June 2016 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 51

All the fun of the Georgian Fayre: Pages 12-14

June 2016

Breakthrough in debate over future of the market?

EFFORTS to improve Blandford's street markets and bring them under more local control are moving forward and have prompted in part a remodelling of the town council’s accommodation.

The new strategic director of North Dorset District Council, Martin Henderson, confirmed at an open meeting of the Blandford Town Team that the town council's long-held ambition to take over responsibility for the twice-weekly market is still on course.

He said a report to Cabinet which had been expected to be presented earlier this year had been pulled when he realised that, in his opinion, Dorset County Council was seeking too high a price for the use of the parking spaces in the Market Place.

He acknowledged that there had been an intention to transfer responsibility from the district to the town by July last year and the delay was entirely down to him.

The importance of Blandford's market to other town retailers was highlighted in the results of a retail survey carried out jointly by the Town Team and district council staff, which were presented at the meeting.

The survey, whose results are available on the Forum Focus website, followed a residents' survey carried out by the Town Team in 2014, and largely confirmed the concerns expressed then that the market needed improvement.

Mayor and town council chairman Steve Hitchings said they had been disappointed at the lack of communication from the district council on the issue.

"One day it was full steam ahead, with money in the budget for someone to take it on and run it.

But an 11th hour decision was made just before Christmas telling us the report to Cabinet had been pulled.

"We take a lot of criticism from people saying how poor the markets are, but we don't have responsibility for them. We would have been running it from 1st April had the report not been pulled."

Deputy Mayor and district councillor Jackie Stayt said: "We never realised you were doing it for altruistic reasons because you might be giving us a poisoned chalice!"

Mr Henderson apologised for the lack of communication and said the key thing was to move forward. He said he would be meeting the following week with Blandford Town Clerk Linda ScottGiles, but did not reveal that she had been informed two days earlier that discussions were back on the agenda.

Town council staff met the same day to consider the problem of accommodating the growing number of staff which will become even greater with the appointment of a part-time market employee.

• To Page 2

A King is Queen for a day BEATONS Blandford found a King to be their 'Queen for a Day' on 21st April in celebration of the 90th birthday of the Queen.

Amy June King (pictured), widow of the late Douglas King, who served the town as an insurance broker from premises in East Street for over 35 years, was the guest of honour and the focus of a song especially written for the occasion.

Mrs King, who will be 90 on 4th June, was nominated by her daughter Mandy Clement Doble of Stourpaine as a Dorset girl born and bred, and a celebrity in her own right.

The president of Upton WI for many years, she ran the South Dorset Pony Club, and in 1987 published her book, 'Memories of a Dorset Parish'.

Mrs King took to her role as guest of honour at the tea rooms in • To Page 3

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June 2016

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Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S 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, Langton Nurseries, Langton Long, 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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Fears over promised local hub after Nordon sell-off NORTH Dorset District Council is preparing to market the site of its headquarters at Nordon in Salisbury Road, amidst concerns that they are retaining no part of the site as the local 'hub' Blandford has been promised to house local services.

The town's newly elected chairman Lynn Lindsay said: "It is criminal that they are selling the site and not leaving the lodge.

The reaction in town is what will happen to the registration service for births, deaths and marriages."

Councillor John Tanner said all the town's district councillors needed to push for the hub that has been promised. "It should be a golden opportunity for somewhere the DT11 Forum and other community organisations could use."

Councillor Jackie Stayt said the site was being marketed through the Estates Gazette, and there was an absolute guarantee that there would be a hub in Blandford. But the difference between marketing the Nordon site with the lodge or without it was in excess of £1 million.

"They are looking at sites with a view to having somewhere for between two and three years only, because they can then join Dorset County Council who will also be having a hub in Blandford."

The neighbourhood plan team Blandford+ has a suggested policy to seek a financial contribution for a hub from the sale of

Nordon, but assistant town clerk Leani Hain, who is spearheading the team's negotiations with North Dorset, said the two were at loggerheads.

A meeting was held in May to discuss the relocation of the Larksmead Pre-school which is currently leasing the Lodge, to a preferred site on the Hunt Road play area which is being considered by the pre-school and own-

ers Spectrum Housing.

Meanwhile Dorset County Council have fenced off the site which had been allocated for a new town library in West Street after declaring it surplus to requirements and in preparation for its sale by auction.

Motorists parking there were warned in the middle of April that the unofficial free car park would be lost at the end of that month.

Progress on market changes?

• From Page 1 A proposal to divide the existing Community Room in two, providing an extra office and smaller meeting room with capacity for only 15 people, was approved by only nine votes to five, and the decision was taken to spend over £5,000 on the conversion and provision of office furniture and equipment.

See page 7 for the debate.

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June 2016

Scouts on parade for St George’s Day NORTH Dorset Scouts' annual celebration of St George's Day was held this year in Blandford.

They paraded along East Street into the Market Place for the salute and then into the parish church for their service.

The theme reflected the 100th anniversary of the Cub Scout movement and 30th anniversary of the Beavers, and it was introduced by Blandford Scouts' chairman Dave Smith and North Dorset District Commissioner

Outburst of anger as councillor quits TOWN councillors and staff were to a vote, which is democratic. If shocked at their May meeting at something you feel passionately the tempestuous departure of about fails, then tough, it’s member Mike Owen, who left the democracy. council meeting after speaking in "Some of the points raised were the public session saying: "I am very personal, particularly to the considering my positown clerk, and tion." were inappropriate.

He had complained We deal with things about a number of professionally issues, including the here." council's decision not The council was left to host a meeting on in some doubt as to the European referenwhether Councillor dum, criticism of the Owen's outburst state of the council indicated resignanoticeboards, the failtion, but contacted ure to display an elec- Angry: Mike Owen. after the meeting by tion banner on May Forum Focus he 5th, the lack of children's play replied that it certainly was. areas at Badbury Height and He said he felt he had recently the lack of progress on the been getting nowhere and was refurbishment of the Corn ineffective in persuading other Exchange, despite expenditure councillors and officers. He was of half a million pounds in really annoyed that no meeting recent years. was organised about the referenHe said: "It always seems to be dum, the most important decision down to someone else - English the country would face in a genHeritage, North Dorset District eration, on the grounds that the Council, developers," complaincouncil did not do politics when ing that in the past projects had so many of the issues it faced been achieved with a quarter of were the result of the politics of the staff they had now. others.

Following his departure, newly Councillor Owen, a member of elected chairman of council Lynn the Labour Party, first became a Lindsay said: "Everything he has councillor over 20 years ago, and raised has been discussed in this has served as a committee chaircouncil, and everything has gone man and deputy chairman.

Queen for a day • From Page 1 Greyhound House with ease, chauffeur-driven to the tearooms in an open-top Bentley by family member Philip Palmer, to be met by the Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings and Beatons owner Patrick Duffy.

She took her specially decorated seat to enjoy entertainment provided

by Wendy Allen on saxophone, students of the Blandford Performing Arts Theatre Academy singing 'The Tables Are Laid at a Blandford Tea Palace', accompanied by Sam Ryall and led by their principal Becky Hollands.

She was also presented with a Beatons voucher as her own birthday gift and had her portrait photograph taken by Beatons photographer Jodie Whyte before joining in singing Happy Birthday to the Queen.

The invitation-only soiree was attended by more than 60 guests who enjoyed a taste of Beatons' hospitality, and were introduced to the tearooms' new menu of Elegance Options.

Scouts' standards line the path as guests leave the St George's Day service.

Debbie Hines.

Songs from World War One were sung in karaoke style, and there were presentations on the activities of the Beavers and Cubs, and an address from Blandford Rector, the Rev Jonathan Triffitt, before the members were invited to renew their promises.

An illustrated talk by two North Dorset Scouts who attended the World Jamboree in Tokyo, and an on-screen presentation of some of the Scouts' activities during the year followed.

Chief Scout Awards were presented to Debbie Hines and Blandford Group Scout Leader Gary Hines, who are both retiring, and a number of Scouts received awards for achievement and finishing their training as adult leaders.

Mr Triffitt thanked them all for the stories and experiences shared during the service, giving thanks for the worldwide movement, its history, and particularly the adults giving their time, experience and energy to work with the young people in their care.

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Europe vote is next on the election agenda AFTER the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner election and North Dorset District Council by-elections in the Blandford area on 5th May comes the European Referendum on Thursday 23rd June.

On 6th May the North Dorset Green Party hosted a meeting at which a case was made for staying in a reformed European Union. The speakers were Molly Scott Cato, Green MEP for the South West of England, Hugo Mieville, Parliamentary spokesman for North Dorset Liberal Democrats; and Bob Messer from North Dorset Labour Party.

There was also a debate at The Blandford School on 12th May when speakers included Sir Graham Watson, representing the Stronger in Europe Campaign; David Campbell Bannerman MEP, representing the Leave the EU Campaign; Hugo Mieville, representing the Stay IN Europe Campaign; and Bob AFTER the success of and great feedback from Blandford Pocket Guide 2015, the Blandford Information Centre are working to get a new 2016 issue out in early June.

If you would like your business represented, would like to alter your entry, have any ideas or photographs, email them to Blandfordtic@gmail.com for the attention of Adam Forty.

