January 2015 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 34

Reasons to be cheerful: Page 21

January 2015

THE TEAM AT FORUM FOCUS WISH ALL OUR READERS & ADVERTISERS A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Tree complaints taint festive spirit STAFF and contractors installing the Christmas tree in Blandford Market Place in November faced considerable verbal abuse from members of the public.

It led to Blandford Town Council defending its role in providing the town with what many considered one of the best trees it has had.

Town clerk Linda Scott-Giles told town councillors the following week that she and other staff had received complaints about the size of the tree, the number of staff involved, the size of the crane used by the contractor and a number of personal comments.

She said: "I went down to check to see how the installation and decoration was going and was disheartened by the number of negative comments from passers-by.

"Some felt it acceptable to shout 'I'm not paying you to stand around doing nothing' and 'How many council workers does it take to decorate a tree?' “Constructive criticism is a positive, but comments of a personal nature directed at staff are certainly not."

But comments on Blandford's Facebook page had been compli-

mentary about the spread of the tree, and she personally felt that the shape was probably one of the best they had had.

"It is the case that the height of the tree is restricted due to the size of the socket in which the bottom of the tree is installed, as well as the position of the market stalls located either side of the tree.

"This year the tree is approximately a foot shorter than last year, but this was out of the Town Council's control as it was due to problems our supplier had sourcing trees, for which he has apologised.

"The contractor delivers to both our site and the Crown Hotel on the same morning and uses the same crane for the installation, which is beyond the council's control. Our staff decorated the tree with lights in exactly the same way as previous years."

She said she understood that the condition of the small Christmas trees had also attracted insults.

"Our Mayor Cllr Steve Hitchings is one of four volunteers who provide and connect the small trees around the town in their

own time. They have also been subject to verbal insult while doing so.

"These trees were purchased some time ago by the then Chamber of Trade and are in need of replacement, which is not a small cost.

"The Blandford Yuletide Festival and Town Council have been prudently putting aside sums of money for replacement and rewiring of the electrics, and if any traders would like to contribute even a small amount towards replacement trees, as in other towns, it would be greatly appreciated."

INSIDE YOUR 28-PAGE FORUM FOCUS

Members of The Blandford School's Young Enterprise team, Will Thomas, Kynaan Barrow-Blanken and Elise Rees, on their stall at Blandford's Yuletide Festival. Report and more pictures: Pages 12-13.

Celebrations as new hospital unit opens Police praised as serial burglar is jailed E-coli scare shuts children’s centre MP to stand down at General Election Surprise homecoming for Beatons boss

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January 2015

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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, Londis Shop & Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, Post Office and Surgery, Milton Abbas, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

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E.coli health scare brings children’s centre closure A BLANDFORD children's centre reopened on 8th December after a two-week closure resulting from a health scare when three of its youngsters suffered from an E.coli infection.

The centre in Black Lane, which houses the children's nursery, was closed to allow further deep cleaning of the premises when an initial case in October was followed by two more in November.

Public Health England (PHE), in association with national and international colleagues and health agencies, is continuing to investigate and identify a source for a cluster of illnesses caused by a rare strain of the bacteria Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O55 (VTEC O55) which was diagnosed in a total of 18 people across Dorset over a five-month period.

No evidence of a direct link between the nursery and the cases was found but Dorset County Council opted to close the centre while awaiting the results of tests on staff and children.

PHE is conducting enhanced screening of all close contacts of cases reported since July, specifically to identify people who may be carrying the bacteria, sometimes without any symptoms.

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

We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

PHE said the nursery had co-operated fully with the investigation, and staff and children who tested negative for the infection had been allowed to return to the nursery.

Noëleen McFarland, consultant in health protection at PHE Wessex, said: "We are working closely with colleagues in the North Dorset environmental health department to identify possible sources of infection. It is an infection that can be passed easily from person to person and young children are particularly easily affected.

"Any infection with E.coli can be very serious. We have interviewed all of those affected or their parents and their close contacts to look for possible causes in the days before they became ill."

She said the information was used in an ongoing extensive investigation into the cases, adding: "We continue to stress the importance of good hand hygiene in families where there is any diarrhoea illness to prevent person-to-person spread."

Letters have also been sent to hospital doctors and local GPs, alerting them to the possibility of infection and asking they report any further suspected cases.

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January 2015

Andy Fale, son of the late Friends chairman Peter Fale, with Sally O'Donnell, Dorset Locality Director of Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust.

New hospital unit provides a huge boost to the area TRIBUTE was paid at the official opening of the new Portman Unit at Blandford Community Hospital to Peter Fale, the man who had chaired the hospital's Friends when the ward closed in 2011 and led the campaign for its reopening.

The unit was opened on 26th November by the Viscount Portman, Patron of the Friends, and among the guests was Mr Fale's son, Andy, as well as Dr Ian Wilson and Gordon Adam, who recently retired.

The Friends have donated ÂŁ750,000 towards the ÂŁ1.5 million cost of the redevelopment.

Their new chairman Steve Cole said the unit was dedicated to the memory of Mr Fale, who died in January 2014. He had spearheaded their vision for how the vacant ward could be used to benefit the long-term future of the hospital for local people.

He also paid tribute to Mr Fale's wife, Grace, who had died only a few days before the ceremony,

Lord Portman cuts the ribbon to open the new unit.

for her support to both the hospital and to her husband.

The two-stage redevelopment within the hospital by Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, includes the development of a health and social care hub to facilitate the provision of as much care as possible locally.

Sally O'Donnell , Dorset Locality Director of the Trust, said the opening of the unit was a very big occasion following the years when the Portman ward had lain empty, and recalled the public meeting at the Crown Hotel when 400 people had gathered, worried that services would be moved back to the acute hospitals.

"We now have a fabulous new unit with a dental facility and all sorts of opportunities to develop chemotherapy and other services. It is thanks to the hard work and fundraising of the Friends that we have also been able to develop the health and social care hub. Their very generous contribution has made such a difference to what we have been able to achieve to make our hospital fit for the future. We are very grateful to the community for their amazing support."

It was the first time Lord Portman, who now lives in Switzerland and became patron following the death of his father in 1999, had visited the hospital in that role. He told the assembled hospital staff and supporters: "Community is a very innocuous word for such an important thing. Whoever is served by this hospital is very lucky indeed."

Friends' president Dr Ian Wilson and Sue McLaughlin, wife of the deputy chairman, and Gordon Adam, Friends' life president and fundraising champion, with his wife Susan.

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Above: Trombonist Tiger Hart from the Stour Valley Band and (above right) the tableau scene overlooking the Corn Exchange.

January 2015

Christmas countdown THE countdown to Christmas began in Blandford under the tree in the Market Place when Mayor Steve Hitchings was joined by Santa to lead the assembled crowd in the switch-on of the lights.

Festivities continued in the Corn Exchange with mulled wine, mince pies and soft drinks for the guests while children visited Santa, who returned the following day for the Blandford Lions Christmas Craft Fair, and there was carol singing with the Stour Valley Band, who on Sunday 7th December gave a charity concert.

Shopkeepers had been busy decorating their shop windows in readiness for the town council's competition judged the same weekend after shortlisting by public vote, with first prize awarded during the Yuletide Festival to East Street Dental, with the charity shop award going to Naomi House.

A civic carol service was held in the parish church on Monday 15th December.

Chitchat comes to market THE weekly Tuesday morning mini-market at the United Reformed Church Hall in Whitecliff Mill Street has been renamed 'Chitchat Crafts & Coffee', with free activities for all and refreshments as well as stalls.

Children's activities enable adults to be able to sit back and relax, or be creative and make use of laptops and free wifi between 9.30am and noon.

For more information, call Pat on 01258 268579.

Two crying out for one job ONLY two people have applied for the post of deputy town crier advertised by Blandford Town Council in the autumn, and none have applied for the post of deputy mace bearer.

Members of the finance and staffing committee agreed that

the applicants for the town crier post should be invited to give an informal 'cry' to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Town Crier for recommendation back to the committee in March.

The deputy mace bearer's position remains open to applicants.

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January 2015

No major job cuts caused by council partnership plans THE leader of one of the councils planning to enter into partnership with North Dorset District Council has said he does not foresee big job losses as a result.

The 'tri-partnership' between North Dorset, Weymouth & Portland and West Dorset councils is aimed at saving £6 million by 2020, and has been awarded £1.5 million by government towards its 'transformation' plan.

West Dorset District Council leader Robert Gould said there were "no plans for large-scale job reductions" in a merger which includes sharing top jobs of chief executive and general managers, and developing an IT system compatible across the councils.

"All our services will be under review, but it is about working more efficiently and having a single chief executive and management team which will make significant ongoing savings."

North Dorset's chief executive Liz Goodall has already announced

her retirement with effect from February, clearing the way for the appointment of the new partnership chief executive.

West Dorset District Council already shares a chief executive with Weymouth and Portland, Matt Prosser, whose published salary is between £110,000 and £114,999. Mrs Goodall earns between £82,360 and £91,870.

She celebrated her impending departure at the invitation of Lt Col Bob Brannigan, Garrison Staff Commander at Blandford Camp, during a civic day which included seeing the White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team go through their paces and being invited to take part.

Liz said: "I wasn't expecting to be asked to take part in the display and I was really quite daunted at first but the White Helmets are so professional and inspire such confidence that once I got going I really didn't want it to stop! It was very exciting."

