September 2016 Forum Focus by Sevensioux

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 54

Was this the real architect of Blandford after the fire? P.23

September 2016

Doubts over future of the youth centre A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of the Blandford Youth Centre, which ceased to be supported by Dorset County Council at the end of the summer term. It had been hoped that it would reopen under a new management structure but without youth leader Andy Price. Barrie Cooper, chair of the Blandford Youth Centre management group, and Sally Wilson, headteacher at The Blandford School, issued a joint statement in July in which they said the centre and school governors were working closely to look at how services for young people in the area could be provided. "It is important that the preferred solution offers a long-term and sustainable service," they said. "We are hoping to provide services at the earliest opportunity. However, we recognise that this will not be achieved by 1st September. We remain committed to ensuring the provision of high-quality services to young people in the community." A notice posted on the door at the beginning of August said the management group had got everything in place to enable them to carry on providing the service, but the transition may take some time. "We will continue to update you through the school and social media sites." It has been known since before Christmas that the county council was considering closing 21 youth centres across the county, a decision which was confirmed early this year. At July's town council meeting Councillor Dianne Robinson said she was disappointed to find few people attending a management

group meeting, and concerned about how it would sustain itself without its paid leader. The failure to open as intended on 1st September for the hundreds of youngsters each week who have used the facility prompted town councillors to defer entering into a service level agreement, through which funding would be provided on a regu-

lar basis to the centre, until the situation was clarified. They also agreed, by nine votes to five with two abstentions, that only a proportion of the funds they had promised to the centre under its new structure would be given in the first year, corresponding to the amount of time that the centre was open. • To Page 6

Blandford Youth Centre.

Murder verdict STUART Thomas has been found guilty of the murder of Blandford hairdresser Katrina O'Hara in January. Thomas (49), had denied the charge. Story: Page 2

Cemetery row PLANS to demolish a 160year-old boundary wall around Blandford cemetery and replace it with a six-foot wooden fence have run into stern opposition from neighbours. Story: Page 3

Cupola unveiled THE scaffolding has been removed from the historic cupola at the summit of Blandford’s parish church to spark celebrations and signal the next phase of restoration. Story: Pages 4-5

Steam fair news THE Somme commemorated but the offer of free and discounted tickets to this year’s Steam Fair encountered a mixed reception. Story: Pages 8-9

Homes decision

Kate McStraw and her assistant Lizzie Mavies at Blandford Museum, helping with the commemoration of the closure of the Somerset & Dorset railway 50 years ago. Report & more pictures: Page 15.

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A DEVELOPMENT of 61 homes off Dorchester Hill in Blandford St Mary has been approved by North Dorset District Council - but concerns remain. Story: Page 13

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September 2016

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Where to find Forum Focus IF anyone would like join our team to deliver in their own or any other area thathas no 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, 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, Okeford Fitzpaine village shop, 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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Man found guilty of Katrina murder STUART Thomas, the man found near Jock's Barbers in East Street where hairdresser Katrina O'Hara had been stabbed to death in January, has been convicted of her murder. Thomas, a 49-year-old married father-of-four, was the former lover of 44-year-old mother-ofthree Katrina. Winchester Crown Court was told he had confronted her outside the barber's shop where she worked, then chased her inside and stabbed her twice in the chest with a large kitchen knife he had brought from his home. Nigel Lickley QC said the pair had been romantically involved since May 2015, but Ms O'Hara had attempted to break off the relationship in the autumn. Thomas, also known as George,

had been reported to police by Ms O'Hara just before New Year after repeatedly confronting and harassing her, sending her messages pleading for her to take him back, and attempting suicide in December. He had been arrested on suspicion of harassment, but released by police on bail pending further inquiries and on the condition he did not contact Ms O'Hara. Thomas claimed he had not intended to hurt Ms O'Hara and that he had produced the knife outside the salon to harm himself but she had grabbed the knife and had "somehow stabbed herself''. He was convicted by a majority verdict following a three-week trial. Following his conviction, Det Insp Richard Dixey said: "He was an abusive and controlling man who would not accept that his relationship with Katrina O'Hara was over. "He sought to use harassment, violence, threats and emotional blackmail to control her behav-

Katrina O’Hara:

Stuart Thomas: murderer was ‘an abusive and controlling man’.

iour, ultimately leading to her being stabbed to death." At the time Forum Focus went to press, Thomas was still awaiting sentence by Winchester Crown Court.

THE draft Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan has been accepted for public consultation and can be viewed until 30th September at North Dorset District Council's offices at Nordon in Salisbury Road, or online at dorsetforyou.com/planning/north-dorset/planning-policy. Comment forms need to be submitted by 30th September to the Planning Policy Team at Nordon or by email to planningpolicy@northdorset.gov.uk. The plan has been resubmitted after further amendment in the light of comments by North Dorset District Council that it should not include reference to a proposed household waste and transfer station which is the responsibility of Dorset County Council.

September 2016

Cemetery wall demolition plans anger neighbours A WALL built more than 160 years ago on the boundary of Blandford cemetery in Salisbury Road is to be demolished because protected trees planted close by are causing it to collapse. Residents in Davis Gardens are opposing the decision by Blandford Town Council to remove the wall on the boundary with their properties and replace it with a six-foot (1500mm) fence. They say that a precedent has been set for sections of wall to be removed and replaced by fencing where the more mature trees have caused damage, and that this, or removal of the trees, would be preferable to demolishing the whole wall. Glen Barnett, of Davis Gardens, said: "We do not want a wooden fence put up in place of the wall, since the problem is the size of the trees which have been poorly maintained." His neighbour Mark Burchell said: "We feel the representatives of the Town Council have been misled in coming to this decision, especially with regard to immediate need and true lifetime costs. "The replacement of the entire length of the existing wall is not only contrary to the wishes of the residents, but unnecessary since the vast majority of the wall's length is in good condition. "Short sections of wall have been repaired in the past using sections of panel fencing where it could not be rebuilt - a costeffective and simple repair that is both practical and aesthetically acceptable, since from most angles the fence panel is hidden by the tree. "This would be considerably less expensive than the ÂŁ13,525 for full replacement, and would mean much less ongoing maintenance and therefore reduced lifetime costs." Town clerk Linda Scott-Giles has responded saying that, following an approach by residents concerned about the stability of the section of wall at the back of their house, professional opinion had been sought from three builders and a structural engineer had been asked to give an independent opinion.

"The engineer's survey clearly states that the wall is deteriorating along its length, in part due to the trees but has also reached the end of its lifespan, and recommends that the wall is replaced within a year. "The engineer does not feel that a wall could be rebuilt on the same line as the existing one due to the trees that are present, which is in agreement with the builders' advice. "The decision was taken by full council after receiving advice from professionals representing all of the different aspects involved." Advice was also sought from North Dorset District Council's Blandford cemetery has been nominated from hundreds of entries to go through to the final stages of the Good Funeral Awards 2016 and the chance to become Cemetery of the Year. The winner will be announced on 8th September, in recognition of "exceptional service to bereaved people, professionalism, empathy, and a willingness to go the extra mile, " says Fran Hall, CEO of The Good Funeral Guide. tree conservation officer and tree officer who agreed that the wall could not be stopped and started either side of the existing trees without significantly affecting its strength, while a fence post positioned near the trees could be repositioned as the trees continued to mature. Town councillors agreed by 11 votes to three at their last meeting to demolish the wall and erect close-board fencing at a cost of over ÂŁ13,000. They had agreed in February to spend over ÂŁ8,000 on repairs to the wall, but were told that when work started after a delay caused by wet weather, the contractors discovered that the problems were more serious and extensive than first thought. At least one section was only being held up by a resident's shed, and the large trees were tending to push the wall over, in some places five inches from upright.

Above: Residents of Davis Gardens in front of the cemetery wall which town councillors say must be replaced by a fence. Below: A resident inspects the crumbling wall next to a large lime tree.

September 2016

Wraps come off as church begins shiny new future THE scaffolding is down, and by the time many people read this issue of Forum Focus, a fun day celebrating the completion of the second phase of Blandford Parish Church's restoration will have been held on Saturday 27th August. The day was planned to include abseiling down the tower by Sara Loch, leader of the Cupola Project, former mayor and town fireman Steve Hitchings, and several others, and in the evening a guitar concert. The second phase of the church restoration was nearing completion when those involved in the project climbed to the top of the tower on 21st July for a 'topping out' ceremony prior to the return of the re-gilded weathervane now shining at the top following the restoration of the cupola to its former glory. Architect Marcus Chantrey, of B2 Architects Ltd of Wedmore, Somerset, and site foreman Gary Calder, from main contractors Norman and Underwood, were joined by Miss Loch and others who had climbed the stepladders up several floors of the scaffolding, which has surrounded the tower since before Christmas. They gathered on the penultimate stage before the contractors went to the top to put the finishing touches to the holder of the weathervane, which was added the following week. Prior to the climb, parishioners and other well-wishers were called by deputy town crier Liz Rawlings to gather on the ground and hear the Rector, the Rev Jonathan Triffitt, bless the work which had been carried out and thank Miss

Loch for her "absolute passion" for the building and its restoration. "She has worked tirelessly to see this extraordinary building loved back into life," he said, thanking her on behalf of the church and the town for all that had been done and was still to come. Miss Loch said they were getting quotes for the repair of the columns at the front of the church and further health and safety work, which would be followed by repairs to the apse roof, both sides of the main roof, ÂŁ500,000 worth of stone work, repairs to fallen plasterwork, redecoration and interior reordering, for which views are currently being sought. She paid tribute to the "massive team work" of all those who had helped to progress the project to this point. "When we decided eight years ago to embark on this restoration, we said the final crowning glory would be the tower and cupola. It became blazingly obvious that we had to do the tower and cupola first when we saw that the wooden struts which once held the cupola no longer existed, and it was being held up entirely by the metal framework put up five or six years earlier as an emergency measure." She quoted the document housed in the Blandford Town Museum, stating that John and William Bastard had designed and built the church in the 18th century, but that after a break in building, it had fallen into other hands. Instead of the spire they envisaged, a "shortlived wooden top which would not keep the â&#x20AC;˘ To Page 5

Left to right: Firefighter Justin Rolls, WM Darren Langdown, and Firefighters Matt Scott and Mike Turner, who were supervising the abseil down the church tower.

