June 2014 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 27

All smiles at the food festival Page 3

June 2014

INSIDE Trucks in town Lorries are to be diverted through Blandford town centre when the bypass is closed for repairs. Page 3.

Tense times Relations are said to be strained between Blandford Town Council and the DTII Forum community partnership. Page 4.

New Mayor

Dressed for the occasion, the team from Blandford’s Julia's House charity shop donned period costume for the Georgian Fayre. Story and more pictures: Pages 10-11.

Role swap as Blandford gets a new Mayor and deputy.

Page 14.

60-home plan for farmland PLANS are being put forward for development on land between Dorchester Hill and Fairmile Road, Blandford St Mary, for up to 60 homes on two fields with the possibility of more to the south-west of the site.

The scheme conforms with the draft Local Plan to meet Blandford's housing need by the development of land to the west of Blandford St Mary, with a single access off Dorchester Hill. Construction is scheduled to start in 2016 and take two years.

Charles Church Developments, who were responsible for the Diamond Way development between Black Lane and Wimborne Road, have been told an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is not necessary after submitting a scoping report to North Dorset District Council for the development of affordable and open market houses.

North Dorset District Council development services manager, John Hammond, said: "A

larger development could potentially result in a different EIA screening opinion from the local planning authority.

"But since the land to the south-west is in separate ownership and the local planning authority has not been contacted about its development, it is considered reasonable to determine this on the basis of the 60 dwellings currently proposed."

The two farm fields, currently used for the grazing of horses, is outside of the settlement boundary of Blandford and Blandford St Mary and therefore considered open countryside on the fringe of the urban area, with high hedgerow screening and set against a backdrop of rolling countryside.

The development is considered limited in terms of overall house numbers, but includes a possible access to the neighbouring fields.

It will be seen from Dorchester Hill, Blandford St Mary and the designated conservation

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area, but viewed from the local rights of way network and Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beyond as a foreground to existing development because of the sloping nature of the site.

Views from the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB would be at distance and limited to the roofscape.

"The proposal is not considered to be of more than local importance in terms of its landscape and visual impact," said Mr Hammond.

He added that in view of the size of the site and its relationship with existing urban development, it was not considered to have unusually complex or hazardous environmental impacts.

But he added that its location was within a site of local archaeological significance. "Any future application will be required to consider the potential impact on archaeology. The To Page 3

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June 2014

FORUM FOCUS CONTACTS Editorial: Nicci Brown T: 01258 459346 E: editor@forumfocus.co.uk Advertising: John Stayt T: 01258 454427 E: advertising@forumfocus.co.uk Distribution: Jackie Stayt T: 01258 456999 E: distribution@forumfocus.co.uk Design: David Eidlestein T: 01258 450989 E: de@deadlines.eclipse.co.uk

CONTRIBUTING Forum Focus welcomes the submission of articles and reports from clubs and societies but asks that they are kept to a maximum of 200 words.

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HELPING

DROP POINTS

To help with house-to-house deliveries, contact Jackie Stayt (details left) Volunteers still welcome in the following areas: Market Place and West Street; Salisbury Road (lower end); Alner Road and roads off; Black Lane and roads off; Langton Road and roads off; Milldown and Park Road.

Main drop points for Forum Focus in Blandford and Blandford St Mary are at Blandford Post Office, Blandford Library, Corn Exchange and the Polish Shop in the Market Place, James Newsagents in The Plocks, Homebase, the Co-ops in Salisbury Road and Langton Road, Tesco at Stour Park, Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Blandford Leisure Centre, the Central 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, Sticky Stores at Winterborne Stickland and the Cricketers at Shroton.

ON THE WEBSITE www.forumfocus.co.uk Diary events to the end of the year are updated regularly on our website so it is always worth logging on to stay up to date with what’s happening in the area.

The website also carries additional pictures of local events and background information to stories.

DEADLINES Adverts: Wednesday 11th June Editorial: Thursday 12th June Deliveries from Thursday 26th June (View future deadlines on our website)

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June 2014

Lorries in town when repairs shut the bypass HIGHWAY engineers say they do not believe the closure of the C13 Higher Shaftesbury Road will impact on the scheduled closure of Blandford bypass during the week beginning 15th June for surface improvement work.

But they have warned that heavy goods vehicles will be diverted through the town centre at night when sections of the A350 bypass will be shut.

A locally signed diversion route will be put up to enable traffic to travel around the closed section, which will be open during the day.

Mike Hansford, technical officer at Dorset County Council, said: "When the works are carried out we are proposing that the diverted traffic is directed through the town centre.

"We are working to minimise the impact of HGVs through the town centre when the bypass is closed. We are currently liaising with Poole Harbour Commission regarding the timing of arrivals and departures to and from Poole port.

"We will liaise with businesses and properties near to the time of works. Access to businesses and properties will be maintained from the northern end of the works."

The work on the bypass is part of the county roads major maintenance work programme and is planned to extend the life of the upper surface which, after 30 years of wear, is starting to crack.

Mr Hansford said preventative maintenance would seal the surface using a specialist product to extend its life for another five to seven years before it needed further intervention or total replacement.

"The process involves the road being thoroughly swept and the cats eyes masked over before the sealant is sprayed onto the road, together with an additive to

make the sealant cure faster so that the road can be opened to traffic within an hour.

"For the treatment to be a success the road needs to be clean and dry with a minimum air temperature of 10 degrees and specific level of humidity, which is why we have chosen nights during June as our preferred time to carry out the scheme.

"As the process is so weatherdependant we propose to book the night time closures of sections of the bypass between each roundabout for a week between 15th and 21st June.

"The specialist contractor whom we are employing has stated that the work could be completed in two nights if conditions are favourable.

"We recognise that this is a highly used section of road and any works that are carried out on it will probably cause major disruption to the local road network in terms of congestion. But it is not anticipated that the closure of the C13 at Dinah's Hollow will affect this closure or the diversion routes."

The C13 could remain closed for up to a year following two landslips and a preliminary survey revealing the need for first phase works costing ÂŁ2.3 million.

A meeting attended by around 120 villagers living along the A350 and in Melbury Abbas in May learnt that mitigation measures could include local speedwatch patrols and a dedicated team working on problems on the road and the parallel A350, onto which traffic is being diverted, and which has at least twice been forced to close temporarily because of accidents.

Also under consideration is diversion of traffic from the A303/B3081 and Poole port, and of holiday traffic, particularly during the Great Dorset Steam Fair at the end of August.

Recycle calendars go online NEW bin collection calendars from the Dorset Waste Partnership are being made available online to save the ÂŁ100,000 cost of printing and delivery of hard copies to all residents. Copies can be downloaded by going online at dorsetforyou.com/recycle and entering the postcode.

Printed calendars are available on request for residents unable to go online from the North Dorset District Council offices in Salisbury Road, Blandford or by calling 01305 221040.

Tony Field with an O'Hagan Sixpenny IPA Sausage at the Food Fair.

Food, glorious food!

FOOD lovers were spoilt for choice when farmers' market stalls in East Street for the Georgian Fayre combined with more than two dozen exhibitors at the second Blandford Food Festival in the Sealy Suite and grounds of the Crown Hotel.

The festival also featured children's entertainment including Alfredo the Magician, and for adults Bittersweet Harmony, the High C's choir led by Chrissy Hedges, the Ring of Eight period dancers and the Stour Valley Stompers, and a luxury food hamper raffle in support of Macmillan, this year's nominated charity of hosts the Crown Hotel and brewers Hall & Woodhouse.

Hog Roast Dorset brought with them the O'Hagan's Sausage barbecue, with its signature sausage, the Sixpenny IPA Sausage, flavoured with award-winning IPA ale from the Sixpenny Brewery.

The range of produce, almost exclusively from Dorset, included jams and chutneys, cakes and cupcakes, cheeses, meats, vegetables, drinks, chocolates and ice-cream.

60-home plan for farmland From Page 1 impact of the development upon protected species and their habitat will also need detailed consideration."

The applicants have said they will submit assessments of landscape, visual and arboricultural impact, flood risk and transport and a travel plan with any future application.

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June 2014

Council and Forum ‘strained’ relationship, claims report Blandford inns book updated A BOOKLET 'The Inns of Blandford', written and researched by Victor J Adams in the 1980s and edited by former Museum curator Ben Cox, has been updated and republished with illustrations by Blandford Museum's deputy curator Michael Le Bas, who is pictured with a copy of the new publication. It is now on sale from the Blandford Museum.

A STRAINED relationship between Blandford's town council and the community partnership for the area, the DT11 Forum, has been highlighted in a report investigating the future of community partnerships in the district.

The report, which was considered in confidential session by North Dorset District Council's scrutiny committee in April, concludes: "There are clearly issues in the working relationship between the partnership and the town council which is impacting on the effectiveness of local arrangements."

It recommends that the partnership should be reconfigured and that for 12 months, half the community resource worker's time should be allocated to work with the town council to rebuild the community partnership in the town, with part-funding from the town council.

The DT11 Forum is the third incarnation of a community partnership for the Blandford area, following an early failed attempt in the Stourford Circle and another short-lived partnership Kickstart.

The report states: "There is a general feeling that whilst other partnerships may have had rocky patches in their relationships with their town councils, DT11's, like its predecessors', seems to have been permanently rocky, and continues to be so. It appears to be less co-operative and lacks the degree of mutual esteem enjoyed in the other towns."

The report highlights the Trailway Broadband project contributing to a feeling within the town that DT11 is 'only really interested in

the villages', and the perceived duplication in the town council's Corn Exchange project and the DT11-backed Fording Point which could result in financial failure for one or both.

"Further, there is a perception that DT11 is concentrating its efforts on securing a showpiece high street hub building for itself and other local organisations.

"Partnership, co-operation and mutual regard cannot be enforced, but after 2015 there will be a need for town councils to have a financial stake in their partnerships. This is unlikely to happen under the prevailing circumstances and is particularly important in view of the need to extract maximum value from the Asda-funded town manager post.

"We suggest that it is essential DT11 reconfigure itself and that to ensure a partnership it can have a stake in, it is essential that BTFC is fully engaged in the restructuring process."

