October 2014 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 31

Wedding bells launch the town’s Regeneration project: P10-11

October 2014

Petitioners demand fly treatment rent which does not affect any other river life) is stopped, numbers of the fly will increase. This will certainly result in more demands on our stretched local surgeries and hospitals, thus outweighing any savings."

Mrs Ashworth intends to present the petition to Public Health England, the body which has been asked to carry out a review into whether the river treatment used to keep fly numbers down is either effective or necessary.

Mrs Ashworth, who attended a meeting of North Dorset District Council's scrutiny committee to raise her concerns, said: "The fly is etched deeply into the psyche of local people and there is a real strength of feeling in Blandford."

Members of the committee called for reassurance that all steps were being taken to ensure the river treatment continued to limit the emergence of the fly, and that council funding would remain in place.

The review being carried out by Public Health England will examine the costs and efficacy of the treatment and establish whether it should continue and who should fund it at a cost of around £12,000 a year.

Pat Ashworth with her petition calling for action on the Blandford Fly. To Page 2 MORE than 1,200 people, in the space of just a few weeks, have signed a petition calling for the authorities to ensure that action is taken to prevent the emergence next spring of the Blandford Fly. The petition was started by Pat Ashworth, who has almost single-handedly secured massive public support for North Dorset District Council and Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group to take immediate steps to ensure that the River Stour continues to be sprayed annually so as to keep the insect under control.

The petition states: "Bites from the Blandford Fly cause debilitating painful eruptions, often slow to heal, and any secondary infections can be dangerous. If spraying (using a natural deter-

Darcy’s a winner - by smiles BEAMING with pride, eight-month-old Darcy Rowlands looks as pleased as punch after being chosen from 15 entries as winner of the Blandford Carnival baby show.

Darcy is pictured with her mum, Gina Braithwaite. They live in East Street, Blandford.

The Carnival was unanimously regarded as a great success, with the parade described by organisers as one of the best in many years.

Story and more pictures from the Carnival: Pages 1213.

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October 2014

FORUM FOCUS 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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THE main drop points are: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: The Post Office, Library and Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, Gorge Cafe and Blandford Museum in the Market Place, the Tourist Information Centre in West Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Co-ops in Salisbury Road and Langton Road, the 3Cs in Damory Street, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Cherry's hairdressers in Elizabeth Road, Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road, the Central Shop in Heddington Drive, the Brewery Visitor Centre, and Tesco and Homebase at Stour Park.

In the villages: Charlton Marshall Church Rooms and Charlton pub, Woodpecker pub at Spetisbury, True Lovers Knot and St Richard Close bus stop in Tarrant Keyneston, Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton, Pimperne shop, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster post office, Shillingstone Garage, the Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

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Petitioners demand fly treatment From Page 1 But in a statement from the Dorset Health Protection Network reported to the district council's overview and scrutiny committee last week it was suggested that only "a small percentage of bites can cause problems."

Chairman David Milsted said: "It is quite unforgivably complacent and wrong to refer to the suffering as 'some problems'."

Councillor Tony Harrocks said: "We want something done quickly. The people of Blandford will not welcome being guinea pigs to see how many more people get bitten if the river is not treated."

For the last 20 years the problem has been controlled by a biocidal spray treatment to prevent people being bitten and on occasions hospitalised by a severe reaction to the bite.

But that treatment is now threatened with suspension, partly because of the need to relicence the product and partly because of doubt as to who

should be the funder.

Stuart Caundle, the council's general manager and monitoring officer, said the health authorities were concerned that after repeated treatment for the past 20 years, there was no information as to whether it remained necessary on an annual basis.

But he told the committee the Health & Safety Executive was considering the possibility of allowing spraying to continue

until the manufacturer's licence application had been decided and the review carried out.

Councillor Milsted said: "The message has to be that we will carry on doing the treatment if we can."

It was agreed to recommend to Cabinet that the council commit to funding and pursuing permission to carry out the treatment, as well as establishing how long the review would take.

Letters: Page 20.

Have your say on the area’s future SHOULD a new sewage works be built beside the Stour to accommodate waste from new housing developments? And should Blandford have a new hotel built on the site of the allotments?

These are among the questions being posed by Blandford+, the

neighbourhood planning group for Blandford, Bryanston and Blandford St Mary, which is giving everyone the opportunity to become involved in deciding what kind of area they want for their children and by helping write the Neighbourhood Plan.

Other questions posed include:

* Should the Blandford+ area be

Forum Focus is an independent, not-for-profit, community newspaper produced entirely by volunteers.

We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

surrounded by wind turbines? Or should they be kept on the Milldown?

* Should Bryanston have a new area for small factory units to increase employment opportunities?

* Should we be building large blocks of flats rather than developments of houses?

* Does Blandford need another doctors' surgery, and if so where?

Everyone is asked to contribute by contacting the chairman, Sara Loch, on 01258 450278 or email to saraloch@easynet.co.uk..

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October 2014

Barrier plan hits opposition OBJECTIONS have been raised to the barrier restricting vehicle access to Bere's Yard in Blandford which has been in place for a number of years, but which has now become the subject of a retrospective planning application.

The application by the owners of the premises, the William Williams Charity, was considered by Blandford Town Council's planning committee on 1st September.

A member of the public, Michael Berry, outlined his concerns that the barrier was not only dangerous, but also deterred visitors to the yard, which houses Blandford Museum as well as the Milton Antiques business.

He said that it was an eyesore which was inappropriate in its conservation area setting. "It is more suited to the exit ramp of a supermarket," he said.

Councillor Tony Harrocks said he understood the barrier was installed to deter indiscriminate parking, and Councillor Steve Hitchings asked why it was coming into conflict with pedestrians.

Councillor Sylvia Hixson Andrews, declaring her interest as a member of the Museum and wife of

curator Peter Andrews, who is one of the people to have been hit on the head when the barrier came down, explained that once raised, the barrier remained up for a long time and it was easy for people to forget that it was there.

"It doesn't stop people entering with cars during the week and I understand the Trust has lost two people who were renting parking spaces because of others using them."

She said she felt it was badly located, right in front of Milton Antiques, and the problem could be resolved with a little discussion.

"They need the barrier, but there are better places for it," she said.

Councillor Mike Owen proposed no objection, saying it was on private land and there for a purpose, but Councillor Rosemary Holmes said they should consider the health and safety issue.

Councillor Bob Brannigan said there was public access and evidence that the barrier might be a cause of potential injury. He suggested the alternative of having locked-in posts in each parking space for which keys could be issued to those authorised to use

Stourpaine homes scheme go-ahead DISTRICT Council planners have agreed to accept a reduced number of affordable homes as part of the redevelopment of land at Stourpaine which will facilitate the construction of a new village hall.

An application for nine homes on an unused site north of the A350, together with a linked application for a new village hall and extension to the sports pavilion at the Draper Memorial Field, was approved in April subject to 40 per cent of the new housing being affordable.

Members of the development management committee were told that Raglan Housing, which had initially agreed to the condition, had approached the planning authority seeking to remove the obligation on the grounds that the development as approved was not viable.

Two main reasons given were the land value agreed for the sale of the site and the lack of grant available for affordable housing.

The village hall committee required a significant amount to build the replacement hall, and the diocese needed sufficient return to release their interest in the land for housing.

"The need to provide significant funding towards the replacement hall is a pre-requisite to unlock this under-utilised site while retaining an equivalent or better community facility within the village," said development and economy manager John Hammond.

"This is very much a one-off development proposal given that the scheme recycles the uplift in land value into an improved community facility and releases an under-utilised site for redevelopment."

He said it was reasonable to rely on Raglan's commitment to deliver affordable housing on site as evidenced by a 2015-18 grant round allocation they had already secured for some of the units, and more could be provided if further grant was forthcoming.

The controversial barrier in Bere’s Yard. them.

It was agreed to object to the application on the grounds of public safety, location and being unsuitable for its surroundings.

Blandford & District Civic Society echoed the town council's response, saying the barrier needed to be less visible, closer to the

car park at the rear and less restrictive to commercial and community activities in the yard.

It also needed to be better designed to reflect its location within the grounds of two of Blandford's key Georgian buildings, the Bastard House and its neighbour.

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October 2014

Three to contest council by-election

Speaker Kate Greenway, with members of the Blandford Ladies' Probus.

A busy time at Probus BLANDFORD Ladies' Probus spent an entertaining afternoon hearing speaker Kate Greenway, from Bournemouth, who recounted her varied experiences and appearances on TV shows including Newshound, Bargain Hunt, Blankety Blank and the Weakest Link, and interviews with Robert Kilroy-Silk and Esther Rantzen.

They also heard from member Pat Ashworth on her campaign and petition to the authorities to continue carrying out river treatment to control the Blandford fly.

The group of over two dozen members, chaired by Rosemary Holmes, holds lunchtime meetings at the Crown Hotel on second Mondays of the month, but will be moving shortly to the Ashley Wood Golf Club for meetings on third Wednesdays for lunch and guest speakers.

They will also enjoy other activities such as a visit to Compton Abbas airfield and a December Christmas lunch.

They are actively seeking new members. For further information, email the secretary at mhandy@durweston.org.uk or call 01258 480451.