All entries or alterations are required by 7th June.

Messer representing Dorset Labour's Stronger in Europe Campaign.

Conservative North Dorset MP Simon Hoare has said he will be voting to remain, but would not be campaigning as he did not believe how he voted should influence anyone in the constituency.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 23rd June and a higher turnout is expected than the 22.54 per cent who voted in Dorset for the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the 34.5 and 39.6 per cent voting in the district council wards.

Conservatives Traci Handford and Piers Brown were elected to fill the Blandford Hilltop and Hill Forts vacancies respectively.

In Hilltop, Hugo Mieville (Lib Dem) came second, only six votes behind Mrs Handford's 176. Haydn White (Lab) polled 100, and William George Gordon Woodhouse (UKIP) polled 96.

The verdict was more clear-cut in Hill Forts where Piers Brown won with 946 votes. John Leslie England (UKIP) polled 417, David Tibbles (Lib Dem) 318 and Keith Yarwood (Lab) 273.

The Police & Crime Commissioner poll saw the reelection of Independent Martyn Underhill with 66,660 votes. Other candidates were: Andrew Graham (Con) 44,548, Les Taylor (UKIP) 21,086 and Patrick Canavan (Lab & Co-operative Party) 20,169.

Capability festival MILTON Abbey has been selected by the organisers of the Capability Brown Festival 2016 as one of 14 regional 'hubs', in recognition of its outstanding quality. A major multi-media exhibition will be the highlight of the local festival.

The exhibition in July and August will be called 'A Capability Brown Experience'. The show will include a new film featuring John Phibbs, the leading expert on Brown, as narrator; artwork by Royal Academician Stephen Farthing; artist and author Tim Scott-Bolton; 11 artists of Dorset Visual Arts, embroidery from the National Guild, interactive digital imagery, photography from a range of leading photographers and games for children.

The theme of the exhibition will be the 'enjoyment of landscape, as well as built heritage, and its enhancement of quality of life'. It will be open daily from 10th July to 21st August from 10am to 5pm.

More details: See Page 23.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

June 2016

Inquiry after man’s death THE discovery of the body of 43-year-old Anthony Taylor at an address in The Plocks in Blandford on the afternoon of Thursday 12th May led Dorset Police to seek help in establishing the circumstances surrounding his death.

They asked anyone who had seen him since Monday 9th May to contact them.

Mr Taylor, whose next of kin have been informed and whose death was reported to the Coroner, was well-known in the Blandford area, and often seen walking his dog, a brown cocker spaniel.

Anyone with information was asked to call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 12:230 or Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Theatrical pop-up plan THE promoter of the project to establish a theatre opposite the Blandford Town Museum in Bere's Yard, Blandford, is now planning a pop-up theatre on the site to establish demand for a permanent building.

Jon Ivay, of Spetisbury, told the Blandford Town Team meeting that a Fording Point business brochure had been launched in November for the permanent venue but helping his daughter with a pop-up cafĂŠ had made him think of the possibility of a pop-up theatre, now being designed by Bournemouth University students.

Their ideas would be collated to draw up a facility that would work on the site, and it was planned to launch a funding drive on May 31st.

He said the Fording Point would be set up as a community interest company with any profit ploughed back into the venue.

The site owners are the William Williams charity.

Merger consultation PROPOSALS for bringing councils in Dorset together as a combined authority are the subject of a consultation launched in early May and open until 17th June.

The results will be collected and shared with the Secretary of State, and used to inform the Government's decision on whether to establish a combined authority in Dorset.

June 2016

Historic ceremony sees new town Mayor installed COUNCILLOR Jackie Stayt was elected Mayor of Blandford at the annual mayor-making ceremony on Friday 13th May, and Councillor Hugo Mieville was elected her deputy.

New Deputy Mayor of Blandford, Liberal Democrat Councillor Hugo Mieville.

Norman Moors and Tony Dando with their Certificates of Appreciation, presented by outgoing Mayor Steve Hitchings at the mayor-making ceremony.

The formal ceremony in the Corn Exchange also saw the presentation by retiring Mayor, Liberal Democrat Steve Hitchings of three Certificates of Appreciation to Norman Moors, Tony Dando and Town Macebearer David Jardine for their service over many years to the allotment society, Blandford Scouts and the Town Council respectively.

Certificates had been presented in advance to Arthur Bush (see page 12) and the Newton family (see page 24) who it was known would be absent on the day.

Councillor Hitchings also presented cheques to his Mayoral charities, Blandford Opportunity Group and Blandford Gymnastic Club, which shared nearly ÂŁ9,000.

Councillor Stayt, a Conservative, announced that her mayoral charities would be Blandford Scouts and the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital, both of whom are fundraising to upgrade facilities.

She also announced that her consorts would be her husband, fellow councillor John, and on occasions other members of the town council, and her Mayor's Chaplain the Rector, the Rev Jonathan Triffitt.

The Town Council itself was also presented with its Quality Local Council Award by Sue Baxter, vice-chairman of the National Association of Local Councils, and David Jenkins, president of the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils.

The council had agreed again this year to break with the tradition of one person serving as both Mayor and Chairman of council, and at its annual meeting on 9th May elected Lynn Lindsay, past Mayor and chairman of recreation and amenities committee, as chairman.

John Stayt takes her place as chairman of recreation and amenities, Roger Carter becomes chairman of town & general purposes, and Esme Butler continues as chairman of finance and staffing.

Peter Clark remains chairman of planning, joined by Colin Stevens and Nocturin LaceyClarke as his deputies.

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Blandford’s new Mayor, Councillor Jackie Stayt, pictured at the mayor-making ceremony with her husband and fellow councillor John Stayt, who will act as her consort along with other members of the council.

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June 2016

Twin towns continue a 50-year friendship LAST month we featured Blandford's 30-year association with Mortain in France which was celebrated in an exchange visit at the beginning of May. Visitors enjoyed a civic reception in the Woodhouse Gardens and family barbecue at the Con Club and local sightseeing and shopping next day with evening dinner, entertainment and exchange of gifts at The Hub in The Blandford School.

The previous week saw an exchange between Blandford and Preetz, a town in the district Plรถn, in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany, which was founded on its clog-making, an industry which has almost died out today but was once an important profession which earned the town the title of 'the shoemaker city'.

Blandford and Preetz Friendship Society is an Anglo/German exchange group, originally set up to promote the exchange of students and adults between the two towns and has been running for more than 50 years.

Exchanges have taken place to foster friendship and understanding between different cultures, and the 30th anniversary of formal twinning between the towns was celebrated in 2010.

On 28th April, Blandford welcomed 13 visitors

Above: Visitors from Preetz and their hosts in the bowling alley at the Langton Arms. Right: Mayor of Preetz Bjorn Demmin and his wife Ariane with Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings and his wife Lynn at the Georgian Fayre.

from Preetz. After a long day travelling, they were greeted by Blandford's Mayor, Steve Hitchings, and councillors at a reception in the council rooms.

They then had a packed programme of events for the days that followed, visiting the Blandford Town and Fashion museums where they were invited to explore the exhibits and later enjoy a tour of Blandford with Bob Brannigan.

In the evening the guests and their hosts were entertained to a superb concert by students of Bryanston and Bryanston Choral Society in the music centre at Bryanston School.

On the Saturday there was a boat ride to Brownsea Island, followed by a visit to explore Poole Quay before a meal in the Antelope Hotel.

The next day a steam train ride took the party to Swanage, where some took a walk along Durlston

Ridge in Durlston Country Park, and the day ended with a game of skittles in the Langton Arms where Friendship Society Chairman Jenny Andrews and Preetz vice-chairman Suzanne Lueg exchanged words of appreciation.

On Bank Holiday Monday, society members and their guests met at the Corn Exchange to see the Mayor open the Georgian Fayre, accompanied by the Mayor of Preetz, Bjorn Demmin, who had travelled over with his wife to enjoy their first visit to Blandford and who added a few words on behalf of the German visitors.

The Blandford members will be making a return visit to Preetz next year. Anyone who would like to find out more about the Society should get in touch with Jenny Andrews on 01258 452202, Carole Brannigan on 459452 or Liz Andrews on 459139.

June 2016

Office overcrowding concerns council THE reopening of talks on the transfer of responsibility for Blandford's street market has resulted in more urgency in resolving issues of overcrowding in the town council offices in Church Lane.

Staff have for some time struggled with working conditions described at May's town council meeting as potentially illegal, but the proposal to create an extra office in half of what is now the Community Room leaves the council itself with nowhere to hold full meetings.

"Every time you go into the office

you can see the conditions they are working under," said Councillor Hugo Mieville. "We only have to meet here once a week, they are here all the time. We owe them the conditions in which they can do their work."

Councillor Jackie Stayt said the conditions staff were working in were probably not legal and would be worse with another member of staff.

Chairman Lynn Lindsay said they had to consider the security of their financial documents and their duty of care to their staff.

Holding meetings in the Corn Exchange was one option.

Councillor Roger Carter said: "It is going to be a while before the regeneration of the Corn Exchange and new building, and at the moment the office is bursting at the seams. It may be inconvenient, but we may get more members of the public attending meetings in the Corn Exchange."