Scott Norman, retiring chairman of the DT11 Forum, which was due to hold its AGM after Forum Focus went to press, reacted angrily to the report, saying its meeting with the committee had lasted less than one-and-a-half hours and had in part consisted in open forum with other community groups. He questioned the impartiality of the committee, consisting largely of members who were also town councillors.

"It is regrettable that the committee did not see any value in seeking comment before sharing it with the wider populace. It might have saved the embarrassment of the inaccurate statements made and the personal attack on DT11 Forum," he said.

He said the estimated cost of free time given by the Trailway Broadband Group was in excess of £200,000 and aimed to service areas which, unlike Blandford, were not already well served.

The Fording Point project, whose cost was about a sixth of the present Corn Exchange estimate, had written backing from BFTC, and the logic behind what became known as the Three Choughs Community Centre Project would have brought interested groups together, saved costs and provided a good revenue stream for DT11 Forum.

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June 2014

Ideas to beat the bus cuts A NUMBER of potential solutions to the reduction and cost of bus services were suggested at a meeting of the DT11 Transport Action Group.

They included approaching bus company Go-Ahead with a view to making available in North Dorset a 'key-card' offering 90 individual trips for use by school and college students, as used on the Isle of Wight, and revisions to certain timetables to make services better

connected.

Chairman Nic Nicol updated the group on a meeting with community transport providers at which the possibility of a minibus directory was discussed, together with the potential for Dorset Community Transport school buses being used to provide regular services on certain routes, or volunteers running services as in Milborne St Andrew for Bus2Go. Parishes will be contacted to discover which

Some of the Railway crew behind the bar with, centre, licensee Nigel Jones and Lisa Foster Thorn at the Railway Hotel.

Railway celebrates its landmark in style BLANDFORD'S Railway Hotel in Oakfield Street celebrated the 150th anniversary of its opening and that of the Somerset & Dorset railway through the town at its tenth annual beer festival with a range of 100 real ales and ciders.

The festival, from Friday to Monday, featured a live entertainment programme alongside the barrels of brew and a continuous barbecue, and was attended by beer lovers and cider drinkers from far and wide.

Landlord Nigel Jones was delighted with the turnout. He said: "To mark the occasion of 10 years of beer festivals at the Railway we decided to go bigger and better than ever before with 60 different ales and 40 ciders from the length and breadth of the south-west region. So popular were the ciders that we are now stocking a huge range on a permanent

basis." Strange-sounding names graced the racking, such as Betty Stoggs, Midnight Express, Dancing Dog and Spring Tide, and provided beer and cider fans with new and interesting flavours to dabble with. Featured ales came from across the region and from the Isle of Wight, ranging from such worthy titles as Prospect and Philosopher to Bounders Cider, Mutiny, Scoundrel and Vigilante.

Nigel's partner, Lisa Foster Thorn, said: "It is the 150th year of the Railway, opening its doors to a thirsty and hungry public. In 1864 the scene would have been quite different, with stables in the yard, horses, coaches, straw and hay; we hope our predecessors would approve of the transformation. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came and helped make the festival such a brilliant success."

routes this could help with.

The TAG is investigating the publication of a travel information sheet for distribution, and transport 'champions' are sought for each village.

Usage of individual services under threat such as the X8 Stur to Blandford commuter route, which has been funded only until the end of the school year, and the 25 and 83 service to Wimborne, was examined and the potential for linking two services to provide a Wimborne connection.

But there was concern that opinions and evidence gathered in the community were being ignored.

It was reported that residents in Milton Abbas can now only get into Blandford on a Thursday, leaving youngsters with nowhere to go at weekends, and it was agreed to look at the possibility of diverting the 183 Blandford to Dorchester route to include the village.

There were complaints that the bus companies had been slow to change the timetables displayed in the villages, and John Cummings, of Dorset County Council, offered to prepare specific timetables for

display on the noticeboards in each village.

He also reported that funding was available to raise the kerbs to disability standard at all bus stops in Blandford, which now in West Street has the first disability access in North Dorset, and would welcome suggestions of how it might be spent.

Mr Nicol said a reasonable loan rate had been secured through the First Dorset Credit Union for the Rural Wheel2Work scheme which was now ready to go and available for people to apply for the scooter loan purchase scheme.

The next TAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday 5th June at 2pm. For venue details contact nic.nicolnms@aol.com or the DT11 Community Partnership in Nightingale Court, Blandford, phone 01258 489998.

A FOUR- vehicle crash on the B3082 near Ashley Wood Golf Club closed the road between the Blandford bypass roundabout and the True Lover's Knot public house on Thursday 15th May. Police said there were no serious injuries.

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June 2014

Land owner answers his critics A BUSINESS man and racehorse breeder who has spent more than ÂŁ20,000 on restoring derelict land formerly used as a council tip has found himself the subject of complaint by dog owners and others using the Tinpot Lane access to the Milldown amenity area.

Stuart Laws, who established the Milldown Stud next to the lane around ten years ago, said he had been accused of misappropriating the site of the tip which closed more than 50 years ago and which has remained contaminated ever since.

"It was a bit of an eyesore and I offered to buy it from the council and decontaminate it when broken bottles started coming up onto my paddocks and threatening the welfare of my livestock," he said.

North Dorset District Council has confirmed the land purchase, saying the old tip had been leased by Mr Laws from the council for grazing and was never officially public open space, even though dog walkers used to make use of it.

A spokesman said: "The ground was beginning to become a liability because of land slippage from the

old tip onto Mr Laws's adjoining site so the council decided to dispose of it since it had no great value or potential, and was going to cost the council money to keep it safe.

"It was offered to the local Community Partnership but they decided against it so it was eventually offered to Mr Laws at full market rate as he was the only person who could make use of it."

Mr Laws said his plan was to incorporate the site within his own land, used for agriculture, and he set about removing any dangerous and unsightly rubbish and years of self-seeded tree growth on the banks before rebuilding them and embarking on a stabilisation programme with tree planting.

"Most people have been glad to see the improvements, but there have been complaints that I am planting conifers. I am also planting deciduous trees. The conifers will eventually be removed, but have been planted because they grow quicker and will stabilise the banks."

He said there had also been complaints about a caravan parked up

in the layby which serves as a passing point in the narrow lane, which was an unauthorised encampment and nothing to do with him, and that his work had disturbed a badger sett on the two-and-a-half acre plot adjacent to his paddocks.

But he had been able to reassure a visiting RSPCA inspector that the sett had been untouched, saying: "This work has been carried out properly with regard for wildlife.

But people could only have been aware of the sett if they had been trespassing on the land.

"They complained we had fenced off some of the lane and enclosed the boulder used to prevent travellers accessing the Milldown during the steam fair, but we have undertaken to let the council have it when it is needed. The work we

have done has actually widened the lane by removing the undergrowth, restoring it to how it would have been under the ownership of Lord Portman in the last century."

He said the issue highlighted the lane's importance as an access onto the Milldown in an area of outstanding natural beauty. "It was never intended for the heavy traffic now using it to access the Clump Farm Industrial Estate, and for which an alternative is already in place, but remains closed."

He referred to the road built as an access to the new Hospital Metalcraft development on Blandford Heights, which provides a link into Clump Farm required as a condition of planning permission being granted for the change of use of the former town allotment site.

Rosemary’s winning bloom

Rosemary Bell with her award presented by Mike Burks and prize daffodil.

KEEN gardener Rosemary Bell from Blandford won first prize for her English hybrid, Narcissus 'Sherborne', at the Blandford and District Horticultural Society meeting.

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, presented her with a bottle of wine and a certificate after judging the many entries of stunning double daffodils in Blandford's United Reformed Church Hall.

Former president of the society, JW Blanchard from Shillingstone, bred the Narcissus 'Sherborne' in May 2013, and to say thank you to him, Castle Gardens, part of The Gardens Group, donated 30 bulbs for members to cultivate at home.

Mike Burks said: "When I arrived to give a talk about gardening trends to the society, I was greeted with a table full of golden daffodils to judge. Rosemary's shone out for me, as they were really tall stems with large puffball trumpets."

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June 2014

The worst aspects of life in Blandford A SURVEY of hundreds of Blandford residents has confirmed, and provides evidence for, claims that the town's parking, markets and street cleaning are the worst things about living in Blandford.

More than 440 people responded to the questionnaire distributed with Forum Focus in April.

The Blandford Town Team, which commissioned the research, announced the results, which revealed that while people rated the quality of life and town architecture highly, they were less happy with their shopping experience and public transport.

It reveals that while 70 per cent or more of respondents had visited the Georgian Fayre, events in the Corn Exchange, riverside meadPOLICE are investigating damage to parked cars, pulled-up plants and solar lights in gardens in Salisbury Road, Albert Street and Barnes Close, Blandford, between Friday 11th April and Saturday 12th April.

ows and trailway, only about half had ever visited the Fashion Museum, Royal Signals Museum or Blandford Hidden Gardens.

Key items on their wish list were a cinema, performance events in the Market Place and theatre, with antiques fairs and speciality markets also scoring highly.

There was good news for Forum Focus, which together with the Blackmore Vale Magazine was the top local information source, but Peter Newell, who drew up the questionnaire and explained its analysis, said that among younger people Facebook and local radio scored highly.

Overall, more than 70 per cent found it a good place to live.

"It tells us that while people enjoy living here, there are improvements they would like to see, and the results will guide the Town Team in deciding what paths to pursue," said Mr Newell.

See the Forum Focus website for more details of the survey results.

Cupola work underway WORK has begun on the long programme of restoration planned for the Cupola Project at Blandford Parish Church.

Temporary emergency repairs have been carried out on the apse roof, the base of the cupola and some of the stonework around the windows on the south side, and electricians have spent over two weeks bringing the electrical wiring up to scratch.

Several surveys have been carried out, and the results of most are still awaited, but there has been a verbal report from the Bat Conservation Trust, who sent two volunteers to examine the roof spaces for any sign of bats. There is

Jo from Keystone, the firm carrying out a survey on the tower, inside the cupola, where part of the temporary metal structure holding it together can be seen.

no nursery or overnight roosts but longeared bats come in to feed as evidenced by the butterfly wings and droppings on the floor.

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June 2014

Stourpaine in spotlight for Shand funeral THE new chairman of Blandford Art Society, Mike Lofthouse, welcomed respected curator, art historian and lecturer Catherine Wallace to give a talk on 'Dame Laura Knight: in peace and war' for their afternoon talk at Pimperne village hall.

