July 2015 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 40

A Princess pays tribute: Page 3

July 2015

M&S sparks a wave of delight Food Hall to open in Langton Road Co-op premises NEWS that a Marks & Spencer Food Hall is coming to Blandford has been widely welcomed in the town.

M&S have bought the Co-op premises in Langton Road, sparking a wave of delight throughout the community, who view it as a vote of confidence in Blandford's future.

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food said: "I can confirm the sale of our store in Blandford Forum to Marks and Spencer."

M&S confirmed the news. A spokesman said: "We are looking to bring an M&S Food Hall to Dorset. We look forward to bringing our outstanding quality, innovative food to the area and will confirm more details soon."

Neither business was able to confirm the closing or opening date, but it subsequently became common knowledge that the Coop store in the Langton car park would be closing on Saturday 4th July.

Ros Nelmes, of the Blandford Town Team, said: "It is what a lot of people in Blandford have been wanting for some time. This could encourage more shops to come to Blandford, possibly balancing things out a bit."

Kevin Morris, environment, community and commissioned services manager for North Dorset District Council, said: "It could prove the making of the town centre, particularly that end.

Fingers crossed that it comes to fruition."

Della Jones, trustee of Blandford TIC, added: "This is really an excellent opportunity to bring some class to the Blandford shopping experience and so far removed from the charity shops, estate agents and cafes too.

Excellent news!"

Responses on the town council's To Page 2

Vets on wheels (from left): David Harding, Cesar Sastre and Simon Howarth.

Vets saddle up for a charity bike ride A TEAM of vets from the Damory surgery at Blandford have been doing a 100-mile sponsored cycle ride in aid of the Margaret Green Animal Rescue, which this year celebrates its golden jubilee.

Founded in 1965, the charity rescues and rehomes animals and to celebrate and raise money, David Harding, Cesar Sastre and Simon Howarth were getting on their bikes.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue takes in all types of unwanted, abandoned and ill-treated animals and re-homes them to caring owners.

FORUM FOCUS: Your FREE monthly community newspaper

They care for more than 1,200 animals each year, including dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, rabbits and guinea pigs.

The vets' route on 21st June took them from Damory Veterinary Clinic, through the villages to Poole and over the ferry to Studland. After a stop-off for a photo opportunity at the charity's Church Knowle Animal Sanctuary, they headed north to the charity's Lincoln Farm Rescue and Re-homing Centre for Dogs in Winterborne Kingston before returning to Blandford.

Sponsor them at justgiving.com/DamoryVets.

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July 2015

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CONTACTS

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

If you have pictures you would like to share with us, our readers and our website visitors, please send them, with brief descriptions, by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk. Low resolution pictures cannot be printed in the paper.

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

WE are still seeking volunteers willing to deliver on the Damory Down estate and in the Langton Road and Black Lane area, particularly following the news that one of the main drop points, the Co-op in Langton Road, will be closing on 4th July.

To deliver in your street or area, or act as a drop point, email distribution@forumfocus.co.uk or call 01258 456999.

Other 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-op in Salisbury 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.

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Warm welcome for M&S store plans From Page 1 Facebook site were equally positive, with dozens of 'likes' within hours of the announcement, and comments welcoming the quality which M&S would offer, and hoping it might be the start of other big brands coming to the town.

However, there were those saying they would have welcomed something other than a food store, with a number commenting that they would have preferred the opportunity to buy quality clothes in the town.

There were also several who were disappointed that it was not to be one of the cheaper food stores such as Aldi or Lidl, with responses such as: "It's years since I've been able to afford to buy from M&S so would have preferred Lidl's," and "I'm not sure most

of Blandford can afford to shop there".

Councillor Esme Butler said: "I am in favour of going up-market and am very pleased that we are to have an M&S, but if you talk to people living in the Langton Road area and some even on Persimmon, they want a Lidl or Aldi."

Town and district councillor John Stayt said: "Contrary to popular opinion there is life beyond Lidl, Aldi and the Pound Shops. There are many who are doing their level best to turn around the economy of the town and district for it to become a place of destination, aspiration and choice.

"If people reject the M&S offering, the store will soon be out of business with loss of jobs and revenue streams to the town and district councils."

Wheatsheaf goes up for sale THE owner of the Wheatsheaf pub in Albert Street, which was last month listed as a community asset by North Dorset District Council following a request by supporters of the pub, says it is about to be put on the market.

The announcement has triggered an interim six-week moratorium period to enable a community

group to decide if they wish to submit a bid.

Hugh de Iongh of NDDC said: "Any qualifying group can submit an intent to bid, not just the Friends of the Wheatsheaf. The owner does not have to accept the bid, and can sell to whoever they want, but it does give some time to put a bid together.

"The Wheatsheaf is now to be put on the market, and if any notfor-profit community group which

is properly set up and has a local connection wishes to register an interest in putting in a bid, the deadline for this is 15th July."

For more information, contact Hugh de Iongh at North Dorset District Council on 01258 484025, email HdeIongh@northdorset.gov.uk The Friends of the pub have now set up a Facebook page, Friends of the Wheatsheaf, giving information about their plans.

Oxfam closure date set OXFAM have confirmed that they will be closing their bookshop in Salisbury Street on Saturday 18th July, following the termination of their lease for the premises which have operated there for over 15 years.

Originally a general sales charity shop, it was developed into a specialist bookshop and for a time was the only one in the county.

A number of its long-serving volunteer staff and customers will be sorry to see it go.

Meanwhile in East Street, the YMCA opened their new charity shop in the former Argos building on 11th June.

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Above: Princess Anne lays her wreath on the memorial. Above right: Stuart Adam of the Friends of Collingwood Memorial, Captain Andrew Jordan of HMS Collingwood and Col Matt Fensom, Blandford Garrison Commander, pay tribute.

Royal tribute to Gallipoli victims MANY expected the memorial to the hundreds from Blandford Camp who died at Gallipoli on 5th June 1915 to have been moved inside the perimeter of the camp for this year's centenary parade.

But those attending on Friday 5th June were told that the listing of the nearly 100-year-old structure by English Heritage had hindered proposals to relocate it away from its location immediately next to the busy A354 Blandford to Salisbury Road at Tarrant Hinton.

Stuart Adam, head of the Friends of the Collingwood Memorial, said: "This has been another example of the noise and danger of having the memorial alongside the road, which now has around 100 vehicles an hour passing through, and a lot of people believe it should be moved inside the camp where it can be better appreciated by more people."

He said the memorial had been listed by English Heritage within two weeks of application being made by two anonymous people, but the Friends still intended to have the memorial moved.

There was an encouraging comment from Admiral Tim Lawrence, who chatted to guests while his wife, guest of honour The Princess Royal, received those being presented to her.

He pointed out there was a precedent for the relocation of war memorials threatened by changes in their environment in the one which was moved at Stonehenge.

The Princess was invited to read the lesson during the memorial service and inspect the parades

of the Band of the Royal Marines Portsmouth and of the naval recruits of HMS Collingwood, the Portsmouth training establishment bearing the name of the Battalion decimated at Krithia.

She is Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Signals, Commodore-inChief Royal Navy Portsmouth and Colonel-in-Chief of a number of Canadian, Australian and New Zealand regiments.

The first wreaths laid on the memorial after her own were those of the representatives of the Anzacs, who also fought at Gallipoli.

Others were laid by representatives of the Blandford Garrison, local and central government, the trustees of the Collingwood Memorial and military associations, many of whom were afterwards presented to the Princess at the reception in the Officers' Mess on the Camp, where there was an exhibition of artefacts from the Gallipoli campaign.

They included the sword, now housed in Blandford Museum, which was carried by Collingwood Battalion leader Lieut-Cmdr Wallace Muir Annand, who died on the day with the majority of his officers and troops.

His great-nephew attended the ceremony along with Martin Willoughby and his family, from Wareham, great-nephew of Frederick Willoughby, the youngest member of the Portsmouth Battalion to die at the age of 15 years and ten months.

The service was conducted by the Chaplain of the Fleet, the Ven Ian Wheatley, and Captain Andrew Jordan, Captain of HMS

Collingwood, described the events of the 5th June which saw more than 1,000 officers and men die in the space of 45 minutes.

Mr Adam, whose family, including his late father Roy and grandfather Fred, initiated the annual parade and maintained

the memorial for 96 years, thanked all those involved in the centenary event, and particularly the Princess, Admiral Lawrence and Lieut-Col (Retd) Bob Brannigan and Garrison Commander Col Matt Fensom of Blandford Camp for organising and supporting it.

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Civic recognition for those who go above and beyond

Dr Peter Andrews and Thelma White (seated), with their certificates of appreciation and (left to right) Nick Chandler, Lucy Evans, Emily Oliver and Louise Stevens with their commendation certificates.

A COUNCIL employee, who went to the rescue of an elderly driver when she mistakenly drove onto the Mortain footbridge and became trapped in her car, was presented with a Mayor's Commendation certificate at the mayor-making ceremony in the Corn Exchange on 22nd May. Nick Chandler helped the trapped and confused woman to safety and then, since members of the public were complaining that the bridge was blocked, moved the car, having summoned the emergency services to deal with the incident. He then stayed with the woman to calm her down until an ambulance arrived.

"It was a great example of a member of staff going above and beyond what was expected of them," said retiring Mayor, Councillor Steve Hitchings.

He also presented certificates to three members of Blandford St John Ambulance cadets, Lucy Evans, Emily Oliver and Louise Stevens, for their help to two visitors who collapsed when they were taken ill on successive days at the Three Okefords Preservation rally at Shillingstone in May 2014.

"They used a high standard of training in a real-life situation and were a real tribute to their unit leader Debbie Smith," said Mr Hitchings.

Four people were presented with certificates of appreciation in acknowledgement of their contribution to the community over the years, including 94-year-old Thelma White, who more than 20 years ago founded the Methodist Lunch Club which she still runs.

The other recipients were Dr Peter Andrews, curator of the

Blandford Town Museum for 15 years; Adam Forty, treasurer and vice-chairman of the Blandford Tourist Information Centre; and Mark Williams, chairman of Treads youth advice centre for over eight years during a pivotal point in its history.

Councillor Hitchings was re-elected Mayor to serve a second term, with Councillor Jackie Stayt his deputy.

He paid tribute to those who stood down at the recent elections, Rosemary Holmes after 25 years' service, two other past mayors Sara Loch and Bob Brannigan, and Sylvia Hixson Andrews.

He welcomed three new members of the council, Colin Stevens, Nick Barnaby, and his own son Lee Hitchings. He said the latter two reduced the average age of the council considerably.

A cheque for ÂŁ3,586.48 was presented to Tim Griffin, chairman of the Stour Valley Band, which had been his Mayoral charity in 2014/15.

