August 2016 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 53

August 2016

Academy children’s sparkling big stage debut: Page 10

The line-up of girls hoping to be chosen as Blandford's Carnival royalty. Turn to Page 3 to find out who was successful.

Celebrations as church unveiling begins AFTER nearly seven months, the scaffolding on Blandford Parish Church was due to start coming down after a 'topping out' ceremony on Thursday 21st July.

It would reveal the full extent of the work which has been carried out by the contractors Norman and Underwood, led by Gary Calder, on both the tower and the cupola, which was first to be unveiled to the public.

The scaffolding will be removed first as far as the large beams that go through the tower, which will come out to allow the louvres to be put back into the windows and new ladders and platform installed before the rest of the scaffolding comes down.

The hope is that it will have been fully removed in time for a day of celebration planned for Saturday August 27th, including a family fun day starting at 11.30am with a barbecue, family games and other refreshments.

At 2.30pm, there will be a sponsored abseil down the tower by Janet Winder, who is sponsored for Macmillan Nurses, and Steve Hitchings, who is sponsored for the Firefighters.

Sara Loch, Cupola Project leader, has pledged to join them provided she is sponsored to the tune of at least £3,000.

It is hoped that ad hoc abseils will also be offered, at a price, and the day will end with a

concert of classical guitar music in the church at 7pm.

Miss Loch said the cost of this part of the project had risen by around £40,000, and so far only around half the money has been raised.

"We are desperately looking for the rest.

"We have encountered unexpected problems along the way following the opening up of the hidden places in the base of the cupola; and the fact that the space was very limited inside the cupola meant it was not possible to throw more men at the job, so it has all taken longer than originally planned.

"But the team have been absolutely amazing and the standard of their work is superb."

The weathervane also proved problematical, and various parts of the spindle have had to be remade out of wood, covered in lead, and regilded on site. The squire (the part that looks like a pennant and the bobble above it) also had to be re-gilded before it was re-erected in time for the topping out ceremony.

In recent weeks, local artist Annabelle Valentine has been brought in to design the painted scrolls on the corners of the cupola which were then approved by architect Marcus Chantrey.

"She very kindly agreed to paint all eight, and it took longer than expected because more coats than expected were needed," said Miss Loch.

"Old photographs show that the scrolls varied in

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High art: Annabelle Valentine painting one of the scrolls shape over the years, and in designing them she took into account that the original scrolls can be seen either side of the west entrance and is repeated on the chancel roof.

"The bracket for the Apprentice Bell is in place and the bell itself has been cleaned and is awaiting re-hanging when all the work has finished up top. The clock, now hidden under black plastic for protection, has been overhauled, cleaned and re-gilded."

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August 2016

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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, Abbott Garden Centre, Langton Long, True Lovers Knot and St Richard Close bus stop in Tarrant Keyneston, Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton, Pimperne shop, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster Post Office, Child Okeford Post Office, Shillingstone Garage, Londis Shop & Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, Post Office and Surgery, Milton Abbas, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

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

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Murder accused had been arrested for harassment THE trial of father-of-four Stuart Thomas, accused of murdering Blandford hairdresser Katrina O'Hara at Jock's Barbers in East Street, Blandford, on 7th January, began at Winchester Crown Court on 11th July and was expected to last three weeks.

The court heard that the alleged attack by the married 49-year-old on Ms O'Hara (44) came just days after he had been arrested for harassing the mother-of-three, with whom he had had a romantic relationship since May 2015.

She tried to end the relationship in the autumn because she did not want an affair with a married man, but he became "obsessive and manipulative", pleaded with her to take him back and threatened to kill himself, twice entering her home in Okeford Fitzpaine uninvited, the court was told.

On 27th December, Thomas took an attempted overdose which led

Katrina O’Hara.

Ms O'Hara to report him to police and seek a restraining order. He was seen by a consultant psychiatrist who did not diagnose a mental illness but said he drank too much.

On 30th December he was arrested for harassment and released on bail with conditions

that he was not to contact her.

Nigel Lickley QC told the court that, after confronting her when she was leaving work seven days later, chasing her into the barber's shop and stabbing her, he ran away and tried to cut his own wrist with the knife with which he had attacked her.

Thomas, a self-employed builder, of Salisbury Road, Blandford, denies murder, saying he had brought the knife to show he meant to kill himself. He claimed that Miss O'Hara must have somehow stabbed herself during the confrontation when his own injury was also sustained.

At the time of Forum Focus going to press, the trial continued.

Alice proves a rising star ALICE Smith (pictured), a Blandford-based neighbourhood housing officer with Spectrum Housing Group, has won a highly coveted Inside Housing and Chartered Institute of Housing Rising Star award.

She was one of only four finalists across the UK, undertaking a gruelling series of tasks and a public vote to emerge with the award, by demonstrating knowledge, quick thinking, ethics and dedication to her role.

She said: "I'm shocked and elated to win. Massive thanks to everyone at Spectrum, not only

for the votes that made a difference but for the continued support over the last three months."

Richard Hill, chief executive at Christchurchbased Spectrum, said: "'I'm really proud that Alice is this year's Rising Star. It's a great credit to the work she has put in and also shows how we invest in our people."

The Rising Star Award recognises commitment and talent in the housing industry and celebrates ambitious housing professionals.

The ceremony took place at a gala dinner held in Manchester.

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August 2016

Markets move wins go-ahead at last THE transfer of the management of Blandford's outdoor markets is finally going ahead following a decision by North Dorset District Council's Cabinet to hand over responsibility to the Town Council.

Members were presented with a report outlining the Town Council's long-standing wish to have more control over the Thursday and Saturday markets. They were told they were currently making a loss financially and could continue to do so under district council control.

It was conceded that the district had not had sufficient capacity to promote or manage the market

more effectively due to limited resources.

Anticipated income in 2015/16 of £18,000 was at least £4,000 less than the management costs, which include payment of rates and charges to Dorset County Council for pitch fee collection and loss of car parking income.

In his report to Cabinet, Kevin Morris said: "The transfer to the Town Council would enable it to take direct control of the provision and allocation of pitches and charges and to act as superintendent, thus reducing costs.

Discussions have also been held

Carnival royalty (from left): Lara, Lauren, Elizabeth and Dolcie.

Blandford’s young ‘royals’ MORE than 20 girls gathered in Blandford's Royal British Legion Club in the hope of becoming this year's Blandford Carnival Princess and Miss Teenager.

A panel of judges from Frome Carnival Club had the difficult task of selecting one of 18 younger contestants to become princess, her two attendants, and, from a group of four older contestants, one Miss Blandford Carnival.

They chose nine-year-old Elizabeth Hunt, a pupil at Milldown Primary School, to wear the Princess's sash, and seven-year-old Lara Miller from Archbishop Wake Primary and ten-year-old Dolcie Burton from Wimborne, a pupil at Allenbourne Middle School, as her attendants.

Lauren Gubbins, aged 12, from Blandford St Mary was selected to succeed Lauren Johnston as Miss Blandford Teenager.

Special thanks were given to the retiring Miss Teenager and Carnival Princess Ginny Dugdale for the good service they had given to the Carnival.

to look at ways of promoting and securing improved income levels.

"Discussions have been held with local organisations and in particular DT11, Blandford's Community Partnership, who support the transfer and see this as an opportunity to contribute to the 'offer' Blandford has to make to visitors and its own community."

He said the Blandford Forum Town Team had lobbied for the transfer of the market to the Town Council, and had identified, through community consultation, a top priority of improving market activity to rebuild the vitality and viability of the town centre.

It was felt that the Town Council would be able to work with more focus on developing the market.

Members were told that Blandford's markets date back to the charter of incorporation granted to the Borough of Blandford in November 1605, and records included documents, copies and translations from the 18th century, together with a modern typescript, but no copy of an original charter.

At July's meeting of the town council's town and general purposes committee, Cllr Haydn

White said it was important that the charter granting the market was transferred along with the management.

Alison Moore, of the Blandford Business Group, said the encouragement of good-quality stalls was welcomed by the business community since it would bring more trade to the town.

The Town Council has now advertised for a new part-time employee to take responsibility for the market, and has remodelled its accommodation to provide office space by dividing the community room in the town council offices.

It has also established a market working group to consider the terms and conditions for stall holders, who currently pay £18.50 for each of the 21 ten-foot pitches.

Stallholders who have attended as long as, if not longer, than the fruit and vegetable stall, described last month as one of the best and longest serving, have responded to the suggestion that stalls should be restricted to those which do not compete with other outlets. They say that they all compete, selling household goods, socks and pants, shoes and watches.

