June 2015 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 39

Winners and losers at the polls: See pages 4-5

June 2015

Housing plan exhibition sparks anger A PUBLIC exhibition in Blandford St Mary Primary School hall prompted lively debate between objectors and representatives of Persimmon Homes, who displayed plans for housing development off Dorchester Hill.

A detailed planning application is expected to be submitted shortly for 59 houses and six flats on a triangle of land between Dorchester Hill and the Fairmile (Stickland) road.

The site is part of one of the allocations put forward as part of the new North Dorset Local Plan, which has now reached the postpublic inquiry stage.

It has already been the subject of strong objection on the grounds of its proximity to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the impact on bats known to forage there, and the impact on the road layout.

Planning inspector David Hogger is now considering representations from those giving evidence to the inquiry on proposed modifications put forward by North Dorset District Council, at his request, to make the plan more sound.

Among those recommendations are that the policy relating to Blandford should be amended to exclude the Dorchester Hill site and the neighbouring Bryanston Farm site in the same allocation from designation for residential development until a mitigation package for the bats and other wildlife is agreed to the satisfaction of Natural England.

David Butcher, senior planning

manager for Persimmon, said they were confident that the allocation would go forward and that mitigation could be agreed.

Their ecological adviser Elisabeth Spencer said they would preserve a five-metre strip of unlit hedgerows around the site, and tree roosts, as well as restricting the access road to 15 metres.

Malcolm Albery, chairman of Blandford St Mary parish council, who was joined by local bat expert Chris Gale, said they would challenge it through the European courts as the greater horseshoe bat was a protected species.

He said their view that development should not go forward for several years after mitigation was To Page 3

A spellbound young visitor to the Hamdinger Bank Holiday event in Blandford claps her hands in approval. Four days of fun and games - report and more pictures: Pages 8-9.

No progress in ‘parking wars’ HOPES of resolving the 'parking wars' in many streets in the town appear to have been dashed by a report from Blandford's county councillor Barrie Cooper to the May town council meeting.

He said there was no legislation against parking on pavements, which could only be enforced with a specific regulation from the highway authority for any street or area, and expensive signage alerting motorists to its existence.

Members concluded that it was unlikely that Dorset County Council could be persuaded to introduce such regulations in the current economic climate, and that therefore little could be done about the problems in Queens Road.

Residents there approached the town council when they were asked by the police not to park partly on the pavements, which blocked access for pedestrians, particularly those with prams, pushchairs and

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mobility scooters.

The police request conflicted with an earlier request from the district council for drivers to use part of the pavement so that refuse lorries could get through, and prompted a call for a survey of all the streets in the Queens Road area to examine how the issue might be resolved.

Issues are also raised regularly about other areas of the town, particularly on the upper stretch of Salisbury Road where pedestrians are often forced onto the roadway by parked cars, in other roads around Queens Road, and in Nursery Road, Orchard Street and Dorset Street where inconsiderate parking and excessive demand for parking spaces frequently restricts access.

But councillors have now been told that the only enforcement action that could be taken was by the police in the event of alleged obstruction.

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June 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, CLP stationery on Blandford Heights industrial estate, 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, Child Okeford 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.

Volunteer deliverers are welcome in all areas but particularly Damory Down and Black Lane, Blandford, and in Durweston village.

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Support plea to public from arts venue project THE team behind the Fording Point project are seeking support and commitment from the local community for the concept of providing a dedicated arts venue in Blandford town centre.

They have announced that later this year they will be submitting a business prospectus to potential funders as part of their finance-raising activities for the project, which was granted outline planning permission last year.

As part of that move, they are looking to back up their approach with proof of local community support.

Project creative director Jon Ivay said: "This is not as yet an appeal for money, but more about registering an interest in wanting to help the project succeed, and for the team to be able to show that people in this part of Dorset really do want an arts centre.

"A small team of people have come together over the last four years to establish The Fording Point.

There is a plot of land in Bere's Yard, just off the Market Place, that now has planning permission for an arts centre comprising both cinema and theatre with seating for up to 200 people. The land sits next to the present Victorian garden project near the town's museum, and the site when built will be accessed by pedestrians only.

"During the second half of this year the Fording Point team will be submitting its business prospectus to funding avenues, both private and public, as part of its finance-raising activities. All funding avenues will want to know and feel that the town and its surrounding catchment area are behind the project, and willing to raise some of the funds themselves."

Mr Ivay said the project had the support of Blandford Town Council, the DT11 Forum Community Partnership, and The Theatres Trust, along with other local organisations, and represented a realistic opportunity to at last give Blandford a full-time space dedicated to the arts.

"There will be many ways that individuals or companies may like to consider contributing to the building of this venue, whether it's sponsoring a seat, becoming a friend of the venue or making a one off donation," he said.

A printable appeal sheet containing various options can be downloaded by going to thefordingpoint.com or emailing info@thefordingpoint.com and more detailed information can also be obtained by emailing him at jonivay@hotmail.co.uk Also in this issue of Forum Focus the team is advertising for volunteers to assist with the project.

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

We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

Active carers THE Blandford Carers have a number of activities planned in addition to their monthly meetings at Durweston Village Hall, with speakers including representatives of Age UK, the Befrienders Service, St John Ambulance and the Samaritans.

In July they will be having a garden party, in August a minibus trip to Kimmeridge, and nearer Christmas a trip to Castle Gardens display and Street Shopping Village. For details call Pete Collins on 01258 459215.

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June 2015

Volunteers dismayed by charity shop closure VOLUNTEERS working for Oxfam in the Blandford area are dismayed that the aid charity is planning to close the bookshop which has operated in Salisbury Street for more than ten years.

Those working in the shop have been aware for some time that it was under threat because the lease was coming to an end and the property was in need of repair, but had hoped alternative premises could be found in the town so that the specialist bookshop could continue.

Now they have been told that it will be closing in the summer.

Area manager Nihal Alahendra said the charity would not be renewing its lease when it runs out in August, and a six-month search for other premises had found nothing suitable. He denied that the decision was related to the shop's trading picture.

But volunteer staff claim the decision to close is a result of the shop failing to meet targets set by head office. Ex-volunteer Graham Pitt said: "I can't help thinking that it’s a case of 'use it or lose it'. If more people supported us they would try harder to find new premises."

Madeleine Hemsley, of the Blandford Oxfam Group, which organises other fundraising activities for the charity, said: "People are horrified by the news and believe it is more about failing to meet their rather contrived targets than not being able to find alternative premises.

"It does seem a shame when it is such a valued community resource, which raises the profile of the charity in the town."

Her colleague, teacher Helen Rawles, said: "We are all upset - the Oxfam Group and the shop have been mutually supportive of each other for years and I personally find the shop brilliant in ordering books for me and my students."

Mr Alahendra praised the volunteers and part-time paid manager, acknowledging that they could not be more devoted. He said the shop was well supported by customers who donated and bought items, and he would welcome suggestions from people who knew of retail premises becoming available.

"We are working with estate agents and have looked at some places, but so far nothing

Housing plan anger From Page 1 put in place was supported by Natural England and the Vincent Wildlife Trust.

He was also surprised that no presentation had been made to the local parish council prior to the public exhibition.

Members of the public were concerned at the impact of vehicular traffic from 69 homes, 26 of which will be affordable, on the already congested lower section of Dorchester Hill, and the proposal to leave the remainder of the lane without footpaths as a shared pedestrian/vehicular route.

They also queried the extra demand which would be placed on schools and health services, but were told by the developer representatives that this would be dealt with through whatever infrastructure levy was agreed by the authorities.

Chairman Bobbie Church and member Carol Tompsett of Bryanston Parish Council, both

members of the Blandford + Neighbourhood Planning group, asked why neither of their bodies had been invited to the exhibition.

Mr Butcher admitted this had been an oversight, and said Persimmon would be happy to make a presentation to both. * Other modifications to the Local Plan, recommended by the district council, include broadening the scope for town centre regeneration by including commercial, community, leisure and residential uses as well as retail; stronger recognition that growth in the town will require additional provision of medical and other facilities; and that development should be within the settlement boundary, not just the existing built-up area, including land beyond the bypass.

The district planning authority has confirmed its position that the Crown Meadows site in Blandford should be excluded due to significant impact on heritage assets.

is suitable. We have to consider the size and location as well as viability."

But as one charity shop is threatened with closure, another is planning to open - in one of the largest trading spaces in the centre of the town, which until earlier this year was occupied

by Argos.

The YMCA are advertising for a manager, assistant manager and volunteer staff and are expected to be opening at the now-vacant premises in East Street in the next few weeks.

Judy Cannon, area manager, said: "We have been given a temporary lease while the property is being marketed and when it is sold we will have to move out."

She said they were also advertising for goods to sell, including good-quality furniture, bric-abrac, electrical goods, books, clothing, toys and games and could offer a free collection service.

A dampener for young performers STUDENTS at the Performing Arts Theatre Academy gave their first public performance at the May Day Hamdinger on Bank Holiday Monday, and left the stage rain-soaked but not downhearted.

All were extremely excited and, after a long day rehearsing on the Saturday, were raring to perform for the public.

The rain held off all day but started pouring as they started their first song.

"The electrical equipment was in danger of being damaged and so our display was cut very short," said principal Rebecca Hollands. "All the students were understandably upset, but were the ultimate professionals.

"The teaching staff were incredibly proud of what they managed to achieve under the circumstances and it certainly hasn't put them off performing in the future."

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ELECTIONS

June 2015

Conservatives strengthen their grip on the district council NO serving councillors lost their seats on North Dorset District Council on 7th May, but a number of wards switched from Liberal Democrat to Conservative as a result of members not seeking re-election.

The Conservatives' overall majority was increased from 11 to 21. They finished with 27 members, with four for the Lib Dems and two Independents.

Three new Conservatives elected in the Blandford area were Mark George Leonard, replacing the late Tony Harrocks as member for Hilltop; Jackie Stayt, replacing the retiring Lib Dem Joe Hickish in Old Town; and Andrew Kerby, joining John Stayt in the new Riversdale and Portman ward to replace the late Richard Moyle.