Guests unusually were welcomed by two town criers - Jean Wells, who has been the Blandford Crier for more than 25 years, and her new deputy Liz Rawlings.

At the council's annual meeting earlier in the week, Councillor Lynn Lindsay was elected deputy chairman, and Councillor Peter Clark was elected chairman of planning, with vice-chairmen Councillors Mike Owen and John Stayt.

Chairman of town & general purposes is Hugo Mieville; chairman of recreation and amenities Mike Owen; and chairman of finance and staffing Esme Butler.

Mayor Steve Hitchings presents a cheque for ÂŁ3,586 to Tim Griffin, chairman of the Stour Valley Band.

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July 2015

Twinners maintain the link

Above: Re-elected Mayor Steve Hitchings with his deputy mayor Jackie Stayt. Right: Town crier Jean Wells and her deputy Liz Rawlings summon citizens to the mayor-making ceremony.

Strong local voices on new-look district council THE DT11 area continues to be strongly represented at the helm of the new North Dorset District Council.

At its first meeting on 22nd May it reappointed Councillor Deborah Croney, of Iwerne Minster, now one of three members representing Hill Forts ward, as council leader.

She said: "I am proud to be called upon to serve again as council leader. North Dorset is a fantastic place and our whole council is committed to working hard for the good of our district."

Councillor Audrey Burch, member for Bulbarrow, was elected vicechairman to succeed Councillor Victor Fox, who has become chairman.

The council's new cabinet includes the new member for Riversdale and Portman, Councillor Andrew Kerby, as spokesman for community safety and health.

The former geography teacher at Milton Abbey School has worked in local government for Westminster City Council and the London Borough of RichmondPERMISSION has been granted

by Blandford Town Council for Blandford Rugby Club to temporarily locate a storage container at Larksmead recreation ground.

upon-Thames where he was responsible for digital communications and lead communications officer for community safety.

The other member for Riversdale and Portman, Councillor John Stayt, who has been succeeded as chairman of accounts and audit by Councillor Burch, was thanked by the Leader for his hard work in overseeing the strategic risk management of the council and ensuring that the council finances and audit activity remained secure and sound during the past term.

Councillor Stayt remains a member of the strategic development and personnel committees, and on planning policy and scrutiny where he has been joined by his wife Jackie.

Councillor Mrs Stayt joins Councillor Esme Butler on the development management committee, together with Catherine Langham, the new member for Cranborne, and Councillor Sherry Jesperson (Hill Forts).

Councillor Jespersen has succeeded Councillor Derek Beer as chairman of licensing and orders, with members including Councillors Langham, Tanner, and Audrey Skipwith (Lower Tarrants).

For other details of committee membership, see dorsetforyou.com/councillors/north dorset

A PARTY of 14 people travelled to Blandford's twin town of Mortain in Normandy over the last weekend of May to be hosted and treated to a full programme of activities.

They included a large gettogether and community meal on the Saturday evening.

The Blandford Mortain Twinning Association is holding a family day summer BBQ on Sunday 19th July in the garden of the Blandford Constitutional Club, starting at 12 noon.

Admission is ÂŁ5 per head for adults, and there will be entertainment for the children and a quiz.

The association is hoping to generate community interest in its celebration in June 2016 of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of Twinning.

For information, call Martin Brickell on 01258 453693.

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July 2015

Time to revive the Georgian colours A CONCERTED effort is being made by people involved with the Blandford Town Team, the Neighbourhood Plan group and others to preserve Blandford's unique Georgian town centre.

The starting point is an attempt to persuade shop owners to tone down their brightly coloured shop frontages and stick to a colour palette in keeping with the town's 18th century architecture.

At last month's Town Team meeting it was agreed to invite Allan Tyce of Milton Abbas to a meeting to explain about carrying out a full conservation area appraisal, as has been done in the 18th century village, and which could take up to two years.

But Kevin Morris, North Dorset

District Council's environment, community and commissioned services manager, said that as a first step a colour pallet could be agreed and taken to development management for approval.

The following day at Blandford and District Civic Society's annual general meeting chaired by Terence Dear, speakers included Ros Nelmes of the Town Team who said the town needed to reclaim its identity.

"There are lots of different groups doing amazing things, but not everyone knows about them and there is a lot of crossover of work."

She said the work being done on a bid for Blandford to be given UNESCO world heritage status

could bring the strands together, even if the bid was not successful.

"The starting point is enforcement of a Georgian colour pallet for shop fronts which is both achievable and acceptable."

She highlighted what she described as the "appalling" yellow of a Chinese takeaway, the "hideous" orange of the Bay Leaf restaurant, the bright blue fence of the Greyhound pub, and the copious signage at Jerry's and Best One, which she said were "totally out of keeping in the conservation area."

She said she had written to the district council's conservation officer Jen Nixon saying: "It is felt by some that Blandford is beginning to look like a low-grade Disney emporium!"

John Imber highlighted a number of listed buildings in poor condition and the difficulty of making contact with their owners. He suggested setting up a Blandford Historic Building Trust for building

preservation, and the development of a database of architecture and owners together with more educational activities and work on traffic issues.

Judith Ford, who is carrying out research into the ownership and use of buildings in the past, said there was a great level of enthusiasm and interest in the town's history which needed to be tapped into.

Sara Loch, chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan group, urged everyone to respond to the consultation which would be taking place during the summer.

She said: "Blandford is too big to have the community feel of a village, but too small to have enough people prepared to become involved. We do not disagree that the town should grow with another 960 homes by 2026, but the Neighbourhood Plan can say where development should go and the type of development it should be. The more people respond, the better it will be."

Road issues high on agenda of new MP NORTH Dorset's new MP Simon Hoare has been raising the profile of the constituency in the Houses of Parliament, having spoken three times in five days.

In his maiden speech on 4th June he highlighted some of the problems facing the area, including poor mobile phone and broadband reception and the need for investment in its road structure, in particular the C13/A350 transport corridor.

He said that when he was selected to fight the constituency he was asked whether he would be joining the 1933 group - not the Conservatives' own 1922 committee, but the group formed in 1933 to campaign for the Melbury Abbas bypass.

He said: "It may well be that in my time in this house we are able to deliver it."

He also looked to front bench colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to combat such challenges as bovine TB and ensure stability in the dairy sector of agriculture, the largest economy in the constituency.

Five days later, he spoke in a debate on clandestine migration of the importance of immigrant removal centres to keep victims of people transporting safe and secure, and again in debate on the Scotland Bill when he underlined the need for trust between opposing parties at a time when the political landscape had shifted considerably. "We want to see a proud Scotland in a strong and robust United Kingdom," he said.

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Students achieve tree climb record A PAIR of high-flying sixth formers at Bryanston School established what is believed to be a record for the youngest ever to climb the highest broadleaved tree in Europe.

Two London Planes in Bryanston woods, part of an avenue believed to have been planted in 1749 by the Portmans to mark the centenary of the execution of Charles I, have long been claimed to be the tallest in the UK. On 15th May the tallest was scaled by Hannah Post from Salisbury and Robert Oatts of Semley, both aged 18, under the guidance of Mark Hawes and Andy Kahn of the Shaftesbury Big Tree Climbing Company.

The two keen rock-climbers were selected to take part as a result of their aptitude and experience by their head of outdoor education Dave Simpson, who watched from the ground.

They were tasked with measuring one of the trees from the ground

to the highest bud, a feat achieved by pulling up a 100 metre tape measure after getting to the highest weight-bearing branch and attaching it to a pole to reach the top.

It took them just over half-anhour to reach the top, from where a flag was flown in celebration.

The tree's vital statistics, last measured in 2008 at 48.67 metres by Ben Jones, were recorded at 49.67 metres, making it the highest tree to be measured breaking the 49 metre barrier.

The result will now update the Monumental Trees website at monumentaltrees.com, where the Bryanston tree could well have climbed to the position of 20th highest tree in Europe.

From the top of the tree could be heard an excited discussion on how good it would be to string a zipwire across the river Stour to the campus of The Blandford School on the opposite side.

On their return to terra firma,

The four set off on their climb to the top of the country's tallest plane tree in Bryanston Woods.

Hannah, who is planning to continue her education studying nursing at Cardiff, said: "It was an amazing, incredible experience."

Robert, who is studying biology, chemistry and physics at A-Level and planning to study biology at Durham, added: "There was a fantastic view from the top, looking out over the canopy of all the other trees in the woods, and over Blandford."

The idea was conceived as a promotional exercise both for the school's website and the company which has worked with the school to offer tree-climbing as part of the outdoor education curriculum.

A first attempt two years ago was called off because of windy conditions, and this time the climb was postponed for 24 hours because of a forecast of heavy rain.

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July 2015

Advertisement feature

Take a step back to the 18th century at the Milton Abbas Street Fair COME and have a great family day out in Milton Abbas at our famous 18th Century Street Fair.

Every two years the picturesque village of Milton Abbas closes its street of chocolatebox, whitewashed thatched cottages and holds an 18th Century Street Fair.

This year the fair is being held on Saturday 25th July.

There is an official opening at mid-day by the well-known zoologist, author and TV presenter, Dr George McGavin; George is well-known for his TV and radio work and is a regular contributor to the BBC's 'The One Show'.

The street and cottages are draped in bunting. On the lawns we have traditional Dorset craft stalls and demonstrations, a farmers market and plenty of food and drink venues with real ale and a Pimms bar.

There are Morris and Clog dancers and over 30 various entertainments at venues along The Street highlighting Dorset talent.

Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings with the group which set off from Station Court on the Blandford Opportunity Group sponsored walk and cycle ride.

Opportunity knocks For the children there is plenty to see and do, including a fun fair, Magic Man, Punch & Judy, Maypole dancing and story telling.

Residents and stallholders dress in 18th century costume and visitors are welcome to join in with competitions for best costumes.

So come along and join us for a really great family day out.

The Fair runs from 11am to 5pm. Parking is free.

Contributions of adults £5, children £3, family £12 and concessions £4 are requested on entry, with all proceeds going to local charities and organisations.

For further information, including disabled access, go to www.miltonabbas.org.uk, like us on Facebook or email morley263@btinternet.com.

WHEN Blandford Rotary visited the Blandford Opportunity Group to present them with three new iPads it was an 'opportunity' for some of the four-year-olds to show Rotarians how to use one.

"We were amazed to see how these young kids know instinctively how to use an electronic device that defeats many of our members!" said Steve Adamson, President of Blandford Rotary.

Opportunity Group chairman Colin Stevens thanked Blandford Rotary for their generosity.

Group Leader Sharon Kevern said: "Our youngsters are comfortable with iPads because they're portable and easy to use. They are an excellent communication aid for children with behavioural difficulties."