ELECTORS in the Blandford Old Town ward (town centre) have a choice of three candidates in the by-election on Thursday 2nd October to fill the Town Council vacancy caused by the death of Councillor Andrew Pemberton.

The successful candidate will serve for only just over seven months before needing to face the voters again in the full council elections next May, which coincide with those for North Dorset District Council.

Nominations closed on 8th September and polling cards have been delivered by town council staff to those eligible to vote. There are three candidates.

Adrian Ford, of Hengelo Place, is retired after a career in industry and commerce in several parts of the country. He has lived in Dorset for 27 years, and been a householder in Blandford for the last 12. Married with two sons and two grand-daughters, he is a member of Blandford Rotary and supports community groups such as DT11 Forum. A former town councillor, he is keen to tackle the concerns and issues highlighted by the recent Town Team.

Duncan Smith, of Alner Road, is

48, a veteran soldier of 26 years' service, seeing service in both Gulf wars, Kosovo and Afghanistan. He now runs a small mobile catering business in the town. A member of the new Blandford Chamber of Commerce steering group and backed by UKIP, he said: "Working as a town councillor will give me the opportunity to keep going from within the spark of enthusiasm within the town and district council to bring Blandford back to life and re-energise the town for young and old."

John Stayt, of Damory Street, is a retired businessman and serving Conservative district councillor for Portman ward, including Blandford St Mary and Bryanston.

He moved to Blandford with his wife Jackie in 1999. He has campaigned against the withdrawal of the Crown Meadows development proposal and threatened boundary changes, in support of the new Asda supermarket and fairer parking charges, and has worked on behalf of the town with the North Dorset Citizens' Advice Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, Blandford+ neighbourhood planning group and Town Team.

Lions’ help for Panda Blandford & District Lions recently donated funding to buy two sun canopies for the Panda pre-school in Milldown Road, and were able to see the results of their generosity when they visited the school to present the cheque.

The picture shows school chairperson Hepzi Hickish receiving the cheque from Lion Tony Ives, watched by Lion Tony Burt, members of the school committee and pupils, all gathered under the shelter of one of the canopies.

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October 2014

Kite workshops help keep spirits flying high YOUNG people across Dorset were invited by Spectrum Housing Group to bring their families along to a number of kite-making workshops in readiness for a three-day kite festival at four locations including Blandford.

The workshop roadshow encouraged residents to get creative and make kites to take away and fly and to foster a community spirit.

The New Carnival Company, a leading carnival arts development agency from the Isle of Wight, provided the expertise to run the workshops with the assistance of Spectrum officers.

The collective group of highly experienced carnival artists and producers, teachers and trainers, project managers and outdoor event specialists believe that carnival and other forms of celebratory arts can make a real difference to people and places.

Liz Baker, Spectrum resident involvement officer, who organised the workshops, said: "The idea of the workshop roadshow

is getting children's and adults' creative juices flowing, getting them together and involved in the kite festival, a family event with real community spirit. It is what Spectrum is all about, and so important for us to make sure the workshops were accessible to all members of our communi-

Left: Spectrum resident involvement officer Liz Baker with a young kite maker in Blandford. Above: A youngster with her butterfly kite at the workshop in Blandford.

ties in Dorset."

The first workshop took place at Blandford Children's Centre and children got busy making kites and decorating them with an imaginative bugs and butterfly theme.

The roadshow also visited Okeford Fitzpaine and Milborne St Andrew, and children aged from four to 15 took part in the workshops and had the chance to fly the kites they made.

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October 2014

Council merger plans too hasty, say critics Cash for the church appeal PLANS have been submitted for the next phase in the restoration of Blandford Parish Church, which is the remodelling of the west door entrance to facilitate disabled access.

Temporary repairs have been carried out to the roof and cupola, together with urgent electrical work as phase one of the project which has cost around £10,000.

The weathervane, recently removed for safety reasons when the spindle was broken, has been replaced by a replica in the porch, highlighting the extra £5,000 which will be needed to repair it and reinstate the 'bobble' on the top which was lost when the cupola was struck by lightning in the 1960s.

Project leaders were delighted to receive their largest ever donation from a voluntary group when the proceeds of fundraising at Whitecliffe Nursing Home were presented.

Pictured are Pat Ellen, Sara Loch and Anne Shire from the BFPC Cupola Project receiving the cheque for £1,150 from the home's activities organiser Kay White.

TOWN and district councillors in Blandford have expressed concern at the speed with which proposals have proceeded for a merger between the local North Dorset District Council with neighbouring authority West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, without full consideration by the public.

At Blandford Town Council's meeting in September, Councillor Hugo Mieville asked exactly what was being proposed. Councillor Steve Hitchings said: "Surely they should be asking the public what they might want - the public might have a viewpoint."

Councillor Esme Butler, a member of both town and district councils, said the scrutiny committee was due to meet on 26th September, which would be the first opportunity for the majority of members to discuss the proposals put forward by a strategic delivery committee consisting of nine members at North Dorset following discussions with the two other authorities.

A bid is to be submitted for £1.5 million from a Transformation Challenge Award fund established by central government to help local authorities change the way services are delivered with a view to sharing their chief execu-

tive and senior management teams, and then to combine and develop joint services.

The proposed partnership would cover over half the rural county and serve a population of 235,000. The majority of the savings, an estimated £6 million by 2019/20, would come from better use of assets such as office buildings.

Property consultants have been commissioned to carry out a feasibility study of the options available for the site of North Dorset's headquarters at Nordon in Blandford, either with or without the presence of NDDC. The business case for the merger is due to go before North Dorset's Cabinet on 6th October, before approval is sought at full council at the end of the month.

Other district councillors were unclear on the proposals, which have been discussed only by members of a strategic planning group at North Dorset. Councillor Barrie Cooper said: "So much is unknown about it and we need to have all the facts before council makes a decision."

Councillor John Tanner said the councils would remain as separate entities. "They are not merging the councils, but the bureaucratic back-up," he said.

SUPERSUB: Subway Blandford made a giant six-foot-long sub as a raffle prize for the 259 Signal Squadron family barbecue day.

The winner was Pete Asplin who called with a couple of colleagues to collect the giant sub from the Salisbury Street branch of Subway.

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October 2014

Green Flag award for the meadows

Rangers and volunteers celebrate the Green Flag Award for Blandford's meadows.

Growth of flyposting comes under spotlight THE proliferation of flyposting on the Blandford bypass and in the town will be on the agenda of the next town and general purposes committee of Blandford Town Council.

The problem was raised by Councillor Rosemary Holmes at September's full council meeting.

She complained that nothing was being done by either the district or county councils to control the number of posters and notices appearing on lamp-posts and grass verges.

County councillor Barrie Cooper said those on verges were the responsibility of the highway authority, and those on lamp-posts the responsibility of Scottish & Southern Electric, to whom flyposting could be reported.

But a number of councillors were

reluctant to discourage business and charities in the town from advertising events, provided they were not obstructing anyone.

Meanwhile Blandford & District Civic Society has complained to the county council about the state of the bypass roundabouts, and particularly that at Wimborne Road, which is completely overgrown.

Secretary Nicci Brown said: "There is a certain irony in the fact that the advertising sponsor of that roundabout is the hair salon Kutting Edge."

The reply came back that the verges are left un-mown, both to encourage the growth of wild flowers and as a deterrent to unauthorised camping in the lead-up to the Great Dorset Steam Fair, and that the roundabouts would be

News in brief MOTORISTS have been warned that delays are expected on the B3082 Blandford to Wimborne Road when the surface is re-laid along the Beech Avenue leading to Kingston Lacy. Repair work was due to start on Monday 29th September and continue until 4th October.

THE second AGM of Forum Focus will be held at Colin's Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford, on Thursday 9th October, starting at 7pm. All are welcome to attend, particularly those who help with distribution of the magazine or assist in any other way.

PRAMA in Salisbury Street have announced that a new Fair Trade shop will be opening at their premises on 6th October. It will replace 'Set Fair 4 Trade' which operated out of premises on the opposite side of the street until the recent retirement of David and Jennie Ann Rake.

THE Music and Merriment Festival at Spetisbury Rings in August raised £10,014 for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, including £719 from the tea and cake tent and £514 from the Weldmar tent. Organisers Tim and Jen Wood said it was as much as all the previous Music and Merriment events put together, taking the grand total to over £20,000.

attended to in the autumn.

But the civic society has responded by seeking to establish how much income is earned from the advertising on the roundabouts, and how much is spent on maintaining them.

BLANDFORD's green spaces have once again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award given by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy for the best in the country.

The Milldown has held the award for nine years running and Riverside Meadows known individually as The Marsh and Ham, Stour Meadows and Langton Meadows - have tasted success for a second year after achieving Green Flag status last summer.

Both are managed in partnership by Dorset County Council and North Dorset District Council with the assistance of volunteers in the community.

Cllr Peter Finney, the county council's cabinet member for environment and economy, said: "It is testament to the dedication and hard work of staff and volunteers, who have helped make green spaces across Blandford fantastic places for everyone to enjoy."

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October 2014

Wind turbines: the protests top 1,000

Georgian Fayre organisers and representatives of the groups supporting and benefiting from the event at the presentation held at the Brewery Visitor Centre.