MP to step down after 17 years THERE was no let-up in a busy programme of pre-Christmas constituency engagements for North Dorset MP Bob Walter following his announcement that he will be standing down ahead of the 2015 General Election.

Mr Walter has completed nearly 18 years of service to the people of North Dorset, and will not be retiring completely from politics.

But in recognition of the fact that he is approaching his 73rd year he has decided to hand over the reins to a new Conservative candidate.

Living in Shaftesbury with his wife Feride, he has three grown-up children, two step-children and four grandchildren and is looking forward to spending more quality time with them.

But in December it was business as usual with, among other engagements, the opening of a new factory in Stalbridge, a visit to Relate Dorset to hear about its support for separated parents, and an early-morning call on the sort-

ing offices at Blandford and Shaftesbury to wish the postmen well at their busiest time of year.

He said: "This is a particularly special visit for me as it will be my last Christmas as MP for North Dorset, so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and delivery office managers who have welcomed me over the last 17 years. They do a fantastic job.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of North Dorset and stepping down has been a very difficult decision which I have not taken lightly.

"However, I want the best for my constituents and am confident that a new Conservative MP will be better able, by the end of the next parliament, to withstand the rigours of what is undoubtedly a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week job. They will have my full support.

"I will, of course, continue to represent and provide assistance to all constituents who have need of it up until 7th May, when a new MP for North Dorset will be elected."

North Dorset chief executive Liz Goodall celebrates her impending retirement with a ride on the top of the White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team pyramid.

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January 2015

Praise for police as burglar’s spree is halted

Samuel Cooper: jailed for 20 months after a catalogue of burglaries.

THE arrest and conviction of a man responsible for a series of burglaries in the Blandford area has contributed to a further reduction in the already low local crime rate.

Blandford man Samuel Cooper, 29, was jailed for 20 months at Dorchester Crown Court after previously pleading guilty at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court to two house burglaries.

The offences were committed at properties in Bryanston Street, Blandford, on 29th September and in Milborne St Andrew on 8th October.

Cooper also asked for five other offences, including four house burglaries committed in the Blandford area between September and October, to be taken into consideration.

North Dorset Police Inspector Rob Chalkley said: "I am very grateful to the hard work of my officers and our colleagues from the Criminal Investigation Department. The quality of the investigation was of the highest order and their skill and commitment led to this swift outcome.

"I would also like to thank our operational support colleagues and our intelligence bureau in ensuring Cooper's quick arrest, preventing further burglaries.

"These highly motivated and skilled officers and staff worked tirelessly to quickly remove a very

active offender from our streets and provide justice to those who had suffered as a result of Cooper's actions."

Another Blandford youth was banned from licensed premises for six weeks and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work after admitting assault with intent to resist arrest.

A six-month prison sentence was suspended for 12 months and Louis George Patterson, also known as Louis Mack, 19, of Carter Close, Blandford, will undergo 12 months' supervision.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £50 and costs of £85.

There was no separate penalty for obstructing/resisting a constable in the execution of duty, and threatening/abusive/disorderly behaviour.

At Blandford Town Council's town and general purposes committee meeting in November, PCSO Burt reported crime detection up, crime rate and antisocial behaviour down, but public confidence down.

He highlighted Internet Safety Day being held in December in the Market Place and the fact that the Safer Neighbourhood Team was working with Homewatch to promote crime prevention and offering more information and advice on the Crime Prevention Portal on the Dorset Police website at CrimePrevention.dorset.police.uk.

School doing better CHRISTMAS came early for Pimperne Primary School with the results of an Ofsted inspection which declared the school to be of a good standard in all respects, with high levels of confidence among staff and pupils, and achievements improved since the last inspection.

It failed to meet the highest 'outstanding' rating only because pupils needed to use more ambitious vocabulary and consistent spelling when writing, and teachers could help them understand better to improve their work.

The report by lead inspector Jeanne Simpson notes that leadership and management of the school had been through a period of instability, but that the appointment of the current headteacher had re-energised the school.

"All staff and parents spoken to were unanimous in their praise for the improvements that have happened in the last two years. The headteacher has a clear vision and demonstrates a drive for improvement with the full support of all members of staff.

"The school's mission statement of 'celebrate, believe, aspire' is evident in the effective actions being taken to improve the quality of teaching and to raise standards. The quality of teaching has improved.

All teaching is at least good and an increasing amount is outstanding."

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January 2015 The Blandford Opportunity Group with Spectrum staff: Back row: Dave Berry (Spectrum), Jody McArdle, Sharon Kevern (leader) and Colin Stevens (Blandford Opportunity Group); middle row: Tina Partridge, Jane Colver, Ingrid Hoff, Marion Pearce, Paul Creer, Sally Couling (Spectrum); front row: Sarah Owen (Spectrum), Gemma Gillies and Candice Guest (Blandford Opportunity Group).

Spectrum wellbeing day raises cash for children MONEY raised at a wellbeing day at the Blandford office of Spectrum Housing Group will help local special needs children.

The event raised £200 which has been donated to the pre-school for children with special needs, the Blandford Opportunity Group.

Spectrum staff paid £1 each to dress down on the day and additional funds came from event organisers donating their Team of the Month winnings and match funding from Spectrum Property Care.

Sharon Kevern, group leader for Blandford Opportunity Group, said: "We need around £35,000 a year to run the group, and rely on volunteers to fundraise and raise our profile. All money goes solely to the children and helping them." She said the money would go towards updating IT equipment for the children.

"We believe that every child, no matter

how profound their disability, has potential and it is our job to help the children realise that potential and become valued members of the community."

The wellbeing day was the first held by SHG at its Blandford office after staff feedback that wellbeing was important for morale. It included smoothie making, taster treatments, Wii Fit competitions and health education.

Jane Colver, one of the event organisers, thanked the companies taking part for their support saying: "The day was a great success with lots of positive feedback from our staff. It was great to be able to do something different for staff and raise money for such a worthwhile charity."

To donate to the group, which can be found online at blandfordopportunitygroup.co.uk or on their Facebook page, call 01258 456187 or email: blandfordoppgrp@talktalk.net.

Support for Abbey bid THE Diocese of Salisbury has received initial first stage support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for 'The Great Stare' project to restore Milton Abbey and revitalise its internationally significant Capability Brown landscape and history with improved facilities and events.

2016 will be the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

Development funding of £105,000 has been awarded by HLF to help a partnership of the Forestry Commission, Milton Abbey School and the Diocese to progress its plans to apply for a full grant of £760,000 in due course towards the estimated overall cost of just over £1m.

A grant of up to £240,000 has been offered by Viridor Credits towards the repair and conserva-

tion element of the Abbey church.

The Abbey shares its picturesque setting with Milton Abbey School, a small co-educational boarding and day school which this year has celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Headmaster Magnus Bashaarat said: "The Abbey remains an integral part of school life. As a partner, we are proud to support this exciting project which will protect the future of this most valued landmark."

The Bishop of Salisbury the Rt Rev Nick Holtam said: "This is an inspiring project to mark an important anniversary. Much more significant is its potential to create a long-term sustainable renewed life for one of the most exquisite and significant places in England."

8 A NUMBER of Blandford volunteers were among the recipients of awards at the Dorset Volunteer Centre awards evening held at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester.

They included Young Volunteers Chloe Treasure and Ollie Tuck, nominated by the Blandford Museum, and volunteers Posy Clayton of Bus2Go and Terry Hawker of Milton Abbas Parish Council.

Groups receiving awards were the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden Club, Home-Start North Dorset and Bus2Go. The annual ceremony highlights the work of some of the unsung heroes of the community who are nominated by their peers.

The event was sponsored by McCarthy and Stone with a buffet supplied by the Octagon Centre and musical performances, and hosted by volunteer centre deputy manager Craig Womble.

Guest of honour was chief executive of Volunteering England, Justin Davis Smith, and presentations were made by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell and local author Kit Berry.

VOLUNTEERING

January 2015

Making our town more dementia friendly

Ten new volunteers with Home-Start North Dorset receive their certificates at the final session of the preparation course.

Reinforcements for Home-Start team TEN home-visiting volunteers who had completed their preparation training with Home-Start North Dorset were congratulated at the charity's AGM. They started supporting and working with vulnerable families from mid-December.

Chair of trustees, Jenny Kretz, said

how proud she was of the way the scheme had grown over the last three years and how delighted the trustees were at the success it was having in helping families cope better in difficult times.

She told guests that it was the second time Home-Start North Dorset Volunteers had been nominated for the Volunteer Awards evening held in Dorchester.

Organiser Jamie Keast, welcomed Rebecca Kellaway Moore, who has been appointed as family support worker and will be based at the office in the Exchange, Sturminster Newton.

He said 12 families were currently waiting for support and should be matched with volunteers before the year ended.

Over the past year the volunteers have given 1,455 hours of friendly, non-judgemental support to 54 families and 132 children.

One volunteer described the humbling experience of helping a struggling family to provide the best of home environment for their children, and another said she saw her role as being "a positive where there seemed to be only negative".

Home-Start North Dorset is constantly seeking financial support.

The trustees aim to recruit more Friends of Home-Start, who can make a monthly donation of ÂŁ5 to cover the average annual travel expenses for one volunteer, allowing them to support a family in their own home.

For more information contact Ruth Berry on 01258 473038, email office@home-start-northdorset.co.uk, call in to Office 4 at The Exchange Sturminster Newton or see home-start-northdorset.co.uk.

THE growing number of people nationwide suffering from memory loss has led to a government initiative aiming to create more awareness of dementia and develop dementia friendly communities.

