July 2016 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 52

Steam fair gesture to win friends THE Great Dorset Steam Fair has announced that it will be extending the number of halfprice and complimentary tickets it offers to the local community to all the parishes in the area, including Blandford, in recognition of the disruption it causes locally.

Managing director Martin Oliver told the steam fair pre-event liaison meeting, attended by representatives of the parishes and of police, fire and district council services, that the directors had agreed to give more back to the community.

"Until now we have offered complimentary tickets to the immediate parishes of Tarrant Hinton, Monkton & Launceston and Pimperne. Assuming we make a profit this year, we will consider also making a financial donation on top of their usual allocation.

"But we also feel other parishes should be recognised, and would like to offer 30 complimentary tickets to each of them, and 100 tickets to Blandford town in view of its higher population.

"Each household in all parishes

John Paulley, a sad farewell: P25

July 2016

will also be entitled to a two-forone offer on production of proof of their place of residence."

Arrangements are now being made for vouchers to be made available to parish and town councils, which people will need to claim by the end of July.

North Dorset District Council Cabinet member Michael Roake, who chaired the meeting, said: "The offer will be very much appreciated."

And chairman of Blandford Town Council, Councillor Lynn Lindsay, said: "The steam fair generates huge benefits for the area - long may it continue."

Mr Oliver explained the reasoning behind the change of date for this year's event, which will open six days earlier than usual - on Thursday 25th August - and close at the end of Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August.

He said the later date no longer coincided with school holidays, but in recent years had clashed with both the Bournemouth Air Show and Dorchester Show. This year the three events will take • To Page 4

High spirits at the festival

Dorset Forge's life-size black horse, made from recycled materials, is joined

by Jamie Jigsaw to attract visitors to Blandford’s Free Expression Arts Festival. Report & pictures: Pages 5-7.

No pre-school grant LARKSMEAD Pre-School, which looks set to become homeless now that North Dorset District Council's headquarters and the Lodge which it currently occupies have been put on the market, has been refused a grant application by Blandford Town Council.

Members agreed at their last meeting that they could not support the pre-school's request for £2,500 towards its relocation because of the pressure of demands from its grants budget from non-commercial and charitable organisations.

The pre-school had asked for its application to the finance and staffing committee, which makes recommendations on grants, to be reconsidered, stressing that it was itself a registered charity, and that it was seeking funding towards the £232,000 plus needed to purchase land at Hunt • To Page 14

FORUM FOCUS: Your FREE monthly community newspaper

www.forumfocus.co.uk

2

July 2016

FORUM FOCUS CONTRIBUTING

CONTACTS

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

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

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

ON THE WEBSITE www.forumfocus.co.uk

Forum Focus is an independent, not-forprofit, community publication produced entirely by volunteers. We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

Where to find Forum Focus IF anyone would like join our team to deliver in their own or any other area without a delivery, please get in touch (see contacts above).

Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points listed below: 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, 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.

DEADLINES Adverts: Monday 11th July Editorial: Tuesday 12th July Deliveries from Monday 25th July View future deadlines on our website.

OUR ADVERTISERS Please support our advertisers who have given us their support. All material published in Forum Focus (either in the magazine or the website), including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. However, Forum Focus accepts no liability for any errors or omissions and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear in the publication or on the website.

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus

Civic Society plea over sale of historic Nordon NORTH Dorset District Council has agreed to set up a limited liability partnership to manage its assets after putting its headquarters at Nordon on the market.

Cabinet members were told at their June meeting that the partnership with PSP Facilities would be similar to those set up by other local authorities, and would provide the resources and expertise to maximize their returns both in the sale of assets and their management.

The 3.2-acre site at Nordon has been marketed as a commercial site with development potential by agents Strutt & Parker with no published guide price and remained open to unconditional offers until 1st July.

They say that, although unlisted, it has architectural qualities and local ties to the area built as home to the Woodhouse family

and then a large Victorian villa, which has since been converted to offices with several extensions, including the council chamber.

They note that the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan which seeks to retain the main building and Lodge, is as yet unadopted and due for examination in the summer, and that the site could be suitable for development other than office space, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents.

Blandford & District Civic Society has written to the council, concerned that the site, purchased by the former Blandford Rural District Council on behalf of the community, has been put on the market without any public consideration of its future development. They have also asked that preservation orders are considered for some of the trees, which have no protection other than being within the conservation area.

Civic Society chairman Terence Dear said: "It is a building which we feel is of merit as an example of the large, late Victorian and

Edwardian villas of the town and would have been recommended for adding to the Local Heritage List, which we have been invited

by NDDC to assist in developing.

"It has also, of course, played a key role in the history of the town, not only as the seat of local government for more than 60 years, but built in 1901 as the home of George Edward Woodhouse, whose sons Alfred, Frank and Harold became director, chairman and director respectively of the town brewery in Blandford St Mary; the latter serving as Mayor of Blandford in 1926 and 1927.

"It sits in an important wooded area in the centre of a well-developed part of town whose landscaping is much appreciated by the community, and we would like to request that preservation orders are considered for the more important trees on the site."

It is understood that an application has been made for the original property to be listed by Historic England as an important heritage asset.

THE Dorset Archives Trust holds its grand summer gala at Kingston Lacy on the evening of Thursday 7th July.

Main attractions include a talk by James Grasby, National Trust Regional Curator, and the opportunity for exclusive out-of-hours access to the house and grounds.

There will be live music, strawberries and fizz on the terrace, and a chance to picnic on the South Lawn.

The grounds open 6pm and the talk starts at 7.30pm. The event is in support of the Bankes Archive Project. There is a dedicated ticket line on 01305 228945, or email enquiries@dorsetarchivestrust.org for more information.

3

July 2016

A tea-time encounter with actress Margaret THE play 'Still Life' by Noel Coward was the original script from which the film 'Brief Encounter' was produced, and sell-out performances were staged in 2014 when Churchill Productions used Shillingstone station as a venue.

Many people were disappointed that they were unable to get tickets, and after many requests for repeat performances, Churchill Productions, again working with Shillingstone station, are providing another opportunity to see it.

This time the actress playing waitress Beryl had a chance to pick up some tips from the

woman who played the part in the film with Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard.

Margaret Barton now lives in Wimborne and was a few weeks off her 90th birthday when she visited the station with Jenny Welsby to talk about her most famous role and present her with a signed photograph.

Margaret remembered fondly how much she enjoyed working with Celia Johnson, who became a close friend, and film director David Lean.

The performances will take place in one of the railway carriages, which has been refurbished to

Market takeover plans stall again THE takeover by Blandford Town Council of the management of the town's street markets looks set to be delayed yet again following North Dorset District Council's failure to consider a report.

Town councillors were told by Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles on 13th June that she had expected it to be considered by Cabinet in June, but that the item had not appeared on the agenda.

She said the outdoor market working group had agreed a job description and specification for the part-time market manager with a start date of 1st October.

"We have advertisements ready to be placed to recruit staff, but may not be able to meet publication deadlines in time to make an appointment."

She said she was hopeful the report would be considered by the Cabinet in July.

The meeting had earlier received a presentation from David Rose of the Blandford Town Team on the retail survey carried out in association with North Dorset District Council, which revealed that the impact of the market was significant to a high percentage of businesses in the town.

That impact, he said, varied between those who felt the market stalls brought more footfall into the town, and those who felt the stallholders competed with their own trade.

"Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton do not allow stalls which compete with established businesses," he said, suggesting that Blandford might adopt the same policy.

Councillor Jackie Stayt said the best and longest serving market stall was the fruit and vegetable stall to which no-one had taken exception, despite competing with other outlets in the town.

Councillor Nocturin Lacey-Clarke said he could not think of a single market stall which did not replicate goods and services offered by others.

Councillor Roger Carter added that the French experience was for massive markets to replicate everything. • In our report on the future of the market in the June issue of Forum Focus we incorrectly named North Dorset Strategic Director Martin Hamilton as Martin Henderson. We apologise for the error.

DORSET County Council has identified a site at Sunrise Business Park as the preferred location for a new Blandford household recycling centre.

The consultation also outlines potential locations for future mineral sites across the county, and runs until 21st July. Full details can be found at dorsetforyou.com/mineral-sites and dorsetforyou.com/waste-plan.

Margaret Barton, who played waitress Beryl in the film 'Brief Encounter', chats over a cup of tea with Jenny Welsby, who will play the part in 'Still Life' at Shillingstone station. house comfortable seats and tables.

Play-goers are invited to enhance their experience by dressing in the costume of the time (circa 1930) and bringing friends along to share their carriage. There will be a bar and refreshments.

Performances take place on

Saturday 2nd July and Sunday 3rd July at 6pm and then again at 8.30pm and on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July at the same times.

Tickets can be bought directly from the station on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, or by phoning 01258 455151.

4

July 2016

Fresh concern over bus cut plans BLANDFORD Town councillors have agreed to respond to the latest consultation on public transport in Dorset, expressing concern that those in more rural parts will be unable to access their feeder market towns if more services are removed, and that young people could be seriously affected by the withdrawal of schools services.

The County Council is seeking people's views on proposals for subsidised bus services, having already made some savings towards its £1.85 million target figure.

Another £1 million needs to be cut from next year's budget, together with £850,000 from the cost of school transport services.

The consultation, which ends on 22nd July, can be found online at dorsetforyou.com/traveldorset/bus-services-review In it they say: "It will not be possible to retain the current public bus network within our revised budgets. Many existing services will change."

Those changes are due to take effect in the summer of 2017.

Proposals include prioritising the

remaining subsidy on core routes - regular inter-urban services linking Dorset's towns and serving the most people - and opening more school services to use by the public to better serve rural residents.

Efforts will also be made to develop the county's community transport network with operators, community groups and councillors, and to provide infill routes - rural services operating between school opening and closing times.