Fayre proceeds handed out ORGANISATIONS providing support to the 2014 Georgian Fayre were thanked for their help at a presentation in the Brewery Visitor Centre when a total of £8,000 was presented to nearly two dozen groups including £3,000 to the chosen main beneficiary, the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings, presenting the awards, said: "It may be a little bit of a pain because people cannot get through the town, but it is a unique event which people come along to support, and it supports a lot of local clubs, charities and groups."

Chairman Colin Stevens thanked all the event's sponsors, including Hall & Woodhouse, Purely Print and Florabunda, and members of the committee and individuals who had played their part, in particular Arthur Bush for his running commentary and the Army Cadet Force and their leader Owen Wells for their efficiency in all they were asked to do.

THE number of written protests against the proposed wind farm at Blandford Hill, Winterborne Whitechurch, has grown to well over 1,000.

The application by REG Windpower for four 125-metre high turbines close to the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has already been opposed by the parish councils of Winterborne Whitechurch, the Lower Winterbornes, Milton Abbas, Winterborne Stickland, Hilton and Briantspuddle.

Local communities opposing the plan formed the DART Winterborne Whitechurch action group to argue that the size, scale and industrial nature of the development will give rise to adverse visual impact on the small-scale, high-value landscape and from viewpoints, both inside and outside the AONB. They say the turbines are also too close to nearby dwellings and public rights of way and will undermine appreciation of heritage assets including eight Grade 1 churches and buildings within three miles.

Natural England, the Dorset AONB and Cranborne Chase AONB Partnerships have all writ-

ten objecting to the plan.

DART (WW) Chairman Julien Turner, who can be contacted on 01258 880760 or by email to jrt@lifestyles100.plus.com, said: "The intrusion on the rural landscape in this area adjoining an AONB is wholly unacceptable.

The impact not only on local residents, but also the wider community, will be hugely damaging."

Bob Walter, MP for North Dorset, has also commented to North Dorset District Council: "The four industrial turbines proposed would dominate the local landscape for miles around. I support renewable energy, but not at the expense of our beautiful countryside."

The Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England says there is no need for such highly damaging developments since, thanks mostly to rapid growth in solar farm deployment, the county of Dorset has reached 97% of the 2020 renewable energy targets set by the Dorset Energy Partnership, and North Dorset district has reached 111 per cent.

The application is not expected to be considered by the planning authority's development control committee until the late autumn.

Tawney’s teas help orphans

OVER £1,000 has been raised through teas on the lawn and other fundraising at the Old Mill, Spetisbury, by Tawney Ivay, a pupil at St Mary's School, Shaftesbury, who is fundraising for a work experience visit to Livingstone, Zambia.

Lubasi is a home for orphans and vulnerable children managed by the Livingstone diocese of the Catholic church. Many of the children, aged between 5 and 10 years, have been orphaned as a result of the AIDS pandemic.

Tawney will be travelling there to help after her GCSEs in 2015, and has spent the summer baking cakes and cookies and making sandwiches to serve up with teas, coffees and cold drinks in the garden of her home.

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October 2014

Players pledge to raise a laugh THE Tarrant Valley Players are promising laughter from start to finish in their latest production of ‘Fish Out of Water’ by Derek Benfield.

Directed by Jenny Munford, the play is set in a sundrenched hotel on the Italian Riviera. The peace is shattered by the arrival of outspoken widow, Agatha Hepworth and her timid spinster sister, Fiona Francis. Agatha crushes all protests as she rounds up the hotel guests in communal games and other healthy pursuits. Her unflagging spirit of togetherness invades the private lives of all the characters with riotous results.

Agatha and Fiona are played

by Rachel Legget and Emma Bredda, with a supporting cast including Adrian Tuite, Mandy Sheppard, Milly Stanley, Clare McKenzie, John Cody, Steve Herridge, Bryan Sheppard, and proceeds from the production will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Performances at the Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, near Blandford are on Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th October at 7.30p.m. There will be a bar, light refreshments and a grand raffle, and tickets are available by calling 01258 863476 or 453399.

Gym club shortlisted for national award BLANDFORD Forum Gymnastics & Kanga Club (BFGKC) will be going for gold after being shortlisted in the prestigious British Gymnastics National Club award.

Open to clubs from throughout the UK, the award recognises achievements, including commitment to development through creating innovative ways to grow and improve, linking with the wider community.

Head coach Helen BarnettMoore said: "You only have to see the passion and commitment from the gym's coaches, the young leaders and all the gymnasts to understand why we were nominated, but to be shortlisted like this at national level really speaks volumes.

"We really are part of the com-

WORKSHOPS were held in the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, the Corn Exchange, and at local schools in the build-up to the Inside Out production of Periplum's 'The Bell' which was staged in the Market Place on 18th September.

Pictured are the children at Pimperne Primary School who worked with artist Denise Poote and teaching assistant Jenny Mackenzie to create banners for the performance. See pictures from the production on Page 21 and on our website.

munity, with gymnasts spending from one to over 10 hours a week on activities which range from pre-school, gymnastics, trampolining and freestyle gymnastics to name a few.

"Our members come to have fun and enjoy a structured form of exercise which for many has led to success in a range of competitions within the county, regionally and nationally. We are very

proud that several of our coaches started out with us as gymnasts it is very much a family club."

Helen has also been shortlisted for National Services to Gymnastics after an entry by the coaches at BFGKC. The club will attend an awards ceremony on 18th October at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

For more information, see blandfordforumgymnastics.co.uk.

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October 2014

Action-packed launch for A PEAL of bells from the tower of Blandford Parish Church signalled the launch of the town's Regeneration project, aimed at raising its cultural profile as well as promoting campaigns to refurbish and remodel its church and Corn Exchange and extend its museum.

The peal was coincidental, but signalled a regeneration of its own through the wedding of Nicholas Excell to Victoria Woodland,

whose sister, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother were all married in the parish church of St Peter and St Paul.

It was on the day of the wedding, 62 years ago, of Victoria's grandmother, and so a double celebration continuing a cycle which began nearly 100 years ago.

Festivities continued on the church green and in the town centre, beginning with a craft fair

in the Corn Exchange, country dancing from Durweston Primary School and live music from Dan Baker in front of the Shambles and a performance by the Studio B musical theatre school.

Blandford Town Council has secured planning permission for a ÂŁ5 million project to refurbish the Corn Exchange and make it once again the town's central venue worthy of the 21st century.

Left: Nicholas Excell and Victoria Woodland, whose marriage at Blandford Parish Church launched the Regeneration events in style and was a fourth generation Woodland wedding, pictured with Victoria's maternal grandmother, Jo O'Connor.

Helpers from Bryanston School serving up refreshments at the Museum.

Below: The Blandford School jazz band.

Gavin Maresh from The Blandford School reprises his role from Les MisĂŠrables.

Puppeter Peter Rush with The Queen and the Prince of Wales.

Dan Baker singing in front of the Corn Exchange.

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October 2014

Regeneration campaign

Above: Andrew and Frances Falconer of Charlton Marshall visit Blandford Parish Church on their Ride+Stride for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust.

Soloist Zoe Hickson from The Blandford School reprising her role from Les Misérables.

At the church, plans were on display of the second phase of a ten-year £3 million programme of refurbishment which has already seen emergency repairs carried out on the roof, and which will feature the remodelling of the west door entrance to allow disabled access.

The jazz band from The Blandford School and soloists from their recent production of Les Misérables performed on the church green and afterwards puppeteer Peter Rush, famous for creating puppets for the children's TV programme Jackanory in the 1970s, gave a short comic presentation featuring puppets representing The Queen and Prince of Wales.

After a further performance by Studio B in front of the Corn Exchange, the entertainment then moved to the Museum, which, together with its Victorian garden, had been open during the afternoon. A poetry reading was given by David Caddy, followed by a performance of dramatisation of George Orwell's Animal Farm by students from Bryanston School.

The museum in Bere's Yard has long entertained hopes of extending its cramped facilities in the former stables of the historic Georgian Bastard House opposite the church, and showed an architect's impression of how the extended building might look.

Above: Facepainting with Isabella and Kristina from Bryanston School.

Below: Studio B take the stage in the Market Place.

Curtain up on performing arts academy THE Performing Arts Theatre Academy will be opening its doors in Blandford next January.

Principals Lauren Newbury and Rebecca Hollands, along with singing tutor Felicity Ayles, will provide quality tuition in drama, singing and musical theatre to children aged from 5-18.

The Academy will offer LAMDA and Trinity Guildhall examinations and the children will showcase their talents and achievements in the end-ofyear Academy productions.

It is also affiliated with Forum Drama and will offer the children opportunities to work on their productions.

For a taste of what The Performing Arts Theatre Academy will be offering, they will be holding a three-day High School Musical Theatre Workshop from 27th to 29th October. Contact the Academy to book a place.

Further information: email thepatheatreacademy@gmail.com or thepatheatreacademy.uk.

12

CARNIVAL

Stepping out with the Steppers of Oz.

October 2014

The massed entry from Blandford Rugby Club's young players.

The best parade in years THOUSANDS lined the streets to cheer Blandford Carnival on its way and enjoyed a parade described by many as one of the best in years.

Carnival secretary Barrie Jones said: "There were huge crowds, particularly in Salisbury Road and at the Kings Road junction, and we were really pleased at the turnout."

