February 2016 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS

Blind Club bids a fond farewell to stalwart Margaret: Page 10

For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 47

February 2016

Town in shock after killing Popular hairdresser stabbed to death THE tragic and violent death of popular hairdresser Katrina O'Hara when she suffered fatal stab wounds at her place of work, Jock's Barbers in East Street, on 7th January has shocked family, friends and the wider community.

Tributes on her Facebook page, where the evening before her death she posted an upbeat message challenging people to 'Smile more, do new things and be brave' in 2016, described her as a "happy, funny and beautiful lady" who always made time for everyone and "a beautiful woman, inside and out".

The messages came from people in Blandford and further afield, including Bathgate in West Lothian, Scotland, where she was brought up.

Moving floral tributes were also laid by relatives, friends and customers on the pavement outside

the premises where the 44-yearold mother and grandmother had died.

Her 16-year-old daughter Morgan left flowers outside the shop addressed to her 'Darling Mother' and saying: "I brought you some flowers just as I did when I was younger. They used to make you so happy. I love you so much.

We will get justice for you."

Son Kyle, 25, left a message saying: "I love you more than anything in this world. You were my rock. The world has lost a truly incredible lady, grandmother and mother. You will always be with me."

Younger son Dean, 23, said simply on Facebook: "I miss you mum".

Friends described her outgoing personality and kindness. Helen Samways said on Facebook: "I was lucky enough to work with this beautiful lady and can't

Victim: Katrina O'Hara, described as ‘a happy, funny and beautiful lady’. believe she has been taken from us."

Others described her as "a great neighbour". Geoff Barnett, a customer both at Jock's and when she had her own salon in the

town, recalled: "She helped me source a new reception counter for the Blandford Museum when I was its chairman."

She had also, shortly before To Page 3

Man charged with murder

Floral tributes left outside Jock's Barbers where Katrina worked and died.

ON the evening of Wednesday 13th January, 49-year-old Stuart Thomas - known as George Thomas - was charged with Ms O'Hara's murder.

He appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court the following day, when he was remanded in custody.

He entered no plea and the magistrates committed the case to Winchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on January 18.

Thomas, of Salisbury Road, Blandford, appeared in court unshaven, dressed in a grey T-shirt and wearing a cast on his left wrist.

Detective Inspector Richard Dixey, of Dorset Police's MCIT, said: "After investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service which has authorised the charge of murder."

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February 2016

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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: M&S Blandford, Langton Road; The Post Office, Library and Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, the Spar shop in Market Place, Gorge Cafe in East Street, 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.

Diary events are updated regularly on our website so it is always worth logging on to stay up to date with what’s happening in the area. The website also carries additional pictures of local events and background information on stories.

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Public to be consulted over more bus cuts DORSET County Council has launched another public consultation into the impact of proposed changes in bus services in a bid to save ÂŁ500,000 by stopping subsidies to infrequent services and supporting community-based schemes instead.

Nic Nicol, chairman of the Blandford Transport Action Group, who was interviewed on radio about the proposals on the day the consultation started, said it was hard to see how more cuts could be made with many local bus services now down to one day a week.

But he praised the efforts of the County Council and others to increase the investment in community transport to retain and improve main services. He said more not fewer journeys were needed on most routes which people depended on to go to col-

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

We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

lege and visit people in hospital.

"Having now had time to read the DCC Cabinet paper and bus review in more detail, the X12 appears to be the only main line service to be reduced - it's proposed that it will only operate between Dorchester and Blandford," he said.

The service between Pimperne and Woodyates will be cut.

The 186 Tuesday and Friday service will exclude Winterbornes Zelston, Muston and Anderson and the Tuesday 314 service from Pamphill to Salisbury will exclude Stubhampton, Tarrant Gunville and Tarrant Hinton.

Also to be removed is the Tuesday 315 Blandford to Wimborne shoppers' link, the Tarrant Valley part of the Thursday 319 Cranborne to Blandford service, the Tarrant Keyneston to Pamphill part of the Friday 320 service to Wimborne, the Thursday 325 Gussage St Andrew to Blandford service, and several villages, including Ibberton and Belchalwell, from the Tuesday 317 service between Stalbridge and Blandford.

Mr Nicol added: "The TAG supports making better use of DCT minibuses to provide public transport services for our rural communities. The scope to use these vehicles in the down time before and after providing the school bus service should be fully examined and exploited."

He asked everyone, whether

they use bus services or not, to complete the survey and lobby local councillors to ensure they reflect the views of the local community.

Councillor Peter Finney, the council's Cabinet member for environment, said: "With significant reductions in our funding from government, we need to focus on services that support Dorset's economy by helping people get to school or work.

"Community schemes can be more responsive to people's needs for social and leisure journeys. There is already a good network of community transport in Dorset and we want to help it grow."

He said they wanted to find out whether people were aware of such schemes in their area, encourage more volunteers to join them and find out where there were gaps.

The results of the consultation, which started in January and will run to the middle of February, will be taken to the council's Cabinet on 24th February for decision so that changes can be in place from April.

A full list of affected services and the survey can be found online at dorsetforyou.com/2016-busreview and from libraries and town and parish council offices.

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February 2016

Murder charge follows Katrina’s violent death From Page 1 to his wrist and had to be treated in hospital, remained under police Christmas, supported the arrest until being released from Ferndown-based charity Megan's hospital when he remained in Smile, which fundraises for chilpolice custody for questioning. dren with severe disabilities. The charity set up an appeal for her Police said he and the victim family which, within 24 hours, had were known to each other, and no raised over £4,000. other suspects were sought.

A spokesperson said: "We set up The force has referred itself to the the link to help a little towards Independent Police Complaints flowers and set the target of Commission due to Dorset £500. The love and support Police's "recent prior contact with shown to this family is truly fanpeople involved in this incident". tastic. They are £2,000-plus over Enquiries continued the following the target which will go towards day with a detailed search in the the funeral expenses. alleyways and gardens of proper"On behalf of Katrina's daughter ties in East Street, New Inn Lane, Morgan and her siblings and the The Close, Dorset Street and entire family, we Orchard Street want to send our for a potential massive thank weapon yous for the believed to have amazing kindness been discarded and we hope that by the assailant. these donations A knife was will help ease found on the some of the Saturday afterstress at this very noon. difficult time."

A post mortem Katrina O'Hara: outgoing and kind.

Blandford Rector, revealed that Ms the Rev Jonathan Triffitt, said a O'Hara had died as a result of moment's silence was held at the two stab wounds to the chest. start of the Sunday morning servDetective Inspector Richard ice for Ms O'Hara and her family, Dixey, of Dorset Police's MCIT, many of whom were well-known said: "I would like to thank the in the town and close friends of public, in particular the local resithose in the congregation. dents in Blandford, for their assis"It's not something you expect to tance, support and co-operation happen and has shocked and during this ordeal. impacted on a large section of the "Many witnesses have come forcommunity," he said. ward with information and we Sympathy has also been have been able to locate a potenexpressed for the family of the tial weapon - a knife - near to the arrested man and for those at scene of the incident.

Jock's Barbers, which remained "Family liaison officers have closed and under police guard folupdated Miss O'Hara's family with lowing the attack. these developments and our News of the incident quickly thoughts are with them at this spread through social media tragic and most difficult time. when a number of emergency "I would like to ask, on behalf of service vehicles raced to the the family, that their request for scene following a 6.10pm report undisturbed privacy and time to to the police of the serious grieve is respected." assault just inside the shop.

He added: "Detectives are continTown centre streets and alleyuing to investigate this incident ways were sealed off, an armed and our appeal for witnesses and response team attended and, as people with relevant information news of the death rapidly spread, to come forward, still stands." a murder investigation was They should call Dorset Police in launched, led by Dorset Police's confidence on 101 quoting inciMajor Crime Investigation team. dent number 7:339. Alternatively, A 49-year-old local man was call the free and anonymous arrested that evening on suspiCrimestoppers line on 0800 555 cion of murder.

111 where mobile phone tariffs The man, who sustained an injury may apply.

A tribute left by son Kyle among the flowers outside the crime scene.

Flowers left outside Jock’s Barbers where the stabbing took place.

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Family’s crash shock CHRISTMAS preparations were rudely interrupted for a Charlton Marshall family when a car crashed into the wall and front porch of their property on the corner of Park Hill with the A350 in the early hours of 12th December.

A number of nearby households as well as their own had to be evacuated because a gas pipe was fractured, causing a leak, and Michael and Rachel Plummer and their children were left without access to their home, other than through the integral garage door, and without heating, hot water or phone services until their porch could be made structurally sound.

They were about to go to bed when there was a loud crash and they found that a red Vauxhall Astra, with two occupants, had demolished their fence and porch, coming to rest in the front of their Mercedes parked in front of the property. "I think our car stopped it hitting the wall of the house," said Mr Plummer.

The crash woke the eldest of their three children, who were sleeping upstairs, and the whole family, and their neighbours, had to evacuate the buildings because of the gas leak.