It is estimated that one in three people over 65 will at some time succumb to a condition which impacts heavily on them, their loved ones and carers, and the situation is no different in Blandford, where more and more people are being diagnosed.

A meeting last month hosted by Chloe Mutton, North Dorset development worker for Pramacare, aimed to take the first steps in making Blandford a dementia friendly town by raising awareness, making the town more inclusive and enabling to people living longer at home.

There will be two training sessions, for those willing to become 'Dementia Friends', hosted by Blandford Forum Town Council in the Corn Exchange on Tuesday 20th January at 11am and Monday 26th January at 7pm.

Chloe Mutton asked anyone wishing to become involved to get in touch with her on 07790 803156 or by email to chloe.mutton@pramacare.co.uk.

Amanda Udale, who can be contacted by email at ajudale@hotmail.co.uk, is a Dementia Friends Champion, a trained volunteer who encourages family and friends, colleagues and the local community to understand more about dementia and about living with it.

She said: "I am proud to be part of a growing network of Dementia Friends and can provide a free one-hour information session to any groups or businesses in the area that would like to increase their understanding, and help to make our community more dementia friendly. I can also deliver the session to youth groups with an adapted session for children from 6-11 years."

She also hopes to deliver public sessions locally, and would like to hear from anyone willing to host a session.

For more information see dementiafriends.org.uk.

January 2015

VOLUNTEERING

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Debt worries keep Volunteers needed advice teams busy to coach enterprise A RECORD 6,000 enquiries were dealt with in 2014 by Citizens Advice in North Dorset.

Debt and social security problems made up the largest proportion of enquiries, but a significant number related to employment disputes, landlord and tenant, and separation and divorce.

Jim Cook, bureau manager, says the prevalence of enquiries in these areas is a reflection of the current national economic and social situation.

As public spending cuts continue to bite deeper into welfare payments, the cavalier attitude of lenders and banks and withdrawal of legal aid means that solicitors are now out of reach of all but the wealthiest.

Jim says: "We have developed our telephone advice service and made it cheap or free to call from a mobile by switching to an 03 number. Our service is entirely staffed by volunteers who give a day or more every week to help out. I want to say a big

thank you to all of our volunteers for their incredible contribution."

You can call the CAB for advice on 0344 245 1291 (10am 4pm), or if you are interested in volunteering call Jim on 01747 825286 Citizens Advice, who are online at adviceguide.org.uk, also have a special consumer helpline on 03454 040506 for anyone who has found any of their Christmas presents broken, shoddy, misdescribed or even dangerous.

It is the first port of call for independent, confidential and impartial advice about any type of consumer problem, and will help people identify whether a refund, replacement, compensation or referral to Dorset County Council Trading Standards is needed.

Trading Standards have access to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline national database, allowing them to gather information and intelligence to identify emerging trends that may affect Dorset.

YOUNG Enterprise, the UK's leading business and enterprise education charity which has been flourishing for 50 years, is based on the principle of learning by doing, which brings volunteers from business into the classroom to work with teachers and students.

In 2013/14 more than 20,000 students formed nearly 2,000 businesses as part of the company programme, setting up and running a real business under the guidance of a business volunteer.

They get practical experience of creating a truly functioning enterprise, doing everything from raising initial share capital through to designing and making their product or service, selling directly to customers and ultimately winding up their firm and paying their YE taxes.

Becoming a Young Enterprise volunteer is an exciting and rewarding experience which drives many to commit their time to the programme year after year. They can be in employment, entrepreneurs, business owners, stay-at-home parents, on a career break or retired, but with one thing in common: a desire to pass on their skills and experience to inspire the next generation.

Anyone looking for volunteering opportunities for their employees or themselves to help support young people from now until May on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 6.30 and 7.15pm and would like to help support young people should contact Sue Tattersall@y-e.org.

Samaritans send out a call THE Bournemouth branch of the Samaritans have asked us to point out that they are on the lookout for new volunteers and have four training schedules next year, which are closer to Blandford than Weymouth for anyone wanting to volunteer.

For details email recruitment.bournemouth@gmail.com or call 01202 551999.

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January 2015

Heritage site idea wins support from all quarters A WINNER of a Great Dorset Steam Fair Hero award, who works at Whitecliffe Nursing Home in Whitecliff Mill Street, has been announced as the premier youth award winner for 2014.

Samuel Smith, who started at the home as a volunteer on work experience and is now social activities co-ordinator, has won the President's Cup awarded in memory of steam fair founder Michael Oliver.

He was presented with the award at the Royal Signals Museum, Blandford Camp, by kind permission of manager Adam Forty, and is pictured receiving the cup from Della Jones, with left, Rachael John (award scheme panel member) and right, care home manager Anne Tapley.

AN exhibtion of fine art, ceramics and jewellery at the Valentine Gallery in Salisbury Street, Blandford, from 6th to 21st December featured the work of staff from the visual art department at Bryanston School. They included head of art Michael Owens, art teachers Monica Sinclair-Smith, Jindra Jehu, Mark Hilde, Anthony Connolly, Helen Dean, Jack Dickson and Caroline Chourou and photography teacher Sue Macpherson.

A BID to put Blandford on the UNESCO World Heritage map has received the support in principle of a number of organisations, including Blandford Town Council, the Cabinet member for development at North Dorset District Council and the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset.

The suggestion, announced at a meeting of the Town Team by Nic Nicol, chair of the DT11 Forum community partnership, and Ros Nelmes of the Town Team, was outlined in further detail to town councillors at their December meeting.

Mr Nicol said the recognition could bring investment into the town and better preservation of its historic buildings, some of which were in serious decline.

"You can't change things by doing things the same way and this is a big idea which could make a huge difference, to which the key is collaboration."

Councillor Hugo Mieville asked how it would dovetail with the number of different groups working for the improvement of the town. Councillor Sylvia Hixson Andrews said they all needed to communicate with each other. "I am not convinced this will happen, but I wouldn't want to stand in its way."

Councillor Haydn White said he was concerned that the efforts being put in to town improvement would be dissipated, but was assured the bid would, in the first instance, involve only a small number of already committed people.

Asked about the cost implications, Mr Nicol said there should be no impact on council tax, and in the first two years the cost would be low. Thereafter there would be access to funding from other sources, provided the first stage bid was accepted.

Councillor Bob Brannigan said he was happy to support the bid in its exploratory stage, and Councillor Roger Carter agreed it was right to explore the possibility, but he would oppose any increase in the council's expenditure.

It was agreed to support in principle, on the understanding that the council had neither financial nor human resources to become involved.

Portfolio for development at North Dorset District Council, David Walsh, has described the move as "an excellent idea", saying that fitting the required criteria for six of the eight counts shows how suitable the proposal would be.

Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, has said: "There is no doubt that the Georgian town, created by the Bastard Brothers after the fire, is spectacular and deserves more recognition than it currently has.

"Anything that can be done to improve its future prospects must be a good thing, and such recognition would also be a great success for Dorset as a whole. It will not be easy, but that is no reason for not making the effort to get the town the recognition and future it deserves."

Beware cold callers NORTH Dorset District Council is warning people about calls from an organisation claiming to be from the council offering to reduce their council tax liability for a fee of ÂŁ55.

Paul Hudson, Partnership Manager at the Stour Valley & Poole Partnership, which administers council tax for the council, said: "People should be aware that these calls do not come from the council and if people are looking to challenge their council tax they can contact the government's Valuation Office Agency for free."

For details of how to challenge the council tax band which a property falls into go to gov.uk/council-tax-appeals or call 0300 0501 501.

Police also issued a pre-Christmas alert after a cold caller claiming to be representing Blandford Town Council visited an elderly resident offering loft installation. She felt pressured to make an appointment for representatives to call, but checked with the council who informed the police to ensure no money was parted with.

11

January 2015

No objections to parking changes

Winners by a whisker KITCHEN staff at the True Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston chose their own charity to support when they decided to grow beards for 'Movember'.

The beneficiaries were the local charity selected for fundraising in 2014, the Disability Action Group (North Dorset), which provides affordable mobility scooter, powerchairs and wheelchair hire from its premises in Nightingale Court, Blandford.

The charity's volunteer workshop manager and trustee Mike Wells visited the pub, where he is a regular customer, to collect the first in a total of around ÂŁ250 in sponsorship, from customers, friends and family, raised by the team.

He is pictured (right) with proprietor Chris Burge and members of the team with a range of beard styles.

Argos moving from town centre to Homebase site CATALOGUE retailer Argos has confirmed that it will be opening a concession inside the Homebase store at Stour Park, Blandford St Mary, on 17th January, following the closure of their current store in East Street, Blandford, the previous day.

The stores have been sister companies since 2002 in the Home Retail Group and planning permission was sought by the owners of the East Street premises last year to divide the shop into two.

At the time it was reported that discussions had taken place

between Argos and the landlord but they had been unable to agree terms for a new lease, and Argos were converting much of their operation to 'Click and Collect' stores for which goods are reserved online for collection from the nearest store.

Argos said staff at their East Street store, reported then to be three full-time and 17 part-time, had been informed of the move, and the company was holding discussions about alternative employment opportunities at the new store and in other Argos and Homebase stores.

TOWN councillors have raised no objections to waiting restrictions proposed by Dorset County Council, but have asked for further measures to be included next time a traffic regulation order is drawn up.