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August 2016

Capability Brown exhibition opened THE Capability Brown Exhibition at Milton Abbey was declared officially open by Gilly Drummond, chairman of the national Capability Brown Festival.

The ceremony was performed in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell, the Rt Revd David Hallatt, honorary assistant bishop in the Salisbury Diocese and former Bishop of Shrewsbury, and many other dignitaries.

The major exhibition in the Abbey Church and school buildings is at the heart of the festival marking the first ever celebration of Brown's extensive works.

It opened to the general public on 10th July and will continue until 21st August, containing an exceptional range of artworks.

They include artwork by Royal Academician Stephen Farthing and artist and author Tim ScottBolton, work from 11 artists from Dorset Visual Arts, a new film featuring John Phibbs, the lead-

ing expert on Brown, beautiful embroidery from the National Guild and interactive digital imagery from leading photographers.

The range of multi-media has been labelled 'The Capability Brown Experience'. Visitors were also able to see and appreciate the magic of Brown's work at Milton Abbey, rated as one of the top ten of more than 200 sites in England which, in Dorset, also include Sherborne Castle and Highcliffe Castle.

The theme of the exhibition is the 'enjoyment of landscape, built heritage and its enhancement of quality of life'.

Festival organiser Michael McAvoy said: "It is very important to give everyone the opportunity to admire and enjoy the outstanding landscape at Milton Abbey, and to get a better understanding of Brown's work."

For more information, see capabilitybrownatmiltonabbey.org.

Ceryl Evans, director of the Capability Brown Festival, and artist Tim ScottBolton at the opening.

Picture: Daniel Rushall.

£1.2m lottery grant for Milton Abbey LESS than a week after the official opening of the Capability Brown Experience exhibition at Milton Abbey, the Heritage Lottery announced a grant of £1.249 million towards the cost of a major repair programme for the 14th century Grade I listed building.

It will be used to repair the key features of the Abbey, including internal and external masonry, the tower windows, ceilings and vaults. Historic walks, drives and viewpoints in the grounds will be rediscovered and discreet, oakclad pods will be installed to house toilets, a kitchen and office and storage facilities.

The grant amounts to 73 per cent of the total cost of the programme, which is urgently required to preserve the Abbey for future generations and enhance its integration with the stunning Capability Brown designed landscape.

The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, said: "Milton Abbey is one of the gems of the diocese with a deep Benedictine tradition of prayer and hospitality and new opportunities for pilgrim-

age. The Heritage Lottery Fund's generous support will restore the Abbey, revitalise its internationally significant Capability Brown landscape, reveal the rich history of the site and breathe new life into this wonderful Christian site for all its visitors."

The Revd John Simmons, chair of the Milton Abbey standing committee, added: "It is particularly exciting to receive this grant during the period when our major multimedia exhibition is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Capability Brown."

Nerys Watts, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: "The tercentenary of Capability Brown's birth has inspired a great deal of interest in the work of England's greatest gardener so there's no better time to be embarking on this ambitious project at one of Brown's most impressive landscapes. This grant will breathe new life into the building and surrounding parkland, ensuring visitors can discover its many charms for years to come."

Loo repair proves costly NEW flooring and plumbing has been installed in Blandford's Marsh and Ham toilets at a cost of £3,250 plus VAT after a large hole appeared in the floor of one of the units early in May. Blandford Town council's town & general purposes committee was told the floor had become rotten, due partly to leaking connectors which had to be replaced, and that the other units also needed repairs.

Chairman Roger Carter thanked those parishes who have made contributions to the town council helping to meet the running costs and repairs such as those at the public conveniences.

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August 2016

Abigail’s cake coup NINE-year-old Abigail Sims from Milldown Primary School in Blandford was the older age group winner in a 'Design a Cake Fit for the Queen' competition staged county-wide for primary school children by Local Food Links, which provide the hot meals to schools in West and North Dorset.

Her beautiful three-tier design included hollowed-out centres filled with gold-covered chocolate balls.

Other designs featured sugar-spun crowns, chocolate corgis and a vanilla palace cake, which won the younger age group award for six-year-old Kitt Sullivan from Thorners Primary School, Litton Cheney.

Caroline Morgan, chief executive of Local Food Links, said: "We love to inspire children's interest in food, and we are confident Her Majesty would be delighted with any one of these cakes!"

Morrisons object to Lidl store plan AN application by Lidl for a supermarket on part of the site for which planning permission was granted to Asda has encountered objections from the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and from consultants acting for town centre store Morrisons.

It has also received a considerable number of letters of support from members of the public.

Lidl's planning consultant DPP Planning have answered the town centre store's concern about the impact on their business, quoting the North Dorset Local Plan, which highlights the need for additional retail floor space and specifically the provision of a new supermarket off Shaftesbury Lane, which is also supported in the developing Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan.

They also comment that any potential S106 funding will be a matter entirely for the council and Lidl.

"If the council identify an impact which legitimately needs to be mitigated in some way in order to make Lidl's proposal acceptable in land use planning terms, this may well manifest itself in a planning obligation as a pre-requisite to the grant of planning permission.

"No doubt, as the planning process draws to a close, it will

become public knowledge if such an agreement has been required and what matters have been addressed in the obligation."

A revised landscaping scheme has also been submitted in response to comments from the Cranborne Chase AONB, whose planning consultant Richard Burden said: "It is extremely disappointing that Lidl and its array of consultants fail to mention in the variety of submitted reports and statements that the site is within the AONB, one of the nation's finest landscapes.

"Without that recognition it is not surprising that a standard building design has been applied to the site rather than making real and realistic efforts to provide a building that seeks to integrate with the AONB landscape."

He said the AONB will only be able to encourage, rather than object to, the development if the Lidl proposal includes the key landscape proposals of the original Asda scheme, including measures to avoid light pollution, and followed the AONB management plan on renewable energy.

He has also called for changes to the colour of the shiny roof level fascia to matt green and improvement to the eastern boundary treatment.

Weldmar Hospicecare's annual Pyjama Walk will be held on Saturday 13th August around the beautiful grounds of Bryanston School. The 5km walk takes in two circuits and will start at 10pm.

There will be a fun Zumba warm-up, refreshments and a set of flashing bunny ears for all the walkers when they sign in, together with a goodie bag at the end of the walk.

Teams and individuals can sign up to raise sponsorship to help provide vital services in the north of Dorset by calling 01305 261800 or registering online at weld-hospice.org.uk/pyjamawalk

Abigail with her winning cake design.

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August 2016

Golfers play for charity THE second annual Friends of Blandford Hospital charity golf day was a great success thanks to the committed group of volunteers who organised it.

The 18 teams enjoyed the sunshine on the course and the hospitality in the clubhouse while competing for some fantastic prizes.

The overall winning team was led

by Jacob Jeal, of Bradfords Building Supplies, the first placed mixed team was from Dixon Stewart solicitors of Ringwood, and the winning ladies' team was Marie Haworth, Maz Madell, Jane Lowton and Brenda Spencer.

The Friends of Blandford Hospital would like to thank their main sponsors, Howdens Joinery, Ashley Wood Golf Club and all the local businesses that supported the event.

The net surplus for the event is anticipated to be in the region of ÂŁ3,200 which will be put to good use with upcoming projects at the hospital and throughout the local community.

The winning team, representing Bradfords Building Supplies.

MP calls for more focus on tourism NORTH Dorset MP Simon Hoare highlighted the importance to local businesses of a thriving community with spending power to support the local economy when he met members of the Blandford Business Group in Beatons Tearooms.

He welcomed the recent Defence Review which foresaw long-term viability for Blandford Camp, and the redevelopment of the brewery site at Blandford St Mary, saying he was keen to see a mix of housing development, but greater emphasis was needed on delivery to bring people with money who would spend it locally.

He also said he felt North Dorset District Council had taken a backward step in ceasing to involve itself in tourism.

"I realised how sensible it was to retain it in my authority seven years ago, and we have a great deal to offer and don't do enough to promote it. If we move to a tripartite or a rural unitary authority there should be resources there for a couple of council officers to boost the tourist sector.�

Mr Hoare said strategic investment was going to Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and the economy stopped thriving west of Wimborne High Street. But the western sector was moving forward and starting to progress.

He went on: "It is time for the north and north-west of the county to have a better and larger slice of the cake. Dorset County Council is working with Wiltshire and North East Somerset to commission a study to look at north/south links with Poole, including the A350 and C13.

"In Blandford we are starting to see some progress, with good things happening about the market and potential for a Lottery bid which could turn the key."