On Sunday 7th June around two dozen people turned out on a sponsored walk and cycle ride on the North Dorset Trailway from Station Court in Blandford to Shillingstone Railway Station to raise funds for the group, and were sent on their way by Blandford Mayor Steve Hitchings.

Three of the children at the Blandford Opportunity Group show Blandford Rotary President Steve Adamson how to use an iPad.

War research comes to fruition MEMBERS of the history research group of Blandford & District U3A presented Blandford Museum with the fruits of their combined labours from the past 18 months.

Members of the group have been researching the lives and deaths of the men and women commemorated on the WWI war memorials in a number of local villages, including Blandford St Mary, Charlton Marshall, Spetisbury, Durweston, Shillingstone and Iwerne Minster.

The comprehensive files include a history of each of those recorded on the memorials and details of where and how they died, in some instances accompanied by photographs.

The group reported that their researches turned up many interesting life stories and are delighted that the files will be available to visitors to the Museum.

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July 2015

Playing for charity CHURCHILL Productions will be adding to the thousands of pounds they have raised for charities over the years with their next production at the Tivoli in Wimborne, on Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th July.

Former Blandford resident, writer, director and drama examiner Pete Talman directs Alan Ayckbourn's 'Living Together'. Cabaret artist Andy Oldfield plays the main part of Norman to well-known local actress and singer with 'Fippennypiece', Sammy Upton, as Sarah.

Jan Wyld plays Ruth, and Justin Ellery plays Tom. Other cast members are Anna Brown of Spetisbury and well-known local actor and teacher Graham Haigh. It is in aid of the the Lewis Manning Hospice.

Beatons Bi-Monthly Book Review - copies in stock now

Visitors to the 'Celebrate the Railway' day learn about the Langton Meadows flood arches with Railway Club chairman David Cash, right, and Blandford Railway Arches Trust project officer Simon Coombs, centre.

The railway remembered A 'CELEBRATE the Railway' day involving the Blandford Railway Arches Trust, Blandford Railway Club and Blandford Museum brought a number of enthusiasts and supporters into the town.

The focus was on plans to conserve the former flood arches which carried the Somerset & Dorset Railway over the Stour at Langton Meadows, the new workshop of the railway club at the Scout HQ in Eagle House Gardens, and the club's model station layout at the museum.

David Cash of the Railway Club, who led a group of visitors on a walk following the route of the railway to the former station site in Station Court, reported that it had been a very successful day, attended by enthusiasts including Godfrey Baker, chairman of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust.

But Sylvia Hixson Andrews, chairman of the Blandford Railway Arches Trust, said attendance was disappointing given the high number of people who have expressed support for the project in the past.

"We need to raise funds to carry out the work, and the small number of active workers need help in doing that to restore and bring the arches back into use."

Town loos to be free PUBLIC lavatories in Blandford could become free to use if the town council agrees a recommendation that the 20p charge is dropped in a bid to reduce maintenance costs.

At their meeting on 8th June members of the town and general purposes committee received a report from grounds and property manager Jon Goodenough which revealed that the total spent on maintenance and vandalism - the majority of which is to call out contractors to fix broken locking mechanisms - was less last year than the year before.

But it still amounted to nearly £1,300 for the Marsh and Ham toilets, and nearly £500 for those in the Tabernacle.

He said the figures did not include the time spent receiving complaints that the locks were broken and arranging repairs, and the net cost of the two facili-

ties - just over £10,000 - would be higher if it included staff time.

"In my opinion there would be far fewer complaints and a lot less staff time taken up if the locking systems were free," he said.

Town clerk Linda Scott-Giles said that neither did the figures take into account the inconvenience to members of the public when, as now in the Tabernacle, the toilets remained closed for a long period because delivery of parts was delayed.

Committee chairman Hugo Mieville said he had found many other public toilets in the district to be free.

Members recognised that the complaints might increase if the state of the toilets declined, and the cleaning bill might have to go up.

But they agreed that for a trial six-month period, the charging mechanism should be disabled.

'Let Them Eat Cake' by Gesine Bullock-Prado, published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang, hardback, £21.99 (coffee table) Here at Beatons we always have a gluten-free cake on the table and glutenfree options on the menu. This book caught our eye - it's from the USA where they are master crafters when it comes to looking after food sensitivities and specialist diets. The sub-title: 'Classic, Decadent Desserts with Vegan, Gluten-Free & Healthy Variations' alone sounds appealing.

The recipes are unusual - particularly in that they include the variations to make them healthy, GF etc. How about trying your hand at the Chocolate Whoopie Pies, or perhaps a Killer Coffee Cake, or just maybe the Pumpkin Gugelhupf is the recipe that you've been looking for! Who says that having a food intolerance means you have to miss out on the naughtier foods in life?!

Also learn about the latest superfood - coconut - beneficial in so many ways, including increased energy and even weight loss!

Zoe Carter, Marketing Co-ordinator and Assistant Manager Beatons Blandford Forum

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July 2015

Best in show Tabatha and reserve Lottie with their respective owners Richard Cox and Karen Plummer.

Dogs have their day of fun NEARLY 200 dogs were entered in the 14 classes at the Pound Puppy Animal Rescue (PPAR) fun dog show held on the Parish Field in Iwerne Minster.

The event raised over £750, which will go some way to paying PPAR's annual £50,000+ vet bill.

The winner of the best pedigree class, Tabatha, a German short-haired pointer, shown by Richard Cox, won best in show, with reserve going to the winner of the prettiest bitch class, Lottie, a Tibetan Terrier shown by Karen Plummer.

An additional attraction was a display of WWII

model aircraft. Because of space limitations the models could not be flown at the show, but they were much admired for their detailed accuracy.

The advertised rides in a Stanley Steamer could not take place because the 1919 vintage car had broken down and was off the road. The owner brought along two other cars from his collection for display, a 1955 Jaguar XK140 and a 1937 Bentley saloon.

PPAR found homes for two dogs on the day, one a long-term resident in foster care. They also received several serious enquiries about other dogs brought along by their foster carers.

Jurassica support BLANDFORD brewers Hall & Woodhouse have given their backing to an ambitious project to create a prehistoric visitor attraction in a disused quarry at Portland.

Jurassica, an £80m scheme, developed by science journalist Michael Hanlon, has been turned down for Heritage Lottery funding, but has the support of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and the Natural History Museum.

The developers have announced that the brewery has come forward with financial support to help fund the project.

Anthony Woodhouse, managing director of Hall and Woodhouse, said: "Jurassica is visionary. It will result in significant investment in Portland, create jobs, and be a major tourist destination.”

Council vacancy BLANDFORD St Mary Parish Council is seeking to co-opt to fill a vacancy on the council.

Further details can be obtained from the Clerk at blandfordstmary@dorset-aptc.gov.uk.

11

July 2015

Above: Dave Maidment of Charlton Marshall with his Allchin steam traction engine Aquarius, kept in working order since it was built in 1901. Right: Tom Antell of Shillingstone and Graham Froud with the best steam engine, a 1910 Robey & Co.

Sun shines on steam milestone THE sun shone on both days at Shillingstone for the 25th anniversary Three Okefords Preservation Society rally, which originated in 1990 as a gathering of local engine owners at the Royal Oak in Okeford Fitzpaine.

It then moved to Shillingstone Station for a number of years before relocating to a field on the opposite side of the road in Shillingstone where it is held today.

Chairman Percy Guppy recalled: "The move across the road was better for us because the ground is a lot drier. And although the event has grown in recent years, it won't be growing any bigger."

Ian Mackins from Sturminster Marshall exhibited one of the oldest steam engines on the showground, the Peerless R type steam traction engine Princess, built in 1895 and the only one of its type outside the USA. Even older was a Stenner & Co wooden rack saw, built in 1890 and exhibited for the first time by A Barber and N Paul. It was driven by one of the Antells’ steam engines.

An Allchin steam traction engine Aquarius owned by Dave Maidment of Charlton Marshall

since 1978 has been kept in working order since it was built in 1901. It was in use on the showground driving a rack saw bench belonging to Phil White of Winfrith, who won the award for best exhibit.

Tom Antell of Shillingstone won the award for the best steam engine, and Mark Farwell's 1918 Model T Ford BF6525, believed to be the oldest surviving Britishbuilt Ford truck, attracted a lot of interest.

Visitors were able to view more than 40 full-size and miniature steam engines, 110 stationary engines and 140 tractors, 20 tractor pullers, 70 motorcycles, 80 cars, 70 commercials, 17 collections and two dozen crafts and trades, including a variety of food producers.

Among other exhibits were the Shillingstone Station Project, who won the award for best original model, while entertainment included performances by the recently formed Dorset Axemen, on Friday evening the Outrage 60s band and on Saturday The Band with No Name.

STOURPAINE'S village fete on Sunday 28th June was intended to give visitors a chance to see the progress made on the building of the new village hall, whose planned completion date is the end of July.

There was to be a chance to go inside the hall and see what an invaluable addition it will make to the community, as well as to enjoy a range of entertainment including terrier racing, a dog show, vintage vehicles, a tug of war, and children's entertainment.

12

July 2015

Helen’s fashion statement STAFF of the Blandford Fashion Museum were delighted to learn that a member of their display and costume management team, Helen Walter, is now entitled to be known as Dr Walter, after completing a Ph.D in history of design at the Royal College of Art and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Those interested in the work of the museum are being offered a glimpse of 'Behind the Scenes at the Blandford Fashion Museum' at one of two tours on Wednesday 1st July.

Members of the team will be on hand to answer questions, and visitors will be shown the store rooms, the recording and acceptance of items by hard copy and technology, and a demonstration of how to pack conservation boxes.

Tickets for the morning and afternoon tours are £9.50 to include refreshments, but booking is essential by calling 01258 453006.

Richard rises to the Jurassic challenge RICHARD Fordham (right) of St Leonards Terrace, Blandford, will be taking on the 100-mile Jurassic Challenge in September in support of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and in memory of his father David, whom the Trust supported when he was diagnosed with cancer.

David Fordham, who lived in Lockeridge Close and worked at BOCM on Blandford Heights and then as a security guard and taxi driver before his retirement, died earlier this year soon after his 80th birthday after battling the disease for a number of years.

Richard, who works for Brendon Hire in Blandford, is no stranger to long-distance walking and running, although an injury several years ago prevents him from competitive running and road work. In 2010 he completed the Dorset Doddle from Weymouth to Swanage with the Long Distance Walkers Association with his father as support driver.

"He was my support, the man beside me on the start line and the finish and all points in between. When he became ill he required more support than the family alone could manage, and the Joseph Weld Hospice stepped into the breach.