Topping the poll across the district was Deborah Croney in the enlarged Hill Forts ward, where she and Sherry Jespersen were joined by fellow Tory James Edward Schwier as third member.

Abbey ward (the Winterbornes and Milton Abbas) had one of the highest turnouts of 75.03 per cent, and Blandford Old Town the lowest (63.91).

The Greens polled a total of just over 3,500 votes with five candidates, UKIP polled 2,130 with four candidates and Labour polled 1,874 with five candidates.

The highest turnout was for the parish council for Hilton, where 83.21 per cent of the electorate voted to chose seven from eight candidates.

North Dorset District Council results (* denotes sitting councillor) Abbey (2 seats): turnout 75.03% Emma Jayne Parker * (Con), 1665, elected Simon Jonathan Rayson Najsh (Green), 857 Jane Somper * (Con), 1249, elected

Blandford Central (2 seats): turnout 67.51% Tony Burt (Con), 627 Esme Linda Butler * (Ind), 931, elected Elizabeth Ann Coulson (Con), 436 Anna Therese Hayball (Green), 373 Mike Owen (Lab), 348 John Tanner * (Lib Dem) 842, elected

Blandford Hilltop (1 seat): turnout 68.55% Peter Duke (Green), 116 Mark George Leonard (Con), 528, elected Shane Pardoe (UKIP), 233 Haydn White (Lab), 239

Blandford Langton St Leonards (1 seat): turnout 66.06% Tracey Collins (Con), 407 Barrie George Cooper * (Lib Dem), 491, elected Dennis Wardleworth (Lab) 172

Blandford Old Town (1 seat): turnout 63.91%

Hugo Anthony Mieville (Lib Dem), 412 Jackie Stayt, (Con) 482, elected

Bulbarrow (1 seat): turnout 73.1% Audrey Burch * (Con), 787, elected Joanna Stephen (Green), 387

Hill Forts (3 seats): turnout 73.85% Deborah Anne Croney * (Con), 2233, elected John Leslie England, (UKIP), 1046 Andrew John Grant, (Green) 1070 Sherry Jesperson *, (Con) 2016, elected James Edward Schwier, (Con) 1737, elected Keith Yarwood (Lab) 720

Lower Tarrants (1 seat): turnout 63.75% Stephen M Kelly (UKIP), 254 Deirdre Veronica Skipwith *(Con), 626, elected Brigit Anne Strawbridge (Green) 163

Riversdale and Portman (2 seats): turnout 72.57% Andrew Kerby (Con), 1102, elected Geoffrey Charles Lambert (UKIP), 597 Daniel Skakich (Lab), 395 John Arthur Stayt * (Con), 902, elected Amanda Claire Williams (Green) 545

ELECTIONS

June 2015

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Blue is still the colour as Tories’ new man triumphs THERE were jubilant faces among North Dorset Conservative campaigners early in the morning of 8th May after a General Election which saw their new candidate Simon Hoare increase the retiring Bob Walter's majority as the party swept back in government.

Also buoyant were UKIP, who pushed the Lib Dems into third place, while the Greens, although in last place, celebrated an increased share of the vote and a tenfold increase in membership since last September.

For Labour it was a not unexpected fourth place for Kim Fendley, who admitted his party played quite a small part in an area like North Dorset.

But for Liberal Democrats it was a devastating night which saw their share of the vote slashed as voters turned to either UKIP or the Conservatives in swings mirrored across the country.

Mr Hoare said the outcome demonstrated the public's recognition of the positive Conservative message and its belief in democracy.

"My biggest thanks must be to the thousands of voters in North

Dorset who have put their trust in me to serve them for the first time.

"I said at the start that if elected I would be in one of two places, either in North Dorset working for the local community or in Westminster making sure we have a fairer slice of the cake.

"I will work with all my constituents and wish Dorset well for the next five years."

He said his priorities for North Dorset included securing better rural broadband and resolving the issue of the A350 and C13 Dinah's Hollow transport network.

"We need better funding and better paid jobs in Dorset, and for the farming community with a Conservative majority we will work on bovine TB." Mr Unwin, the former Conservative agent who has switched to UKIP, joked that after a nine-and-a-half-hour count he would not demand a recount, and congratulated his rival, saying he was sure he would be a very good constituency MP. Green candidate Richard Barrington echoed his thoughts saying: "We all recognise that you will be a good MP."

Town seats to stay unfilled BLANDFORD Town Council has agreed not to seek to fill the two vacancies among its number after nominations for the election failed to secure enough candidates.

Members agreed at their meeting on 11th May they would carry on with only 14 councillors for the next six months at least and not seek to co-opt another two members.

The three new councillors are Nick Barnaby, Lee Hitchings and Colin Stevens.

Councillor Peter Clark was re-elected chairman of planning, with Councillors Mike Owen and John Stayt as deputies; Councillor Owen was elected chairman of recreation and amenities; Councillor Hugo Mieville continues as chairman of town and general purposes; and Councillor Esme Butler continues as chairman of finance and staffing.

Reprieve for school bus THE Stourpaine to Durweston school bus, which was threatened with removal in February, has been saved thanks to an appeal by parents and local councillors.

Chair of Stourpaine Parish Council Scott Norman said: "It is a victory for common sense and

the voice of local people.

"Parents led by Julie Wigg, district councillor Sherry Jespersen, county councillor Deborah Croney and the DT11 Community Partnership all assisted in this action, and we, the council and especially the parents, thank them all."

The victorious Simon Hoare, North Dorset's new Conservative MP, addresses the campaign workers at the count held in the hall of The Blandford School, watched by Steve Unwin (UKIP), Richard Barrington (Green), Hugo Mieville (Lib Dem) and Kim Fendley (Labour).

General Election result A high turnout of 73.17 per cent meant that a total of 53,385 votes were cast. The result: Simon Hoare (Con) 30,227 Steve Unwin (UKIP) 9,109 Hugo Mieville (Lib Dem) 6,226 Kim Fendley (Lab) 4,785 Richard Barrington (Green) 3,038

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June 2015

Community farm’s valuable role ONE of the final official visits by North Dorset's retiring MP Bob Walter - in which he was accompanied by his successor, Simon Hoare - was to the Longmead Community Farm in Milborne St Andrew.

They visited the residential centre to learn about its work with vulnerable people on the smallholding which was originally purposebuilt in the 19th century as a boys' reform school, and has had various uses over the years.

It was bequeathed to a Poolebased Christian healing charity, Green Pastures, and the first few years were spent by then-project managers Steve and Mandy Beech in bringing the facilities up to date for multi-occupation use with the assistance of a team of volunteers.

The community farm has now become an independent charity, run by trustees who each contribute specific business, social work, counselling, therapeutic, fund-raising and farming skills to ensure its guests receive the maximum benefit.

They still have a regular 'volunteer Monday' when people from the local community help to main-

Left to right, trustees the Rev Nigel Thomas, Denise and Ken Bladen with Bob Walter and Simon Hoare at the Longmead Community Farm. tain the property. But for the last six years, they have delivered ongoing support to vulnerable individuals and families on a oneto-one basis, hosting one family at a time or visiting groups, and working in partnership with social services and other charities dealing with families in crisis, homeless young people and victims of people trafficking.

It offers therapy through a rural living experience with one-to-one support in parenting skills and healthy living.

Resident trustee the Rev Nigel Thomas is a former parish priest

who has directed his ministry to working in the community. He described how families and small groups visit the smallholding for residential weekends when they have the chance to become part of the culture, preparing meals, looking after the chickens and goats, enjoying the outdoor and creative facilities with the guidance of resident colleagues, Denise and Ken Bladen, and volunteers from the local and wider community.

Mr Thomas said: "There are only four or five centres in the country offering this model of residential therapy and respite from their often chaotic environment. Social services will only fund a limited number of visits, but we like to give more.

"We work with about 100 families a year, some of them over a long period of time because they come to us on repeated occasions, and we can get to know them better than their social workers do."

Hanford RDA's most recent acquisition, Guy (formerly named Oreo), decided to take an interest in events when John Hall of Blandford Stour Rotary presented a donation, pictured with RDA helper Janice Jackson, left, group instructor Gill Fraser and chairman Stella Hayward, right.

Cash leg-up for RDA THE Hanford branch of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), which meets at Hanford School, was thrilled to receive a cheque for ÂŁ600 when Blandford Stour Rotary member John Hall visited one of the weekly riding sessions for pupils from Yewstock, the specialist school in Sturminster Newton for children with learning difficulties.

Stella Hayward, chairman of the Hanford branch, said: "We really are extremely grateful for this contribution which will help

enormously with our regular expenditure on essential items such as feed for ponies, vets' and farriers' bills and replacement tack. It will help to ensure that the Hanford RDA can continue to provide the children with their regular riding experience."

Mr Hall said: "It is wonderful to see the end results of our fundraising activities and having watched the children on their ponies this morning I am really impressed with what the RDA achieves for them."

June 2015

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MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

June 2015

Four days of

Above: Peter England (right) and David Lofthouse of The Poachers Larder serving at the Crown Hotel Food Fayre. Below: Crowds outside the Greyhound Inn listening to one of the Teddy Rocks bands.

A FOUR-day rock festival, a fun fair, an open-air party by the riverside, a food fair and a street art project ensured that the May Day Bank Holiday weekend was filled with activity, despite the absence this year of the Georgian Fayre.

The fourth annual Teddy Rocks festival kicked off at the Greyhound pub in support of the Teddy 20 charity fundraising for those living with childhood cancer, and by the end of the fourday event had raised ÂŁ23,000.

More than two dozen bands from across the south-west performed.

The StreetArtDrop project began on Saturday, brought to the town

by London-based artist Letts, who takes his art to the people, hiding examples about the town and giving photographic clues on social media for them to find and keep it.