Members of the group said Blandford Camp was not much of a customer base, since many shopped online, particularly since the bus service to the camp had been withdrawn. It was suggested that a military discount or loyalty card or community bus to and from the camp might help to attract the huge workforce.

TOWN councillors have welcomed a suggestion that the registration service should remain in Blandford, although its future location is uncertain as Nordon is being sold by North Dorset District Council. In response to a consultation by Dorset County Council into the future of the service, they have urged that as many offices as possible should be retained in rural areas, where transport is difficult.

August 2016

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August 2016

Floral Art Society members in front of the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion,

Lyn Coubrough with her royal floral tribute.

Flower girls bring an extra splash of colour BLANDFORD's Floral Art Society members gathered in the Woodhouse Gardens for their second annual public exhibition.

It was also a fundraising event both for the society, with the sale of cream teas, and for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Visitors were invited to buy a rose, place a message on a card, and attach it to the arch as they passed through. The 64 roses provided quickly sold out and had to be replenished with other blooms.

Club secretary Diana Berridge created a colourful piece representing the Olympic games logo using rich red, green, black, blue and yellow blooms.

Lyn Coubrough made an attractive model of a crown depicting the Queen's 90th birthday, with the main detail in red, white, and blue.

She said: "I spent a whole day doing it, but when I put it in the car this morning and went down a hill, it rolled off its stand, so it was

lucky it got here in one piece."

Members said it seemed unnecessary to further decorate the gardens which are maintained so beautifully by town council staff.

Council gardener Mike Holloway said: "I've always enjoyed gardening, but it's really nice for them to be able to create something like this."

Another royal honour for local company TRIMETALS, based on Sunrise Business Park in Blandford, have been recognised for their impressive export achievements in the Queen's Awards for Enterprise.

The company makes metal storage units, and has received the Queen's Award for International Trade through demonstrating significant and sustained growth in global markets.

Already Europe's leading manufacturer of quality metal garden storage buildings, it has focused on worldwide expansion to deliver international sales growth averaging 33 per cent per year and totaling 283 per cent over the last six years. Overseas trade now accounts for 18 per cent of the company's revenue.

As well as its metal garden sheds and storage units for lawnmowers, tools and patio furniture, Trimetals is also well-known for secure bicycle and motorcycle storage for domestic users. Its products are used by organisations including landscapers, golf and football clubs and schools.

This Queen's Award is the second royal badge of honour for the company, whose products have recently become the only metal sheds and garden stores approved by the Royal Horticultural Society.

August 2016

A healthy outlook for town’s hospital CHANGES proposed in the latest vision for health service provision in Dorset could be very positive for Blandford, chairman Steve Cole told the Friends of Blandford Hospital at their annual general meeting, held in the Portman Unit at the hospital.

They had heard a presentation from Teresa Cole, locality manager for the Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust, who urged them to view proposals for the acute and community hospitals on the Clinical Commissioning Group website.

She said they included maintaining beds in Blandford and developing a community hub much as suggested some years ago by the Friends in their own vision for the future of Blandford hospital.

She said a palliative care suite of really good design was being created using part of the now-closed Betty Highwood ward not used by the Children and Adults Mental Health Team, and a feasibility study is being carried out for

improvements to the day theatre.

Although the contract for dental services had been lost to the Poole NHS Foundation Trust, it is hoped the facilities will continue to be used by another consultant developing services in the Portman Unit, where there are also plans to develop an overnight facility.

The Friends were thanked for their support, in particular by Tim Shaw, team leader for the rehabilitation team, who acknowledged that his department had received the lion's share in the provision of a van which made a huge difference to the team. They have also allowed the hospital to respond to friends and family feedback.

Donations have also been made to organisations working in the community, including Positive Approach, the Blandford Opportunity Group and Blandford Youth Trust, and the voluntary transport scheme has provided over 3,000 journeys to patients in need of hospital and health appointments.

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The walkers, runners and riders gather with Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and her husband John at the start of the Trailway Challenge.

A happy start for trekkers BLANDFORD Opportunity Group supporters set out on their annual fundraiser, the Trailway Challenge, in the knowledge that a National Lottery award of ÂŁ9,500 to carry out improvements to their premises at the Opportunity Hall in Whitecliff Gardens was about to be announced.

Around 30 people turned out for walk, run and cycle ride to Shillingstone and back on the North Dorset Trailway, and were wished well on their way by the Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and her husband and consort John.

The registered charity, which provides specialist pre-school care and education for severely disabled children, will be launching its preschool in September for other children, aged two and over, which will run alongside the one for those with special needs.

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August 2016

Theatre youngsters’ show debut triumph BLANDFORD'S own Performing Arts Theatre Academy staged its first full-scale performance to a packed audience in the Corn Exchange.

'Believe', with the tagline 'Imagination Makes Dreams Come True', was the story of two fairy sisters, one sweet and good and the other moody and bad.

Blossom shows her sister Fawn the way to happiness.

The former sought and found a magic spell which required human children to believe in fairy magic - but there was no Peter Pan or Tinkerbell. Instead a cast of fairies, forest animals, fruits of the forest, swamp imps and fireflies sang and danced their way through the performance as Blossom (Molly Carter) sought the good side of Fawn (Freya Inglis) with the help and hindrance of Angel Ashworth, Albie Jones, Wanda Ashworth and Boyd James in leading roles, with Charlie Biggs as narrator.

Academy principal Becky Hollands, paying tribute to all who had helped with and sponsored the production, said: "This tiny little school hasn't been going for two years yet and what a time it's been! We have had amazing exam success, been part of a number of community events, worked on the Railway Children with Forum Drama and put on our very first show in the Corn Exchange. We hope to be back in the next year or two with another show

Sitting pretty: some of the cast of PATA’s show ‘Believe’. and even more children.

"In April we moved all our dance classes to R Lukins Fitness in Pimperne, where we now have a

purpose-built space to expand further and support our students in their development, and we look forward to welcoming new faces.”

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ORSET & Somerset Air Ambulance representatives Wendy Burke and Richard Robbins, pictured left and right, have attended Colin's Community Club in Damory Street, Blandford, on several occasions to receive fundraising by members totalling many hundreds of pounds.

But a recent presentation was a first when they received a matchstick helicopter modelled by regular customer Bob Searle of Alexandra Street, Blandford.

Matchstick modelling is the hobby of the ex-serviceman, pictured centre, who has also

made an aircraft for presentation to Compton Abbas airfield, and a fire engine for Hurn Airport.

August 2016

Surprises abound in hidden gardens THE ninth annual Blandford Stour Rotary Hidden Gardens day saw 20 gardens opened to the public in sometimes changeable weather to support a number of local and national charities.

Many have opened their gates regularly in the past, but as always there were new venues to visit this year, some long established gardens and some relatively young.

At Hill House in Salisbury Road and at Highgate House in Edward Street, it was astonishing to discover the expansive plots maintained by Kate and Geraint Hughes and Jenny and Dan Thompson respectively; and at Grade II listed 18 Whitecliff Mill Street, the tiny walled courtyard of Julia Mathews was filled with containers and borders of fragrant perennials and climbers.

Diane Hart and Joy Dickens explore the grotto at Sara Loch's Old House in The Close.

Another small enclosed garden which dated back to the 1830s was to be found at Dorset House, once the home of Blandford's WWI Victoria Cross winner Jack Counter, and now that of Julie and Peter Newall, who delight not only in the shrubs and herbs but also in a fascinating range of garden ornaments.

The popularity of the event was evident in the large number of local people and visitors to be seen carrying their programme and map directing them to the addresses all around the town.

At least 14 charities and projects, including those supported by Rotary, were the beneficiaries of ticket sales and donations made at the venues, many of which offered refreshments on sale for their cause.

Organiser David Rose thanked everyone who had come to see the gardens, and the owners and gardeners supporting the event with their time. "We are very grateful for their hard work."

The previous week, 11 gardens were opened to the public in Charlton Marshall in support of its new village hall fund.

Volunteers worked from early in the day to prepare for the event, which included crafts, plants and baked confectionery in the village hall where refreshments were available. Visitors enjoyed viewing gardens in Meadow Road, Bournemouth Road, Greenfield Road, The Close and Cereleton Park.

Event organiser Christine Smith said: "I'm delighted to report that we collected in total ÂŁ634 towards the funds for a muchneeded new village hall."

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Above: Blandford's Freemasons turned out to offer barbecue refreshments at the Blandford Museum's Victorian Garden. Below: Julia Mathews finds peace in her tiny garden in Whitecliff Mill Street.