"To my mind they can only support others if we support them, so in my father's name and in support of this great organisation it will be an honour to 'cry' the length of the Jurassic Coast."

To sponsor him, go to justgiving.com/JurassicChallenge15/

Novelist Eve to give talk AN award-winning businesswoman who helped renovate and transform the historic Greyhound House in Blandford and whose varied career has included racing yachts around the world will talk about her development as a writer on Sunday 2nd August.

The Corn Exchange Challenge is inviting people to Beatons Tearooms at Greyhound House in the Market Place for the third in its series of book launches when they will hear Eve Bonham talk about the aspects of her life that have contributed to her new novel, 'The Lost Journey Homeward', published in June.

The book is the story about a family over seven years and is concerned with the love of a father for his adult children, their stormy relationships with others and their search for love and meaning in the wrong places.

Eve Bonham will talk about drawing from her life experiences and her imagination to create her plot and characters, and explain how she aims to fulfil her passionate commitment to tell a compelling story, illuminate the human condition and connect with her readers.

She will give a couple of short readings from her book and be happy to answer questions, sign copies of her book and chat afterwards over tea.

Tickets costing £5 are available from Beatons for refreshments from 4pm for the talk starting 4.30pm.

13

July 2015

Clean-up team report a litter drop PEOPLE gave up their time to take part in the annual BIG Blandford Clean Up around the town and Blandford St Mary.

Thirty-nine campaign members and supporters attended, together with the Dorset Countryside Rangers, the Blandford and Blandford Stour Rotary Clubs, and the Stour Valley Canoe Club.

In conjunction with this event, the Royal Signals ran a litter-pick from the camp into Blandford.

David Rose, chairman of the campaign, said: "Although we jointly collected some 30 full bags, what was noticeable about this year is that there is so much less litter about the town and meadows.

"That is except for the area in and around Tesco, who had been asked to do a clear-up as part of the event - disappointing.

"So a big thank you to all the helpers on both days, to those fantastic individuals who frequently go around picking up litter and to everyone for dropping less litter."

He said it was a fact that the less litter there is, the less litter is dropped.

"But there is still more to do. We all need to watch out for people dropping litter, report litter to the Dorset Waste Partnership, and comment to those pubs and shop owners who allow cigarette butts to be dropped outside their premises and do not clean them up."

To help at the next event in September, or for equipment to run your own event, contact David Rose at cleanupblandford@hotmail.com.

The BIG Blandford Clean-Up.

Date set for licensing of new rector A LICENSING service for the new Rector of Blandford and Langton Long will be held on the evening of 8th July in the church of St Peter and St Paul in Blandford Market Place.

The Rev Jonathan Triffitt succeeds the Rev Tim Storey after an interregnum of more than 12 months, and his arrival has been keenly anticipated.

Mr Storey left the town in March last year to become Team Rector of the Central Telford Parish in SCHEDULES are now available from Blandford Library, the Tourist Information Centre, the Forum Cafe and the Brewery Wine Shop in Blandford St Mary for the 70th anniversary show and fete to be held at The Manor House in Lower Blandford St Mary on Saturday 16th August.

the Lichfield Diocese, and Mr Triffitt was previously Vicar of Southbroom St James and Rural Dean of Devizes.

He and his wife Joanne have two

teenage children, William and Molly.

The licensing service, starting at 6.30pm, will be followed by a reception in the Parish Centre.

14

July 2015

Members of Blandford Performing Arts Theatre Academy try out kickboxing.

Chloe Mutton of Pramacare with the Milldown Primary display of Memory Lane for dementia sufferers, and a member of the knitting group making twiddlemuffs.

Hula-hooping in the Market Place.

Activities make the right connections BLANDFORD town centre was enlivened when the Well & Connected event, hosted by the Town Council and DT11 Forum, spilled out into the Market Place with activities including hulahooping and karate.

The organisers were thrilled at the way the Health and Wellbeing and Sports Expos, run separately last year, were merged into an even more successful event.

Some market traders complained that it was drawing customers away from their stalls, but at the town council's town and general purposes committee meeting the following Monday, chairman Hugo Mieville said it had been thoroughly enjoyed by everyone taking part.

"We shouldn't let such criticism detract from its success. We keep being asked to bring more life to the Market Place and they should have welcomed the hundreds of people who came."

The two-day event saw displays

and demonstrations all day on Friday, and a local groups fair on Saturday from 10am to 2pm, which between them attracted 640 visitors, not including those who joined in the hula-hooping.

Among the activities were information about nutrition and how to cook economically, with the Blandford Food Bank and Friendly Food Club.

Blandford's Eagle House Surgery and the Whitecliff Group Practice were in attendance, promoting awareness of their patient participation groups and offering free health and blood pressure checks as part of National Patient Participation Week.

Everyone Active from Blandford Leisure Centre held activity sessions, and there was a chance to get involved with local clubs and societies offering health and wellbeing-related activities, including dementia care, weight loss, performing arts, crafts, outings and sports.

15

July 2015

Otters come to life BLANDFORD Children's Centre day nursery has a new parents and carers' group, the Otters, an informative and friendly group set up by a small number of parents with support from the nursery.

They will be holding a fundraising Teddy Bears tea party on Sunday July 12th between 11am and 1pm at the Children's Centre in Black Lane.

This event is free entry to the public and will include stalls, a raffle, cream teas, but most

importantly children are invited to bring their teddies to enjoy a range of fun activities.

The group aims to share ideas and demonstrate creativity to bring new and exciting activities and projects to the nursery, enhancing learning and development.

Blandford Children's Centre nursery and Otters have thanked Forum Focus for its donation of ÂŁ50 that has kickstarted the fundraising for specific items.

The Blandford Children's Centre day nursery Otters and children.

Charity volunteers wanted LOCAL charity Brendoncare Club Dorset is looking for volunteers to support a weekly club for older people in Blandford.

The club, known as the Blandford Flyers, meets every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm at the Parish Centre in The Tabernacle.

Members enjoy the chance to meet with friends and take part in a variety of activities, including quizzes, entertainment and guest speakers.

The club is run by volunteers, who take on a range of roles, including collecting subscriptions, organising the activity programme and making teas and coffees, as well as chatting with members.

The charity's volunteering manager Julie Lamont said: "There is no upper age limit for our volunteers, who make a real difference to the lives of club members."

To find out more call her on 01962 852133 or see brendoncare.org.uk.

Fellowship set to music THE next meeting of the Blandford branch of the NHS Retirement Fellowship on 8th July will feature David Andrews with a number of musical instruments and an invitation to join in the music-making.

The Fellowship meets in the Committee Room of Blandford Community Hospital and is open to anyone who has worked in the NHS, irrespective of length of service, full or part-time, paid or voluntary.

Spouses and partners are welcome, and the fellowship has a supportive role with a welfare officer who can be contacted if a member is unwell, lonely or isolated.

Membership includes a book club, a photography club, legal services and a weekly lottery, and the committee welcomes idea for meetings, outings and other activities. For any further information contact Liz Malin on 01929 472441 or email lizmalin1@gmail.com.

LETTERS

16

Letters to the Editor

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

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

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

Ashamed of town’s neglect WITH reference to the letter 'We must all pull together', printed in Forum Focus last month, I would just like to say that I agree wholeheartedly with the comments made.

As a resident of Blandford Forum I am ashamed of the general state of the town and in particular the litter along the roads and the general neglect in the town centre which does absolutely nothing to encourage people there.

I agree that there are far too many charity shops and no wellknown shops to buy kiddies' clothes or departmental stores for a selection of men's and women's clothes and accessories.

The space outside the Corn Exchange should not be used for parking but as a centrepiece attraction to make the high street more attractive.

Also the number of cars parked outside the One Stop is appalling and will eventually result in an accident as cars invariably do not give way to oncoming traffic.

I do feel that Blandford as a whole has deteriorated beyond belief, and I trust that some effort may now be made to improve this situation. The council tax that we pay is one of the highest in Dorset and I feel that we definitely do not get good value for this.

M. Clarke Gurkha Road, Blandford Forum.

July 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.

Ban on traffic would be a big step forward THERE have been a lot of proposals put out in the last few years about the development of Blandford and how it should be in the future.

A very basic one seems to have been relegated to the bottom of the list.

Pedestrianisation of the High Street, East Street to the Market Place; no traffic, noise or air pollution. In fact, a civilised place to be, move about in and enjoy.

There is a mural almost depicting this in the grotto behind the church - happy people walking down the middle of the road without a care. Three-and-a-half cars and a diminished bus banished to the margins and just one bicycle.

A fantasy - just as any World Heritage bid would be while motor traffic is given free rein through the centre.

Anthony Hedgecock, Address supplied.

Worshippers welcome AT Blandford Evangelical Church, we aim to provide a weekly service for those who may be unable to attend on Sundays.

Perhaps you are a shift worker, or have family duties and responsibilities on a Sunday which mean you cannot go out to worship.

Our group is known as Monday Fellowship, and we meet every Monday at the Church at 2.30pm. We provide a non-threatening environment for those unfamiliar with church, and provide fellowship for those who may not otherwise meet socially.

All are most welcome. If you require further information regarding our meeting, please telephone me on 01258 471042.

Sheila Curtis, Address supplied.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

Poor deal at local chemists?

I AM seeking the opinions of the readers of Forum Focus regarding the adequacy of the dispensing of medication by the chemist shops of Blandford.

Each time I collect medication there is a long wait even to hand over the prescription, customers are grumbling and the staff run off their feet.

I also believe (though I hope this in not the case) that these shops close before the doctors of the local surgeries have finished prescribing, so, even if urgent, one cannot start taking the medication before the following day!

In the past the local NHS has refused to give a licence for another chemist shop in Blandford to allow it to open. So in order to move matters forward I have requested the overview and scrutiny committee of North Dorset District Council to investigate this matter as a way of starting to get this situation improved.

Please send your comments to me at jjtanners@hotmail.com or phone on 01258 455173.

John Tanner District Councillor, Blandford.

The Lib Dems will come back I WOULD sincerely like to thank all the North Dorset voters who supported the Liberal Democrats

in the recent general and district council elections.

I would also like to publicly thank all those who delivered, put up posters or in any way helped with our campaigns.

At the same time, I want to congratulate the new MP Simon Hoare on his election - whilst reassuring him that I will be holding him to the task of doing his best for the residents of North Dorset.

The results were generally disappointing for us both nationally and locally, and did not reward the hard work and enthusiasm of our many volunteers and candidates.

However, in North Dorset, the Lib Dems still have four district councillors and two county councillors working hard for their

community - and we take great heart from the fact that we have gained 35 new local members since the elections: part of a nationwide rise of 14,000 new members!

