford Forum Beginners Running Group, who meet every Monday evening at 6.30pm at the Blandford Leisure Centre. Turn up at a training session, or find more details on the club website at www.dorsetdoddlers.org where there is a contact page to get in touch.

Rugby training date THE Exeter Chiefs Premiership Club are coming to Blandford Rugby Club Academy to give a rugby training day on 29th July. Call Kerrie to book a place on 01258 451779.

24

June 2013

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events Saturday 1st June: Summer Party for the MS Therapy Centre, Tarrant Keyneston village hall, tickets 01258 480636 60s night, from 8pm, Tarrant Hinton hall, bookings 01258 830032 Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June: Pimperne Open Gardens 2013 Open studio, Brewery Cottage, Ansty, 11am-5pm Sunday 2nd June: Spetisbury Game Fayre 10am to 5pm Crawford Bridge, Spetisbury Round Robin Ramblers, 4-mile walk Child Okeford, 2pm, details 01258 880044 Mondays 3rd and 17th June: Classical Guitar class, Tarrant Hinton hall, tutor Richard Foley, 01258 830533 Monday 3rd June: Blandford and District Floral Group meets United Reform Church Hall, 2.15pm for demonstration 'Country Living' by Emily Broomhead Tuesday 4th June: Blandford Patient Participation Group event, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group Patient Participation open session on influencing healthcare, 9.30am to 12.30pm Spetisbury Festival Jazz Film, village hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 5th June: Coffee Morning, Bryanston Club, from 10.30am Blandford Art Society, Talk ‘Fanny Carnforth: The Rise and Fall of a Stunner’ by Kirsty Stonell Walker of English Heritage Blandford Parish Centre, 6.50pm Blandford and District Civic Society Town Perimeter Walk, meet Eagle House Gardens car park 7pm, bookings 01258 453550 Magnum Carnival Club bingo, Pimperne village hall 7.30pm Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Bryanston Court 7pm Thursday 6th June: Open Garden for NGS. Anderson Manor - DT11 9HD Friday 7th June: Marche de France French Market, Market Place, Blandford Age UK Fashion Show, Corn Exchange, Blandford Quiz night, Tarrant Hinton village hall, 7 for 7.30pm, details 01258 830975 Knighton House Chapel Choir concert, St Lady Mary's Church, Wareham, 7.30pm

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 Talk on Climate Change. The Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary, 7.30pm. For Home-Start North Dorset. Tickets 01258-473038 Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June: Spetisbury Occasional Dramatic Society presents two one-act comedies, Spetisbury village hall, 7.30pm Presentation on the excavations of Hambledon Hill, Shroton Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets 01258 861565 Friday 7th to Sunday 9th June: Wimborne Folk Festival Saturday 8th June: Tarrant Gunville village fete Spetisbury Festival Nature Walk, meet school car park 10.30am Gold Hill Organic Farm Walks, Child Okeford Blandford Choral Society concert 'A Pot Pourri of Nostalgia', Charlton Marshall village hall, 7pm for new village hall funds, bookings 01258 454811

Bruce and Rod Jenkins, 8.15pm, Royal British Legion, Blandford Saturday 15th June:.

Milldown Primary School Summer Fete, pony ride and display (weather permitting), Milldown Road, Blandford, 2pm-5pm David & Jennie Rake present 'A Peruvian Journey', The Parish Centre, 7.30pm, tickets Set Fair 4 Trade, proceeds to Cupola Project Spetisbury Festival, end of festival 50s Party Prom, village hall 7.30pm Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June: NGS Garden Open, Cottage Row, School Lane, Tarrant Gunville (Sat 5-8pm, Sun 2-5pm) Charlton Marshall Open Gardens, attractions in the church and village hall Tarrant Monkton & Launceston Open Gardens Sunday 16th June:

Sunday 9th June:

Blandford Triathlon, from 7am, Blandford Leisure Centre

Open Farm Sunday - Down Barn Farm, Tarrant Rawston 11am to 4pm

Blandford Orchard Group working morning, details 01258 857336 or paul@da21.org.uk

Spetisbury Open Gardens 2-6pm and Baking Competition prizegiving 2.30pm village hall

Monday 17th June:

Nearly new sales for baby, maternity and children's goods.

Durweston Village Hall 3 to 4.30pm, details www.2asnice.com

Bingo for Marie Curie Cancer Care, Royal British Legion, Blandford 7 for 7.30pm Madcap Productions AGM, Hartfoot House, Ansty, details 01258 880143

Craft and Table Top Sale, Fox Inn, Ansty, 11am to 3pm, table bookings 01258 880461

Tuesday 18th June: Blandford Carnival bingo, Royal British Legion, 7 for 7.30pm

Spetisbury Festival classical concert, the Stour Piano Trio, Spetisbury church, 7.30pm

Wednesday 19th June: Round Robin Ramblers, details 01258 480044

Tuesday 11th June: Spetisbury Festival Quiz, The Woodpecker, 8pm

Thursday 20th June: Blandford Heart Forum meets Williams Opportunity Hall Whitecliff Gardens, 7 to 9pm. Contact 01258 860880

Thursday 13th June: Blandford Town Home Watch Meeting, Blandford Police Station 7pm Spetisbury Festival Film Night with film editor Mick Audsley, village hall 7.30pm Blandford Forum & District Stamp Club meets Woodhouse Memorial Gardens, 7.30pm, guest speaker on 'Censorship & POW Mail WW I'.

Friday 14th June: Spetisbury Festival ladies’ evening, Spetisbury School, 7.30pm Wessex Acoustic Folk Club: Ian

Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd June: Flower Festival, 'Our England is a Garden' and art and craft exhibition, St Mary's Church, Iwerne Minster (Sunday Festival Evensong), contact 01258 811339 Saturday 22nd June: Friends of Blandford Hospital Charity Auction, Child Okeford village hall, viewing from 7.45am, sale 9.45am Blandford Art Society practical art workshop, United Reformed Church, Blandford

Midsummer Madness Cricket match and barbecue, Tarrant Hinton village hall, from 2pm, barbecue from 5.30pm, tickets 01258 830656 Spetisbury Church Summer Fete A Summer's Evening with Poacher's Moon & Friends, Charlton Marshall village hall, see www.poachersmoon.com Shroton Village Fete Sunday 23rd June: Young musicians concert for the Cupola Project in Blandford Parish Church, 12 noon Sponsored 3-mile walk and fete for Ruby Mae, Farquharson Arms, Pimperne, 2pm, contact 07879003567 Sunday 23rd and Wednesday 26th June: NGS Open Garden, Manor House, Lower Blandford St Mary Monday 24th June to Saturday 29th June (not Tuesday and Wednesday): half-price admission Blandford Fashion Museum, The Plocks, Blandford Wednesday 26th June: Blandford Town Heritage Walk, meet Marsh & Ham Morrisons car park 7pm, bookings 01258 453550 Friday 28th June: Blandford Carnival Princess contest, Royal British Legion, Blandford 7pm Sunday 29th June: Armed Forces Day activities, Royal British Legion, Blandford Sunday 30th June: Stourpaine village fete, noon to 4pm

SureStart open day BLANDFORD SureStart Children's Centre in Black Lane held an open day on 17th May with special activities to demonstrate to families the resource they offer - information, advice, guidance or more intensive personalised support to meet their children's needs.

Richard Painter, Dorset County Council's children's centres development manager, said: "Children's centres act as a hub in our communities, providing services in partnership with health services, midwifery and others such as adult learning, the Citizen's Advice Bureau and Job centre Plus, and groups use our facilities to meet, including the library service, healthy eating workshops and Gingerbread for single parents."