September 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ From Page 4 weather out" had been erected. This, she said, was the latest in a succession of restorations, which included the re-creation by local artist Annabelle Valentine of the original painted scrolls on the side of the structure not seen for over 50 years. Listing and thanking all those who have worked on the building - carpenters, lead workers, plasterer, clock restorer, steelworker, stone masons, electrician and bell repairers - she thanked particularly Mr Calder, who as site foreman had kept the project on track. She also thanked the main financial supporters, the Heritage Lottery, Dorset Historic Church Trust and other trusts, and individual donors and supporters of fundraising events, the Blandford Museum team who had supported the successful ÂŁ250,000 lottery bid, as well as the very small cupola committee.

Above: Sara Loch, centre, and the Cupola Project group on the top platform. Right: The group of workers and Cupola Project leaders look out over the town from the top of the tower.

September 2016

Town puts its heritage on display

Carol Verney giving her 75th unit of blood.

Carol’s lifesaving gift BLOOD donor Carol Verney, of East Street, Blandford, has been making her life-saving donations for more than 50 years, and on the last occasion celebrated giving her 75th unit of blood in Poole. "I gave my first donation on 13th November 1964, when my friend and I took the opportunity of half-an-hour off work, a lie down and tea and biscuits. She passed out, and never gave again, but I carried on." She said when she got home after her 75th donation she found a box on the table containing a beautiful engraved wine glass from her supportive husband, who, after she had given 50 units, had presented her with a bouquet of red roses. To do your bit, like Carol, ring 0300 123 2323, to start donating and save lives. THE Milborne Players will be presenting Alan Ayckbourne's 'Bedroom Farce', directed by Caroline Nobbs, on 16th and 17th September in the village hall at Milborne St Andrew. The decision to continue in the comedy genre is the result of their being so well received by their audiences. Tickets can be pre-booked on 01258 839056.

BLANDFORD's first Heritage Festival, in association with Dorset Architectural Heritage Week, will take place between Thursday 8th September and Monday 12th September, with a variety of events and opportunities to view premises not usually open to the public. They include the opening by Blandford Forum Town Council of the cemetery chapel in Salisbury Road, displays and church tower tours at Blandford Parish Church, an exhibition in the Corn Exchange by the Dorset Buildings Group on Blandford's built heritage, and the chance to visit Grade II listed homes in Blandford and Blandford St Mary, a 20th century home in Kings Road, and a World War Two pill box and Anderson shelter. There are also two guided walks, on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, to learn about the town's history and the geology of the stones used in its creation. The programme has been drawn up by the Blandford Heritage Group, including items which form part of DAHW, but also a number of other attractions in a bid to focus the attention of both residents and visitors on the wealth of history the town has to offer. For full details, pick up a programme from the TIC or other venues or see cupolaproject.org.uk/events.

Youth centre concerns • From Page 1 The council had budgeted to give an initial £15,000, and agreed by eight votes to seven that the management group be informed that that commitment remained. Some councillors were concerned that the contribution might be relied upon in the centre's business plan for set-up costs, and that payments to the school, which owns the building, might not have been taken into account. The draft service level agreement offered £15,000 a year to the end of March 2019, provided the centre opened 12 hours a week through daytime and evening sessions for 38 weeks a year, continued its partnership with the disability youth group Pizzazz which uses the centre on Saturdays, and encouraged the retention of a programme during the school holidays. The service would need to provide advice and support to the young people to enhance their health, skills and contribution to the community, reduce offending behaviour and support young people in early pregnancy.

September 2016

Somme tribute at Steam Fair THE sacrifice of soldiers who fought at the Battle of the Somme has been remembered at the Great Dorset Steam Fair with a special display honouring the 1916 battle, in which thousands lost their lives. An exhibition marking the centenary of the First World War has been a part of the fair since 2014, but new exhibits have been added and the trenches

enhanced to commemorate 100 years since one of the bloodiest battles in human history. Martin Oliver, managing director of the Great Dorset Steam Fair, said: "We hope in a small way to show the young people of today the utter futility of war when thousands of young men died in a futile attempt to gain a few yards of ground.â&#x20AC;?

Steam Fair managing director Martin Oliver and his sons Tom, left, and Rob, right.

There was also an exhibition at the National Traction Engine Trust marquee celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Steam Plough Club, founded by Harold Bonnett in 1966, including ploughing engines, a living van and a water cart. As usual, there was a full programme of entertainment, both in the demonstration areas, in one of the country's biggest travelling funfairs, and in the marquees, where an evening live music festival featured top tribute bands and many old favourites. The fair, open from Thursday, August 25th until Monday, August 29th at the Tarrant Hinton showground, had been brought forward by a week to coincide with the bank and school holidays and to avoid clashing with the Dorset County Show and Bournemouth Air Show. Organisers reported a positive increase in advance ticket sales following the date change for the 48th annual event. Contractors and staff started set-

ting up the showground on 8th August, and exhibitors started to arrive on Friday 19th August on the same day the temporary traveller site opened, and were followed by members of the public camping on site. Because of the ten entry and exit points within a 1.25-mile stretch, a temporary 30mph speed limit was again in operation on the A354 past the site until midnight on 30th August. Parish councils were provided with vouchers for a number of discounted tickets to be issued to residents in their area, and given a 24-hour event control number to contact in the event of any problems. The Bank Holiday Monday closing time (previously 3pm on the final day) was extended to 5pm, and exhibitors were encouraged not to leave the showground until 30th August, the day the traveller site was due to close, to avoid bank holiday traffic. A shuttle bus operated a regular service from Blandford to the showground, details of which could be found at gdsf.co.uk.

September 2016

A mixed reception for ticket discount offers THERE has been a mixed reception to the offer of hundreds of free and half-price tickets to local residents for this year's Great Dorset Steam Fair. Town and parish councils received many requests from members of the public keen to take up the offer, but in some quarters it was felt to be small comfort for the loss of involvement, over the years, of local groups and organisations which have in the past benefited from playing a role at the event. Councillor Steve Hitchings said: "I'm not sure how we are meant to go about allocating 100 tickets between 10,000 residents." Town councillor Haydn White, a member of the Stour Valley Band, said at the full council meeting in July that for the first time, the band would not be playing during what has become one of the biggest events of its kind in the world because bookings for the live music festival were now being organised by a London promoter.

"The band has played there for years, and used to earn ÂŁ400 which helped to meet our costs, but this year they have said they don't want us." Others recalled the part played by local groups such as the Preetz Friendship Society, whose services had been dispensed with. Councillor Roger Carter said: "The event has moved away from being a local community event we welcome it because it brings business to the area, but there is a down side." Councillor Colin Stevens said the Blandford Opportunity Group, of which he is chairman, would be benefiting this year from the rides given around the main steam arena. The free tickets offered to Blandford Town Council were given away as prizes in a draw conducted on its Facebook page and website, and 50 winners among the 78 people entering were given two tickets each. Two-for-one vouchers were distributed widely in the community.

A BID has been submitted on behalf of Blandford St Mary PC by the DT11 Forum community partnership for funding for an outdoor gym and circuits on the Stour Meadows opposite the skate park. The bid to the Tesco Groundworks fund has the support of the Dorset Doddlers, Wimborne AC, and more than 90 people who indicated they would use the equipment if provided.

THE last recycling bring bank in Blandford, operated by the Dorset Waste Partnership at Langton Road car park, has been removed following agreement by the DWP joint committee to cease providing the remaining 21 sites in the county accepting glass, plastic bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. Recyclable materials can be taken to the household waste centre in Shaftesbury Lane.

Friendly gardeners

LOCAL gardeners have been successful in the Dorset Wildlife Trust wildlife friendly garden competition, sponsored by The Gardens Group. Darren Griffin, of Blandford, and Mrs and Mrs Morton, of Blandford St Mary, were highly commended, together with Steve Morris, of Iwerne Minster. The competition challenges gardeners to devise ways of enticing wildlife to share our outdoor spaces. It is also open to community groups, schools and businesses - anywhere with space that could be developed as a haven for bumblebees, birds or butterflies. Winners receive DWT membership for a year, a plaque and a gardening kit, and every entrant receives a certificate and a garden centre gift voucher. Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, said: "Each year the bar is raised and the entrants get more creative and sophisticated in their efforts to provide vital corridors for our wildlife."

David and Chris Barnett from Christchurch, pictured with Hall & Woodhouse director Mark Woodhouse, left, and Georgian Fayre chairman Colin Stevens, right, receive 112 bottles of Badger brew after Mr Barnett won his height in beer at the Georgian Fayre. They had been to the event a few times before, and Mr Barnett, after selecting several packs of his favourite Tanglefoot, together with packs of First Call, Hopping Hare, Golden Champion, Daring Diver, Firkin Fox and Wicked, said: "We'll definitely be coming again!"