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August 2016

Support for the services

Festival of Folk

ARMED Forces Day was celebrated in Blandford in a number of the town's pubs and clubs with entertainment throughout the day - and Euro 2016 football matches shown on the big screen.

Members "showed their support" at the Royal British Legion Club in Church Lane where there was an open day, with live music from Ricky Hunter including hits of World War Two and the Big Band era, entertainment including Krazy Kev for the children, scrumpy at ÂŁ2 a pint, a barbecue, and RBL branch recruitment stand and women's section stall which raised ÂŁ200.

At the Kings Arms in Whitecliff Mill Street there was hypnotism and trickery from James Brown, live music from Owen and Darren and singer Jade, refreshments from Holly's Cakes and The Sweet Jar and a tombola.

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Richard Williams and Tony Lucas at the Branch Poppy Appeal stall with children attending the Armed Forces Day celebration at Blandford Royal British Legion.

A MINI festival of Folk at the Forum was brought to Blandford by the Wessex Acoustic Folk Club with a series of events including two concerts, Morris dancing and a ceilidh.

The Friday evening concert at the Royal British Legion featured multi-award winning folk star Lucy Ward and talented young trio Granny's Attic.

Morris dancing in the Market Place and Greyhound Yard on the Saturday was popular with shoppers, and the afternoon concert, again at the Royal British Legion, featured French singer Flossie Malavialle, and Two Coats Colder, a four-piece band which originated in Dorset but is now based in Essex. An evening ceilidh was held in the Corn Exchange with the Dorset-based Hat Band.

Organisers Kathy Dunn and John Butcher, who run Wessex Acoustic Folk, which meets monthly at the Royal British Legion, said the concerts had gone well, but were disappointed with the audience numbers.

13

August 2016

Beer and bands make a merry mix BREWERS Hall and Woodhouse hosted their annual beer festival at the brewery in Blandford St Mary with live music, food stands and fun activities.

Highlights included bands such as Carnival band Gugge 2000, Dorset-based Selective Hearing, Loose Connections and Quinn Quinney on the main stage, and Brett Rosehill, a talented young acoustic guitarist and singer, who is also a brewery team member, in the beer tent.

An extensive range of nearly 50 beers and ciders was available, and fun and games were to be found in and outside the tent including a miniature steam train display.

The festival, with sponsorship from a number of businesses, supported Together for Young Lives, the leading UK charity that speaks out for and supports children and young people with lifelimiting conditions, and which has been nominated by the brewery as the beneficiary of fundraising

All the fun of the fete

Gugge 2000 toast the Hall and Woodhouse Beer Festival. this year.

Last year's festival raised ÂŁ15,000 for two Blandford charities, Teddy

20 and the Blandford Opportunity Group, and for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

CHILDREN and their families gathered for the Blandford Children's Centre and Otters fete at the centre in Black Lane.

Katherine Dandridge and three other parents organised the event which filled the centre and the entrance forecourt to the Archbishop Wake Primary School next door.

There was face painting, a tombola, raffle, bouncy castle, cake and sweet sales, and a range of other stands, such as Alison Pickering's aromatherapy and body products and those offering dance classes for nursery children.

Spectacular success for Lions’ venture MORE than 26,000 pairs of glasses have been collected over the past year by Lions clubs across Dorset, of which Blandford & District Lions collected 942 pairs - and two hearing aids - via an event called SpecTrek.

The annual initiative across the UK started in 1982, and millions of used specs have been donated since its launch. They are sorted, and any gold removed and sold to fund other sight-related projects.

Local collection points for used glasses are at Robert Frith, Whitecliff Mill Street surgery, Child Okeford surgery, The Blandford School, Blandford Bowling Club, Blandford Community Hospital, Blandford Camp and Nostalgia in West Street.

Anyone interested in learning more about the activities of Blandford & District Lions should contact Nigel Hodder on 01258 880229 or blandfordlions@hotmail.com.

14

August 2016

A wide range of stands in the Corn Exchange.

A guide to good health Reflexology with Shirley Jackson.

DOZENS of businesses and organisations offering health and wellbeing services gathered in Blandford Corn Exchange to promote and share their facilities with members of the public during the two-day Well & Connected Expo.

It was also an opportunity for staff and volunteers to network with others working in similar fields and exchange information.

More than 400 people attended on Friday 1st July, which focused mainly on treatments and the following day, which focused on activities available to promote good health in mind and body.

There were workshops including

a dementia-friendly training session and shared reading with Blandford Library, training sessions and exercise with representatives of Blandford Leisure Centre, and information on relationship, counselling, the fostering service, and disability aids, together with the opportunity to have mini health checks with the Whitecliff Surgery.

There was also a chance to sample Indian head massage and meditation, reflexology, cycling lessons offered by Cyclewise, to make your own muesli and enjoy the offerings of the Friendly Food Club's cookery workshop and Tesco Farm to Fork.

Kurling proves a winner BRENDONCARE, the registered charity providing friendship clubs for older people, are finding that kurling is proving a popular activity for their members, particularly at the Blandford club which meets every Wednesday in the Parish Centre between 2pm and 4pm.

Vicky Oliver said: "It is an easy game to play, offering gentle exercise for the players as well as encouraging mental skills in playing the game and scoring.

We would like to raise local awareness of our charity and hopefully, encourage more older people to come along to the club."

For more information, see brendoncare.org.uk/clubs.

Healthwatch Dorset will later this year be running a care home project looking at how care homes enable residents to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

They are seeking volunteers interested in becoming involved by undertaking training in September to visit homes, and are also keen to hear people's experiences of particular homes. To find out more, contact chris.wakefield@healthwatchdorset.co.uk

15

August 2016

Festival of Words gets people talking BLANDFORD's first Festival of Words from 13th to 19th June, sponsored by Forum Focus, featured a series of events held at various venues around the town.

They included an exhibition on writing and the Language of Flowers at the Town Museum, a lecture on the evolution of speech, a wordsearch based on the work of Blandford Fashion Museum, and story writing and reading at Blandford Library.

More than 60 shopkeepers and businesses were invited to display words and quotations in their windows, and there were unannounced poetry readings at a number of establishments.

The lecture, 'To Talk or not to Talk', was given in the Town Museum, and more than 30 people attended a story night in Blandford Library at which many read their own stories, including Martin Ansell performing his new work 'The Old Guitar', in which he accompanied his story on the guitar.

'Words on War' in the Woodhouse Gardens included the U3A choir and a promenade performance in the open air staged by the town's 14-18 commemoration group.

There were activities focusing mainly on children, including preparation of illuminated letters, a story writing workshop, and poetry and short story reading by pupils from The Blandford School and winners of competitions staged by

Blandford's two Rotary clubs.

The festival ended with a book launch at Beatons Tea Rooms by local author Vicky Straker, whose 'Bicycles, Bloomers & Great War Rationing Recipes' features the life and times of Dorothy Peel and recreated the recipes she developed during wartime rationing to suit modern tastes and equipment.

The festival brought together under the Regeneration banner a number of organisations working towards the improvement of their own buildings or others, including the Cupola Project at the parish church and the Friends of the Forum at the Corn Exchange.

Spokesperson Esme Butler said: "We collaborated to celebrate the words we all use virtually every second of the day with the power to make us cry, laugh, express anger, resolve conflict or give comfort. We hope to make it an annual event."

The winners of the Fashion Museum wordsearch demonstrated that it had attracted entries from across a wide area, with the first five correct entries drawn including those of M Stokes of Croydon, Mrs D Nation of Poole and Sue Hepburn of Hazelbury Bryan. We are assured that there was no cheating involved in the other two being Helen Cooper, one of the Festival of Words organisers, and Linda Scott-Giles, Blandford's town clerk!

Songs in the Woodhouse Gardens with the U3A choir, part of the Festival of Words.

THE gates opened on Durweston Church Fete in bright weather in the scenic gardens of Rectory House to a performance by the Bryanston School Band playing a number of popular songs on the stage.

Children from Durweston CE Primary School performed Morris dancing to an appreciative audience, and a wide variety of stalls included books, cakes and plants.

Traditional games like skittles and the coconut shy on the lawn were particularly popular with the children.

Winners: Richard Green, Kevin Smith and Blandford's Ingrid Hayes.

Ingrid’s writing success A BLANDFORD woman has been judged runner-up in the Shaftesbury Fringe Story Slam organised by the Dorset Writers Network.

Writers were invited to enter a short story of no more than 250 words and read it at the event held at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.