Three artworks were 'dropped' on Saturday, another 12 on Sunday and more on Monday, leading searchers on a treasure hunt around the town, with most

of the works spotted but some still waiting to be found.

On Monday the Crown Hotel staged its now-annual food fair, with more than a dozen exhibitors and entertainment in the Sealy Suite and gardens.

The Crown again teamed up with jam and chutney producers From Dorset with Love to organise the event, which also raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Events co-ordinator at the Crown, Katherine Beeks, said: "The festival is now in its third year and we're delighted that Blandford and the surrounding village communities have been so supportive of it. We are lucky enough to have such talented food producers all around us."

In the afternoon the Blandford Events Group staged the Hamdinger on the Marsh and Ham below the Morrisons car park, where over a dozen local groups and performers showcased their talents and activities.

There were games for children and adults, including a flotilla of

Above: Sisters Hannah and Rebecca hand over their first and second prize-winning model boats to Roger Carter for launching in the Hamdinger flotilla.

Below: Gurkha soldiers perform their kukri dance.

June 2015

MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

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holiday fun and games model boats made of recycled materials down the stream beside the river Stour.

Sponsored in the children's competition by Forum Focus and in the adults by Colin's Community Club, the flotilla attracted a good number of entries of all shapes and sizes.

The magnificent 'Black Pearl' from Blandford Youth Centre, which arrived too late for judging, was awarded by Events group member Sara Loch the third prize she had originally won.

There was fundraising by the Blandford Opportunity Group for the Hidden Needs Trust, the umbrella organisation for special needs pre-schools across Dorset and Somerset, and for the Nepal Young students of The Performing Arts Academy. earthquake appeal by Gurkha soldiers from Blandford Camp, who also ran a catering stall and performed traditional Nepalese dances.

Heavy rain in the late afternoon

Above left: Blandford's new deputy town crier Liz Rawlings at her first official engagement at the Hamdinger. Above right: Traditional Gurkha dancing from one of the Gurkha wives.

Rob Meakin of the Blandford Youth Centre Pzazz with the magnificent 'Black Pearl' which arrived too late for judging in the flotilla.

cut short the first public performance by the Performing Arts Academy students, and the final band, 'All on Trial' from Blandford Camp, was unable to perform.

The Janet Knight School of Dancing at the Hamdinger.

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June 2015

A fashionable discount

Okeford dragon drama ST George's Day was celebrated in traditional style at Child Okeford when the Okeford Mummers presented their annual St George's Day Parade and play in The Street and on The Cross.

Led by their presenter, the three drunken maidens cavorted in the street, the maiden daughter of the King of Egypt was tied to the stake, and the dragon was challenged first by Slasher, then by the Turkish Knight, and finally dismissed by St George with a water pistol after his flailing sword failed to do the trick.

The slain challengers were brought back to life by the local doctor with a swig of beer, and the assembled crowd urged to welcome May and the summer in song.

This year's charity collection was in aid of the Richard Ely Trust, supporting young musicians, and the parade was followed by a hog roast at the Baker Arms and in the evening a ceilidh in St Nicholas School Hall.

VOLUNTEERS from the Blandford Fashion Museum in The Plocks entered into the spirit of May's 'Vintage at the Village Hall' in the Corn Exchange to offer a special discount to visitors.

Denise Symmons (right), manager of the Fashion Museum tearooms, and volunteer Judy Adams treated the public to 50 per cent off refreshments over the Bank Holiday.

Denise said: "We want to encourage people to enjoy our lovely peaceful atmosphere and delicious home-made cakes and scones. As there was a vintage fayre we thought dressing up in costume would attract attention.

"Later in the day

more than 20 people had used their voucher to enjoy the tearoom menu and more followed during the week. It was hoped that they would also be tempted to visit the Museum itself which this year showcases the 1930s."

BLANDFORD'S Badger Brewery has been selected as this year's official beer partner for CarFest, a combination of cars, music, food and fun created by Chris Evans in aid of Children in Need.

CarFest North will be taking place at Oulton Park in Cheshire from 31st July to 2nd August, and CarFest South at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire from 28th to 30th August.

Pedal power in aid of cancer charity FATHER'S Day on 21st June will be marked by Blandford Stour Rotary organising a local cycle ride with a difference as their part in the national UK Prostate Charity Ride.

Rotary clubs across Britain and Ireland are hoping to raise money and awareness of prostate cancer by clocking up 250,000 miles on one day.

Centred on the Fippenny Fayre in Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Stour Rotary with their fellow local clubs are organising three rides to suit everyone. They are asking everyone in the community to take part in one of three ways.

Firstly, cycle to the Fippenny Fayre, via the Trailway, with all miles counting towards the total.

Once there, add a few more miles by using the static cycle machines at the fayre. Lastly, for the bravest, complete as many laps of

a 20-mile course as possible.

Blandford Stour President Garry Barker, who is organising the event, said: "We have had our cycling logistics people work hard to come up with the flattest and safest 20-mile route in North Dorset.

"This will be a great way to help raise money for prostate cancer, a condition that affects 40,000 men and their families in the UK and Ireland every year and is set to become the most common of all cancers in the UK over the next decade or so."

Cyclists on the 20-mile route will be asked for a ÂŁ10 entry fee; children are free. Donations are welcome for the other events.

Riders will be able to register from 10am onwards on the day or beforehand at blandfordstourrotary@gmail.com quoting Rotary Charity Ride for sponsor forms to be sent electronically.

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June 2015

Mark’s marathon ride in memory of a fellow fan

Ted and Nora, by Martin Ansell

It’s Ted and Nora A PORTRAIT of Castleman House resident Ted Collis and his friend Nora O'Callaghan, who can often be seen sitting on the bench in Fairfield Bungalows, Blandford, has found its way into the Whitworth gallery in Manchester.

It was displayed as part of the Big Painting Challenge run by BBC One and presented by Una Stubbs and Richard Bacon.

It was originally sketched by local artist Martin Ansell for an exhibition staged by him in Castleman House, and he reproduced it in postcard size for the Little Painting competition.

The competition attracted thousands of entries of drawings and paintings, and the top 1,000 chosen by the judges went on display for the first three weeks of May at the Manchester gallery.

A BLANDFORD pub is helping to sponsor one of its customers who in August will be taking part in the RideLondon 100-mile event for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Mark Wellman is cycling in memory of his close friend Tim Grant-Barnes who he first met when he had the adjacent season ticket seat at Southampton FC in the 2010/11 season.

"We became great friends and loved watching our team progress to the Premier League. During the 2011/12 season Tim occasionally struggled to climb the steps to reach his seat and on a number of occasions relied on me to help him up the steps.

"He knew that something was wrong and after a series of tests he was diagnosed as having motor neurone disease, a disease that affects nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord.

"Gradually he became weaker and weaker, relying on his family and friends to help him get around on his motor scooter until he could no longer, walk, stand or attempt the most simple of movements.

"Sadly, Tim lost his life on 4th December 2014. He was a 'true Saint', always giving time for others and never moaning about his condition. He spent his last days in a hos-

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Mark Wellman and Dolphin licensee David Tancock outside the pub which is helping him raise sponsorship for his cycle ride. pice where he had amazing care and support."

Mark is being supported in his fundraising by licensee David Tancock and fellow regulars at the Dolphin pub in East Street, who are organising sponsorship events.

Donate online at justgiving.com/marksridefortim or donate £10 by text message by texting WLMN67 £10 to 70070.

12

June 2015

Mayor hosts a day of civic celebration

Gurkhas serve lunch to guests at the buffet.

Lusitania memories A BLANDFORD woman was on board the Cunard liner Queen Victoria which sailed on 7th May over the spot off the south-west coast of Ireland where the Lusitania was sunk by a German torpedo.

Barbara Wiffen went on the 100th anniversary commemorative cruise with her daughter, Sarah, to remember her father, Frank Holman, who was a steward on the vessel. Aged 30 at the time of the sinking, he spent five hours in the water before being rescued and was lucky to survive.

She recalled how he would often wake at night suffering from nightmares over what happened. "He tried to rescue a little boy who was around eight or nine. He found the boy alone in the water and put his arm around him and swam on his back to keep the child's head out of the water. But the boy succumbed to the cold and died. My father had to let him slip away," she said.

"My father lived to 78, but he never spoke to me about what happened. My mother said never to ask him about what happened as it was obviously a traumatic experience."

She said that she and around two dozen relatives of others who died in the Lusitania threw roses into the sea over the wreck.

In 2012 a watch worn by Mr Holman was featured on the Antiques Roadshow. It had stopped at 2.29pm, the moment Mr Holman landed in the cold Atlantic Ocean in the tragedy which claimed 1,119 lives.

BLANDFORD Parish Church was packed for a service of thanksgiving as part of the Civic Day of Blandford Mayor Steve Hitchings, to which the leaders of local authorities across the county were invited.

The service, led by Mayor's Chaplain Pastor Brook MacCallum of the Blandford Evangelical Church, included contributions from a number of groups, including the Blandford Ukulele Group, led by Sam Ryall, ballet and prayers led by students of The Blandford School.

There were songs from the Garrison Wives and Playsongs Mums, and bible readings from Blandford's district and county councillor Barrie Cooper and Chris Holland, a Blandford paramedic with the South Western Ambulance Trust.

There was also a slide presentation of pictures of events staged by the Blandford community over the past year, and proceeds from the offering were given to the Mayor's charity, the Blandford Stour Valley Brass Band.

Mr Hitchings said the town council was coming to the end of its 40th year since being established with local government reorganisation and welcomed everyone to what was the first service of its kind, replacing the annual civic service with one of celebration and thanksgiving.

Tribute was paid to the vast num-

Who's for pudding? Blandford Mayor Steve Hitchings and his wife and Mayoress Lynn serving up the sweet course at the buffet lunch which followed the town's civic thanksgiving service. ber of volunteers who made the community 'tick', and Mr MacCallum, in his address, spoke of the attitude and motivation of those in authority to serve others.