September 2016

Fayre shares for so many good causes DONATIONS totalling ÂŁ4,200 were awarded to local causes and groups which helped with this year's Blandford Georgian Fayre at a presentation evening held at the Blandford Royal British Legion Club. They were presented, on behalf of the Fayre committee, by Deputy Mayor of Blandford Hugo Mieville. He said: "The Georgian Fayre is an historic event which commemorates an historic occasion, and still a living and breathing thing, thanks to the incredible work of the committee. On behalf of Blandford Forum Town Council I thank Colin Stevens and the committee for all their

hard work." President and event founder Janice Driscoll thanked all the event sponsors, saying ideally she would like to see every business in Blandford on the list, and those who had agreed many years ago that it was a good idea to stage the event. "Over the years we have had many complaints, like why was the lamb roast next to the live sheep, but it is and always has been a brilliant event for the town, raising its profile and giving back to the organisations that struggle to provide services in it. "The whole purpose of the Fayre is to put something back into Blandford, and the people on the collection points have a pig of a job, facing so many reasons for not making a donation. But for those that don't give there are people who give very generously, and for every bad point and hiccup

there have been ten blessings." Among the cheque recipients were Fayre MC Arthur Bush, who always passes on his donation to a charity of his choice, Pimperne Sports Society, Blandford Cricket Club, the Blandford Opportunity Group, the Sherborne Air Cadets, Blandford Gymnastics Clubs, the RBL branch and club, the Stour Valley Canoe Club, Blandford Stour Rotary, the Purbeck Dog Agility Team, the Performing Arts Theatre Academy, the Stour Valley Band, the Firefighters charity, Blandford Food Bank, Fashion Museum and Police. "Doesn't it just demonstrate what a wonderful thing the Fayre is, and how many groups have been helped who helped the Fayre itself?" she said, adding that there were others, including the church, the Art Society, the Railway Club and Lions, who staged their own events and benefited as a result.

Georgian Fayre award recipients pictured with Fayre president Janice Driscoll, Blandford's Deputy Mayor Hugo Mieville, and Fayre chairman Colin Stevens.

September 2016

Garrison’s Thrift Shop donates to food bank BLANDFORD Garrison's thriving Thrift Shop sells unwanted items for service personnel and Camp workforce in return for 20 per cent of the selling price, which is saved and distributed to good causes on the Camp and locally. The shop is run entirely by volunteers, and always welcomes new helpers; phone 01258 481083 for more information. Over the past few years, thousands of pounds have been donated, and the latest donation was of £500 to the Blandford Food Bank, which was presented to Gail del Pinto, co-ordinator. The Foodbank, for which there are collection boxes in Tesco and around the town, is currently in urgent need of the following provisions: rice puddings, custards, juice, coffee, lentils/pulses, biscuits, jams/pickles, crisps, fruit bars, savoury biscuits, savoury

At the Garrison Thrift Club (from left): Jenny Robinson, Gail Del Pinto (Blandford Food Bank co-ordinator), Jenny Wise, Jean Peck, Simone WallsMacDonald, Sandie Disney and Dominic. sandwich fillings, cakes in boxes, sugar, tins of meat, fruit, tomatoes and soup. The Foodbank has also been presented with a £300 donation from the Blandford Georgian Fayre, which was presented to Mrs del Pinto at the Tesco store and spent on goods which filled

Another contribution to the Food Bank (from left): chairman Colin Stevens, Richard Smith and Sue Smith of the Georgian Fayre committee, Lee Bridle from Tesco and Gail del Pinto, Food Bank co-ordinator, with one of the trolleys filled as a result of the Fayre's £300 donation.

several trolley loads of provisions. Mrs del Pinto said: "We are so grateful for everyone's continued generosity. In October we will have been running for four years, and the need is not diminishing. Last year we provided food for 873 adults and children, and

there have been 300 so far this year. "Over the summer we have been focusing particularly on providing food parcels for over 20 families coming to us whose children are entitled to free school meals which they do not get during the school holidays."

September 2016

Community centre with much to offer THE annual garden party at the Blandford Community Centre in Heddington Drive was the second time this year that the local community has been invited to visit and learn more about the services and facilities on offer. It followed a street party open day to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday in June. The centre has operated since 1999, and since the establishment of the Local Authority Trading Company, TRICURO, on 1st July 2015 to provide residential and day care services on behalf of the Dorset councils, has worked to develop into more of a community hub. As a day service, it provides support for older people and adults with learning disability living in the area, assisting them to remain independent, maintaining and gaining skills. It provides fun, laughter and reassuring companionship, as well as support tailored to individual needs and expectations to help achieve specific outcomes. The staff team and the organisation are working towards increased integration and use of resources by developing activities

that can be accessed by members of the public, and can expand people's interests, help to build friendships, reduce isolation and help maintain cognitive and physical skills. They want to build on the strength of volunteers, who play a crucial and often under-appreciated role within social care, helping to improve the experience of clients, build the relationship between the services and communities, and complement the work that goes on within the care sector. They are also working on opportunities to share the facilities with individuals or organisations who support people in a similar way health professionals and those offering beauty and well-being treatments - by encouraging lettings of their rooms to bring services closer to people struggling to access them. Anyone who would like to improve their own physical and mental wellbeing by sharing even an hour a week with others or is interested in hiring the facilities and would like more information can contact the Centre on 01258 480762.

Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and her escort John Stayt, right, at the Blandford Day Centre garden party with staff, members and guests.

In honour of the Bard AUDITIONS and casting for Forum Drama's next production, 'A Little Touch of Shakespeare in the Night', will be taking place on Thursday 1st and Tuesday 6th September at the United Reformed Church Hall, Whitecliff Mill Street, starting at 7.30pm. The production is scheduled for Friday and Saturday 25th and 26th November, and is Forum Drama's contribution to the 400th anniversary of the death of the country's most famous playwright.

September 2016

Guild honour for agency FORUM Sales & Lettings has been awarded exclusive membership of the prestigious Guild of Professional Estate Agents for Blandford. The Guild is a nationwide network of nearly 800 leading estate agents, all dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and customer service. Membership is traditionally only granted to one agent in a given area. Speaking on behalf of the Guild, CEO Marcus Whewell said: "We are delighted to welcome Forum Sales & Lettings into the Guild as our new representatives in Blandford. Their expertise and outstanding service mean that they will be an important and valued asset to our national network." Forum Sale & Lettings Partner Ashley Babbs said: "Being chosen to represent the Guild in Blandford Forum is a great honour."

Concerns remain as housing estate gets green light A DEVELOPMENT of 61 homes off Dorchester Hill in Blandford St Mary has been approved by North Dorset District Council. House builders Persimmon have reduced the 65 houses in their original application by four, and submitted new designs for the properties on the site between Fairmile Road and Dorchester Hill to blend in better with the area. They have also reduced the amount of hard surfacing, increased landscaping, improved estate road layout, access and footpath crossing, and reduced lighting proposals to satisfy the highway authority and Natural England. But at the planning committee meeting which decided the application, Carol Tomsett, chairman of Bryanston Parish Council, said the developers had failed to address concerns about the junction of Fairmile Road and New Road, which she said was already a danger, and would not be able to cope with the increased traffic. She said that the transport assessment estimating a total of 398 vehicle movements a day had not really assessed what it was like. "It is a junction which is really hard to negotiate, and you only have to look at the skid marks and the frustration of motorists with parked cars. We are concerned about its use by more vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. It would be nice to think that everyone will walk and cycle, but the reality is different." Ward member Councillor John Stayt, who is also a Blandford St Mary parish councillor, said the

developers had come a long way in progressing their original plans, but the scheme remained unsatisfactory. The other local member, Councillor Andrew Kirby, echoed their concerns and regretted the lack of engagement by the developers with members as well as the parish council. As part of the Section 106 agreement with the planning authority, into which Persimmons must enter within three months of the committee's decision, they have agreed to pay £77,716 for habitat mitigation designed to replace the foraging ground for a protected colony of greater horseshoe bats in the neighbouring Bryanston SSSI. They will also be providing 18 units of affordable housing, twothirds of them for rent; £335,335 towards education in the area; £30,000 towards new equipment on the existing play area in Blandford St Mary; £61,000 towards a Blandford St Mary community hall; and a commitment to undertake highway works. Members were told that the estate roads would remain unadopted by the highway authority and that residents would have to contribute to the cost of a management company set up to maintain the roads, footpaths and amenity areas. Councillor Belinda Ridout said: "On balance it is a good application," and Councillor Sherry Jesperson, acknowledging that it was an application which they had previously considered as part of the Local Plan, said: "We have dealt with a lot of the issues we have had in the past."

A Reader's Book of Days by Tom Nissley, W. W Norton If you want more suggestions as to what to read, this paperback provides a monthly list! It's also the perfect gift for someone who has everything. Unique in format, it's packed with unusual quotes divided up into the days of the year, sharing treasures relating to books, authors (from Larkin to Jackie Collins) and even the lives of the famous characters which relate to that day. The New York Times calls it a book in which you can get 'gleefully lost in'. Agreed. Perfect for the guest or other 'little room'! Liz Darcy Jones, Press Officer and Creative Consultant, Beatons Tearooms

September 2016

A pub with the village at heart THE White Horse at Stourpaine has been chosen as one of the five finalists in a national newspaper's pub of the year competition. The judges - comedian Al Murray, Good Pub Guide editor Fiona Stapley and Good Beer Guide editor Roger Protz - were given the task of picking the winner in The Sun's Pub Idol competition. The hostelry, which already incorporates a post office and shop, officially opened in 2011 by Prince Charles, has life-size models of horses, a collection of Army hats donated by those attending its OAP lunch club, and on occasions an open-air stage in its car park, has also recently become the location for a village defibrillator. Parish council chairman Scott Norman was joined by fellow parish councillor Peter Partridge and licensee Chris Sargent to unveil the life-saving equipment, which has been financed by the parish council together with the

Community Asset Fund of ‘The Pub’. Mr Norman said: "We have had bad experiences with four-hour waits for an ambulance in the village, so decided we should get one, and Chris said he would be happy to have it installed." The electronics were done by Tony Newland of AJN Electrical Dorset Ltd. Mr Partridge, who gave a demonstration to Mr Sargent's staff, said: "We are now offering training sessions to give people the confidence to use the equipment which is very simple to operate. If it detects a healthy heart rate it won't shock, but if it detects a fibrillating heart rate it will. There is no danger of mis-use, and the machine gives audible step-bystep instructions on its operation." In July, the Shooting Stars Theatre Company, featuring Mr Sargent's son Joe, gave two performances of Noel Coward's 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.