The overall winners were Muppets Carnival Club from Gillingham with their rousing 'Barn Dance' float which was judged most humorous and awarded people's choice.

The best local entry came from the St John Ambulance Badger Sett with 'Around the World with Bertie', complete with a giant balloon and children dressed in a multitude of national costumes. Best endeavour went to Milldown Primary School with 'Milldown Castle'.

There was only one other large Carnival Club entry from local club Magnum with their tableau 'Fire and Ice', but the parade was enhanced by some imaginative new faces, including Paulus Reynolds of Charlton

Marshall with his colourful Kermit, winner of the individual humorous class, the Blandford Women's Institute celebrating their first year of existence, winners of the general class, and Steppin' Out Academy of Performance with 'Steppers from Oz'.

Among the walking entries, Natasha Shaw as 'Dragon Queen' was the individual class winner, with Luke Bennett and Tristan Hague of Inferno CC in Chard runners-up, and Jessica Vick, Georgia Curtis and Jamie Vick from Stourpaine as 'Frozen'.

Rosie Wilds as 'Snow Queen' was a popular winner in the collectors' class, alongside second place Janet Hinton as Mrs Mop, and Henry and George Mitchell as the 'Hungry Caterpillar' had come from Portsmouth with their mum to stay with grandparents locally and win the decorated prams and carts class.

Storm CC won the car and decorated trailer class with 'Need a Hero', the Disability Action Group the trade decorated class with a World War One tribute featuring a tank and biplane, and the Dorset Youth Marching Band and

The ladies of Blandford Women's Institute on the campaign trail.

Ilchester Gems the youth bands and majorettes awards.

Blandford Royal British Legion promoted their car and dog show the following weekend with Scooter, their poppy dog.

In the Corn Exchange in the morning, cheques for ÂŁ75 each were presented from carnival proceeds to Blandford Rugby Club, Blandford Youth Football Club and the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital. The baby show overall winner out of 15 entries was eight-month-old Darcy Rowlands, son of Gina Braithwaite, of East Street.

In the Spot the Oddity competition staged in shop windows during the summer, there were more than 100 entries. Sisters Rowan and Esme Haines were first and second, with Keira Francis third.

Carnival fundraising and entertainment will continue with carnival bingo evenings taking place on Wednesday 22nd October, 19th November and 17th December at the Royal British Legion, doors open 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm.

Carolyn Carter leads the Disability Action Group's World War One tribute with a biplane and tank.

CARNIVAL

October 2014

Paulus Reynolds of Charlton Marshall with Kermit the Frog.

Miss Blandford Carnival Lauren Johnstone, left, and her attendant Lucy Pike.

13

Carnival Princess Amelia Ball with attendants Ginny Dugdale, left, and Dolcie Burton, right.

The Blandford St John Ambulance Badgers go Around the World with Bertie.

Ice maidens with the Magnum Carnival Club tableau float Ice and Fire.

More Carnival pictures on our website

Youngsters from Blandford United Football Club.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

14

STEAM FAIR

October 2014

War tribute steals the show WHILE the muddy conditions grabbed everyone's attention for the first two days of the Great Dorset Steam Fair and hit attendances, it was the creation of trenches and displays, including steam vehicles pressed into military service during World War One, which left a lasting impression.

It was one of the biggest WW1 commemorative displays in the UK this year, and an army of visitors turned up over the course of the five-day event.

Managing director Martin Oliver thanked all visitors, exhibitors and staff for their support, saying: "We know it was a tough start for everyone but you literally stuck with us and once again we have had a successful show.

"The WW1 display, marking 100 years since the outbreak of the Great War, was the most exciting and moving section I have ever worked on, and many visitors have told us it was absolutely breathtaking - I couldn't agree more."

The display was divided into three main areas - the Western Front, the Home Front and an exhibition marquee shared with the National Traction Engine Trust celebrating its 60th anniversary.

A number of the vehicles took part in an historic convoy drive from Bovington to Tarrant Hinton a week before the fair opened.

The Horse Remount Depot told of the involvement of horses and mules on the Western front, The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group 'manned' the two lines of trenches, and steam engines, tractors, field guns, a tank, heavy artillery, cars, motorcycles, lorries, trucks and agricultural demonstrations all had unique WW1 stories to tell.

Nostalgia in the mud at the Great Dorset Steam Fair

Visitors were led on guided tours of the World War One-style trenches which were dug in the memorial area, and which at times echoed the muddy conditions of 100 years ago.

Dr Busker performed some of the popular songs and tunes of the Great War on the piano and the WW1 Women's Land Army Display portrayed the vital roles played by women in the war.

The Lest We Forget Replica Mark IV Tank was a working replica of a British Mark IV tank first introduced in 1917 originally built for a movie adaptation of the Magic Flute in 2003.

And the LMS-Patriot Project, a charitable group building 'The Unknown Warrior,' the first allnew standard gauge British-built steam locomotive since 1960 to commemorate the fallen from all conflicts since 1914, brought the

partially complete locomotive from Llangollen to appear in the display.

A Scout Group from Bournemouth wore uniforms from over 100 years ago and displayed the traditional bell tents and campfires used throughout the war.

Boy Scouts during the war carried messages for the War Office, guarded important sites such as railway lines, water reservoirs and stretches of coastline, and learned to send semaphore messages with small flags, watch the skies for Zeppelin attacks and sound their bugles to signal when an air raid was over.

Hundreds of visitors attended a remembrance service commemorating the centenary, held in the Western Front area of the WW1 display to honour the servicemen and civilians who lost their lives with hymns, readings and blessing.

Led by the Reverend Dr Michael Foster, the Great Dorset Steam Fair chaplain, with guests including officiating chaplain to the military, the Rev Andrew Rowland, and the Right Rev Dr Graham Kings, Bishop of Sherborne, it ended with the National Anthem.

For more pictures, visit our website forumfocus.co.uk.

STEAM FAIR

October 2014

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Overlooking the showground, a replica commissioned specially for the Great Dorset Steam Fair World War One commemoration of a British 8-inch Howitzer gun used extensively on the Western Front.

Hard graft in the timber working area.

The commemorative service led by Great Dorset Steam Fair chaplain the Rev Dr Michael Foster.

A vehicle rescued from the battlefield and an appeal to look after the horses commissioned into the war effort.

A young recruit comes face to face with a soldier at the entrance to the World War One trenches.

16

October 2014

Gala night launch for food and film festival

After a demonstration of her work and fitting of hats at a WI meeting, Shillingstone WI members were invited to the home of top London hat designer and milliner Cozmo Jenks, set in the Dorset countryside.

They were greeted by Cozmo, her friend Ness and nine dogs, and found Cozmo's studio to be an Aladdin's cave. Members were fitted with stunning hats, instinctively chosen by Cozmo, with amazing attention to detail and colour co-ordination. After showing off and having photo sessions, they enjoyed a lovely alfresco lunch prepared by Cozmo and Ness.

A photobook of the day has been created to mark the upcoming centenary of the WI in 2015 and for their WI's archives.

THE historic Cross at Shillingstone, parts of which date from the 15th century, has been undergoing repair and restoration.

The parish council, which owns the structure, has been authorised to use historic reserves for the work, given its essential nature, to an important village asset.

As part of the process the ornate carved top had to be removed, and was hoped to be in a good enough state to return to its position at the end of the renovation by specialist contractors, Cliveden Conservation.

SCREEN Bites food and film festival celebrates its 10th birthday on 2nd October with a food-focused gala night in the glamorous setting of St Giles House at Wimborne St Giles by kind permission of Lord Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury.

In true Screen Bites style, the menu has been inspired by the 17th century setting and food in the French film 'Vatel', which will be screened at the gala. The food will be served by Lisa Osman of Provisio at local cookery school All Hallows, with award-winning wines from Langham Wines.

Guests have been invited to dress in 17th century costume and will be offered olives from main festival sponsor Olives Et Al and contributions from other supporting producers, including the Dorset Game Larder, Gold Hill Organic Farm Shop, Hall & Woodhouse, Home Farm Shop, and the Long Crichel Organic Bakery.

Screen Bites continues with food and film screenings across three counties including a double bill at Durweston village hall on Friday 17th October featuring 'Nothing

Like Chocolate' and 'Romantics Anonymous'.

'English Vinglish', set in India and New York, is at Sturminster Marshall village hall on Friday 24th October, and a Halloween matinee animated special 'Revenge of the Leftovers' at Tarrant Keyneston village hall on Friday 31st October at 2pm will be followed by a double bill of 'Dinner for One' and 'Step Up to the Plate' starting 7pm at the same venue.

The following night, 1st November, will see the finale, 'Chef', hosted

by The Exchange at Sturminster Newton.

For full details see the website screenbites.co.uk.

THE North Dorset Discussion Group met at Cafe Soba in Blandford to consider the topics 'How does the economy grow' and 'Energy Consumption and Production'. In September they met at The Talbot in Iwerne Minster for a discussion on immigration and the media's influence on society. For information, email Vivian Allen-Dean at vivallendean@icloud.com

17

October 2014

Joe saddles up for a French fundraiser HUNDREDS of cyclists and walkers were out and about in the Blandford area on their bikes on 13th September in support of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust Ride+Stride fundraising event.

Many visited Blandford Parish Church where it coincided with the town's Regeneration event.