Following the service, invited guests enjoyed a Gurkha buffet lunch in the Corn Exchange and saw a display on the stage by the Blandford Gymnastics Club followed by music from the Stour Valley Band.

To conclude the day, town guides led two groups on a heritage tour which included visiting the Blandford Bowling Club's newly extended premises in Park Road.

Councillor Hitchings, at the council's annual general meeting on 11th May, accepted the nomination to continue in office as Mayor and chairman for another year, and was joined by Councillor Lynn Lindsay as vicechairman and Jackie Stayt as Deputy Mayor at the mayor making ceremony on 22nd May. TOWN councillors have agreed to a display of the town silver and opening of the Town Hall and Council Chamber on Saturday 12th September and the Corn Exchange on Sunday 13th September as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week.

13

June 2015

Coupar House history A ST George's Day lunch at Coupar House, home of the Royal British Legion in Church Lane, Blandford, was enjoyed by members and guests of the Blandford and District Civic Society.

After the meal they heard an illustrated talk on the history of the building from historian Judith Ford.

Among the diners was Sylvia Spooner, whose family once lived in Coupar House and who brought a book on her family history.

She is pictured (centre) with Civic Society chairman Terence Dear and Mrs Ford.

The Civic Society held its annual general meeting on 29th May at the United Reformed Church Hall, and has now started its series of guided tours of historic Blandford, the next of which is on Wednesday 17th June. For details call 01258 459346.

Success for road campaigners CAMPAIGNERS for the reopening of the C13 Higher Shaftesbury Road at Dinah's Hollow in Melbury Abbas are celebrating a decision by Dorset County Council's Cabinet to temporarily reopen the road to all traffic.

It is expected to happen this month.

Cabinet members considered a report which compared the risks associated with retaining the road closure and those relating to reopening the road either to heavy traffic only or to all traffic before the slopes have been stabilised.

The C13 was closed in April 2014 on the advice of civil engineering consultants because of the risk of a landslide burying a small vehicle.

Increased traffic on alternative routes and local minor roads has had a major impact on their condition and created significant problems for local residents and

road users.

When the decision was made to close the C13 due to the slope instability at Dinah's Hollow, it was made without the knowledge it would be closed for some considerable time.

The original estimate was that the road would be able to reopen in the spring of 2015, but there was a possibility that a permanent solution might not be achieved until the summer of 2017, partly because of the possible need for compulsory purchase from landowners to progress the preferred course of action.

Local district and county councillor Deborah Croney said: "When the C13 was first closed, there was an immediate impact on the surrounding road network, with increased traffic flows on the A350, and also on the side roads around Melbury Abbas, Compton Abbas and Cann.

"I began to receive many commu-

THE annual Micky Parker and Gordie Jones Memorial darts match was staged at the Royal British Legion on 3rd May and thanks were expressed to all the local businesses and individuals who had given raffle prizes, and to all the pubs, clubs and sponsors.

Pictured are members of the Parker family (from left to right): Caroline Caines, Anthony Parker, Mandy Bull, Jeanette Parker and Jason Parker with the display of raffle prizes.

nications from residents expressing concern about personal safety, road erosion and property damage.

"I approached the County Council highways team and asked them to gather data in order to determine if the risk of opening the C13 had become greater than the risk of keeping it closed. After exhaustive research the report compiled recently confirmed this was now the case."

She added: "I would like to thank the Dorset County Council

Cabinet for making the correct decision that is in the best interests of local residents in North Dorset. The strategy is now to open the C13 until remedial works to Dinah's Hollow can commence.

"The road will then close for a period of six months, before being permanently opened along the existing route. I will continue to work with local communities to identify viable longer-term solutions for north/south traffic routes through North Dorset."

14

June 2015

Silence and respect as the district remembers VE Day The scene in the Market Place, Blandford, where veterans gathered with civic dignitaries to remember VE Day.

Former parish councillor Bernard Trowbridge and parish council chairman Mike Burt with the air raid siren and guests at the Okeford Fitzpaine tea party.

RESIDENTS of Castleman House who remembered Victory in Europe celebrations in 1945 were among those celebrating its 70th anniversary in the Market Place on 8th May. They joined the Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings, town councillors, representatives from Blandford Camp and members of the public for an act of remembrance and two minutes' silence, which was followed by a broadcast recording of Winston Churchill's 'This is Your Victory' speech.

There was a peal of bells from the parish church in the evening, and the Town Hall and Shambles were illuminated, remembering the lights being turned on throughout the country on VE Day. At the Grange care home in Milldown Road, residents and guests gathered for a celebration, including cello music from David Norton, accompanied by Judy Woodward on piano.

Guests included Blandford residents who were evacuated from Guernsey, who were also celebrating the liberation of the Channel Islands.

Shroton marked the anniversary on 9th May with a sale of plants, garden produce and preserves in the village hall in the morning, followed by the annual Hambledon Hill Run in the afternoon.

The bells of St Mary's Church, for whose restoration funds were raised at the sale, rang out to mark the historic date.

In Okeford Fitzpaine, a two-day exhibition of village memorabilia and history was staged in the village hall, alongside items from the war years, and a tea party was hosted on Sunday afternoon for senior citizens. Among the

Geordie Thomson, who played the Last Post and Reveille in Blandford Market Place. items on display was the siren, property of Okeford Fitzpaine parish council, used to alert the neighbourhood to an air raid 70 years ago, and sounded several times over the weekend to summon people to the village hall. * The concert at the Grange was the first in a series designed to integrate the home with the community, and will be followed on 17th June by a performance by Jubilate. Tickets are now on sale, supporting the Cupola Project.

Backing for London bus THERE has been strong support for the restoration of a coach service to London and back from Blandford following publicity of the last DT11 Transport Action Group meeting.

Since an article appeared in Forum Focus, the DT11 office has received more than 50 telephone calls and emails from local people keen to see it restored.

A register is being kept with contact details of all those who have been in touch so they can be informed of progress.

Anyone else interested in getting a service restored should call 01258 489998 or email julie@dt11forum.org.uk.

15

June 2015

Chairman of trustees Colin Stevens, Howdens Joinery depot manager Andy King, and manager Sharon Kevern, with staff and children at the Blandford Opportunity Group.

Cash windfalls for pre-school groups PRE-Schools in Blandford have received a boost from the Forum Focus team, who agreed at the end of its 2014/2015 financial year to share more than £500 with each of the committee-run groups in its area.

Cheques for £50 each were sent to all 11 groups, and received with thanks by the organisers.

A spokesman for Panda PreSchool said: "We will use the donation to buy new toys for our garden."

Jane Scott, manager at The Ark in Child Okeford, said: "We will put the money towards the purchase of books or other reading, writing or art materials."

Tracey Caffey, chair of Larksmead Pre-School, said: "Every little helps and the donation is really appreciated."

The Blandford Opportunity Group pre-school for special needs children has received a further boost from Howdens Joinery on Blandford Heights trading estate, whose staff invited customers to make a £1 donation to enter into a prize draw.

Area manager Andy King said: "As a company Howdens is always looking to support local good causes and I thought it a good idea to involve our customers. We promised to match their donations. In total our customers donated £215 and we donated £300 as a company."

Staff at the Damory Garage in Salisbury Road, Blandford, chose the Panda Pre-School on

Milldown Road as the recipients of fund-raising through the Nisa Retail Group 'Make a Difference Locally' campaign in which goods sold in their store attracted a donation from their producers and manufacturers.

A cheque for £300 was presented to the pre-school by Owen Hughes and his son Ian, a former pupil at Panda, along with his sister Bronwen. Mr Hughes said: "Some of our staff have children here as well."

The donation was gratefully received on behalf of the preschool by Tiffany Hedditch, a former Sturminster Newton High School pupil who is studying for an early years education degree at Bath Spa University and helping at Panda as part of her course.

Ian and Owen Hughes with pre-school helper Tiffany Hedditch and Panda preschool members and the cheque for £300 raised through the Damory Garage Make a Difference Locally campaign.

A MARKED increase in vandalism at the public toilets in Blandford was reported to town councillors at their April meeting of the Town Council. The manual lock on the disabled unit at the Marsh and Ham had been destroyed three times in a fortnight, and the electronic mechanism at Unit 2 and service door damaged. The damaged door at the Tabernacle may require replacement.

16

June 2015

In October last year we featured a story about local university graduate Lucy Merchant, 23, who was fundraising for Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), a non-governmental organisation that sends skilled volunteers around the world to combat poverty. In November Lucy travelled to Cambodia for three months to take part in the government-funded International Citizenship Service (ICS), facilitated by VSO. Having returned from her trip, she wants to spread the word about what she accomplished on the programme, and on the benefits of volunteering both abroad and at home.

Voluntary work where everyone is a winner ICS is a programme designed to send youth overseas to volunteer and contribute to the fight against global poverty, but also to learn about cross-cultural exchange and global values.

To this end, in Cambodia our team of 12 UK volunteers from all walks of life worked alongside local Khmer counterparts. I was assigned to a local organisation that works with women's rights, and our team set up workshops on accessing employment and ran courses in English language and basic computer skills.

These were attended by women from the Women's Development Centre in Stung Treng, the rural province where we were based, and one of the least developed areas of the country.

We also organised and ran community events, such as renovating the school in our host community. The biggest of these was a United Nations '16 Day Campaign' event, raising awareness of domestic violence, to which our organising committee invited guest speakers and university students.

I really recommend the ICS programme to any school-leavers, those considering a gap year, or graduates. You just need to be aged

18 to 25 (if you're aged between 23 and 25 and have relevant experience you can apply to be a team leader).

As well as an unforgettable experience abroad, living in a host family, you will contribute to an ongoing and sustainable development project overseen by local NGOs and VSO. On returning to the UK you will also complete an 'Action at Home', and this chance to get involved in volunteering in your local community is equally as rewarding.

I'm grateful to everyone who helped me in my fundraising efforts to be able to take part in the ICS programme, and I hope I can encourage some others to take up the opportunity it's at no cost to you, so why not?