Parish councillors Scott Norman and Peter Partridge with licensee Chris Sargent and the defibrillator installed outside the White Horse in Stourpaine.

Great fire re-enactment secrets stay under wraps THE Great Fire of Blandford of 1731 will be re-enacted this month when an outdoor theatre performance, presented by The1888, is planned on Langton Meadows, next to the railway arches. It has been researched and written by local author Pat Harrison, who wrote 'Men at War', one of the plays presented by Forum Drama as part of their trilogy 'Dreams of Home' in November 2014. It is directed by John Cody of Durweston with a cast of professional actors, but the content is being kept deliberately under wraps to maintain an element of surprise. Mrs Harrison said: "All I can say is clear your diary for the

evenings of 24th or 25th September, bring a picnic, a chair and possibly a warm coat or a brolly, then get yourself down the Railway Arches at Langton Meadows, by 6pm, settle down somewhere comfy, enjoy your picnic and prepare for . . . well, when you see it, you'll understand why I couldn't possibly say a word about it beforehand, but I guarantee you will be amazed. And remember, time, tide - and fire - wait for no man!" The performance is being staged in support of the Blandford Railway Arches regeneration project. Tickets for what will be a world premiere cost £10 and will be available from Blandford Museum, Beres Yard or by calling 07743 483155.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

September 2016

Fond memories of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s railway history THE commemoration of the closure of the Somerset & Dorset railway 50 years ago, which was the subject of exhibitions in Blandford Corn Exchange and Town Museum in July and August, will continue this month at Shillingstone, Sturminster Newton and Spetisbury. The exhibitions were part of a project, supported with a ÂŁ58,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust to mark the anniversary of the line's closure and its own 50th anniversary with events and activities in communities along the entire route. As part of the exhibition in Blandford Museum, which remained until 17th August, there were themed performances by Kate McStraw entitled 'The Curator of Memories', based on memories and stories connected with the Somerset & Dorset Railway. They had been gathered from her own interviews with exS&D staff and people who travelled on the line, as well as existing archive materials. The exhibition explored the impact of the railway on local communities from its development, through its working life and since closure. A larger two-day exhibition in Blandford Corn Exchange was opened by Deputy Mayor of Blandford Hugo Mieville, who recalled that the first pupils at Milton Abbey, the school where he teaches, had arrived by train at Blandford railway station in 1954. He also recalled childhood summer holidays in Swanage were reached by travelling on the S&D, and that the house where he lives in Albert Street owed its existence to the arrival of the railway. "Its memory is preserved thanks to the North Dorset Trailway, the Blandford Museum, and the Trust, but I so wish it was back so I could more easily visit my daughter and grand-daughter in Bath," he said. Visitors were able to buy copies

of 'Somerset & Dorset Swansong' signed by its author Bob Bunyar, and of 'The Somerset & Dorset Railway Through Time' by Steph Gillett. There were performances from the Quangle Wangle Choir of railway-themed songs, including Flanders & Swann's 'The Slow Train', listing Blandford among the many stations closed 50 years ago. Items from the Trust's museum at Washford on display included a specially made wheelbarrow which carried the soil when Lady Smith cut the first sod for the construction of Blandford St Mary railway station, and there were exhibits from the Blandford Railway Club and the Blandford Railway Arches Trust. The travelling exhibition was, until 31st August, at Shillingstone Station, where special events were planned over the Bank Holiday, and on Sunday 4th at 7.30pm. Outdoor arts company Rag and Bone brought alive the heritage, sounds and atmosphere of the railway through a programme of processions, performances, sound, music and commemorative pieces. The following day, the exhibition can be seen in Sturminster Newton Museum, which is open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10am to 3pm, and Saturday 10am to 12.30pm, until 30th September. There will also be an exhibition at Spetisbury station site on Saturday 17th September, open 10am to 4pm, where Steph Gillett will again be signing copies of his new publication between 1pm and 3pm. A guided walk takes place along the former trackbed, now the North Dorset Trailway, from Sturminster Newton to Blandford on Saturday 24th September, starting 1pm at the Station Road car park. All events are subject to possible change, and to keep up to date can be found on the website at sdrt.org and on the Trust's Facebook page.

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Above: Blandford's Deputy Mayor Hugo Mieville with the barrow made for the opening of Blandford St Mary station, with (from left) Mike Beale and Steph Gillett of the S&D Trust, author Bob Bunyar, and David Cash, chairman of the Blandford Railway Club. Below: Mike Beale (right) chats to Frank Stickley of Pimperne, a fireman on the S&D between 1950 and 1958.

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; letters

Cemetery under threat THE Cemetery in Salisbury Road is a verdant space of peace not just for departed relatives and our Commonwealth military but for the living. There are garden seats, soft green paths for our feet and beautiful trees full of singing birds and mischievous squirrels. The ground staff are frequently commended on the care of the grounds. The cemetery has a sense of place; two symmetrically spaced Anglican-style chapels built in the middle of the 19th century, a war memorial between them and the whole surrounded by an old brick wall contemporaneous with the chapels. The old lime mortar in the wall is beginning to fail, the trees within the cemetery are growing and

September 2016 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

their roots creeping under the wall. The ancient wall needs some attention. The town council, against the wishes of the residents, have voted to demolish the brick wall where it is beginning to fail, sell the bricks, drive concrete posts into the base of the trees then fill the space with concrete gravel boards and imported timber. Once an ancient feature has gone it will never be replaced. Our cemetery was built with care and foresight by the Victorians for our peace and enjoyment. When one section of wall is replaced with cheap concrete and timber, a precedent is set. Will the cemetery be eventually surrounded by concrete and cheap one-and-a-half metre timber fence? The sense of place and a historic feature of our town will be lost forever. Madeleine Bridle Davis Gardens, Blandford

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.

Shocked by Lidl objection I COULD not believe the objection from Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the proposed Lidl. I even took a drive there to make sure that I was not going completely mad. No, the area is still nicely nestled between Sunrise Business Park and Blandford Heights by the busy bypass - next to newly erected Industrial buildings. I can fully understand Morrisons objecting to the new store but to get an objection of natural beauty beggars belief. The new store will give Blandford and surrounding areas access to low-priced goods and bring competition to our other two supermarkets. William Hussey Address Supplied, Blandford

Look out for hedgehogs OVER the past three weeks, three adult hedgehogs have been killed on the Wimborne Road between Diamond Way and Two Gates roundabout, which remains within a 40mph limit. We want to make drivers aware that these little bodies are trundling inoffensively around at night, just looking for food and water. Please SLOW DOWN and avoid the prickly balls caught in your headlights.

The Dorset Mammal Group, formed to promote interest in, and the interests of, all wild (terrestrial and marine) mammals in (and offshore from) Dorset, initiated the idea of a hedgehogfriendly county in August 2013. The Blandford group met for the first time in March this year, with a further meeting to take place in October. We are endeavouring to develop a hedgehog-friendly town where they can move easily between gardens and wild areas and cross roads safely. Putting out a shallow bowl of fresh water each evening, and allowing gaps through garden fences and gates will allow them to munch on slugs and snails. But if we keep killing off the mums and dads there will be no baby hedgehogs to carry on. Stella Baldwin Westbury Way, Blandford

Charity shops too expensive I HAVE noticed, with the exception of Julia's House, that the prices of the items in charity shops are much too high. Can I remind the shops that these items are donated for free and, although the proceeds go to very good causes, if the prices were cheaper they would surely sell more and the turnover would be quicker. I have many times picked things up and put them down again as some items are even more expensive than the actual shops you can purchase them from. Mrs Evans Address supplied, Blandford

September 2016

Readers’ letters History of the old boys IN your report (July issue) of the death of John Paulley, you state that he founded the Old Blandfordians. In fact, the Old Blandfordians was formed in the 1920s - 1923 I think but can't be sure - and continued until the 1950s when it lapsed somewhat. John Paulley, who was educated at Foster's Grammar School in Sherborne, was a keen Old Fosterian and early in the 1980s set about finding out what had happened to the Old Blandfordians and seeking out if there was any interest in its revival. This culminated in an informal dinner in September 1983 attended by about 30-plus former pupils who shared his interest. An informal committee was formed and the first newsletter was issued in March 1985 followed by a dinner later that year. These informal dinners continued every other year which, together with the ad hoc committee, culminated in an extraordinary general meeting in 1993 when the Old Blandfordians was relaunched with a new constitution to reflect the changes in education and circumstances that happened over the 70 years since it was founded. Continue with your good work on Forum Focus. I love to get it. Dave Chick Editor - Forum Newsletter The Blandfordians Association

IN July, the Drovers at Gussage All Saints reopened after being bought by the local community. I've visited twice and found it well run with good food and ale. It's a fine example of what can be done if the community get together. Only eight miles from Blandford, it's a local pub. Well worth a visit. Dave Upton Address supplied, Blandford

Top marks for our caterers WE were delighted that the success of our chef was reported in Forum Focus, and are rightly very proud of her achievements. We did think it may be useful to respond to Mr Smith's comment relating to the variety of cateringrelated roles at The Blandford School. Catering at The Blandford School is managed on our behalf by a specialist catering provider. All employees mentioned in the letter published in July's issue, including our wonderful chef, are employed by the catering organisation and not the school. Of those mentioned, with the exception of the chef who is based at the school, all other posts are based at the caterer's head office. This puts the school in the enviable position of having access to the highest quality specialists, ensuring that we can continue to prioritise providing a wide selection of nutritional food for our students and staff. Sally Wilson Headteacher, The Blandford School

Beware the loan sharks THE Wyvern Credit Union, which operates from Blandford through a pop-up service based at Treads in Bere's Yard on Saturday mornings, is encouraging people to sign up as part of a new drive to raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing money from loan sharks. The first 50 people to sign up and make savings before November could get a £25 boost before Christmas. The England Illegal Money Lending Team, which investigates and prosecutes money lending offences, is working with Dorset Trading Standards and the credit union to encourage people to say no to illegal lenders and look at saving for the future. Proceeds of crime money confiscated from convicted illegal lenders are being used to sponsor new credit union accounts. Rachel Bailey, manager with Wyvern Credit Union, says: "Wyvern Credit Union are the co-operative savings and loans organisation for Dorset and Somerset, a community-based organisation, staffed by local volunteers. "Just visit our website at wyvernsandl.co.uk or phone 01305 268444 to join or for more information." To report a loan shark call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222.