Police, fire brigade and gas board attended to deal with the incident, and the driver of the car was breathalysed. No-one was injured, but a 28-year-old man from Blandford was charged with drink-driving.

The Plummer family were able to stay with friends, but many of the evacuated villagers took refuge in the village hall.

February 2016

Rugby parking issues continue PROBLEMS resulting from the popularity of the Blandford Rugby Club ground on Larksmead recreation ground on match days will be considered in detail by the town council's recreation and amenities committee in February.

Residents, plagued by visitors parking in Larksmead and Salisbury Road, have asked for three options to be considered, including marking out extra bays in the middle of the existing car park to provide eight extra spaces.

A second option was to use the grassed area between the perimeter fence and Larksrise for parking, but it would mean dropping a kerb and installing a protection surface to prevent damage to the grass and soil erosion.

The third was to move the adult fitness equipment installed by the town council towards the far end of the recreation ground so that half the grassed area bounded by Preetz Way could be used for parking, again requiring drop kerbing and ground protection.

Councillors considered the expense of the second two options, which could also attract criticism from residents and dog walkers because of the significant loss of grassed area.

The bus company, which had on occasion been unable to get down Larksmead because of parking on both sides, reported that issues had been rectified by allowing parking on one side of

the road only.The rugby club confirmed that lining in the car park provided the maximum number of spaces.

Councillors were concerned that a leisure site might be converted into a car park, and commented that intensification of the use of the site was only one morning a week. It was suggested that the home team might park at the three other entrances to the site to alleviate problems.

It was agreed to defer the item to the recreation and amenities committee and seek further comments from residents as well as approximate costings for each option.

Football stalwart honoured FORMER Blandford football administrator and player Geoff Pike was one of the stalwarts of grassroots football awarded 50-year long service medals at a Dorset County Football Association Council dinner.

Mr Pike began his association by assisting with the running of the Blandford Youth Club team in 1964, and served as honorary secretary and player for Charlton Marshall in the Dorset Adult League. He was secretary for Blandford Old Boys, then for Charlton Marshall Reserves, serving as manager and secretary.

He also played for Farnham FC and Sturminster Newton FC, became chairman and secretary of Shaftesbury, a referee, linesman, and secretary of the North Dorset Referees' Society, and since 1981 has been a Dorset FA council member and vice-chairman, chairman of the Dorset County Youth League, chairman of the Dorset FA and a director of DCFA Limited.

From 2002 to 2008 and again in 2012, he was chairman of board of directors and since 2009 he has held the position of president of the Dorset League.

The awards were presented by Peter Hough, life vice-president of the Football Association, in recognition of the exceptional commitment and dedication to grassroots football.

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February 2016

NEWS in BRIEF BLANDFORD Railway Club holds its annual meeting at the club in Eagle House Gardens, Blandford, on Monday 8th February from 7.30pm. There will be a chance to catch up with the progress of the club and its Bailey Gate project, and run a train on the test track.

TOWN councillors are asking Dorset County Council to make the western end of Park Road in Blandford single lane in a bid to reduce congestion caused by parked cars. They have also reiterated a request made several months ago for double yellow lines to alleviate parking problems.

THE floods in early January were nothing in comparison to those of January 2014 which saw water build up in the town centre, or July 2012 which saw water levels reach one of the highest points in recent years. They nonetheless gave many the opportunity to go out with their cameras and record some scenic views.

Some glorious images appeared on Facebook

and elsewhere when the River Stour broke its banks and covered the water meadows around Blandford. This beautiful sunset was captured

by Paul Dimarco.

Flood warnings were lifted on the Stour on 5th January, but issued again by the Environment Agency on 11th January for the upper and middle Stour and tributaries.

A TALK on the Poole Flying Boats and the men who turned the harbour into the country's only international airport between 1939 and 1948 will be given by Jeremy Waters to the Dorset Archives Trust at the Dorset History Centre on Thursday 4th February, starting 7pm. Tickets from the centre, call 01305 228945 or email enquiries@dorsetarchivestrust.org The C13 between Blandford and Shaftesbury was closed at Melbury Abbas for a week in January to allow the replacement of barriers in Dinah's Hollow.

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February 2016

Train days remembered NEXT month is the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Somerset & Dorset Railway to passenger traffic.

On Saturday March 5th, the Blandford Railway Arches Trust is planning a commemoration of the last timetabled passenger train to stop at Blandford Railway Station, now Station Court and the entrance to the North Dorset Trailway.

The following day there will be two steam engines on the railtrack at Shillingstone Station. There will be special photo shoots and evening special effects.

See next month's Forum Focus for more details.

Brewery site plan changes spark council dismay Casablanca comes to town Sam Ryall 'plays it again' for Rick (Mike Lofthouse) at the Blandford Corn Exchange screening of Casablanca, one of the final showings by Moviola in Dorset as part of the British Film Institute Love Season. An introduction by 'Rick' with a genuine 'Sam' at the piano was followed by three short films on courtship through ages and the classic film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

TOWN councillors have been shocked to learn of the reduction in benefits to Blandford arising from the revised scheme for the redevelopment of the Hall & Woodhouse brewery site, which was approved by North Dorset District Council before Christmas.

Mayor Steve Hitchings said he was saddened to read in last month's Forum Focus of the changes in the community contributions.

He said: "I understood from the discussions in advance of the application being submitted that there was very little change, and it was needed for them to move on. But so much of the infrastructure money has been stripped out."

Councillor Esme Butler, a member of the district council's development management committee, said they had queried it at Nordon, the district council headquarters, but been told that if it wasn't done, the scheme would be held back.

Councillor Hitchings responded:

"The whole point of the agreement - things for the safety of children crossing the road between Blandford and Blandford St Mary, the community building for Blandford St Mary, and ÂŁ100,000 for leisure facilities in the town - have gone.

"We worked extremely hard with Malcolm Albery, the chairman of Blandford St Mary parish council, and others at Blandford St Mary to get the agreement right, and this strips it of all our hard work."

Councillor Haydn White said it was something that was happening all over the country.

Applications were submitted and approved giving infrastructure contributions, but the applicants came back saying it was unviable. "I'd like to know where the contributions to the town are," he said.

Councillor Hugo Mieville said: "They may have their reasons, but we didn't know the extent of the changes, so made our decision of no objection under a false premise."

Readers' letters: Page 14.

Mock trial to be revived THE Blandford Georgian Fayre committee have announced that they plan to revive the mock public trial and hanging which was featured during the event in the 1990s.

Chairman Colin Stevens said they were working with the reenactment societies to stage the representation of historic crime and punishment which were staged by the Blandford Lions in the earlier years of the fayre.

The event on the May Bank Holiday weekend will coincide with an expanded Teddy20 Rock Festival from Friday to Monday which is planned to move from the Greyhound yard to occupy the lower Marsh and Ham car park.

Discussions are still taking place about how to cater for the parking and accommodation of the large number of visitors to both the fayre and to Teddy20, who have announced that the headline act on the Friday will be The Hoosiers.

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February 2016

Tony honoured for a life of good deeds A LOCAL man who has dedicated his life to helping young people and the community was included in the recent New Year Honours list.

Tony Ives, 72, of Winterborne Kingston receives the British Empire Medal for his services to youth clubs and organisations in his own village and further afield, as well as his parish council and parochial church council.

He has also worked tirelessly for Blandford Bowls Club, which during his presidency opened a new extension to its clubhouse in 2014 and has developed a thriving youth section, and as a member of Blandford Lions Club with its regular fundraising and charitable activities including hosting the annual visit by Father Christmas to Blandford Corn Exchange.

His efforts also include driving major fundraising projects for organisations including the Limelights youth club in Poole,

helping to raise £320,000 for its new youth centre.

As chairman of Winterborne Kingston parish council in 2007, he was involved in the installation of a building for the village youth club on the recreation ground and was part of the team which won the Dorset Best Kept Large Village competition and best new entry.

He also launched a project to raise £90,000 to refurbish the tower and bells of St Nicholas Church in Winterborne Kingston in time to ring in the Millennium.

Mr Ives, who had a masonry business in Parkstone before his retirement, said he intends to continue his involvement with organisations in the community.

He said: "It was a total surprise to learn of the award and I could not believe it. I am absolutely delighted. But it's not just me - we have very good committees with good people in all this."

THE Blandford Events Group, which is organising a street party in celebration of the Queen's 90th birthday on Sunday 12th June, the day after her official birthday, is inviting residents of Blandford or Blandford St Mary who will be celebrating their own 90th birthday this year to join them as special guests.

The street party in the Market Place will follow a civic thanksgiving service in the parish church at 2pm. For details call 01258 480756.

Town loos to stay free PUBLIC toilets at the Marsh and Ham and Tabernacle in Blandford are to remain free of charge following a six-month trial which resulted in a significant decrease in repair costs and complaints.