The previous week, the Rev Joe Edwards of Blandford St Mary church was taking part in a 280mile cycle ride from London to Paris in support of the same organisation, as well as the Rwanda Cricket Stadium

Foundation.

He joined 150 riders on the start line in the Action Challenge 24hour event at the O2 in London to cycle through Kent to Dover, where they boarded the ferry to Calais. They then cycled by night through small towns and the cathedral cities of Amiens and Beauvais into Paris, past the Arc de Triomphe, down the ChampsElysĂŠes to finish near the Eiffel Tower the following morning.

He cycled six times a week in preparation for the trip, covering distances of 200 and 300 miles at weekends to ensure he was ready for the challenge.

He said: "I would like to say a big thank you to all the people who have supported me and donated to these two fantastic causes.

Their support helped me no end when I got to the tough final leg of the journey.

"I completed the ride in a total time of 24 hours and 1 minute.

Despite flying through Paris as though on the Tour, clocking 30mph on the Champs Elysees, I couldn't quite get under the 24 hour mark. Arrival under the Eiffel Tower was a pretty special moment."

Simon Pomeroy, Chairman of Dorset Historic Churches Trust, added: "We would like to thank Joe for this outstanding effort."

To make an online donation to Joe, visit his page at justgiving.com/Joe-Edwards1.

Wartime drama theme FORUM Drama present their second production at the end of October, this time in the Corn Exchange and in association with Blandford Forum Commemorates.

The three one act plays - D Company by Miles Mallison, The Old Lady Wears Her Medals by J.M Barrie and Men At War by Pat Harrison - follow a World War One theme.

Performance dates are Thursday 30th October, Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November, when there are two performances. Tickets will be on sale in Horrocks and Webb or by email to forumdrama@yahoo.co.uk. See the website forumdrama.co.uk for further details.

Council spend in focus A BUDGET consultation will be held by Blandford Town Council in the Corn Exchange on Monday 13th October between 6 and 8pm.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on what the council has spent money on in previous years, what it is spending money on now, and what it is planning to spend money on in the coming year.

It will be a good opportunity to raise any issues or new project ideas, when councillors and officers will be attending to answer any questions. Anyone unable to attend is welcome to submit comments either online, in writing or by calling 01258 454500.

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October 2014

Namesakes were also distinguished by their heroism Dorsetshires play their part THE 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment consisted mostly of career soldiers who had joined up prior to the outbreak of war and served in India and then Belfast.

They arrived in France on 16th August 1914 and first saw action at the Battle of Mons, where Walter Clark was killed on 24th August, one of Blandford's first casualties.

Frederick Henry Domoney was born in 1884 in Blandford, the son of hairdresser Henry and Emma Domoney (née Siely) of West Street. He had two sisters, and like his father worked as a hairdresser. He was posted to France on 23rd October 1914 and killed in action at Ypres on 9th November, aged 30. With no known grave, he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres.

Pte Alfred Naylor, born in 1884, was the eldest son of groom Alfred Naylor and Mary Jane (née Elles of East Orchard) who had five children. He worked as a dairyman before enlisting in 1905 to serve as a private in the 2nd Dorsetshire Regiment in Poona India in 1911, and married Sarah Lydia Mills in Blandford in August 1914, the month he was posted to France, and lived at 1 Albert Place, Albert Street, Blandford.

He was killed in action near Bethune on 13th October 1914, aged 30, and with no known grave is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Richebourgl'Avoue, Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

TWO men named on the Blandford war memorial have the surname Daniell, and both were recipients of the Distinguished Service Order - but they were not related.

Lt-Col Francis Edward Lloyd Daniell, a father-of-two, born in Blandford in December 1874 but living in Maidstone with his wife until she died in 1913, served with the Seaforth Highlanders. He was the son of Maj-Gen Frederick Francis and his wife Rebecca Letitia of the Gordon Highlanders, who lived in Blandford. He had been commissioned in 1895, serving in Crete, Sudan, South Africa and the North-West Frontier.

Major Edward Henry Edwin Daniell served with the Royal Irish Regiment, and was one of four sons and three daughters of George Williamson Daniell, a surgeon and farmer who served as Mayor of Blandford in 1869, and Edith Daniell (née Thomas).

Married and a father-of-two living

in Carshalton, Surrey, he had been appointed 2nd Lieutenant in 1892 rising to Major in 1909. He also served on the North-West Frontier and the South African War, where he was awarded the DSO. Both were posted to France in August 1914, and Col Francis Daniell earned the DSO for operations in the field, but died of wounds on 4th March 1916, aged 41, a year after the death of his mother. He is buried in Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentières, Nord, France.

Maj Edward Daniell, together with Lt Edward Woodhouse, son of brewer George Woodhouse, was reported in the local news columns in November 1914 to be missing, believed to be a prisoner-of-war after his regiment was involved in heavy fighting at Les Pilley.

But in fact he had been killed on 20th October, and with no known grave was commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial at Richebourg-l'Avoue, Nord-Pas-deCalais.

Early casualty at Durweston

Members of the Ambulance Corps pictured in front of their wagon - does anyone recognise any of the members?

Recruits respond to Kitchener’s call to arms HALF a million men responded to the initial call for recruitment to the Armed Forces. A fall-off in response to Lord Kitchener's second call prompted an editorial in the County Chronicle that November. It read: "No-one can go through one of the many camps in Dorset without realising how patriotism is being stifled and national enthusiasm damped down in more senses than one in the unspeakably miserable conditions in which thousands of

young men from the north and midlands have spent the last few weeks."

It goes on to berate "the lack of foresight being the billeting of thousands of keen young men in bell tents, well into what turned out to be an exceptionally wet and cold autumn and winter." This lack of foresight extended into the time when the hastily erected wooden huts replaced the bell tents on the Blandford Camp, late in November.

ONE of the first casualties named on Durweston's war memorial is Levi Harold Joyce, born 1897 at Fifehead Neville. His father Owen was a farm labourer, also born at Fifehead Neville, and his mother was Sarah, born at Winterborne Stickland.

He was one of five children living at 75 Fieldgrove, Durweston, in 1911 in an area where a number of men employed by Lord Portman lived.

He was serving as Boy 1st Class on HMS Hawkes, a 7350-ton cruiser built in Aberdeen, on 15th October 1914, which was torpedoed along with HMS Theseus by the German submarine U9. The torpedo struck close to Hawkes's magazine and she blew up, and the submarine was later sunk with all hands.

Levi Joyce was not one of the 74 survivors among the 594 on board and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

With thanks to Michael Rose, Bill Lovell, and the Blandford World War 14-18 group

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October 2014

Village’s tribute to its war heroes A MOVING and impressive exhibition in the Reading Rooms at Milton Abbas over the Bank Holiday weekend traced the individual stories of nearly 100 young men from the area who served in the Great War. It listed those killed and wounded and those who survived, the battles in which they fought, and the medals and bravery awards they received.

'Milton Abbas in World War 1' was set against the context of a portrait of the village at the start of the 20th century and of the war itself, the recruitment campaign, kitting out, the trenches, tank warfare and the enemy.

It was complemented in St James' Church by 'WWI Flanders Flowers', a festival featuring not only floral displays, but also more individual stories, a collection of war poems, and examples of items from the conflict, and details of the military charities for

which donations were accepted.

The altar display featured a roll of honour of the fallen, and that around the pulpit highlighted the fate of 306 men and teenagers shot at dawn by firing squad after being accused of 'cowardice' and who were eventually in 1996 posthumously pardoned after being later recognised as suffering from shell shock.

Events over the weekend also included a film show on the Friday evening and music, words and images on Saturday evening.

The church flower festival was co-ordinated by Unity Joy Dale.

Michael McAvoy, one of the organisers of the exhibition, said it was the result of more than six months' research of local papers at the time and from individual members of the community.

Outside the church refreshments were served and poppies sold in a marquee.

MP welcomes drop in jobless figures NORTH Dorset MP Bob Walter has welcomed a further drop in the rate of unemployment in his own constituency to 0.7 per cent.

The reduction, reported in August, was part of the largest annual fall in UK unemployment for 25 years.

The number of unemployed claimants in the North Dorset parliamentary constituency in July 2014 was 335, representing a rate of 0.7 per cent of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. North Dorset is ranked the 642nd highest - or 8th lowest - of all the UK's 650 constituencies.

The number of claimants is 327 lower than in July 2013 and 35 lower than in June 2014.

Mr Walter said: "I'm heartened,

as ever, by the consistent fall in North Dorset's rate of unemployment. Nationally we've also seen the largest annual drop in people out of work for 25 years. That is fantastic news, especially when accompanied by the steepest annual fall in youth unemployment since records began 30 years ago.

"Building a stronger, healthier economy for everyone means more people in work and more people able to provide for their families and their future.

"The last few years have been tough as we fought our way out of recession together. Now that we can see light at the end of the tunnel, the Government must stick to its course and the long-term economic plan that got us here."

HOUSING provider Hanover Housing Association, which has estates in Blandford and Sturminster Newton, has won a prestigious gold award for the best 50+ Assisted Living provider in the national 50+ Awards.

The awards, also known as 'The Goldies', are organised and presented by the 50+ Show, and are based on internet nominations and votes of people aged 50 and over. They were presented during a packed ceremony at the 50+ Show at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London.