Ingrid Hayes's story was set in a school playground and was based around a conversation between two young children who played at being 'foreign'.

The judges were particularly impressed with how Ingrid had used the naivety of children to convey an important message about what makes someone 'foreign'.

The winner was Ken Smith from Gillingham and third place went to Richard Green from Dorchester.

16

Law firm expands with HR specialist BLANDFORD law firm Blanchards Bailey has announced that, in response to its business clients' demand, it has expanded by launching a new HR consultancy service.

Jane Eldridge (right), who heads up the new service, brings more than 30 years' HR experience, gained in sectors including manufacturing, education, retail and the third sector, to add to the range of professional services Blanchards Bailey provides.

Jane is available to advise clients on a wide range of subjects, such as appraisal, interview and negotiating skills, delivering workshops on personal development and the 2010 Equality Act, policy and procedure updates, and assessing senior level CIPD candidates.

Jane, who joins the firm from the Church of England, where she held a senior advisory position, said: "I was particularly attracted to Blanchards Bailey as the company's ethos and values align with my own. I have always cho-

sen to work in organisations that act ethically and professionally and care about the people they deal with, both internally and externally."

Sarah Heath, who heads the commercial services team said: "We are pleased to welcome Jane to the team. Her wealth of experience in human resource issues and her knowledge of our local area will be of great value to our clients."

For more information visit blanchardsbailey.co.uk.

August 2016

Grahame’s pedal power for charity WHEN Rotarian Grahame Shaw, 72, heard about Rotary Ride, a national campaign to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK, he decided to return to cycling after an absence of many years.

He trained for six weeks prior to the local Ride, that started from the Fippenny Fayre on Father's Day. On a day plagued by torrential rain, Grahame, a retired Anglican Canon, accompanied by his daughter-in-law Tracey, covered 28 miles over an undulating, difficult course.

As he pointed out: "The actual ride is 21 miles around the Stour. Unfortunately we took a wrong turning in wind and pouring rain and ended up repeating a seven-mile stretch. Several hills, high winds and a puncture all conspired against us."

Despite all the difficulties, Grahame raised ÂŁ380 through sponsorship by members of

Retired priest Grahame gears up for the Rotary Ride.

Blandford Rotary and friends in Pimperne.

Nic Nicol of Blandford Rotary said: "This was a magnificent effort by Grahame for a very worthy cause."

Grahame is continuing with his cycling, and since the Rotary Ride has ridden the whole of the trailway with U3A cyclists.

LETTERS

August 2016

Readers’ letters

Bible story disappoints I WAS asked to read the first lesson at our Evensong service so blew the dust off my old Bible but still found the writing too small to read clearly.

So I made a pig's ear out of the reading and first thing Monday morning I drove into Blandford to buy myself a nice new large-print Bible.

But Smith's don't now stock Bibles - they only had a child's one which the very helpful sales assistant said she didn't think was suitable!

The book shop in the Market Place don't stock Bibles, and unfortunately by this time I was exhausted so didn't get to the book shop at the East Street end of the town. But home without being able to buy the Christian best-selling book. What's gone wrong with the world?

Della Jones MBE Address supplied

Rugby club are winners I WAS so pleased to see a report in Forum Focus July issue about Blandford RFC. They are the unsung heroes - we never get to see any results in the press. They have had some resounding wins, all worthy of note. Congratulations to them I'm glad I get first-hand info of results. Keep up the good work and thanks for the report.

Maisie Curtis, Durweston

A rough ride on the buses I AM often told to make the best of what we've got.

Public transport in our rural countryside has become very fragmented. Anyone travelling to see a loved one or doing a shopping trip will come up against a brick wall. Our communities are having to pick up the pieces.

I read with interest about interurban, core routes, use of school buses and developing a commu-

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

nity transport network.

After the last round of cuts, we are still faced with many rural areas isolated.

DCT are trying to infill where a bus service was withdrawn with this dial-a-bus scheme, but I am concerned with the next round of cuts, how long will it be before we will have no rural bus services? Will we all then have to use DCT's dial-a-bus?

Robert Cowley Lady Bailey Park Winterborne Whitechurch

Lip-reading classes A NEW series of lip-reading classes for both beginners and improvers is starting in September at the Adult Education Centre, Black Lane, Blandford.

They are open to people of any age who are deaf or hard of hearing, and their partners and carers.

My wife and I have enjoyed and benefited from these, and several people joined in response to my letter in last December's Forum Focus.

Details are in the Skills and Learning brochure recently delivered to homes in the area but if you would like to know a bit about it contact us on 01258 452872 or

17 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.

mk.cmanor@googlemail.com.

Mark Churchill Charlton Marshall

Words of thanks I AM writing on behalf of the Heritage Regeneration Group made up of the Friends of the Forum, the Cupola Project, the Railway Arches Trust, the Town Museum, the Fashion Museum and Blandford & District Civic Society.

The group thanks Forum Focus for its very kind donation of ÂŁ500 which enabled their project - the

Festival of Words - to take place.

A full week's programme was on offer, with the Regeneration members taking on and running different events throughout the week. In addition, the library became involved putting on three events, and the 14-18 Working Group also supported the event with their 'Words on War'.

Even the shops supported and enjoyed displaying quotes and words in their windows.

Overall the group felt it was a successful event and will consider at its next meeting whether this will become a regular event in the town's life.

Esme Butler Festival of Words Co-ordinator

18

August 2016

Sponsors fund hall work THE village hall committee in Winterborne Stickland is delighted to have been able to redecorate the outside of the hall thanks to a generous sponsorship deal with Blandford Plumbing and Heating.

They paid for the labour costs of £800, and presented the cheque to hall committee chairman Kevin Oakley.

The Stickland Sports & Social

Club is also celebrating its reopening after a refurbishment costing around £8,000, funded partly by grants from the parish council and Canada Farm solar fund.

Secretary Mike Ford said the premises were now available for hire for parties, wedding anniversaries and other events and can be booked by calling 01258 880969 or 880864.

Fun and music in the wood TROUBADOURS Vlad Gorre, left, and Tim Piper at the Angus Wood Midsummer Night's Dream event, which featured decorated woodland with a bar, barbecue, games for children and a fancy dress competition.

With sponsorship from Hall & Woodhouse and others, it resulted in £300 being raised towards the maintenance of the wood for the community by the Blandford Environmental Trust.

Work mornings are held on the last Saturday of each month between 10am and noon, and their next event will be their Halloween party at the end of October.

Lottie Hodder, Ben Williams, Jason Wareham and Tony Locock of Blandford Plumbing and Heating present the cheque for £800 to Kevin Oakley, the Pamela Hambro Hall chairman.

19

August 2016

Joint action plan to tackle dementia in the community BLANDFORD Parish Centre was filled by an audience of people with first-hand experience of what was described as Britain's 'demographic time-bomb' - the growing number of people living longer and coping with dementia in themselves or their close relatives.

Topics discussed included how to recognise the onset of dementia, how neighbours of those living with it could best help both patient and carer, how to make housing and the town more dementia friendly, and the training available for those, particularly in public service, who encounter dementia patients in the course of their work.

There were also questions about sourcing help for those living alone, the difficulty of accessing services in a rural area, how to seek power of attorney, and the issues faced by those with an early diagnosis who might have

their driving licence withdrawn.

The many questions and problems were answered and discussed by a panel chaired by North Dorset MP Simon Hoare. It included Salisbury solicitor Elizabeth Webbe, who specialises in dementia cases; Carole Tilley, practice manager at the Whitecliff Surgery in Blandford; Mary James from the charity Silverline, a phone line for the elderly founded by Esther Rantzen; and Penny Ford, regional officer for the Alzheimer's Society.

The panel was introduced by Margaret Holt, who organised the debate on behalf of the Blandford Dementia Alliance and who was congratulated by those attending on a format which had allowed individuals to question a panel which could discuss the issues in some depth.

The Dementia Friendly Alliance (dementiafriendlyblandford@gmail.

com) is seeking to promote dementia awareness and inclusion around the town and links into the national Dementia Action Alliance. It is currently encouraging businesses to have dementia action plans, and some have agreed to have dementia awareness training.

Businesses and faith organisations interested in becoming dementia friendly can contact the group co-ordinator Tracy WilsonCorben at dementiafriendlyblandford@gmail.com.

PICTURED: To the left of the Alzheimer's Society panel are(from left) Margaret Holt, Mary James, Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and her consort John Stayt and front Tracy Wilson-Corben, Blandford Dementia Action Alliance co-ordinator; and to the right of the panel North Dorset MP Simon Hoare and Blandford's police sergeant James Dimmack, front Penny Ford of the Alzheimer's Society, solicitor Elizabeth Webbe and Whitecliff Surgery practice manager Carole Tilley.