Councillors were told that since the removal of the 20p charge in June last year, damage repair costs had reduced largely through not having to make expensive repairs to the coinoperated entry mechanisms.

Vandalism had ceased when the service became free, having totalled over £1,100 at the Tabernacle and £1,200 at the Marsh and Ham. There had also been a marked increase in rough sleeping, but it

Blueprint’s green light

was felt that this would happen whether the toilets were free or not. The police had dealt with it when informed, and the toilets had been locked earlier in the day as a deterrent.

Feedback from staff had been positive since they spent less time dealing with entry problems, and volunteers at the tourist information centre were delighted to see a big decrease in complaints and time spent dealing with them.

Members of the public and visitors to the town, in comments to staff and in consultation through the council newsletter and at the Community Expo and on the website, also favoured the free entry.

More than £1,300 was raised by the charity at the Boxing Day Teddy Raves Festival when the headliners were Rhys Thomas and Vic Light, and thanks have been expressed to all those who helped with the event and supported the raffle.

The charity is also inviting people to take part in its annual fundraising sky-dive which is scheduled for 7th August at Old Sarum.

For more information see teddy20.co.uk

Tony Ives pictured with the Best Kept Village award won by Winterborne Kingston in 2010.

A NEW Local Plan for North Dorset has been found sound by an independent inspector, meaning that it can now go forward to be adopted.

Planning Inspector David Hogger has sent his report to North Dorset District Council, concluding that the plan is an appropriate basis for the planning of the district, subject to a number of modifications, most of which were published for public consultation earlier this year.

Growth in larger villages outside the four main settlements, including Charlton Marshall, Child Okeford, Pimperne, Shillingstone, Stourpaine, and Winterbornes Kingston, Stickland and Whitechurch, are identified as suitable for growth, and the possibility of developing greenfield sites beyond the Blandford bypass are included.

The full report is available at dorsetforyou.com/planning/north -dorset/planning-policy and can be viewed at North Dorset District Council's offices in Blandford.

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February 2016

Planners support revised club plan REVISED plans for extension to Colin's Community Club in Damory Street have been supported by Blandford Town Council.

They coupled their backing with a request that, if planning officers are again minded to refuse the application, it should be heard by councillors on North Dorset District Council's development management committee.

An original application to add a second floor to the single-storey club, which has been developed in Colin Young's former video shop and car repair workshop, was refused by NDDC officers under delegated powers.

On 11th January Mr Young told the Town Council's planning committee that the scheme now had a lower roof-line with pitched roof.

He also answered concerns that the extension would lead to added footfall and disturbance in the residential area, saying: "I would argue that that increase has already taken place with the

closure of a number of pubs in the area.

"The reason for the extension is to organise and control this increase efficiently. Every pub or club which closes diminished the ability to keep important activities such as meetings."

He also argued that the issue of overlooking, given as grounds for refusal, had already happened through the building of Russell Court on the site of the former single-storey Liberal Club next door.

"How can my small two-storey extension overlook more than the three-storey Russell Court has done?"

Councillors Roger Carter and John Stayt agreed that the club was an important asset to the town and community.

Councillor Stayt, who lives a few doors away in Damory Street, said: "We have never had any trouble or disturbance from it, and it has already grown from when it started."

Colin's Community Club in Damory Street could be enlarged with a first-floor extension.

A proposal to raise no objection to the application was agreed by nine votes to two with two abstentions.

Councillor John Tanner said he

had already written to the planning authority asking for the application to go before the committee if officers were still minded to refuse it.

Rise in council tax looks on the cards BLANDFORD Town Council was due to meet on 18th January (after Forum Focus went to press) to consider its budget for the year and how it might affect the council tax paid by town taxpayers.

Members were advised at their last meeting that town and parish councils would not be capped this year, and deferred their final decision for figures awaited from North Dorset District Council.

But an increase of around 14 per cent on the Band D council tax was forecast, which will take the town council's share of the full council tax bill - which includes the demands of Dorset County Council, North Dorset District Council and police and fire authorities - to around £220.

The council was also considering whether to budget an extra amount for the Corn Exchange following the receipt of tenders for the façade restoration.

The Corn Exchange Regeneration Project Board met late last year to discuss the implications of the information coming out of the façade tender process, the detail of the additional work and specialist input required for the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the impact that these factors would have on the project's finances. A report and recommendations were made to the finance and staffing committee for consideration when proposing

the 2016/2017 budget to council.

Around £100,000 is needed for the façade works, which are considered urgent, but will deplete the capital funding available.

Another £15,000 is needed for fundraising and expert input into the lottery grant application, and it is expected that the match-funding towards the project could increase by £18,000 to cover rising costs.

The council has agreed, however, to spend up to £3,500 on the installation of wi-fi in the Corn Exchange and Woodhouse Gardens pavilion, a proposal first considered in April when members were in favour in principle of providing the service, but considered that hire charges should reflect the fact. It will be funded from an underspend on the salaries budget.

The recreation and amenities committee will consider its review of hire charges for the venues at their February meeting.

More details in the March issue of Forum Focus.

TWO vacancies on Blandford Town Council which have existed since the election last May are to be filled by co-option.

Members agreed that a detailed proposal be prepared by the Town Clerk and brought back to the next meeting for approval.

February 2016

No warning as time is called at Dolphin THE sudden closure in the first week of January of the Dolphin pub in East Street, Blandford, brought to three the number of local hostelries lost in under three months, and coincided with the temporary closure of the Crown Hotel.

While customers of the Crown have been provided by Hall & Woodhouse with an alternative in the form of the 'pop-up pub' in the Sealy Suite while a major refurbishment programme is carried out in the main building, those of the Dolphin have been forced to relocate and and its staff to seek new employment.

Dolphin manager David Tancock said he and his staff had received no notice of the closure by the leaseholder, who had wished him 'Happy New Year' and given him his notice in the same breath.

He said he was hopeful of securing the tenancy of another pub outside the area.

The lease of the Dolphin - one of Blandford's oldest, dating back to 1738 when it opened as the White Hart, and owned by Enterprise

Inns since its sale by the Piddle Brewery - has been on offer for several months.

The marketing details on the Enterprise website, where it is offered for £43,000 a year, describe it as a small one-bar town centre operation boasting a wealth of character, having recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and with good potential.

They also describe the competition as including two pubs and a café which have long since closed down - the Three Choughs, Damory Oak and Half Crown Café - and one which closed last September, the Railway. But they fail to mention any others apart from the Greyhound.

A spokesperson for Enterprise Inns said: "Unfortunately our venue, the Dolphin, has closed suddenly due to the publicans' decision to cease trading and shut the pub. We are currently in discussion with several other parties interested in taking this popular pub on and with the aim of getting it back open as soon as possible."

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Lynne and Amy behind the new coffee bar in the 'Pop-up Crown' in the Sealy Suite.

The Dolphin in East Street which closed at the beginning of January.

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February 2016

A poignant farewell to Margaret BLANDFORD Blind Club said a sad farewell at their Christmas lunch to their founder and leader for the last six years, Margaret Hemus, who is moving with her husband Alan and their guide dog Misty to the Midlands to live closer to their daughter.

Mrs Hemus was in November one of a number of Blandford people acknowledged as Volunteers of the Year by the Dorset Volunteer Bureau at an awards presentation in Dorchester.

Her citation read: "Margaret has been running a social club for visually impaired people for six years despite her own sight loss (she is registered partially sighted). Margaret can often be found visiting care homes and housing associations to drum up business by promoting the club and the charity or finding ways to raise funds. She is a lovely lady that cares deeply for her club members and goes above and beyond to make sure that everyone is happy, healthy and does not feel isolated."

Margaret has also been a regular participant in the annual Blind

Awareness Walk conducted in association with Blandford Lions when she has guided a succession of blindfolded Mayors around Blandford Market Place.

At the Christmas celebration at the True Lovers Knot in Tarrant Keyneston, she was presented with retirement gifts - vouchers and mementos of Blandford - by members and by Dorset Blind Association community support worker Leah Cross, who said: "I am losing my right-hand man.

You are like a mum to all of us."

She was also presented by Dorset Blind Association chief executive Jonathan Holyhead with the picture she dearly wanted but thought did not exist - of herself with Lord (Julian) and Lady Fellowes during an event in Bournemouth earlier in the year.

Margaret thanked everyone for their support, and particularly Edna Moore with whom she had originally worked at Age Concern, Arthur Bush, Colin and Clare Taverner who drive the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital minibus which brings members to meetings and also provide enter-

tainment for the group, and those who had recently collected ÂŁ514 for the group at Tesco.

"We were really bowled over by the hospitality shown to us by the

staff and the generosity of their customers," she said. "All the proceeds will go towards outings and entertainment for the Blandford Blind Club."

Margaret Hemus (left) with Blind Association support worker Leah Cross.

Recognition for the unsung volunteers OTHERS from Blandford recognised at the Volunteer of the Year awards last year included Bus2Go and the Disability Action Group (North Dorset), both nominated among the 18 volunteer groups of the year.