Their third Thursday meetings continue on 19th June, when Persephone Warden leads a practical session on 'Landscape using wash and line' starting 10am. For more details see blandfordartsociety.weebly.com or call 01258 861754.

Half-term fun for children A HALF-TERM Bouncy Fun Play with Get Up & Bounce in Blandford Corn Exchange is hosted by Blandford Town Council on Friday 30th May between 10am and 4.30pm.

Children aged up to nine are invited to arrive at any time and enjoy one-and-a-half hours of play for ÂŁ3.50 (accompanying adults free).

Refreshments free of charge and a selection of bouncy castles, play equipment and inflatables will be on offer, together with a dedicated baby and toddler area.

SECURITY was tight in Stourpaine on 1st May when the village became the focus of national interest for the funeral at the church of the Holy Trinity of Mark Shand, younger brother of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Mr Shand, adventurer, conservationist and travel writer, died on 23rd April aged 62 after falling and hitting his head in New York, where he had been hosting a charity auction.

His rescue of Tara, a female elephant he saved from the streets of eastern India and rode 600 miles across the country in 1988, inspired his book Travels On My Elephant. It led to his championing the conservation of the threatened Asian elephant and the foundation of the conservation charity Elephant Family, which has launched a memorial fund in his name.

His body had been flown back from America on a private plane for the funeral in the village which the former pupil at Milton Abbey school considered his family 'centre' and church, which had also been the venue in 2006 for the funeral of his father Major Bruce Shand. Stourpaine is also the home of his sister, Annabel Elliot.

Roads to the church were closed

to all but local residents and mourners, who gathered for coffee at the White Horse pub before moving on to the church.

The church bell tolled at five-second intervals prior to the arrival of the chief mourners and coffin.

The group of national press and photographers were restricted to the car park outside.

The Duchess was accompanied

by Prince Charles and her daughter Laura Lopes at the head of the group, which included Mrs Elliot and her daughter Katie and Mr Shand's 19-year-old daughter Ayesha.

The service was conducted by local vicar, the Rev Stephen Coulter, and readings were given

by Mr Shand's nephews, Tom Parker Bowles and Tom Elliot, who had accompanied the body on the flight from the US and welcomed mourners to the church.

Tributes were paid by celebrated war photographer Don McCulllin and Mr Shand's daughter Ayesha, with readings by Mr Parker Bowles and by Tom Elliot from Mr Shand's book Travels on My Elephant.

Following the service a private reception was held at the nearby family home.

The chief mourners process into Stourpaine church.

Charity pair were bogus A COUPLE claiming to be collecting for Help for Heroes outside Morrisons in Blandford at the end of April were found to be bogus.

Police investigated and discovered that neither the charity nor the supermarket had authorised anyone to do so at that time.

Dorset Police said the two people involved had previously been linked with illegitimate charity collections and they were investigating the activities. They asked members of the public to call them on 101 or contact the charity concerned if they suspected someone was not an official charity collector.

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June 2014

Asda plans submitted DETAILED plans have now been submitted for an Asda supermarket off Shaftesbury Lane to the north of Blandford together with a number of amendments to the outline planning approval granted

by North Dorset District Council last July.

As reported to the town council in February, the scheme includes an enlarged service yard, bus layby, and re-siting of the cafe to the front of the store.

Permission is also being sought to increase the percentage of non-grocery goods to 40 per cent so that the range of products available could be increased when needed for Christmas and other seasonal promotions.

Parking charges are set for change NEW parking charges and arrangements for North Dorset District Council owned car parks were expected to be advertised for consultation and implementation following a decision being made on 16th May on charges for disabled parking.

The decision was delegated to the district's cabinet portfolio holder Val Pothecary by the scrutiny committee which agreed other variations to the car parking order, including the reinstatement of free parking at Stour Meadows and new rates in other car parks.

The proposal for disabled drivers is that charges should apply for all Blue Badge holders in car parks owned by the council, and that a minimum tariff had to be purchased but in all bays an extra hour's parking would be given free of charge on top of the tariff paid.

A review into the implementation of on-street parking schemes across Dorset, which followed a suggestion that they should be

introduced in Blandford and two other towns in the county, has agreed a policy restricting their use.

The suggestion prompted an angry response from local people and town councillors.

The scheme drawn up by the county council's policy development panel chaired by Councillor Bill Trite followed feedback from towns being considered for a scheme, and includes the condition that local communities should be involved in the decision making process.

The policy states that pay-anddisplay for on-street parking should not be used solely as a source of income for the council, and criteria will be drawn up to assess whether it is necessary to address congestion, visitor accommodation or any other problem.

Mr Trite said: "To produce a scheme that solves a local issue, we need to understand local needs, conditions and concerns."

Host home sought for twin town teenager THE Blandford-Mortain Twinning Association are seeking a family in the Blandford area to host a young French student for two or three weeks in July.

Clemence is 15 years old and wishes to stay with a local family to improve her English and gain experience of English life. She would prefer to stay with a family having youngsters of her own age who are learning French.

She is very willing to participate with household duties, babysitting and so on, and her family is known to the Association. She can initially be introduced by Facebook.

The bi-annual visit of a party of Mortain residents to Blandford will take place over the weekend of 6th to 8th June, when 16 guests aged from four to 71 will be staying with friends and families in Blandford.

A full programme for the visit will include a civic reception hosted by association chairman and Town Mayor, Steve Hitchings, together with a barbecue and a trip to the Swanage Railway.

Katy and Lissie, both aged nine, with chickens and bunnies on the cuddly toy stall and Easter eggs they found in an egg hunt at the fun day.

Fun day home and dry AN Easter fun day at Burtons Community Orchard in Shillingstone was forced to move indoors by the inclement weather and took shelter in the hall of the Primary School next door.

But it was well supported by local residents, and youngsters enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, face painting and a tombola while their parents and grandparents found bargains on a range of stalls and car boot tables.

Spokesman Jenny Whitelock said: "Fortunately we were able to rent the hall in case of wet weather, and the orchard itself is thriving, with apples, cherries, pears, quinces, crabapples all now coming into bloom."

She said she hoped they would be blessed with better weather when they host a dog show as part of the Shillingstone village fete on Saturday 7th June.

10 SLIGHTLY new look Georgian Fayre filled Blandford's main streets and the riverside meadows when the May Bank Holiday event returned after a year's break.

The new organising committee was delighted to receive a large number of positive responses through its website and to be blessed with fine weather for what was regarded by many as one of the best ever.

Some rearrangements to the layout included moving the fun fair to the Marsh and Ham car park, and the country pursuits,

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June 2014

All the fun of the demonstration and children's areas to the Lower Marsh and Ham where the crowds had a bird's eye view of the displays from the Mortain bridge and embankment.

They saw the Wimborne Militia and Nothe Fort Artillery, birds of prey flying, falconry and gundog displays, and ferret and terrier racing, and in the children's area

storytelling and fire juggling from Fiery Jack.

In the Parish Church there was handbell ringing and a display of work by the Blandford Arts Society, together with an opportunity to relax away from the noise and activity outside. The Blandford Freemasons Lodge of Honour & Friendship in West Street held an open day display-

ing some of their activities and history.

In East and West Streets and the Market Place were the usual range of charity and food stalls, enhanced by the farmers' market, and a programme of entertainment in the Market Place included the Gurkha traditional dancers, the Sherborne Town Band, the Stour Valley Brass

Amy Lilleywhite entertains the crowds.

More pictures from the Georgian Fayre can be seen on our website, www.forumfocus.co.uk

The Georgian Fayre opening procession along East Street.

Director of fundraising Caroline Nickinson and volunteer Li Billingham at the stall of the Fayre's main beneficiary, Weldmar.

Chris Long from Blandford and seven-year-old James Lee from Salisbury with streamers made on Blandford Church Mothers' Union stall.

Above: Dressed to kill Terri Gover enters into the spirit of the occasion.

Right: Ally Wither and four-year-old Cara Withers in her balloon pirate outfit.

Below right: Two members of Street to the Point with an alternative take on a bake sale.

June 2014

Georgian Fayre Band and performances by singer Amy Lilleywhite.

Period dance team Ring of Eight and the Quayside Cloggies from Poole performed individually and together, and there was street entertainment from the Galactic Knights, youth theatre Street to the Point, and the Trafalgar Drummers.

In Bere's Yard, home of The

Blandford Museum, the focus was on the first generator to bring domestic electricity to the town at Westcotts Jeweller at 5 Market Place which, still in working order after restoration by 18 Commando REME at Blandford Camp, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

At the Crown Hotel, which hosted an all-day food fair in the

Sealy Suite and grounds, there was more entertainment, and craft stalls were housed in the Parish Centre, with a model railway exhibition in the Corn Exchange.

The South West of England Town Criers competition in the Woodhouse Gardens resulted in Andrew Fleming of Swanage being declared the winner, with

Crowds pack the town Market Place.

Director Tim Stankus of the Stour Valley Band conducts in the Market Place.

Photo: Lexstudios.

The town criers competition winners.

Period dance team Ring of Eight join forces with the Quayside Cloggies for an impromptu joint performance.

11 runner-up Chris Brown of Wimborne, who was also best dressed crier, and third Kevin Knapp of Sturminster Newton.

The best dressed escort was Angie Bishop of Frome.

Top prize in the programme ticket draw of ÂŁ500 was won by Kelly Hunt of Bournemouth, and the second prize, a flight from Compton Abbas airfield, by Sam Bavbridge of Nutford. The third prize family ticket to Farmer Palmers was won by Mrs Barnett of Winterborne Kingston.

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June 2014

Excellence in building is acknowledged THE restoration of an historic cob wall, a replacement village hall, and the rebuild of fire damaged cottages were among the award winners at the North Dorset District Council Building Excellence Awards presentation.

The wall at West Lodge, Iwerne Minster, was judged best restoration of an historic building by architect T Reeve and builder Magenta, and the new Tarrant Hinton village hall was best public service building for the village hall team.

Winners of the best social or affordable housing development were Kevin Snook and Mike Nye of JLA Architects for the rebuild of 28-30 The Street, Sutton Waldron, destroyed by fire in 2011.