• Blandford-based Dorset Community Transport (DCT) is helping reduce the impact of cuts on rural transport routes across the county by operating services on almost half of the routes previously subsidised by the County Council.

The biggest impact of reducing subsidies in April this year was on rural bus services operating one or two days a week, 26 of which were withdrawn.

DCT were able to offer 12 services covering almost half the withdrawn bus routes and, as part of the organisation's charitable objectives, decided to subsidise two it ran for the County Council on an interim

basis. Tim Christian, general manager at DCT, said: "The council changes happened within a very short time frame and it meant the local community did not have time to come together and find an alternative. DCT was already running a pilot and able to jump in very quickly with a solution.

"It's been a big cultural change for the community, but we have worked hard to engage with peo-

ple on how community transport schemes can be more responsive to their needs for social and leisure journeys. The next step is to improve, refine and expand the service."

For more information on the services and routes operated by Dorset Community Transport (DCT) and how to book a journey, email dorset@ectcharity.co.uk or phone 01258 287980.

Recognition for Goldhill GOLDHILL Organics of Child Okeford was a finalist in the fresh produce category at the Soil Association Best of Organic Market Awards Ceremony 2016.

The Best of Organic (BOOM) Awards are the only ones dedicated to organic produce in the UK, recognizing the highest quality organic food and drink.

Goldhill is now in its third year of trading, run by husband and wife team Jane and Nick Somper, and offers home deliveries of organic fruit and vegetable boxes, organic juicing boxes and grass-fed meat boxes, together with a range of larder and local artisan produce.

Jane Somper (pictured) said: "Reaching the finals of this

award is simply fantastic, especially as it is the first time we have entered."

Steam fair gesture • From Page 1 place on successive weekends.

Concerns were expressed at the potential impact on bank holiday traffic during show days, but Mr Oliver pointed out that, in the past, steam fair traffic was high during the bank holiday with heavy lorries, tractors and trailers attending the fair.

"This year it will just be members of the public in cars, and exhibitors will be encouraged to stay on site until Tuesday 30th August to avoid clashing with bank holiday traffic going home. There will be a 5pm to 9pm ban on steam engines and tractors leaving the site on Bank Holiday Monday."

Permission has been granted for the temporary traveller site at Tarrant Hinton for a further five years, and it will open on Friday 19th August and close on Tuesday 30th August, with the back-up from the temporary site at Piddlehinton.

It was reported that the number of travellers attending was decreasing because they disliked having to use the temporary sites now provided to prevent illegal encampments, and now kept away from the area.

Police Inspector Rob Chalkley said: "The policing operation will be the same as last year, and will not be reduced. Demand is reducing because of our presence, but we know it cannot be removed."

CONGRATULATIONS to Jill Cornick, who this month celebrates the 60th anniversary of starting work at Clarks shoe shop in Blandford Market Place.

5

July 2016

New festival’s lively mix proves a real crowd-puller BLANDFORD'S Free Expression Arts Festival brought dozens of artists and artistes to the town.

Highlights included the stunning, life-size black horse, made from recycled materials, from Dorset Forge. It was positioned outside the Corn Exchange and attracted visitors to the exhibition inside on both Saturday and Sunday.

The streets and path to the parish church were decorated with flowers and flags made by local primary school children who had taken part in a workshop with festival organiser Kate Seeger.

During the day there was entertainment in the Market Place, with award-winning performance poet Stewart Taylor of Southampton and trapeze and circus workshops from Bristolbased Air Time, whose premiere performance in the early evening attracted a large and enthusiastic audience.

A stone carving workshop in the Blandford Museum courtyard produced scores of artworks by budding sculptors under the guidance of Purbeck stone carver Jonathan Sells, and activities in the Greyhound Yard included a pottery workshop with Vanessa Conyers and 'Doodle Fantastic', the results of which went on display in the Corn Exchange.

Face painter Zoe Gent, of Fidget Faces, was kept busy outside the Parish Centre, where further children's workshops included drama with the Performing Arts Theatre Academy, circus skills with Jamie Jigsaw, story-telling with Madeleine Grantham and crafts with the Crazy Ladies.

On the Langton Meadows, a series of workshops with Magic Drum resulted in a performance finale in which the dozens of participants beat out their rhythms on the metal Preetz bridge.

The workshops were popular with families, and visitor Kererensa Hughes said: "It's a good experience for kids to do something different and use lots of mediums. We did the costume and the drumming activity. We came from Poole today."

Fiona Herring: "I think it's good for kids to do new things and meet other kids and for parents as well."

A large number accompanied Paul Hyland and Jana Bundy on their premiere 'Baffling Blandford' tour of the town, which will be conducted every Wednesday evening during the summer months, comprising a bit of history • To Page 6

Isabelle Francis, aged five, has her face beautifully painted by Zoe Gent of Fidget Faces.

6

July 2016

FREE EXPRESSION ARTS FESTIVAL • From Page 5 accompanied by a large sprinkling of magic.

The festival coincided with the anniversary of the Great Fire of Blandford on 4th June 1731. In the church a concert featuring Blandford Choral Society, led

by Michael Moorsom and conducted by Richard Marchant, and Dorset Rural Music School Singing for Pleasure, conducted by Angela da Silva, included the first performance in hundreds of years of the Blandford Anthem.

The work, commemorating the fire, was written in the 18th century by Dorset composer William Knapp and based on Psalm 18, but was excluded from performance as a result of resistance to secular works in churches.

Also featured were Katy Ashman on flute and bassoon and Miles Nipper on bassoon as 'The Wandering Winds' in a varied programme ranging from the classical to folk.

At the end of the day, supporters gathered on the Marsh and Ham to celebrate what festival co-ordinator Kate Seeger said was a great success overall. She hopes to establish the festival as an annual event.

"It was a pity that many of the workshops outside the town centre were poorly attended to begin with - perhaps next year we will start later in the day," she said.

Above: Air Time over the Market Place.

Left: Fantastic doodling in Greyhound Yard.

Right: Mosaic making in the Woodhouse Gardens.

7

July 2016

FREE EXPRESSION ARTS FESTIVAL

Arts and crafts in the Woodhouse Gardens.

Florence Spencer of Positive Approach and Marina Stickley of the Community Art Group with their display of work in the Corn Exchange.

The concert in the Parish Church.

Aerobatics in the Market Place.

Festival organiser Kate Seeger.

Artist Peter Rush brought his giant praying mantis to promote the festival.

Army Cadets were out in force helping with publicity.

8

July 2016

CELEBRATIONS MARK THE QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

There was a right royal raffle at Winterborne Stickland with Clare Hendy, Hazel Lappin, Jo Whale and Helen Heathfield - and the Queen clearly approved.

The celebration cake is cut by Gladys Wellen, who will be 90 in September.

9

July 2016

Communities celebrate the Queen’s birthday THE Queen's 90th birthday was celebrated throughout the Blandford area with street parties and gatherings in almost every village before, on and after the official date of Saturday 11th June.

In Blandford, where many business and shop proprietors had decorated their windows with a regal theme, the decision was taken to relocate from the Market Place into the Corn Exchange in view of almost every weather forecast threatening heavy rain at the time an afternoon street party was due to start.

It proved a wise move since, although the promised downpour did not arrive until later, nearly 900 paper plates, beautifully decorated by children from Archbishop Wake, Milldown and Pimperne primary schools and Pimperne Pre-School to hang from the traffic barriers, could have been ruined by the rain.

Instead they were hung along the walls of the Corn Exchange where they remained on display.

The party, attended by over 200 people, followed a packed civic thanksgiving service in Blandford Parish Church at which the address was given by the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen

Gorham, and primary school children again took part.

The service was prepared and conducted by the Rector of Blandford Forum and Langton Long, the Rev Jonathan Triffitt.

The party, organised by the Town Council's events group, chaired

by Esme Butler, featured the Stour Valley Band, which had earlier played during the church service, with a medley of music and a singalong ending with a 'Last Night of the Proms' selection and 'Happy Birthday' to the Queen, together with the National Anthem.

People who share their 90th birthday with the Queen this year were invited as special guests.

The celebration cake was cut by Gladys Wellen, who will be 90 in September and who in January celebrated her 70th wedding anniversary with husband Sidney.

Other guests included Doris Pullman of Barnes Close, who will be 90 on 25th June, and Beryle Valteris of Harewood Place, who will be 90 on 1st July.

They were joined on the top tables by Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and her husband and consort John, and Mr Triffitt.

Entertainment, introduced by Bob • To Page 10

Pass the parcel in Blandford Corn Exchange.

10

July 2016

CELEBRATIONS MARK THE QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

Rule Britannia rings out in the Corn Exchange at Blandford.

At Tarrant Hinton, the party resumes after the rain.

Celebration events held in town and villages • From Page 9 Brannigan, was also provided in a reading from Shakespeare's Henry VIII, a poem written and read by John Seymour, songs from Lily White, and party games including 'Pass the Parcel', 'Heads and Tails', 'Simon Says', the 'Hokey Cokey' and 'Pin the Jewel on the Crown', with refreshments donated by members of the community.

Mrs Butler said: "A big thank you to everyone for making the 'street party', or rather the 'inside party' a truly fantastic event.

"The room looked amazing, thanks to the lovely painted plates, and we

are indebted to the Stour Rotary for taking control of tables and chairs, all those who donated food, the Blandford Guides who served it, and the Georgian Fayre for providing the sandwiches. It was a lovely civic service, which encompassed the Queen's reign perfectly."

Mr Triffitt said: "I would like to express my huge thanks and appreciation for the leadership, support and encouragement in the planning, organising and delivery of the event."

At the Town Council meeting, there was a round of applause for the • To Page 11

July 2016

11

Celebrations galore • From Page 10 organisers. John Seymour of Dewlish, who wrote and read his poem 'Speak now of Duty' in tribute to the Queen, said: "It was a privilege to be part of the celebrations which were a credit to all those involved."