Individuals among the 25 nominated county-wide included John Paterson of Read Easy, whose wealth of experience with the project led in 2014 to his becoming acting co-ordinator of the Blandford group which provides free one-to one coaching for adults who struggle to read.

Described as a mainstay of the group, his role involves matching would-be new readers with trained volunteer coaches and monitoring and encouraging both through to a successful outcome.

Town and district councillor Esme Butler was nominated for her noncouncil role with many other groups including the Friends of the Corn Exchange, Forum Focus, the Yuletide Festival and Town Team, helping with activities, fundraising, advice and direction and chairing the Blandford 14-18 Commemoration and Blandford Events groups, bringing events like The Bell and the Hamdinger to the town.

Sheila Burton of Bus 2 Go was described as an inspiration to the project and the driving force behind its success in Dorchester. Thanks to her, buses from Blandford and the villages take people out for lunch in the winter and on to Sandringham Court for indoor activities and entertainment organised by her.

The awards evening held in the Dorford Centre in Dorchester was hosted by the Dorset Volunteering Centre. Presentations were made by guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell, the County Council's head of adult and community services Catherine Driscoll and Dorchester Mayor Robin Potter, as well as British Sailing Team member Ben Cornish.

There was also musical entertainment from the Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra.

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February 2016

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to the panto we go with Spectrum and Bus2Go.

Jack and the Beanstalk in Blandford Corn Exchange.

It’s panto magic - oh yes it is!

SPECTRUM residents living in Blandford St Mary were invited to join the Bus2Go outing to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Weymouth Pavilion on the Saturday before Christmas.

A fleet of five Dorset Community Transport buses headed for Weymouth with more than 70 residents on board, including 16 children.

Many family groups enjoyed the day out, including Linda James, who shared the experience with her granddaughter Amy and her four-year-old great granddaughter Matilda.

There was time for a bite to eat, some last-minute Christmas

shopping and, for some, a walk along the beach before heading for the matinee performance.

The pantomime was enjoyed by everyone and afterwards they got to meet one of the stars of the show, pantomime Dame, Lee Redwood.

The trip was organised by Bus2Go's Margo Kirk and Spectrum's Resident Involvement Officer, Liz Maxwell.

On 20th December the Corn Exchange in Blandford was packed with families for a production, hosted by the Town Council, of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Members of the Blandford Opportunity Group, one of the

Sophie Roper, aged seven, and Millie Docherty-Whiting, aged eight, on the pantomime reception desk in Blandford Corn Exchange.

Amanda’s blog adventure LOCAL travel writer Amanda Williams, who works as a freelance environmental manager and lives near Blandford, has been shortlisted in both the travel and the eco/green categories of the Travel Blog Awards for her sustainable travel blog Amanda's Wanderlust (amandaswanderlust.com).

Amanda said: "I'm really thrilled to have gone through to the public vote in the UK Blog Awards. It would be so exciting to make it to the finals but the competition is very tough."

The second phase of the process, a public vote, closed on 25th January.

beneficiaries of this year's Mayor's charity fundraising, helped on the door.

The pantomime season continued in January with Beauty and the Beast, directed by Richard Owen and presented by Shillingstone Shamdrams, in the Portman Hall.

And on Thursday 28th to Saturday 30th January the Tarrant Valley Players were presenting Goody Two Shoes at the Anne Biddlecombe Hall in Tarrant

Keyneston, with three evening performances and a Saturday matinee.

Also on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th January, with further performances to come on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th February, Spetisbury Occasional Dramatic Society (SODS) were presenting Franky Panky in Spetisbury village hall. Tickets for the remaining performances can be booked by calling 01258 847515 or 401422.

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Left to right: Hugo Mieville, Sir Graham Watson, Simon Hoare and Steve Harris at the public debate.

February 2016

Good turnout for rights act debate A PACKED audience in Blandford Parish Centre took part in a public debate on government plans to replace the Human Rights Act (HRA) with a UK Bill of Rights.

Organised by North Dorset Liberal Democrats, with speakers for retaining the HRA Sir Graham Watson, former Lib Dem MEP for south-west England, and against Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, it was chaired by BBC Radio Solent presenter Steve Harris.

Mr Watson emphasised that the UK had historical associations with human rights, and that Churchill had been an original signatory of the convention. He asked what was the problem with a convention which protected human rights such as the right to free speech and free association, along with the rights to live free

from torture and slavery.

In reply, Mr Hoare highlighted the discredit in which the HRA was held by the popular press, and the recent abuses of the Act by lawyers acting for clients in controversial cases. He also cast doubt on the legitimacy of decisions made by unelected judges in faraway places.

A straw poll of the audience at the end of the debate showed a slight majority in favour of retaining the HRA. Hugo Mieville, the parliamentary spokesman for North Dorset Lib Dems, said: "This was a valuable public debate on an issue of vital importance. I am glad that we had such a good turnout - this will encourage us to hold further such debates in the near future.

There is clearly an appetite for public discussions on controversial issues."

MP demands fairer cash deal for councils NORTH Dorset MP Simon Hoare spoke in defence of North Dorset and the county as a whole in a debate in Parliament on the Government's announcement in December about local government funding in 2016/17.

The announcement has generated much disquiet across the county, and Mr Hoare made clear that he thought the settlement was lacking in fairness and would cause significant harm to Dorset services.

Speaking in the Commons, he said: "Could we end the cat-andmouse game that takes place every year of 'will they or won't they cap the town and parish councils'?

"It is like baiting the lower tiers of local government. Blandford Forum Town Council in particular has made that plea to me. It wants to step into the breach, as

evidenced by the 50 grand it is stumping up to help run the local leisure centre. It wants to help fill the vacuum, but at every step and turn, it feels constrained because it does not know from one year to the next whether it will be capped.

"All we are asking for is equity and fairness - for the same rules to be applied across the piece."

Mr Hoare said: "The debate was extremely interesting as many of my Tory colleagues criticised it from their own perspectives. The most important role I have as North Dorset's MP is to speak up for my constituents. On this crucial matter I shall continue to do so and believe that the Government will respond positively."

The full debate and the rest of his speech can be found at parliament.uk/business/publications/han sard.

Teenager’s ski death tragedy A 17-year-old from Tarrant Keyneston was killed in a skiing accident in the French Alps just before Christmas.

Louis Ross (pictured right), a lower-sixth pupil at Canford School in Wimborne, is the son of John and Penny Ross, who flew out to the resort at Meribel where their son, who was ski-ing with a group of friends, lost his balance and fell, suffering serious head and chest injuries, on 16th December.

February 2016

Footpath barrier causes surprise THE sudden appearance of a makeshift barrier and warning sign on the footpath beyond Nightingale Court in Blandford has puzzled pedestrians using the popular cut-through between East Street and the Langton Road car park.

Many are unaware that the route is not a public footpath and is privately owned, the central path having been diverted along a secondary path around the boundary.

The gate into Nightingale Court is locked at night, and the footpath open as a right of way.

For many years the entire area beyond Nightingale Court, barring the footpath diversion, was covered in brambles and a favourite place for people to drop litter, which then became hidden in the undergrowth.

When it was cleared, the path remained obstructed by piles of plant material, but in anticipation of the opening of the M&S Foodhall in the car park in November, the obstruction was

removed by persons unknown and other undergrowth cut back.

Since then the central path has first been barred by red and white tape at each end, which was later removed, and then in January by the steel wire barrier and sign warning that the police will be informed if it is damaged.

In 2000 application was made for the development of an advice and information centre on the site

by Garry Barker, who was then chairman of Treads youth service.

It followed and preceded applications for both shop units and residential accommodation above, some of which have been approved, but the permissions have lapsed. A certificate of lawfulness to erect two shop units was refused in 2006 on the grounds that a permission approved in 1985 had not been started.

Mr Barker has not responded to an enquiry from Forum Focus asking him if he can shed any light on the latest activity.

The makeshift barrier and signs on the footpath from Langton Road car park to Nightingale Court.

Two held after assault TWO Blandford men, aged 20 and 31, were arrested following an alleged assault on Christmas Eve in which a 31-year-old local man sustained a suspected broken nose.

Police were called at 9pm to the incident in Carter Close, and the pair were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Witnesses and anyone with information were asked to call Dorset Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 24:336. * Around 200 litres of diesel were stolen from Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford, between the 19th and 21st December. Anyone with information should contact the police, phone 101, about crime number 55150152036.

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LETTERS

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Readers’ letters

Please 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 to: Forum Focus, c/o Colin's

February 2016 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.

Brewery’s power has not been good for the town THE headline in the January issue of the Forum Focus - 'Brewery homes scheme will transform the town' - is very far from the reality.

The dramatic reduction in the details of the Section 106 agreement have let Hall & Woodhouse off the hook.

The planners have bowed to the might of the brewery to the detriment of the local community as they did before to Tesco.