We will also soon have a new leader to inspire us.

In other words, we will be around for a long time yet. You will read and hear much from us in the next few years: firstly in the European referendum campaign, then in county, PCC and district elections. And who can forget that there will be another general election in 2020! I am greatly looking forward to playing my role in it all.

Hugo Mieville, Liberal Democrat PPC North Dorset

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July 2015

Letters extra M&S delivers a shopping boost EVERYONE is abuzz with the news of M&S Food coming to Blandford, and I can see why.

The presence of a quality retailer is going to be a huge boost to our town.

It seems to me that this could be the change of gear we need to start a retail revival and, for the shops and businesses at the eastern end of the town especially, I imagine the news is especially welcome.

We can complain as much as we like about the town centre being top heavy with charity shops and non-retail businesses, but I'd rather we had them than too many 'empties' creating unattractive gaps in the street scene.

At least they are giving some life to Blandford and adding to the general mix.

Stirring a big name like M&S Food into this mix is an exciting prospect and I am sure it will serve to enhance the town's image.

There are plenty of quality shops in Blandford and a wonderful array of independent cafĂŠs.

Perhaps the unaccustomed glamour that Beaton's Tearooms brought when it opened has influenced M&S into deciding it wants to be part of the scene.

Whatever the reason, it is very welcome. Now we just have to make sure we hang on to it.

R.G. Wills, address supplied.

Housing plan is a non-starter THE proposed development at Dorchester Hill in Blandford St Mary is wholly unacceptable for a number of important reasons.

The land is in an AONB area with tree preservation orders in place.

The vehicle access would cause chaos and considerable danger on the Old Dorchester Hill and the Fairmile Road junction, and there is no safe pedestrian access to the town.

There are a considerable number of endangered and protected bats which necessitate a building mitigation to be established.

This essential comprehensive survey to be monitored under the auspice of Natural England has not yet been completed and is an EU requirement. Endangered cockchafer and dung beetles have also been found on the site.

In short I am of the opinion that any development on this site would demonstrate a disregard for the environment and community, and contempt for the protection of endangered species.

Blandford St Mary Parish Council will be making the strongest possible objection to any planning application.

Cllr Malcolm Albery Chairman, Blandford St Mary Parish Council

www.forumfocus.co.uk

Hidden Gardens visitors with fellow residents enjoying their Big Lunch in Orchard Street.

Gardens reveal their secrets ONE of Blandford's oldest gardens and one of its newest were on show as part of the town's 'Hidden Gardens' day on Sunday 7th June, organised by the Blandford Stour Rotary.

The old garden was at Sapling Cottage in East Street, where Mike and Elaine Lofthouse took up residence less than three months ago and have acquired a charming burgage plot, one of the few remaining in Blandford.

Reaching down to the river Stour, it is bounded to the south by the arched and flint-stoned flood defence wall which now protects their home from seasonal floods. The garden and cottage is overlooked by the tower of Blandford Parish Church. Donations were accepted for the Cupola Project.

The new one was at the tiny Moonstone in Whitecliff Mill Street, created less than ten years ago as part of the redevelopment of the site of the Half Moon pub, where Theresa Watson has been resident for three years. She has fought to reclaim the site from the builder's rubble, bringing in topsoil and copious plants to

fill what is surely one of the tiniest gardens in the town. Donations were collected for the Cats Protection League.

Hidden Gardens day was combined in Orchard Street with the residents' annual 'Big Lunch', a street party staged as part of a national event promoting community involvement, in front of the home of Annabelle Valentine. Her courtyard garden was open in support of the Blandford Youth Trust.

Other charities supported by more than 20 owners opening their gardens included Breast Cancer, the Corn Exchange Regeneration Project, Prostate Cancer, the Blandford Museum and its Victorian Garden, the Bryanston Park Preservation Trust, Knees-Up Healthy Living, Treads youth advice centre and Dementia Care Blandford.

David Rose of Stour Rotary said: "The event raised over ÂŁ1,700 for local charities and organisations and proved once again how friendly, generous and welcoming everyone is in the town. A great thanks to all those who opened their gardens."

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July 2015

Free help to overcome tech troubles

Sewing in support of charities SIMPLY Sew, based at Blandford Parish Centre, are an outreach group who try to connect with the community with craftwork. Many of those in the group are sewing for the first time.

One of their first projects was making two quilts which they donated to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. The group try to do as much as possible to help charities in the local community and have tasked themselves with making items for Weldmar's events, including the summer fete and Christmas market.

Gail from Simply Sew said: "Many people in our group have been touched by Weldmar in

one way, shape or form, including myself, and we wanted to give something back as a thank you.

"Simply Sew is mainly made up of church members but anyone is welcome to join the group and learn how to sew."

Matt Smith, fundraising manager for Weldmar, said: "We really appreciate the support of Simply Sew and the countless hours of work that have gone in to creating these quilts which we will generate into funds so we can continue providing high-quality care, love and support to patients and their loved ones across Dorset."

ANYONE seeking help to operate computers, laptops and smartphones can get assistance free of charge through a number of learning centres locally run by volunteers with grant funding.

People can use the computers on a regular basis, occasionally, or just to help decide what to buy themselves, and they can also bring their own computer if they have a problem accessing a broadband connection.

Charlton Marshall Parish Rooms host sessions on Tuesday to Thursday between 10.30am and 12.30pm (contact 01258 480020 for details), and Milton Abbas has classes in The Reading Room on Thursday mornings (contact 01258 881609).

Sessions are also held at Sturminster Newton Learning Centre in The Exchange on Old Market Hill on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 4.30pm and on Saturdays 10.00am to 12.30pm (contact 01258 860905), and at Age Concern Sturminster Newton on Monday mornings.

More information can be found at ukonlinecentres.com.

July 2015

FARMING

The View from the Hill

by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk AIN in May fills the barn with corn and hay, or so the old saying goes.

Somehow we managed to amass 80mm of rain in May, with more than 40mm in the first five days and most of the rest in the last two. Most of the month saw nice dry growing weather with quite a lot of sunshine.

We had a good vigorous crop of poppies, which always prefer dry weather to wet. Watch out for white flowers before the end of June.

Lambing has proceeded through the whole of May and the fields around Durweston are now dotted with gambolling lambs and their doting mothers. The dry weather has been great for new lambs, though cold nights not so helpful.

Last week we took the mobile sheep race to each field to catch the lambs for rubber ringing, vaccination and worming and maggot fly spraying to keep them clear of fly strike.

The last three cows finally produced their offspring near the end of May. The cows' hormones send milk production into overdrive, which can be a struggle for a new-born calf to deal with.

Bulging bags, warm weather and flies are not a good combination, and can lead to a spot of bother with mastitis, but once the calf is a few days old, and learns to take milk from all four quarters, things settle down a bit and the cow will match her pro-

R

A vigorous crop of poppies

Lambing proceeded through the whole of May.

Cleggie, Camerons 1 and 2, and Nigel enjoy feeding time. duction to the calf's appetite.

Our little ginger calf, who lost his mum some weeks back, seems to be thriving, adopted by one of the other cows, who all have milk enough for at least two!

Speaking of orphans, we have a tribe of seven lambs in the back garden, still being fed milk four times per day. The stronger ones are very entertaining now, and have been theme-named, as per tradition here, after the stars of the general election. In the interests of balance, we do also have a Milli, and a Sturgeon.

Footpath maintenance during the summer always involves a bit of mowing, and our little vintage outfit is perfect for the job on a sunny day, fully air-conditioned and a treat to drive.

The driver of our largest tractor, Gary, started his career long ago driving one just like the JD 2130 in the picture, which in those days was considered a modern and quite sophisticated tractor.

News came in during the first week of June of a crop circle which had appeared near

19 Thornicombe.

Aerial pictures appeared on the Dorset Echo website, showing a frankly rather shabby-looking display in a field of what looked like barley.

Several basic mistakes have been made in the production of this artwork, including the fact that it is too early in the season; the crop is still growing and will turn upwards again from having been squashed onto the ground, spoiling the definition of the piece.

Crop circles are more normally found in wheat, which stands more erect than barley and not until later in June, when the crop is ripening and holds its position, allowing more precise definition of the edges.

The pattern itself is an interesting one, but a shame the execution is lacking. Strange how the pictures got into the press so quickly - a better performance on publicity than on the project itself? It's a 4 out of 10 from me.

Better luck next time, Aliens!

As a follow-up to last month's rant on TB, our whole cattle herd was injected again and tested. Fortunately all was well and no reactors were found, leaving just a single cow and her calf, whose testing is out of kilter with the rest and who have been on their own since being found 'inconclusive' back at the end of February.

Footpath maintenance with our little vintage tractor.

An aerial view of the Thornicombe crop circle.

20

July 2015

Heavy price paid by Dorset Regiment’s 6th Battalion

New Act paved the way for conscription BY the spring of 1915 it had become clear that voluntary recruitment was not going to provide the numbers of men required for the continued prosecution of the expanding war.

Casualties in France were outstripping replacements, and as a last attempt to preserve volunteerism, Lord Derby, the DirectorGeneral of Recruiting, devised a scheme to discover how many men aged between 15 and 65, would attest their willingness to serve if called.

The Mayor, Cllr N.J. Norman, convened a public meeting in the Town Hall on Thursday 1st July to consider the formation of a local company of the Dorset Volunteer Regiment.

The Government passed the

National Registration Act on 15th July 1915 as a step towards stimulating recruitment and to discover how many men between the ages of 15 and 65 were engaged in each trade.

The Book of Blandford Attestations, which has been on display in Blandford Museum, records the names of Blandford men who signed up as available for conscription.

The results of the census became available by mid-September 1915, and it was clear from the low numbers attesting (half that expected) that too many were avoiding volunteering, and the scheme was scrapped.

Compulsory military service for single men aged between 18 and 41 was instituted in January 1916.

Trade union leader Ben Tillett during his visit to the front which led to his appeal in a letter to Sir John French, Commander of the British Expeditionary Force, for more men and materials to back up the troops.

Published July 7th 1915 in the Illustrated War News.

THE war claimed 1,000 lives, including six from Blandford, in the 6th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, a new battalion of volunteers formed at Dorchester on 6th September 1914.

They moved to Wareham where they trained in and around Bovington and were initially attached as Army Troops to 17th (Northern) Division.

Of more than 1,000 men joining, 300 were from Dorset and the majority joined D company. The rest came from London, Warwickshire, and the South Wales mines.

Although initially selected for Home Defence duties, the decision was reversed, and in March 1915 they transferred to 50th Brigade in the same Division, and moved to Romsey in May. They landed in Boulogne on 14th July 1915 and moved into Southern Ypres and went into the line there after initial trench familiarisation.