Blandford Day Centre celebrated the royal birthday with a visit from the Mayor and her husband, and there was dancing, a raffle, and a grand spread of food.

There was also a children's party in the Blandford Royal British Legion Club and a Big Lunch celebration in Orchard Street.

Even the badger sculptures on the bypass roundabout - which are regularly anonymously decorated in celebration of events throughout the year - sported crowns.

Even the badgers on the bypass roundabout entered into the spirit of the occasion by donning crowns.

The choir of St Nicholas School and Vale Singers in concert at the Child Okeford Hey Day and Queen's birthday celebration.

A packed Pimperne village hall at a celebration tea party.

The children's decorated paper plates hang in the Corn Exchange at Blandford.

12

July 2016

CELEBRATIONS MARK THE QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

Party time at the Blandford Day Centre

A good time was had by all at a street party at Cereleton Park, Charlton Marshall.

More pictures of the Queen’s birthday celebrations can be viewed on the ForumFocus website forumfocus.co.uk

Villages join in the fun PIMPERNE celebrated on Sunday 5th June when over 100 villagers attended a tea party in the village hall, and there were two special guests who celebrate their own 90th birthdays this year.

Prizes were awarded for the best headdresses for both children and adults. The tables were groaning with food and drink provided by all the attendees and live music kept the party entertained.

The heavens opened only briefly on a street party in Tarrant Hinton, driving the party-goers into the village hall to continue their celebrations. But after a quick mop-up they were able to return to the tables • To Page 13

13

July 2016

• From Page 12 which lined Valley Road, where the adults enjoyed a neighbourly chat while the children played table tennis and table football.

In Winterborne Stickland, a royal raffle and 90th birthday celebration was combined with a fun sports day for the children, and followed the next day by a party for adults on the church green.

In Tarrant Gunville a tea party was held in the village hall, when there was also an afternoon party in Church Street, Winterborne Kingston, followed by an evening with live entertainment in a marquee on the recreation ground.

In Child Okeford, the royal birthday celebrations coincided with the village's annual 'Hey Day', and the parish council teamed up with the Hey Day team to stage the daytime fete and an evening of live music with two bands, dancing, drinks and food.

Entertainment included Mr Merlin & Okey Dokey the Dragon, the Bell Street Jazz Band, and the St Nicholas School's dancers and choir, who were joined by the Vale Voices.

Villagers gather for the celebrations at Tarrant Monkton.

There were also a range of charity, club and trade stalls, games and classic cars, and a tug of war. Proceeds from the event, which was followed by an evening of music and dancing in the marquee, will be shared between Julia's House Children's Hospice and the Child Okeford Playing Fields Association.

In Tarrant Monkton, villagers gathered on the field near the

ford for a royal celebration for a party organised by the village hall committee, coinciding with a flower festival in the church illustrating various themes of the Queen's life, including the Coronation, state banquets, the Navy and Malta, and racing.

In Iwerne Minster the day started with the ringing of church bells and continued with a celebration service at St Mary's and events on the parish field in the after-

noon, including the cutting of the cake by Angus Campbell, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, who lives in the village, a tug of war and in the evening a barbecue and music.

There were afternoon teas on the lawn at Bryanston and on the church green in Winterborne Stickland, and Shroton's Big Party with afternoon tea in the village hall and games on The Glebe.

14

July 2016

No pre-school grant • From Page 1 Road and build child-care facilities for the 30 Blandford children currently on roll, but the full council accepted the recommendation, by six votes to two, from its committee, saying that councillors had been aware of the pre-school's charitable status.

The pre-school two years ago had to move to the Lodge from its home for the past 30 years at Larksmead Recreation Ground after the ground and pavilion were leased to Blandford Rugby Club, and the town council helped with its relocation costs at that point.

The council did agree to give £550, the cost of a training coach, to the North Dorset Triathlon Club, £500 to the Blandford Dementia Friendly Community Support, £350 to the Blandford Food Bank to meeting printing costs of a recipe book for those using the service, £500 towards the cost of bringing musicians to a Somme Requiem concert being planned for November by members of Blandford & District Civic Society, and £300 for room hire for the Blandford Job Club.

A grant was not approved to Home-Start Dorset, who sought £1,000 towards the cost of training and support for one home visitor for a year, on the grounds that insufficient would be left in the grants budget to support smaller organisations in greater financial need.

Further information was sought from the Performing Arts Theatre Academy on the equipment to be funded by their requested £2,000.

Surgery’s sponsorship deal MILTON Abbas & Milborne St Andrew surgery has secured a sponsorship deal with MVS Blandford Ltd to service and maintain its community vehicle.

The vehicle has been sign-written to acknowledge the two-year agreement and company contribution of over £300 per year.

Tony Vincent, director of MVS, said "If we can raise the profile of MVS around the villages with this vehicle and at the same time save the surgery money, everyone wins."

Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and consort John Stayt with Group Scout leader Dave Smith, left, Beaver Scout leader Sam Elliott, right, and Mayor's Scout Maya Haines at the Blandford Scouts fun day.

Scouting for fun A DEMONSTRATION of how to put up a tent blindfold was one of the highlights of the Blandford Scouts fun day held at their HQ in Eagle House Gardens.

It proved a little more of a challenge than expected for the team of four selected for the task, and finally assistance was needed from their sighted peers.

There was also a tug-of-war between the Cubs and Beavers which was won, again with a little assistance, by the Beavers.

Guests at the fun day included the Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and her husband and consort John Stayt, who were met

by Group Scout leader Dave Smith and Beaver leader Sam Elliott, and shown around by Mayor's Scout Maya Haines, aged 11.

Ms Elliott, who headed up the organisation of the event, thanked local businesses for supporting the raffle, in which the top prize was a 20-minute flight from Compton Abbas airfield.

HEALTHWATCH Dorset, the independent watchdog for health and social care, celebrated Volunteers Week in June with a stall at the Blandford Indoor Market, where they gave out information and invited people to register as a volunteer. For more details, contact Volunteer Officer Chris Wakefield on 0300 111 0102, or write to him at Freepost RTJR-RHUJ-XBLH, Healthwatch Dorset, 896 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH7 6DL or email chris.wakefield@healthwatchdorset.co.uk.

15

July 2016

Opera stars get ready to shine THE stars are coming out for the incredible Dorset Opera Festival being held at Bryanston this month.

Starting on 14th July, participants from all over the world will have the chance to learn about opera performance in the Dorset Opera Summer School, and so will some from Dorset, including for-

Mark Stone sings the title role in Eugene Onegin for Dorset Opera at Bryanston.

Mark S. Doss sings Macbeth.

Anna Patalong sings Tatyana.

mer Clayesmore pupil George Hewett, of Iwerne Minster.

Then on 26th July, country house opera begins on a grand scale with new productions for the 2016 festival of Tchaikovsky's tale of unrequited love and loss, Eugene Onegin and, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, Verdi's magnificent Macbeth.

They feature internationally renowned singers including Leonardo Capalbo - the ItaloAmerican star tenor who will sing the title role in The Tales of Hoffmann at the Royal Opera House in November - and Grammy Award-winning AfricanAmerican bass-baritone Mark S Doss, who returns to sing the title role of Macbeth. Scottish dramatic soprano Lee Bisset is his Lady; and British bass Clive Bayley sings Banquo.

Celebrated British 'barihunk' Mark Stone sings the title role in Eugene Onegin, whose cast includes the glorious young soprano Anna Patalong as Tatyana; American mezzo Tamara Gura and Clive Bayley stealing the show as Prince Gremin.

But it's in the tenor section that it's all happening with the introduction of two exciting new young tenors to the opera world.

Luke Daniel, a chorister with Dorset Opera in 2007, will be making his tenor debut in the heart-rending role of Lensky in Onegin, and Robert Forrest, who appeared in the chorus only last year, steps forward to sing Malcolm in the Verdi.

There will also be an appearance by the British tenor David Rendall, who made his debut under Herbert von Karajan in 1978, and subsequently became a huge star at New York's Metropolitan Opera. He returns to the stage to sing the cameo role of Monsieur Triquet in Onegin after incurring a serious injury which ended his career.

Performance dates are: Eugene Onegin, July 26th, 28th, and 30th matinee; and Macbeth, July 27th, 29th and 30th. Operagoers can pre-order luxury picnics or five-course dinners or indulge themselves with champagne or Pimm's in the huge marquee bar.

Box office: 01202 499199 or book online via dorsetopera.com.

SON Yambu play authentic Cuban son, the intoxicating fusion of Spanish and African rhythms that gave rise to salsa. The band features a new generation of Cuban musicians who are all passionate about maintaining the traditions of the genre to give irresistible music a contemporary edge. They can be seen at the Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland, on Saturday 16th July at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01258 880920.

Scarecrows for the Queen SOUTH Tarrant Villages will be opening their gardens and creating scarecrows for display on Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th July in honour of the Queen's 90th birthday and in support of Naomi House Children's Hospice.

Programmes will be available from the Anne Biddlecombe Hall in Tarrant Keyneston between 2pm and 5.30pm where there will be home-made teas, craft and hobby stalls, and a plant stall and gardening advice from Diana Guy, previous BBC Gardener of the Year.

16

July 2016

Recognition for local Capability festival

The Cambridge Lady Park Run team with Nicki Edwards.

Cambridge team harness pink power MILLDOWN will be turning pink on Saturday 2nd July as part of the Well and Connected Sport and Recreation Day. Nicki Edwards, otherwise known locally as 'The Cambridge Lady', will be entering the Park Run once again, with a team made up of some of her clients who are progressing through their weightloss journey.

Pink has become something of a theme for Nicki (even her car is bright pink) and her team of jog-

gers will be no exception.

As one of the country's top 50 independent consultants for Cambridge Weight Plan, Nicki, who will also be participating in the health and wellbeing event on Friday 1st July, has supported the annual Well and Connected since it first started.