Lucy with pupils of a school in the host community at a community action day, making a mural using handprints as tree leaves.

More information about VSO can be found at vso.org.uk, and about the ICS programme at volunteerics.org.

A SECOND book launch and signing event is being organised by the Corn Exchange Challenge group.

On Sunday 28th June at 4.30pm they will be joined by Sarah Winman (pictured left) with her novel 'A Year of Marvellous Ways'.

Following on the success of the event in April featuring Fay Weldon, it will again be hosted by Beatons Tearooms in Blandford Market Place.

The novel is the second by Sarah, and follows the debut 'When God Was a Rabbit', a tale of growing up in the 1970s which catapulted her to literary stardom.

'A Year of Marvellous Ways' is set in Cornwall in 1947, the story of the unlikely friendship between a 90-year-old woman and a young soldier.

School reunion planned A REUNION for students of the Blandford School who left in 1976 to 1978 is being organised for 17th October and will feature a live soul singer and 70s disco, starting 7pm.

Entrance will be by ticket only, costing ÂŁ10 to include a buffet, and a bar will be available.

They are available from Steph (Chimes) Sheppard on 01258 450342 or from Karen (Thorne) Lalor on 01258 459252.

17

June 2015

Council waits on Corn Exchange grant verdict BLANDFORD Town Council will learn at the end of July whether its Stage 1 grant application, submitted in April to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Corn Exchange Regeneration Project, has been successful.

The initial application is for funding support to work up the proposals to a greater level of detail so that they can be fully costed.

The council's fundraising consultant has warned that the majority of Stage 1 HLF bids are initially unsuccessful due to the volume of applicants competing for the funds.

But his overall assessment was that it stood a chance, especially as planning and listed building consent for the restoration and its 'Friends' group - the Corn Exchange Challenge - are already in place.

In the event that the first application is unsuccessful, HLF will provide detailed feedback to assist the council to re-apply.

Current cost projections for the works are about £5m net of VAT and the council has to date £1.1m secured in cash match funding but will continue to have to save towards the project and seek other sources of external funding from other grant providers, legacies and donations to make up the difference.

The council's project officer Nicky

Ginn said: "It is hoped that HLF will be the principal funder at £3.5m. This includes funding the management and maintenance elements of running the buildings for the first five years after the building reopens, and the costs for the re-landscaping of the Church Lane car park after the new ground source heat pumps have been installed. These funds will be applied for as part of HLF's Stage 2 process."

While the council is awaiting the HLF decision it will be tendering out some specialist conservation works to the façade of the Town Hall which will include restoring the carved wooden and plaster frieze on the cornice. "The council hopes to carry out these repairs this year," said Mrs Ginn.

"It is also investigating the possibility of installing wi-fi access at a cost of around £2,000, but before it makes a final decision has asked that more detailed information of demand for both the Corn Exchange and other councilowned venues is sought."

It has agreed to purchase a new leaflets carousel to better display information inside the building and enable visitors to find out how to become a 'friend'. It will also be replacing the broken external notice boards so that events in the buildings can be advertised.

THERE was more fundraising for earthquake victims in Nepal at the Royal British Legion in Church Lane on Sunday 31st May, when a Nepalese curry lunch was served and there was farmily entertainment between midday and 9pm.

Barrie Cooper with Read Easy chairman Ann Fookes and students, John and Dave.

Cash for readers’ group READ Easy Blandford volunteer reading coaches and learners were thanked and congratulated at a meeting at which local county councillor Barrie Cooper presented an award of £1,000 towards their work.

He has been allocated £5,000 by Dorset County Council to spend on the project of his choice, and selected the group which helps adults to learn to read as one of the beneficiaries.

He will also be awarding £700 to the Blandford Opportunity Group, and £2,300 to the purchase and installation of a second defibrillator for the town, the first now being available on the wall of the Masonic Lodge in West Street.

At the Read Easy presentation, certificates were presented to Kelly, Emily Jane, John and David in recognition of their reading progress, and thanks expressed to their coaches Ken, Carol, Ros and Lyn.

18

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

June 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.

Lament for our ‘lost’ country I SIT here at my computer and reflect on how things have changed in my lifetime. Today is the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2.

To my knowledge there has been nothing done locally to have street parties, etc, to celebrate. I watch the television and see many things happening that also make the day a day to remember.

A few months ago Scotland voted to say whether they wanted to govern themselves and came really close to doing so.

In the election, with the unprecedented swing to the SNP and the power that they will have in Westminster, I believe they will govern themselves.

Going back to WW2, thousands of people died and were maimed for life to make it possible for us to govern ourselves.

The Prime Minister used a phrase, on his speech outside Number 10 after visiting the Queen, that we don't hear now but was very prominent when I was younger: GREAT BRITAIN. We were GREAT BRITAIN when we won the war to govern ourselves.

We are promised a referendum to come out of Europe so that we can govern ourselves again.

Will it ever happen so that we can govern ourselves, and if we do vote can we implement it? I don't think so, on both counts.

I would like to apologise to my children and grandchildren and all future generations that it was my generation that allowed this country to be lost to Europe and the uncontrolled influx of immigrants.

God Save the Queen. With the Commonwealth gone and no country left, what does Her Majesty, and the future Royal family, rule over?

Colin Young, Damory Street, Blandford.

My pledge to you THROUGH your letters page, I would like to thank all the people of the new Central ward in Blandford Forum for taking the time to fill out their voting slips and posting them, or going to the polling stations on May 7th in person, and casting their precious vote for me.

In return I will represent them to the best of my ability. I can't promise to 'sort' everything out - but I'll have a darn good go!

My commitment is to you all - whether you voted for me or not, get in touch if you need help.

Cllr Esme Butler, North Dorset District Council Central Ward member

Come dine with us AGE Concern is a great organisation and in Sturminster Newton, it has a brilliant lunch club, run every Thursday 12pm to 1.30pm.

The chef is brilliant, portion sizes are good. All the food is cooked fresh and is of the highest quality. The volunteer helpers are friendly, helpful and a very good bunch of people.

BUT we could do with some more diners. So if you want a good substantial two-course meal for £6 give it a try. We would love to see you at the Age Concern Thursday Lunch Club at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, or call 01258 475582 and speak to Charlotte.

Susan McCahy, Age Concern North Dorset.

June 2015

LETTERS

19

We must all pull together to restore the pride in our town I HAVE grown up living in Blandford and am now raising my young family here too.

But I have to say that we, and the others we speak to, really do believe that unless something happens soon and changes are made, the town is going to fall into disrepair.

I regularly pick litter, sweep the streets around my estate and lend a hand to others, but the town centre looks tatty, almost every shop front dirty, the pavements a mixture of broken slabs, stains from last weekend, litter and dogs muck.

Instead of thriving trade most window fronts are now becoming carer recruitment adverts, if they are not already a fast food joint.

We can find a bargain in a charity shop and give some money to a good cause but do we really need so many? Is there anything I can do to stop the prime location that was Argos from turning into a charity shop?

No, and that's why we need councillors and others with the talent and brawn to attract something useful.

Why don't we have a Chamber of Commerce?

People were quick to say an Asda would ruin the town centre trade, but there is nowhere to find cheap essentials, kids' clothes, blokes' clothes, any clothes or anything you actually need.

Chain stores aren't always good (we have three Boots stores within 100 metres) but if they do come to town at least they will encourage people to come here and spend.

Having just spent another

Sunday wandering around with nothing open except Costa and Subway, I find myself asking do these shops want to succeed? All our very nice, fun, local talented cafés are closed.

We have a wonderful Georgian market place that could be so much more than just a parking area. Why not spend the money on turning the Corn Exchange into a thriving cafe/bistro with events and areas to sit outside and watch the town grow?

And let's have some pride, clean our shop fronts, tidy our town, put some pressure on the council to actually do something for the money we pay them, month in, month out.

Let's continue the stunning natural beauty we have around the river and Stour Park (a job done well) and spread it through our potentially brilliant and onceloved town centre. Come on Blandford!

Name & address supplied.

Thanks to so many COULD I thank everyone who took part in the Hamdinger - Blandford's Riverside Festival on the 4th May, including all the performers, acts and groups (unfortunately the band from camp 'All on Trial' was unable to close the event due to the rain).

Thanks also to the compère, marshals and helpers, the Blandford mini rugby who ran the children games, stallholders, the Gurkhas who performed their traditional dances and sold their national dishes, the dog show organisers, flotilla judge, the set-up and take-down crew, and to Clean Up Blandford, who litter-picked before the event and throughout, Mr Cole of Coles Fairs for providing the stage and St John Ambulance for first-aid cover.

And an even bigger THANK YOU to all the cake makers who kindly baked and donated their cakes for everybody's enjoyment. Donations on the day totalled £412.16 which will go towards future events.

Esme Butler, Chairman, Blandford Events Group FUNDRAISING and donations for the Nepal earthquake appeal in the Blandford area over the May Day bank holiday weekend totalled more than £4,200.

Rotarians collecting in the town raised £1,500, a hastily arranged sale at Tarrant Keyneston village hall with stalls and refreshments raised £967, and Gurkha soldiers from Blandford Camp taking part in the Hamdinger on the Marsh and Ham raised an astonishing £1,800.

Madeleine Hemsley of the Blandford Oxfam

Democracy the winner THURSDAY 7th May saw a terrific election result in the country and in North Dorset. Our Conservative policies are going to continue under a majority Conservative Government.

A fairer deal for our county and increased investment and jobs are very much part of my local agenda. With the Conservative party retaining control of both North and East Dorset District Councils, residents can rest assured we will be working as a united team to get things done.

I want to thank all of those across the constituency who voted for me in such large numbers. That confidence and level of support will only act as a further impetus to serve the whole of North Dorset to the very best of my abilities. I also wish to thank my fellow candidates: we all argued our case with conviction and integrity. Truly, democracy at work.