Councillor Steve Hitchings was backed by Councillor Haydn White in supporting the staff, but being unable to support the proposal to lose the Community Room or

Threat to Poole A&E department THE Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group has proposed changes to the organisation of acute hospitals which include the downgrading of A&E facilities at both Poole and Dorchester, and designating the Royal Bournemouth as the major emergency hospital.

Dorset County Hospital at Dorchester will remain a district general hospital but retain its A&E department, taking into account the rural nature of much of the west. Poole hospital will become the major planned care hospital with a 24-hour urgent care centre.

The changes, they say, will make it easier to

meet national NHS standards, including waiting times for an appointment away from the disruption that emergency care can create.

The proposals have several hurdles to cross before any public consultation which is not likely to start until at least September, but district councillor John Tanner told Blandford town councillors he hoped a large number of people would respond. "It is important we keep an A&E department with ease of access from Blandford."

A 38 Degrees online petition to save Poole’s A&E unit quickly attracted some 40,000 signatures.

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move to another venue.

"We have had two crucial meetings in the Corn Exchange which were a nightmare to control because the acoustics are rubbish," he said.

He asked whether staff could be accommodated at Glenmore Business Park, where the town council now has premises for its grounds and property service, but was told the grounds and property manager needed to be based in the main building.

Alternatives put forward were the Council Chamber, where provision of a stairlift would resolve its restricted access but not problems with a leaking roof and poor heating, and the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, which a regular Monday evening hirer had been using for over 25 years.

Councillor Nocturin Lacey-Clarke suggested asking the hirer of the Woodhouse Gardens to relocate to the Council Chamber, which is unused on Monday evenings when councillors normally meet.

At the suggestion of Councillor Dianne Robinson, it was agreed to have trial meetings in both venues before making a decision.

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Word power to the fore at new festival BLANDFORD'S Regeneration Group will be staging the town's first Festival of Words in the week following the Queen's birthday celebrations from 13th to 19th June.

The group, which includes the Cupola Project, the Friends of the Forum at the Corn Exchange, the Fashion Museum, Town Museum, Railway Arches Trust and Blandford & District Civic Society, are all working on regeneration, either on their own buildings or others, and have the common goal of creating enhanced heritage-related facilities for the public to enjoy.

They are collaborating to celebrate the words we all use every day - sometimes taking them for granted, but with the power to make us cry, laugh, express anger, resolve conflict

or give comfort.

Sponsored by Forum Focus, the festival is planned to be the first in a series of annual events, and will include exhibitions and lectures on the evolution of writing and speech in the Town Museum, The Language of Flowers in the museum garden, events in Blandford Library, a wordsearch hosted by the Fashion Museum, poetry readings in various locations, a range of activities in the parish church on Saturday 18th and a book launch at Beatons on Sunday 19th June.

There will also be 'words' dotted about the town in sometimes unexpected locations!

Programmes for the week will be available from each of the venues and from the Information Centre in West Street.

June 2016

Mayor Steve Hitchings, right, Mayor's Chaplain Brook MacCallum and the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell, left, and his wife Carola select their Civic Day lunch provided by the Gurkha catering corps.

Gurkhas entertain the crowds with their Nepalese dance while the soldiers marched round the town.

Mayor Steve Hitchings presents the framed print of paintings of Blandford's key buildings to the Queen's Gurkha Signals.

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June 2016

A powerful bond renewed

The parade of soldiers and band of the Queen's Gurkha Rifles in the Market Place.

MAYOR of Blandford Steve Hitchings' Civic Day was a celebration not only of the part played by the community in the life of the town, but also of the special relationship with Blandford Camp and the Queen's Gurkha Signals in particular.

He chose to invite civic dignitaries from nearby local authorities to a tenth anniversary freedom parade by the Gurkhas, who were granted the Freedom of the town in September 2005.

Led by the Gurkhas' regimental band, the parade along West Street into the Market Place was commanded by Lieut-Col Mike J Fayers and regimental sergeant major WO1 Sim Chochangi, who took over the role in April this year.

They presented the soldiers for inspection by the Mayor, and by Dorset's Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell and High Sheriff Philip Williams.

Congratulating the Gurkhas on last year celebrating the 200th anniversary of their service to the British Army, Councillor Hitchings said: "You make my heart swell with pride at our association, and we thank you for your duty and dedication and coming here today to celebrate the town and your Freedom."

Col Fayers responded that they were proud to be able to exercise that Freedom, which reflected not only their service in Blandford, but also their reputation for the past 201 years.

Gifts marking the anniversary - a framed print of paintings of Blandford architecture and a painting commemorating the formation of the Queen's Gurkha Signals as a unit in its own right - were exchanged between the Town Council and the regiment.

The soldiers then marched around the town with khukuris drawn after seeking and being granted permission by the Mayor while Gurkha dancers performed a khukuri dance, Nepalese dance and pipe display

A painting commemorating the formation of the Queen's Gurkha Signals as an individual unit is presented to Town Mayor Steve Hitchings. The painting now hangs in the Town Council's Community Room.

for the waiting crowds.

On their return, the salute was taken by the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant and the troops left via West Street and the Town Bridge.

The freedom parade followed a civic service in the parish church in the morning at which guests were shown a video presentation of activities during the year and entertained by the duo 2awkwards from The Blandford School.

The service was preceded by a powerful appeal by the Rector Jonathan Triffitt on behalf of Blandford Cares, which is supporting Syrian refugees in Calais and across Europe, and the address by Mayor's Chaplain Brook MacCallum of Blandford Evangelical Church focused on the text of the Good Samaritan, read by Inspector Rob Chalkley, and care in the community. Prayers for local and national authorities, businesses and others were led by representatives of the Blandford churches.

Lunch prepared by the Gurkha caterers from Blandford Camp was then served to guests in the Corn Exchange.

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June 2016

Town and the military renew their vows of friendship

Above and below: The parade is presented for inspection.

Above and below: Gurkhas in their khukuri dance are applauded by the crowd.

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June 2016

Mayor’s Civic Day reinforces the special relationship Left: Among the crowds were many fellow Gurkhas, including relatives of serving soldiers who had not seen them for three years.

Right: Brigadier J J Cole, Head of Information Services at Army Headquarters and Colonel Queen's Gurkha Signals, Mayor Steve Hitchings and the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell on the dais.

People of all ages gathered in the sunshine with the assembled Town Council to witness the Freedom Parade of the Queen's Gurkha Signals.

Lieut-Col Vaizey, CO, 30 Signal Regiment, (left) and Captain Shankar Gurung.

The Band of the Queen's Gurkha Signals leads the parade in the march past.

The full line-up in front of the Corn Exchange.

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GEORGIAN FAYRE

June 2016

A fayre surprise for Arthur A

MAN who has chatted his way as master of ceremonies through every Blandford Georgian Fayre since it started in the early 1990s was temporarily lost for words as the surprise recipient of a certificate of appre-

ciation for his work in the community, awarded by Blandford Town Council.

Arthur Bush took up his microphone as usual to announce the arrival of the civic party for the opening ceremony, with Mayor of

Arthur Bush receives his certificate of appreciation from Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings, watched by Mayoress Lynn Hitchings, Preetz Burgermeister Bjorn Demmin and his wife Ariane, and deputy town macebearer Neil McCain.

Blandford Steve Hitchings, the Burgermeister Bjorn Demmin of twin town Preetz in Germany, Blandford Carnival royalty and a colourful crew of town criers.

But he was completely taken aback when the Mayor announced the presentation to the stalwart of the town's key community event, listing also his work over the past 30-plus years with the Blandford Blind Club, as organiser of charity fundraising events, trips and coach tours, and as a local entertainer.

"I don't know what to say, except that it's just something I have really enjoyed doing," he said.

The presentation of certificates of appreciation is usually made at the mayor-making ceremony, in the Corn Exchange, but Mr Bush's was brought forward to the day of the Fayre for maximum impact among the crowds who know him so well.

The Fayre itself, attended by thousands of residents and visitors, included its usual programme of entertainment, with bands, dancers, trade, market and charity stalls and funfair attractions. There was also a model railway exhibition in the Parish Centre, an art exhibition in the Parish Church, a craft fair in

the Corn Exchange, and other activities including circus and pottery workshops, have-a-go dog agility and the South West of England Town Criers' competition in the Woodhouse Gardens.

Their overall winner was judged to be Owen Collier from Royal Wootton Bassett, with David Craner of Crewkerne best crier, Peter Dauncey and his wife Joan of Melksham best dressed couple, and Angie Bishop of Frome best dressed escort. The colourful collection of costumes blended well with the spring blooms in the gardens, and the members of the Blandford Evening WI provided sustenance for the contestants and judges.

There was some disappointment at the lack of advertised activity on the Marsh & Ham, and Fayre chairman Colin Stevens said they had been let down by the promised vintage car display and craft workers, as well as by a number of stall holders who may have been deterred by a forecast of rain.

In the event, the weather held out until the last hour or two, when a light drizzle did little to harm the festivities of the day. • More pictures on Page 14 and on www.forumfocus.co.uk.