Gardens a highlight of another winning show BLANDFORD St Mary horticultural and craft show and fete in support of the village church and local charities was opened by the Blandford Town Crier. Visitors could explore the beautiful three-acre gardens of Mr and Mrs Jeremy Mains featuring a newly planted grasses border and inspirational summer containers. Classes included handicrafts, homecrafts, flowers, vegetables, photography with subjects of 'celebration' and 'tranquillity', flower arranging with 'Night and Day', '21st Century' and 'A Bridesmaid's Basket', and children's entries titled 'My Sport' and 'Fit for a Queen'. Fete stalls included home-grown plants with a guest nursery of unusual perennials. New this year was the pirate-themed fun area for children, who were invited to dress as pirates and have their picture taken on a pirate ship, with games including panning for treasure and Go for Gold. There were refreshments in the courtyard, Pimm’s on the lawn, and easy-listening music with Just Mark. In a separate field, a fun dog show this year featured a puppy class for the first time. • See pictures on our website, www.forumfocus.co.uk.

September 2016

A 30-year story of success THE 30th anniversary of a building design company, which started in the garden shed of its founder, was celebrated at a gathering in the courtyard of their now-expansive premises at Tarrant Hinton. Western Design Architects, whose often contemporary designs grace numerous environments including Bryanston School, the Tarrant Valley and Ibberton, was started by Phil Easton at his home in 1986. "I had no idea that it would develop into such a successful and diverse organisation," he said. "I have enjoyed creating so many great buildings, and it has been a privilege to work with such a talented and creative team." The company, which specialises in the restoration and conversion of historic properties as well as the creation of unique modern buildings to suit the specific needs of clients and locations, has also nurtured the careers of many talented designers and

Staff at Western Design Architects celebrate with their founder, Phil Easton, at Tarrant Hinton. architects over the years. Past employees, team members, contractors and clients gathered at the converted barn at South Farm, Tarrant Hinton, to toast its success and enjoy a splendid barbecue. Visitors also had an opportunity to tour the design stu-

dio and see examples of their work. It was one of a number of special events which have included a sailing day for staff, nearly 60 per cent of whom are women, together with publication of a WDA book, exhibitions, and the launch

REHEARSALS start this month for Blandford Choral Society's 70th season and it has a new music director, James Crawshaw. Members new and old will be welcome for a programme which includes performances on Remembrance Day and at the Somme commemoration in November, a seasonal concert of Christmas music in December, a Spring Concert in March, and a performance of light music at the end of June.

of their new website at westerndesignarchitects.com A number of awards this year and last have included best sustainable development in the 2015 LABC North Dorset Building Excellence Awards for Tarrant Hinton village hall.

Mr Crawshaw is an experienced singer, musician, accompanist and conductor, and the society aims to have a varied programme of music focusing on quality, chamber-style singing. Members of any age who enjoy singing and wish to develop their voices are welcome, and there are no auditions. The first rehearsal is on Monday 12th September at 7.30pm in Blandford St Mary Primary School. For further details, call the secretary on 07947 328480.

September 2016

Couple who even share a birthday A BLANDFORD couple who share the same birthday celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at Colten Care's Whitecliffe House. Wendy Wainwright, 90, has been a resident there since 2010. Husband Keith, 91, lives nearby, and their special day was marked by staff with flowers and a specially baked cake. They were both born on June 17. Anne Tapley, home manager, said: "Keith and Wendy are a devoted couple and we were very pleased to share in their celebrations." Originally from Yorkshire, the couple first met through friends. Keith worked in the steel industry for more than 40 years while Wendy taught in infant and junior schools. They have two daughters, Juliet and Caroline, and three grown-up grandchildren. Asked for the secret of their long marriage, Wendy said: "We really have no idea. Time has just flown."

Above: Keith and Wendy Wainwright celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with Anne Tapley, home manager, Colten Care's Whitecliffe House. Above right: the couple on their wedding day in 1951.

Rotarians welcome a new president CARL Conlon is this year's president of the Blandford Stour Rotary Club, taking over from Sam Finlay, who handed over the badge of office at an informal gathering in Blandford Parish Rooms to celebrate Sam's year as president. The club has been part of the community since 1998 and is committed to charitable fund raising, particularly on a local level while also contributing to

various international campaigns as part of Rotary Worldwide. Carl said: "I feel very privileged to be taking over this post. This year, as always, we are looking at further ways to create fundraising events and hope that the town and surrounding area will support them, allowing us to put money back into the community."

September 2016

No known graves for many victims of Somme slaughter

Tale of a born survivor THESE pages have, for the last year, been dominated by the brief stories of those who died during the First World War, and last month we reported on the 100th local casualty of the conflict. So it is refreshing to receive this account Frank Turpin pictured with his wife Dorothy. from Andy Turpin of his grandfather, Frank, who survived 1st Class on 2nd February 1915. both the first and second world At the Battle of Jutland, in which wars. almost 10,000 English and German Born in Tarrant Hinton to parents seaman lost their lives, he served Charles and Isabella and a family of aboard HMS Iron Duke, the flag poor farm labourers, they were livship of commander-in-chief, ing in Blandford at 3 Limerick Admiral John Jellicoe, and became Cottages, Hardy's Yard, when, at 21, one of the lucky ones. He continued Frank joined the Royal Navy at to serve in the Navy through the rest Portsmouth on 2nd February 1914 of the First World War and advanced as Stoker 2nd Class. On 17th to Leading Stoker 1st July 1918. On November he was assigned to HMS 16th June 1922 he was paid ÂŁ5 and Iron Duke and promoted to Stoker 1 shilling for 'Jutland prize bounty'.

Badge of honour THE Silver War Badge, also called the Silver Wound Badge, was instigated on 12th September 1916. Each badge was individually numbered and stamped on the reverse, and had a pin so it could be worn on the lapel. It was awarded to all those military personnel who had served at home or overseas during the war and who were honourably discharged under King's Regulations. Expiry of a normal term of engagement did not count. The most common reason for discharge and issue of the badge was for soldiers who had been released on account of being permanently physically unfit. It was also awarded in retrospect to men discharged in 1914 or 1915 who otherwise met the criteria. It seems that most badges were accompanied by a King's Certificate of Discharge. The badge indicated that any injured man in civilian clothing, who may have appeared fit, could be identified as having served in the Army and therefore 'done his bit'. This helped to stop accusations of cowardice and the giving of white feathers. 'Silver Badge Men' would often march together at veterans' parades.

MANY of those who died serving their country in September 1916 have no known grave, and three from Blandford are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme in France as well as on the Blandford War Memorial. Herbert George Goddard, killed in action on the Somme on 4th September, aged 20, was a LanceCorporal with the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who had previously served with the Dorsetshire Regiment. Born in Pimperne in 1896, he was a farm labourer, the son of farm carter Walter and Ellen Goddard of Coward's Farm, Salisbury Road. William Joseph Snelling was a Private in the 5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment, killed in action near Grandcourt on the Somme on 26th September, aged 26. He had worked as a groom before enlisting in August 1914, to serve in the Balkans before being posted to France in July 1916. His elder brother Robert, who was killed in 1917, and his sister Rose Mary, who married to become Mrs Caines, were both born in Swanage, but he was born in Blandford where the family first lived at the County Police Station in Salisbury Street, and then at 13 Charles Street. His mother Mary in 1901 became an inmate at Charminster asylum where she remained until her death in 1919; his father James George, a gas works stoker and policeman, died in 1917. Seven other members of the 5th Dorsets died in France on 26th September, including Samuel Reglar of Bryanston, George Frederick James of Milton Abbas, George Butler and Alfred Joseph Wareham, both of Shroton, Raymond William Brown and Harry Frank Tuffin, both of Sutton Waldron, and Sidney Cousins of Wimborne St Giles. His neighbour Frank Loader was serving with the Canadian Infantry when he died on the same day. Charles Henry Bartlett, serving as a Sergeant in the 5th Battalion, died the following day of wounds sustained during the attack at Mouquet Farm on the Somme. He had been hospitalised in England with a gun-

shot wound to the shoulder in April 1915, and reposted to France in July 1916. The son of carpenter Charles Henry and Mariette Bartlett, of 21 Orchard Street, he had in 1908 married Bessie Clara Elkins in Blandford, and they had one son, living at 6 The Close. He worked as a wheelwright and coachbuilder before enlisting in August 1914. Alfred Christopher Almack, of Blandford St Mary, also died on the 27th, serving with the 3rd Northamptonshire Regiment in France, and S.S. Green, of Blandford St Mary, died on 30th September serving in Mesopotamia with the 2nd Dorsets. There are also a number of deaths commemorated in the villages, many of whom died further afield. George Arthur Keynes of the RAMC (Winterborne Kingston) died on 4th September in Salonika; George Frederick Giles of the 2nd Dorsets (Tarrant Gunville) died in Mesopotamia on 6th September; Ernest Inkpen of the Royal Engineers (Shillingstone), died on 9th September in Egypt; and Grantley Henry Tuffin of the 2nd Scots Guards (Shroton) died in France on 25th September. George Lewis Gould was serving as a Corporal in the 2nd/4th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment when he died of dysentery on 16th September aboard Hospital Ship Egypt and was possibly buried at sea, aged 32. Born in Bournemouth, the son of coal merchant George Edward and Annie Adelaide Gould, he had been married in Blandford in 1912 to a widow, Penzance-born Elizabeth Matilda Annie Lewis (nee Gribben) and they had a daughter, Joyce, born two years later. They lived at Oakfield Villa, Oakfield Street, Blandford. In 1901, at the age of 17, he was listed in the census as a solicitor's clerk, and in 1911 as an agricultural engineer's clerk living in Fairfield Road. He enlisted in September 1914 and was promoted to Corporal in January 1915, serving in India and Mesopotamia. He is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.