I want to be accessible to the communities I serve from the start. We will be publishing a list of surgeries to start dealing with issues of concern to local people.

Please refer to ndca.org.uk for full details or email me at Simon.hoare.mp@parliament.uk.

Simon Hoare MP House of Commons, London.

group which organised the Tarrant Keyneston event said: "It shows how generous people in this area are."

Nic Nicol of the Rotary Club of Blandford said: "A big thank you to the people of Blandford for their generosity in donating to Blandford Stour and Blandford Rotary's Nepal Crisis Appeal. Rotary will use its close contacts with the Nepal Trust and in-country Rotarians to ensure that money is directed to where it is most needed, avoiding government and bureaucracy."

20

June 2015

Gallipoli Campaign took a heavy toll on the Allied troops Blandford’s lost son DESPITE the heavy casualties in Gallipoli in June 1915, only one came from the Blandford area.

Herbert Frank Churchill was killed on 24th June, aged 23, and is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery at Helles. He served in the Royal Marine Light Infantry Portsmouth Battalion Royal Naval Division, and in 1911 was listed as a carter living at Farrington in Iwerne Courtney.

He had been born in Swanage, the son of a dairyman Thomas James Churchill and his wife Ellen, and was the second of their nine children. His service record shows his next of kin as his father living at Langton, and he is remembered on the Langton Long WWI memorial.

Private Thomas George Hatcher is remembered on the memorial in the village of his birth, Child Okeford, and on the Ypres Memorial. He served with the 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards, and was killed in action in Belgium on 2nd June. He was the only son among five daughters of James Hatcher of Shroton who had died in 1897 and Blanche Shephard, who had in 1911 been remarried to William E Haine.

Roseveare questions THIS picture (right) was given by Jack Lauder to his grandson Donald Macdonald of Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, and shows a Private Roseveare of Shillingstone.

Mr Lauder was invalided out of Gallipoli in 1915 and sent to Gains Cross, Shillingstone, to do farm work for the Roseveare family as part of his recuperation.

Mr Macdonald searched the Commonwealth War Grave Commission website and could not trace a Private Roseveare, so believed he may have survived the war and may have relatives still living in the area.

At the time of the 90th anniversary of the end of World War One he tried to track down relatives so that he could give them the original photographs in his possession, which included photos of two women who he believed were Private Roseveare's sisters, Doris and Vera, and find out more about the time his grandfather spent at their farm.

If anyone has any information about them, we would be happy to pass on his contact details.

THE third battle of Krithia on 4th Turks gathered more and more June 1915, when 1,400 were killed troops on the peninsula from both and at least 15,000 injured in the the Palestine and Caucasus fronts. space of an hour, has been rememThe first and second battles of bered annually at the Collingwood Krithia on April 28th and May 2nd Memorial at the Salisbury Road claimed over 9,000 Allied casualties, entrance to Blandford Camp, but it and in May 1915, Admiral Fisher was only a tiny part of the Gallipoli resigned over the mishandling of the Campaign of 1915-1916. invasion by Churchill, who was later The Ottoman Empire had entered to resign his own position and accept World War One on the side of a commission to command an Germany and Austria-Hungary by infantry battalion in France.

November 1914, and early in 1915, The third battle of Krithia was folRussia's Grand Duke Nicholas asked lowed by the battle of Gully Ravine Britain for help in confronting a on 28th June which claimed another Turkish invasion in the Caucasus.

4,000. The Allies made another Despite strong opposition from the major troop landing with heavy head of the British Navy, First Sea casualties on August 6th and 7th at Lord, Admiral John Fisher, the naval Suvla Bay, but Ottoman reinforceattack on the Dardanelles Straits, ments arrived to shore up their spearheaded by the First Lord of the defences and there were another Admiralty, Winston Churchill, began 5,300 casualties at the battle of with a long-range bombardment by Scimitar Hill on 21st August.

British and French battleships on With casualties mounting, Hamilton February 19th, 1915 which was sought reinforcements, but by midresisted by heavy Turkish fire.

October, Allied forces had still made On March 18th, 18 Allied battleships little headway from their initial landentered the straits, but three were ing sites. Hamilton was recalled and sunk and three others severely damreplaced by Sir Charles Monro, who aged. recommended the evacuation of the remaining 105,000 Allied troops Preparations began for large-scale which began in December and was troop landings, and War Secretary completed the following month.

Lord Kitchener appointed General Ian Hamilton as commander of British forces for the operation. Troops from Australia, New Zealand and the French colonies assembled with British forces on the Greek island of Lemnos.

The Allies launched their invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25th and, despite suffering heavy casualties, managed to establish beachheads at Helles in the south and at Gaba Tepe on the Aegean coast which later became known as Anzac Cove in recognition of the valiant fighting of the Australian and New Officers of the RND. Second from the right is Zealand troops.

Collingwood Battalion commander Lieut-Com But they could make Wallace Moir Annand, who was slain along with little progress and the 600 officers and men at Gallipoli.

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 01258 459346, emailing editor@forumfocus.co.uk or writing to 18 Tudor Gardens, Blandford DT11 7PL. Forum Focus would like to thank the Blandford 14-18 Group for their help in researching this material.

21

June 2015

Museum’s tribute THE impact of the Gallipoli Campaign in World War One is the focus of an exhibition opened in the Blandford Town Museum by Col David Rose.

'Blandford's contribution to Gallipoli' has been compiled by assistant curator Michael Le Bas and members of the museum's archiving team, and tells of the battalions of the Royal Naval Division, in particular the Collingwood Battalion, and how they fared from initial training at Blandford Camp to the final disastrous encounter at Gallipoli.

The 100th anniversary Collingwood Memorial Parade will take place at Blandford Camp on Friday 5th June, and the Blandford 14-18 group will be staging a Gallipoli Weekend which will display further detail of the campaign in the Corn Exchange from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June.

The following Sunday, 21st June, the choir of Clare College Cambridge will be joined by Blandford school choirs for a memorial concert in the parish church.

THE Easter term at Knighton House School ended on a high with years 3, 4, 5 and 6 putting on a marvellous performance of Malcom Sircom's Olivia! Set in Victorian times, the musical traces the steps of Olivia, from downtrodden orphan to star of the stage. All the girls played several parts, performing great musical numbers, as groups and solos, managing numerous costume changes, adopting Cockney accents, perfect comic timing while entertaining full audiences.

At the opening of the Gallipoli exhibition in the Blandford Museum (from left): Col David Rose, deputy and assistant curators Carolyn Martyn and Michael Le Bas, and Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings.

22

FARMING

The View from the Hill

by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk NLY three cows remain to calve as I write on May 10th. The rest were let out a couple of weeks ago, always an exciting day as they so love getting back on to real grass after six months of silage and straw.

Two young and fit shearers arrived one Monday morning, and by lunchtime had sheared our 230 sheep. The wool will bring in just about enough to pay the shearers. It seems a tragedy that such a versatile fibre as wool is valued so poorly.

Lambing brings its usual issues, and one ewe who had lost her lambs was given one who had lost his mum and another from triplets whose mum did not have enough milk. After a couple of days indoors, the happy new family emerged and are now back on grass.

A couple of lambs being bottle fed may end up twinned on if lucky, or else they will become pampered pets.

The winter barley is coming into ear. We are at the beautiful paintbrush stage where the awns are just peeping out and whole fields sway gently in the breeze.

The wheat is coming on well, and the dry April has meant low disease pressure, although the spray programme is largely unchanged, because anything can happen with the weather over the next two months, and more rain means more disease.

O

The bluebells are beautiful in the woods and hedgerows, and are spreading into various fields which are not grazed too early in the season, favouring shady spots such as under this lovely old copper beech in one of the woods.

The wool from our 230 sheep will bring in just about enough to pay the shearers.

Oilseed rape nearing the end of flowering was photographed by our friend Greg Tapper (Dronepictures.co.uk) who spent a couple of hours with a drone carrying a camera filming the sprayer at work applying fungicide to keep Sclerotinia disease at bay in a field of flowering rape on Shillingstone Hill.

Jim Bettle and his Dorset Charcoal team restarted charcoal burning in Foxwarren woods a few weeks ago, creating more lovely renewable charcoal for local barbecues, pyrotechnics, pharmaceuticals, feed supplements and a surprising range of other products.

The trees he uses are mainly turkey oak, a non-native species which some consider a weed,

A captivating lunchtime trip BUS2Go made a ground-breaking trip in April to the Jailhouse Cafe at the Verne, when they had 54 passengers and four buses all heading to Portland for lunch.

Founder Margo Kirk said: "Head chef Adrian was totally unfazed by such a large group, as were his trustees, and the young gentlemen serving the food freshly prepared and cooked that morning were efficient and very helpful, especially with our less able passengers."

She added: "The committee at Bus2Go would like to thank all our passengers for their continued support. We are attracting attention from other counties, who are keen to set up similar projects."

Outings for July are to Swanage Railway, Hengistbury Head/Christchurch/Stewarts Garden Centre and the Donkey Sanctuary.

many of which blew down in storms. Read about Jim's charcoal at dorsetcharcoal.co.uk.

On a more sobering note in the

June 2015 cattle department, TB has struck us again. A test at the end of February uncovered three inconclusive reactors, two of which reacted fully after 60 days of isolation - in effect a death sentence. The unfortunate animals will be taken for slaughtering and we are now shut down until the whole herd passes two successive tests at 60-day intervals.

New cattle are rarely brought onto the farm and are always tested before arrival, so our animals can only have been infected by local wildlife. We have many badger setts on our farm, and many of their latrines in the fields. I have no desire to remove healthy badgers, only sick ones.

There is no sign of a cattle vaccine offering hope of control for at least 10 years, and even with vaccination the problem would still need controlling in wildlife.

Thirty years ago we had hardly any TB in the UK, and a thriving and healthy badger population, because of a targeted and diligent control programme for infected setts and cattle.

The badger cull, which so far has been trialled in Somerset and Gloucestershire, is the only chance we have to try and rid our countryside of this dreadful disease.