World War One flower festival co-ordinator Unity Joy Dale and Pauline Northeast at the poppy stall outside Milton Abbas church.

Hospital friends in need THE Friends of Blandford Hospital are looking to recruit new volunteers to work in their charity shops in Blandford and Sturminster Newton. There are various different roles in both shops, serving customers, sorting and pricing goods, odd jobs, van driving and helping with the logistics side of things, moving goods between shops and storage units.

Those interested in joining either team should contact Emma in the Friends' office on 01258 451456 for a chat.

The charity also has two fundraising events in October, a bingo at the hospital on 2nd October (7.30pm) and on the 18th October the annual Autumn Fair in the Corn Exchange, Blandford, from 9.30am-2pm.

20

Letters to the Editor

LETTERS

October 2014

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

Our concerns over Fording Point plans WHILST Blandford & District Civic Society is happy to be thanked by Jon Ivay, the promoter of the Fording Point proposal in Bere's Yard, for its support, we would like to point out that that support was offered in principle when the project was first proposed four years ago.

While the Society would welcome any proposal to add to the cultural facilities of Blandford, we have reservations about the plans that have now been approved by North Dorset.

The Society's concerns were raised when the outline application came forward with no further detail supporting the viability of the scheme and with misleading information relating to availability of parking.

We query whether the site off Bere's Yard is large enough to support a viable arts and cinema building as proposed. We are also concerned that the access to the site will prove inadequate for large construction and trade vehicles servicing the complex.

The Society also regrets that permission has been given to create entrances in the Bere's Yard boundary wall without first approving detailed plans for the building to be constructed behind it.

Hopefully, our concerns will prove to be misguided but, in the meantime, we are sceptical that the location proposed for this project is the right one.

Terence Dear Chairman, Blandford & District Civic Society

A waste of NHS resources MY wife suffers from MS and we are very grateful for the help she has received from our local NHS. We were very surprised when she received two walking frames, two metal walking sticks and a commode to be told that, when she stops needing them, they couldn't take them back! We asked if this was correct and were told to store it in a garage or wherever.

I have just returned from a visit to my mother-in-law in the London Borough of Hounslow and during my visit she was visited by an occupational therapist. I asked the lady what they do with their walking aids, etc, and was told that they take them back to recycle through a firm called Mediquip. She was very shocked to hear what happened in North Dorset.

What I'm asking is why this waste of public funds is allowed to happen considering what we read about the finances of the NHS. Mr D J Upton, Boundary View, Blandford.

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.

Sign up to Blandford’s beautiful help beat fly menace ‘mini wetlands’ THIS is a very big thankyou to all those people who to date have put their signatures to my petition urging the authorities to continue treatment of the River Stour to control the Blandford Fly. After just four weeks I now have 1,200 signatures, with promises of more to come.

It is primarily a health problem, of course, and I have listened to many people who have memories - some very recent - of the extremely unpleasant consequences of a bite.

In addition, of course, it is such poor publicity for the River Stour, but particularly Blandford who had the misfortune to be linked in the naming of this species of black fly.

Considerable and welcome support has been shown by town and district councillors, but it has also become clear that it remains for the Public Health Authority to be persuaded of the urgency of this issue and I expect to be directing the petition to this body within the next month or so.

Please continue to sign.

Petitions are out and around in the area Blandford Tourist Office being a very central point for many. Anyone with a query is very welcome to give me a ring on 01258 451557.

Pat Ashworth.

@forumfocus

WHETHER or not the partial result of many weeks underwater that much of Stour Park 'enjoyed' when the river expanded spectacularly during the early parts of this year, the small, artificially created pond now has all the appearance of a long-established natural feature.

The tall-growing purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicania) was a lovely sight this sunny June into July, with its beautiful spikes of red-purple flowers arranged in whorls around its tall stems almost bringing a touch of tropical colour to the edge of the still water.

Also flourishing were delightful white water lilies (Nymphae alba). At their best when opened by full sunlight, they easily merit their colloquial name of 'ladies of the lake'. But when the clouds form, or the sun dips behind the trees and brewery buildings at the end of the afternoon, they close up rapidly until they have another chance to soak up the sun's energy.

The heron that occasionally flaps slowly overhead on its patrol of the River Stour drops in on a very quiet day (no casual strollers or dog walkers?). So, maybe even its cousin may be tempted to stop by the calm water in the shape of the pure white Little Egret - once a rarity but now common in southern England - that one can see regularly by the river's edges. Or maybe you have seen it there already?

With its surrounding beds of the rather wonderfully named Pendulous sedge and the willow tree islet, our own mini-wetland with its additional insect life and the tiny family of coots - is a delightful triumph of planning foresight and a small ecologically important treasure.

Stuart Booth Blandford

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October 2014

Care home has a green-fingered ground force RESIDENTS of Trailway Court celebrated the completion of a facelift they had carried out in their community garden with a barbecue at the extra care home in Park Road.

A team of ladies led by Robbie Turner has taken responsibility for the garden, which as Mr Turner explained was full of lavender, much of which had died, and the gardening contractors employed by the home only mowed the lawn.

"It didn't look very nice with so many gaps in it, so we decided to fill it with plants. Betty Gillingham painted the raised bed and eight seats, and we have also been working in the greenhouse to grow tomato plants and cucumbers.

"We took it into our own hands, and set about tidying it up, because this is our home, and we all had gardens in the past. It is much appreciated by all the other residents and staff."

The barbecue was served by resident Steve Coker, a former head chef who has worked in catering in pubs and clubs, including 12 years at the Drax in Spetisbury. His grand-daughter Caitlin Church, who recently appeared in the Autism's Got Talent show in London, gave a performance of gymnastics.

The Bell lights up town centre

BLANDFORD Market Place was transformed into a theatre of war on 18th September when Activate's Inside Out programme brought Periplum's The Bell to the town, acting out a graphic and spectacular story of survival and regeneration in the face of devastation.

Larger than life images and sounds reminiscent of the War of the Worlds filled the performance area, which stretched from one end of the square to the other, and a dialogue full of poetry told of conflict and resolution, ironically on the day that Scotland went to the polls to decide on their country's future.

It was a stunning and remarkable event, the like of which Blandford has never seen before.

For more pictures, see our website, and for the response from the audience and community, see next month's Forum Focus.

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus and online at www.forumfocus.co.uk

The gardeners of Trailway Court (from left): Robbie Turner, Pauline Mack, Gwen Clarke, Dolly Lawes, Betty Gillingham and Diana Gaylard.

22

October 2014

Above left: Alf Bowers and Jill Lindsell on the tombola stall at Blandford St Mary fete. Above right: Peter Taylor and Marigold Cleveley serving Roy Palmer on the plant stall.

ÂŁ900 raised at fete THE annual summer fete at Blandford St Mary returned to the Manor House for the first time in many years and it is hoped that next year's will again include a flower and vegetable show in celebration of its 70th anniversary.

In recent years the event has been staged in the church and church grounds, and last year there was no show at all. The move back to the Manor House was by kind permission of the Mains family.

Spokesman Anna Snook said: "We raised around ÂŁ900, which was about the same as in previous years so a pretty good result considering the weather was not perfect."

Green accolade for company BLANDFORD-based print waste managers J & G Environmental have won a Green Apple Environment Award in a national campaign to find Britain's greenest companies, councils and communities.

After competing against over 500 other nominations for Environmental Best Practice, they will be presented with their trophy and certificate at the Houses of Parliament on 10th November.

The company has been invited to have

its winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international reference work on environmental best practice, and could also progress to represent the country in the European Business Awards for the Environment.

The Green Apple Awards, organised by The Green Organisation with support from other independent bodies, are the country's major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries.

23

October 2014

GCSE students hit new heights FOLLOWING the record-breaking performance of its A-level students, The Blandford School celebrated again when it learnt of its best-ever GCSE examination results.

Results have improved for the fifth consecutive year, with 75 per cent of the year group achieving five or more A*-C grades, an increase of four per cent on 2013, while 63 per cent achieved five or more A*-C grades, including English and maths, again an impressive jump of 12 per cent.

The highest achieving GCSE student was Evie Opalka with 10 A*s and 3 As. Other superb results were achieved by James Butler (7 A*s and 3 As), Dominic Falconer (4 A*s and 6 As), Alex Balsom and Ryan Gosden (4 A*s and 5 As), Nathalie Hawkins (4 A*s and 3 As), Oliver Twigger (3 A*s and 7 As), Beth Failes (2 A*s and 9 As), Tim Baker, Jack Seaford and Jack Manners (2 A*s and 8 As), Emily Denton-Smith (10 As), and Ciaran Myers and

Jake Storer (1A* and 8 As).

Headteacher Sally Wilson said: "I would like to congratulate all our students who worked so hard to achieve these wonderful results.

I am so proud of them.

"Fourteen of our students achieved 10 or more A*-A grades, which is really fantastic.

However, a number of our students should be equally proud of the progress they have made since joining us in Year 7.

"As a comprehensive school, the 'value-added' measure is one that we take very seriously, as it shows the significant impact we can have on students' outcomes.

This year, more than ever, The Blandford School has shown itself to be a school where all students of all abilities can thrive and be successful.

"I would like to thank my dedicated staff for the exceptional support they have given. Their hard work and commitment have been richly rewarded."