Harry Bellows of Whitecliff Mill Street was killed near Ypres in November 1915.

In the spring of 1916 they saw action at the Bluff, south-east of Ypres on the Comines Canal, before moving south to the Somme, where Albert Lane, also of Whitecliff Mill Street, died on the first day in battle on 1st July at Montauban. They also fought in the Battle of Albert to capture

Fricourt, and in the battle at Delville Wood.

In 1917 they moved to Arras and saw action in the First and Second Battles of the Scarpe and the Capture of Roeux, and at Arras, where George Arnold and Bertram Shave, both of Orchard Street, died in April and May 1917.

In late summer they returned to Flanders and fought in the First and Second Battles of Passchendaele, where Harry (Henry George) Parsons of Whitecliff Mill Street lost his life in a gas attack in November 1917.

In 1918 they fought in the Battles of St Quentin, Bapaume, where William Woolridge Clark of East Street was killed during the attack on Flers on the Somme in August.

Further battles at Amiens, Albert, Havrincourt, Epehy and Cambrai and in the British pursuit of the German Army to the Selle, followed, and the Battles of the Selle and the Sambre.

By the time of the Armistice they were south-east of Maubeuge, and after a short spell west of Le Cateau moved back near Amiens to await demobilisation, which began in January 1919. They were disbanded in Dorchester on 26th May 1919 by which time 1,000 of their men had been lost.

Sons of Blandford PRIVATE Harry Bell, 28, of Charlton Marshall, served with the Dorsetshire Regiment's 1st Battalion and was the third of 12 children of Salisbury labourer Frederick Bell and his wife Bessie. He had previously served with the 1st Wiltshire Regiment, seeing service in Natal, South Africa, in 1911. He was killed in action in Belgium on 5th July 1915 and is buried in Larch Wood Cemetery.

Herbert William Green, born Durweston in 1891, served as a Lance Corporal with the Suffolk Regiment 7th Battalion and died of wounds, aged 24, in France on 22nd July 1915 to be buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension Nord.

He was the eldest son of gardener William Green and his wife Love Fox, who had married at Sturminster Newton in 1882, and lived in Stourpaine where their three daughters were born, but moved to 45 Durweston before Herbert and his two younger brothers were born.

Frederick Howard Sims, whose name appears on the Blandford Memorial, was killed in action in Belgium on 30th July 1915 when he was 21 and serving as a sergeant with the King's Royal Rifle Corps 9th Battalion. He is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

Born in Yetminster, at 17 he was working as an outfitters' apprentice and living in Salisbury Road, Blandford, possibly at the police station with his police superintendent father James and mother Annie Marie, and younger sister Ethel Maud.

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

July 2015

A dramatic challenge THERE'S no denying that Forum Drama set themselves a high standard with their choice of production in Noel Coward's farce on modern art, 'Nude with Violin'.

A wordy script from the master of social satire at times defeated the cast, but they rose to the challenge with good grace, even if some of the humour was lost.

The curtains of the Corn Exchange opened on to a magnificent set whose attention to detail was apparent. Praise is due to the back-stage team and director Terence Dear.

Less apparent in person on stage is the key character in the plot, the late lamented artist Paul Sorodin, whose varying styles turn out to have been painted by his particular 'muse' of the time, the eccentric Russian Princess Pavlikov, the barmaid Cherry-May and the Seventh Day Adventist Fabrice - responsible for three distinct artistic 'periods'.

There were some delightfully convincing cameo performances, particularly from Beatrice Hunt as the Russian and Jennie Rake as the chippy barmaid, along with Chrissy Regler as Sorodin's daughter.

The cunning device for overcoming the lack of a Jamaican actor by leaving Sam James as Fabrice offstage was perhaps less so! But there were some sterling performances from Tony Horrocks as the valet Sebastien, Jenny Tempier as Sorodin's widow, and Simone WallisMacdonald as her daughter-in-law.

They were supported by John Cody as the art expert, Charles Dillon as the reporter, Mike Lofthouse as the press photographer, and Christopher Sharpe as Sorodin's son, with Tracey Evans as the maid and Carla North as the child responsible for the fourth 'neo-infantile' period, most of whom had to fight to master a succession of foreign accents and languages. A challenge indeed!

SNB

TRAVELLERS with Bus2Go enjoy a cream tea at the long oak table in the Tudor Oak panelled dining room at Wolfeton Manor, near Dorchester. In the past two months the day-trippers have enjoyed a variety of visits including Clarks Village in Street and a trip to the New Jersey Boys at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton. A bus will be running from Dorchester via the villages to bring people to the Lions Youth Band concert in Blandford Corn Exchange on 18th July.

Lunchtime concert hits the spot MAY'S lunchtime concert in Blandford Parish Church featured Sam Ryall on the piano and a young vocalist billed as 'Vox Angelica', Jemma Clunies-Ross, who also revealed that she was an accomplished saxophonist.

Sam regaled the small but appreciative audience with some ragtime tunes, and Jemma, after singing quite beautifully, also A LUNCHTIME recital in St Mary's Church, Sturminster Newton, will be given by Blandford pianist Sue Craxton and Anne Powell, mezzo-soprano, on Monday 13th July, starting 12.15pm. The programme includes Schumann Leiderkreis (Eichendorff) and English Songs

by Ireland, Quilter, Howells and Armstrong Gibbs. Admission is free, with a retiring collection for church funds.

played excerpts from Peter and the Wolf, Swanee River and Sweet Georgia Brown.

On Thursday 23rd July, Dorset Opera has agreed to put on a performance in aid of the Cupola Project of Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle at 1pm.

Nicolas Mansfield will be conducting four Dorset Opera soloists and the chorus of up to 80. There will also be a grand piano and a harmonium. There is no charge for the concert but there will be a retiring collection in aid of the Cupola Project.

The church will be open all morning as usual and refreshments will be served from 12.30pm.

To help with catering, tickets are available in advance either from the Church Office or from PramaFair in Salisbury Street or ring 01258 450278.

Sam Ryall and his Vox Angelica, Jemma Clunies-Ross.

22

July 2015

Teddy hospital ward under threat A PETITION has been launched in Blandford against a proposal to close the children's Kingfisher ward at Dorchester Hospital, one of the causes supported by Teddy20 at their annual cricket festival at the Park Road recreation ground.

Sue Craxton said she was shocked at the prospect of children with serious illnesses and those in need of long-term care having to travel to Poole or Southampton as a result of proposals in a county-wide healthcare review.

She is supporting campaigners who wish to secure the future of paediatric services in Dorchester, and asking people to sign a petition to persuade the decision makers to reconsider.

"I realised that families in Blandford weren't aware of the proposal, but feel strongly that staff at Kingfisher ward provide an excellent service."

Anyone wishing to sign the petition to retain children's healthcare services in Dorchester Hospital can do so at the Blandford Town Museum in

Left: Harry Paulley of Shillingstone Cricket Club playing his first game for the Dorset Under 21s.

Below: Claire Kellaway does some Doodlebug Faces for Katelynn Gale, aged 10.

Bere's Yard, or the Tourist Information Centre in West Street.

Hundreds turned out again to support the Teddy20 fundraisers at the event, which is on target to have raised ÂŁ5,000 on top of the total ÂŁ24,000 now said to have been raised by the Teddy Rocks festival over the early May Bank Holiday.

Teddy20 was founded as a charity supporting children with cancer and life-threatening conditions in memory of ten-year-old Ted Newton of Blandford, and now supports a holiday caravan, Ted's Shack, at the Waterside Caravan Park in Weymouth, as well as fundraising for CLIC Sargent and the Kingfisher ward, which cared for Ted when he became ill.

Among the fundraisers was Sarah Trickey, a member of staff on the ward, who underwent a sponsored head shave.

There was also live music, a bar and barbecue, disco, cream teas, bouncy castles, face painting, hair colouring and stalls, in addition to the two cricket matches featuring Blandford RFC v Shillingstone Cricket Club, and the Teddy20-Legends v Dorset Leopards.

Ted's mother, Kim Newton said: "The day couldn't take place without the sponsorship of The To facing page

23

July 2015

A musical fundraiser THE Corn Exchange in Blandford resounded to 150 voices singing their hearts out.

Poacher's Moon, the local folk band, and Jubilate, the choral group from Wimborne, had just nine days to organise a charity concert in aid of the Red Cross Nepal Appeal.

The hall was packed and £543 was raised from ticket sales and the raffle in support of a cause close to Blandford's heart.

Another £136 was raised from the teas and coffees by the WI. Blandford Town Council donated the venue, complete with caretakers, for the evening and Morrisons donated a splendid selection of raffle prizes.

A Nepalese day at the Royal British Legion on Sunday 31st May raised in excess of £4,000.

Above: 16-month-old Finley explores the bald head of his mum Sarah Trickey, a member of staff at the Kingfisher ward, who underwent a sponsored head shave at the Teddy20 cricket fun day. Above right: Sammy Nash of Kutting Edge doing hair colouring with Emily Christopher, aged 7.

From previous page Dorset Funeral Plan, Blackmore Vale Media and Spectrum Housing Group who we gratefully thank for their kind help."

The charity is now seeking people to take part in a Bournemouth to Paris Cycle Challenge from August 29th to 30th, some 300 miles via Portsmouth, Cherbourg, Bayeux, Evreux and finally the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Find them on Facebook or at the website teddy20.co.uk She and her colleagues had only recently learned of proposals to close the popular children's ward and transfer all but paediatric day services to Poole or Southampton.

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust will be opening their new Wellbeing Centre at Blandford Community Hospital on Monday 1st July at 2pm. The opening of the centre, in part of the former Portman Ward which has now been remodelled as the Portman Unit, represents an expansion of the charity's services to those with cancer and other life-threatening conditions and their carers.

Crime busting scheme relaunched A PUB and shop watch scheme has been relaunched in Blandford by the man who originally started it over ten years ago.

With the help of the team of PCSOs, Blandford CCTV operator Alan Hunt, radio technician Ted Bain, Hugo of First Call Communications, and a £1000 grant secured by Blandford Town Council from the office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, the system is now up and running again, and shops and pubs are encouraged to join.

Shopwatch was started by then video shop proprietor Colin Young at a time when Blandford was rated the third worst town for drugs in the country, and ran for six years, together with a Pubwatch scheme which developed later.

It proved very effective, but shops decided it was no

longer needed when the shoplifting and drug-related crime was brought under control by the system in conjunction with the police.

Mr Young said at the time: "If the radio network is closed down it will all return." Now retired but still the proprietor of a members' club in Damory Street, he said: "Unfortunately I have been proved correct."

The rebirth of the system has been started by first relaunching Pubwatch and now Shopwatch, all under one system monitored by the CCTV operator and police.