For more detail on this story, and an opportunity to comment, see viewfromthehill.org.uk.

Charcoal burning in Foxwarren woods began a few weeks ago.

Remembering Graham Moreland-Smith GRAHAM Moreland-Smith worked as a McTimoney chiropractor at the Complementary Clinic in The Plocks, Blandford, for a number of years.

He left when he decided to travel the world and set off via Europe in 2011. Sadly, he died suddenly as a result of head injuries in March 2014, while setting up a new health project in India.

His friends, family, colleagues and patients have donated towards the planting of a dozen sapling trees (oak, field maple and crab apple) and installation of a bench and chair at Angus Wood, St Leonards Avenue, Blandford, where there will be a small gathering in recognition on Sunday 14th June at midday.

Please contact Clare Tavernor on 01258 450639 to know more and/or attend.

June 2015

OBITUARIES

Charity stalwart and Age Concern branch co-founder DOUG MOORE THE funeral service was held at Poole Crematorium on 7th May for Doug Moore (pictured right), the co-founder of Age Concern in Blandford and a volunteer with a number of local charities, who died on 23rd April in Dorset County Hospital.

Doug and his wife Edna met in Ilford, Essex, where both were brought up, and came to Blandford in the early 1990s to live closer to their daughter Cheryl Arnold and family in Okeford Fitzpaine.

They had previously run a newsagents business. Doug had a background of working for the Daily Express and Edna in secretarial and administrative roles.

They became involved with the Age Concern shop, offering information and advice from the Bastard Room above the shop in East Street.

In 1999, they became founder officers with Carole Bunnagar, who still manages the charity, of the Blandford branch of Age Concern. A survey of a large number of older people had demonstrated more services were needed, and an inaugural meeting was attended by 60 people.

The advice session above the shop was extended to include a Wednesday morning session in the Woodhouse Gardens, which continues today as the Age Concern Pop-In, and the branch office was opened in Nightingale Court.

Doug has always been at his wife's side during her various voluntary roles, as secretary and then chairman of the Cavalcade of Costume management committee, secretary of the Blandford Townswomen's Guild, and most recently the founder of the Blandford branch of the Macular Society.

Donations were accepted at the funeral for the charity which helps those affected by age-related macular degeneration and sight loss.

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He is survived by his wife, children Robin, Andrew and Cheryl, and their children and grandchildren.

Former town newsagent A FUNERAL service was held at Poole Crematorium on 11th May for former Blandford newsagent and tobacconist Conio Russell Jeans (right), who died on 23rd April.

Mr Jeans and his wife Sue retired from their shop in the Market Place in September 2013, one day before his 70th birthday.

In 1977 he had succeeded his father in the premises which he had previously run since 1938 as a greengrocer's.

During the war it became a sweet shop, and newspapers were introduced in the 1980s.

Mr Jeans is survived by his wife, daughters Kim and Karren, and five grandchildren.

Donations were received at the funeral service for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

FRANK & HELENE CHIMES

Couple died just four weeks apart A WELL-KNOWN Blandford couple both died within the space of four weeks.

Frank Reginald Chimes died on 30th March and Helene Dorothy Chimes on 28th April, just a week after her husband's funeral.

They had married on 11th February 1956 by special licence because Mr Chimes, who served with REME, had a posting.

They had lived in Damory Street for 54 years, settling in Blandford following his military service at Blandford Camp.

Mr Chimes later worked for many years for Flight Refuelling and his wife as a legal secretary for the local police and solicitor.

They were regular supporters of bingo sessions at the Liberal Hall in Damory Street, and in later years lunched at the Greyhound every Thursday and Saturday.

Both died in hospital, Mr Chimes aged 85, and his wife aged 87.

They leave a son, Leith, daughters Georgina and Stephanie, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

23

CONIO JEANS

24

SCHOOLS

June 2015

Above left: Potato power at Downlands Primary. Above: Getting stuck in to a Science Week experiment.

The appliance of science A FANTASTIC Science Week at Downlands Primary School on Blandford Camp was organised

by Helen Twist with the assistance of her old science teacher Paul Rigby from St Mary's School, Shaftesbury.

He led a Science Assembly which inspired the pupils to come up with some innovative experiments which they proudly displayed at a fair, to which all

pupils and parents were invited.

Prizes were awarded for the most researched, best presented and most creative project.

The experiments included volcanoes, home-made toothpaste, potato power, a steam sound generator, electric circuits, a paper aeroplane launcher, floating eggs, home-made bath bombs and dyed flowers.

They all had a great deal of fun and learned so much that they hope to hold another Science Fair in the future.

AS the culmination of their study of invaders and settlers, the Knighton House Years 3 and 4 visited the Cranborne Ancient Technology Centre, where the girls were transported back to the time of the Anglo Saxons and Vikings.

They explored the ancient buildings, learnt about life in an earth house, and then took part in a range of ancient technologies.

They gathered stinging nettles and silver birch bark to dye fabric, helped prepare and fillet mackerel, ground wheat by hand on quern stones to make flour and tasty honey bread on the open fire.

They used a traditional pole lathe, got rather soggy turning the water wheel, and finally learnt to weave and make natural soap from the soapwort plant.

SCHOOLS

June 2015

25

A triumphant trip to Paris for girls’ netball teams UNDER-16 and Under-14 netball squads from The Blandford School returned victorious from a trip to Paris during the Easter holidays for an international netball tournament.

On the first day they took part in a seeding tournament against other UK schools and both finished in second place.

Next they were given expert coaching by England coaches and ex-players. Karen Greig, attacking coach for England Netball, did a very informative session on shooting and provided the girls with the most recent developments in this area of play.

On the final day both teams went

Artistic expression KNIGHTON House School art department presented an exhibition of artworks by the pupils of years 5, 6 and 7 at the Guggleton Farm Arts Project, Stalbridge, over the May Day bank holiday weekend.

The work in 'Ink, paper, wire' was inspired by the human figure and natural forms culminating in wire sculptures, ink drawings and mixed media collages, produced through a series of experimental and observational drawing techniques.

into a knockout competition where they needed to win every game to progress to the final.

The Under-14s won 15-7 against La Chataigneraie school from Switzerland to progress to the semi-finals and meet Kenilworth A team, winning after extra time by 21-19. This put them into the final against King Edward VI School. It was difficult for them to lift themselves after the hardfought semi-final and, despite a great effort, they finished runners-up in the shield competition.

The Under-16 team played Woodmill High School from Edinburgh in the quarter-finals, winning 23-10 to meet Staffordshire County Champions the Blessed William Howard School in the semi-final. Despite battling hard they did not succeed and were put into the playoff for third place against Surrey County Champions, St Catherine's School and came out with a 22-11 victory.

The girls stayed in log cabins on the Davy Crockett ranch, and in the afternoons visited Disneyland and were able to experience the rides, parades and shops.

There were several very favourable comments about the behaviour and conduct of the girls both on court and around the Disneyland site. Karen Peaty and Mr Johnson were thanked for supporting and making the trip possible.

The Blandford School netball squads at Disneyland, Paris.

A glowing report for Milton Abbey School MILTON Abbey School is celebrating an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report which found the school highly successful in reaching its aim to enable each pupil to achieve their academic potential.

The contribution of teaching throughout the co-educational boarding and day school for 13 to 18 year-olds was deemed 'excellent'.

The report praised the pupils' attitudes to their work, highlighted the supportive house communities in which they live, and also rated the relationships between staff and pupils, and between pupils, as 'excellent'.

It praised 'carefully structured

and broad curriculum', the school's sport provision, facilities and extra-curricular programme, together with the high-level pastoral care.

Milton Abbey's Headmaster, Magnus Bashaarat, said: "We are particularly pleased that the team of six inspectors recognised and celebrated the unique offer of a Milton Abbey education, that of a small school in a stunning countryside location where the quality of teaching and pastoral care are, in their words, 'excellent', enabling each pupil to fulfil their own potential."

26

SPORT

June 2015

United campaign ends with accolades galore BLANDFORD United held its first-team end-of-season dinner and presentations at the Masonic Hall in West Street when awards were announced by their coach and manager Bradley Asagba, who only joined them last autumn.

Chairman David Fraser said: "It's been a good effort by them to finish where we have after a difficult start to the season, but the Royals represent the town with passion, pride and commitment, and have earned the respect of other clubs for the way we have played."

Top award of the evening went to joint players' players-of-the-year Alex Dickinson and Robert Manson, to supporters' player-ofthe-year Daniel Vater, and to the manager's player-of-the-year Thomas Oliver, who was also young player of the year.

Best newcomer was Ashley Ayley, the chairman's award went to Saul Boulton, and first-team top goalscorer was Mark Ford.

Joint reserve team top goalscorers were Craig Haim and Elliot Manson, and reserve team manager's player-of-the-year was Oliver Maris.

Stuart McColl and Joan Robson, winners of the Buck Trophy, pictured with Club Captain Neil Pike and Ladies' Captain Pauline Anderson.

Era ends but new golf season starts brightly THE end of an era came to Ashley Wood Golf Club when Ashley Hunt retired, bringing to a close a family connection going back to 1929.

His father started there as a 14-year-old assistant greenkeeper, and the family has contributed enormously to the club.

The new golfing season has already provided some great competition for the club's seniors and ladies.

Their first event, a Texas Scramble on an overcast but fine day, was won by Stella Briggs, Pauline Anderson, Cliff Kitteringham and George Finney.

The Seniors' first home match of the season entertained the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, resulting in an extremely encouraging win by 4 points to 2. The biggest win by 8 and 7 came from ex-Seniors' captain Des Maguire and his partner Bob Clark, including an eagle three on the par five first hole by Des. The traditional Easter Monday competition for the Keith Durbin Shield, named after a former club captain, was played in glorious weather and attracted a good field. The winners were Stuart McColl with his partner Georgina Wrixon.

Bank Holiday Monday saw mixed pairs fighting for the honour of winning the Buck Trophy, an annual competition in which each member has to score on nine holes of the 18.