Tony Ives turns jester with the Blandford Lions.

June 2016

GEORGIAN FAYRE

Card making at the craft fair in the Corn Exchange.

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On duty, Lee Hitchings and colleagues from the St John Ambulance team.

Stewards and collectors, Rachael and Gary Brownbridge dressed for the occasion.

Roast at the ready with Mato’s butchers.

Blandford’s Town Crier Jean Wells leads the parade down Salisbury Street.

Ukulele players outside the Corn Exchange.

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GEORGIAN FAYRE

June 2016

All the fun of the fayre

The Anonymous Morris, who invited the audience to take part in maypole dancing.

Gurkha treats on sale for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Carnival ‘royalty’ (from left): Princess attendant (Alyssa Miller), Miss Blandford Carnival attendant (Kristina Valdez), and Blandford Carnival Princess (Ginny Dugdale).

Georgians on patrol.

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June 2016

Packed line-up for free arts festival A PACKED programme of events is planned for the Free Expression arts festival which will be taking place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th June.

Highlights include a magic tour of Blandford, trapeze artist Emily Redsell bringing a workshop and performance into the Market Place, a folk concert, a roaming poet, a concert featuring local musicians in the parish church, and a balloon-lit Saturday evening finale on the Marsh & Ham. There will be an art and sculpture exhibition in the Corn Exchange both days, with a painting challenge outside on Saturday, storytelling, craft, circus and drama workshops in the Parish Centre, a drumming workshop on the Langton Meadows, trapeze workshops in the grounds of the Blandford Museum, doodling and

pottery in the Greyhound Yard, mosaic and stone carving workshops in the Woodhouse Gardens.

Then at 4pm a magical tour of Blandford with local illusionists Paul Hyland and Jana Bundy, aka The Art of the Impossible, at 5pm pre-concert drinks in the museum garden, 6pm a trapeze spectacular, 7pm a concert featuring local musicians, both soloists and ensembles, as well as two choirs from the area in Blandford Parish Church, and at 9.30pm, the lighting of the Marsh & Ham with 200 LED balloons and lights to which people are invited to add their own.

The exhibition in the Corn Exchange continues on Sunday when, to finish off the festival, all are invited to come and sing, make music or play drums from 6pm onwards at the Dolphin Jam

BLANDFORD Befriending Service, run by the Royal Voluntary Service, is seeking volunteers to join the scheme offering older people a way to beat loneliness and isolation.

Volunteers provide a range of services to people who require support to remain independent and active, and can make a difference by sparing just one hour a week to help improve their quality of life. For information, contact Tina Damon on 077368 25330.

in the Pub in East Street.

The programme is subject to change, and people are advised to visit the free-expression.com website to keep up to date, or to call in on the day to a central information point which will be set up in the Corn Exchange.

Kate Seeger, who is organising the festival, said she was also seeking volunteers who could help her collect feedback from each event, and asked them to

contact her via the website or by volunteering at the Corn Exchange on the day.

"I am also trying to encourage people to do street performing or busking, with an award for the oldest busker/street performer," she said.

The festival is also Venue 276 in Dorset Art Weeks which runs from 28th May to 12th June and includes 37 artists in 26 venues exhibiting in the Blandford area.

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June 2016

Above: Marlene Diana Holland, who died following a sudden cardiac arrest last year.

Right: The Holland family with Peggy Hewitt, Tesco manager Simon Beale and staff who helped Mrs Hewitt when she suffered a cardiac arrest in the store.

Family’s memorial gift can save lives FAMILY members of the late Marlene Diana Holland, who died suddenly following a cardiac arrest at her home in January last year, gathered in Tesco supermarket at Stour Park to witness the unveiling of the defibrillator which has been installed in her memory.

They were joined by representatives of the South West Ambulance Service, Peggy Hewitt of Bere Regis who survived a cardiac arrest while shopping in the store, and Tesco staff, including those who had come to her assistance.

Mrs Holland's daughter Sara Bennett said: "After we lost our mum very suddenly and unexpectedly to sudden cardiac arrest, I learnt just how crucial defibrillators are in restarting a heart and saving lives and also just how common sudden cardiac arrest is, affecting both young and old.

"Mum had undiagnosed heart disease but was being treated only for elevated blood pressure, but sudden cardiac arrest can affect children and young people too.

"As mum's life was all about giving and caring for others, we felt the potential gift of life was a fitting tribute to her and asked if we

could donate a defibrillator."

Tesco was chosen because of its high footfall and ironically the incident at the store occurred long after the donation was arranged.

"It really highlighted the importance of these life-saving devices," said Mrs Bennett.

"There was a very happy outcome in that case, but luckily for this person the event didn't strike as suddenly."

The list of defibrillators known to the ambulance service already in Blandford includes: The Crown Hotel and Masonic Hall in West Street, the Parish Centre in the Tabernacle, outside Alaska House dental surgery in Salisbury Street, Blandford Leisure Centre, The Blandford School, the Hall and Woodhouse brewery, Blandford Rugby Club and Blandford Football Club.

Kate Fisher, Assistant Community Responder Officer (Dorset) at South Western Ambulance Service, asked anyone who knows of any other defibrillators in and around the Blandford area to contact her to register the defibrillator with her, if it is not already registered with the emergency services. Her email address is Kate.Fisher@swast.nhs.uk.

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

June 2016

Pedal for charity

Fashion tips for the WI BLANDFORD Evening WI paid a visit to the town's Fashion Museum for a private introduction, viewing and cream tea.

An informative talk by museum administrator Gordon Boutelle on the origins and ethos of the museum, its educational links and displays for the new season was followed by a tour of the exhibits, where the visitors marvelled at the beauty, delicacy and workmanship of the older costumes.

They also giggled when they recognised items in the Retro display that they themselves had worn, and admired the design and materials of the inter-war years. To complete the afternoon, cream teas were served in the museum cafe.

£250,000 upgrade for town hospital BLANDFORD Community Hospital's radiology department has undergone a £250,000 transformation by Dorset HealthCare, including the installation of new digital x-ray equipment and creation of a dedicated clinical ultrasound room.

It will allow x-ray and ultrasound examinations to run independently, rather than having to share the same space, and offer a quicker, more comfortable experience for patients.

The technologies provide clinicians with detailed internal images of the body which are vital in diagnosing or treating a wide range of conditions.

Iain Luscombe, Dorset HealthCare's Radiology Manager, said: "The new digital x-ray unit

produces greater image quality, reduced radiation dose and faster examination times. The expertise of Devon Medical Turnkey Solutions has also redesigned the lay-out of the department, providing an enhanced x-ray and ultrasound service for our patients."

Construction work took three months to complete, with the xray unit provided by Konica Minolta. The company's field sales manager, David Halfpenny, said: "The new room is more user-friendly, offering a flexible solution for all the imaging needs of the department but also an increase in efficiency. The lay-out provides more space to image patients, and also makes it easier to deal with bed-bound patients requiring x-ray."

Focus is on support FORUM Focus is delighted to have been able to offer sponsorship to two events this month which both have the aim of raising the town's profile on hopefully a regular basis.

The Free Expression Arts Festival on 4th June brings together a range of local artists and contributors from further afield in a day celebrating the town's visually and musically creative community, and the Festival of Words in the second week of June is hoped to become an annual celebration of literary creativity.

Both are being supported by Forum Focus, the town's independent community magazine, which has also this year been able to give support to a number of local groups providing assistance to the disabled.

FATHER'S Day, on the 19th June, will be marked again by Blandford Stour Rotary's local cycle ride with a difference as their part in the national UK Prostate Charity Ride.

Centred on the Fippenny Fayre at Okeford Fitzpaine, there will be three rides to suit everyone.

Riding to the Fayre, via the Trailway, will mean all miles count towards the total, and once there, entering the Static Bike Challenge or completing as many laps as possible of a 20mile course through Dorset's flat

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countryside will add more.

Last year's event proved to be very successful with over £800 being raised for Prostate Cancer UK. Cyclists on the 20-mile route will be asked for a £10 entry fee, with children going free of charge, and donations are welcome for the other events.

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

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June 2016

France says ‘merci’ to war veteran A VETERAN of World War Two, who took part in the D-Day invasion and liberation of towns in Normandy, was the recipient of a surprise presentation at his 95th birthday celebration in Stourpaine village hall.

Angus John Archibald Stewart retired with the rank of Major from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1948, having served in North Africa at El Alamein and in the invasion of Sicily in 1943 when, unable to carry his wounded lance corporal to safety, he had returned the following day with a stretcher to find him dead.

At the end of the Sicily campaign he was sent with the Highlanders to Normandy with Major-General Thomas Gordon Rennie, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, who made him his ADC, and on D-Day landed on Sword Beach, playing his part in the liberation of a number of towns.

Mr Stewart and his wife Olyffe, who died three years ago, came

Old soldier Angus Stewart with friends and family at Stourpaine village hall. to live in Stourpaine over 25 years ago, and the anniversary lunch was attended by friends and neighbours from the village, as well as relatives including his four daughters and their families.