There is a long list of items that have been dropped on the grounds that the original scheme was commercially unviable. Small builders/developers have not been so lucky with NDDC, who have insisted on community contributions despite the small scale and economic viability of their schemes. Rented housing - much needed in the area - has been dropped.

The brewery state their 'commitment' to the town and will be "bringing something very special to Blandford". The reality is that the licensed trade in Blandford over the years would have developed very differently were it not for the stranglehold H&W has had on the town. Just look at Wimborne and the

variety and vitality that exists there now.

H&W have also brought some special environmental things to Blandford - the stinking methane digester, which spoils walks on the meadows, and the light pollution from the security lights, which shine at night on the books in my bedroom 2km away, because the tree planting condition was not enforced by NDDC when the Panda Pop sheds were built.

Transformation? I think not.

John Turnbull Queens Road, Blandford

Shrubbery clean-up AFTER complaining about the state of shrubbery, etc, in Shaftesbury Lane, I would like to thank whoever was responsible recently for the general cleanup of the trees and shrubbery. It has made a considerable difference and is very much appreciated.

M. Clarke, Blandford

I FELT that I must reply to the letter concerning the fact that Blandford is in a time warp. I wholeheartedly agree.

Having returned to the Blandford area after 14 years away, I can't believe how tired the town looks, its only charm being the beautiful Stour and surrounding meadows.

Blandford is in desperate need of new businesses. I still can't believe that Boots has the monopoly of all the chemist shops.

I suggest members of the council take a trip to Dorchester. It is a pleasure to shop there; there are a wide range of shops, which enhances, not detracts, from the beauty of the town.

I did all my Christmas shopping in Dorchester. I'm afraid that Blandford just cannot compete due to the lack of choice.

Jackie Grearson North Street Winterborne Stickland

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February 2016

Letters extra

Gareth Bishop with his dogs Kelly and Stuart.

Generosity brings comfort to many WE want to thank Tesco Blandford customers for the amazing contributions to foodshare and Blandford foodbank.

Over three days, generous customers donated over 10 full trolleys of food.

At this time of year this I am sure will make a real difference to families in need. 834 adults locally have benefited in Blandford on the back of this successful partnership.

The Blandford foodbank volunteers came into our store for a full Christmas dinner and collected all the items donated for Christmas.

Customers donated over £12,000 of food to the local Blandford foodbank in 2015, and we hope they will continue to support it in 2016.

Tesco are also offering a £100 gift card each month in 2016 to a Blandford community charity/project to help with fundraising or running costs, and invite Forum Focus readers to nominate a cause by sending requests for the attention of Vikki, Community Champion, or Simon, Store Manager.

Simon Beale (store manager) and Vikki (community) Tesco Blandford ***** I WOULD like to send a heartfelt 'thank you' to the people of Blandford and the surrounding

villages for the amazing response to our request for food items to take to the refugees in the camps in Calais.

Over 500 kilos of oil, sugar, rice, tea, tinned meat and vegetables and other items have now been sorted, ready for making up into individual bags for those who like to do their own cooking or for delivery to one of the volunteerrun central kitchens.

Too many people have contributed for me to list everyone (though every tin of tuna counts) but particular thanks must go to the staff and pupils of Bere Regis Primary School, who started the whole project off for their harvest festival; to Fiona Bardwell for delivering it all; and to Saira Francis and her yoga students at Mellulah Therapy & Yoga Retreats in Milton Abbas.

We are also grateful for the contributions made by M&S and Tesco.

This was our third trip to Calais and we were part of the small army of volunteers sorting, distributing and feeding the thousands of refugees currently resident in the camp. Every donation helps make their awful situation just that little bit better.

(For more information follow us on Facebook 'Blandford CARES: Calais Aid, Refugees Europe & Sudan') Mike & Suzi Hearn Blandford Cares

Business group booming THE Blandford Business Group is becoming firmly established to fill the gap left by the now defunct Chamber of Trade and its successor the Chamber of Commerce.

Its recently elected chair Alison Moore said: "I am thrilled to be elected chair of the Blandford Business Group, an informal group who have come together to promote both Blandford Forum and our businesses.

"We have created a Blandford Forum Business map, which we used as part of our promotional activities when Marks and Spencer came to town.

"We did this with a short deadline and we are aware that many of Blandford's fabulous businesses would like to be included.

Well, the more the merrier so if any business would like to be part of the second version of the map, please do get in touch with me at blandfordbusiness@gmail.com or call 01258 577570."

She urged business people and members of the public to also watch out for news of other activities, including a Blandford Business website, Facebook pages and a Town app.

Gareth’s steep challenge A TREK through the Himalayas to raise money for Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE) is being planned by Gareth Bishop, who will be heading to Nepal on November 5th.

He will be climbing to Everest Base Camp and through the Himalayas for 13 days, walking approximately 76 miles in total.

GWRE rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned or abused greyhounds and lurchers and is entirely funded by donations. Around 500 dogs a year are rehomed, and Gareth says one of them, Kelly, is a wonderful addition to his life, along with his other dog, Stuart, himself a rescued dog.

"I am looking forward to taking on this tough but exciting challenge and am already training hard," he said. "I plan to summit Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike before travelling to Nepal."

Anyone who would like to sponsor him can do so at justgiving.com/Gareth-Bishop6.

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SCHOOLS

A snapshot of Knighton House.

A snapshot for visitors KNIGHTON House School at Durweston has introduced a series of 'visitor snapshot mornings' designed to let parents and children experience a view of everyday life at the school and see the great work taking place there.

More frequent opportunities to visit the school, which are tailored to smaller numbers, make them a more personal experience, allowing visitors to see a typical morning at the school.

As well as a tour of the school in action there is a chance to meet the head and chat to the pupils.

Headmistress Sarah Wicks said: "With the snapshot mornings you can see the quality of experience that every day at the school provides for our pupils."

A visit can be booked for Friday 4th March or Tuesday 15th March by emailing admissions@knightonhouse.co.uk.

February 2016

A farewell tribute to a local legend MUCH-loved former Blandford teacher John Paulley, who has served as a governor of The Blandford School for 28 years, has stepped down from the role, and was one of the special guests at the school's presentation evening shortly before the end of the Christmas term.

Headteacher Sally Wilson and chair of governors Jill Stevens were joined by guest speaker Alice Plunkett in presenting him with a sketch showing the gates of the original Grammar School in Damory Street and the new modern school as it is today in Milldown Road.

Mr Paulley, now in his 80s and a resident of Durweston, was educated in Bradford Abbas, Foster's School, Loughborough College and Exeter University, and joined the staff of Blandford Grammar School on returning to Dorset after university in 1952.

When it closed nearly two

decades later he moved to the new comprehensive, retiring in 1987 after 35 years' teaching.

He remained a governor ever since and during his time at The Blandford School has taken on many other roles in the community, including chairman of governors at Durweston Primary school, parish councillor, a member of the Dorset & Poole Education Appeals Panel and lay member of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. He has served as president of the Blandford Opportunity Group caring for youngsters with special needs and created his own Paulley Charitable Trust supporting young people in the Blandford catchment area in sporting and educational activities.

In 1977 he was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal and in 2003 was made an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

Headteacher Sally Wilson, left, and chairman of governors Jill Stevens, right, were joined by guest speaker Alice Plunkett to present a retirement gift to longserving teacher and governor John Paulley.

TOWN councillors have agreed to make a grant of ÂŁ2,000 to the Blandford Opportunity Group which had asked for a service-level agreement to the charity providing facilities for severely handicapped pre-school children.

Members agreed that a service-level agreement in 2016 would not be approved, but that in view of a grant of ÂŁ1,100 having already been made in this financial year, the group should be awarded the further grant from the current financial year's grant budget to be paid after 1st April.

February 2016

SCHOOLS

Guests Scott Bernand (left), North Dorset MP Simon Hoare and Paul Blake at the Pimperne Pre-School Big Breakfast.

Guests for breakfast THERE were guest appearances and not a little assistance at a 'Big Breakfast', staged in December on behalf of Pimperne PreSchool in the village hall, from Paralympian Rio team captain Paul Blake and Scott Bernard, England Women's Rugby coach and exprofessional rugby player.

The pair, who both have relatives associated with the pre-school, helped out with serving up the meal and distributing the raffle prizes.

Mr Blake, who lived in Blandford for nearly 20 years and still lives in Dorchester, was the actor who played bounty hunter Greedo in Star Wars. He presented an illustration of his character as one of the prizes.

The event, which raised £743.19, was organised by Mr Bernand's wife Lucy. They have a son attending the pre-school.

Good sense for children CHILDREN at Bright Sparks at the Blandford Children's Centre loved a special visit to their nursery by the Sensory Bus (above).

They explored the bubble tubes, spaghetti lights, an infinity mirror tunnel, musical instruments and lots more. The children had good fun exploring the lights and touching all the different sensory walls.

It was a free visit funded from the Blandford Children's Centre and organised by Lottie Rooke.