The winning pair were Stuart McColl and Joan Robson with a nett score of 64, and second were Terry Everett and Joan Bartlett with a nett score of 67.

Blandford United first team presentation night. Back row: Pete Bailey, director of football Frank Webber, chairman David Fraser, manager Bradley Asagba; Middle row: Elliot Manson, Ashley Ayley, Saul Boulton, Mark Ford, Craig Haim; Front row: Alex Dickinson, Robert Manson, Daniel Vater, Oliver Maris and Thomas Oliver.

A TEAM of girls from the Blandford Flyers swimming club entered the Swimathon event at Blandford Leisure Centre, raising money for the Marie Curie charity.

They did themselves proud and swam 5km between them in just under two hours to raise well over ÂŁ300.

Left to right are Ellen Spicer (10), Lucy Bain (10), Millie Creffield (9), Emily Keep (8) and Connie Wharton (9).

SPORT

June 2015

27

Rugby teams on tour BLANDFORD RFC Mini and Youth section took three teams of players on tour, the first of its kind within the mini and youth section for many years.

Players aged between four and 12 stayed at Millfield School, where they enjoyed the facilities and took part in a treasure hunt. The following morning they set off in the direction of home, stopping to play matches against Castle Cary RFC on the way.

Above: A different sort of game for the Blandford RFC Minis.

Right: Some of the Blandford RFC Youth players who went on tour to Millfield School.

Doddlers’ delight at marathon efforts

Soul students with instructor Karen Mayne.

Kicking on for charity LOCAL Martial Arts group Soul Kickboxing have raised over ÂŁ5,000 for the Blandford-based children and young people cancer charity, Teddy20 over the last two years.

Despite an organisational reshuffle last year, Soul Kickboxing have come out fighting by running, biking and kickboxing for sponsorship, with instructor Karen Mayne taking the ice bucket challenge.

This September the group will be attempting a 31-mile bike ride in the New Forest, and Karen, who is organising the event, said "They will be expected to do 22 miles with an hour kickboxing class before cycling the nine miles back to the start. It's supposed to be a challenge!"

Soul Kickboxing consists of students from 4 to 54+ years, with classes in Gillingham, Shaftsbury, Sturminster Newton, Blandford, Ferndown, Wimborne and Dorchester.

Karen said "I'm very proud of what we have achieved and proud of my students for taking up the 2015 challenge for such a good cause."

MEMBERS of the Dorset Doddlers have completed their spring marathons, after spending the cold, wet, windy and dark winter months training.

All their hard work was rewarded with some smashing times, some much-needed money being raised for local and national charities and some members even gaining new personal best times over the 26.2mile distance.

The month started with two Dorset Doddlers finishing the Greater Manchester Marathon, one completing the Boston Marathon and 11 taking on the challenge of the London Marathon, with times ranging from 2 hours 59 minutes to 6 hours and 13 minutes.

The North Dorset Village Marathon on 3rd May was the

Doddlers who ran in the North Dorset Village Marathon.

chosen venue for nine more Doddlers to race the full distance and they did not disappoint along this local, hilly route. All nine finished with times ranging from 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes.

Four relay teams, consisting of another 16 members, also raced around the 26.2-mile route, with the men's relay team being placed second overall.

The Doddlers train every Thursday evening at the Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre at 7pm and meet on Tuesday evenings for a fun-filled cross-country session, followed by a bite to eat in a local pub. All abilities are very welcome, and more information can be found at dorsetdoddlers.org.

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June 2015

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events JUNE Every Sunday in June: Battle of the Bands, Greyhound Hotel, Blandford Monday 1st June: Blandford Floral Group, United Reformed Church Hall, 2.15pm, demonstration by Pamela Welch ‘A Girl's Best Friend’ Wednesday 3rd June: RDA bring & buy coffee morning, East Farm, Tarrant Monkton, 10.30am Thursday 4th June: Live screenings Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne and Exchange Sturminster Newton of centenary AGM of National Federation of Women's Institutes. Details 01305 261337 Blandford Town Home Watch, Blandford Police Station, 7pm Blandford Museum First Thursday meeting, guided visit to the Old House, 7.30pm Friday 5th June: Collingwood 100th anniversary Memorial Parade and Service, Blandford Camp Friday 5th to Sunday 14th June: Spetisbury Festival, see www.spetisbury.org.uk Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June: DT11 Health & Wellbeing and Sports Expo, Corn Exchange, Blandford Spetisbury Occasional Dramatic Society presents ‘The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of Macbeth’, village hall 7.30pm, tickets 01258 858964 Saturday 6th June: Open Garden for NGS, Cottage Row, Tarrant Gunville DT11 8JJ, 5 to 8pm Singer Simon Ellis presents Ghosts & Characters of the West, Portman Hall, Shillingstone, 8pm Sunday 7th June: Sponsored walk and cycle ride for the Blandford Opportunity Group, 10am from Station Court, sponsor forms from OffCamber, Salisbury Street, Blandford Blandford Hidden Gardens from 11am, tickets from Blandford Information Office Open Gardens and Cake-Off Day at Spetisbury Festival Open Gardens for Home-Start North Dorset, The Manor House, Blandford St Mary, 2 to 5pm Open Garden for NGS, Cottage Row, Tarrant Gunville DT11 8JJ, 2 to 5.30pm Open Farm, Down Barn, Tarrant Gunville Tuesday 9th June: Blood donor sessions, Crown Hotel, Blandford, 12.50 to-3.30pm and

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

Rowena Hughes and colour adviser Jackie Kettlewell with guests.

Ladies Day arrives in town A 'DORSET Style Council' was assembled in the Crown Hotel Sealy Suite to launch what is hoped to be an annual 'Ladies Day', giving the women of the town the opportunity of the type of expert advice and guidance offered before a red carpet event.

The idea was developed by Rowena Hughes, who has been running a business in Blandford since January, and who had learnt by experience of a similar event held annually in Italy.

With the support of Stour Rotary and several local businesses, she organised a charity event, inviting beauty and fashion consultants from across the county who offered visitors treatments, fashions, accessories and a little entertainment free of charge.

Proceeds were split between Help for Heroes, Macmillan Cancer Care and Blandford Area Youth.

4.30 to-7.15pm Friday 12th June: Blandford Farmers Market, 9am to 1pm, Market Place Race Night for RNLI, Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland, tickets 01258 857449 Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June: ‘From Blandford Camp to Gallipoli' - displays relating to the Royal Naval Division, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am to 3pm Saturday 13th June: Cats Protection coffee morning and stalls, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford 10am to 12:30 pm Bus2Go visit to Sammy Millers Motorbike Museum, Craft Centre and Petting Zoo, Barton-on-Sea, details 01258 837749 or bus2godorset.org Spetisbury Festival Country Day Open Gardens Milborne St Andrew from village hall 10.30am to 5pm. Proceeds to St Andrews Church and village play park equipment.

Tarrant Gunville village fete, details 830246 Sunday 14th June: Car boot sale for Pimperne PreSchool

Wednesday 17th June: Bus2Go visit to Lobster Pot, Portland, details 01258 837749 or bus2godorset.org Blandford Carers meet Durweston village hall 2 to 4pm, St John's carers' presentation Blandford & District Civic Society guided perimeter walk, meet Eagle House Gardens car park, 7pm, details 01258 459346 Jubilate Choir concert, wine and cheese for the Cupola Project, Blandford Grange, Milldown Road, 7pm, please pre-book Dorset Wildlife Trust Nightjar Walk, Arne RSPB Reserve, from Arne reserve car park 8pm Thursday 18th June: Blandford Art Society meets Pimperne Village Hall at 2pm, a practical session with Samantha Adams Details 03330 112174 Blandford Heart Forum, The Studio, Common Lane, (off East Street), Blandford, 2.45 pm Friday 19th to Sunday 21st June: Flower, Art and Photograph Festival, United Reformed Church, Salisbury Street. Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm, refreshments and stall for Julia's House Saturday 20th June: Afternoon Tea and Flowers with

floral art demonstration,Tarrant Gunville village hall, 3pm, tickets 01258 830433 Durweston Church Fete, 2.30pm Durweston House (opposite the church) 2.30pm Dorset Midsummer Music and Food Festival at the Three Churches Fete, Warren Farm, Bulbarrow Hill, 12 noon to late evening, see midsummermusic.co.uk Read Easy Blandford Garden Party 2.30-5pm, Shepherds Cottage,Whatcombe,W. Whitechurch DT11 0NZ, Details 01258 880215 Sunday 21st June: Blandford Stour Rotary Prostate Cancer Charity cycle ride, details twistedfish@hotmail.co.uk Blandford & District Lions: Great Blandford Bake Off, Blandford Bowls Club, 2pm. Details from: tonyandrosieives@yahoo.co.uk or 01258 451396 Gallipoli Music Memorial concert, Blandford Parish Church, Clare College Choir and Blandford Schools, 3pm Wednesday 24th June: Bus2Go visit to Wishing Well, Upwey, details 01258 837749 or bus2godorset.org Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, 2pm,'Tea at Ascot' hat competition Blandford & District Horticultural Society Grand Anniversary sweet pea and rose show, Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 7.30pm Thursday 25th June: Music at St Giles House with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Friday 26th June: Blandford & District U3A Open Meeting, 2pm at Durweston Village Hall, Cherry Barlow of the Hawk & Owl Trust, details 01258 455081 Last Friday social evening, Blandford Museum Garden, from 4.30pm Sunday 28th June: Stourpaine village fete, 12 noon to 5pm, recreation ground Book launch and signing with Sarah Winman, Beatons Tearooms, Market Place, Blandford, 4.30pm Monday 29th June: Blood donor sessions, Crown Hotel, Blandford, 12.50 to 3.30pm and 4.30 to-7.15pm CODA Youth Chamber Orchestra Kleinmachnow Concert, Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, 7.30pm, grounds open from 6pm, tickets 01747 811853