"I believe my job is not just helping my clients lose weight and maintain their weight loss, but also to help and encourage them to discover a healthier and more

active lifestyle," says Nicki.

"I am passionate about how small changes with the right encouragement can make a big difference in maintaining new weight loss goals.

"This event provides the perfect opportunity to encourage us all to find more support and encouragement to become a little fitter and maybe at the same time have fun. That's exactly what I want for my clients."

Nicki and some of her clients recently raised money for Cancer Research during the Race for Life in Kingston Maurward, and she is currently building a team for the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike, a 22-mile walk in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support in July.

BLANDFORD Dementia Alliance is hosting an Any Questions in Blandford Parish Centre on the evening of Friday 8th July, starting at 6pm.

Questions can be sent in advance by email to margetholt195@btinternet.com for answers from a panel including North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, the regional officer for the Alzheimer's Society Penny Ford, Elizabeth Webbe, of Trethowans Salisbury, who will be answering the legal questions on care and law for the older person, Esther Rantzen of Silver Line, a charity for the older person needing a listening ear, and Carol Tilley, Whitecliffe practice manager.

There will be displays and staff from Dorset POPP, the Alzheimer's Society, Silver Line and Age UK.

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, 'A Capability Brown Experience', is the highlight of the local festival celebrating the 300th anniversary of Brown's birth, and will be open from 10th July until 21st August.

The show includes 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.

Milton Abbey, Lord Milton's mansion, St Catherine's Chapel and the village of Milton Abbas are embraced and integrated by a breathtaking 500-acre landscape designed by Capability Brown, which began in 1763 and continued up to Brown's death in 1783.

The Abbey is at the focal point of three converging valleys, encircled by 16 miles of walks, rides, and carriage drives designed to draw the visitor through the space, enriched en route by features such as the folly - called the Sham Chapel built by Brown and William Chambers.

Inside one of the valleys is the village of Milton Abbas, contained either side by a silhouette of trees on top of the hillsides.

This picturesque 'lost village' in a wooded valley was the first 'new town' in England.

Everywhere there are glimpses and vistas opening up to the Abbey as the route is travelled a sublime landscape which is described as one of the finest examples of the work of Capability Brown in England.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm daily. For more information, see the website capabilitybrownatmiltonabbey.org.

17

July 2016

A ÂŁ2m facelift gives hotels a new sparkle INVESTMENT of over ÂŁ2 million in two of the area's hotels by brewers Hall & Woodhouse has resulted in the reopening of both the Crown in Blandford and the Anvil at Pimperne, with much improved accommodation.

The Crown reopened at the beginning of June after closing just after Christmas for extensive work on the bedrooms, together with remodelling and refitting of the ground-floor bar and dining areas.

The Anvil, which closed in January last year when its former owners went into receivership, has reopened following its purchase by the brewery and refurbishment of its nine bedrooms and bar.

At the Crown, the bedrooms, last refurbished in 1986, have been reduced in number from 32 to 27 to provide en-suite facilities in three separate price brackets, each designed around a theme using, where possible, original furnishings which have been brought back from storage. The superior en-suites both have impressive copper baths, and each room is decorated in vintage style.

Francesca Bethell, entertainments manager, said the ground floor has been redesigned largely in response to customer feedback that the work carried out in 2008, which relocated the bar to the left of the entrance hall, had not worked.

Instead a much larger bar believed to be the longest in the Hall & Woodhouse estate - has been installed in what used to be the dining room, and the Woodhouse Room behind it converted into a lounge area.

The new layout means that there are no longer any meeting rooms for hire, and any formal meetings will now be held in the Sealy Suite.

Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt, who visited the hotel on one of its official open days in June, told fellow town councillors: "It's very, very impressive. The rooms are vastly improved and the public

space downstairs is finally what we always felt it should be."

The reopening of the Anvil follows speculation over the future of the nearby Farquharson Arms, run for several years as a village local by Nev and Lesley Green, who have been promised a continuing tenancy for the next 12 months.

The brewery's new business partners at the hotel are chef Karl and his wife Zuzi Bashford, a young couple who were married last October, but for the last 12 months have managed the Half Moon at Melplash, and for six years before that had the Three Horseshoes at Powerstock, where they won awards for their catering.

Zuzi said: "We were looking for somewhere closer to Karl's mum, who lives in Mere, and came to view the Anvil when Hall & Woodhouse had only just bought it.

"I was heavily pregnant at the time with Sofia, and everything was overgrown and it wasn't in a very good state, but we looked at their plans for it and worked with them on the redesign."

Local builders and tradesmen have been employed on the refurbishment since the hotel was purchased by the brewery, and their names are inscribed on one of the wall plaques in the bar, which has been relocated at the northern end of the building, with a number of separate dining areas to the south.

Improvements are also under way at a number of pubs in the town which have changed hands in recent months. There has been considerable investment by Dave Tancock in the Kings Arms, where a function room is now available on the first floor and the rear courtyard has been refitted.

Work is also being carried out at Nelsons, whose new manager Sam Martin relocated from the Kings Arms, on the extensive garden area, and the Dolphin, which closed briefly in January, continues under the new management of Tracey Norman to offer a lively programme of events.

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus

All smiles behind the new bar at the Crown.

Zuzi Bashford behind the bar at the Anvil.

18

July 2016

ADVERTISEMENT

Blandford St Mary Horticultural and Craft Show & Fete The Manor House gardens, Lower Blandford St Mary, will again be the venue for the annual horticultural and craft competitions and fete on August 14th. The Blandford Town Crier will open this popular familyfriendly event at 2pm.

Full schedules of show entries are available in the H & W Visitor Centre, Blandford Library and TIC. The class listings are extensive and include the usual vegetable and fruit classes plus craft, cookery, photography, children's classes and more. Show enquiries: bsmvillage@gmail.com.

The venue gardens, which open for NGS, have a newly planted border featuring grasses. Cream teas and home-made cakes, served in the courtyard area with easy-listening music, will provide a tranquil oasis.

Enjoy an ice-cream or refreshing Pimm's on the lawn, or take a wander around the fete stalls, which include home-grown plants and unusual perennials from a guest nursery.

Children - have an amazing fun time in the piratethemed games tent! Have a photo taken on a pirate ship - a free lolly if dressed the part.

The Lower St Mary Fun Dog Show with eight classes, same day, same venue, in separate field. Register at 1.30 for 2pm start. Regret: dogs not allowed in garden, show or fete areas.

Show prize presentations at 4.30pm followed by grand raffle draw.

Updates: blandfordstmary.wordpress.com.

David and Della Jones celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with daughter Michele Covington-Jones and (left) Anne Tapley, home manager at Colten Care's Whitecliffe House.

Secret formula for a 65-year marriage A North Dorset couple say the secret of their 65-year marriage is "only one of us is in charge."

But Della and David Jones declined to say who that was.

"That's the secret of our success," laughed Della.

David, 86, a resident at Colten Care's Whitecliffe House in Blandford, and Della, 83, celebrated their anniversary with a family lunch at the Crown Hotel.

The couple, who have two daughters and two grandchildren, met in 1947 on Leigh-on-Sea railway station when David literally fell out of a carriage into Della's arms.

They married four years later in Romford, Essex, and lived in a number of locations due to David's work as an electrical engineer, moving to Dorset in the early 1960s.

Della was a member of North Dorset District Council for 45 years and served as a county

councillor for 21 years. She was appointed MBE in 1987 for services to tourism and the community.

David was a community stalwart in Winterborne Zelston, organising many village events over the years. He became a resident at Whitecliffe House three years ago.

Staff at the home marked the couple's wedding anniversary with a cake and champagne.

Della, who is the Dorset patron of Cancer Research UK, said: "My husband was given only a few weeks to live when he arrived at Whitecliffe House. The fact that we're able to celebrate our 65th wedding anniversary is due to the love and care he has received at Whitecliffe House. It is a wonderful home."

Anne Tapley, home manager, said: "David and Della are a lovely couple and we feel very privileged to be able to share such a landmark anniversary with them."

19

July 2016

THERE is still time for villages in the area to enter the Dorset's Best Village Competition, now in its 30th year and offering many cash prizes in a choice of categories including environment, best village shop, people's project and neighbourliness.

The entry deadline for all categories is 5pm on Monday 25th July.

Details can be found at dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk or by contacting Rita Burden on 01929 459417, email rita@burden417.fsnet.co.uk.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

Swan Bathing, which won Jean Bartlett first in Club DPI section (see also hippo picture on Back Page).

Diamond theme for camera club show A STUNNING selection of photographs was on display in Blandford Corn Exchange in the 60th annual exhibition of Blandford Forum Camera Club, featuring entries in both club and open sections.

The 'diamond' title of a special competition set the theme with nine imaginative entries, of which Rachel Cooper was judged the winner, with Steph Selwyn second and club president Norman Carey third.

Mr Carey said their judge Margaret Salisbury had not had an easy task with over 270 images in the nine sections to consider.

Awards were presented by the chairman of Blandford Town Council, Councillor Lynn Lindsay.

Jean Bartlett received a host of awards, winning both club and open projected digital image sections, commendations in both, and commendations in club colour prints, one of which, Cormorants Fishing, won the trophy for best club print judged by exhibition visitors. She was also the winner of the Club Points Cup for projected digital staged throughout the season, in which Ian Ferris won the colour prints section.

Malcolm Bowditch, winner of the Points Cup monochrome section, won the Founders Cup for a

series of three monochrome prints, and also the Open Monochrome section. Steph Selwyn also won the Dr Davies Cup with a series of three colour prints titled 'Wedding'.

Norman and Carol Wiles dominated the open competitions, Norman winning the open colour and second in monochrome, with Carol second in open colour, and commendations for both.