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.

September 2016

Brook MacCallum is retiring after more than 20 years serving Blandford Evangelical Church.

Retiring headteacher Sue Ryall with pupils on the last day of term at Milldown Primary School.

Changing roles for some familiar faces THIS summer has seen the retirement and relocation of a number of prominent figures in Blandford, including Brook MacCallum, senior/lead pastor at Blandford Evangelical Church. Mr MacCallum has retired after serving as a member of the team at the church in Albert Street since 1994, and as lead pastor since 1998. The former farm manager at Winterborne Stickland trained for two years at Moorlands College in Christchurch before joining the team led by his predecessor Bob Kilpatrick, and has twice served as Mayor's Chaplain. He and his wife Liz have four children and four grandchildren. "We will be staying in the area, but taking six months out to allow my successor Dale Carmichael and his wife Emma, who have become joint pastors, space to find their feet." Dale became a Christian through an Alpha course, and did an internship for a year to become a

part time staff member, along with his wife, last year. Mr MacCallum said: "We have an active congregation from across the age range, and the church is in a healthy condition to move forward." Sue Ryall has been headteacher at Milldown Primary School, first at its original site on the Milldown and since 2010 on The Blandford School campus. The governors announced in April that James Law, then deputy headteacher at Hamworthy Park Junior School, had been appointed to start in September. On the last day of the summer term there were thankyous and goodbyes not only to Mrs Ryall, who was presented with dozens of gifts including an 'owl seat' carved from a tree trunk in recognition of her passion for owls, but also to Sarah Fitzgerald, also a teacher at the school for 19 years, and Michelle Page, a teaching assistant for the past 12 years. With another new reception class this autumn term, two new staff have been appointed, Mrs Amy Lyne and Mrs Victoria Smith. Jerome de Silva has moved on from Pimperne Primary School after three years as head, overseeing the relocation from the old Victorian building in School Lane to the newly built premises in Newfield Road, and is succeeded by Mrs Fiona Waller.

PROPOSALS for new signage on Blandford bypass to highlight the attractions of Blandford to tourists have been supported in principle by town councillors. But members heard that a survey carried out by Dorset County Council had established that the cost of the signs would be in excess of ÂŁ140,000. The possibility of grant funding is being investigated by the DT11 Forum, which last month learned that a bid for funding under the Dorset Visual Arts programme had been unsuccessful.

FARMING

September 2016

The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk

UNNY days in August usually mean just one thing - harvest. If there is nothing to cut on a sunny day we will go around every field willing it to ripen, and will usually find something nearly ready. We always know that the weather or breakdowns will catch us out at some point so we can't waste a good sunny day - it's against farming law. Three days into harvest we suffered a serious breakdown when the main fan in the drier died. Its job is to draw hot air through the grain as it passes through the drier, and no fan means no drying. Our friends at Dorset Grain were on site very quickly and helped to remove the fan and its housing, they then whisked it off to a firm in Poole for motor rewinding. This took two days. At the end of the process the rewound motor is baked in an oven for 14 hours to complete the repair. Once back on the farm, the same team hauled the fan back into the roof and had it bolted together in a couple of hours. The friendly man from DE Scott Electrical popped back in to connect up and make sure the fan was turning in the right direction, and all was finished by the end of Friday afternoon ready for a weekend of drying.

Harvesting. Winter barley was ripe on July 18th, and rather disappointing. The wet and sunless June let the crop down badly. We cut it over four days and were rewarded with shrivelled light grain, and not much of it. We moved on in to the oilseed rape on Monday 24th July, when it was just about ready, the seed was dry but the stems hadn't dried out completely. This kept us busy for the next week, with a rain break for much of the next week. Finishing the rape on Friday afternoon among showers, we

Coyote protection, Georgia style.

thought we'd have a nibble at some spring barley on Saturday (August 6th). The sun came out and shone beautifully all day, the grain only needed a tickle from the drier, and the yield is much better than the winter barley. The sunnier weather in July must have suited its growing very well. Grain quality looks good, though we will have to wait for the merchant's word on the all-important nitrogen levels after it has been tested. Too high nitrogen means the beer will be cloudy. Gary has been out baling; 425

round bales from 40 acres of spring barley is pretty good, and good going for a day's work. Brendan has been chasing him around hauling the bales into the shed at Websley 31 at a time. To see a skilled man at work loading bales go to viewfromthehill.org.uk and click the videos menu, where you will also find brand new combine and baling footage. One weekend I managed to sneak off from harvest to a wedding in Atlanta, and we took a drive out of town to visit a Georgian beef farm. The lady farmer and her colleagues gave us a wonderful welcome, showing us around the farm, giving away some of their secrets, and we even got around to discussing the US election and the British vote on EU membership. I felt both sides were doing their best to be diplomatic in situations that each could not quite believe were affecting the other. One interesting titbit we learnt was that if you run donkeys with your beef herd, you get a lot less bother from coyotes (wild dogs). Our host had acquired a pair of jenny donkeys some years back, only to find later that both were pregnant. She now has four jennys - and suffers very few coyote attacks on her cows and calves.

September 2016

Was this man the true architect of post-fire Blandford? A WIDELY held belief that the architects of the rebuilding of Blandford town centre after the Great Fire of 1731 were local builders John and William Bastard has been challenged in a recently published book. Peter FitzGerald, author of 'Nathaniel Ireson of Wincanton', casts doubt on claims that the brothers were the designers of the church, Corn Exchange, Red Lion and the Bastards' own property in the Market Place. In his book, Mr FitzGerald, who will be giving a talk in the Corn Exchange on the subject next month, suggests that while they may have been the builders, others may have been responsible for the designs. His argument stems partly from the fact that at the time of the fire they were quality joiners and carpenters, following in the footsteps of their father Thomas, and his belief that the committee appointed by Act of Parliament to oversee the rebuilding would have been more likely to commission established architects of the day. He says the church and its proposed spire is in keeping with the work of Thomas Archer, designer of many London churches, and likely to be the work of Ireson, Archer's master builder at Hale and Chettle and designer of many others locally, or some other established baroque architect. "It would seem surprising that the committee would have chosen the Bastards to design this prestigious building when they had no record as architects," says Mr FitzGerald.

The cupola - now unveiled following its restoration - could also have been the work of Ireson or Bryanston-born master builder Francis Cartwright, who worked on the masonry at the church tower in 1749. The Palladian-style Corn Exchange is inscribed 'Bastard Architect', but a plan signed by James Thornhill, he says, suggests he was the initial designer. "It seems likely that the brothers were the builders of many of the buildings in the Market Place, but unlikely that they designed any of those commissioned shortly after the fire. "I do not wish to detract from the fact that they were initially joiners and cabinet makers of high quality, or that they became good builders shortly after the fire, and excellent architects a few years later." Local historian Judith Ford said: "I'm not sure how controversial this really is as it has long been acknowledged that it is difficult to identify the designers and builders of some post-fire buildings. "Those usually attributed with some certainty to the Bastard brothers are the Town Hall and the church, but I do not find Mr FitzGerald's counter-arguments very convincing." She added: "The Bastards say only that the building of the tower and cupola was undertaken by others, who rejected the spire, and the design of the tower does not differ markedly from a drawing by William Bastard. "It has been suggested that the Town Hall may owe something to

Nathaniel Ireson, 18th century architect, master builder and potter (Portrait by Chiara de Cabarrus).

Thornhill's design, but no specific feature of his elevation is reproduced in the actual building. "As far as 73 East Street/28 Market place is concerned, there is a plan attached to a lease dated 1732 at the Dorset History Centre which is annotated in John Bastard's handwriting which, in my opinion, suggests that he drew up the plan himself." â&#x20AC;˘ The talk, hosted by Blandford & District Society on Saturday 8th October, starts Peter FitzGerald's book featuring, on the front at 7.30pm. Tickets can be cover, Ven House in Milborne Port, designed purchased in advance by by Ireson and built between 1725 and 1731. calling 01258 459346.