Architects, builders, designers and property owners gathered at the Olive Bowl in Gillingham for the event, which celebrated the very high standard of design and construction of buildings across the district.

Cllr Su Hunt, chairman of North Dorset District Council, presented the awards while Anna Thompson, director of training at Local Authority Building Control was master of ceremonies for the event, sponsored by builders' merchant Sydenhams.

Cllr David Walsh, portfolio holder for planning, conservation and building control at NDDC, said:

Parents pass the skills test

Architect T Reeve and builder Magenta receive the award for best restoration of an historic building from Cllr Su Hunt.

"These awards celebrate all that is good about the planning, design and building industries in North Dorset. We are custodians for the future of the built environment and from what I have seen tonight, the future is in good hands."

FOUR young parents have gained qualifications after completing a course in parenting skills in Blandford.

The course was run through Blandford Children's Centre and led to a nationally recognised qualification to help them raise their children in the best way possible.

The course teaches young people how to prepare for birth, how to follow a healthy lifestyle and prepare for the responsibilities of looking after a young child. Students worked with a midwife and outreach workers and had visits from organisations including Connexions.

They were also able to meet other young parents and share experiences.

Caroline Salt, outreach worker at the children's centre, said: "I am thrilled to see the first group of students receive their certificates. They have all worked so hard to achieve the qualification and I congratulate them."

LETTERS

June 2014

Letters to the Editor

Do write to Forum Focus if there is something you'd like to comment on or share with other readers.

Email your letter, which should be as brief as possible, to: editor@forumfocus.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can call 01258 459346 or deliver your letter by post or by hand to: Forum Focus, c/o

13 Colin's Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford DT11 7HD. Please mark your letter 'for publication' and remember to include your address, which will not be used in full.

Forum Focus reserves the right to shorten or edit letters in the interests of clarity, brevity and style.

Market cries out for reinvention Lions’ work HAVING recently moved back to Blandford after a seven-year absence I sense that the town has become a much more vibrant place - it looks and feels busier. If it is due to the sudden influx of coffee houses, then long live the cafe culture! However there is much more to the positive change in atmosphere in Blandford than merely the widening choice of coffee and menu.

The existence of a large number of local groups carrying out a wide range of tasks on the town's behalf is very welcome. For the newcomer (and the unaware) it would be useful to have a single focus for these disparate groups, pulling the threads together and

reporting to the community periodically.

I believe that the Rotarians are about to produce a directory of the groups, their objectives and who are involved. Such a publication would not only provide detailed information but also publicise the good and varied work being carried out in Blandford and its environs.

I am heartened to hear that a steering group will soon be ready to resurrect the Blandford Chamber of Commerce from the sad state it was in seven years ago. I have no doubt it will be an effective group and that it will work well with the Town Council for the benefit of all in Blandford.

If there is one project that I would love to see it would be the modernising of the Thursday and Saturday markets in the Market Place. I am aware that a brilliant design involving more permanent structures has met with some opposition. There must be compromise on this issue if we are to attract more visitors to the town.

An article in the May issue of Forum Focus quotes a retiring stallholder as saying that 'there is nothing to bring people in [to Blandford] any more'. Certainly our market today is not attractive in any way and really must reinvent itself in order to negate that charge.

Adrian Ford, Blandford Forum

Make use of the bridge to nowhere WHEN the first phase of the Persimmon estate was being built over 10 years ago in the north of Blandford, the plan was to create playing fields north of the bypass.

The developer paid for the bridge but the playing fields never materialised, leaving a bridge to nowhere.

There were recent plans again to try and get these playing fields established but instead Larksmead and the Recreation Ground on Park Road were chosen to be redeveloped instead.

Today can we find a constructive

way to use this bridge for the residents of Blandford?

Currently to access the Sunrise Business Park or the allotments people have to cross the busy bypass at street level, which carries around 10,000 vehicles a day at 60mph. Or drive, which they inevitably do. Obviously not everyone can drive and so have no option but to cross this road to access these two destinations.

This issue has been brought into focus again with Capers last month relocating their nursery onto the Sunrise estate. Already

Tearoom oasis of tranquillity HERE in the Blandford Fashion Museum Tearoom we read your article in April naming Blandford's cafes and tearooms, and were dismayed to find that you had overlooked ours.

Our tearoom is a quaint oasis of tranquillity to be found in The Plocks, just off the hustle and bustle of Salisbury Street, and is open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am till 5pm.

It has been featured in the publication 'The Top Tearooms of Dorset' and, like The Fashion Museum itself, is staffed entirely by friendly volunteers who have been dedicated to running it since its opening 18 years ago. As well as offering cream teas and toasted teacakes we always have a selection of delicious homemade cakes, and stock locally made biscuits and shortbread.

Customers can rest assured that all proceeds from the tearoom support the museum's running costs, enabling the Blandford Fashion Museum - a major attraction of our unique Georgian town - to remain open. We can be found on Facebook. We hope to welcome any new visitors for a cup of tea or coffee soon.

Cara Killer On behalf of The Blandford Fashion Museum

Letters Extra: Page 15

there is the children's Crazy Monsters play centre.

Sometimes crossing busy roads is unavoidable, but when a bridge is already in place why not make use of this resource? A bridge is the most difficult/expensive part of a pedestrian link to provide.

People are being forced to cross a busy road when there is an alternative. Already the trailway in the local area has been extended providing a traffic-free pedestrian and cycle route. Is this the next route that should be pursued?

Simon Ible (Simon works for North Dorset District Council, but has asked us to make it clear that these are his own personal views, and not those of the council.)

should be recognised THEY say there is no such thing as bad publicity. But, in the case of your article 'Emily set for Japan adventure' about the donation of £200 to Emily Bray in support of her proposed trip to the World Scouts Jamboree in Japan in 2015, there was actually NO publicity for the donor, Blandford Lions.

The article gives the impression that Emily raised the money at Expo 2014 when, in fact, that event was merely the backdrop to the presentation of our donation intended to provide joint publicity for Emily and the Lions.

Blandford Lions does a lot of good work in and around DT11 and it is disappointing that Forum Focus has not used the opportunity to make the wider public aware of that fact on this occasion. We, of course, wish Emily every success in reaching her demanding target of £3,500 (of which £200 represents a little over 5%) and have no doubt that her trip to Japan will meet all her aspirations.

If any of your readers wish to support Emily in her fundraising endeavour they can contact me via blandfordlions@hotmail.co.uk and I would be happy to arrange forwarding of their contribution.

Nigel Hodder Welfare Officer, Blandford & District Lions Ed's note: Our sincere apologies to the Lions for failing to mention that it was they who made the donation.

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June 2014

Mayor and deputy swap roles COUNCILLOR Steve Hitchings was formally installed as Mayor of Blandford for the second time at a mayor-making ceremony in the Corn Exchange on Friday 16th May, when Councillor Bob Brannigan, retiring Mayor, was formally appointed his deputy.

The continuation of the same duo at the head of Blandford Town Council, but in reversed roles, prompted light-hearted comment at the full council meeting held the previous week which confirmed their appointment, with THE A354 Blandford to Salisbury Road was closed for two hours on 29th April following a smash between a a lorry and two cars at Tarrant Hinton.

A red Nissan Micra registered to a Blandford woman and a Mercedes articulated lorry crashed at 10.15am, and a Ford Mondeo registered to a Salisbury man, was also involved.

Fire crews were called to cut the woman free from the car, but a police spokesman said it was not thought her injuries were serious.

members suggesting they might be 'Morecambe and Wise', 'Laurel and Hardy', 'Tom and Jerry', 'Batman and Robin' or even 'Punch and Judy'.

Councillor Brannigan named his escort as his wife Carole, and presented certificates of appreciation for their voluntary work in the town over many years to Michael Le Bas, deputy curator of the Blandford Museum, and to Maureen Pashen, leader of the St John Ambulance Badgers.

He also made a presentation to Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles in recognition of her ten years with the council, and presented cheques to his Mayoral charities, the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital and The Cupola Project.

Councillor Hitchings, who last served as Mayor seven years ago, named as his mayoral charity the Stour Valley Band, who played for the gathering as the two councillors exchanged their robes and regalia, and announced that his escorts would be his wife Lynn and children Lee and Shelley.

Councillor Steve Hitchings (left), the new Mayor of Blandford, with his predecessor Councillor Bob Brannigan, who has again become Deputy Mayor.

15

June 2014

Stalwarts stand down A ST George's Day celebration was held at Winterborne Zelston to say farewell to two stalwart supporters of the Blandford Friends of Cancer Research UK, Della Jones, right, and Rita Burden, centre.

The group has, over the last half-century, raised more than ÂŁ250,000 for cancer research, and the two friends and neighbours, who have stood down from the fundraising committee, were both instrumental in its formation.

Guest speaker at the Pimms and cupcake party was Jac Samuel, a dedicated cancer nurse from the specialist cancer unit at Southampton Hospital, who is pictured with Della, Rita and other supporters.

Letters Extra

Government to blame for broadband failure I READ Mr Hussey's letter 'Patience is the key to superfast broadband' with a degree of astonishment. He appears to echo the standard BT line that BT are doing all they can within their own limits to bring superfast broadband to the rural areas.

Their limits are constrained by their own assessment of what is commercially viable or, in other words, how much government subsidy they can get.

If your area is not covered, tough.

You will simply have to wait until either technology catches up or BT can extract further subsidy from the taxpayer. He says he cannot see why BT should be spending a fortune to service remote areas. BT are being subsidised by the government to upgrade their own infrastructure to the tune of 60p in the pound.

Mr Hussey proposes using satellite broadband for those areas not covered by the current BT / County Council upgrading programme. Satellite is often the only

solution in very remote areas but it is expensive to operate and inefficient compared to fibre.

Industry experts are unanimous in the view that fibre to the home is future-proof, offers almost unlimited speed and bandwidth and is affordable.

The Trailway Broadband Project proposed a fibre to the home solution rather than the interim fibre to the cabinet solution which BT will roll out over the next three years. We didn't spend a lot of money but we did spend a great deal of time putting the project together. I do not believe that the Secretary of State, junior ministers, our local MP or our industry partners would have been as impressed as they were if it had been, in his words, 'a pipedream'.

The Trailway Broadband project was defeated due to government incompetence and not because it was not good enough.