A-level record breakers: P.25.

The highest achieving GCSE student at The Blandford School was Evie Opalka with 10 A*s and 3 As.

Concerns voiced over bonfire nuisance THE approach of November 5th and the arrival of the season when householders need to dispose of large amounts of greenery from their gardens has prompted warnings of the disruption bonfires can cause to residents.

A member of the public attended last month's Blandford Town Council meeting to complain that garden burning in the area where he lived in Kings Road was being carried out without any consideration for neighbours.

Justin Flanagan said: "People have very little consideration for where the smoke is going when they burn damp green materials, and on three occasions last week we had to close our doors and windows.

"Given the facilities available at the recycling centre for disposal of such material and for the pur-

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chase of green bin collections, why are bonfires allowed? It might have been acceptable 50 years ago, but not today. If you smoked a cigarette in a pub you would be fined."

Councillor Steve Hitchings said the town council had no jurisdiction over nuisance caused by bonfires, which was the responsibility of the environmental health department at North Dorset District Council. The fire service, with which he is a retained fireman, could only intervene if there was danger of a bonfire burning out of control.

Councillor Tony Harrocks said: "People can take material up to the dump free of charge, and the smoke from green rubbish is particularly unpleasant. Those carrying out the burning can take the precaution of wearing protective face masks but their neighbours cannot."

Councillor John Tanner said the best way forward was education, since enforcement did not work because by the time any action could be taken, the damage had been done.

High achievers Alex Balsom 4A*s and 5 As, James Butler 7A*s and 3 As and Ryan Gosden 4 A*s and 5 As.

Station work VOLUNTEER members of the Spetisbury Station Project have greatly improved the appearance of the old station area recently including planting eight flower beds using plants donated by local residents and materials salvaged from the station. People willing to help with the maintenance are welcome to volunteer.

For more information contact Moira Connolly (phone 07761 383563, email sunset@uwclub.net) or Project Manager Dean Cockwell (deancockwell@ntlworld.com).

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Above: Miniature Shetland ponies Ziggy and Teddy were a popular attraction. Right: Harold Galpin with a four-legged friend and visitor to the Fayre. Below: Live music entertainment.

October 2014

Animal magic at Durweston VISITORS to the Durweston Country Fayre enjoyed a couple of hours of sunshine while they browsed the stalls and watched the entertainment.

"I'm really pleased with the turnout," said organiser Christine Newton.

The non-profit event is held annually to raise funds for the upkeep of the playing fields and to buy new playground equipment. The committee of eight volunteers is hoping to raise ÂŁ10,000 towards a new slide and wooden roundabout.

Stallholders were selling a variety of

second-hand and new wares, and there was a raffle, tombola and silent auction. Tea, coffee and cake were enjoyed and there was a barbecue, vegetarian cafĂŠ and licensed bar, with live music creating a jovial atmosphere. As always, the bouncy castle was a hit with the younger visitors.

It was, however, the animals who stole the show. There was a welcome appearance from two miniature Shetland ponies called Ziggy and Teddy, and the terrier racing event drew a big crowd and lots of cheers.

SCHOOLS

October 2014

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Delight as school records best-ever A-level results THE Blandford School celebrated its best ever A-level results in August, including six students whose grades secured them university places.

Elias Mead will read philosophy, logic and scientific method at London School of Economics with 3 A*s and 1 A, and Sasha Whale, with 1 A* and 2 As, is set for Southampton to study occupational therapy.

Oliver Melbourne and Samuel Eager, who both achieved 3 As, will also both be reading physics at Bath. Abigail Pace (2 As and 1 B) will be reading maths at Edinburgh, and Bibek Gurung will read philosophy and

theology at Exeter.

Gavin Marish and Ryan Brown who both starred in the school's recent, highly successful production of 'Les MisĂŠrables' at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne, have secured places at Roehampton to study drama and musical theatre, and Zoe Hickson, another outstanding performer who played a lead role in the show, will be studying at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

Other excellent results include James Self (2 A*s and 1 C), Jack Delaney (1 A* and 1 A and 1 C), V-Jaye Burchell (1 A* and 2 Bs), James Unitt-Jones (3 As

Full marks for dancers CONGRATULATIONS to all the pupils of the Janet Knight School of Dancing who took Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams in the summer term.

Once again there has been a 100% pass rate, all at distinction or merit level.

The picture shows some of the Grade 1 girls with their certificates.

Congratulations also to the senior girls who have recently left, having successfully gained places at dance academies and colleges.

THE Dorset Rural Music School Community Choir has changed its name to 'Sing for Pleasure'. The new name reflects the attitude of its members. It is an informal group with no auditions and ability to read music not required.

In a relaxed atmosphere they enjoy having a laugh as well as learning to sing and harmonise. New members are always welcome on Mondays 6-7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall near Blandford Post Office.

Further details can be obtained from the Dorset Rural Music School on 01258 452511 or office@drmsmusic.demon.co.uk

Above: Elias Mead (reading philosophy, logic and scientific method at the London School of Economics) and Bibek Gurung (reading philosophy and theology at Exeter University). Below: Sasha Whale (reading occupational therapy at Southampton University). and 1 B) and Tom Kennett (2 As and 1 B).

As a comprehensive sixthform, the school was equally pleased that students who have chosen alternative routes than higher education had been successful in securing their chosen paths.

Year 12 students also performed very well in their AS examinations this year, high achievers including Daniel Bryant (3 As, 1 B), Freya Edwards (3 As, 1 B), and Jack Jones (2 As and 1 B).

Headteacher Sally Wilson said she was "delighted and very proud" of her students' achievements. "With so much publicity in the national media about the 'raising of the bar' in this year's examinations, it is particularly gratifying to see our A-level students achieving such fantastic results."

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SPORT

October 2014

Bowlers keep the standards high THE juniors of Blandford Bowling Club contested the Astin Trophy, a fun event which tested the bowling skills of the youngsters in six separate tests ranging from target bowls to skittles and nearest the jack.

Over 20 contestants bowled to a very high standard and the outcome was very close. Family and friends watched and were surprised at the progress that had been made since the start of the season.

The Astin Trophy, first presented in 1999 by former club president, the late Alan Astin, was won by 14-year-old Alice Couling, and the Junior Novice Trophy was won by nine-year-old Bailey Ratcliffe, with Cubs prize going to his four-year-old brother Josh, who had been playing for only three weeks.

Mayor of Blandford, Councillor Steve Hitchings, presented trophies and individual medals, and Dorset Ladies' President, Joan Collier, presented certificates to all participants in the event, which was arranged by Sid Steele.

The Junior Section of the club now has more than 30 members attending coaching sessions at the Milldown Road green on Saturdays and Thursdays and a continuing programme of coaching courses and bringing bowling

Above left: Bailey and Josh Ratcliffe, winners respectively of the Junior Novice Trophy and Cubs prize. Above right: Club Champions Sally Burton and Ken Hann. to local schools. For information call secretary Kevin Donaldson on 01258 451375 or email kevindjdonaldson@hotmail.co.uk Finals weekend saw the cream of Blandford Bowling Club's bowlers in the culmination of the season's competition for ten major knockout trophies.

Merits of martial arts DUNBURY Martial Arts, with fully qualified and CRB-checked instructors, teaches not only martial arts but also discipline, respect, and how to stay safe.

Pictured is a young student getting her black belt in Little Leaders from Nic Bale, head of MANetwork.

The age group for Little Leaders is 4 to 6 years of age, and there is also a class of Taekwon-do for children aged 6 and upwards, which started just over two years ago and has a 100% pass rate on their gradings.

For more information and class times and spaces available, phone 07746 604111 or email tkd.kbll@icloud.com

In the singles matches to determine club champions, Ken Hann beat Sid Steele to lift the men's Holroyd Bowl, and Sally Burton beat Carole Beckworth for the Ladies' Rose Bowl at the end of a match tied at 20-20.

There were other close matches including the Warren Cup ladies' pairs in which Freda Yates and Pam Lewis beat Gill Walford and Judy Walters 22-20. The high standard of bowling reflected the strength of the club following recent concentrated recruiting

and coaching under club president Tony Ives.

Other trophy winners were: Railston and Rankin Cup (Men's Pairs) - Cliff Walters and John Greening; Bob Charlton Handicap - Andy Paulley; McCrossan Cup (Ladies' 2 woods) - Jenny Andrews; Marsh Cup (Men's 2 woods) - Barry Males; Roy Wellen Pairs (Mixed Pairs) - Barry and Elizabeth Males; Davis Cup (Novice) - Andy Paulley; Mixed Triples - Rita Morris, Bob Trethewey and Pete Cornick.

Mayor, Councillor Steve Hitchings, presents the Astin Trophy to Alice Couling.

SPORT

October 2014

Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings and Rugby Club president Bryan Burrows unveil the commemorative plaque at Larksmead recreation ground to officially open Blandford Rugby Club's new ground and pavilion.

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The organising team Zoe Dunn, Jaja Wilde and Kerrie Kempster with vice-chairman Simon Evans.

A winning return for Rugby Club BLANDFORD Rugby Club's new pitches and pavilion at Larksmead recreation ground were formally opened by Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings and club president Bryan Burrows.