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Dress down day in aid of injured rider THE Blandford School held a non school uniform day to raise money for Darcy Ward, a speedway rider who suffered life-changing injuries following an accident in Poland last year.

The charity was brought to the school's attention by students Brooke and Chad Wirtzfeld, who are both big Poole Pirates fans and wanted to do something to help.

Brooke made a presentation to the school's student parliament, who decide which causes the non school uniform days support, and they voted to back the Darcy Ward Fund.

The total raised was £735.

Poole Pirates' manager Neil Middleditch has thanked everyone at the school for their wonderful gesture and particularly Brooke for all her hard work. * The Blandford School has announced that the forthcoming production by its perform-

TBS students on their non-uniform day with headteacher Sally Wilson. ing and creative arts department will be the musical ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.

It is seeking sponsors to help put on what promises to be another spectacular show to follow last year's 'Fame' and the previous year's 'Les Mis'.

Anyone able to help support their students in this year's performance is asked to contact office@blandfordschool.org.uk for the attention of Lucy Bowerman-Ellis.

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Rural cash on offer

February 2016

The Northern Dorset LEADER Local Action Group (LAG) has opened for applications under the banner 'Making Connections: Grants to support economic growth in rural Dorset'.

Applications are welcomed from rural-based businesses and organisations looking for capital funding to realise their ambitions for growth.

It follows an award of ÂŁ1.5 million of European Rural Development Programme funding to support innovative projects creating jobs, increasing productivity or supporting the wider community of the local rural area.

For information about how to apply and the type of projects the Local Action Group can fund, see the website dorsetleader.org.uk or contact James Roberts on 01305 225525.

Blandford Rotary President, Vic Chippendale, offers a drink to guest Peggy Kaile.

Christmas cheer for 60 THERE was a record attendance of more than 60 people for the annual 'Alone on Christmas Day' lunch for Blandford residents who would otherwise have been on their own on the day.

The Crown Hotel once again kindly provided the Sealy Suite facilities, and the staff of Sandisons Limited, a Blandford Rotary Business Partner, donated the whole ÂŁ285 proceeds of a recent fundraising day to support the event.

Entertainment was provided by professional musician Sam Ryall with his team of fellow musicians and vocalists.

Mayor Steve Hitchings called in to say hello and spent time talking to the guests.

President of Blandford Rotary, Vic Chippendale, thanked all the Rotarians, including Nigel Wright, Yogesh Patel and his extended family, for organising the event and all those individuals who had donated gifts and turned up on the day to prepare the room, serve the food and drink and clear up afterwards.

Other sponsors included Tesco, Waitrose, M&S, Lesley Shand Funeral Service, Graham & Mary Tory and W S Clarke & Son (Butchers).

PARKING restrictions have been introduced at the car park on the Milldown in a bid to reduce congestion caused by all-day parking by contractors working on the housing development on the former Milldown Primary School site.

The issue was reported to North Dorset District Council, who have confirmed that ownership of the bridge over the trailway and access road has been transferred to Bellway Homes, but the car park remains in the ownership of the district council.

February 2016

The View from the Hill

by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk Some facts: 1 There are more people alive on the earth now than ever before, all needing food, transport and energy to cook, keep warm and wash.

2 They are burning ancient fossil fuels and vegetation faster than ever before.

3 Some of the gases produced that go up into the atmosphere and can upset its balance can be safely processed by the vegetation growing on its surface.

Some cannot.

4 Some believe we risk doing irreversible damage to the Earth if we carry on as we are, others that it's a load of tosh and the Earth is too big and clever for us stupid humans to be able to mess it up.

Some opinions: 1 The combined din from the voices of doom and the voices of excess only confuses and bores everyone else.

2 It could be sensible to go a bit easier on the planet, stop wasting stuff and harness some free energy (sun, sea and wind).

It is interesting to consider these matters as we enjoy/endure the mildest winter I can remember.

September, October and November were all below 30year average rainfall figures, and it may be surprising to know

FARMING

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that here in Dorset, December was only 10mm higher than average. In fact the whole of 2015 was nearly two inches (47mm) below the long-term average.

It is customary for farmers to moan about the weather (note weather, not climate), so to play up to the caricature: it really is all to cock this year!

There are primroses, roses, wild carrot, cow parsley, pink campion and many others all in flower here today. The grass is still growing, though slower now at last. I have never A rainbow over Stourpaine and Durweston. before mown the lawn on Dec five or six weeks, long enough for the ewes to cycle 21st. The soil is still at 11 degrees: this is absurd, it is twice (17 days), and should lead to a reasonably too warm for most of our crops, some of the rape is compact lambing period. extending towards flowering, and is covered in disA few weeks ago Brendan was cutting up a tree that ease, the soil is too warm for the weedkiller we usualhad been blown down last winter, and during cutting ly apply in November. The constant warm air has he discovered that the tree's centre had rotted away, meant that we are unable to safely cool our grain in and that at some point it had been inhabited by a store. It was impossible to get the grain down below swarm of bees, evidenced by the presence of several 10 degrees, preferably 5, before Christmas, to dissheets of honeycomb, all of which was empty. I courage insect infestation. would be interested to know whether this had been On the plus side, we are saving plenty by hardly created by wild bees, or a swarm of honeybees from using our heating, and it is pleasant not to have to a hive, and whether this question can be answered wear loads of clothes to keep warm outside. by examining the honeycomb.

Of course this is a one-off, a freak year with unusual weather. Climate is something quite different.

Our 55 cows have been indoors for a couple of months now. We brought them in because of the wet weather, which means their big feet were poaching the grassland, turning it into mud. They are very cosy in the shed at Shepherds Corner. Their offspring, who were weaned at the same time as being housed, are, like their mothers, on a diet of silage and straw, and are in the yards at Websley.

This year's lambs are now on turnips and can't get enough after a few days getting used to the change of diet and developing a taste for them. They also get turnip breath. They should grow well on the turnip diet and by February the largest ones will be nearing fit weight.

Their mothers were introduced to the usual motley collection of rams in early December, which all being well should mean that lambing will begin in the first week of May as usual. Those with white faces, of Texel parentage, are being serviced by Suffolk rams, who very conveniently have black faces, and the ewes with black faces are being attended to by Texel rams, but unfortunately only two Texels rams could be found. An extra Suffolk has had to be added for a better hit rate. The rams will remain with the ewes for

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February 2016

Local man killed in Army’s final cavalry charge L

OCAL man Charles Seaviour was a casualty in what is believed to be the last full cavalry charge by a British Army regiment in the Battle of Agagia in Egypt on 26th February 1916.

It was a battle which effectively ended an uprising by the Turkish and German-sponsored Sanussi tribesmen, which had threatened British supply lines through the Suez Canal, and has been described as 'one of the finest moments of Britishness'.

Altogether 184 members of the mounted Dorset charged, with sabres drawn and while under heavy fire, across 1,200 yards of open desert against 500 Senussi tribesmen armed with rifles and machine guns. Some 300 Senussi were slaughtered, but nearly a quarter of the Yeomanry were killed or wounded, together with 85 of their horses.

Some of the dead were stripped naked and robbed overnight by the enemy, but their bodies were laid to rest in a large grave covered with wild marigolds and poppies, and a cairn erected with two wooden crosses.

The names of the fallen are recorded on a memorial in Chetnole Parish Church, Dorset, to Major Victor Charles Methuen Reeves of Co Cork in

The Battle of Agagia in Egypt.

Ireland, who died with 30 other members of his regiment, the 1st Dorset Queen's Own Yeomanry.

Charles Seaviour was a private, aged 36, and had worked as a groom at the Bryanston kennels and before that as a horseman at the kennels in Charlton Horethorne. The names of his mother and father have not been found, but he had spent much of his childhood living first in Salisbury Street and then Dorset Street with his grandparents James and Jane Seaviour and some, if not all, of their seven children. He is buried in Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. * * * * The County Chronicle reports the death on 3rd February 1916 of John Edward Brailee, whose memorial can be found in the south-east corner of the graveyard of All Saints Church, Tarrant Monkton.

He had worked as a labourer and house painter before becoming a private in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 13th Battalion. The eldest of four children of a shoemaker from Worcester, where he was born in 1876, he was married with five daughters.

Evidence was given to Mr W H. Creech (coroner) at the Corner Coffee House

by Private Greenway and a military doctor named Wore that "deceased was passed as medically fit for military service in September last. He was inoculated after joining the army, and subsequently had suffered from fits.

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.

On Wednesday night Greenway saw him in bed and enquired how he felt.

Deceased replied that he felt queer, and when advised to see the doctor said he did not think it was necessary. On the following morning Greenway found deceased lying halfway out of his bed, with his face resting on his kit bag, which was beside the bed . . .

Dr. Wore stated that deceased suffered from epileptiform fits, which were a light form of epilepsy, and he attributed death to this cause. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned, and the jury agreed to give their fees to the widow, who, it was stated, was left with five young children. * * * * The County Chronicle also reported in its 'Roll of Honour' in February that: The sad intelligence has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Higgs of Ansty-terrace, Victoria Road, that their son, Pte Ernest Henry Higgs, 2nd Dorset Regt., has been killed. The deceased had been posted as missing, but Sergt.