September 2016

Food aid group makes new plea for help BLANDFORD Cares, the group founded by a local family after a visit to Calais, remains desperate for funding, food and help to support those living in the Calais and Dunkirk camps and further afield. They say they had empty shelves and coffers at the very time that the refugee distribution centre they support had completely run out of food. Members of the group have visited every two months providing direct aid and giving their time to help with food pack preparations and distribution in the warehouse and kitchens. They have helped with the delivery of consignments to Greek Islands, Syria and Africa

through larger distribution centres in Taunton, High Wycombe, and have financed over £3,000 of food aid delivered directly to Calais. "We have even assisted with the procurement, repair and delivery of a 'Wendy' bus hostel for unaccompanied children purchased by Sturminster Newton Group First Need - Child Refugee Aid," said group founder Mike Hearn. "We have only been able to do as much as we have through the generosity of the Dorset public and Blandford organisations, schools and churches. But we need to promote the cause more widely." People can join their mailing list, see their

Facebook page (Blandford CARES - Calais Aid for Refugees Europe and Sudan) and promote the cause among friends and family. They can also become more involved, by volunteering to help in the Calais warehouse delivering aid, or offering cash donations or goods which can be sold to provide cash for food aid. Deliveries can be made to Blandford Parish Church Office any weekday morning between 9.30am and 12pm. For more information, call Mike or Suzi Hearn on 07768403512 or 07709551764, email hearn@forumsprings.plus.com or see calaidipedia.co.uk.

Rock festival may leave town next year BLANDFORD's home-grown charity rock festival Teddy Rocks could be moving out of town next year, after sound checks carried out at Charisworth Farm, Thornicombe, the site of the No Man's Land Festival earlier this year owned by Richard Tory. Tom Newton, the inspiration behind Teddy Rocks which raises funds for children's cancer charities in memory of his brother Ted, who died when he was ten years old, arranged for the checks

which local residents were told of in letters and at a meeting of Winterborne Whitechurch parish council. He told parish councillors that he hoped to locate next year's festival at Charisworth, and was supported by Mr Tory, who had apologised for the upset caused in the village by the earlier music festival, saying the organisers had not kept to what they had told him. Mr Newton assured the council

that it would be better organised with a strict 11pm music finishing time and better security. Sound tests would be carried out to establish required sound levels which would also be observed. Letters were subsequently sent to residents asking them to let the organisers know if they were affected by the music levels during the sound test so that the necessary adjustments could be made. He promised noise levels of no more than 65Db, no music after 11pm, and certainly not until 3am as was experienced with the No

Man's Land festival. If the festival went ahead, he said, it could raise £100,000 for children's cancer charities. This year's event on the Stour Meadows raised well over £40,000, doubling the amount raised the previous year in Greyhound Yard. The relocation of Teddy Rocks will address concerns raised by some that expanding the festival in Blandford on the same May Day weekend as the Georgian Fayre will cause too much disruption and traffic congestion following this year's experience.

Village shop reopened VILLAGERS in Okeford Fitzpaine are celebrating the reopening of their village shop, which closed in May after a year of operating only a couple of days a week. The shop is now open daily under the new ownership of Vince Lee and Sharne Ferris, who also run the Red Barn shop at Hazelbury Bryan. "We sold our house in Sturminster Newton so that we could buy it, and have had it completely gutted and refitted," said Sharne. "It's still a work in progress, but we have space for a Post Office Local which is due to open within a couple of months, and plans to open a small tearoom in the room next door. "Our suppliers are Spar, which

means we can offer some of their promotions, but we want to maintain it as a local village shop." Mr Lee said the Red Barn shop, which they reopened four years ago, will be managed by their team of loyal staff, although they will continue to visit it daily since the two are less than five miles apart. The reopening is important to the village, which last year won the award for 'Neighbourliness' in the 2015 Best Kept Village competition in addition to being runner-up in the large village category and has recently had an influx of residents following the redevelopment of the former Faccenda chicken factory with new housing.

• The vacancy on Blandford Town Council created by the resignation of Councillor Mike Owen in June is to be filled by co-option. Members agreed, in the absence of a call for an election, to start the co-option process of a member to represent Central ward. See advertisement on page 28. • Pramacare, based in Salisbury Street, Blandford, has been given a clean bill of health by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection carried out in April. At the time, the Blandford Pramacare office was providing personal care and support for 68 people in their own homes, and the inspection found their service good on all counts of being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

September 2016

A busy, buzzy timetable for the town’s carnival BLANDFORD Carnival will be filling the streets with music and lights on Saturday 10th September, when the bands, decorated floats, dancers and other performers parade from Holland Way to the town centre. The Carnival committee, which is now down to a membership of just four, is hoping it will encourage others to come forward and commit to help with the popular annual event, either on the day with marshalling or during the year. Spokesman Ian Napleton said: "It would be lovely to have more entrants too. If people can't get a vehicle that they can dress up, they can dress up themselves and enter as walkers." The popular Spot the Oddity competition, in which entrants are invited to find unusual objects in shop windows, started on 6th August, with entry forms available from ASL Locksmiths near Greyhound Yard, costing 50p each. Entry forms for the Carnival itself are also available from ASL or via the Facebook page 'BlandfordCarnival'. Classes include walking groups, pairs and individuals in several age categories, walkers with decorated prams or cart, and Carnival collectors. Sections in the vehicle classes include humorous, carnival clubs,

A graduate’s tale of woe THE author of the calamitous tale of an average graduate who crashed through 14 jobs in 15 years will be present at a garden party at the Old Rectory, Langton Long, on Sunday 4th September. Charlie Raymond grew up in London and Dorset and in his first book he describes his postuniversity efforts to 'make it' in the 21st century. The garden party is hosted by Mr and Mrs Egerton and Deirdre Skipwith on behalf of the Friends of the Forum at the Corn Exchange, Blandford, and cream teas will be sold in support of the building's regeneration. Tickets at £6.50, available from Blandford TIC, the Blandford Town Council Offices, or by email from chair@forumblandford.co.uk, include a free glass of Pimm’s on arrival and £1.50 off the price of the book.

decorated car and trailers, trade, Young Farmers, youth and schools organisations, and a general class for anyone not falling into any of those categories. Miss Blandford Carnival Lauren Gubbins and Carnival Princess Elizabeth Hunt were chosen at a selection event held at the Royal British Legion at the end of June, together with attendants Lara Miller and Dolcie Burton. Funds towards the Carnival were raised at a bingo session at the Royal British Legion in July, which will be followed by another in the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 7th September starting at 7.30pm. On Carnival day itself, doors open, again in Blandford Corn Exchange, for the baby show for which there is an entry fee of £3, and booking in will take place from 10.30 to 11am. Children will be judged in four different age groups:

0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-24 months. The presentation of proceeds of last year's Carnival to local groups will take place at 11am followed by the judging of the baby show starting at 11.15 am and the award of prizes sponsored by Ragtags of Blandford. Carnival procession judging in Holland Way will start at 5.45pm, and the procession starts just after 7pm, following its usual route along Heddington Drive, up Salisbury Road, down Kings Road and St Leonard's Avenue to Wimborne Road and East Street before entering the Market Place and ending in the Marsh and Ham car park. Anyone who would like to get involved in helping to organise the annual event is encouraged to contact the committee by email to blandfordcarnival@talktalk.net.

Festival a record breaker A RECORD £9,000 was raised at this year's Dorset Midsummer Music & Food Festival held at Warren Farm on the slopes of Bulbarrow Hill, with over 900 attending. The festival was founded in 2014 to raise funds for the maintenance of the three churches at Cheselbourne, Hilton and Melcombe, which date back almost 1000 years. The natural amphitheatre ensured everyone had a great view of the acts and the best sound quality possible. The date for the 2017 festival has now been confirmed as 24th June. More information from the Facebook page (Dorset Midsummer Music and Food Festival) or email dorsetmidsummerfest@gmail.com.

Party celebration for Nan at 103 A TEA party at Pimperne village hall celebrated the 103rd birthday of Nan Dennett, who continues to be a regular attender at Blandford Royal British Legion's bingo sessions. Her friends at Tesco - staff who look after her and help her bag her shopping every week - surprised her with a bouquet of flowers when she did her regular shop the following week. Mrs Dennett, originally from Lancaster, moved to Dorset with her Dorset-born husband Ivor, whom she met while serving with the WRVS in Lancashire during the Second World War. She worked in local shops and at Clayesmore School before her retirement, and then with Help the Aged as a volunteer until she was 94. She has two daughters, Jenny Chick and Sandra Park, four grandchildren, Cheryl, Tara, Kelly and Danielle, and five great-grandchildren, Jordan, Celeste, Caitlin, Alfie and Skye.

A fashionable end to Knighton’s term THE end-of-term and academic year celebrations at Knighton House School are always busy and fun-filled. This year the school welcomed

Emma Willis in her special dungarees.

SCHOOLS

back a number of 'Old Knightonians', and the guest of honour was Emma Willis, the former pupil who runs the worldfamous eponymous luxury British shirt makers. After presenting the prizes Emma recounted some tales from her time at Knighton House, as well as inspiring the audience with the story of Style for Soldiers - the charity that Emma has started in gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of our service men and women. She thanked the Knighton House pupils who had fundraised for the charity, and was presented a unique pair of Knighton House dungarees as a thank you. Made from off-cuts of the beautiful fabrics from her Gloucester factory by a parent (Helen Roddis of tulipandteal.co.uk) the dungarees will be a fitting reminder of her return visit to her prep school which is so well known for its red dungarees. The finale to the day was the school fashion show, for which every three years each pupil creates a garment and choreo-

September 2016

The end-of-term fashion show at Knighton House. graphs a catwalk dance. The theme was 'Once Upon a Time - Literary Favourites' which included The Jungle Book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Where my Wellies Take Me, The Hundred Dresses, Alice in Wonderland, Romeo and Juliet and Dr Seuss. The pupils designed, sewed, weaved, glued, painted, created

papier maché pieces, fabric printed, made jewellery and much more to create a stunning show. Emma Willis congratulated the pupils and staff saying: "This really was the best fashion show I have ever been to. Your designs and choreography showed us what talented girls you are as well as a huge range of creativity and style."