Mr Young said: "We want shops and pubs to join so that we can all work together to improve our town and make it a safer place to live in."

He can be contacted by email to colin944@gmail.com or by phoning 01258 453694.

24

SCHOOLS

July 2015

Clothing brand boss to take leading role in school enterprise

Congratulations to Olivia A and Lily R, who represented Knighton House at Stonar Independent Schools one-day event. Both girls competed at an extremely high level with Lily R, pictured on Bardwell Picture Perfect, coming first in her section of more than 30 competitors in the 70cm class.

Photo courtesy of J P Event Photography Ltd.

MILTON Abbey School has announced that Johnnie Boden, executive chairman and founder of the Boden global clothing brand, is to be the leader of the independent school's third successive 'Entrepreneur in Residence' competition.

He will also be delivering elements of the school's new Enterprise and Entrepreneurship BTEC course, which begins this September.

Headmaster Magnus Bashaarat said: "The 'Entrepreneur in

School choir delights packed church PUPILS of Knighton House School really did 'sing for children' by raising more than ÂŁ500 for three children's charities, based in Mozambique, Kenya and India.

A stunning evening of an extraordinarily high musical standard was produced in a full Bryanston Church by the Knighton House

Chapel Choir and three current parents and professional musicians, Faye Eldret, Stephanie Chambers and Lydia LowndesNorthcott.

They were accompanied by Chris Dowie on piano and organ, and the girls' choir impressed with a repertoire that encompassed both the cathedral tradition (Vivaldi,

Mozart, Brahms, Ireland, Britten) and contemporary composers (Rutter, Nye, Goodall, Simmons, Elton John), all sung entirely from memory.

Members of the choir also contributed instrumental solos on French horn, treble recorder, clarinet and violin.

The girls' professionalism and vivacity added to the entrancing sound of their clear, unforced, soaring voices, trained by their Director of Music, Philippa Hardy, who also gave an unaccompanied vocal solo.

They raised a substantial amount for the children's charities in Mozambique, Kenya and India as well as giving a wonderful evening to a full Bryanston Church.

Champions required ST John Ambulance is looking for inspirational and enthusiastic Community Champions to spearhead projects taking life-saving skills into Dorset's deprived communities.

The volunteers will help the nation's leading first-aid charity set up clubs in schools, or where St John Ambulance doesn't currently have groups for young people, and recruit youth leaders.

Anyone interested in the voluntary role which can also provide useful work experience and training as a route into employment can apply online at http://bit.ly/commchamp.

Residence' scheme was launched two years ago with the purpose of providing an outlet for pupils with a particular flair for enterprise and a desire to run their own businesses.

"It gives them a unique opportunity to pick the brains of some of the country's most successful business icons."

The school has a history of cultivating budding entrepreneurs and many alumni have gone on to forge highly successful careers in self-employment in a diverse range of sectors.

They include former pupil Oliver Gladwin, founder and owner of The Shed restaurant in London's Notting Hill and more recently Rabbit on the Kings Road; and Paul Amin, owner and director of the Black Moth Vodka label.

Johnnie Boden takes over from Cath Kidston, who fronted this year's competition, and Anya Hindmarch, who led the 2014 scheme.

Sixth-form pupil Archie Kevill, who was crowned the winner in 2014 alongside his teammate Patrick Blanshard, said: "I've always been interested in business and making money, but the competition taught me more about the formal elements - how to prepare a business plan and how to prepare myself professionally for interviews."

Part of their prize was a week of work experience at Anya Hindmarch's office in Battersea and Archie said: "The work experience was great. We were assigned projects and learned more about marketing, design, and all the small details which have helped the brand become so successful."

A SERIES of 'girls nights in' with a theme of self-esteem and safe relationships started on 1st June at Treads youth advice centre.

Beauty freebies, face masks, make-up artists, stylist experts, chick flicks, jewellery, nail painting, self-defence and free snacks were on offer.

Treads also hosted a free popin session for teens with clay, paint and pottery wheels to try at the Pottery Parlour opposite Morrisons and the Greyhound on Tuesday 16th June.

SCHOOLS

July 2015

25

Students clean up with soap-making venture STUDENTS at Clayesmore School created a brand new soap for their annual Young Enterprise Challenge, planning and making a suitably soapy sample in just three days.

The Year 9 pupils had expert assistance from business representatives from organisations including Barclays, JP Morgan, Neal's Yard Remedies and Tower Park.

On the first day, the pupils formed their own mini companies, including deciding on a memorable name and assigning roles.

On day two, the novice manufacturers donned white coats and added colouring and scent to a soap base, as well as designing

packaging for their sweetsmelling products.

Other considerations included finance, marketing and promotion, distribution and legal aspects, and the final day was a chance to show off their wares.

After manning their inventive stands and presenting entertaining pitches, the prizes were awarded and the winning company became clear - it was 'Crystal'!

Organiser Cath Hayter said: "This year's Year 9 Enterprise event was a resounding success.

All the students were fully engaged from day one. The volunteers were impressed with their attitude and determination and commented that they were a credit to the school."

Soap making with year 9 pupils at Clayesmore School.

Durweston on road to recovery IMPROVEMENTS made at Durweston Primary School following its poor Ofsted report before Christmas have been acknowledged in the report of a recent statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAM), and the school has welcomed back its head teacher Liz Wesley-Barker after a period of ill-health.

The SIAM report notes the significant changes in leadership and management, and that at the time of the inspection, two teachers from the school were acting as temporary joint acting deputy head teachers, supported by two advisory head teachers from local first schools.

It says that working closely with the governors they have implemented procedures to give greater transparency to the responsibilities of leadership and management and improve the

effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of school life, including its Christian distinctiveness.

"Improvements in communication between all members of the school community are contributing to higher morale, and attendance had improved to be above the national average.

"Links with the parish church were a particular strength of the school and the rector played an important role in the life of the school both as a pastoral support and through membership of the governing body.

"The commitment of the church community is reflected in their ability to recently appoint three foundation governors following a number of resignations and the school has addressed the areas for development from the previous report."

A school spokesperson said:

Cash for story winners FULL details can be found on the Blandford Rotary Club website at blandfordrotary.org.uk (click on ‘what we do’) of a short story competition offering cash prizes to a maximum of 1,000 words.

The lead sponsor for the competition is Beatons Tearooms & Bookshop in the Market Place, and there are two categories, Open and Under-18, with a special prize for the best story set in the Blandford area.

Entries should be submitted by 31st July and by email only to adeoz59@gmail.com.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

"The highest grade that we could achieve following our recent Ofsted was a 'good' and we are pleased that we did achieve this.

"We are immensely proud of all of our children, staff and governors for helping us to achieve this high standard, and feel that these observations reinforced the views of the inspector who visited recently and highlighted the continuing improvement that the school is making." * The recent Durweston Primary May Fair raised £1,965 for school funds, and teacher Debbie Broadhurst raised over £790 on the Moonwalk in London in memory of her mother, who died in 1978 when she was in her early 50s.

She said: "2015 is the year I turn 40 and I'm a mum to two little girls. I wanted to walk in the memory of my mum so that we might save other mums from leaving their little girls, to watch them buy their first home, get married and have children - all the things I never got to share with my mum.

Walking the distance of a marathon seemed a fitting tribute to her memory."

Ciara Smyth and her mother Celia both took part in the 5k Race for Life in Dorchester on 31st May to raise money for Cancer Research in memory of a friend and relative who both died of cancer, and can be further sponsored at justgiving.com/celia-ciara/

26

July 2015

Girls get a kick out of soccer festivals DORSET FA delivered two girls' World Cupthemed festivals at the Blandford School and Redlands, organised to support and develop girls' football between the ages of eight and 12.

More than 120 girls took part and, on arrival, schools were given a flag from a World Cup country which they could adopt for the festival, plus some face paints so that they could decorate themselves with colours of their countries and get into the World Cup spirit.

The Blandford World Cup Festival involved 12 schools with students from years 5, 6, 7 and 8. Running alongside the festival was an FA

skills session for 10-11 year-olds, giving the girls an opportunity to work with one of the Dorset FA coaches.

Dorset Youth Council member Oli Powell delivered a fun and interactive coaching session for children in years 7 and 8, to allow girls to experience the FA Vauxhall Mash Up programme, a kick-about overseen by an FA coach to ensure that the sessions are fun and sociable.

Another Dorset Youth Council member, Emily Dancer, delivered a blind football session to raise awareness of the Blind European Football Championships which are set to kick

off in August in Hereford.

Rosie Eggleston, from Dorset FA, said: "On two of the hottest days of the year it has been absolutely fantastic to see so many girls participating in football, most for the first time.

Dorset FA would like to thank Dorset FA Skills, Blandford United Youth FC, Redlands FC, and the schools for their enthusiastic involvement in both events, and helping to make them a huge success."

For more information on getting involved in girls' football contact Dorset Football Association on 01202 682375 or e-mail Development@DorsetFA.com.

Camera club put on a great show THE cream of the endeavours of Blandford Camera Club members was on display in the Corn Exchange in the club's 59th annual exhibition, in which they displayed more than 180 print and projected images.

They were joined by other photographers from across the county for the open colour and monochrome sections with another 150 entries.

President Norman Carey said: "Not only have our regular entrants continued to send in their work to keep the exhibition going, but also their standard has been really high, and received excellent comment from our judge Tony Oliver, who has done a great job in choosing the winners."

Club chairman Marilyn Peddle had the most success, winning the Dr Davies Cup for a series of three in colour with a group of Harvest Mice, coming second in the Founders Cup for a series of three with 'Steam Fair Memories', and first in club projected digital images.

Malcolm Bowditch was a winner in both the club and open competitions, with first in the Founders Cup (series of three monochrome) with '3 x 4', first and third in club monochrome with 'Access to No. 55' and 'Should I Buy It?', and first and third in open mono-

chrome with 'Rain approaching Webber's Point' and 'No Snow, Just Wet and Cold'.

Second in the Dr Davies Cup was Rachel Cooper with 'Fruit Salad' and third Cornelius Cornes with 'Wet Sleet, Wet Rain and Wet Hail'.

Third in The Founders Cup was Peter Gafney ('Waverley Engine Room').

Other winners were: club colour: 1 Graham Hutton for 'Early Morning Goods'; 2 Sally Chaloner 'Cosmos Dream'; 3 Colin Cross 'Portrait of an Eagle'; club monochrome 2 Graham Hutton 'Swanage Banjo Pier'; open monochrome: 2 John Larry of Verwood 'Walking in the Light'.