Steve Adamson Project Team Leader, Trailway Broadband project

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June 2014

Celebrating George ST GEORGE and his dragon, together with the motley crew making up the Play of St George as performed by the Child Okeford Mummers, made their traditional appearance at the village cross in a belated celebration of St George's Day. The original script was as usual littered with topical allusions which entertained the crowds gathering for the festival, which included stalls run in the church car park by local groups, a hog roast and live entertainment from the Fippenny Piece in the garden of the Bakers Arms.

On the other side of Bulbarrow, the annual St George's Day celebration at the Crown in Winterborne Stickland was severely hit by a heavy rain shower, but the stallholders battled on and the later sunshine brought villagers to the stalls in the car park and live entertainment in the garden and pub.

Child Okeford WI members with their cake stall.

Youngsters Jane, William, Harry and James at Winterborne Stickland run a cake stall for Julia's House.

The Child Okeford Lunch Club raffle.

The dragon at Child Okeford faces one of his challengers.

Club’s bid for funds BLANDFORD Opportunity Group has launched a 100 Club in a bid to replace some of the funding which has been lost due to the county council no longer paying the group for the placement of disabled children in its care.

Running the group, which offers pre-school facilities for special needs children, costs over ÂŁ54,000 a year.

The introduction of direct payments which go to the families of the children has impacted on the charity's income, and it is hoped that the 100 Club can redress the balance.

For details email Blandfordoppgrp@talktalk.net or call 01258 456187.

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June 2014

Civic reopening for fire-hit cemetery chapel BLANDFORD's historic cemetery chapel was formally rededicated after refurbishment following the arson attack causing more than ÂŁ30,000 worth of damage.

The ceremony and service was led by the Rural Dean of Milton and Blandford, the Rev John Simmons, and invited guests included representatives of Dorset Fire and Rescue and Dorset Police, who had attended the blaze and subsequently arrested the culprit.

Mayor of Blandford Councillor Bob Brannigan, in his address, said he hoped John Sennett, who earlier that month started a threeand-a-half-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to arson and attempted theft of fuel, would use the experience to take his life in a different direction.

He also gave thanks to the wide range of people involved in dealing with the incident and restoration, from the local resident who reported the fire through the emergency services and council staff and members to the contractors, and said he hoped those attending the ceremony would feel privileged to be present on a unique occasion.

Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles read a history, prepared by former town councillor Nigel Yates, of the chapel, built as one of a pair in 1855 for Anglican and nonAnglican use in the cemetery in Salisbury Road and one of only a few remaining in its original style.

The ceremony was also the occasion for the official unveiling by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Col Oliver Chamberlain of Ibberton of

The casualty information board in Blandford Cemetery officially unveiled by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Col Oliver Chamberlain (right), with Mayor of Blandford Bob Brannigan (left) and guests. the casualty information board in the cemetery, provided by the town council with funding from an Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant and information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who maintain the war graves in the cemetery.

It lists the servicemen of various nationalities who gave their lives in the First World War and since, and who are buried in the rows of over 80 military graves in the

cemetery.

Guests included Mike Austin of the War Graves Commission, German liaison officer at Blandford Camp Lt Col Gerhart Hahn, Camp Garrison Chaplain the Rev Stephen Lodwick, and Elaine Wilson, whose uncle, Private Albert Edward Widdicombe, is buried in the cemetery. He died at the camp at the age of 17 on 18th October 1918, a victim of the flu outbreak just weeks before the war ended.

Good Friday walk follows a different path THE Blandford churches Good Friday Walk of Witness took a new route through the Market Place and busy Greyhound Yard, past Morrisons supermarket to the Stour Meadows and back through Barnack Walk.

Hot cross buns were handed out to shoppers en route and prayers said at a number of points on the way. A symbolic cross was carried by church members at the head of the procession of around 200 people, led by the Rev Elizabeth Kemp of the United Reformed Church.

The walk followed a short open-air service in front of the Corn Exchange in the Market Place led by Brook MacCallum of the Evangelical Church in which representatives of the United Reformed, Methodist and Parish churches led prayers for the town's organisations and individuals, and hymns were led and accompanied by Shirley Bragg.

The reading from St John was read by Tom Hogan of Blandford Roman Catholic Church, and Eric Brown of the Methodist Church gave a brief reflection on the meaning of Good Friday and its relevance to the 21st century with continued persecution across the world.

In the evening the sombre mood continued with a screening of The Railwayman in the Corn Exchange, with its moving message of retribution and eventual reconciliation between a man tortured by the Japanese during World War Two and his oppressor.

The film was attended by representatives of the Forces Benevolent Fund, who described their involvement in the premiere of the film and highlighted the exhibition currently on display at the Royal Signals Museum at Blandford Camp featuring the story of Signaller Eric Lomax, on which the film is based.

The Walk of Witness passes through the Greyhound Yard, Blandford.

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June 2014

It’s the season for open gardens JUNE is the month, it seems, when everyone wants to open their gardens to the public, but there are opportunities this month to visit not just gardens but also farms across the area as part of Open Farm Sunday on 8th June.

Three local farms are participating in the national event which gives the public an opportunity to meet the farmers who grow their food and care for the countryside.

At Field Barn Farm in Puddletown Road, Winterborne Whitechurch, Graham Birch is an arable, dairy and sheep farmer offering the chance to meet the animals, tractor and trailer rides, a static machinery display and refreshments.

At Tarrant Crawford & Abbey Farms, dairy and beef farmer David Tory has a machinery display and farm walks, including the chance to see the interesting historic church, while at Myncen Farm off the A354 at Cashmoor, Simon Meaden will be featuring arable, sheep and fruit farming, and environmental stewardship with animals, tractor rides, walks on a farm trail, live music and arts, archaeology and refreshments.

Also on 8th June, the village of Sturminster Marshall will throw open its garden gates between 11am and 5pm, offering everyone a rare opportunity to explore 16 inspiring private gardens as part

of a summer of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the twinning of the village with Sainte-Mère-Église.

The village in Normandy was the first to be liberated by the Americans, and a teddy bear drop from St Mary's Church at 4pm will commemorate an incident made famous in the film 'The Longest Day'. An American paratrooper's parachute was caught in one of the back pinnacles of the tower of the French church, leaving him hanging on while the battle raged below him.

Other open gardens events in the first week of the month include on Thursday 4th June, the gardens of Anderson Manor open for the National Gardens Scheme, and on Saturday 7th June the garden of Cottage Row, Tarrant Gunville open for the same charities.

Gardens in Turnworth will be open during the village open day on Saturday 8th June from 11am to 4pm.

Iwerne Minster and Stourpaine both hold an open gardens weekend on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June.

The Secret Gardens of Stourpaine raising funds for charity include over two dozen with wildlife areas and views of Hod Hill and the Stour Valley, plants and refreshments on sale, together with a picnic area.

Iwerne Minster's Secret Gardens will feature around 20, and is raising funds for a £40,000 refurbishment of the grade 1 listed Abingdon Memorial Hall, a former Baptist chapel now used as the village hall.

Kingston Lacy gardens will be open for the National Gardens Scheme on Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th June, and Shillingstone Seniors Club hosts open gardens 2.30 to 4.30pm on Sunday 29th June.

The Blandford Stour Rotary, in conjunction with the Clean-up Blandford Campaign and Blandford Information Centre, will be holding the 7th Blandford's

Hidden Gardens event on Sunday 22nd June to raise money for Blandford and other local charities.

There will be 20 gardens to visit between 11am and 5pm, including three gardens that have not opened before, and include a variety of sizes (from courtyard to large with views across the meadows), ages (Georgian to contemporary), contents (ha-has to listed ponds) and lots of plants.

Tickets are on sale from the Blandford Information Centre (01258 454770), including on the day. Tickets will cost £4 each (concessions £3) to visit all the gardens.

Steve Candy in the new orchid house examines specimens of Cymbidium Hybrid orchids. ©National Trust/Nick Ashby

Orchids in bloom again GARDEN lovers in Dorset can now step back in time and see a newly restored Victorian orchid house which has reopened at Kingston Lacy.

The orchid house was an important part of the kitchen garden at the house over 100 years ago but had fallen into ruin. It has now been restored by the National Trust and is once again home to delicate orchids.

For fashionable Victorians, a fascination with orchids was common and the passion for the exotic flowers was seen at Kingston Lacy in Dorset, where Walter Ralph Bankes, and later Henrietta Bankes, developed their collection.

Thanks to a grant of £38,345 from Local Action Group Sowing Seeds, the National Trust has been able to restore the orchid house to its former glory.

The repairs have also returned two of the glasshouses - one a 'sunken' glass house - to use again, along with the small boiler house and cold frames, creating a new public area in the kitchen garden where Growing Spaces community allotments have been allocated to local families and individuals, community groups and schools.

Steve Candy, head gardener at Kingston Lacy, said: "Our gardens team has looked through the extensive archives from the Bankes family to find out more about the orchid collection at Kingston Lacy and how the Victorian gardeners cared for these plants.”

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June 2014

New group aims to aid literacy

The cast of Alas Dear Reader, the first play in the Forum Drama trilogy 'Trapped'.

Curtain up for new drama group THE first production of the newly launched Forum Drama, Blandford's community theatre group, was staged in the United Reformed Church Hall in Blandford on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May. Chairman Lisa Morgan outlined the history of the society stretching back to the late 19th century, when it thrived under the patronage of Lord Portman. Then known as the Blandford Operatic and Dramatic Society, it became in turn the Blandford Amateur Dramatic Society, the Blandford Players and, in recent years, Blandford Amateur Dramatics.

"Forum Drama is very pleased to be continuing this long tradition of amateur theatre in Blandford," she said.

'Trapped' included three one-act plays: Alas Dear Reader by Valerie Maskell, Fumed Oak by Noel Coward and The Rats by Agatha Christie, which

Civic recognition for house BLANDFORD and District Civic Society has continued its programme to identify buildings of historic significance in the town with the addition of a Blue Plaque on Eastway House in East Street, the former home of estate agent John Ayliffe, who was convicted at the Old Bailey of forgery and fraud in the 18th century. The society's project officer Alan Dymond is pictured (right) fixing the plaque in place.

were directed by Terence Dear with design and construction by Keith Martin, lighting design by Clive Newlin and sound design by Emily Joy. They featured Simone Walls-MacDonald, Lyn van Cleef, Lauren Newbury, Luke Morgan, Jemimah Daley and Mike Lofthouse who each had roles in two of the plays, and Becky Hollands and Christopher Mason.