The raft of proposals due to be advertised includes variations in parts of Shottesford Avenue, Sandbourne Avenue, Blandford Heights Industrial Estate, Fairfield Road, Damory Court Street, the Tabernacle and The Plocks, a number of which have been requested by the town council.

Members were told at their town and general purposes meeting that waiting times restricted to over an hour were being reduced to one hour because a longer period meant that enforcement officers had to stay in town until that period had expired.

They include the two-hour waiting area next to the bus stop in Wimborne Road and the twohour return time for one-hour waiting in Whitecliff Mill Street.

DCC highways officer Alan Jowsey said that, although restrictions at the junction of Queens Road and Salisbury Road were being progressed, no action had yet been taken on the request from residents for a full review of parking in the area.

Members asked that the 30 minutes' waiting at the top of Salisbury Street be increased to an hour to allow people time to get into town and back, and the council was advised that the request would be progressed as part of the current review.

But an increased one-hour restricted area on the hospital side of Jubilee Way and no waiting/loading at the junction of Jubilee Way and Milldown Road on both sides towards Park Road, would have to wait for the next review.

In response to a suggestion that there should be more no waiting/ loading areas in the town centre, Mr Jowsey said there would be resistance from businesses to the flexibility currently allowed.

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January 2015

1,000 VISITORS ENJOY THE FOOD, THE FUN AND THE FESTIVITIES

Yuletide Festival pulls the crowds

Roasted chestnuts help keep the cold at bay.

AN unfavourable weather forecast may have deterred some of the traders from attending Blandford's fifth annual Yuletide Festival on December 10th, but it didn't put off more than 1,000 people who gathered in the Market Place to join in the carol singing.

The Italian market was among the non-attenders who could well have feared the predicted heavy rain and high winds which did not materialise, leaving festival goers to enjoy a crisp, cold evening and visiting the many shops and premises which had stayed open for the event.

The festival began with Santa's arrival on a suitably decorated quad bike and continued with the tried and tested parade of lanterns by hundreds of schoolchildren led through the streets by the Stour Valley Band, which continued to play at various locations throughout the evening.

The community carol singing was introduced by the Mayor and Yuletide Festival chairman Steve Hitchings and accompanied by the Blandford Garrison Community Choir and Playsongs Mums Choir, who also sang later in the evening.

Entertainment included the Shottesford Pealers, the Local Vocals, two dramatic performances by pupils from The Blandford School, festive songs from Amy Lillywhite, contemporary festive music from TBS musicians, and a performance by the Blandford Ukulele Band.

In the Corn Exchange was a range of stalls and a display related to wartime Christmas 1914, which was repeated at the Khaki Canteen hosted by the 14-18 commemoration group on the following Saturday.

The streets, closed to traffic from mid-afternoon, were filled with the stalls of the Anonymous Travelling Market, the Farmers Market and local traders and charities, together with fairground attractions and sustenance including hog roasts, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and mince pies.

Above: lantern bearing children from Archbishop Wake Primary School.

Below: Santa makes a rather unconventional arrival.

13

January 2015

AT BLANDFORD’S FIFTH ANNUAL YULETIDE FESTIVAL Left: the crowds in the Market Place.

Below: youngsters from Spetisbury Primary School.

Four-year-old Rowan Mathlin gets into the spirit of the occasion with his festive lantern.

The community carol singing was introduced by the Mayor and Yuletide Festival chairman Steve Hitchings.

14

January 2015

Cash for Twirlers

Lions lend a helping hand THE Blandford Lions held their annual Christmas Fair at the Corn Exchange and nominated the Willow Tree Group as beneficiaries of public donations made at the door.

The group, which was invited to run a stall at the fair, provides support to local people with mental health issues, and had approached the Lions for help following the news that, from September, Dorset County Council would be withdrawing its funding.

The group needs around £4,000 a year to fund transport for members to group meetings at the Castleman Bungalow in Peel Close, lunches and essential outgoings.

It has been doing its own fundraising and has recently been supported by artist Grayson Perry who has donated an original pencil sketch for auction by Dukes in Dorchester in April.

Door donations from the public amounted to £270, the minimum the Lions will be giving to the group. Further information can be found at thewillowtreegroup.co.uk or by contacting Florence Spencer on 07979 437076.

Spokesperson Barrie Smith said: "We have been supported by many companies and have been running sales and raffles.

People can follow our efforts and donate via PayPal through our website where we thank and list all our donors."

Florence Spencer (standing) and members of the Willow Tree Group fundraising at the Lions Xmas Fair.

Roy Phillips of Neighbourhood Watch at the Sheducation crime prevention event where PCSO Charli Berkshire is giving information to resident Mark Young.

Shedding light on crime BLANDFORD'S Safer Neighbourhood Team was joined by Neighbourhood Watch representatives at a Sheducation Crime Prevention event outside Homebase at Stour Park, Blandford, on 6th December.

They gave free advice on how to protect property and outbuildings following a number of shed break-ins and thefts in the area.

They also offered Dorset Alert and Home Watch registration and advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime over the festive season and New Year.

For more information contact the SNT at Blandford Police Station.

A NEW group, the Twirlight Majorettes, being formed in Blandford has been awarded a grant of £350 by the Town Council to help meet set-up costs including insurance, equipment, training batons, a mace and firstaid box.

Vice-chairman Zoe Corefield and secretary Bobbi Hart said they wanted to give the young age group an activity which helped them learn dance routines and keep fit.

Other grants awarded by Blandford Town Council included £385 to St John Ambulance towards the cost of first-aid courses in Blandford, £250 to Larksmead pre-school, £400 to the Willow Tree Group and £500 to the Blandford Netball Club for temporary floodlights until such time as permanent lights are installed on the courts.

January 2015

15

16

Letters to the Editor

LETTERS 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

January 2015 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.

Open mic nights no rip-off but provide a perfect platform for new talent I AM writing to show my dismay at a general attitude among musicians and artists towards Open Mic Nights.

At the Railway Hotel, we have for the past year-and-a-half been putting on regular open mic nights to encourage budding musicians.

The popular band Colt 45 practised their emerging talent here. From the age of about 12 they have been playing in the pub and 10 years on still delight our customers.

We feel it is an important contribution to the community in which we live and work to provide a platform for performers of any discipline, ability and age, to perform in front of an

informal audience, and for accomplished, professional musicians, to air their talent and maybe get booked for a gig.

We hoped that our open mic nights would provide a relaxed, enjoyable and enlightened evening for everyone, whether performing or listening.

We hoped that, given time, the message would get out and the sessions will become invaluable to many, but they have not been well attended.

Imagine our shock and hurt when we recently learned of a growing consensus among artists that open mic nights are a 'rip-off and an

insult to musicians', believing that it is the landlords' way of getting free entertainment.

Ultimately everyone can make their own choice of whether they want to take part or not and can choose whichever route they wish into the industry.

For those that want to share their talent, jam with other musicians and learn from any professionals that might be there, open mics are a great opportunity, a safe environment and a better alternative to playing alone in one's bedroom.

Lisa Foster Thorn Railway Hotel, Blandford

Could you help a partially sighted person?

WOULD you like to make a real practical difference to a blind or partially sighted person? Would you like to be instrumental in

helping someone to participate more fully in their local community and work towards greater independence?

Boots’ lost customer WHEN I called into the larger Boots the chemist in Blandford to buy some aspirin I was asked by the young girl assistant "were the aspirin for me?". My reply was "I don't share personal information."

So she refused to sell me any aspirin. When I asked why an adult customer was being treated this way, she said that, having purchased aspirin from her, she had to cover herself in case anything happened.

So I walked down to Morrisons and spent my money there where no-one tried to invade my privacy or treat me like an idiot.

Boots the chemist - what has happened to respect and value for one's customers? Morrisons: thank you for your smiling helpful staff during a hassle-free shopping experience.

S. Vine, Blandford Forum (an ex-Boots the chemist employee and ex-customer)

Guide Dogs is currently seeking volunteers to do just that as part of their ground breaking My Guide scheme. The role involves providing sighted guide assistance to an individual in and around Blandford Forum.

We currently have a lady waiting in Blandford. She would like to practise the route to her gym and find milestones to help her navigate around Shaftesbury.

This exciting and fulfilling volunteer opportunity would suit someone who likes to get out and

about, lives in the area and could spare two to three hours a week for a few months. Full My Guide training and ongoing support and supervision are provided.

Volunteers must be 18+ and would require a DBS check.

To find out more contact Hazel Dyson on 0845 372 7428 or email hazel.dyson@guidedogs.org.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hazel Dyson Volunteering Consultant

The story of Cornelius A HEART-warming tale from local author Brian Moore of Hazelbury Bryan found its way into a number of Christmas stockings.

Cornelius is the true story of a woman, grieving for her late husband of nearly 50 years.

She goes into decline until a stray dog turns up in her garden, adopts her and transforms her life.

When the little dog, Cornelius, just as suddenly disappears and is found dead, she again becomes lonely and unreachable - until a lookalike puppy arrives.

The book, illustrated by local nurse Sue Burleigh, is dedicated to all those who lose a loved one late in life.

Available from the Dorset

Bookshop in Blandford Market Place, it is published by Lydden Vale, ISBN 978-0-9569409-3-3, and priced ÂŁ1.95.

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January 2015

Terry Payne and Trisha Neale as the King and Queen with Mervyn Marsh as the Lord Chamberlain and Hilary Abbey as a courtier in Sleeping Beauty at Iwerne Minster.

It’s panto season oh yes it is!