20

July 2016

Slaughter on the Somme

A bloodbath on the Western Front MORE than a million men were wounded or killed in the Battle of the Somme, which lasted for 141 days from 1st July to 19th November 1916 on both sides of the river in France and became the largest battle on the Western Front during World War One. The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank, and at the end, British and French forces had penetrated nearly six miles (9.7 km) into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than in any of their offensives since the Battle of the Marne in 1914.

But the first day was the worst in the history of the British Army, with around 54,470 casualties including 19,240 fatalities. The French Sixth Army had 1,590 casualties and the German 2nd Army between 10,000 and 12,000 losses.

Despite a serious defeat for the German Second Army, the attack on the front between the Albert-Bapaume road and Gommecourt was defeated, and few British troops reached the front line.

The Battle of Albert lasted from 1st to 13th July, and was followed by the Battle of Bazentin Ridge from 14th to 17th July, the Battle of Fromelles on 19th and 20th July, which saw the debut of the Australian Imperial Force on the Western Front and was described as "the worst 24 hours in Australia's entire history" with over 5,500 losses.

The Battle of Delville Wood from 14th July to 15th September was part of the second phase of attack to secure the British right flank, while the centre advanced to capture the higher lying areas of High Wood and Pozières where the Battle of Pozières was fought from 23rd July to 7th August.

A wounded man at the Battle of Albert being carried across a sunken road.

THE first few weeks of conflict on the Somme took a terrible toll on the Blandford area, with 14 dying on the first day alone.

Four of them came from Blandford and the rest from the villages nearby.

Two were brothers, Albert and Frederick Lane, serving in the 1st and 6th battalions of the Dorsets respectively, and members of the family whose story of losing four sons in WWI was told in our September 1914 issue.

The two others were killed in action during the attack on Fricourt.

Bernard John Arscott was a Private in 8th Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry), who previously served with the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. He was born 1891 in Blandford.

The son of grocer William and Elizabeth Mary Arscott, of 23 Salisbury Road, Blandford, he worked as a grocer's assistant and in 1911 was living in Weymouth.

Posted to France in September 1915, he was 25 when he died, and was buried in Gordon Dump Cemetery, Ovillers-la-Boisselle, Somme.

William J Ball was a Private in the 9th Battalion, Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry), born 1893, the son of John and Sarah Ball, of 5 Charles Street, Blandford.

His father had died when he was five, and he worked as a brewer's labourer.

He was 23 when he died, and was buried in Norfolk Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt, Somme.

The 1st Dorsets' role on the first day was at Albert, attacking towards Mouquet Farm. Among the casualties were two, Harry Courage and Martin Bertie Frank, who are remembered at Charlton Marshall, and another two, Philip C Knight and Charles Wareham, remembered at Child Okeford.

Clarence Witherington of Moor Crichel died, along with his neighbour Arthur Fucher, who was serving with the Machine Gun Corps.

Frank White is remembered at Gussage All Saints and Albert Dyer at Gussage St Michael. William H Beever (Langton Long), was serving with the Rifle Brigade, and John Warr (Okeford Fitzpaine) was

serving with the 1st Lancashire Fusiliers.

There was just one local casualty who died the following day on 2nd July - Charles Pomeroy HughesGibbs, of Tarrant Gunville, who was serving with the Royal Field Artillery.

On 4th July another Blandford man serving with the Dorset 1st was lost.

Private Morgan William Bevan, son of May Jane and stepson of Harry Painter, of 4 Dorset Street.

Born 1889 in Bridport, he had enlisted prior to 1911, and was posted to France in August 1915. He died of wounds, aged 27, and is buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme.

William George Roberts of Shroton, died two days later, and Joseph Stephen Upshall, of Winterborne Stickland, died on 10th July.

The following day Edward Harrison, of Gussage All Saints, was killed while serving with the 6th Dorsets.

John Butt of the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry was killed in action on 19th July, the first day of the Battle of Fromelles, and is remembered both at Charlton Marshall and Blandford.

A Private in the 2nd/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion, having previously served with 4th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, he was the son of estate labourer Frederick and Ann Butt. Born 1893 in Hilton, he had worked as a shepherd lad. He is buried in Laventie Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, Nord, France.

The following day saw the deaths of Horace Harry Boyne, of Tarrant Keyneston, serving with the 4th Suffolks, and Edward D. Murray, of Shapwick, serving with the 9th Black Watch.

William Henry Caines, of Milborne St Andrew, was with the 1st Duke of Cornwall when he died on 23rd July.

Not all the casualties recorded that month were on the Somme.

Spetisbury man Alfred Adams of the 2/4th Dorsets died in India on 3rd July and Thomas H W Rawlings of Child Okeford of the Army Service Corps died at home on 20th July.

ANYONE who would like to share with our readers pictures and details of events relating to relatives who played a part in World War One is invited to contact Forum Focus by calling 01258 459346, emailing editor@forumfocus.co.uk or writing to 18 Tudor Gardens, Blandford DT11 7PL. Forum Focus would like to thank the Blandford 14-18 Group for their help in researching this material.

21

July 2016

Honouring the victims of Gallipoli THOSE who died at Gallipoli on 4th June 1915, and those who fell during and after the nine-month campaign, were remembered at the 101st anniversary of the fate of the men of the Royal Naval Division, who fell at the Third Battle of Krithia.

Fellow servicemen, descendants and civic representatives gathered at Collingwood Corner, Tarrant Hinton, at the edge of Blandford Camp, to pay tribute to the hundreds who died, including those from the Collingwood Battalion, HMS Hood, Benbow and Hawke, who had signed up as naval seamen but were retrained at Blandford Camp to fight on land.

They were welcomed by Stuart Adam, senior trustee of the Friends of the Collingwood Memorial, and James Watson-Smith, secretary of the Gallipoli Association, who only a month earlier visited the battlefields of the Dardanelles, and described "the beauty of its setting, and the tragedy of its ending".

He recognised also the survivors of the Gallipoli campaign who had 100 years ago found themselves in another treacherous

battleground on the Somme. "This was a remarkable generation and we must ensure their endeavours and achievements are never forgotten," he said.

Family wreath-layers included Martin Willoughby, of Wareham, great-nephew of Frederick Willoughby, the youngest member of the Collingwood Battalion to die at the age of 15 years, ten months; and Daisy Whittaker, the great-great-granddaughter of Lieut-Col Frank Luard, whose granddaughter Jebber Whittaker lives at Iwerne Minster.

Col Luard, of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, had marched with his 1,000 men and 30 officers of the Portsmouth Battalion the 60 miles from Gosport to Blandford, and then on 27th February to Shillingstone station for the train which took them to Avonmouth to set sail for Lemnos. On 28th April they had disembarked at Anzac Cove and come under immediate attack.

Wounded and treated in Alexandria, he returned to Gallipoli in July, only to be killed in action on 13th July 1915 two days after writing his last letter home.

The service, led by the chaplain of HMS Collingwood, Father Robert Matau, was conducted from a drumhead created by members of the Band of the Royal Marines HMS Collingwood. They paraded with the recruits of the Maritime Warfare Training School at Portsmouth, which inherited the name of the ill-fated battalion.

Other guests and wreath-layers were the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell and High Sheriff Sir Philip Williams, representatives of the Australia and Canadian forces, Blandford Garrison Commander Col A Percival, North Dorset District Council chairman Victor Fox and Blandford Mayor Jackie Stayt, Mr R Coleman of the Wessex Branch Western Front Association, David Jardine of Blandford & District Royal British Legion, Cdr T Goetz of the Royal Naval Association, Mr Arnold (RNA No 4 Area) and Bob Searle (RNA Blandford), and representatives and descendants of Collingwood adjutant Lieut-Cdr Annand, Sub-Lieut McLeod and Able Seaman Askew.

The wreath layers.

The Last Post is sounded by a member of the Band of the Royal Marines HMS Collingwood.

David Jardine of Blandford Royal British Legion, James Watson Smith of the Gallipoli Association and Mr R Coleman of the Wessex Branch Western Front Association carry their wreaths to the memorial.

The Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell lays a wreath on behalf of the Queen.

22

The View from the Hill

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

L

AMBING on the farm has drawn to a close. We have many happy lambs gambolling around the fields, and a merry band of six orphans in the back garden, still being fed three times a day.

Last week a hardworking team rounded up each group of sheep to administer vaccine, wormer, anti-flystrike spray, and to apply rubber rings to those delicate parts that those poor lambs didn't realise they didn't need.

There is a strikingly pretty flower which appears at lambing time every year in one of our sheep paddocks. It is the Star of Bethlehem, a winter bulb belonging to the lily family - unwise to cultivate in your garden as it will swiftly smother out other less vig-

FARMING orous species, and some even consider it a noxious weed.

Another noxious plant, which we have had to take steps to destroy, is a small patch of Japanese knotweed, which spreads via rhizomes in the soil and can only be controlled by repeated and robust Glyphosate applications. Every bit of rhizome fragment has the ability to start a new plant, so the spreading will be even worse if you try to dig it up.

It probably originated by some kind person dumping it on a verge by a field entrance, and steadily increased its size between a hedge and a bit of waste ground and until, too late, we realised it had got into the hedge, which we could not save.

A major event for tractor fans, especially green tractor fans, has occurred this month. Sitting on the forecourt of our local John Deere dealer, Smart Ag services, was a monster the like of which has never been seen in Dorset before.

John Deere have recently started to build their most powerful series of tractors in a quadtrac form, and the first to be sold into Europe from their US factory in Illinois is going to a farm in The six orphan lambs being bottle fed.

Dorset.

This 620 horsepower beast will self the sale of the decade. The be the envy of many tractor nuts sad thing is that he moved to for miles around, and the salesAustralia before he could deliver man who sold it has landed himthe machine to its new owner.

The giant quadrac tractor awaits delivery to its Dorset owner, the first in the country.