The production was staged with thanks to the society's patrons for their generous support and also to Bryanston School, the Durweston Players, Floribunda, The Kings Arms, the URC Minister and staff and Wessex Carpets for their help.

Their next production in November will be Forum Drama's contribution to the Blandford Forum WW1 Commemoration, 'D' Company and Black 'Ell, two plays by Miles Malleson.

A NEW group to help combat illiteracy in the town and district was announced at a public meeting in the Crown Hotel, Blandford.

Government surveys show that across the UK one in six people have difficulty with the written word, and one in 20 have a reading age of a five-year-old.

Local businesswoman Ann Fookes has taken the lead in setting up the new group following the launch of Read Easy in Dorchester in 2010 by Ginny Williams-Ellis, a literacy tutor at Dorchester Prison. Her work there included running the Shannon Trust's 'Toe by Toe' reading programme, which led her to realise there was no one-to-one reading support for people on the outside.

People from Blandford started to show interest and began coaching in Dorchester, but referrals of people in Blandford and Ann's research revealed the need for an autonomous group of Blandford coaches working locally.

She said: "For people who can't read the world can be a scary place, not being able to read road signs, information on medicine bottles or make sense of bills and government forms."

Read Easy have received much support and encouragement and are grateful for donations from the Cerne Abbas Trust and from the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival but they need more help To find out more, see readeasy.org.uk or call Ann Fookes on 01258 880215.

UNEMPLOYMENT in the North Dorset constituency has dropped to under one per cent, to 390 in April from 433 in March, and a drop of 271 since April last year. At 0.9 percent, it is now the 9th lowest of all 650 constituencies in the UK.

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June 2014

Trailway Court is a shining example

Youngsters from Hod View, Stourpaine, carrying out their litter pick.

The Hod carriers RESIDENTS of Stourpaine had fun and helped improve their community by taking part in a litter pick on the estate at Hod View, filling six large bags with rubbish.

Spectrum Housing Group provided a skip so that people could have a spring clear-out and discard large unwanted household items.

The communal gardens belonging to the Hod View flats, which have had a recent make-over with new planting, raised beds for growing vegetables, a bird feeding station and two picnic benches, provided a wonderful venue for the day. It included an Easter egg hunt enjoyed by younger children and a lunchtime picnic provided by Shaftesbury charity, Hope2Bake. In the afternoon residents participating in the Growing Spaces project joined in the plant swap.

Budding young gardeners helped Spectrum Housing Group's resident involvement officer Liz Baker and community investment officer Tim Crawshaw to plant up the raised beds with edible plants including strawberries, broccoli and carrots.

Kerry Harvey, neighbourhood housing officer for Spectrum Housing Group said: "The day was a great success with lots of families taking part in a mixture of hard work and fun and the results have been amazing. Hod View is looking clean and tidy and residents have come together to work and play and build a strong community spirit."

A SURVEY of residents' wellbeing and quality of life in Trailway Court, the extra care housing scheme which opened in Park Road, Blandford, in 2011 has highlighted its many benefits.

The 40-unit complex supports people in living independently with a range of services and support on hand, and the result has been hailed as a national exemplar of best practice by the Learning & Improvement Network and met with approval from national housing providers.

It was developed in partnership between Dorset County Council, North Dorset District Council and leading housing and support services provider, Aster Group.

After six months all tenants reported feeling safer and having more opportunities to do the things they enjoyed. Responses measured over two years confirmed that, with the right support, older people are able to stay independent for longer, have a better social life and feel more in control of their lives.

Cllr Jill Haynes, Cabinet member for adult social care at Dorset County Council, said: "Extra care

housing is the latest development in care for older people and a real alternative to residential and nursing care. This project is testament to all the efforts from the staff involved."

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Cabinet member for housing at North Dorset District Council, said: "This kind of imaginative scheme proves beyond doubt that working with our partners we can achieve great things for our residents that need that bit of extra care."

Debbie Eadie, head of housing care and support at Aster, said: "Trailway Court is an excellent example of why continued investment in extra care schemes is vital."

A BLANDFORD slacklining group is asking Blandford Town Council to consider designating areas in the town which could be used for the popular sport.

It is also organising minibus trips to Poole on Tuesday evenings to link up with a slacklining course at the Project Activity Centre. Further information can be found by going to the Blandford Slackliners page on Facebook.

Star guests SPECIAL guests Darth Vader and two Stormtroopers from Star Wars have been invited to open the Milldown Primary School summer fete at the school on Saturday 14th June.

There will be stalls, displays, pony rides, raffles and more, together with a display of owls, performances from The Blandford School's forthcoming production of Les MisĂŠrables and arena performances from Studio B and the Janet Knight Dance School.

A BLANDFORD & District Lions Club collection at the Blandford Tesco store raised a total of ÂŁ1,134 for the Great Daffodil Appeal of Marie Curie Cancer Care to help provide free local nursing care to terminally ill patients in their homes and hospices.

The Lions have expressed a massive 'thank you' for the amazing response. President Tony Ives said: "It is thanks to the generosity of local people, and means our daffodil collection will help fund 67 hours of hands-on nursing care within our area. We are proud to be at the heart of the community, and our partnership with Marie Curie demonstrates how Lions clubs offer vital support for local people."

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June 2014

Above: Blandford Scouts on their stall at the Rotary Festival of Fun. Below: Rotary president John Bentley conducts an interview with guest star Peppa Pig.

Peppa pops in to spice up the Rotary festival of fun

Award winners in the 'Fun Day Out' painting competition at the Rotary Festival of Fun with Rotary president John Bentley.

AN appearance by children's favourite Peppa Pig and a performance by members of the cast of the forthcoming Blandford School production of 'Les MisĂŠrables - the School Edition' were two of the highlights of the Festival of Fun organised by Blandford Rotarians at the Crown Hotel.

The Festival was staged in support of Rotary charities and Blandford Scouts and the Woodcutts Scouts from Sixpenny Handley, who were present in large numbers running games and competitions in the grounds of the Sealy Suite where they and their visitors had to dodge occasional showers.

Inside were a large number of charity and commercial stalls, together with the performance area which also featured the recently established Blandford Ukulele Band led by Sam Ryall.

The audience was held spellbound by the performances of Gavin Marish, Zoe Hickson and Frankie Yeatman singing songs from the school production in which they will feature at the Tivoli Theatre in July.

Awards were presented to the winners of a children's art competition run in association with Forum Focus and judged by Rotarian Bob Allan and Forum Focus editor Nicci Brown. Entrants were invited to illustrate a 'Fun Day Out' and there were nearly 300 entries, largely from local schools but also from individuals.

Winners in the 4-7 age group were Casey, aged seven, Julide, aged five, and Martha,

aged six, all from Pimperne Primary School, with highly commended Abi, aged seven, from Milldown Primary. In the 8-11 age group they were Vega, aged nine, from Pimperne, and Lucy, aged ten, and Ciara, aged 11, both from Milldown, with highly commended Arch, aged eight, from Pimperne.

Blandford Rotary President John Bentley said: "We would like to thank the schools for encouraging their pupils to take part. The event provided a great day for families and we thank Sandisons Ltd, one of our business partners, for help on two of the stalls for children."

Festival co-ordinator Anita Bentley said: "It was a very successful day, and the look on the children's faces made it even more worthwhile."

Festival takings, excluding commercial stalls, were over ÂŁ2,700, which after deduction of expenses will be donated to local charities, including Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Julia's House, Youth Aid and the two Scout groups.

Emily Bray, who is attending the World Scout Jamboree in Japan next year, manned one of the stalls and will receive the proceeds to help with her travel expenses. Also helping on the Rotary stalls were Miss Blandford Teenager, Alex Oldfield, and Vikki Mayo, Community Champion at Tesco.

Blandford Rotary's next event is the 'Know Your Blood Pressure' day at the Corn Exchange on 7th June.

22

SCHOOLS

Horse dentist’s visit HOUSEMISTRESSES at Knighton House School are used to reminding the children about brushing their teeth but pupils got a dental hygiene lesson of a different kind when 'Horse Dentist', Tony Rose, stopped by for a visit.

Tony is a regular visitor at the prep school in Durweston where he treats the 14 ponies who 'board' there during term time. The girls happily gather at the stables during break time to watch him.

This time it was Sparky's turn to get a check-up and receive treatment to remove sharp enamel points on the outer edges of his teeth.

Tony said: "The girls are fascinated and are always asking questions. They are very knowledgeable but are so keen to learn more about how they should be looking after their ponies - I feel like one of the teachers!"

Children at Knighton have riding lessons built into the school day and anyone from Year 2 upwards has the opportunity to be taught using the on-site riding arena or go out on hacks around Bryanston and Durweston.

June 2014

The victorious girls team of the Clayesmore Combined Cadet Force.

Cadets’ trophy delight CLAYESMORE'S Combined Cadet Force proved their military mettle at the 2014 Dorset Cadet Challenge in Bovington when the girls came first overall, out of nine teams, to get the winner's trophy for the first time since 2011.

The tough challenge included a 4km squad run, an air rifle shoot and an assault course - a testing combination of events requiring drive, commitment and determination - which the girls clearly had in abundance.

The boys also displayed dedication, despite competing against strong Y13 teams, and came second overall.

Both teams were equally committed while preparing for the gruelling contest, sacrificing lunchtimes, evenings and breaks to get ready for the challenge.

Panda cash Blandford's Panda pre-school has been awarded £1084.55 by the local Spectrum Housing Group Community Forum to purchase storage trays for toys and equipment, with which they are pictured.

Every year, the five Community Forums of the housing association, groups of residents appointed to guide the business and develop housing services in their respective local areas, search for worthy causes to donate to over the course of the year.

June 2014

SCHOOLS

23

Knighton House girls join arts project GUGGLETON Farm Arts Project has welcomed Knighton House School as a new addition to its group of supporters.

The school will be working with the project towards an exhibition of work by senior girls at the gallery in Stalbridge in the autumn.

Headmistress Alison Tremewan said: "The school has always encouraged creativity right from our youngest children, nurturing and developing artistic talent.