IN the season of cross-dressing, thigh-slapping and topical, corny and local jokes, Iwerne Minster were first to tread the pantomime boards with Sleeping Beauty in the parish hall on 28th November.

The production was written and directed by Jebber Whittaker.

The Madcap players of Milton Abbas were not far behind, with Ali Baba and the Naughty Thieves at the Old Brewery Hall, Ansty on 12th and 13th December, from which proceeds were for the charity 'Epilepsy Sucks'.

The closest professional offering started on 19th December at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne, where Ron Martin and Born2Perform presented Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, with Bobby Bennett, last year's Widow Twankey in Aladdin, as the Nurse, and Nicky Stevens, ex-Brotherhood of Man and now a Dorset

resident, as The Wicked Queen.

Performances continue until 3rd January.

The Tarrant Valley Players chose 'Treasure Island' as their theme, directed by Alexis Austin and Rob Chalkley, with assistant Emma Chalkley. It runs from Thursday 29th January to Saturday 31st January, starting at 7.30pm.

Rehearsals are well advanced for the Milborne Players' Robin Hood, featuring a large cast of adults and children as outlaws and merry men, together with Robin, Maid Marian, the dastardly Sheriff, and his incompetent aids Nickit and Scarper.

They will be taking to the stage in Milborne St Andrew village hall from February 5th to 7th at 7.30pm and 2.30pm for the Saturday matinee. Tickets are now available from the box office on 01258 837030.

DORSET Wildlife Trust, the wildlife conservation charity working to protect and maintain the natural places and wildlife of Dorset, is seeking local recruiters of new members at pre-booked retail stores and shows.

Hours are negotiable and applicants of all ages are welcome. Sales experience would be an advantage, but access to a car is essential.

For a job description and more information go to dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/memrec.

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January 2015

Gazebo enhances Victorian garden

Sara Jacson and Viv Johnson of the Friends of North Dorset Women's Refuge were presented with Christmas hampers full of goodies for the residents of the refuge by members of the Blandford Forum Parish Church Allsorts Club. They are pictured with Allsorts representatives Sylvia Pearce, Janet Winder and Gail del Pinto.

A plea from Age Concern AGE Concern Blandford are always looking for people with time on their hands who would like to spend a few hours a week helping others by volunteering to work with them offering information, advice and a listening ear to the over-50s.

It offers them a chance to learn and enhance their CV by working alongside a colleague to deal with enquiries including helping with form filling, telling people how to get tax or benefits advice and housing assistance, or join a club.

Full training will be given and more details are available from Carol on 01258 458250.

FIVE years of fundraising has enabled the purchase of a purpose-built wrought iron gazebo that now stands in the Blandford Museum Victorian kitchen garden.

The structure was designed and made by blacksmith Anthony Bailey, of Highcroft Forge at Stourpaine. The black finish ties in with the garden's Victorian-style railings with their 'old penny' design and the ornamental gates which were also made by Mr Bailey.

Its custom-made weatherproof cover gives protection from the weather to gardeners and visitors alike and provides an attractive sheltered space in which to host future events.

The club is grateful to the Museum for their financial help towards the purchase of side panels allowing the gardeners to work in all weathers.

The other new feature in the garden is the very useful covered potting area. The structure was remodelled by Steve Way at

Blandford Heights industrial estate and transported by Simon Chalk of Rods Car Care from an old market stall frame, donated by Bill Lovell, Museum photoarchivist. The club is pleased to use local businesses whenever possible.

The garden is closed to visitors over the winter, but will reopen in April with all manner of flowers as the main crops for 2015.

Many of the seeds grown will be sourced from Pennard Plants, who are again running their popular Potato Day in conjunction with the Garden Club on Sunday 25th January from 10am to 2pm at Pimperne village hall. There will be gardening and non-gardening stalls plus cakes and soups made

by Garden Club members.

Visitors to the garden are welcome and the club is always on the lookout for more members to help keep the garden an attractive and quiet place for the Blandford community to enjoy. For details call Heather on 01258 458678.

The new gazebo in the Blandford Museum Victorian kitchen garden.

Culture comes to lunch DECKED with holly and with the aroma of coffee in the air, the scene was set in Blandford Church for the second in the series of lunchtime concerts in aid of the Cupola Project.

In this 40-minute concert, students from Bryanston School gave solo performances on the viola and cello as well as performing scenes from the play Machine Gunners by Robert Westall.

The audience, some of whom had come from as far as Poole, were clearly delighted with the exceptional standard of the performances.

Applause echoed through the church and close to ÂŁ300 was raised for the Cupola Project.

This was a delightful way to spend a lunch hour, and the concerts are proving a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat over a cup of coffee before the performance, and for an informal chat with the artists.

A further concert on Friday 19th December featured an organ recital of Advent and Christmas music by Tobias Rihm.

HC

19

January 2015

Camera club’s triumph

Blandford Museum Railway Club members with their wonderful layout which they rook to the NEC in Birmingham.

Model railway safely home after star role THE Blandford Forum model railway layout returned safely from the NEC in Birmingham where it had been on display for two days at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition.

Exhibitors are by invitation only at the show, whose average attendance in recent years has been 17,000 visitors.

Blandford Museum Railway Club chairman David Cash said: "It was a real honour for us to be invited to go and put Blandford back on the railway map.

"It was eight years ago that we were invited by the museum to start constructing the model, and the following year modeller Kevin Trim came on board to help our members, who were later joined

by professional signalmen Paul Kneller and Steve Green.

"Eight of our members went to Birmingham with the layout, which was slightly extended from that usually on display in the museum."

The venue was vast with enough space to house two full-size locomotives, and apart from the Blandford exhibit there were over 300 exhibitors. The two days were extremely busy, with the team working hard on the layout which attracted a huge amount of interest.

The team was approached by four other organisations wishing to book the layout for their annual exhibitions, including those from Cardiff and Farnham.

THE Information Centre in West Street is entirely run by around 26 volunteers and a number of trustees. It is sponsored by Blandford Forum Town Council and is a hive of industry and information developed after North Dorset District Council ceased funding Tourist Information Centres in the district. Many towns have similar outlets, but few have one without a single paid staff member.

GUEST speaker at Blandford Forum Camera Club was John Larry of Verwood, a regular exhibitor at their annual exhibition, who demonstrated his love of animals, surrealism, light and humour.

Quality 'straight' photographic images and imaginative abstract ones included lovely glowing evening light, cloaked figures, silhouetted shapes and gravestones, component parts used in a variety of settings.

Earlier in November the second Points Cup competition was judged by Andrew Wilson, and at another meeting guest speaker was Edward Parker.

The club was also the 2014 winner of the annual Wessex Colour Group competition held in the Corn Market, Dorchester, judged

by Adrian Herring from the Kingswood Photographic Society at Warmley. Blandford, who came fourth in 2012 and third in 2013, beat Dorchester into second place with Wimborne in the third spot.

The club has spaces available for membership, and anyone wanting to join the regular weekly or monthly club evenings or the digital imaging, studio photography or distinctions groups should contact Dave Hurley on 01258 451895 or visit the website at bfcclub.co.uk.

Drama group’s satire FORUM Drama's spring production will be 'Nude With Violin', Noël Coward's 1956 satire on modern art.

West End audiences loved the play, which starred John Gielgud and ran for 15 months. It transferred to Broadway, and a US tour continued on to Australia. By the end of the decade, it was selected for an ITV 'Play of the Week'.

The performances will be on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May in the Corn Exchange, Blandford, and casting will take place in the Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, on Thursday 15th and Tuesday 20th January, starting 7.30pm.

Forum Drama's creative director Terence Dear said: "We continue to seek new members. Experience is not necessary. We are a welcoming and inclusive group that aims to develop and showcase local talent."

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January 2015

Town felt the effects of troops arriving at the camp THE preparations for and arrival of the Royal Naval Division at Blandford Camp impacted considerably on the town.

A claim for damages was made by Blandford Rural Council against Mr McManus in respect of the excessive wear on the road to the military camp caused by the extra traffic during the erection of the wooden huts on Monkton Down.

The claim was considered excessive by Mr McManus and the council agreed to accept £1,800

(about 2/3 of the council's claim) to settle the matter.

The military authorities requisitioned the Union Workhouse for billeting purposes and 70 men were quartered there. Private houses in the town were used for billeting of members of the Royal Naval Division. About a thousand people attended a football match between the Anson and Hood battalions on the recreation ground.

There was a boxing tournament at the Corn Exchange, organised by the Blandford Sports

Committee and held by men of the RND, including those from the Anson, Chatham and Nelson Brigades. It attracted a large crowd, and money was raised to provide comforts for the naval men at the Camp. * On 13th January 1915, the War Council in London approved the plans for the Gallipoli campaign and on 15th the Commanding Officer of the Royal Naval Division briefed his officers at Blandford Camp.

Antics of the extra population kept the courts at full stretch

Foul weather added to the misery While soldiers endured the hardship of pitiless downpours in the trenches overseas, back home in Blandford the December weather was no kinder, with fierce storms and violent gales. Local meteorologist Robert H. White recorded that in 1913 rainfall had been 3.44 inches (88mm) and in December 1914, it was 12.84 inches (326mm). The average temperature for the month of December 1914 was 38 degrees F.

Train sparked blaze in thatch A thatched cottage in Langton Road owned by the Farquharson estate was destroyed by fire, believed to have been caused by a spark from a passing train on the nearby railway line.