20

August 2016

Villages bear the brunt of August casualties NO deaths in August 1916 are commemorated on the Blandford war memorial, but out in the villages the story was repeatedly of families who lost or would lose a number of sons, both in France and further afield.

Two were brothers from Farnham Henry Light gave his age as 44 and who died within three weeks of each other and hundreds of miles apart Walter 42 according to P.S.S Otter on Albert George Alner, serving with arrest. They were found guilty and the 6th Dorsets in France on 6th handed over to a military escort.

August, and Walter Mark Alner, Thursday, August 24th 1916 serving with the 2nd Dorsets in The eldest son of Major and Mrs H Mesopotamia, on 24th August.

H Beever, Littleton House, The British had suffered a major Blandford, Captain William Henry defeat in April 1916 at Kut-alBeever of the Rifle Brigade, reported Amara when they surrendered to wounded and missing, unofficially is Ottoman attack, and more than reported killed in action on July 1st.

13,000 were taken prisoner.

Robert Hart of Shillingstone, who died on 15th August, was also serving with the 2nd Dorsets and is buried in the Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery. His father Henry had died in 1911, and his brother Frederick John (Jack) had been killed when HMS Good Hope was sunk at the Battle of Coronel in 1914.

Also serving in Mesopotamia with the 5th Wiltshires was William Henry Fisher of Iwerne Minster, who died on 9th August, and is buried in the Amara War Cemetery. His father Henry was a haulier and brickmaker, who married Sarah Baker of Corscombe in 1891.

William was the elder of their two sons.

On the Somme, the Battle of Delville Wood was fought between 14th July and 15th September and the Battle of Pozières Ridge between 23rd July and 7th August.

Serving with the Dorsetshire Regiment 6th Battalion was Harold Harold Eric Wells of Tarrant Keyneston died Eric Wells of Tarrant Keyneston, who was 20 on 7th August in France.

From the Dorset County Chronicle Thursday 3rd August 1916 Reported death from five wounds while in action, France, on July 30th: Second Lieutenant Charles Montague Williams, Manchester Regiment. Eldest Son of Mr and Mrs M Scott Williams of Woodland House, Blandford.

Thursday August 10th 1916 Special anniversaries were held at the church marking the second anniversary since the outbreak of the war. Sunday evening service also of a commemorative character, with suitable psalms, lesson, hymns, and prayers, completing with a commemoration of all who had lost their lives in the war. The names of the Blandford men who had fallen were read out, nearly 40 of them.

Collections were in aid of British prisoners in Germany, raising ÂŁ8 13s.

The Volunteer Training Company held some very interesting, instructive exercises. The company marched toward Spetisbury, where Crawford bridge was held by an advancing enemy, represented by the Spetisbury section under Sergeant E A Smith. The attack was well practised, and some useful manoeuvres engaged in. The men enjoyed a tea in the late afternoon courtesy of Rev C K and Mrs Kennsway."

On Tuesday two men were charged with being absentees from His Majesty's Forces under the Military Service Act 1916. F Salmon and M W E Lawrence felt they were over age.

In July we stated that J Butt on the Charlton Marshall memorial was the John Butt of the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry named on the Blandford war memorial who died on 19th July 1916; further research has shown that it related to James Butt of the 1st Dorsets who died on 23rd February 1915.

when he died 7th August and is buried in the Chocques Military Cemetery.

His family records reveal how well travelled was the agricultural community in the years before the outbreak of war.

He was the youngest son of farmer James Wells, originally from Frensham in Surrey. His mother Harriet had been born in Tarrant Keyneston and they were married in Brentford, Middlesex.

His brothers Martin and Aleck and sister Harriet had been born in Milborne Port in the 1880s, but by 1896, when Harold was born, the family were living in a small hamlet outside Ledbury in Herefordshire.

They were there for at least four years before moving back to Tarrant Keyneston where they were living in 1911.

His eldest brother Martin served as a stoker on HMS Colossus and survived the war. Alex was an engineer (sapper) in the Royal Naval Division who also survived.

Also in France serving with the 6th Dorsets was Francis George Harris of Farnham, killed in action, aged 19, on 21st August. He was the second of five sons and two daughters of Charles Harris and Edith Emily Hiscock and is buried in the SaillyAu-Bois Military Cemetery. His younger brother Walter was killed in France in 1918.

Another Shillingstone man, tailor's son Bertram Inkpen, who is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, was serving with the 1st Gordon Highlanders when he died on 18th August in France. His brother Walter had been killed in Gallipoli in 1915, and another brother Ernest John died a month later in September 1916 in Egypt.

Shepherd's son Sydney Barrett was serving with the Machine Gun Corps 45th Battalion in France when he died on 26th August, aged 25. He is buried in the Millencourt Communal Cemetery extension and is remembered both at Hinton Martell, where his family lived, and at Langton Long where he was in 1911 working as a farm labourer.

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

August 2016

From left: Brig Sharon Nesmith, Blandford Garrison Commander Col Andy Percival, Maj-Gen John Crackett, Master of Signals Lieut-Gen Nick Pope, Brig Greg Wilson, Royal Signals Corps Colonel Simon Hutchinson.

Signals’ stone honours Queen’s birthday AS part of the annual Royal Signals Association reunion, Master of Signals and Deputy Chief of the General Staff LieutGen Nick Pope unveiled a memorial stone on the newly named Elizabeth Field at Blandford Camp to honour the Queen's 90th birthday.

The field is the garrison's commemoration

to the monarch and acknowledges not only her personal milestone but her service as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

It was used throughout the weekend which culminated in a 'Party In The Park' concert for the serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Museum exhibitions feature the Somme and the railway TWO new exhibitions have opened this month at the Blandford Town Museum, the first featuring the role and fate of Blandfordians in 1916 in World War One, particularly at the Somme and in Mesopotamia.

Created by curator Michael Le Bas, it was officially opened by Sean Kielty, deputy commandant at Blandford Camp.

The second, opened on 18th July and in place until 17th August, is the travelling exhibition mounted by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust, marking the 50th anniversary of the closure of the railway which ran through the town for 100 years.

Displays explore the impact of the railway on local communities from its development, through its working life, since closure and also highlight issues on the future use of the track bed.

The second of two S&D Festivals

was scheduled for 30th and 31st July, to include a further exhibition in the Corn Exchange, film show and a guided walk along the route of the railway from Spetisbury to Blandford on Saturday 30th July.

The Museum AGM was held for the first time in the Blandford Masonic Hall in West Street, and members of both Blandford Lodges turned out to help make the evening a success and offer museum members a view of an impressive display of masonic regalia.

Following the business of the meeting, in which new and continuing members of the council of management were elected, the events of the past year were reviewed, and the future mapped out.

Guest speaker was WBro Dave Smith of Cuthberga Lodge, who gave an interesting talk on the historic feudal system of the Kingston Lacy estate. At the end of the meeting, WBro Anthony Chambers, Charity Steward of Honour and Friendship Lodge, presented museum chairman Nessa Hickish with a cheque for £500 to support future projects.

AFTER a gap of ten years, there will be a Summer Fete held in Tarrant Keyneston on Saturday 20th August from 2pm, in aid of All Saints Church Restoration Fund.

Enter via the Anne Biddlecombe Hall for family fun, including music by the Stour Valley Band, teas and BBQ, sideshows, competitions, demonstrations, stalls, a coconut shy, motorcycle exhibits, fun in the stocks, hand bells and a grand raffle.

NEARLY £300 was raised for Cancer Research UK at Larks Leas residential care home in Milldown Road, Blandford, when care worker Nathan Lusby went under the razor wielded by activities co-ordinator Mandy Williams in a sponsored head shave. The event, which included a raffle, took place during National Care Homes Week.

22

FARMING

August 2016

The View from the Hill

by George Hosford

In a week a poppy field can go from this (above) on June 16th to this (right) June 23rd.