We have a very strong art department and have been successful in gaining art scholarships, including one for Bryanston School this year.

"We are very impressed with the

breadth and variety of art which Guggleton supports and look forward to being inspired."

Isabel de Pelet from Guggleton Farm Arts Project added: "It's delightful to see such interest in art in school and applaud the school for embracing art in the way they do. We hope that this new partnership will further encourage the children to take up their paint brushes and enjoy learning about and appreciating art - something that will stay with them always."

Both Guggleton Arts and Knighton House are venues for Dorset Art Weeks which continue to 8th June and are exhibiting pieces from invited local artists.

Isabel de Pelet from Guggleton Farm Arts Project, with some of the Knighton House girls.

Clayesmore team find their way to victory CLAYESMORESenior School Orienteering team found their way to the top and became the Dorset Schools Orienteering champions on 9th May. Competing against a number of other schools at Moors Valley Country Park, the team navigated their way neatly around the course finishing with 2250 points.

As well as using their finding skills to win the overall championships, six of the nifty navigators also won their individual age group class.

Soap making in the Young Enterprise challenge at Clayesmore School.

Students clean up CLAYESMORE Senior School's Year 9 pupils were set a Young Enterprise challenge which gave them just three days to conceive, make and market an innovative new soap.

They were helped along the way by Neal's Yard Remedies and volunteers from the business community, including representatives from Barclays, Natwest, J.P. Morgan and Olives et al.

The first 'planning day' began with an introduction to the soap industry by Neal's Yard's Nicky Daley, and then the group had to form their own mini companies, deciding on roles, defining their target audience and coming up with the product name. The business volunteers guided them through the process, explaining the duties of the newly appointed staff members, and there were workshops on soap making, marketing and how to manage for success.

On day two the young entrepreneurs divided their time between making soap in the lab, considering environmental factors, conducting market research, creating packaging and mulling over the nitty gritty of money, law and health and safety.

Their hard work culminated in a final 'competition day' when they displayed their freshly made wares on exhibition stands and gave a fiveminute presentation including the first airing of their often hilarious adverts.

Following a nail-biting period of judging by the business experts, awards were presented with the best overall product going to Body Food, consisting of a kid-friendly soap in a sponge.

Pupils described how the whole experience developed their communication, problem solving and teamwork skills especially when under pressure. Teacher Mrs Hayter said: "The three days really helped to develop entrepreneurial skills and taught the students how to cope with real life business challenges."

24

SCHOOLS

June 2014

New bursaries on offer at Knighton House KNIGHTON House in Durweston have announced they will be offering four new means-tested bursaries called The Greenwood Awards, giving significant financial support for children joining the school in Years 3 and 4 and continuing to support the child all the way through to Year 8.

Recent headlines are again reporting the squeeze on places at top performing state

schools. Many parents may not have been offered their first-choice school and are now wondering what to do to provide their child with the best possible start.

Alison Tremewan, head at Knighton House, one of the few remaining all-girls prep schools, said: "For parents who live outside catchment areas for their preferred schools, it really is worth investigating what the independent sector has to offer.

Magical response to school children’s recycling challenge PRIMARY school children in North Dorset left judges spellbound with their artistic efforts to create their own wizards out of everyday recyclable items.

The Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) asked children at six schools to transform things that can be recycled at home using the 'Recycle for Dorset' collection service into wonderful wizards.

The DWP's Waste Wizards competition helped children learn about the 'magic' of recycling by

firing their imaginations and involving their parents and carers. Each school picked a winner from Key stages 1 and 2 to be judged by the DWP for the two top prizes.

Of the colourful array, the two winning wizards were by Year 2 pupil Daisy Drennan, from Spetisbury Primary School, and Millie Chinnock, in Year 3 at St Nicholas Primary School, Child Okeford.

Daisy's wizard was made using a chocolate spread lid, washing-up liquid bottle, shredded paper, porridge box, yoghurt pot and child's medicine syringe, while Millie used a blackcurrant squash bottle, cup holder, shredded paper, paper plates, a label and bottle top.

They were presented with eco packs filled with environmentally friendly, fun goodies by the DWP's own Walter the Waste Wizard.

The winners from each school have also been given a tour of the DWP's recycling and composting facilities in Christchurch to see how their waste items are turned into new products.

More information about what can be recycled using the 'recycle for Dorset' service can be found at www.dorsetforyou.com/recyclefordorset.

Above right: Millie Chinnock accepts her prize from Walter the Waste Wizard and Cllr Sherry Jesperson of North Dorset District Council.

Right: Daisy Drennan receives her prize from Walter the Waste Wizard.

"We are exceptionally confident in the educational, social and nurturing care we give, and the awards offer the opportunity to benefit from all that Knighton has to offer, from riding, music and drama to excelling at scholarships for senior schools."

For more information or for an informal chat about the Greenwood Awards, call 01258 452065.

SCHOOLS

June 2014

25

Above: The White Helmets formation team flying through the flames. Above right: Crowds watch the maypole dancing at Durweston Primary School's May Fair.

Fiery fun at Durweston School May Fair THERE was a massive turnout at Durweston playing field and village hall to see maypole dancing by the children of Durweston Primary School and a display by the Royal Signals White Helmets, who wowed the crowds with their daredevil stunts at the school's May Fair.

Each of the classes performed their traditional maypole dances after the crowning of May Queen Niamh Hopcroft. Other attractions included a barbecue and vintage teas with cakes served under a giant marquee, the May Fair raffle, and a range of stalls both outside

and inside the hall in which there was at times hardly room to move.

The Starfish class challenged young visitors to a children's assault course, and there were penalty shoot-out and other competitions, as well as a lucky dip. The event was estimated to have raised ÂŁ3,500 for school funds.

In April, Durweston children marched out on their latest Welly Walk in a plethora of plain, flowered, stripy, spotty and Peppa Pig wellies, to ramble through the amazing countryside around them.

Younger members of the school and Handy

Paws pre-school, together with even younger siblings snuggled into carriers, stretched their legs in an energetic walk closer to school, while the older children went on a slightly more challenging trip through Norton wood and over Bonsley Common, with the bonus of meeting one of George Hosford's giant tractors.

The two routes were planned by Mrs Santer, with her knowledge of the local area, and members of the wider school community were invited to participate, together with some wellbehaved dogs who attended the KS2 walk.

Outstanding school in need of more pupils WHILE many excellent schools in the area are unable to meet demand for places, there is one exceptional small, village school experiencing the opposite.

Witchampton First School, just five miles from the centre of Wimborne and seven from the centre of Blandford, is under-subscribed this year.

It is a treat for the parents and children at this Ofsted 'outstanding' school who enjoy the benefit of small class sizes - the largest year group has 10 pupils - and high pupil-to-teacher ratios but a concern for teachers and governors.

Head teacher Anne Duncan said: "The local community has experienced a lot of changes this year.

The sale of the surrounding estate, increasing rents and a lack of employment opportunities have meant that many young families have had to leave the area."

As the school is serving a small community it doesn't have any catchment restraints so can accept pupils from the wider area.

Catherine, a parent with two daughters at the school, is from a village near Blandford. She said: "This is an amazing school and definitely worth the commute. With such experienced teachers and small class sizes my daughters get a lot of individual attention and best of all we feel like we have joined the community as well as the school."

Witchampton First School is a

Year 12 Clayesmore School student Andy Smith (right) took part in a national Biathlon at the Olympic Park where he came 13th overall. He also managed to win the running element of the race and achieved an 18-second personal best in the pool.

The following weekend, despite a bout of illness during the week, he took part in a mini marathon run over the last three miles of the London Marathon course prior to the main event, and Andy's Easter treat was to be selected to represent the South West for the fourth year running.

Church of England voluntary aided school providing education for approximately 60 children between the ages of four and nine. Little Owls Pre School & Nursery provides early years edu-

cation for children aged two to five. For more information about the school contact Anne Duncan on 01258 840684 or Jazmine Walker at Little Owls Pre School on 01258 840042.

26

SPORT

June 2014

Bowlers’ open day AN open day at Blandford Bowls Club gave visitors a chance not only to try their hand at the sport but to view the newly extended pavilion at the Park Road ground.

Qualified coaches were on hand to guide those wanting to venture onto the green, and members showed others the new facilities, including changing rooms, toilets and entrance hall, larger kitchen, bar and public area.

Over the winter the club invested ÂŁ90,000 in the project with the financial support of Blandford Town Council and Bowls England, and a large amount of volunteer input.

President and coaching co-ordinator Tony Ives said: "Bowls is truly a 'sport for all' which can be played by all ages, abilities and sexes. Bowls improves your general health and helps strengthen the immune system. You can also have a varied and active social life."

Contact him for details on 01929 472336 or email tonyandrosieives@yahoo.co.uk.

Above: President Tony Ives, right, and chairman Tim Couling on the green in front of the extended Blandford Bowling Club clubhouse.

Left: Treasurer Richard Brown in the kitchen of the Blandford Bowling Club clubhouse.

Marathon marvels

Licensees Nev and Lesley Green at the Farquharson Arms with Matt Oakley (left) and Francis Benali (right).

Saintly pair team up at Pimperne A DINNER with professional footballers Matt Oakley and Francis Benali was hosted by licensees Nev and Lesley Green at The Farquharson Arms in Pimperne.

Both former Southampton FC Premiership players, Matt now plays for Exeter City and Francis has retired.

The evening was a unique opportunity for everyone to ask questions of the players in a relaxed atmosphere while sharing a three-course dinner and was immensely enjoyed by all.

The players recounted many of their playing memories, and made the evening a fascinating and enjoyable experience for everyone.

LOCAL runners in the London Marathon on Sunday 20th April included North Dorset nurse Lucy Brown, a mother-of-two from Blandford.

She completed the run in 4 hours 37 minutes 33 seconds in support of the Children's Liver Foundation, the charity which helped her friends, the Webber family, from Okeford Fitzpaine.

Farmer Richard Tory finished in 3 hours 57 minutes 32 seconds, with his partner Jenna King and ran in support of the St John Ambulance.

Three of the five members of the Dorset Doddlers running club competing secured personal best performances. Spencer Mogridge finished in 3 hours 13 minutes 19 seconds, Scott Pound in 3 hours 35 seconds, and Reece Ingram in the fastest time of 2 hours 54 minutes 56 seconds.