They had arranged the presentation by Madame Josette Lebrat,

Honorary French Consul from Bristol, of the Legion d'Honneur, the highest honour awarded by the French government. She said he had become a Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur in recognition of his part in the liberation of France

and in honour of friends who did not make it back.

"You are a hero of World War Two and, through people like you, our parents were able to regain their freedom. You are a modern-day knight and on behalf of the Republic and my parents, merci."

June 2016

Health to go under the spotlight ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Organisations taking part in Well & Connected 2016 include: Whitecliff Surgery Patient Group LiveWell Eagle House Surgery Patient Group Dorset Community Action The Disability Action Group My Health My Way Living Well - Skills & Learning My Life Living Assistance Age Concern Blandford Cricket Club Blandford Carers My Life My Care DCC Healthwatch Dorset Dementia Friendly Diabetes UK Cambridge Weight Loss The Friendly Food Club Tesco Hambledon Health Blandford Scout Group Hoopla Macular Society The Performing Arts Theatre The Fostering Service Blandford Museum Help & Care Blandford Hospital U3A Bus 2Go Relate, Dorset Shaftesbury & District Carers Association Dorset POPP and Wayfinders Hope Projects Dorset Healthcare Health Visitors

SSAFA call for helpers SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity which has been supporting past and present servicemen and their families since 1885, is seeking volunteers in Dorset.

The Dorset branch needs volunteer caseworkers, mentors, visitors and fundraisers to join the team of 60 volunteers throughout the county who give whatever time they have available to the role they choose with full professional training. Experience of the Armed Forces is not needed.

For details see ssafa.org.uk, call SSAFA in Dorset on 01202 742934 or email ssafadorset@gmail.com.

W

ELL & Connected 2016 is a fantastic opportunity for people to get answers to many of their queries about medical and wellbeing matters from health professionals and organisations working in the town.

Being held in Blandford Corn Exchange on the 1st and 2nd July, the event, organised by the DT11 Forum Community Partnership and Blandford Forum Town Council, is in its third year and going from strength to strength, having attracted over 600 visitors last year.

Focusing on Health & Wellbeing on the 1st July between 10am and 3pm and Sports and Recreation on the 2nd July between 10am and 2pm, it will

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feature many organisations offering free workshops and training sessions and free samples.

These will include mini health MoTs from the Whitecliff Surgery, Indian head massage and meditation, cycling lessons from Cyclewise, The Friendly Food Club cookery workshop, a dementia friendly training workshop at midday on Friday, Tesco Farm to Fork and make your own muesli, and shared reading with Blandford Library for which people are invited to bring along their favourite passage or poem.

For further information contact either Julie@dt11forum.org.uk or leani@blandford-forumtc.gov.uk.

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June 2016

Many war casualties buried in Blandford, far from their homes

Town and villages honour the victims of another month ONLY one casualty in June 1916 is recorded on the Blandford World War One Memorial.

Harold Edward Kerley had been born in 1890 in Stourpaine, the fourth child of farm labourer George Kerley and his wife Amelia.

The family had lived in Three Legged Cross and East Martin as well as Stourpaine, but in 1901 were living in Bryanston Street, Blandford, where his two young brothers were born.

By 1911, when the family lived at 35 Dorset Street, Harold was serving in Poona, India, as a private with the Dorsetshire Regiment.

He had enlisted at Dorchester in May 1908, and served in India from October 1910 to December 1914, and then in Lower Mesopotamia.

He had been brought up for 21 days' field punishment in July 1915 for striking a native, hesitating to obey an order of an NCO and using obscene language, and had been wounded in action when he was shot in the forearm in November that year.

Mentioned in the dispatches of Sir Percy H N Lake in August 1916, he had been reported as a prisoner of war in April 1916 and died on 22nd June 2016 from acute enteritis, aged 27.

Others from the area who died 100 years ago, were Marcus Wilson Coombes, remembered on the Moor

Crichel memorial; William Neville Cuff, remembered at Gussage St Michael; and Reginald Arthur Gale, remembered at Witchampton.

All three were killed in France within four days of each other.

Coombes, born in Witchampton, was killed in action in France on 21st June, aged 20, while serving with the Dorsetshire Regiment 1st Battalion.

He is buried in the Authuile Military Cemetery.

His father was a woodman, and the family lived in Witchampton and Moor Crichel, where Marcus William was in 1911 listed as an 'under cart boy'.

Cuff, killed two days later while serving with the Royal Marine Light Infantry, also in France, was born in Tarrant Crawford and enlisted at the age of 17 in 1911.

The youngest son of John Cuff and only child of his second wife Georgina, whom he had married a year after the death of his first, William is buried in the Bois-DeNoulette British Cemetery, AixNoulette.

Gale, born in Witchampton, was serving with the Royal Field Artillery 127th Battery 29th Brigade when he died of wounds on 24th June and is buried in the Couin British Cemetery. He was the fifth of eight children of William Arthur Gale, a dairyman, and his wife Elizabeth.

BLANDFORD Cemetery, on the corner of Salisbury Road and Shaftesbury Lane, is the last resting place of nearly 50 men who died for their country in World War One, many of them with local connections and buried in family graves.

But many also had no reason to be buried here, far away from their homes and often homelands, other than having taken up arms to fight in the conflict.

Most are buried in the rows of graves now maintained by the Commonwealth Graves Commission at the top of the cemetery, and the first of these were two soldiers who possibly never went to war, but died of illness.

Charles Scriven was born in Newington, London, and signed up as an able seaman with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. His father John was an India rubber mechanic, and he himself was working as a porter before joining the RND in June 1915. In August he was assigned to the battalion, but within a week transferred to the RND Ambulance (dysentery) and in September sailed to England for 28 days' leave.

By April 1916 he was at the RND Hospital in Blandford and Portland, and died of pneumonia at 10.20am

on 26th June in the RND Hospital Blandford, to be buried three days later at Blandford where a temporary cross was not constructed and erected until November 1920.

Frederick William H M Wrenn was born in Woolwich in 1878 and served as a private with the Worcestershire Regiment 13th Battalion.

His father William served with the Hussars, being discharged in 1872, and later as a gunner in the Kent Artillery, with the Durham Artillery from 1891 to 1897, and also worked at the Woolwich Arsenal.

His mother Elizabeth was born in Northumberland, but had married William in Woolwich where two sisters and a younger brother were born, but another younger sister was born in India in 1883.

Frederick's name has not been found in the 1881 census indicating that perhaps he was also in India at that time.

In 1891 he was back in Woolwich, but again not found in 1901, and in 1911 was listed as patient-labourer at the Woolwich Workhouse Infirmary.

His service record has not been found, so it is not possible to say why he was buried at Blandford following his death on 22nd June 1916.

The gravestones for Charles Scriven and Frederick Wrenn stand side by side in Blandford Cemetery.

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.

June 2016

GARDENING

Open gardens season off to a sparkling start THE open gardens season is upon us, and at National Trust property Kingston Lacy, the Japanese Garden has been buzzing with activity with the delicate pink and white Japanese blossom in full bloom, attracting bees and visitors alike.

The Prunus serrulata 'Tai-haku' or great white cherry, looks majestic in full blossom and although ancient and much revered had become extinct in Japan until being rediscovered by chance in the 1920s in a Sussex garden.

Chris Cooper, National Trust gardener at Kingston Lacy, says: "From there it has since been reintroduced to horticulture. The modern-day Tai-hakus, including those now reintroduced to Japan, are descended from this single specimen."

The colours of the garden change dramatically with the seasons. It has been restored over the past 10 years with support of the Gordon Bulmer Charitable Trust to create five separate areas, including the centrepiece Tea Garden, Quarry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Evergreen Gardens and Acer Glade.

Kingston Lacy is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

• As recently as 40 years ago, residents of Turnworth could recall hearing Thomas Hardy reading the lesson in the church, arriving in the village after an exhausting 17-mile cycle ride from Dorchester.

Visitors to the 'Turnworth in June' event on Sunday 5th June, between 11am and 5pm, can find out more about the village and its direct connections to Hardy, who supervised restoration works to the church and was a friend of its vicar, Rev Thomas Perkins. Today

you can see Hardy's signature little owl stone carving in the bell tower and the song birds and lizards on the columns.

The main 'Turnworth in June' event takes place in the rectory gardens, with free entry and parking, plants, teas and cakes, bric-abrac and children's fun. Village gardens will also be open and all funds raised will support the historic St Mary's Church.

• Villagers in Charlton Marshall will be opening their gardens to the public from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 18th June. They include one with a model train layout among the geraniums. Tickets, refreshments, home-made cakes, plants and crafts will be on sale in the village hall, with proceeds going to the new hall fund.

• Sixteen gardens in Shillingstone will be open on 26th June between 2 and 6pm, with tickets teas and parking available from Shillingstone Centre and proceeds to Blandford Hospital and Holy Rood church.

• Blandford's Hidden Gardens on Sunday 28th June is now in its ninth year, run by Blandford Stour Rotary, between 11am and 5pm.

Seventeen very different gardens will be opened to visitors around the town. Tickets will be sold from the Blandford Information Centre two weeks before the event and on the day. All money raised will go to local charities.