The ceremony followed the victory the previous day of the club's first XV in the first round of the Vase with a 15-13 win over Pewsey Vale.

Councillor Hitchings, admitting that his knowledge of rugby was limited, said: "I'm told the thing to do is to push back to move forward, so welcome back!"

The club originally used the field in the 1980s but subsequently relocated to The Blandford School, partly because of the uneven ground which has now been levelled to create two pitches and allow them to return to the site which they are leasing from the Town Council.

The official opening during a fun day, which included a training session, stalls, games and refreshments served inside and outside the pavilion, which has a licensed bar, was marked by the

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unveiling of a bench in memory of the late June Frampton and her son George, former stalwarts of the club.

Mr Burrows paid tribute to the hard work of a team led by club chairman Jay Frampton in bringing the move to fruition, and of Zoe Dunn, Jaja Wilde and Kerrie Kempster in organising the launch. He also paid tribute to Sonya Fisher who had died earlier in the week after many years' service as club steward and supporter alongside her husband John.

He said: "It is great to be back here at Larksmead where we started in 1982, and where the minis started in 1994 with only nine children. We now have 100."

He welcomed past and present members, players and supporters and particularly the youngsters whom he described as the future of the club. And he thanked the Town Council, which was keen to see the recreation ground in more active use, for all its assistance in creating the new pitches.

Larksmead Pre-School, which after years of use of the ground's pavilion has moved to a building in the grounds of North Dorset District Council's headquarter at Nordon, have also recorded their thanks to the Town Council for its assistance during its relocation.

Opening day activity on the new pitches of Blandford Rugby Club.

All set for the Stickler THE Dorset Doddlers' are all geared up for their annual off-road race, the Stickler, on Sunday 26th October when they look forward to receiving the wonderful support of the residents of Shillingstone, Durweston and Stourpaine.

The Stickler takes runners, aged 17 and over, through 10.1 miles of scenic undulating countryside, starting at 10.30am in Lanchards Lane, Shillingstone, and finishing on the platform at Shillingstone Station.

People can enter The Stickler in advance using the entry forms available to download from the Stickler website, or by 10am on the day at Race HQ in Shillingstone Church Centre.

Those not running in the race or supporting along the routes can go and support the local community by buying refreshments in the Church Centre and Shillingstone Station or treating themselves to a sports massage.

For more information on both races and the whole event, see thestickler.co.uk or phone race director Kathie Child on 07933 327328.

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October 2014

Lucy aims to ease poverty in Cambodia A UNIVERSITY graduate from Charlton Marshall is hoping to raise £1,500 for Voluntary Service Overseas, a charity specialising in sending skilled volunteers to the developing world to tackle poverty.

Lucy Merchant, 23, (pictured left) who attended St Mary's Shaftesbury before going to university in Nottingham, will travel to Cambodia in November for three months to volunteer on VSO's secure

livelihoods projects.

Lucy's next fundraising challenge is a 'Live below the Line' week, where she'll live on £1 per day to get a taste of what it might be like below the poverty line. She's also setting up cake sales and has a clothes swap event, pub quizzes and a skydive in the pipeline.

Lucy's Just Giving page is justgiving.com/lucymerchant.

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events Regular events Mini-Market, stalls and refreshments every Tuesday, United Reformed Church Hall, Whitecliff Mill Street, Blandford, 9.30 to 12.30pm Blandford Town Home Watch every other first Thursday and Blandford Rural Home Watch every other third Thursday, starting October. PACT Street corner meetings 1st Thursday Market Place, Blandford 10am to 11am and 3rd Friday, Tesco, Stour Park, 10am to 11am OCTOBER Wednesday 1st October: Bring & Buy Coffee Morning, Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 10.30 to noon.

Proceeds to Tarrant Keyneston Church Flower Fund.

Child Okeford Gardeners' Club Neil Lovesey - 'Propagation', 7:30pm at the Village Hall Thursday 2nd October: Election to fill Blandford Old Town ward vacancy on Blandford Forum Town Council Screenbites Gala 10th anniversary opening, St Giles House, Wimborne, tickets £21 from screenbites@thanksgiving.demon .co.uk or phone 01963 32525 Blandford Town Home Watch, Blandford Police Station, 7pm Friends of Blandford Community Hospital bingo at the hospital, 7 for 7.30pm Blandford Museum talk, The Museum Map Archive with John Evans, 7.30pm, Blandford Museum Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th October: Tarrant Valley Players present Fish out of Water, Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 863476 Friday 3rd October: Shillingstone Barn Dance Club, Portman Hall, Shillingstone 7.45 9.45 with Ruth Thompson (fiddle) and Chris Toyne (accordion with electric bass) and club callers, details 01258 861184 German Beerfest at The Cricketers, Shroton

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 4th October: Blandford Sport and Recreation Expo, Corn Exchange, 10am to 2pm Blandford Forum Mayor's Charity presents Music from the Movies and Last Night of the Proms performed by the Stour Valley Band, local schools and Amy Lillywhite, Corn Exchange, 6 to 8pm Shakespeare's 'King Lear' presented by storyteller Debs Newbold, at and in support of St Nicholas' Church, Winterborne Kingston Church, 8pm, For details phone 07949 836503 or musicatkingston.com Cupola Project presents Purbeck Village Quire in Harvest of Land and Sea, with supper, Blandford Parish Church, 7.30pm Sunday 5th October: Pimperne Primary PTA Autumn Fair and barbecue, village hall 10am to 2pm Round Robin Ramblers meet 2pm at Tarrant Rushton church for 4.5 miles walk round Tarrant Rushton & Ashley Wood, details 01258 880044 Monday 6th October: Blandford Railway Club talk and DVD show

by Brian Jackson - 'Dorset's Transport Goes to War', 7.30pm, Scout Hall, Eagle House Gardens Tuesday 7th October and every Tuesday: Mini-market, stalls and refreshments, United Reformed Church Hall, Whitecliff Mill Street, Blandford, 9.30 to 12.30pm Wednesday 8th October: Blandford Forum Film Society presents 'Blue Jasmine', The Blandford School, 7.30pm, guest tickets 01258 453851 Thursday 9th October: Forum Focus annual general meeting, Colin's Community Club, 49 Damory Street, 7pm Friday 10th October: Moviola Film Night, 'The Book Thief', Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm Saturday 11th October: Quiz

and Supper Night, Old Brewery Hall, Ansty, tickets £7.50 from 01258 880461 Monday 13th October: Blandford Forum Town Council Budget Consultation, Corn Exchange, 6 to 8pm Wednesday 15th October: Blandford Forum Film Society and The Purbeck Film Festival present 'Saving Mr Banks', The Blandford School, 7.30pm Dorset Wildlife Trust North Dorset branch meet 7.30pm, Fontmell Magna Village Hall for talk by Bryan Pinchen on Bumblebees Thursday 16th October: Blandford Heart Forum, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, 7 to 9pm, speaker Michael le Bas: ‘1000 years of Blandford's History’ Talk by Dr Morkot on Bankes archives ‘The Lure of Egypt’ in aid of Dorset Archives Trust, Priest's House Museum, Wimborne, 7.30pm, tickets 01305 228945 Friday 17th October: Screen Bites food and film festival double bill, 'Nothing Like Chocolate' and 'Romantics Anonymous', Durweston village hall, 7pm see sceenbites.co.uk Saturday 18th October: Friends of Blandford Community Hospital Autumn Fair, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9.30am to 2pm Blandford & Sturminster Newton Cats Protection coffee morning and stalls, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Monday 20th October: Blandford Club for Visually Impaired meets Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford, 2 to 4pm, music from the Zimmers, details 07786 413616 Tuesday 21st October: A Brief History of Gardens in Dorset, with Alan Eason £6, Springhead Trust,

Fontmell Magna, 7.30pm Refreshments, limited seats available Wednesday 22nd October: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford, 2.15pm, Halloween Lunch with Bring and Buy Blandford Carnival Bingo, Royal British Legion, doors open 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm Blandford Forum Film Society presents 'Calvary', The Blandford School, 7.30pm, guest tickets 01258 453851 Thursday 23rd October: Blandford Rural Home Watch, Okeford Fitzpaine Sports Pavilion, 10.30am Friday 24th October: Screen Bites food and film festival, 'English Vinglish', Sturminster Marshall village hall, 7pm, see screenbites.co.uk Friday 24th and Saturday 25th October: Annual Skittles Challenge, Old Brewery Hall, Ansty Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October: Tears in the Fence Poetry Festival celebrates the magazine's 30th anniversary, White Horse, Stourpaine, 7pm Friday to 3pm Sunday. See tearsinthefence.com Sunday 26th October: Dorset Doddlers hill race The Stickler, entries by 10am for start 10.30am Thursday 30th October to Saturday 1st November: Forum Drama presents ‘Dreams of Home’, Corn Exchange, 7.30pm Friday 31st October: Screen Bites, Ann Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston; 2pm matinee' Revenge of the Leftovers' and 7pm evening, 'Dinner for One' and 'Step Up to the Plate', both with food tastings Halloween Ball, Crown Hotel, Blandford Shillingstone Barn Dance Club, Portman Hall, Shillingstone 7.45 9.45 with No Strings Attached band with caller Dick Williams, details 01258 861184

Forum Focus is an independent, not-for-profit, community newspaper produced entirely by volunteers