The occupiers, Mr and Mrs Hawker, were helped by a large number of men from the Naval Division who were working nearby and the couple's furniture and effects were saved. The Fire Brigade were able to prevent the fire spreading to adjacent cottages.

Conditions on Monkton Down were reminiscent of those last August at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

ANYONE who would like to share with our readers pictures and details of events relating to relatives who played a part in World War One is invited to contact Forum Focus by calling 012158 459346, emailing editor@forumfocus.co.uk or writing to 18 Tudor Gardens, Blandford DT11 7PL.

THE workload in the courts continued apace, but no doubt increased with the sudden rise in the population.

At the Borough Petty Sessions in January, James Grindley of the RND pleaded guilty to driving a motor car without a licence on December 28th and the case was dismissed on payment of 5s costs.

Civilian Algernon Harold Crabb, of Orchard Street, received the same penalty, a fine of 5s inclusive, when he was summoned for driving a vehicle without a light.

Another local David Rabbetts, of School Lane, admitted the use of indecent language on December 28th and was fined 5s and 5s costs. His wife Mrs Rabetts was charged with "like offence" on Christmas Eve and on December 28th, and was fined 5s for each offence.

But the language of Joshua Heenman and Michael Morgan of the RND, charged with stealing a chicken to the value of 3s, the property of Fred Tom Arkell, the licensee of the Red Lion Inn, Blandford, must have been worse.

Both men were fined £1 0s 6d for the theft and an additional 7s 6d each for the use of obscene language when they were arrested. Superintendent Sims of the Blandford Police described their language as "of a particularly shameful description."

On January 28th, it was reported in the County Chronicle that Joseph John Scott Smith of the RND had been charged with forgery and obtaining money by deception.

He was sent for trial at the Assize court, and the newspaper of May 27th reported the conclusion, under the heading 'RND man pleads guilty to forgery'.

Smith, 28, described in court as a painter by trade and a former member of the RND, had been held in prison since he was first charged, and pleaded guilty to "forging and uttering to

Douglas Conyers, agent for Arthur Conyers of Blandford, on January 11th 1915, an order purporting to be an order written by Lieutenant Charles Coventry Anderson to Arthur Conyers for the delivery of a sporting gun."

The gun was worth £11, and Smith also pleaded guilty to a second charge of obtaining 50s by false pretences from Henry Stickland of Blandford when he sold it on.

Mr Trapnell, the prosecuting barrister, described the forgery as "clever", and said that comparison showed that Smith had taken some trouble to imitate the signature carefully.

Superintendent Sims said that Smith, born in the Shetland Islands, was a married man with a child. The police described him as a man of drunken habits and not fond of work, and as having lost his employment in consequence of drunken habits. He had been whipped a few times and convicted seven times, most recently of theft at Falkirk when he was sentenced to 21 days' imprisonment.

Lieutenant Cox, RND, said the prisoner was no longer a member of the division as he had been discharged about a week earlier.

Asked by the judge if there was hope of reinstatement, Lt Cox said he could enlist in some other corps, but not rejoin the RND after discharge.

Smith pleaded for a chance to carry on as a soldier, correcting the judge on his service record, and the judged replied: "The country at present has every need of young, active, and courageous men; but no need of drunken men.

You express a wish to serve your country and you have been five months in gaol awaiting trial. I may be very foolish and weak but I shall discharge you on entering into your own recognisances in £25. Let me recommend you to benefit by the leniency shown to you. Try to abstain from drink and become a worthy citizen."

Forum Focus would like to thank the Blandford 14-18 Group for their help in researching this material.

21

January 2015

Elegant ‘homecoming’ for tearoom boss FOR owner Patrick Duffy, the opening of Beatons Blandford in the first week of December was something of an unexpected homecoming.

He discovered that his father John, who attended the launch, had done his national service with the RASC at Blandford, where he was chauffeur to the commanding officer, and 40 years ago had brought his teenage son along with him as a textile trader on Blandford's Saturday market.

More than 70 guests attended the opening to be elegantly welcomed by the Dorset-based string quartet Sorrentino, playing as a trio. They were served by waitresses from three-tiered cake stands with miniature cream teas and canapés, baked on a new oven which had only arrived that afternoon, by Beatons Blandford manager Ben Moxom and his team.

Patrick Duffy paid tribute to his landlord, Michael Bonham Cozens of Dorchester, and to investors in the new shop, who were represented by one of their number, Harry Mcgookin, who

Musical memories POPPIES Red and Cornflowers Blue, a production to commemorate the centenary of the Great War, was performed by Poacher's Moon to a packed audience in the Corn Exchange in Blandford on the 8th November to coincide with Remembrance commemorations.

With original songs written and composed by John Anderson, the evening included music, song, film and acting, with the audience being given an insight into the lives of Dorset men who went to war and the families they left behind.

At times it was very poignant and a time for handkerchiefs; at others the audience saw the humour of the time amid the devastation.

A song about Jack Counter, Blandford's only VC recipient, entitled 'Run Jack Run' was well received and told the story in verse of Jack's courageous deed of running five times past enemy positions to carry vital information.

The evening was complemented with refreshments from the Blandford Woman's Institute and the 14-18 Working Group's information boards.

EB

works at Beatons Tisbury.

Beatons' director of engagement and house poet Liz Darcy Jones said she had met local travel writer, biographer and poet Paul Hyland in the Forum Cafe in Blandford when she was researching the town before the tearoom opened. She invited him to be guest of honour and present the awards in the second annual Beatons' poetry competition, whose theme was 'Restoration'.

Mr Hyland was the author of some of the poems inscribed in Blandford's pavements at the time of the town centre enhancement, including that outside the Corn Exchange which reads: 'Recipe for Regeneration - take one careless tallow chandler and two ingenious Bastards'.

The Great Fire of Blandford of 1731 was the subject of the winning entry by David Bamber of Dorchester, with a strong and well researched, fast-flowing narrative poem describing the blaze which led to the Georgian rebuild of the town.

Runner-up was Russ Berry with a tribute 'To The Blackthorn', and 17-year-old Anna Wilson from Westbury, Wiltshire, won the Young Aspiring Wordsmith category for her wartime prompted poem 'The Returned Timepiece'.

A full list of winners and poems can be found on Beatons website at beatonstearooms.co.uk Beatons Blandford held an open house with Dorset author Anna Birch on 13th December at which Liz Darcy Jones hosted a first public live recital of the winning poems.

Beatons owner Patrick Duffy, right, with his father John, one-time trader at Blandford market.

Beatons’ inspiration THE new tea rooms and bookshop at Greyhound House in Blandford are inspired by photographer, designer and artist Cecil Beaton, who lived at Ashcombe House, near Berwick St John, and later at Reddish House, Broad Chalke, for 50 years until his death in 1980.

The first Beatons establishment opened at Tisbury four years ago and Blandford's is the second.

Music from Sorrentino at the opening included a selection of Frederick Loewe's music from 'My Fair Lady', the musical version of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion.

Cecil Beaton designed the costumes for the original Broadway stage production in 1956, winning a Tony Award for Best Costume Design the following year, and also for the film in 1964 for which he won two Academy Awards for costume design and art direction.

22

January 2015

Speed Watch teams getting results A RECENT Speed Watch exercise in Holland Way, Blandford, recorded four of the 236 vehicles using the road travelling well above the 30mph limit, with the fastest going at 42mph.

Town councillor Tony Harrocks, one of the group members, told the council that the information had been passed on to the police, who would write to offenders warning them of their fault.

Community Speed Watch (CSW)

is a partnership initiative aimed at raising awareness and encouraging speed reduction, contributing directly to helping save lives.

It was launched in the Blandford area in October 2013 at Winterborne Whitechurch and has now grown to 10 schemes with more than 100 volunteers, who are vetted and trained. Locations are risk-assessed for suitability and relevance. Volunteers use a small hand-held radar device to monitor

speed and do not record images.

Blandford Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant James Dimmack said Speed Watch is a vital tool to help reduce fatal and serious collisions within the area. "This is particularly prevalent currently given the issues caused by the extended closure of the Higher Shaftesbury Road," he said.

Speed is a major factor in about a third of all traffic collisions, and each year in excess of 700 peo-

ple die and more than 4,500 are injured nationally as a result of speeding.

Since its inception in the Blandford area, over 73,000 vehicles have been monitored resulting in 1,115 letters being sent to drivers.

Blandford SNT is seeking to expand this initiative and welcome new volunteers or communities who wish to start their own scheme. If interested please contact PCSO 7309 Mike Sinnick at Blandford Police Station or contact via 101.

Pictures reveal a painful secret

Blandford Inner Wheel ladies and guests with their teddy bears at their International Day.

Teddies turn out in aid of charity BLANDFORD Inner Wheel hosted another entertaining lunch at Ashley Wood Golf Club to raise funds for Inner Wheel's International Day. The theme of the lunch was the Teddy Bears' Picnic and 44 teddies and their owners attended.

Unfortunately the bears were not allowed on the golf course to have a picnic but had to share a very enjoyable indoor lunch with their owners.

The aim of the day was to raise funds for Hope and Homes, a charity working in central and east-

ern Europe and Africa helping to transform the lives of children in institutions and to prevent the separation of children from their parents.

Blandford Inner Wheel President Denise Symmons said she was delighted that so many members from other Inner Wheel clubs in the district were able to attend and that they had entered into the spirit of the occasion and brought along their teddy bears. A raffle raised over ÂŁ100 for the charity.