Woolridge, a Blandfordian, has written to the bereaved parents stating that their son was killed in action in the Persian Gulf.

News has also been received that Lieut. Watts, of the Royal Flying Corps, has been killed, his father (Mr. C. Watts) having had a letter to this effect from Major Prettyman, Royal Flying Corps.

In his letter the Major says: "You have the deepest sympathy not merely from myself, but from the whole squadron, where Watts was a great favourite with all. Not only do we lose a very good fellow, but the service loses a very valuable officer."

Lieut. Watts was popularly known in Blandford by the name of 'Val' and was a general favourite. He was 22 years of age and received his education at the Milton Abbas Grammar School. He early took a keen interest in aviation, and in July, 1913, became a pilot at Hendon.

When the war broke out he was called up for duty with the Dorset Yeomanry, and a few weeks later was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, with the rank of sergeant. On Nov. 13th he was given a commission, prior to which he had been awarded the French Croix de Guerre. The deepest sympathy is felt for the relatives in their sad bereavement.

From the Dorset County Chronicle, Feb 3rd 1916 PRIVATE W COLE, 2nd Dorset, who has been awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry at Kut-el-Amata, is a Blandford man. [Some 23,000 British and Indian soldiers died in the attempts to retake Kut, probably the worst loss of life for the British away from the European theatre.]

DEATHS: SMITH - Jan 25, at the Market-place, Blandford, Alderman Edgar Bennett Smith, aged 83.

The interment of the remains of the late Mr. Alderman Smith took place at the cemetery on Friday. The tradespeople, and private residents generally, either closed shop or had blinds drawn. The coffin was conveyed to the cemetery in a Washington car, and was covered by a number of floral tributes.

CONCERT AND SOCIAL - With the object of helping the chapel funds, a concert and social was held at the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Wednesday evening. A capital programme was provided by members of the R.N.D. (Medical Unit). With games and refreshments, a pleasant time was spent.

C.E.M.S. LECTURE TOMORROW - Tomorrow (Friday) evening, on behalf of the funds of the Blandford Branch, Church of England Men's Society, Mr. Harry Pouncy is announced to give in the Blandford Corn Exchange at eight o'clock his illustrated lecture-recital, "Old Dorset Country Life: The Wit and Humour of the Countryman" introducing amusing anecdotes, quaint old riddles, "jingles" and folksongs.

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

February 2016

Choral group may be twice as old as had been thought

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BLANDFORD Choral Society pleased with the concert and had made a welcome return to the a chat over it at the Crown." town before Christmas with their The Dorset County Chronicle has concert in the parish church, for a report of the same concert, which they were joined by the which took place on the 1st April, The concert in the parish church just before Christmas.

Blandford Community Choir from 1875. It records the many memthe Dorset Rural Music School. bers of Blandford society who For the last few years under Mr ing the Dorset Guild of Choirs in Both were last term being led by attended the concert and then Slogrove's directorship the performing Rossini's Petite DRMS director Richard Hall, who names and praises each of the Choral Society has usually Messe Solonelle together with brought the singers together for a soloists in turn. It continsung in conjunction with other work at Poole Lighthouse. programme of carols and seaues: "Though the the Sherborne Singers, In the summer it will be taking sonal music. numperforming a range of part in the Free Expression arts Blandford Choral Society was pieces from Captain festival in Blandford. formally established in Noah and his Floating They are always looking for new 1946, and minutes Zoo to Archer's members, so if you would be record the event Requiem, and supinterested in joining, please come which means that it porting Charlton along and do so. The first two will be celebrating its Marshall in their rehearsals are free for anyone 70th birthday during fundraising for a interested in joining the choir and this musical year, but it is open to all ages without auditence new village hall by is x e s evidence suggests that tion. Rehearsals are on Mondays ves it llivan pro putting on an o r p it existed in a more Su 898 annual summer from 7.30 to 9.30pm at Blandford y in 1 Gilbert & t ie c o s informal way and could concert there.

St Mary Primary School. For the S ome of it m o r s f now actually be 140 aper and lists Richard Hall became condetails contact the chairman Julie p e t o n o years old. rs ag aded ductor for the Christmas term Newall on 01258 456721 or see he he n 100 yea T ber of An HMS Pinafore concert tha only in 2015, and this term it is the 'Blandfordchoral' Facebook e r o m singers was conprogramme dated 1934 ns. led by Richard Marchant in joinpage. ductio siderably less than when records that year as the The Creation was first given in Choral Society's ninth Blandford, the effect was equally anniversary, and going further powerful. Indeed, on no occasion back there are minutes of a have the Blandford singers better meeting in 1895, which record acquitted themselves in the more the setting up of Blandford Choral difficult parts of the choruses."

Society in that year.

Even that was not the very beginning because there is evidence that Blandford Choral Society was active before 1875, when it consisted of about 50 singers and put on classical concerts in Blandford.

A diary of a woman then living in Blandford records: "I went to a

A photograph of the choir in the 1950s under the leadership of Mr Webb. performance of The Creation by the Blandford Choral Society assisted by Miss Scott of London renown and some lay vicars of Salisbury Cathedral and other professionals. We went to the morning performance which commenced at 3 and concluded shortly after 5. We were very

A meeting in Blandford chaired by the Mayor in 1895 proposed the setting up of a choral society when Lord Portman became the president, and between 1896 and 1898 it performed three Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The Western Gazette records, in 1900: "The members of the Blandford Choral Society gave their annual concert in the Corn Exchange in aid of the Cottage Hospital."

Ethel Swain, one of the soloists in 1934, was secretary of the Society after its revival in 1945.

So far we know little more about the history between 1925 and its presumed cessation in 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War. 1946 saw a rebirth of the Society but with a completely different repertoire under the baton first of Mr E. F. Fripp, then Alan Webb, then Dr Reginald Johnson, Michael James (1975), Stephen Binnington (1981), Ian Davis (1997) and William Slogrove (2011), each bringing a new focus to the choir's work and performance venues.

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February 2016

Picture puzzle solved

Beatons serve up a charity partnership BEATONS Blandford have announced the launch of their new relationship with hospice charity Julia's House which will be celebrated at a Valentine's cream tea at the Market Place premises on Sunday 14th February.

Tickets are on sale from the tearooms and from the Julia's House charity shop in Salisbury Street for the event, which will include a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative on arrival, a cream tea to share, and a short presentation on the charity which they will be supporting throughout the year.

Spokesman Zoe Carter said: "It will be an opportunity to treat a loved one to a romantic Valentine's cream tea while enjoying background music by local musician Sam Ryall, and supporting Dorset's only hospice dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting conditions."

Across the Beatons group, each tearoom has chosen a local charity of 'Communi-tea Cause'

Patrick Duffy (left), owner of Beatons Tearooms, and Peter Duke, representative of Julia's House, shake hands on their new fundraising partnership. to support for the year, backing each charity through events.

Every day through the sale of two 'Communi-tea Cause' beverages customers will each be donating 25p to the cause.

Beatons Blandford are also celebrating the arrival of Marks & Spencer in the town by offering, for February only, a free homemade scone, with clotted cream and jam, with the purchase of any drink on presentation of an M&S 'Sparks' loyalty card.

BRYANSTON historian John Tory has provided more information on the picture published in the November issue of Forum Focus at the request of the Blandford Museum.

The photo of a mounted escort passing a lychgate was part of a large batch taken in August and September 1898 of the manoeuvres of the Southern Army on Blandford racecourse and believed to have been taken by Susan Alice Heber Percy, nee Portman.

Mr Tory writes: "The escort was not for Lord Portman but for the two field marshals attending the exercises on Race Down - Lord Wolseley (C-in-C of British Army) and the Victorian war hero Lord 'Bobs' Roberts.

"Both were to be very involved in the Boer War which began the following year, and they stayed with Lord Portman at Bryanston House for the exercise. “Julietta, wife of the agent of Lord Portman, in her account of the army exercise, describes going off to Race Down and meeting at the Lodge an escort of dragoons on their way to the Mansion to accompany Lord Wolseley and Lord Roberts."

Fashion down the years BLANDFORD Fashion Museum will be opening for its new season on 15th February with two new exhibitions, 'All Wrapped Up' and 'Retro'.

The first is a delightful display of period coats and capes, together with accessories, and the second is a larger exhibit about the 'Retro' theme which has recently become so popular.

The display will be divided into five sub-titles, each depicting an era, with the 1920s represented by county society, the 1940s by utility, the 1950s home and ready-to-wear, the 1960s 'Freedom' and the 1970s 'Mini 'n' Maxi'.

Research is being carried out locally for information, anecdotes and photographs which will form part of the exhibition, which promises to be both fascinating and educational.