• The celebration of gardens continues in July. On Monday 4th July, Blandford & District Floral Group will be holding a garden party and exhibition in the Woodhouse Gardens, and villagers in the South Tarrants will be opening their gardens on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July.

BLANDFORD Town Museum is run for the benefit of the community and attached to it is the Victorian Garden Club. It has over the years transformed an area of land between the Museum and river into a mixed garden of vegetables and flowers using old-style plants and gardening techniques. This is gardening the slow, peaceful, by hand way.

It is quite labour intensive, and the club needs a lot of people all doing their little bit. No prior knowledge is required as very experienced volunteer gardeners manage the project. There are plenty of light tasks for those not up to heavy digging, as well as the opportunity for refreshments and a chat with others.

If you don't have a plot to garden of your own, or the confidence to try and garden the one you have, but could give up a Saturday or Sunday morning each weekend, phone Blandford Museum on 01258 458678 or email blandfordtownmuseum@uwclub.net.

Tai-Haku Blossom at Kingston Lacy.

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© Ellie Byrne/National Trust.

RDF Television are digging up nightmare stories from residents plagued with uncontrollable plants or animal infestations, erosion or sinkholes, boundary disputes or other problem related to their gardens. They are researching for a new garden documentary to highlight issues facing homeowners and garden lovers across the UK, and asking them to get in touch by email at gardens@rdftelevision.com or phone 020 7013 4312.

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The View from the Hill

by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk

T

HERE is sad news to report our lovely song thrush, who spent so long building her nest and laying her first egg, never came back. Let us hope she decided to start again further from human prying eyes, rather than befalling a less attractive fate.

In her place has come a very noisy blackbird, who makes his presence heard every time the cat is about. He swears endlessly, even with his mouth full, whenever she appears in the window or slopes lazily across the garden. He shows no fear, and if one

One-day-old lambs with their mum. could translate his language I am sure the editor would not print the transcript. A short snippet of video will appear on the website shortly.

On the farm, May began with frosty nights and woolly sheep, but the first week ended with hot sunny days and wool-free sheep, some of whom have already decided it is time to drop their lambs.

Our shearing contractors arrived prompt first thing on Tuesday, after the bank holiday. The sheep had been penned up indoors the night before - warm sheep always shear better than cold ones, the

grease in the fleece lifts off and cuts more easily. By lunchtime all were undressed, looking white and clean, and were then walked off to their lambing paddocks in small groups. Here they will stay until all have lambed - less disturbance means happier sheep and less mis-mothering.

As always at this time of year, please could walkers take extra care to keep dogs under control when near sheep. It doesn't take much to spook the ewes, and then new-born lambs get lost and chaos ensues until families are matched up again.

June 2016

By Thursday the first lamb of the season had appeared in Roundbush field, and now there are several dotted about in different corners of the farm. The weather has turned out perfect for the sheep this week, and the cows who have calved are also enjoying the warmer weather, although this can't be said for the unlucky 15 who are still indoors, blaming the indolence of the male of the species for their prolonged incarceration.

The frosts throughout March and April wreaked havoc on our emerging poppy crop. Last week we decided we would have to resow two fields, after lengthy periods spent crawling around on hands and knees counting plants.

A viable crop is really only possible with at least 40 plants per square metre, and quite a lot of our poppy acreage is perilously close to this limit, but we are going to hope for the best.

In each of the last three seasons, we have sown at exactly the same date, 20-22nd March. We have photographs that show very clearly how late we are running this year. Fingers are crossed for some more favourable weather to get the re-sow going.

A visit from the Bishop

PARISHIONERS in the Benefice of Durweston, Pimperne and Stourpaine were pleased that the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Rev Karen Gorham, presided at Holy Communion at St Peter's Church, Pimperne. She is photographed with her licensed lay ministers and churchwardens (from left): Richard Ashwell, Margaret Latham, Christopher Brown, Penny Wallis, Martin Richley, Fran Bromley, Michael Joseph and Lesley Bryning. Later the Bishop went on to consecrate the churchyard extension at Holy Trinity, Stourpaine.

PEOPLE no longer have to be over a certain age or have special needs to qualify to use community transport schemes in Dorset.

This was the key message at the DT11 Transport Action Group's community meeting in the Corn Exchange.

Everyone over 16 who does not have access to public transport can now access NORDCAT's Dial-a-Bus, Dorset Community Transport's Plus-Bus and community car sharing schemes.

Bus users were adamant that Service 20 must stop as close as possible to Salisbury train station and be co-ordinated with commuter train times. Service 20 timetables and contact details for community transport schemes are available from the DT11 Office in Nightingale Court.

June 2016

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June 2016

Rockers raise the roof . . .

THE massive success of the four-day Teddy Rocks music festival on the Stour Meadows over the early May bank holiday weekend has prompted speculation whether it might relocate to another, even larger, site in 2017.

It has also prompted suggestions that the date of either the festival or the Blandford Georgian Fayre with which it coincided on the Monday might be moved.

But organisers say both are unlikely.

Festival promoter Tom Newton headed off with his band The Bottom Line three days after the festival ended to support Simple Plan on their European tour, but his parents Owen and Kim Newton, who founded Teddy Rocks' parent charity Teddy20, said it needed to grow further before contemplating a new site.

Town Mayor Steve Hitchings, who presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Newton family in recognition of their fundraising for childhood cancer sufferers over the past four years, congratulated both the Georgian Fayre and Teddy Rocks on raising an enormous amount of money for charity.

"Both deserve a pat on the back," he said. "But I would encourage both groups to look at which weekends they have their event on. You can put traffic management in place, but the out-of-town car park and taxi service weren't

used and the impact on the Georgian Fayre was quite horrendous."

Colin Stevens, chairman of the Georgian Fayre, said neither could change their date since both depended on availability of others with other nationwide commitments.

The move to the larger Stour Meadows site after its first three years in Greyhound Yard brought thousands more to the upgraded festival, and by the time it ended, Tom Newton was able to announce a record-breaking figure of ÂŁ42,800, almost doubling the total raised last year in memory of his little brother Ted, who died aged ten in 2012.

It featured a programme of around 80 rock bands, including The Hoosiers, Saints of Sin, Don Broco, Gentleman's Dub Club, From the Jam and Kings O'Leon. • To Page 25

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June 2016

The pictures on these pages were taken from the Teddy Rocks Facebook page and show some of the action from the festival.

More images are available at www.forumfocus.co.uk.

. . . and over £40,000 for charity!

Tom Newton announcing that £42,800 had been raised in memory of his brother Ted. Photo David Chinery.

• From Page 24 Scores of festival-goers now carry a Teddy Rocks tattoo provided by local tattoo studio Area 55 and a team of tattooists, led

by Lorna Cooper, raising £1,175 towards the total.

The associated Teddy Raves festival held on the Friday and Saturday nights at Tiffs nightclub in West Street raised nearly £3,500.

Comments from festival-goers on Facebook summed up the achievement of Tom and his family in not only staging such a fantastic event but also establishing an outstanding charity and "taking a real tragedy and turning it into something awesome".

"They are so inspirational. What these guys have gone through is one thing, but to turn that pain into something so beautiful - all the lives they have and will continue to make such a difference in - is another thing entirely," said one Facebook entry.

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CORNET player Jon ('Ricky') Huxley (centre) was the pleased and proud recipient of the Ron Tolman Award 2016 from Pete Tolman, overseen by bandmaster, Tim Stankus, at the annual meeting of the Stour Valley Band. The award, named after band legend Ronald Tolman, Pete's father, is the highest honour the band can bestow and is presented each year in recognition of dedication towards the band. New players of any age and ability are always welcome.

Rehearsals take place on a Tuesday between 7.30pm and 10pm in the Constitutional Club in Blandford.

VACANT land at the back of Nightingale Court off East Street, Blandford, whose central path between East Street and Langton Road car park has been cordoned off for months allowing access only around the side of the plot, has become the subject of a planning application for two retail units, one on either side of the central path.

The application was made by Garry Barker of Blandford, who has previously made applications for development on the site.

June 2016

Happy birthday, Ma’am BLANDFORD residents are invited to be part of history in the making on Sunday 12th June to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Queen Elizabeth.

First there will be a thanksgiving service in the parish church at 2pm, attended by the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, and conducted by the Rector of Blandford and Langton Long, the Rev Jonathan Triffitt.

It will be followed by a street party in the Market Place, with decorations made and provided by local schools. The Stour Valley

Band will perform a medley of songs. Other entertainers have been invited, and free refreshments will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Donations will be welcome.

'Regal' games are being planned as part of the party, and anyone turning 90 in 2016 is invited to join in the celebration as a special guest - contact Esme Butler on 01258 480756 if you qualify.

A special birthday cake is being baked for what will be the first street party in the Market Place for many a year.

Traders have their say KEY issues highlighted by Blandford businesses in a survey of retailers carried out by North Dorset District Council and the Blandford Town Team included cleanliness, problems dealing with commercial waste and building maintenance.

It also highlighted town litter and the state of the pavements and roads as being significant deterrents to trade, and confirmed that of the 66 responses, more than half were owner-managed and nearly half had been in business for over 15 years. More than four-fifths were local independents, where customer service was key to survival.