This month we have enjoyed a long, sunny, dry period which has seen all our crops growing very fast. But there has been a grand battle going on in the fields of wheat across the country this season, with many varieties hit hard by a new race of yellow rust disease to which they were previously meant to have good resistance.

More fungicide spray has been needed this year where natural resistance should have been enough to keep it at bay. The rust destroys the green leaf area which can then no longer photosynthesise. It then forms yellow pustules of spores which spread

July 2016

by wind or rain splash to other plants.

It is interesting to contemplate this while reading in the press of the shenanigans in Europe over the re-licensing of Glyphosate (see above), used very widely on farms all over the world for the whole of my working life, which has enabled food production to become cheaper and more efficient many times over.

Glyphosate was found present in urine at levels higher than those allowed for any pesticide in drinking water. But the tolerance levels for pesticides in water are vanishingly small compared to many commonly accepted poisons.

Read more on this subject at viewfromthehill.org.uk.

July 2016

23

24

Financial forward planning is crucial, expert explains A PACKED meeting of retired business professionals at the Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton was advised that planning for the future can give lasting peace of mind and save money.

Blanchards Bailey principal Jerome Dodge, the company's head of wills and estate planning, addressing members of the local Probus, highlighted the importance of getting financial affairs in order and leaving a legacy.

Looking at the implication of the proposed government change to Inheritance Tax allowance, applicable to a person's residence from April 2017, he stressed it was vital

to get professional advice.

"The new allowance has the potential to extend the Inheritance Tax allowance from £325,000 to £500,000 for an individual, and from £650,000 to £1m for a married couple and those in a civil partnership," he said.

"What this means is that it's essential to take professional advice on the structure of your will in light of this new legislation to ensure that you do not inadvertently lose the benefit of the extra allowance."

Mr Dodge reminded members of the benefits of a financial LPA which enables a person to appoint

THREE acclaimed authors will speak about their work and answer questions from the audience at a literary lunch being hosted by the family charity Home-Start North Dorset on Tuesday 5th July.

'Shopaholics' author Sophie Kinsella will be joined by two local writers, novelist Christopher Nicholson,('Winter'; 'The Elephant Keeper'; 'The Fattest Man in America') and Georgie Newbury, ('Grow your own Wedding' and 'The Flower Farmer's Year').

Directions and tickets for the coffee, talk and buffet lunch are available from event organiser and charity trustee Jenny Morisetti on 07801240103 or e-mail jennymorisetti@hotmail.com.

others to manage their financial affairs in the event of a future loss of capacity.

A health and welfare LPA was also increasingly important in the wake of a growing elderly population, he said, advising: "If you do not have an up-to-date financial LPA or a healthcare LPA, it's vital to plan ahead. The specialists at Blanchards Bailey are there to help."

Probus speaker secretary, Chris Nadin said: "Jerome's talk provoked much interest and highlighted many important issues from our members, who agreed it was one of the most interesting and valuable presentations the members had seen and heard."

Jerome Dodge, based at Blanchard Bailey's Blandford office, was independently recognised by the Legal 500 as a leading individual in his field in 2015.

He is available to speak at events and is contactable on: jerome.dodge@blanchardsbailey.co.uk and 01258 483616.

July 2016

Praise for health team THE blood pressure of 84 Blandford residents was measured at Blandford Rotary's annual 'Know Your Blood Pressure' morning at the Corn Exchange.

Working with the Stroke Association and local GPs Dr Burlton and Dr Berry, they advised 18 of them to see their GP within a month for further investigation because their blood pressure was abnormally high. A further four patients were told to see their GP without delay.

Rotary President Vic Chippendale said: "Every year these tests identify a significant number of people who had no idea they have raised blood pressure. We believe this valuable service helps to reduce the incidence of strokes. As always we thank the Stroke Association and the local GPs and nurses who give up their spare time to support us in this work."

Tracie Palmer, Stroke Association co-ordinator for Dorset, said "We would like to say a big thank you to Blandford Rotary for organising another successful event."

25

July 2016

John Paulley, gentle man and gentleman

A sad farewell to one of Blandford’s finest A PACKED congregation in Blandford Parish Church said a sad farewell to one of Blandford's best-loved teachers, John Paulley MBE, who died on 23rd May at the age of 88.

Former pupils, colleagues and friends joined family members at a service of thanksgiving for a life devoted to the education of thousands of Blandford pupils and students, which continued after retirement with service to The Blandford School and the wider educational community. It was acknowledged in 2003 with his appointment as MBE. His service to the community, as well as to education locally and beyond, included Durweston Primary School, where as longserving governor he laid the foundation stone of its extension in 2007, and the parish council in the village where he lived for over 60 years, and where in the 1950s he had campaigned for the playing field which now lies next to the school.

His next door neighbour and parish council chairman Mark Taylor said: "News of his passing went virtually 'viral', such is the enormous reach this man had.

He was a gentle man and a gentleman.

"He was kind to a fault and I can remember that every year he would receive in excess of 600 Christmas cards from all over the world. This simply demonstrates the remarkable and enduring impact he must have had on many lives over the past two or even three generations.

"John was a proud man, private but generous, friendly and fiercely loyal to his village and the village school. He would always see the light in the darkest corner of humanity; he would move heaven and earth to help any child and to him every child was worth supporting.

"He was probably better known

than any other individual in Blandford and had an uncanny ability of remembering the name of any child from his school days, never mind they were now parents or even grandparents themselves. Beware Heaven - a new teacher has started with you!"

The service was conducted by the Rev John Whittle, a personal friend who said Mr Paulley had helped people make a difference through his faith, humility, family life and a natural talent as a life coach.

The eulogy was given by local journalist Roger Guttridge, a former pupil who met him first as an 11year-old first-former at the then Blandford Grammar School in Damory Street, where he taught physical and religious education in the days when gymnastics was held in the Army Cadets drill hill on the Milldown, circuit training in the Congregational Church and swimming in the open-air pool on the Marsh and Ham. Mr Paulley headed the PE department for 16 years, and then became a school counsellor, a role he fulfilled for 19 years at the school's successor in Milldown Road, The Blandford School.

Mr Guttridge said: "His ability to recognise natural talent and enthusiasm in his pupils was reflected in his encouragement to me to write my first article for the school magazine, describing my week of work experience, unheard of in education circles in the 1960s, but introduced by Mr Paulley in a pilot scheme in 1963."

When he retired he used the ÂŁ1,750 raised for him as a retirement gift to set up the Paulley Charitable Trust which continues to help young people with their education. He also founded The Old Blandfordians, now The Blandfordians, an organisation for former Blandford pupils.

His regular Saturday morning visits to the Crown Hotel for a cup of tea began that year with his late wife Sally, who died in 2007, but continued for over 60 years. Together with some of his sayings, his Crown visits became legendary among past pupils and staff, who would visit from around Britain to join him for a chat. His loyalty to the hotel was recognised in 2012 when they presented him with his own engraved teapot and the promise of a free cuppa for life.

The service was followed by a short service at Durweston Parish Church and interment in the grave he now shares with his wife, next to that of his daughter Maureen who died in 2006 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Family members attending the funeral included his younger brother, Fred, and son Alan and family.

BLANDFORD Opportunity Group will be holding its annual sponsored Trailway Challenge on Sunday 10th July starting from Station Court in Blandford.

The 11.2-mile walk, run or bike ride to Shillingstone Station and back will start at 10am. Sponsorship forms are available from the group's base at the Opportunity Hall in Whitecliff Gardens, from Offcamber in Salisbury Street, by email to blandfordoppgrp@talktalk.net or phone 01258 456187.

John Paulley with the engraved teapot presented to him by the Crown Hotel in 2012. The story was featured on the front page of the October 2012 issue of Forum Focus.

LETTERS

26

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

Another grump I READ Forum Focus issue No 50 with much interest and have three points to make: Point 1: On your headline 'Doctor's reaching crisis point', I can offer only two comments: a) the doctors have my sympathy; and b) should NDDC be planning more soulless housing estates (which they always are), you can rest assured they will also magically create the doctors needed to service them.

Point 2: 'Top honour for school catering chief Karen'.

Obviously I come from a different era, probably the same one as Martin Brickell (see below) but when I went to school we had 'dinner ladies'. Blandford School has - gulp - a nutritionist, plus a health and safety adviser, and, thank goodness, a hygiene, safety and environmental manager! No wonder Paul Harrison looks amazed - we all are.

Point 3: Letters. 'I'm not grumpy, etc' from Martin Brickell. I share his amazement at what modern people spend their money on - bottled water, 4x4 cars, electronic gadgetry of all kinds, the list goes on and on. But why do they do it? I think I have the answer, which is contained in the old saying 'why does a dog lick his nether regions? Because he can!' Modern people spend their money on stupid stuff because they can!

Yup, I'm grumpy.

Peter J Smith, Milborne St Andrew

Please . . .

AGE Concern Blandford desperately need volunteers to keep the office open. All you need to do is give a morning a week in the office in a rewarding position as we very much help the local community.

For more information contact Carol on 01258 458250 or email ageconcernblandford@talk21.com Carol Bunnagar Age Concern Blandford

. . . thank you THE Blandford Opportunity Group provided refreshments in the Corn Exchange throughout the day of Blandford Georgian Fayre, with Sharon's special bacon butties and Chris's cakes selling well all day.

The Opportunity Group would like to say thank you to all of you for coming into the Corn Exchange and buying coffee/tea, cakes and bacon rolls. Profits from the day were £275.

John Miles Blandford Opportunity Group

July 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.

Be a Friend WITH the ever-growing pressure from governments on the NHS, it is vital that the Friends of Blandford Hospital have a strong voice to help ensure that as many services as possible remain in the locality.

A larger charity membership will help to voice what the local community needs. We currently have 840 members, but compared to a few years ago when we had 1,400, our numbers need replenishing.