THE restoration of portraits, owned by Blandford Town Council, of master builders John and William Bastard has uncovered evidence of a bitter dispute.

The brothers and their family firm were major figures in the rebuilding of Blandford Forum after the Great Fire of 1731 and their portraits have hung in the Town Hall since 1890.

The restoration revealed that William had curiously been painted sporting a black eye.

At first it was thought that the darker patch was simply dirt that had accumulated over the years but further research revealed that it related to a bitter dispute over the completion of the parish church of St Peter and St Paul.

The brothers were responsible for the design of the main body of the church and proposed a spire to complete the building.

This was never built due to lack of funds, and instead another builder, possibly Nathaniel Ireson of Wincanton, topped the tower with a cupola, much to the Bastards' disgust.

The portraits have been restored to their former glory with the support of the Veneziana Fund.

Town Mayor Steve Hitchings said: "The paintings are an important part of Blandford's heritage and we are delighted that they are back in the Town Hall looking so wonderful. We could not have done it without the kind support of the Veneziana Fund."

23

January 2015

Have your say on recycling RESIDENTS have until 13th February to let the Dorset Waste Partnership know how they think the household recycling service could become more cost-effective.

As part of its efforts to save money, the DWP is asking how householders would be affected by the closure of household recycling centres (HRCs), either permanently or on a number of days in the week, or charging for their use and for disposal of items such as DIY waste and tyres.

A questionnaire can be found online at dorsetforyou.com/hrc or at main district council and county council offices, HRCs and county libraries.

Chair of the DWP joint committee, Cllr Anthony Alfrod, said: "The DWP needs to recognise the major reductions in funding for our partner councils and do what we can to help them meet their savings targets. We need to look at everything we do and ensure we provide an efficient and effective service.

"We know that residents value our HRCs and we are keen to hear how these possible changes might affect people before making any decisions. It is important we understand the aspects of the service that are most valued by people when deciding what the future service will look like."

Feedback from the consultation will be considered by the DWP joint committee, consisting of two councillors from each of the seven partner councils which make up the partnership, before deciding which options are chosen.

The Stourpaine team: The Rev Stephen Coulter, Cllr Sherry Jesperson, John Crisfield, Gillian Drummond, Barrie Waterman, Sue Curtis, chair of village hall Keith Yarwood, Sue Atkinson, site foreman John and contractor Mark Pitcher and his daughters, chair of Stourpaine playing fields association Fran Bromley, Chris Lynne and Peter Jones. Seated is Jocelyn Russell, former village hall committee chairman.

Stourpaine hall celebration THE start of work on the replacement of Stourpaine village hall was celebrated at the site on the Draper Memorial Field.

It is being relocated from a site north of the A350 to one next to the sports pavilion as part of a joint project with the church, which owned land next to the old hall site, and Raglan Housing Association, who will be redeveloping both.

Keith Yarwood, chairman of the village hall committee, said: "We thought it would never happen. But the contractors have been here for a week, clearing the site from an access to the rear to allow the tennis and football club to continue using the courts and playing field."

He said it was hoped the pavilion would be refurbished by Christmas and the new hall ready for use by the summer.

A ÂŁ30,000 grant from the Charitable Trust House Foundation, obtained through the DT11 Forum community partnership, will help fund the project, together with the sale of the old site. The community is now fundraising for equipment and to upgrade and

enhance the basic specification.

"We have several fundraising events in the pipeline," said Sue Atkinson, village hall committee member responsible for fundraising.

Those attending the celebration included Peter Jones, chairman of the joint building sub-committee; Fran Bromley, chair of the playing fields association; the Rector the Rev Stephen Coulter; and Jocelyn Russell, a leading player in the village for many years who celebrated her 100th birthday last summer. She was instrumental in the setting up of Stourpaine Playing Fields Association and chaired the village hall committee until 2007.

Also present was district councillor Sherry Jesperson, who said: "This is a terrific achievement by the community of Stourpaine who have waited a long time to make a start on their new hall.

"Village halls are at the heart of local communities and represent the past and the future. When this is built it will be a wonderful asset, bringing people of all ages together, and it is lovely to see the very young and the not so young here today."

24

SCHOOLS

January 2015

Knighton girls visit Portchester ON a cold and blustery morning, Years 5 and 6 girls from Knighton House School set out for Portchester Castle, the culmination of their study of Medieval Britain under the rule of William the Conqueror.

The castle was built in the 11th century within the former 3rd century Roman fort at Portchester at the head of Portsmouth harbour.

The girls travelled back in time in the footsteps of some of the many kings who had lived or visited there, dressed as members of the court, and experienced the power of the English longbow.

They climbed the stairs to see breathtaking views of the harbour.

Year 3, 4 and 5 pupils have also visited the Magdalen Project near Chard for an educational experience. The project is based on a working farm of 132 acres in Somerset, offering children and adults the chance to learn new skills, understand the countryside and find out about sustainability.

A group of year 6 and 7 pupils visited Romania and Bulgaria as part of the Comenius project in which schools from nine different countries share their experience and cultures.

The school is excited to have been chosen to host the final visit of the project in June this year, when it will be able to showcase the results of the project.

Handy Paws reaches 10-year milestone HANDY Paws Pre-School at Durweston celebrated its 10th birthday with a party for children and invited guests.

Manager Lyndsay McKinley-Nichols, who cofounded the pre-school in 2004, said: "We are thrilled and very proud to have reach 10 years of success with Handy Paws. It has been a lot of hard work, passion and commitment from all those involved but has been so worth it. We have all experienced an amazing journey so far and are looking forward to many more years ahead."

One of the invited guests was Jane Rogers, who

helped start the pre-school. "I was thrilled that Jane could join us in our celebrations," said Lyndsay.

She also praised her current staff saying: "The staff at Handy Paws are a small, hard-working and committed team who I am lucky to share my work with. Between them they have a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge that they are able to use to benefit the children in our care."

Anyone interested in attending Handy Paws should contact Durweston Primary school office on 01258 452277 for further information and a prospectus.

SCHOOLS

January 2015

25

Authors bring inspiration to Clayesmore students LITERARY events at Clayesmore School in the autumn term brought a succession of authors to visit both the Senior School and the Prep Department.

LitFest for the seniors included a strictly reading day, a book treasure hunt and a reading of 'A Christmas Carol' to set the

Beverley Naidoo.

scene, followed by work with funny man and feature writer Dave Smith for year 10 pupils, Carnegie Medal winning authors Beverley Naidoo for year 11 and Tim Bowler for year 9.

The Prep School has recently acquired its own Patron of Reading in Ali Sparkes, who presented her first word-filled workshop to Year 5 and 6 pupils, proving a huge inspiration to writers who were encouraged to pursue their efforts.

An 'X Factor' workshop, investigated how books can grab a reader's attention with tactics such as a striking book cover, and the children were then invited to make their own creations and write an opening to a story which people would keep on reading.

Ali also held a workshop called 'Rhyme Crime' that focused on improving verse and addressed how to make a poem sound great, with or without rhyme.

Winners - on points CLAYESMORE Senior School are very proud of their team of fast-moving map readers who nimbly navigated their way to win the British Small Schools Championships 2014.

The Clayesmore crew joined 900 entrants at the Newsam Estate near Leeds to spend an energetic weekend finding their way from point to point and eventually triumphing.

The Year 10 girls' team also came away with an impressive fourth place overall in their class and six team members were awarded Gold Medals and the Bill Stevens Memorial Trophy.

The 12 team members helped to make this the 14th time that Clayesmore have won the Small Schools Championships and they are hoping to continue this winning streak in 2015 when the competition will be held on the Sandringham Estate.

Durweston festivities DURWESTON Primary School's Winter Wonderland Christmas fair in the school hall entertained all who visited with festive songs from the children, Father Christmas story telling, reindeers munching moss and a range of arts and crafts to create and buy.

The National Trust visited with their inflatable dome and a snow machine. There were turkey rolls and warmed cider on offer. Jingle jars, gift packs, lucky dip and glitter tattoos kept the children entertained while adults could relax with a hot drink and festive bite.

The event was a wonderful combination of team work, effort, careful preparation and creativity by the PTA members and their families.

On 3rd December the PTA presented a pantomime for the children, and on 5th December an after-school cake sale was held by two pupils for the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies. Nativity plays were performed in Durweston church on the 16th and 17th December, and on 18th December, Christmas lunch was provided for all pupils, again by the PTA. Panda Pre School children and staff with the new planters.

Planters for the Pandas NEW planters created in the grounds of the Panda Pre-School next to Milldown Primary have been funded in part by Blandford Stour Rotary, who gave a generous donation of ÂŁ500 to purchase the wood.

The children will now be able to plan and grow fruit and vegetables, and with the funds remaining are hoping to buy new benches to go in the garden.

Pre-school chair Hepzi Hickish said: "Mark, our head gardener/maintenance man, along with other committee members, took a Saturday out to build these fantastic planters and we would very much like to thank Rotary for their donation.

"Earlier this year the Lions presented a cheque to enable us to buy two new canopies for the summer weather, and we have now again been very fortunate."

26

SPORT

PBs to celebrate at swim championships

Blandford Flyers Swim Club held their annual club championships.

Head coach Trevor Keep and chairman Adam Carter were delighted that there were a host of outstanding performances throughout all age groups, with many of the children achieving

personal best times.

They thanked Everyone Active for allowing them to end the gala with a sumptuous buffet provided by all the parents. All proceeds from the raffle will be going into the club to help fund training for more Level 2 coaches.