More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk

of June. Rain during flowering inevitably causes fusarium, a fungus, to grow and result in UR cockerel survived a shrivelled and blackened grains full frontal attack by a fox and reduced yield. 2012 was the last weekend, only last time we had a very bad thwarted by pure luck as I fusarium year and we hope that crossed the farmyard and witthings will warm up very soon so nessed the scoundrel pounce. we don't plumb those depths Feathers flew, and then so did again. the language - only a lot of On a more positive note our popshouting was enough to get him pies are flowering beautifully and to drop the bird and run. have been for much longer than Since then our usually free range usual. They are thinner than norchicken flock have been penned mal, and each plant is throwing up in securely electric-fenced up branches and extra capsules summer quarters. As the crops until the field reaches some ideal around the farmyard grow taller, population of heads that we do the foxes grow bolder and can not yet fully understand. Last sneak up close. No-one will be year flowering was over in less safe now until after we have harthan a week, this year it has lastvested all the fields and such ed three so far. vermin will have to retreat.

The extending stems are normalElsewhere on the farm our crops ly quite spiky and it is interesting are edging towards harvest, in to find that subsequent branches spite of the cool and wet month on the same plant do not normally produce spikes.

Can anyone explain why this might be?

I took a trip to a large arable event in Cambridgeshire last month where all the machinery manufacturers and other supporting firms had stands, and a number of organisations were encouraging farmers to diversify in This is a barley crop hopefully destined to be next all sorts of ways. year's beer. It looks fine when it's dry, but the wet is not helping, we need sunshine please!

It was noticeable this

O

A bumble bee enjoys a visit to a cornflower. year how many had planted attractive wild flower plots on their stands, and although the event was located in a huge flat open field, many insects could be found foraging on the plots, such as this bumble bee on a beautiful cornflower (pictured above). Our own field margins are looking attractive with wildflowers this season, plenty of field scabius, ox-eye daisy and birds foot trefoil, though sadly no cornflowers.

Many fields of the eastern counties have terrible infestations of blackgrass amongst the wheat crops which renders arable farming extremely difficult in some areas. Repeated use of the same

herbicides over many years, and endless crops of wheat year after year, has encouraged resistance to develop in some blackgrass populations.

It is a very well adapted weed, producing vast numbers of seed from every head, and will spread from a few plants to a field-wide problem in a very short time. It can swamp a wheat crop and reduce the yield drastically. Many farmers spray off badly infested fields with glyphosate early in the season rather than risk seed being shed on the soil in large numbers. Our own wild oat rogueing team is on the alert for it, as we are terrified of a weedkiller resistant invasion.

23

August 2016 ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Corn Exchange Art Gallery

Town macebearer David Jardine and Civic Society chairman Terence Dear at the Civic Society display.

Town puts its civic pride on display

Later this month Blandford Corn Exchange will once again be transformed into an art gallery for the annual Blandford Open Art Exhibition. Hosted by the Blandford Art Society this prestigious exhibition attracts leisure and professional artists from the local area and beyond. Around 200 artworks in various media will be on display. During the week artists will be present demonstrating various techniques.

This year's guest artist, who will also be sitting on the panel as one of the independent selectors, is Donald Melvin. Donald trained at the Glasgow School of Art and his long teaching career has spanned subjects from environmental art and design to building construction, from life drawing to IT, at art schools from Belfast to Bournemouth.

The Society, which holds regular monthly meetings at Pimperne Village Hall, always welcomes new members of all abilities. In particular they are looking for people with a specific interest in organising exhibitions and Chairman Mike Lofthouse and other events to help further Rachel Baynes, exhibition organiser, develop the programme they pictured at last year's exhibition. have on offer.

Admission to the exhibition is free, open 10am - 5pm daily from Monday 15th to Saturday 20th of August. www.blandfordartsociety.weebly.com

ORGANISATIONS dedicated to the restoration and regeneration of the buildings and quality of Blandford gathered in the Corn Exchange with the Blandford & District Civic Society to celebrate National Civic Day. The day is celebrated across the country under the banner of Civic Voice, the umbrella organisation for the civic movement chaired by Griff Rhys Jones. He said: "It doesn't matter where you live, Civic Day is the perfect time for us to all celebrate where we live and say 'I care about where I live'."

Blandford & District Civic Society chairman Terence Dear said: "We invited all those working in the town to share their pride in their environment and exchange information on the work they were doing."

Among the exhibitors were Blandford Town Council, whose town silver was displayed by

mace bearer David Jardine and who also featured some of the facilities it manages. The DT11 Forum community partnership and Blandford Town Team, both chaired by Nic Nicol, showed ongoing projects and the results of a survey of retail activity carried out in association with North Dorset District Council.

The Blandford Environmental Trust and Railway Arches Trust displayed their work on railway and environmental heritage, Clean Up Blandford showed its work to keep the town free of litter, and Forum Drama, the Georgian Fayre, Fashion Museum, Town Museum, Royal British Legion branch and the Blandford Art Society illustrated some of the events and activities for which they are responsible.

Also present were local representatives of the Royal Overseas League and English Speaking Union.

DORSET Community Action is supporting the work of Citizens Advice in Dorset and others through the Dorset Fuel Poverty Partnership trying to reduce the number of people and families living in fuel poverty in the county.

At the last count only 35% of Dorset households are connected to mains gas, and despite living within 23 metres of a gas main, many cannot afford to pay for connection.

The Rural Energy Project is seeking information about difficulties faced by and families without it, and about support available through oil clubs, fuel grants and loans.

For further information contact Citizens Advice locally or Bob Pulleyblank on 01929-553952 or by email to bob-ritap@uwclub.net

24

SCHOOLS

David Ross with Milton Abbey students at sports day.

Phone chief’s new number MILTON Abbey School has announced that David Ross, the cofounder of The Carphone Warehouse, is to be its next Entrepreneur in Residence for 2016-17.

The high-profile appointment is seen by the school as an exciting opportunity to provide a real boost for its many entrepreneurial students who are either studying for qualifications in business and enterprise or who have already set up businesses of their own.

Chartered accountant David co-founded The Carphone Warehouse Group in 1991. He has also been involved in leading many other public and private companies and the David Ross Foundation, which he established, currently sponsors 33 academies across four counties.

One of his roles will be to judge a school-wide competition for students developing their own business initiatives. He will be teaching some entrepreneur and enterprise classes and giving a talk to the school.

He said: "This will give the pupils the opportunity to understand how to think as an entrepreneur and take responsibility for one's own destiny."

August 2016

Long-haired Lily has her locks trimmed for charity TWO cancer charities benefit from a haircut for a 13-year-old pupil at Knighton House School.

Lily Ryder decided that the time had come for her waist-length hair to be cut to a more manageable length - a big decision for her as she has been growing it most of her life.

She decided to make the cut really worthwhile, and had been shocked to learn that seven young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK so chose to support charities helping people her own age facing such difficult times.

A classroom was transformed into a salon where Medusa, the independent hair salon and apothecary in Dorchester, came with a hair stylist.

After measuring the length of hair to be cut - a massive 18 inches it was plaited in five sections and cut for donation to The Little Princess Trust, a charity providing real-hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland, who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

Lily's hair was long enough to provide them with enough to make a lovely long hair wig for a

Lily - still with long hair but now at half its original length. little girl.

The hair cut took place in front of her class, who cheered her on and had helped her raise over ÂŁ1,500 in sponsorship for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

August 2016

SCHOOLS

25 BLANDFORD Library now has regular weekly sessions for youngsters and their families, including 'Story time' for under5s every Monday, Rhyme Time for under-2s on Tuesdays, and 'Library Gets Lively' with songs, books and rhymes for under-5s on Thursdays and Fridays.

After school on Thursdays there is a Teen Reading Group for 11year-olds and over, and on Saturday mornings the Young Writers Squad, also 11-yearolds and over, alternates with Chatterbooks for children eight and over.

Once a month on Tuesday evenings is the creative writing group.

Contact the library for more details on 01258 452075.

A musical celebration DURWESTON CE VA Primary School pupils entertained their parents, families and friends at their annual Music Celebration, which included violins, drums, guitars, a saxophone, a flute and several singers.

Children from Reception to Year 6 and two parent-and-child duets took part, proving that Durweston children really do have talent. • Right: Children also worked with members of Wessex and Wimborne Orienteering Club to hone their orienteering skills in a week which ended with a fiercely contested competition in the grounds of Bryanston School.

26

SCHOOLS

August 2016

THERE was an astonishing turn-out of around 1,000 alumni, staff, parents, former parents and friends to celebrate the 22year tenure of retiring headmaster, Martin Cooke, and his wife, Eleanor, at Clayesmore School.

Chairman of the Governors, John Andrews, thanked the Cookes for all their dedication and industry over the years, outlining the amazing changes that they have overseen at the school, describing them as "the father and mother of millennium era Clayesmore".

Whale of a time for Jonah cast

PARENTS of children at Durweston Primary School were treated to a fantastic performance of Jonah and the Whale at Durweston Village Hall.