We would like to invite the local community to help support us by becoming a member of our charity organisation. Application forms can be found at the Friends' charity shops at Blandford and Sturminster Newton, via our website friendsblandford.org or by contacting the Friends' office on 01258 450095.

You can join from as little as a £1 subscription and will then be kept updated on the charity's activities and on projects at the hospital and throughout the local community.

If you want to find out more, you are welcome to attend our AGM on 6th July at 6.30pm at Blandford Hospital.

Steve Cole, Chairman, The Friends of Blandford Hospital

July 2016

Arts at the double YEAR six girls from Knighton House School experienced a double treat when they visited the John Craxton and Sophie Ryder exhibitions at Salisbury Museum and the Cathedral grounds.

The girls have studied John Craxton for a painting project and so were interested in the work from his early years when he lived locally.

The exhibition was a great opportunity for the girls to see the contrast between Craxton's brooding early works and the gaiety of his latter painting from his years in Crete. They also saw the David Attenborough film where he talks about Craxton's work with such knowledge and passion.

The trip was blessed with a gloriously sunny day and after looking around the Museum everyone enjoyed a leisurely wander around The Close to view Sophie Ryder's mystical sculptures.

SCHOOLS

PANDA Preschool at Milldown Road in Blandford held a party to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

Panda Room children and parents enjoyed a picnic together, with cakes made by the children and staff, followed by a sponsored walk around the Milldown. On their return children received a certificate and ice lolly.

The Cubs Room raised money from holding a

27

Teddy Bears' picnic and sponsored walk before half-term.

Pictured is the pre-school's new playhouse, bought with money raised at previous events.

Panda Preschool is available to all children between 2 years 9 months and 5 years. If you would like to look around the setting, phone 01258 458151 or email pandapreschool@hotmail.co.uk.

A MAGNIFICENT display by members of the Blandford Gymnastics Club was one of the highlights of the annual summer fete of Archbishop Wake Primary School. There was also a superb array of stalls, games and bouncy castles on the school field, as well as performances by school groups.

SCHOOLS

28

School joins the EU remain camp SPETISBURY CE Primary School Council met with children from the School Councils of its academy trust schools (Blandford St Mary and Archbishop Wake) at the local council offices to debate the EU referendum.

The session was chaired by Councillor Andrew Kerby, who presented the children with information from both sides of the debate.

Each school worked as a team to summarise the merits and drawbacks to remaining in the EU before coming back together to debate the issues and dis-

Spetisbury pupils debate the issues in the EU referendum.

cuss the importance of democracy in British society.

The children then took part in their own democratic vote with a polling booth and the slips were put into a ballot box and counted to reveal that they had voted 28 to 6 to remain in the European Union.

Afterwards the children were taken on a tour of the council offices.

It was a great opportunity to come together as children from the Blandford Educational Trust to rehearse and demonstrate their public speaking, listening and leadership skills.

Pimperne shine again at maths FOLLOWING their recent success in the March Dorset competition, children at Pimperne Primary School bettered their scores even further in May's Sumdog National Competition.

This competition involved each child answering 1,000 maths-related questions both at school and at home.

Congratulations to Silver Birch class, who came first overall out of 1,814 classes and to Willow Class who came sixth. In fact, all Pimperne classes came in the top 100.

• The children in Starfish and Lionfish at Archbishop Wake Primary School had an exciting surprise when they had a private display of the White Helmets at Blandford Camp.

They were escorted from the front gate of the camp

by Sergeant Mike Arnold to the field where the White Helmets were training, which was an amazing experience for them all.

The children could not stop talking about all of the different stunts, discussing their favourites and debating whether they would be White Helmets, Blue Helmets or Pink Helmets when they grow up.

July 2016

Memorial award presented A NEW annual award was introduced this year by the Blandford Stour Rotary Club in memory of Roger Bignold, a much respected local businessman and member of the club, who died early in 2015.

It was agreed by the club that this award would be business-related and it should also go towards encouraging local young people in this sector of activity.

The winners of the first Roger Bignold award were nominated by their teachers at The Blandford School for their leading part in the school's participation in the prestigious National Young Enterprise Project in 2015.

Students Kyriann Barrow-Blanken and Will Thomas were presented with their awards at a meeting of the Blandford Stour Rotary Club.

Sam Finlay, Blandford Stour's president, said: "It's a wonderful idea to create an annual award in memory of Roger and it's most encouraging to see these first recipients' motivation and commercial acumen in this vital world of business. I look forward to seeing who will receive it next year."

July 2016

Ali brings her magic touch to school A FANTASTIC transformation took place at Clayesmore Prep when author Ali Sparkes worked with staff and pupils to create a magical environment in which to stage the Clayesmore Quest.

Visitors were invited to enter the cobwebbed environs of the Creaky Cricket Pavilion; climb the dizzying helical steps to the teetering tip of the Twisted Turret; push aside the ancient, motheaten garments hanging in the Old Prop Store; and dare to wander along the Wailing Willow Tunnel.

If it all sounds a bit like Harry Potter, it was, but it was their own creation of a story with three possible endings which could have led to the demise of the whole of humankind.

Years 3, 4 and 5 took part in the collaboration with Ali, their patron of reading, and working in small groups came up with central characters and mysterious, magical articles which were located at real places in the Clayesmore grounds.

The added threat of the mannequins who had constructed a deadly machine to harness the sun's power gave all the ingredients necessary for an extraordinary adventure in which the reader, at the end of each chapter, faced a choice of where to go next.

Ali composed the prologue and the children wrote the ten chapters to form the body of the quest itself which culminated in a launch at the beginning of June when the young authors and their parents gathered in Clayesmore's main

SCHOOLS

29

Writer Ali Sparkes and Clayesmore pupils with their books and maps.

A chapter is read by a year 10 pupil before the quest continues. house to follow where it led across the 62-acre campus.

At the tea which followed, Ali presented the children with two spectacular mementoes: a printed version of The Clayesmore Quest and a full-colour, A3 map showing all its amazing locations. Ali's

books were on sale and there was time for a host of book signings.

Head of English, Suzanne Chinnock, said afterwards: "One of our principal goals here is to inspire the children with a deep love of reading, and to help them find the stories within them,

empowering them to set these stories free and give them voice.

"Making The Clayesmore Quest met and exceeded all of these goals, inspiring our pupils to keep on turning those pages and unlocking the gates of their imagination for years to come. "

SCHOOLS

30

Children and staff at Bright Sparks nursery and pre-school celebrate their 'good' Ofsted report.

Good Ofsted report for Bright Sparks BRIGHT Sparks nursery and pre-school at Shillingstone has announced that a recent Ofsted inspection has graded them 'good' in all areas of development.

The report stated: "Children are confident, display high levels of self-esteem and feel emotionally secure."

Inspectors found partnerships with parents good and that liaison between home and the nursery helped to ensure that all the children's needs were met.

Quoting the report further, a spokesperson said: "The children are happy and settle quickly in a welcoming environment. Activities are planned to help develop the children's skills and close gaps in

their learning. The children are safe and recruitment is robust to ensure the safety of the children.

Our children have fun while learning and are ready to face their next stage in their education."

The staff work hard to ensure that the children are offered the best early years education and work closely with Shillingstone school to ensure that the children are ready to transfer when they reach school age. Their dedication was seen by the Ofsted inspector, who said: "Staff have a strong drive to improve the nursery and promote good outcomes for children."

The nursery is open term time and able to take 2, 3 and 4 year-old funded children, as well as catering for children from 18 months to school age.

July 2016

Choir gets its own piece of music A WORLD premiere performance was given at a weekly school church service by Knighton House School Choir of a work, 'Let the world know his name', written especially for it by composer Richard Nye. It is highly unusual for a composer to approach an ensemble and offer to compose for it. Richard’s instrumental and choral works have been performed by musicians throughout the world, recorded on CD and published.

The Knighton House choir have sung his beautiful Annunciation piece for a few years. About six months ago he approached the school's head of music, Mrs Hardy, saying he would like to write something for the choir.

Relishing the prospect, she requested a two-part texture plus a solo line and gave him an Ascension Day text, because that always falls in term-time.

The girls, who meet twice a week, were hugely flattered to have a piece written especially for them. They will include the work in their summer concert.

Carbon cut as solar energy is delivered to schools THE installation of solar panels at both The Blandford School and Milldown Primary has brought a combined capacity of 100kW across both schools, funded entirely through a share offer in Dorset Community Energy.

The not-for-profit community company was established with support from The Big Lottery 'Communities Living Sustainably in Dorset' project, and this was the second share offering in the

company.

In addition to the local schools, eight other schools and village halls in Dorset have benefited from the installation of solar panels, and other sites are still to be installed.

The installations at Blandford by TH White Energy were carried out within a very tight timescale during school holidays as it was critical that students at both schools were not impacted by the work.

Liz Bishopp, business manager at The Blandford School, is delighted

at the support the schools have received from Dorset Community Energy, Dorset County Council and TH White Energy.

"The whole process was managed with the utmost efficiency from start to finish," she said. "All organisations involved ensured that the schools' requirements for installation over the Easter holidays were met, and the standard of workmanship and co-operation from the installers was excellent.

"In addition to the financial savings which will be realised as a

result of the electricity being generated on-site, there is a clear environmental benefit as we reduce our carbon footprint.

"The next phase will be to install an online connection which will enable students to make use of the data in their lessons. The benefits from the installation, and the efforts from everyone involved, will have a positive impact on our schools for many years to come, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone for their hard work and attention to detail."

July 2016

SPORT

Blandford RFC's promotion-winning team.

Promotion double crowned rugby club’s winning season BLANDFORD RFC vice-chairman Justin Frampton has congratulated the club on a great season, which has seen the 1st and 2nd teams both gaining promotion, providing more competitive games with clubs in the area, and weekly games for the second XV. He said the junior section of the club had again grown significantly and encouraged new players of all ages and coaches to come and join in Sunday mornings at Larksmead as they look forward to a new season.