David Rose of the Town Team said the general consensus was that the town has great heritage, some great independent traders, but a poor market, which was something that could be worked on.

Full details of the survey can be found on the Forum Focus website.

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June 2016

PLANS have now been submitted for the redevelopment of the site of the Wheatsheaf pub in Albert Street, including the conversion of the pub itself into residential accommodation and construction of three homes in the car park.

The terrace of new houses is set back from the road, allowing parking on the forecourt, and the application by Robert Curry of London has met no objection from Blandford & District Civic Society, but at the time Forum Focus went to press had not been considered by Blandford Town Council.

A scene from the wartime drama staged in Blandford Corn Exchange.

Poignant re-enactment of wartime executions STUDENTS from Blandford and Wimborne witnessed a powerful performance in Blandford Corn Exchange of ‘Shot at Dawn’, a drama based on the true stories of two Dorset men executed for desertion during World War One. Surrounded by the banners naming all the town's World War One fallen, which have hung in the building since the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of war, the audience from The Blandford and QE Schools faced a threeman firing squad at the special matinee performance of 'Shot at Dawn' by Bafta award-winning John Foster, staged by Doppelganger Productions.

The production, directed by Kirstie Davis and repeated on successive evenings, was based on research of letters home and court martials into the fates of two of the 360 British and Commonwealth soldiers executed for cowardice, and only pardoned by the British Government 90 years later.

The members of the 6th Dorsetshire Regiment, Second Lieutenant Hubert Jarvis from Bridport and Private George Squire from Weymouth, had both fled the front line on the Somme in France suffering 'shellshock', now recognised as post-traumatic stress disorder.

The drama compared the treatment of commissioned and volunteer personnel by the military authorities, and the cast of three - Adam Jessop, Zachary Powell and Andrew Wheaton - portrayed in varying roles and characters a gamut of emotions ranging from

terror and anger to the stifled sensitivity of authority in an often gripping re-enactment.

There was also a 'meet the author' evening at the Blandford Museum, and a tea dance in the Corn Exchange at which residents were encouraged to contribute to an archive of stories.

• An evening of poetry, prose and song about World War One will be held as part of Blandford's Festival of Words in the Woodhouse Gardens on Friday 17th June, starting at 6pm.

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June 2016

NEWS BRIEF

Guides gain from garage campaign

A CHEQUE for £300 has been presented to Blandford Guides as part of the Damory Garage's 'Making a difference locally' charity. Proprietors Owain Hughes and his father presented the cheque, which was the result of the NISA store scheme to give a percentage from the sale of certain products in store, including all its own label Heritage range, to MADL for causes in each store's local area.

Ale and music on offer at beer festival HALL & Woodhouse's beer festival in support of children with life-limiting conditions through the charity 'Together for Short Lives' will be staged in the brewery yard on Saturday 18th June between 11am and 10pm.

There will be nearly 50 beers and ciders on offer

and a programme of entertainment including Carnival band Gugge 2000, three Dorset-based bands, and acoustic artist and brewery team member Brett Rosehill, together with a range of food and refreshments. For more details and tickets in advance, see hallwoodhousebeerfest.com.

APPLICATIONS are open for Tesco's local 'Bags of Help' community funding, supported by environmental charity Groundworks, to help groups working to transform green spaces, sports facilities and woodland walks across the UK. Grants of £8,000, £10,000 and £12,000 will be awarded to charities or groups in the North Dorset area to support environmental improvement projects.

Tesco Blandford customers will, in October, have the opportunity to decide who from three local community projects will receive the lion's share of the money donated through the Government's 5p plastic bag charge.

The closing date for nominations is 3rd June. Find out more at tesco.com/bagsofhelp.

•••• AN error crept into last month's report of the Rotary short story competition, which should have read that entries of up to 1,500, not 2,500, words were invited in the main category.

We apologise to anyone who has already overshot the limit and remind prospective authors that the deadline for entries is on 31st July.

Details: blandfordrotary.org.uk.

June 2016

SCHOOLS

Students learn about the role of the Lords STUDENTS at The Blandford School learnt about the role played by the House of Lords in scrutinising government legislation and policy.

They were visited by Lord Whitty, a life peer since 1996 and former trades unionist and general secretary of the Labour Party, as part of the Peers in Schools outreach programme, which raises awareness of the Lords and encourages people to get involved in its work.

Members have visited almost 1,000 schools since the programme was launched in 2007, supporting the teaching of citizenship and social studies and encouraging students to learn more about politics and Parliament.

Lord Whitty met Year 12 and 13 sociology students and Year 11 students wishing to do sociology, together with other sixth-formers who chose to attend. He described the Lords' input to issues such as human rights, trial by jury, victims of forced marriage, education provision for those with special needs, and the protection of those using online services through the work of its select committees.

He also explained fully the makeCLAYESMORE Prep School marked the 11th anniversary of its Picnic in the Park Jazz Festival with what was described by parents as "an absolutely fabulous evening".

Around 100 performers from six schools - Sherborne Prep, Yarrells, Chafyn Grove, Sandroyd and Salisbury Cathedral School as well as Clayesmore Prep - attended and an audience of 200 enjoyed a marvellous evening of jazz and popular music.

up of the House's 800 members in which the government of the day never has a majority.

He found his audience less questioning of the work of the House than of his views on the forthcoming referendum on Europe, in which he argued the case for remaining within the Union, and academisation of schools, in which he was less supportive of wholesale conversion from more accountable local authority control.

Following his hour-long talk, he lunched with staff and students in the school canteen.

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Left to right: students Emily Stankus and Nick Hoffman (sociology), Luke Hill (psychology) and Ashlea Gale (sociology), with Lord Whitty, centre.

Five find the formula for success FIVE students at The Blandford School have been congratulated on being awarded high-score certificates in the first round of the International Chemistry Olympiad, a challenging and prestigious competition designed by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

All Year 13 TBS Chemistry students entered, facing questions which the RSC say are way beyond the specification taught, requiring students to apply all the knowledge they have and really put their analytical and mathematical skills to the test.

Students gave up their own time to have a go and showed great determination and resilience.

This year's paper involved questions on things such as the radiocarbon dating of the bones of King Richard of York, as well as the structure of titanium oxide used in electrochromic windows.

Ruby Stoddart was awarded a gold certificate, Louis Squires and Dom Falconer silver certificates and Alex Rice and Jacob

Carter bronze certificates for their high scores. • Blandford School student Alex Barty has successfully graduated from the Pathways to Law programme run by Exeter University, which he started at the beginning of Year 12.

Alex, who is planning to read politics at Exeter in September, said he had much enjoyed the experience of visiting the university every few weeks for lectures and workshops surrounding all

areas of law.

"I have met world-class lawyers, many of whom came from the City's Inner Circle, and been able to ask them about their experiences."

Through the programme, he found work experience with a law firm specialising in international property law, where he became involved in professional work, including writing emails to clients, analysing deeds and sitting in on negotiations.

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SCHOOLS

Maypole dancing adds to the fair fun

PTA, Lucy Hinks, said: "We all had a wonderful time and raised a fabulous amount through the sale of vintage cream teas, a raffle, miniature garden competition, face painting and a cake sale.

"The PTA's role is to enrich and enhance the experience of our children at the school, and this year we changed the format slightly to focus on the traditional school maypole dancing followed by vintage cream teas in the village hall."

Each class performed their own maypole dance, watched by May Queen Alisha, Princesses LaceyMya and Ciara, town crier Tiaghe and his assistant Jacob.

A new event was Under-7s miniature garden winner Macy, aged five, the miniature garwith her garden.

June 2016

DURWESTON School May Fair at the village hall and recreation ground raised ÂŁ550 which will be put towards an end-of-year treat for the whole school.

Spokesperson for the organising

Durweston School’s 'Royal Court', May Queen Alisha, Princesses Lacey-Mya and Ciara, town crier Tiaghe and his assistant Jacob. den competition, which proved very popular with over 30 entries. It was judged by resident horticultural expert, landscape gardener and RHS Chelsea award winner Mattie Morgan, who awarded gold, silver and bronze medals in the two age groups. Five-year-old Macy won the under-7s, with six-year-old Sophia second and four-year-old Tommy third; seven-year-old William won the over-7s with eight-year-old Gracie second and 10-year-old Edith third.

Next month the PTA will be teaming up with the Durweston Playing Fields Association to host a summer fair extravaganza on Sunday 17th July.

The previous week, children from years 3 and 4 at the school enjoyed a trip to SafeWise in Weymouth, learning how to prevent fires. In the quiz at the end of the day, the children scored an average of 92.5% showing that as well as having fun, they learned some valuable lessons.

SPORT

June 2016

33 Doddlers tackle village marathon THE Dorset Doddlers really went to town when 33 members of the running club participated in the recent North Dorset Village Marathon.

Starting in Sturminster Newton, the Doddlers completed the 26.2 miles, taking in the villages of Hinton St. Mary, Stalbridge, Todber, Stour Row, Margaret Marsh and Child Okeford along the route before joining the Trailway to cross the finish line back in Sturminster.