January 2015

Pavilion proposals OUTLINE proposals for the extension of both the football and cricket pavilions on Park Road Recreation Ground have now been submitted to the Town Council by Blandford United Football Club and Blandford Cricket Club.

A proposal for a joint-use facility was dropped following objections from the cricket club.

The as-yet uncosted scheme for the football pavilion, which has been the subject of pre-planning discussion with the planning authority, was outlined by John Wakefield, who was able to answer councillors' questions.

The cricket club's proposals were put forward by letter at the same meeting of the council's recreation and amenities committee.

Both were supported in principle, but the cricket club was asked for clarification of whether they sought extension or rebuilding of the existing pavilion, the siting and facilities for the disabled, and whether their proposal would include a path from Park Road to meet disabled access requirements.

Golf - a green light for fun and fitness THE onset of a New Year sees many attempts to increase fitness and lose weight, but there are other options besides the gym.

Those who play and love golf know that the description of the game as 'a good walk spoiled', attributed to Mark Twain, is far from the truth.

In reality, the game is a wonderful way of keeping fit, enjoying the countryside and making lifelong friends.

Blandford is lucky to have on its doorstep the Ashley Wood Golf Club, with a course described by master commentator Peter Alliss as 'Dorset's best-kept secret' and a warm welcome from friendly members and staff.

The club in Wimborne Road, Blandford, was founded in 1896, and over recent years the quality of the course, with its enviable reputation for good drainage and rarely closing in wet weather, has continually improved with constant investment.

There is an opportunity for new-

comers to come along on a Saturday afternoon from 2.30pm to 3.30pm to join a group lesson taken by the Professional for £5 a perfect way to give it a go and perhaps take an introductory trial membership including lessons.

The more experienced player can take up the Winter Warmer offer of 18 holes with soup and a roll for just £20, or a six-month trial membership or the outstanding new member deal of 15 months membership for the price of 12, paying now to get January, February and March free.

To find out more about please contact Mike (general manager) 01258 452253, email playgolf@ashleywoodgolfclub.com or visit ashleywoodgolfclub.com.

Blandford Town Council's recreation and amenities committee is hoping to include an extra £5,000 in its 2015/16 budget to progress the installation of a hard surface multi-games area at Langton recreation area.

SPORT

January 2015

27

Shillingstone are the big hitters SHILLINGSTONE Cricket Club was announced as 'Club of the Year' and collected medals for having been August's 'Team of the Month' at the annual awards ceremony of the Dorset Funeral

Bobby Edwards receives the 'Groundsman of the Year' award for maintaining the Park Road ground.

Plan Cricket League, held at Wimborne Cricket Club.

The club's second team won the Division Four title, and the first team lifted the Division One trophy. Both Shillingstone's teams lost just one game each during the season.

One of their players, Bobby Edwards, who looks after the ground at Blandford CC, was declared Groundsman of the Year.

League chairman John Ridout said the new league structure had led to some high-quality and close matches towards the end of the season. "We wanted to design a structure that helped improve our best players by having a play-off system that meant the best teams played each other more often," he said.

League secretary Alan Graham announced the awards, which were presented by John Ridout, together with Nick Douch from the sponsors, the Dorset Funeral Plan.

Poole Town CC were Premier League winners with Parley CC runners-up. Sherborne CC topped Premier League II, with Martinstown CC runners-up.

Rugby landmark BLANDFORD RFC's Mini & Youth Section will be celebrating its 20th anniversary and its return to its original home at Larksmead with a tour to Cheddar Valley RFC in April.

The section started in 1994 with just eight young players and has seen the number of young members almost doubling in the past three years.

It holds training sessions on Sunday mornings from 10am until 12 noon, with fixtures arranged throughout the season, and is open to all.

Membership fees work out at under ÂŁ2 a week and there is tea, coffee, cakes and bacon rolls on offer.

Last year also saw the start of the first-ever girls-only training sessions, with their enthusiastic coach Zoe. It is predominantly for girls of high school age as girls of primary age can play alongside the boys, and there are currently a handful of girls enjoying rugby-based fitness and touch games.

The section is led entirely by volunteers, mostly parents of children taking part, and recent years have seen them organising family Christmas discos, children's parties, movie and popcorn afternoons and skittles evenings. It is hoped in the future there will be even more fun activities for the players to take part in as well as learning rugby.

The club is keen to welcome more players of all ages and looking for coaches to help meet the demand created by the move 'home'. They actively support all coaches and volunteers by sending them on courses to help them in their roles.

Shillingstone Cricket Club receive their Dorset Funeral Plan Cricket League 'Club of the Year' award from Nick Douch, representing the sponsors.

28

January 2015

Steam fair trenches to stay for duration GREAT Dorset Steam Fair organisers have confirmed that the World War One commemorative display at the 2014 event will be retained until 2018 to coincide with the four-year centenary of the conflict.

Although the trenches were dug out using modern machinery, every other aspect is authentic.

Formed of two rows with a front line trench and a support trench, each 150ft long and 6ft deep, they were created to replicate those on the Western Front in France.

Managing director Martin Oliver said: "The exhibitors who participated in this year's WW1 display said our trenches were the best replica system they had ever seen. We have made the decision to keep it until at least 2018 because it seems an appropriate tribute to those who lost their lives RESTORATION of the facade of the Town Hall above the Corn Exchange is to be carried out in the spring. Urgent works to protect historic features have been identified and will require listed building consent. Town councillors approved employing an architect to start work on the project at a cost of up to £1,100.

in the First World War. "Visitors told us that this year's WW1 special display was incredibly moving, and it would be a shame to remove a spectacle that causes such reflection before the centenary is over."

He said he hoped it would provide an educational experience for visitors and they would be encouraging local schools to arrange visits free of charge.

Keeping the trench system in place until 2018 on the working farm has been fully endorsed by landowner Robin Hooper of Tarrant Hinton.

Mr Oliver said: "Robin is very proud to give up part of his farm for four years to enable the trenches to remain in place and I would like to thank him for all his help. I would also like to thank Lewy Smith of Bema Cross Demolition for his help in supplying the machinery and digging out the trenches. It simply would not have been possible to create the trenches in the time available without his help."

To request a school visit to the trenches at Tarrant Hinton over the coming weeks and months, email martin.oliver@gdsf.co.uk.

First prize winner in Blandford's Christmas shop window competition was East Street Dental (above), while the charity shop award went to Naomi House in West Street (below).

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events 2015 Saturday 3rd January: Ceilidh, Tarrant Hinton village hall, 7pm Sunday 4th January: Round Robin Ramblers meet 1.30pm parking area Gore Hill ST635040 for 4.5mile walk, Gore Hill and Up Cerne (contact 01258 880044) Tuesday 6th January and every Tuesday: Chitchat Crafts & Coffee, United Reformed Church Hall, Whitecliff Mill Street, Blandford 9.30am to noon Saturday 10th January: Coffee morning, Tarrant Gunville village hall, 10.30am Wednesday 14th January: Blandford Film Society presents 'The Rocket', The Blandford School, 7.30pm, guest tickets 01258 453851 Thursday 15th and Tuesday 20th January: Casting for Forum Drama's Spring production, 'Nude with Violin', The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, Blandford, 7.30pm Saturday 17th January: 'A Taste of India' at the Parish Centre, 7.30 pm. Jennie Rake presents a glimpse behind Fair Trade initia-

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 tives in the north-west of India, Indian themed snacks, in aid of the parish church's Cupola Project. Tickets from the parish church office. 456260 Tuesday 20th January: Dementia Friends training, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 11am Wednesday 21st January: Blandford Carers meet Durweston village hall, 2 to 4pm: speaker from Greenwood Centre for Independent Living, details 01258 459215 Friday 23rd January: 'A Celebration of Robert Burns' Traditional Burns Night with three-course meal, bagpipes, accordion, poetry, song and raffles, The Crown Hotel, Sealy Suite: 7.00pm for 7.20pm till late, tickets £30 from nicnicolnms@aol.com or sylhixsonandrews@gmail.com Film Night, Corn Exchange,

Blandford, 7.30pm: The Hundred Foot Journey - Comedy-Drama (PG) with Helen Mirren, Om Puri and Manish Dayal, tickets from Blandford Forum Town Council and TIC Sunday 25th January: Potato Day, Pimperne village hall, 10am to 2pm Lady Maisery folk band live at Durweston village hall, 7.30pm (Artsreach promotion) Monday 26th January: Dementia Friends training, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7pm Tuesday 27th January: 50+ Home Safety Falls Prevention Event, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9.30am to noon (for transport by Bus2Go call 01258 837749) Wednesday 28h January: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff

Gardens, Blandford, 2.15pm, People of Blandford with Michael Le Bas Blandford Forum Film Society presents 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist', The Blandford School, 7.30pm, guest tickets 01258 453851 Thursday 29th January: Winter Warmer, ‘1415 and all that Agincourt 600th anniversary', talk

by Dr Kathleen Daly, Tarrant Monkton & Launceston Church, 7pm Thursday 29th to Saturday 31st January: Tarrant Valley Players pantomime Treasure Island, Tarrant Keyneston village hall, 7.30pm Friday 30th January: Blandford & District U3A, Open Meeting Durweston Village Hall from 2pm, speaker from ‘Woofability’ Andy Clarke on training assistance dogs, details phone: 01258.455081 Saturday 31st January: Durweston Choral Society Quiz Night, Durweston Village Hall, 7pm, to book phone 01258 472253/451186