In a surprising change from the original story, Jonah tried to escape to Spain accompa-

nied by a flamenco dancer and two thieving pirates!

Fortunately everything worked out all right in the end.

Every child in the school had a part and fabulous singing and top-quality acting brought the house down. Everyone is looking forward to next year.

August 2016

Nicki’s team take the coast road for charity IT was a 6am start for 'Team Nicki Edwards' heading off to join the Jurassic Coast Mighty Marathon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

An initial sum of £140,000 was raised prior to the day by more than 500 walkers with more to come.

The Macmillan Team spoke about how just £250 pays for a Macmillan nurse for a day and how the money raised at the event would help support so many of their families during very difficult times.

The Cambridge Lady team will collectively raise in excess of

SPORT

£750 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nicki said: "Yet again my amazing clients make me so very proud they are true fighters going all out to challenge what they think they may be able to achieve."

This was not just a fantastic achievement by Nicki's clients who again pushed themselves to achieve new goals, but it was an awesome walk along one of the south coast's most beautiful and stunning coast lines.

If you wish to contribute to the event please log on to justgiving.com/fundraising/nickiedwardsthecambridgelady

27

Left to right, competition organiser Ann Courtney, Lady Captain Joan Bartlett and Cathy Drew, Pam Wright and Pat Wyatt, third placed team in the charity fundraiser for breast cancer at Ashley Wood Golf Club.

Greens turn pink for charity OVER the years at least eight of the ladies at Ashley Wood Golf Club have been successfully treated for breast cancer, four in the last two years, so it was decided to hold a fundraising event.

It was organised by Ann Courtney and there was a great deal of merriment and fun when 12 teams, resplendent in amazing pink outfits, took part in a Bowmaker competition and various other golf skills tests.

Thanks to the generosity of the lady members, a total of £375 was raised, and thanks were expressed to all the organisers, helpers and players who took part.

Ana Felsiberto and Louise Addley-Samuel of Team Nicki Edwards in the Jurassic Coast Mighty Marathon.

Good turn-out for memorial event FORMER teammates of Daniel Jones were among the players in the Daniel Jones Memorial Trophy staged at The Blandford School in memory of the former AFC Blandford footballer who died in a motorcycling accident in 2013.

There was a good turnout for the battle between the four eight-man teams, overseen by FA accredited officials, and spectators were able to enjoy the refreshments on sale or picnics.

Rugby Club feels the force BLANDFORD RFC were successful in their bid to be one of the clubs involved in this year's NatWest Rugby Force weekend and were awarded funds towards improving their facilities.

The Rugby Force weekend started with a bacon breakfast before work started with volunteers painting, decorating and carrying out other general DIY tasks at the clubhouse in East Street.

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Left to right, Lady Captain Joan Bartlett, Ann Courtney, and Val Lee and Ann Morris, who together with Angela Seddon (not pictured) were winners of the pitching competition.

28

August 2016

NEWS in BRIEF

300 entries for young writers contest MORE than 300 students from nine local schools sent in entries for the Rotary Young Writers Competition which this year had the theme 'Our World is Beautiful'.

This national literary event is organised through the Rotary Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland and co-ordinated at local level by the Blandford Stour Rotary Club.

The senior winner was Lela Cordess from The Blandford School. Her entry also won the district prize and was entered into the national level.

Intermediate winner was Stephanie Jones, also of The Blandford School, and the Junior winner was Connie Lewis, from Dunbury Academy.

Lela Cordess, Chris Grant, Stephanie Jones and Sally Wilson, head teacher of The Blandford School.

All these winners also read in Blandford Church at the Festival of Words.

Everyone received a certificate and the winners received book prizes presented by the Blandford Stour Rotary Club.

Chris Grant, chairman of the ten judges, said: "Again this year we

www.forumfocus.co.uk

have been highly impressed with the standard and record number of entries. It's so encouraging to see genuine enthusiasm for the written word from our young people. I would also like to thank our judges for their input on this popular competition."

@forumfocus

THIS year's four-day Wessex Festival, starting on 11th August, again brings beautiful music to the Blandford area, although its main focus is on Wimborne.

It visits Durweston and Iwerne Minster for 11am and 6pm church services respectively on Sunday 14th August, when there will also be an end-of-festival folk night at The White Horse in Stourpaine starting 7.30pm.

Full details can be found at thewessexfestival.co.uk.

• • • CREAM teas have been served in Tarrant Monkton village hall every Sunday in July and will be in August and on Bank Holiday Monday in support of All Saints Church, Tarrant Monkton. The hall will be open between 2.30 and 5.30pm. For details call 01258 830377.

• • • 'Tarrant Hinton, Profile of a Dorset Village' is now printed and available for sale from Richard Foley (01258 8930433), by whom it has been edited and collated, featuring fascinating facts, figures, photographs and reminiscences of those who lived and live in the village. All proceeds from sales will go to St Marys Church.

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events To Sunday 21st August: Capability Brown Experience, Milton Abbey To Wednesday 17th August: 'Gone but not Forgotten' exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Somerset & Dorset Railway, Blandford Town Museum Wednesday 3rd August and every Wednesday: Baffling Blandford magical walk, 7pm from the Crown Hotel, see Facebook or artoftheimpossible.com/magic Thursday 4th August: First Thursday Talk, Blandford Town Museum, 7.30pm, Judith Ford and Toby Gent on 'Wax seals associated with the Bastard family' Saturday 6th August: Dorset Wildlife Trust Bat Walk with expert Chris Dieck, starts 8pm from White Mill, near Kingston Lacy, booking essential on 01258 880699 Cats Protection coffee morning, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford 10am to 12.30pm Tarrant Monkton & Launceston flower and produce show, village hall, 3pm, presentations 4pm Tuesday 9th August: Garden Party, Blandford Day Centre,

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 editor@forumfocus.co.uk. 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.

Heddington Drive, 2pm, all welcome Friday 12th August: Children's entertainment with Jamie Jigsaw, Woodhouse Gardens, 10am to 1pm Saturday 13th August: 25th anniversary RNLI Country Fayre and Vehicle Rally, Spetisbury Manor, 11am to 5pm, details 857449 Blandford & District Horticultural Society Flower Show, Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 12 noon Bake and Plant Sale, Tarrant Hinton village hall, 2 to 4pm, details 01258 830975 Grand Promise Auction, Bakers Arms, Child Okeford, 9pm in aid of Air Ambulance, St Nicholas School and Children's Hospital 6pm, BBQ, live music with Si Genaro from 'The Voice' Sunday 14th August: Blandford St Mary Show & Fête, Manor House, Lower Blandford St Mary, 2 to 5pm, admission £2, free parking. Registration 1.30pm

for fun dog show starting 2pm in separate field, details 01258 489100 or blandfordstmary.wordpress.com Open Garden with café and stalls, 10am to 5 pm, Springhead, Fontmell Magna Wessex Festival concerts: 11am Choral Eucharist: St Mary's Church, Iwerne Minster, Schubert Mass in G, Ave verum (winning entry in the Composition Competition), Wessex Voices, Organ Graham Scott, Director David Everett 6pm Choral Evensong, St Nicholas' Church, Durweston; Smith, Responses, Wood in E flat (2), Wood, Hail, gladdening light, Wessex Voices, Organ Graham Scott, Director David Everett 7.30 Festival Folk; The White Horse, Stourpaine, a relaxing evening listening to traditional Folk Music Monday 15th to Saturday 20th August: Blandford Art Society Open Exhibtion, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am to 5pm, free

entry Tuesday 16th August: Demonstration by Jo Richards, Director of the Floral Academy in Bournemouth, Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Child Okeford Village Hall, 2.15pm, details: 01258 863775 Wednesday 17th August: Blandford & District Civic Society guided perimeter walk, meet Eagle House Gardens car park, 7.30pm, details 01258 459346 Saturday 20th August: Tarrant Keyneston village fete, Anne Biddlecombe Hall and grounds, from 2pm, in aid of All Saints Church 70th Tarrant Gunville Horse Show, Eastbury Park, Tarrant Gunville, from 8.45am, see tarrantgunvillehorseshow.co.uk Monday 23rd to 31st August: S&DR50 Exhibition, Shillingstone Station Thursday 25th to Monday 29th August: (NOTE CHANGE OF DATE): The Great Dorset Steam Fair, Tarrant Hinton Friday 26th August: Last Friday Social in the Blandford Town Museum Garden, from 6pm Monday 29th August: Bank Holiday and last day of Great Dorset Steam Fair