SPORT

February 2016

Dazzling launch for gym club revamp GREAT Britain gymnastics team member Mike Barnes was a special guest when Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings officially opened the new floor and tumble track for Blandford Forum Gymnastics Club following a spectacular Robin Hood-themed routine from the club's display team.

Mike also did a number of displays to the delight of the crowd.

BFGC are the Mayor's joint charity beneficiaries and warmly welcomed Mr Hitchings to the open day at the club on Blandford Heights industrial estate, where hundreds of local children and parents enjoyed the displays.

There were opportunities to try out the new track and floor and even the chance to have a bounce on the trampolines.

Head coach Helen BarnettMoore said: "Funding from British

Left to right: Head coach Helen Barnett-Moore, Dom Elsom (British Gymnastics), Steve Hitchings (Mayor of Blandford), Mike Barnes (GB Gymnast), and coaches Ryan Legg and Tanya Pearse, with gymnasts from Blandford Forum Gymnastics Club at the official opening of their new floor and tumble track.

Gymnastics has enabled us to offer a top-class facility locally.

We are a not-for-profit community-based club and are so excited

Walking football coming to town WALKING football - a slowmotion version of the real game - is coming to Blandford thanks to Rosie Eggleston from Dorset FA, who is launching a group at The Blandford School.

Walking football provides an opportunity for combining gentle exercise with team sport. It is ideal for those recovering from illness as a way to re-integrate into an active lifestyle, as well as those keen to stay active but who don't necessarily fancy the cut and thrust of the traditional game.

The game is small-sided, with no running on or off the ball, very little contact and kick-ins instead of throw-ins. With less stress on the body and no real sudden change of direction or cutting move-

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ments, the game allows participants to play in a safe environment.

Long-term benefits can include reduced heart rate and blood pressure and better mobility.

The sport also offers social benefits and the opportunity for participants to meet new people, prevent isolation and create interaction for individuals and small groups.

Dorset FA is also developing a walking football league across the county for those interested in competitive sport.

For details on how to join in, contact Justine Mosley at justine.mosley@dorsetfa.com or call 01202 688277.

at what we can offer now."

The club is keen to hear from potential gymnasts, pre-schoolers and trampolinists in the area as

they have a club they want the whole town to be proud of. For more information see blandfordgymnastics.co.uk.

Cricket pavilion repair go-ahead TOWN councillors have agreed to carry out urgent remedial work costing nearly ÂŁ4,000 at the Blandford Cricket Club pavilion at Park Road, after the electrics were declared unsafe last year.

The commitment was made on the understanding that half the cost will be met by the cricket club, and half from the funds allocated by the town council for a new pavilion.

Revised proposals by the cricket club for the new pavilion have yet to be submitted to the council for approval.

The council has agreed that the pavilion will be closed at the end of the next cricket season, provided its toilet is no

longer needed by the football club, which shares the recreation ground facilities, to meet its league obligations.

Councillors had been recommended to either carry out the works or close the pavilion until a decision had been made about building a new one, and a proposal to carry out the work without setting a date for closure was defeated by six votes to five.

The cricket club is being urged to provide updated plans to the town council for approval and progress of their project for a new pavilion.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

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February 2016

Artsreach unveil busy programme ARTSREACH's new spring programme is packed with around 70 professional performances set to take place in village halls right across Dorset between now and Easter.

In the Blandford area, the entertainment kicks off at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton on 4th February when Zulu Tradition (pictured left) bring a heady mix of African harmonies, athletic dance, drums and colourful costumes that's sure to be a real highlight of the season.

On the same evening there's a brand new show by the musicians and storyteller of The Devil's Violin with love, loss, drama, humour and twists featured in 'The Forbidden Door' at Springhead.

Cornish star Dave Mynne dons his cape once more for a skilful one-man adaptation of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' at Shillingstone on 12th February, and there are three delightful shows for children aged 4+ touring during the schools' half-term.

The UK's top puppet company

PuppetCraft are back at Durweston on 16th February with the mischievous superhero 'Monkey', their show inspired by the great Chinese story.

Then Angel Heart & Rattlebox continue their Nordic adventure with 'Freya A Viking Saga' at Sturminster Marshall on 18th February; with dunderheaded giants and boisterous gods. Both shows have associated workshops but with limited places so do enquire when booking.

And in a show packed with beautiful puppets, illusion and amazing experiments, Light Theatre present the tale of Jack and 'The Magic Beanstalk' at Sixpenny Handley on 19th February and Sturminster Newton Exchange on 21st February.

Finally the London-based Latin jazz band Heads South make their Artsreach debut on 27th February at Winterborne Stickland.

Find more information at artsreach.co.uk, and on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news.

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events Monday 1st February: Blandford & District Floral Group meets URC Hall 2.15pm, Emily Broomhead with 'Root, Shoot & Leaves', competition 'Spring Awakening' Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning meeting, Yvonne Varley on Arthur Ransome, 'The Spy from Tisbury', 7.30pm, tickets 01258 860767 Wednesday 3rd February: New Tai Chi class starting, Knees Up, East Street, 6.30pm, for information call 01258 471031 Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Bryanston Court, 7pm Blandford Forum Film Society, 'Wild Tales' (Spain), The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets in advance only 01258 453851 Thursday 4th February: Blandford Museum first Thursday talk. Roger Holehouse - 'T.E. Lawrence, A Tortuous Journey', 7 for 7.30pm Devil's Violin present 'The Forbidden Door' (Artsreach promotion), Springhead, Fontmell Magna, 7.30pm (01747 811853) Zulu Tradition (Artsreach promotion), Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm Saturday 6th February: Poacher's Moon in concert at Charlton Marshall village hall, 7.30pm Tuesday 9th February: Weldmar Hospicecare Trust Snowdrop Service, Blandford Parish Church, 2.30pm

Entries in this diary are free of charge. If you have an event you would like included, 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. Readers are advised to check with event organisers before attending.

Wednesday 10th February: Blandford branch of the NHS Retirement Fellowship meets, Committee Room, Blandford Community Hospital 10.15am, details 01929 472441 Friday 12th February: Dementia Friendly Blandford screening of a singalong 'Summer Holiday' with Cliff Richard, Parish Centre, 2 to 4pm, details 01202 304004 Beatons Tea Rooms Valentine's Day charity launch, tickets Julia's House charity shop or Beatons Dave Mynne as 'Dracula' (Artsreach promotion), Portman Hall, Shillingstone, 7.30pm (01258 860319) Wessex Acoustic Folk with Tom McConville, support Gill & Bob Berry, Blandford Royal British Legion, 8pm, 01202 732239 or www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk Monday 15th February: Blandford Fashion Museum reopens for the season, 10am to 4pm Mondays and Thursdays to Saturdays Mr Merlin, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 11am, free entry Blandford Museum's 2016 Brodie Lecture, 'The Blandford Fly', talk and discussion led by Mike Ladle, The Corn Exchange, 7.30pm,

small admission charge, concessions Tuesday 16th February: ‘Mossy cushions & floral crowns’, Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Community Centre, Child Okeford, 2.15pm, details 01258 863775 Puppetcraft present 'Monkey!'

(Artsreach promotion), Durweston village hall, 4pm (01258 488883) Wednesday 17th February: Blandford Carers meet, Durweston Village Hall, 2 to 4pm, talk on Bus2Go Illustrated talk by Emma Rance, Dorset Wildlife Trust's Marine Conservation Officer, on the 'Great Dorset Seafood Campaign’ for the DWT North Dorset branch Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 0JU). Refreshments are included in the £2 entry fee, no charge for children under 16 Thursday 18th February: Blandford Art Society meets Pimperne Village Hall, 2pm, 'The Slade Painters in Dorset', a talk

by Gwen Yarker, new members welcome (£3), for details call 03330112174 Blandford Archaeological Group, talk by Edrys Barkham on past and future digs at Bryanston, Blandford Museum, 7.30pm

Angel Heart present 'Freya - a Viking story' (Artsreach promotion), Sturminster Marshall village hall, 7.30pm (01202 650213) Friday 19th February: Film Night, 'Suffragette', Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm Light Theatre present 'The Magic Beanstalk' (Artsreach promotion), Sixpenny Handley village hall, 4pm (07751 525200) Friday 19th and Saturday 20th February: Shillingstone Shamdrams present 'Beauty and the Beast', Portman Hall, Shillingstone, 7.30pm Saturday 21st February: Light Theatre present 'The Magic Beanstalk' (Artsreach promotion), Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 4pm Wednesday 24th February: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets 2pm, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Winter Warmer Lunch with bring & buy, visitors welcome Blandford Forum Film Society, 'IDA' (Poland, Denmark, France), The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets in advance only 01258 453851 Friday 26th February: Music Quiz and two-course supper, Tarrant Hinton village hall, 7 for 7.30pm, tickets 01258 830032 or 830975 by 19th February Saturday 27th February: Heads South (Artsreach promotion), Winterborne Stickland village hall, 7.30pm