Open colour: 1 Sally Chaloner of Blandford 'Feeling Blue’, 2 Sheila Brown of Poole 'Not Even a Sideways Glance', 3 Roger Holman of Wimborne 'Cowgrove'; club projected digital images: 2 Jean Bartlett, 3 Colin Sansom; open projected digital images: 1 Dee Maddams, Bournemouth, 2 Reg Clark, Bournemouth, 3 Stan Maddams, Bournemouth.

Marilyn Peddle and Malcolm Bowditch with some of their winning images in the exhibition of Blandford Forum Camera Club.

THE Dorset Federation of Women's Institutes will be celebrating the national centenary of the movement at a dinner preceded by a short thanksgiving service at Milton Abbey on 4th July.

It will be the culmination of celebrations, in Dorset and nationwide, which started on 2nd June with a Centenary Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the presence of the Duchess of

Cornwall, attended by more than 100 Dorset Institute members.

On 4th June, 50 Dorset WI and Federation members represented their institutes at the Royal Albert Hall in London at the annual meeting, which was broadcast live on large screens across the county including in The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, and the Tivoli in Wimborne.

SPORT

July 2015

27

Rugby Club celebrates success at Larksmead TWO new Life Members, Phil Meaden and Steve Crocker, were announced at Blandford RFC's annual endof-season presentation night which saw a number of players and supporters given awards.

Chairman Jay Frampton thanked everyone for attending and making it a fantastic night and great turnout after a last-minute change of venue.

He said: "It celebrates the first season at Larksmead, where the pitches have proved excellent, and with the additional floodlights for training, it has made a huge difference.

"I would like to thank the Town Council and Paul Froud, who did the work to a very high standard, and the Royal Signals who helped raise some of the money and have had some great games there with their cup finals held at the pitches in May. "I would also like to thank the neighbours of Larksmead for putting up with a few problems along the way. It has been a huge learning curve for us all, but I feel it is all worth it. The numbers and membership have doubled in one season, which makes all the hard work worth it."

First and second XV players of the year were announced respectively as Ben Kimber and Harry Peter Stacey, who was also 2nd XV top try scorer. Charlie James was 1st XV top try scorer, and first and second XV young players of the year were Joel Mariner and Ollie Taylor.

Luke Stacey and Jordan Kevern took the awards for most improved players in each team, and players' player of the year was Justin Miller.

Justin Frampton was clubman of the year, Jules Hunter social member, and the coaches' award went to Tom Leach, with Kerry Kempster taking the Frampton Memorial Shield for unsung hero of the season, and Adrian Ward the President's Award.

Left to right: Brian Cullen, Ashley Wood Seniors' captain, and Joe Robbins, club president, with Nigel King, Roger Rigden and Barry Singleton of the winning Yeovil team, and Joe McMahon, Seniors' open secretary.

Good turnout for seniors’ contest A TOTAL of 34 teams from Dorset and neighbouring counties turned up to the Seniors Open Bowmaker competition at Ashley Wood Golf Club and, with 90 points, Nigel King's team from Yeovil finished on top.

It was collectively an all-round performance as D. Ingram of Cumberwell Park won the 'nearest the pin' competition on the fourth, while 'nearest the pin in 2 shots' on the 12th went to Richard Bunczuk, of Upavon. In addition, ÂŁ200 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Care from a raffle.

On this bright and sunny day the scoring was very good, with Norman Clarke recording his first-ever eagle on the par 4 13th hole. William Merwood, John Thorpe and Steve White of Ryde finished runners-up, falling five points short on the day.

Memorial event THE Daniel Jones Memorial tournament and family fun day was hosted by Blandford United FC at The Blandford School in memory of former player and pupil Dan Jones, who died in a motorcycle accident in August 2013.

There was a raffle, tombola, bouncy castle, bar, live music and stalls, an auction for a Southampton FC signed pennant, and a collection for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Ashley Wood president Joe Robbins and Seniors' captain Brian Cullen presented prizes at the end, and Seniors' open secretary Joe McMahon thanked everybody for their generosity to the charity and support for the competition.

Bank Holiday Monday saw mixed pairs fighting for the honour of winning the Buck Trophy. The format for this annual competition is

for each member of the pair to score on nine of the 18 holes.

The strategic game caused a bit of head-scratching, thought and hilarity and the competition started in sunshine but finished in rain over the last couple of holes for some of the members. The winning pair were Stuart McColl and Joan Robson with a nett score of 64, and second were Terry Everett and Joan Bartlett with 67.

28

July 2015

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events JULY Wednesday 1st July: Blandford Fashion Museum 'Behind the Scenes' tours, details 01258 453006 Weldmar Wellbeing Centre opening, Blandford Community Hospital, 2pm The Handlebards present 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 7pm, Larmer Tree, Tollard Royal, bookings 01725 516971 or larmertree.co.uk Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July: WW1 Modes of Transport - Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am 3pm featuring WW1 ships from the famous Matchstick Fleet, photographs of vehicles and bi-plane and tank making for young and old. Refreshments available Saturday 4th July: Bus2Go day out in Swanage, Steam both ways on the Swanage Railway and guided tour of the Town, with the Town Crier. Return Fare including Swanage Railway £18.50 Dorset Federation of Women’s Institutes summer centenary celebration dinner, preceded by a short thanksgiving service, at Milton Abbey Monday 6th July: Blandford Floral Group present ‘Floral Art in the Garden’ - floral arrangements in the Woodhouse Gardens (next to the Post Office), 2.30pm, free admission, cream teas available Wednesday 8th July: Blandford branch of the NHS Retirement Fellowship meets, Blandford Community Hospital committee room Licensing of the Rev Jonathan Triffitt as Rector of Blandford and Langton Long, Blandford Parish Church, 6.30pm Friday 10th July: Blandford Farmers Market, 9am to 1pm, Market Place Friday 10th to Saturday 11th July: Ceramics Fair, Corn Exchange, Blandford. Beautiful ceramic ware from Dorset's talented artists plus demonstrations on the potters wheel - come along and have a go.

Churchill Productions present Living Together, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm (Sat mat 2.30pm), box office 01202 885566 Sunday 12th July: Teddy Bears Tea Party, Blandford Children's Centre, Black Lane, 11am to 1pm, free entry for stalls, raffle, cream teas and fun activities Musical afternoon at Blandford Constitutional Club, 2 - 6pm, in aid of Julia's House Children's Hospice. Vintage and craft stalls,

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

Waterloo in the Valley WHILE the focus in Blandford last month was the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign in World War One, attention in the Tarrant Valley was turned to the bicentenary of the battle of Waterloo.

The Tarrant Valley Players donned 19th century costume to tell the story of Wellington's great defeat of Napoleon in narrative, poetry, song and humour, giving two performances of their show in Tarrant Keyneston's Anne Biddlecombe village hall.

The 21st century review, conceived, directed and produced by Howard Air, David and Gay Bentley, Bryan Sheppard and Adrian Tuite with a company of over a dozen other players, it consisted of readings, quotes, songs, sketches and the rather predictable finale with a number made famous by a certain Swedish pop group.

There was also the presentation of the Players' charity fundraising proceeds from the previous 12 months for the Disability Action Group (North Dorset), whose trustee Mike Wells is pictured receiving a cheque for £1200 from chairman Adrian Tuite, watched by the assembled company.

For DAG, it is the fifth major grant this year which in total has enabled five disabled people to be provided with new scooters, replacing the ageing stock of the charity. raffle, bar and food.

The Rude Mechanicals present 'The Comedy of Babi Babbett' in the classic commedia dell'arte style, Shillingstone recreation ground (primary school hall if wet), picnics from 6.30pm, tickets 01258 861391 Monday 13th July: Anne Powell, mezzo soprano, and Sue Craxton, piano, in concert, St Mary's Church, Sturminster Newton, 12.15 to 12.55pm Tuesday 14th to Thursday 16th July: The Blandford School presents FAME The Musical, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7pm, tickets 01202 885566 or tivoliwimborne.co.uk Wednesday 15th July: Blandford & District Society guided Heritage Walk, meet Marsh & Ham car park 7pm, details 01258 459346 Thursday 16th July: Blandford Carers trip to Swanage Blandford Art Society meets

Pimperne Village Hall at 2pm, 'I do like to be beside the seaside.’

Untutored life drawing session, details from Tina Rowley 03330 112174 Blandford Heart Forum meets, The Studio, Common Lane, (off East Street), Blandford, 2.45pm, speaker Alan Peters on being Royal Protection Officer to Princess Diana Music at St Giles House with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, details bsolive.com/music-at-st-giles/ Saturday 18th July: Bus2Go visit Hengisbury Head, Christchurch and Stewarts Garden Centre, see bus2godorset.org Cats Protection Coffee Morning and stalls at Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford 10am - 12:30 pm Child Okeford Hey Day, village fete, recreation ground, from 12pm

Tarrant Hinton village fete, from 2pm Sunday 19th July: Tarrant Valley 10, starts Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton, 10.30am Blandford Mortain Twinning Association Family Fun Day and summer barbecue, Constitutional Club, Salisbury Street, 12 noon, to book call 01258 453693 Monday 20th July: Blandford Blind Club meets Williams Opportunity Hall, 2 to 4pm, indoor bowls and bingo Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th July: Dorset Opera Festival 2015, Coade Hall, Bryanston (L'elisir d'amore 21, 23, 25 July, and Un ballo in maschera 22, 24, 25 July), see dorsetopera.com Wednesday 22nd July: Bus2Go visit Pine Lodge Restaurant Bockhampton, see bus2godorset.org Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets 2pm, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, 'Firemen' with Matthew Holland, visitors welcome Thursday 23rd July: Dorset Wildlife Trust Morning walk on Fontmell Down led by DWT Warden Steve Oliver: Meet at 10am at the National Trust car park opposite Compton Abbas airfield.

Lunchtime concert, Blandford Parish Church, 12.30 for 1pm, Dorset Opera 'Petite Messe Solonelle' by Rossini Friday 24th July: The Blandford Preetz Twinning Society annual BBQ, 22 Kings Road, Blandford.

Potential new members welcome, contact 01258 452202 or 01258 459452 for more information Saturday 25th July: Milton Abbas Street Fair, 11am to 5pm, to be opened by zoologist and TV presenter Dr George McGavin, continuous programme of entertainment throughout the day. See page 8 for full details Tarrant Rushton Family Fun Day, Long Barn, Tarrant Rushton.

Gardens open from 12.30pm, children's races, duck race, stalls and cream teas from 1.30pm, proceeds to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Sunday 26th July to Sunday 2nd August: Milton Abbey International Music Festival, details 01258 882322 or box.office@miltonabbey.co.uk, eventsatmiltonabbey.co.uk Tuesday 28th July: Lions Youth Brass concert, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 2.30 to 4.30pm, admission free, donations for Lions charities