Thanking sponsors, supporters and players for their continued support and the committee members who gave up a huge amount of time running the club, he said it was fantastic to see so many people watching at weekends.

"Larksmead has become a fantastic facility for us and the 11SR

Royal Signals team who use the facility to train and play. They were undefeated and won their league, the Army Bowl, Hall Cup and Royal Signals 7s, and their success is hugely helped by the facilities they share with Blandford RFC at Larksmead."

He added: "Blandford RFC would like to thank the neighbours and locals for putting up with the increase in activity due to its being a fantastic and popular facility for all ages and abilities in the town."

Mr Frampton also welcomed their new coach Stephen Hancock, who will be working with Chris Curtis, and looking for additional coaches to join them this season.

The club was successful in its bid to be one of those involved in this year's NatWest Rugby Force weekend and be awarded funds

towards improving their facilities.

The event was held over 25th and 26th June. Volunteers were sought to undertake painting, woodwork and other general DIY tasks at the clubhouse.

Anyone interested in playing or coaching is invited to look at the website blandfordrfc.com or find them on Facebook.

United’s targets achieved

31

BLANDFORD United FC held its presentation night at the Blandford Masonic Lodge when awards were announced by chairman Dave Fraser after a celebration dinner.

He said the objective at the start of the season was to maintain the club's status in both the Dorset Premier League and the Dorset Senior League.

Thanks to the fantastic commitment from all the players and the management teams this was comfortably achieved, and every game was played with passion, skill and determination. "There were no easy games for any team that played against us," he said.

Next season will see the arrival of a new first-team manager and assistant. "We welcome Chris Emms and Mike Collins to the club and we look forward to an exciting season ahead."

ABOVE: Blandford United FC, Back row: Ryan Elliott; first-team player of the season and manager's player of the season Saul Boulton; Sportsman of the Year Aaron Prince Lawes; first-team top scorer Paul Ford; reserves' top scorer Jimmy Henry; reserves manager's Player of the Season Andy Burt; Chairman's Cup Connor McKenzie; reserves' Player of the Season.

Front Row: Ian Steele, Club Person of the Year; Dan Holland, first-team manager; David Fraser, Chairman; Chris Trenty, assistant coach; Elliott Msndony, Young Player of the Season. Absent: Supporters' Player: Rob Manson.

Paul Vernon, captain of the Royal Signals team and Blandford RFC 1st XV, with Kyle Routley, left and Sean Hopper, right, holding the Signals' trophies.

32

July 2016

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events

Friday 1st July: Well & Connected Expo, Health & Wellbeing day, Blandford Corn Exchange, 10am to 3pm Opening of World War I Somme Exhibition at Blandford Museum,10.30am Saturday 2nd July: Well & Connected Expo, Sport and Recreation day, Blandford Corn Exchange 10am to 2pm Castleman House Fete, Fairfield Bungalows, Blandford, stalls, raffle, entertainment, 12 to 4pm Coffee morning, Shillingstone Church Centre, 10.30am to noon, stalls and 50/50 clothes rail.

Open Gardens Okeford Fitzpaine,11am to 5pm, allotments on show and flower arrangements in church, refreshments at village hall and pub Valley Players and Teddy20 present 'A Fete Worse Than Death, Pimperne village hall, 7 for 7.30pm, tickets 01258 458224 Saturday 2nd and 9th and Sundays 3rd and 10th July: Churchill Productions present Noel Coward's 'Still Life', Shillingstone Station, 6pm and 8.15pm, advance bookings only 01258 455151 Sunday 3rd July: Blandford Children's Centre nursery and Otters parents group Summer Fete, 1pm to 3pm, Blandford Children's Centre, Black Lane 'Allsorts' service for children with special needs, parents, carers, Shillingstone Church Centre, 3.30 to 4.30pm Monday 4th July: Blandford & District Floral Group garden party and exhibition, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford 12 to 4pm Tuesday 5th July: Literary Lunch hosted by North Dorset HomeStart, Holwell, see page 24 Blandford Macular Group meeting at the Parish Centre, Blandford, details 01258 454461 Wednesday 6th July: Blandford Fashion Museum, lecture by Heather Toomer, coffee 10am, lecture 10.45am, details 01258 453006 Friends of Blandford Community Hospital AGM, Hospital, 6.30pm Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Bryanston Court, 7pm Baffling Blandford magical walk, 7pm from the Crown Hotel, and every Wednesday. See artoftheimpossible.com/magic Thursday 7th July: Coffee morning, Child Okeford village hall, 10.30am Dorset Archives Trust Summer Gala Event, Kingston Lacy, see dorsetarchivestrust.org

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.

Hippos rising, one of Jean Bartlett's winning pictures at Blandford Forum Camera Club's annual exhibition in the Corn Exchange.

Friday 8th July: Dorset Wildlife Trust Girdlers Coppice guided walk with warden Steve Oliver, meet 10am from Fiddleford Manor car park (off A357 near Sturminster Newton), booking essential on 07824874273 Any Questions on Care & Dementia, Blandford Parish Centre, 6 to 8pm, see page 16 Teddy Raves for Teddy20 with ex Radio One DJ Dave Pearce, Crown & Anchor and Tiffanys, Friday 8th and Saturday 9th July: Folk at the Forum, Wessex Acoustic Folk Festival, see Wimborne-acoustic.co.uk Art & Craft Festival, Tarrant Hinton village hall, 6 to 9pm Friday, 10.30am to 4pm Saturday Sunday 10th July: Blandford Opportunity Group 'Trailway Challenge’, see page 25 Sunday 10th to 31st July: 'Casting the Net' nautical celebration in the Milton Abbas and Winterborne Valley benefice, see www.Winterbornevalleyandmiltonb enefice.com Sunday 10th July to 21st August: 'A Capability Brown Experience', Milton Abbey Monday 11th July: Open Night at the Railway Club, Eagle House Gardens, DT11 7BT, details on newblandfordrailwayclub.co.uk Tuesday 12th to Thursday 14th July: TBS Productions (The Blandford School) present 'Phantom of the Opera', Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7pm (matinee 1pm 13th July), box office 01202 885566 Wednesday 13th July: Rude Mechanicals Theatre Company present 'Macbyrd', Launceston Farm, Tarrant Launceston, 7.30pm Saturday 16th July: Cats Protection Coffee Morning, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford 10am to 12.30pm Joint Larksmead Pre-School and

Blandford Opportunity Group Table Top Sale and refreshments, Corn Exchange, Blandford.

9.30am to 12.30pm. To book tables call 01258-456187 Rude Mechanicals Theatre Company present 'Macbyrd', Child Okeford recreation ground, 7.30pm Son Yambu, (Artsreach promotion), Winterborne Stickland village hall, 7.30pm, details 01258 880920 Live music with Pete Robson Acoustic Blues, Bakers Arms, Child Okeford, 9pm Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July: South Tarrant Open Gardens and scarecrows competition, 2 to 5.30pm, see page 15 Sunday 17th July: Tarrant Valley 10k multi terrain and 1-mile races, Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton, 10.30am, see tarrantvalley10.webs.com Durweston Country Fayre, recreation ground and village hall. 12 to 4pm, enquiries 07988 791260 Barbecue and Family Day. Noon til 6.00pm, Blandford Constitutional Club Garden, ÂŁ5 per head. All welcome.

Sunday 17th July to Sunday 17th August: S&DRT 50th anniversary exhibition, Blandford Museum Monday 18th July: Walk round Blandford's verges with Dorset Countryside Rangers, details 01258 456970 Tuesday 19th July: Cream Tea and Competition: Floral Jewellery, Hats and Shoes, Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Child Okeford Community Centre, 2.15pm, Details: 01258 863775 Wednesday 20th July: Blandford Carers meet Durweston Village Hall, 2 to 4pm, Garden Party Blandford & District Civic Society Town Guided Walk, meet 7.30pm by the Chestnut tree, Marsh & Ham car park, details 01258 459346

Thursday 21st July: Blandford Heart Forum meets 2pm in the Studio, Common Lane, Blandford, (behind M & Co, East St) see blandfordheartforum.org.uk Summer picnic and self-guided tour of the gardens, 5.30 to 9.00pm, Springhead, Fontmell Magna Blandford Folk Singaround, Royal British Legion, 8pm, acoustic musicians, story tellers and poets welcome, details 01258 451371 Friday 22nd July: Quiz Night and buffet supper for Julia's House, Royal British Legion Club, Church Lane, Blandford, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 480589 Saturday 23rd July: Khaki Canteen, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9am to 2pm featuring display on Battle of Jutland Exhibition by Debby Kirby, Walford Mill Crafts, Stone Lane, Wimborne, BH21 1NL, 6PM, free entry, raffle, details 01202 841400 Sunday 24th July: Littlebrook Farmhouse Open Garden, Belchalwell Street, DT11 0EG, 2.30pm, in support of Julia's House Childrens Hospice, details 01258 863683 or springheadjackie@hotmail.com Tuesday 26th July: Age Concern Blandford AGM, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, 2pm, followed by a cream tea, all welcome 'Radiant On Raw' talk & cookery demo on 'Healthy Eating & Raw Food Nutrition', Blandford Town Museum, 7.30pm, see meetup.com/Resurgence-Dorset Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th July: Dorset Opera presents Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin and Verdi's Macbeth, Coade Theatre, Bryanston School, see page 15 Wednesday 27th July: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets 2pm, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, visitors welcome Saturday 30th July: S&DR50 anniversary walk, Spetisbury to Blandford Messy Games Afternoon, Winterborne Stickland Sports Club, 2 to 5pm Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July: Somerset & Dorset Railway Exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of its closure, Corn Exchange, Blandford Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Wimborne St Giles Sunday 31st July: Quiz Night, Farquharson Arms, Pimperne, 8pm Guided evening tour of gardens of Springhead, Fontmell Magna, details 01747 811853