Lerryn Chaffey completed in 3 hours 25 minutes 21seconds, and Sarah King in 3 hours 56 minutes 36 seconds.

People can still support Lucy, Richard and Jenna by visiting justgiving.com/Lucy-Brown14, justgiving.com/RichardTory or justgiving.com/Jenna-King.

SPORT

June 2014

27

Silver start to Georgina’s golf career ONE of the newest members of the Ashley Wood Golf Club Junior Academy has already shown signs of enormous promise.

Georgina Wrixon has only been playing for a little over eight months but recently she won the Bournemouth Under-15 Mixed Junior Open Championship with a magnificent net score of 67. As a result, her handicap has been reduced by 2.5 shots to 33.

She has been taught by the club professional Jon Shimmons, who is most impressed by Georgina's commitment and attitude. "She is ready to learn and is a good prospect for the future.

“Starting at a young age and developing a good technique from the outset is vital and Georgina will hopefully go on to greater things."

Georgina first found out about the game when she attended a junior open day and the Club is holding another one from 10.30 to 2.30 on Wednesday 28th May. Any youngsters interested in finding out more should contact Mike Batty, the General Manager (Tel: 01258 452253), e-mail playgolf@ashleywoodgolfclub.com or see the website ashleywoodgolfclub.com

Above: Georgina Wrixon proudly displays the Bournemouth Open Championship trophy which she hopes will be the first of many. Above right: Winners of the Ashley Wood CJ's Eclectic (from left): Chris Brown, Penny Meaden, David Downing, Clive Jones, Dave Keig.

Good Friday saw the culmination of a competition which had been enjoyed by 100 members of the Ashley Wood Golf Club.

CJ's Eclectic, played over 10 rounds, has become an institution, started 12 years ago by Clive Jones. This provides a winter challenge during what would normally be the quieter part of the golfing calendar.

Darts challenge hits bull’s eye for charity A DARTS challenge match at the Royal British Legion Club in Blandford on Sunday 4th May raised £260 for the British Heart Foundation.

The annual Micky Parker/Gordie Jones blind pairs and singles competition was staged alongside a fun day in the club.

Representatives of the Parker and Jones families presented the prizes and trophies were donated by Mick and Betty Page.

Pairs winners were D. Handford and M. Whittaker, who also won the men's singles. The ladies' winner was D. Ruddle.

Pictured right: Organisers Steve Cradduck, Frank Benham and Rachel and Kevin Milne with the trophies on offer in the annual Micky Parker/Gordie Jones darts match at the Royal British Legion Club

The appalling wet weather this year did nothing to interfere with the event. The course drains so well that, while other courses in the area were closed, Ashley Wood was not even using temporary greens.

Clive said: "It's great to see so many members taking part in this competition which has also raised funds to further improve our course."

The prizes were presented by the club captain, Dave Keig, to the winners: Stuart Meaden (Division 1), Ian Wells (Division 2) and Robin Morris (Division 3).

A total of 24 teams took part in the final, which consists of a team competition, with the winning team of Dave Keig, Penny Meaden (Ladies' Captain), Chris Brown (a former Club Captain) and David Downing.

28

June 2014

Teddy rocks to the tune of £15,000 for charity!

OVER £15,000 was raised for children's cancer charities at the third annual Teddy Rocks Festival staged at the Greyhound Inn in Blandford over the weekend of the Georgian Fayre.

The festival showcased more than 50 live rock bands and acoustic artists on two stages over the four days.

The Greyhound yard was cordoned off to

allow the passage of shoppers and pedestrians attending the Georgian Fayre and was packed with well-wishers and band followers for most of the weekend.

On the second May Day bank holiday more was raised at the annual Teddy 20 cricket event hosted by Blandford Cricket Club in memory of cancer victim Ted Newton, whose family have since spearheaded fundraising of

thousands of pounds for children's charities.

On 21st June, the longest day of the year, there is a 'Fright Night' walk on the North Dorset Trailway from Sturminster Newton to Blandford, and over the same weekend a friend of the Newtons, Tom Maher, will be running three marathons in the Isle of Wight, New Forest and North Dorset in support of the charity.

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events JUNE Dorset Arts Weeks open studios continue to 8th June: see www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk for more than two dozen local venues Sunday 1st June: The Ambassadors Swing Band 30th anniversary concert for the Blandford Opportunity Group, Sealy Suite, Crown Hotel, 3.30 to 6.30pm Monday 2nd June: Blandford Floral Group meet 2.15 pm, United Reformed Church Hall, demonstration by Julia Harrison ‘The Joy of Nature’. Raffle of demonstration arrangements. Visitors (£5) and new members welcome, 01258 452889.

Blandford Museum Railway Club DVD/slide show and talk by Mike Beale on John Webb's collection of unseen photos of the Somerset & Dorset Railway, Blandford Scout Hall, Eagle House Gardens, 7:30pm, admission £4, free refreshments Tuesday 3rd June: DT11 Forum community partnership AGM, 6.30 for 7pm, Durweston village hall, details 01258 489998 Wednesday 4th June: RDA coffee morning, East Farm, Tarrant Monkton, from 10.30am Thursday 5th June: Blandford Transport Action Group meeting, 2pm, venue tbc (contact DT11 office 01258 489998) Anderson Manor (DT11 9HD) open garden for NGS 2 to 5pm Blandford Museum talk, 7.30pm: Sara Loch 'The Old House' Friday 6th June: Knighton House School gala charity concert at The Tank Museum, Bovington, 7pm.

Proceeds to Combat Stress and Help for Heroes. Tickets £20 from the school: 01258 452065 Age UK Fashion Show, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7 to10pm Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June: Blandford-Mortain Twinning Association host partners from Mortain

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 Saturday 7th June: Ask Dorset Roadshow (Dorset County Council engagement event), Market Place, Blandford, 11am to 1pm Rotary 'Know Your Blood Pressure' day, 9am to 1pm, Corn Exchange, Blandford Community Fun Day at Angus Wood, St Leonard Avenue, Blandford, crafts, archaeology and woodland activities for the family, 10am to 3pm, £1 for adults; children free Table top sale, Blandford Constitutional Club. Sellers 12 noon, contact 07906888140, buyers 12.30 - 3pm Shillingstone village fete and community orchard dog show Cottage Row, Tarrant Gunville, garden open for NGS, 5 to 8pm (and 2 to 5.30pm Sunday 8th) Sunday 8th June: Open Farm Sunday at Field Barn, Winterborne Stickland, Tarrant Crawford and Abbey Farms and Myncen Farms, see www.farmsunday.org Open Gardens, Sturminster Marshall, 10am to 4pm (St Mary's church teddy bear drop 4pm) Turnworth Open Day, DT11 0EE, 11am to 4pm; village gardens, teas, plants & children's fun; for church funds Thursday 12th June: Stour Valley Mixed Probus Club meets, Crown Hotel, Blandford, 10.15am for talk on 'Dorset Heroines' by David Beaton.

Contact 01258 454049 Over 30s Singles Night at The 3C's, Colin's Community Club, 49 Damory Street from 8pm, details colin944@gmail.com Friday 13th June: Ask Dorset Roadshow (Dorset County Council event), Morrisons, Greyhound Yard, Blandford, 4.30 to 7pm Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June: Wimborne Folk Festival

Saturday 14th June: Milldown Primary School Summer Fete 2-5pm. Stalls, displays, pony rides, raffle and more! Free entry Dorset Opera 40th Anniversary Ritzy Tea Party, Old Came Rectory, Winterborne Came Tea Party with the Stour Valley Band for National Care Home Community Day, Castleman House, Fairfield Bungalows, Blandford, 2.30pm, all welcome Sunday 15th June: Ramblers group walk, park in layby on A357 Durweston 10am for Durweston Circular via Hod Hill, details 01425 279073 Thursday 19th June: Blandford Art Society practical workshop, Persephone Warden on 'Landscaping using wash and line', starts 10am, Pimperne village hall Blandford Heart Forum, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens 7 to 9pm, speaker Mike Bolton, "How We Used to Be" Friday 20th June: Durweston Film Night - Monuments Men 7pm Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June: Iwerne Minster's Secret Gardens The Secret Gardens of Stourpaine and church flower festival Saturday 21st June: Friends of Blandford Community Hospital charity auction, Child Okeford village hall, from 9.45am Sturminster Show, Sturminster recreation ground Durweston & Bryanston Church Fete at Durweston House, from 2pm, country dancing, Bryanston band, stalls, cream teas, tombola, games and all the fun of the fair Teddy 20 Fright Night Walk on the North Dorset Trailway, Sturminster Newton to Blandford Durweston and Bryanston Church Fete Samantha Sings The Shows Child Okeford Village Hall, 7.30pm, book in advance on

07710 878178 or buy tickets on the door Sunday 22nd June: Blandford Hidden Gardens, 20 gardens open for Blandford and other charities between 11am and 5pm, tickets from the Information Centre, West Street Wednesday 25th June: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford, 2.15pm, STEG with his owner Archie Clegg Blandford and District Horticultural Society annual Sweet Pea and Rose Show, 7.30 p.m. at the Anne Biddlecombe Hall in Tarrant Keyneston Friday 27th June: Blandford U3A open meeting, talk with musical clips, "King's College Chapel Choir, Cambridge Behind the Scenes" by Peter Oakley, Choral Scholar, Durweston village hall, 2pm, £1 for U3A members, £2 for guests Auction of Promises in aid of Milton Abbas RDA at Brewery Visitor Centre, Blandford from 7pm. Tickets £10 include 2course supper and welcome drink, 01258 880229 or 01258 837280 Saturday 28th June: Blandford & Sturminster Newton Cats Protection coffee morning and stalls, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June: Open Garden for NGS, Kingston Lacy Sunday 29th June: Shillingstone Seniors Club Cream Teas,Crafts & Open Gardens 2.30pm - 4.30pm for Portman Hall Roof Fund & the Seniors Club, Everetts Lane, Shillingstone Art for Everyone Durweston Group summer exhibition, Durweston Village Hall, 2.30 to 4.30pm Bryanston Community Association annual 'Tea on the Lawn' for village newsletter and Julia's House, 2.30 to 4pm