Nine Doddlers completed the full

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The Doddlers team pictured before the start of the North Dorset Village Marathon. route, with Spencer Mogridge (3h 07m 40s) and Suzanna Baker (3h 45m 15s) first male and female Doddlers home. Jen Barker made her marathon debut with a fantastic 4h 32m 03s time. The marathon also

includes a team relay race, in which the Doddlers competed with six teams, each with four runners.

Eight Doddlers took part in the London Marathon in April, including Kathie Child who has already

completed Tokyo this year, adding to the four other World Marathon Majors she has run.

Ten members of the club are this year making their marathon debuts, and David Jackson has so far competed in 47.

Bowls club welcomes new season MORE than 70 members of Blandford Bowling Club assembled at the Milldown Road green for the opening day of the new season.

During the closed season considerable work was undertaken to upgrade the standard of the green. This has been achieved by club members under the guidance of Dave Burge with his team of volunteer members.

Blandford Mayor, Councillor Steve Hitchings,

bowled the first woods and declared the new season underway. He wished president Norman Arnold and members success in taking the club forward with an ambitious programme for the men's, ladies' and junior sections. Club members then had their first bowl on the improved green and retired to the clubhouse for a buffet meal.

The Juniors' season started with an open day

THE second mixed competition of the year at Ashley Wood Golf Club, The Buck Trophy, saw Chris Cullen and Dave Purver coming in at the head of the field on 35 points. They are pictured here with Joan Bartlett (Lady Captain) and Steve Pardey (Club Captain). • The Friends of Blandford Hospital are holding a charity golf day at Ashley Wood on Friday 24th June. There are still team slots available and they can be reserved by calling 01258 451456 or downloading an entry form from the website, friendsblandford.org. The day is planned to be a lot of fun and there are prizes on offer thanks to the support of many local businesses.

which included an invitation to possible new members to have a go. There was a good turnout with over 20 bowlers in attendance, and already there are 25 members which bodes well for the new season under the supervision of Sid and Joy Steele.

On Saturday 7th May an open day welcomed adults wanting to view the facilities at the club and try their hand at the sport.

Bowls Club president Norman Arnold, chairman Tony Ives, Mayoress Lynn Hitchings, Kathryn Clark representing sponsors Lesley Shand, and the Mayor Steve Hitchings.

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June 2016

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events

Wednesday 1st June: Dorset Doorstep Crime Prevention Day RDA coffee morning, East Farm, Tarrant Monkton Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting Thursday 2nd June: Blandford Museum first Thursday talk. John Tory - 'Julietta, a diary of Victorian and Edwardian Blandford, part 2', 7 for 7.30pm Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June: Free Expression Arts Festival, see Page 15 Garden open for NGS, Cottage Row, Tarrant Gunville, Saturday 5 to 8pm, Sunday 2 to 6pm Sunday 5th June: Blandford Scouts annual fun day, Scout HQ, Eagle House Gardens, Blandford, 11am to 3pm Turnworth DT11 0EE 11am to 5pm, Rectory Gardens teas and stalls, village gardens open, fundraising for Hardy connected church 'Allsorts' service for children with special needs, parents and carers, Shillingstone Church Centre, 3.30 to 4.30pm Round Robin Ramblers meet in layby on Bishops Road NE of Abbotsbury for 6.5-mile walk, Abbotsbury and Ashley Chase, details 01258 880044 Queen's 90th Birthday tea party, Pimperne village hall, 3 to 6pm, best headdress competition, raffle and music through the era Monday 6th June: Blandford & District Floral Group meets URC Hall 2.15pm, Lynn Mackenzie 'Tales from the Forest', competition 'Twigs & Twine' Tuesday 7th June: Blandford Macular Group supporting people with central vision loss meeting at the Parish Centre, Blandford, details 01258 454461 Thursday 9th June: Street Party for the Queen, Blandford Day Centre, 2pm Friday 10th June: Farmers Market, Market Place and Shambles Craft Market Saturday 11th June: Weldmar Hospicecare dog show and dog agility display, Weldmar Hospice, 12 noon to 4pm Street Party, Tarrant Hinton, 2pm Floral display for the Queen's Birthday, All Saints Church Tarrant Keyneston Community event, Winterborne Stickland Sports & Social Club, BET Midsummer Party, Angus Wood (See Page 3) Sunday 12th June: The Queen's official 90th birthday celebrations, civic service, Parish

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.

BLANDFORD is about to be baffled. That's the claim of husbandand-wife magician duo, Jana Bundy and Paul Hyland. They are launching a magical town walk, 'Baffling Blandford', for the free Expression Festival, at 4pm on 4th June. Then, starting on 29th June, they will lead walks every Wednesday evening at 7pm, from the Crown Hotel.

Paul is a poet, travel author and broadcaster with a few secrets under his hat. He has performed for celebrities in the UK, in Venice and the US and lectured at the world-famous Magic Circle. Jana is an American wordsmith who has performed magic since she was a girl in Arkansas.

'Baffling Blandford is magic with legs,' said Paul'. 'It's street magic on the move.' It is designed for adults but accompanied children are welcome to enjoy the fun.

Church, and street party, Market Place Child Okeford village fete and Hey Day, recreation ground, 12 noon to 5pm, admission free Shroton's Big Party, afternoon tea in the village hall and games on The Glebe Tarrant Monton & Launceston Queen’s 90th Birthday street party organised by village hall committee Village street party, Tarrant Gunville Monday 13th to Sunday 19th June: Blandford Festival of Words, see Page 8 Monday 13th June: New Hatha Flow (9.30-10.30am) and Restorative (10.45 to 11.45am) Yoga classes, Charlton Marshall Village hall. Details Finola 07780952395 sankalpa.co.uk Wednesday 15th June: Blandford Carers meet Durweston Village Hall, 2 to 4pm, speaker Friends of Blandford Hospital Thursday 16th June: Blandford Heart Forum meets 2pm in the Studio, Common Lane, Blandford speaker on Edward Heath's home in Salisbury, details blandfordheartforum.org.uk Blandford Art Society meets Pimperne Village Hall, 2pm, Buildings Reflected in Water, pastels demonstration by Graham Oliver, details 03330 112174 Blandford Folk Singaround, Royal

British Legion, 8pm, acoustic musicians, story tellers and poets welcome, details 01258 451371 John Cobb as 'The Eye-Catcher' celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Capability Brown, (Artsreach promotion) Milton Abbey School Theatre, 7.30pm, details 01258 881872 Friday 17th June: Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion, 8pm, details 01202 732239 or wessexacoustic.co.uk Saturday 18th June: National Civic Day, Blandford & District Civic Society exhibition, Corn Exchange, 10am to 3pm, town guided tours 3pm and 6pm Cats Protection coffee morning, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford 10am to 12.30pm Hall & Woodhouse Beer Festival, brewery, Blandford St Mary, 11am to 10 pm in support of charity Together for Short Lives Milldown Primary School Summer Fete, 1 to 4pm BBQ and Family Fun Day at Shillingstone Church Centre 2 to 6pm, details 01258 861397 or 01258 860787 Durweston and Bryanston Church fete, Durweston House, 2.30 to 4.30pm Tarrant Gunville village fete Charlton Marshall Open Gardens, teas at village hall, 11am to 5pm, details 01258 455113 Blandford & District Horticultural

Society Sweet Pea Show, Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 7.30pm Dorset Midsummer Music & Food Festival, Warren Farm, Bulbarrow, 12 noon to 10.30pm, enquiries 01258 817516 or cel@langhamfarm.co.uk Sunday 19th June: Stour Rotary Cycle Ride for Prostate Cancer, see page 17 Tuesday 21st June: Leaf manipulation workshop. Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Child Okeford Community Centre 2.15pm, details 01258 863775 Wednesday 22nd June: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets 2pm, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Queen's 90th birthday celebration Thursday 23rd June: EU Referendum Dorset Wildlife Trust two-hour walk at Ashley Wood with DWT Warden Steve Oliver, meet 10am True Lovers' Knot car park, Tarrant Keyneston, B3082. No charge but booking essential on 07824 874273 Friday 24th June: Shambles Craft Market Blandford U3A open meeting, Durweston village hall, 2.30pm, speaker Ron Taylor, Trick or Treat, the food industry uncovered, details 01258 455081 Saturday 25th June: Performing Arts Theatre Academy present the musical 'Believe', Corn Exchange, Blandford, 2.30pm Sunday 26th June: Blandford's Hidden Gardens, 11am to 5pm. 17 very different gardens to visit for ÂŁ5, refreshments available. Tickets from the Blandford Information Centre (01258 454770) Shillingstone gardens open, 2 to 6pm, 16 gardens, teas, tickets and parking at Shillingstone Church Centre, proceeds to Blandford Hospital and Holy Rood church, details 01258 861690 Paws in the Park for Weldmar Hospicecare, Sherborne Castle Tuesday 28th June: BSO Resonate Strings present 'String Serenade', Child Okeford Church, 7.30pm, details 012158 861612 Wednesday 29th June: Baffling Blandford town walk, starting from The Crown at 7pm.

History, comedy and mystery, artoftheimpossible.com/magic Miracle Theatre present 'Life's a Dream', (Artsreach promotion), 7.30pm, Springhead, Fontmell Magna, 01747 811853