A NEW type of swing which allows a toddler and parent to sit facing each other is to be purchased for Larksmead play area and could be introduced to others in the town if found to be popular. The cost of £458 plus VAT for the product and installation was approved by the Recreation and Amenities Committee in June subject to positive feedback on the Town Council's website and Facebook page.

SCHOOLS

September 2016

Students benefit from creative writing project STUDENTS at The Blandford School have been treated to English lessons from a local published writer, Louisa Adjoa Parker, who visited the school to give two lessons on creative writing. Her involvement is part of a collaborative project between Exeter University, The Open University and The Arvon Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports writers in developing their work. TBS English teacher, Joanne Brown, was approached by Arvon to participate in the project, which involves a class and focus group from 16 schools in the south-west. It aims to gauge the extent to which working with a profession-

al writer improves children's writing at KS2 and 3, and the outcomes will be presented next March. As a result of collaboration with the writer, Ms Brown has developed a creative writing unit to be taught to future year 7 English groups, which incorporates activities which professional writers use. The class of 11- and 12-yearolds enjoyed the input of a writer as well as visits from the lead researcher, Lucy Oliver, from Exeter University. Ms Brown is particularly proud of her class for their creative contributions. "We all feel inspired by the fresh approach to writing brought by our involvement in this project," she said.

Year 7 students at The Blandford School with teacher Joanne Brown who took part in a creative writing project. PLANS to install murals on many of the passageways in Blandford have been approved in principle by the town council's town and general purposes committee, who have authorised a council working party to progress the idea with property owners and the planning department, both of whom will need to give permission. Themes such as coaching inns, old Blandford trades, wildlife and the history of some of the buildings have been suggested to decorate and enliven walkways such as Barnack Walk, Nightingale Court, the Greyhound Passage and Anchor Gateway.

Clayesmore topple MCC THE cricketers of the Clayesmore School 1st XI (above) won their annual fixture against the MCC for the first time in many years. The MCC were put in to bat by Clayesmore and were forced into a relatively generous declaration at 159-8 (from 48 overs). In reply, Clayesmore reached 157-9 with captain, Ollie Perrin, caught on the mid-wicket boundary attempting to end the game with a pull shot. Three runs or one wicket were required. A potential run-out was missed to tie the scores and Clayesmore needed one more run. As the MCC field closed in, Edward Glover got off his duck with a glorious drive through the covers. Cue great celebrations, with Clayesmore ending on 160-9 from 42 overs.

A celebration in the villages ACTIVITIES in the Milton Abbas and Winterborne Valley benefice over two weeks in July were part of a mission initiative, 'Casting the Net', aimed at reaching out into the community and celebrating what is good in its villages. With funding from the parishes and the Aldhelm Mission Fund, it started with a service in each church on Sea Sunday, 10th July, and featured 45 nautical scarecrows on display around the villages. A series of events were open to all, including exhibitions, concerts, dances, a quiz, talks on wrecks, coffee mornings, the chance to join a choir, messy games, and decoration of the various churches embracing the nautical theme.

SCHOOLS

September 2016

Scholarship and award winners at Knighton House School.

More success for Knighton House girls

PUPILS and staff of Knighton House School are again celebrating an excellent crop of Common Entrance and scholarship results. Out of a class of 15, seven girls have won a full range of scholarships and awards - a remarkable

achievement in any school, especially in a non-selective school. Leavers this year are going on to Bryanston, Oundle, St Mary's Calne, Godolphin, Clayesmore, Leweston and St Mary's Shaftesbury.

Clayesmore teacher moving to Talbot Heath THE deputy head academic at Clayesmore Prep School, Sally Weber-Spokes, has been appointed the new junior headteacher at Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth, starting in September.

A graduate of the University of Leeds, she began her career as an English teacher and later worked as director of studies at Kenton College Preparatory School in Kenya.

AFTER another busy year, congratulations to all the students at the Janet Knight School of Dancing in Blandford who passed their Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams with a 100% pass rate. Two senior students move on with their studies this autumn: Georgina Duckworth, a Grade 8 ballet student who has gained a place at university to study sports science, and Rory Shafford, who has won a full three-year scholarship to continue his dancing at the Urdang Dance Academy in London.

September 2016

SCHOOLS

Smiles by the mile for Dellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual race STUDENTS and staff from all years were able to take part in the four-lap race of the annual Della Jones Mile at The Blandford School. This year's race was once again started by Della Jones herself, who set up the event to encourage competition within school sport. She watched as a record number of 325 participants completed their mile. It was particularly impressive to see a high proportion of boys and girls competing against each other, with more students choosing to run the mile this year rather than walk. The overall winner was year 10 student Michael Johnson in a time of 5.08 minutes, with year 7 Eve Masters crossing the line as the first female in a time of 7.23 minutes. Eve's achievement is particularly special due to the fact that her mother, Joanne Masters, also won the event when she was at the school in 1985. Tom Ansell was the first sixth-former across the line, with Mr Knightbridge winning the male staff race and Dr Williams the female staff race. The overall winners of the Della Jones Mile were Lancaster house, which also went on to win a rain-disrupted sports day for the first time in several years, with the result that they overtook the other houses and claimed victory in the overall house competition.

Michael Johnson receives his trophy as overall winner from Della Jones.

Eve Masters, first girl home, receives her trophy from Della Jones.

Browniesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fishy fun

THE Blandford School Equestrian team entered their first competition at the Dorset School Equestrian Games, held at Bryanston School. The competition involved more than 190 riders from 35 schools and was a fantastic experience for all those involved. The Blandford School team did well and managed to come fifth in 70-75cm showjumping class - well done to Charlotte Sims, Chloe Dunn, Jessica Scott and Kate Druce.

A SLEEPOVER with the theme 'Under the Ocean' was held by the Brownies of Clayesmore Prep and Iwerne Minster, who played lots of games and enjoyed craft activities, including making an aquarium with shoe-boxes. In between rain showers, they had a campfire. The highlight, however, was when they dressed up as mermaids and had a Mermaid Academy in the pool. Girls do not have to be at Clayesmore to join their Brownie pack, which meets every Thursday from 5.30pm to 7pm, and enjoy woodland art, games and working towards badges as well as their one sleepover a year. For further information, email Penny Middle on pmiddle@clayesmore.com.

30 THE reality game Pokémon Go, which challenges smartphone users to find and catch Pokémon characters in real world surroundings, is taking off in Blandford, where dozens of key locations have become hot spots and collection points. The game has an augmented reality map which tracks the player's movements. Pokémon appear on the screen and when tapped are caught enabling Poke Balls to be flung at a target on screen. Landmarks in the real world are used to collect Poke Balls and Potions, earning points to upgrade the user's level. The game has been hailed as a tool to combat sedentary lifestyles since it encourages players to walk sometimes long distances to hatch eggs which lead them to collect new Pokémon. Sara Loch, owner of The Old House in The Close, which is featured along with the parish church, Corn Exchange, and many other buildings in the town bearing the blue plaques awarded by Blandford & District Civic Society, said: "I had no idea The Old House was a Pokémon point, and can't say I have noticed too many people glued to their phones yet, at this or any other location!"

SPORT

September 2016

Blandford Youth Cricket Club members.

Rewarding finale for young cricketers BLANDFORD's young cricketers gathered on the Park Road recreation ground for their annual season finale and presentation evening, when awards were presented to the managers', players' and most improved players of the year. The winners were: Manager’s - Oliver Way (U9s), Bailey Ratcliffe (U11s), Louis Collins (U13s) and Liam Tuck (U15s); Players’ - George Guirdham (U9s), Thomas Kiff and Robert Harding (U11s), Mollie Joyce and Lewis Freak (U13s) and Joe Freak (U15s); and Most Improved - Jake Robbins (U9s), Correy Alison (U11s), Owain Cork (U13s) and Lewis Freak (U15s).

The teams play matches throughout the week and at weekends, and Blandford Youth Cricket also runs youth training sessions on Friday evenings for children from 5 to 15 between April and July, with generally around 50 children a week attending. Coaching is run by Tom Snape & Stu Robbins, and a barbecue is held with food supplied by their main sponsor, butchers J. Mato & Son. Within the next two years they hope to start a girls' team. For more information, see their Facebook page Blandford Youth Cricket.

Cash boost for bowlers BLANDFORD Bowls Club Junior Section, run every Saturday morning throughout the bowls season by Joy and Sid Steele, has been presented with a £300 donation from the Damory Garage's 'Making a Difference Locally' fund, known as MADL. The section members are often entered into competitions, with extra evening sessions through the summer. The charity MADL was established to support communities served by local NISA stores, and helps the stores raise money for donation through the sale of certain products, including their own-label Heritage range. The cheque was presented by Ian Hughes, Damory Garage partner, and his son Owain, pictured right with Junior Section members.

SPORT

September 2016

The scene at the start and finish of the Tarrant Valley 10k.

Another good turn-out for the Tarrant Valley run THE Tarrant Valley 10k started and finished at the Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton. The event was well attended by Dorset's running community, Wimborne AC, Poole AC, North Dorset Triathlon, Run Blandford and the Dorset Doddlers comprising the majority of the field. Blandford runner Iain Trickett, a member of the Dorset Doddlers, led from the start to finish, winning in 35 minutes 47 seconds, well ahead of second placed John Bassinder (36.12) and third placed Dave Hicks (36.57), both of Poole AC. In the women's race, last year's winner Beckie Lord, of Stubbington Green Runners, and Kalie Demerjian, from California, arrived home hand in hand to take first equal in 40 minutes 40 seconds. Harriet Addison was

third in 44 minutes 28 seconds. Beckie explained that Kalie had become her training partner when she had gone to California to train, and had come over this summer to visit her in the UK. Conditions were hot and muggy for the run, with many of the 180 athletes, of whom 165 finished the course, saying that they had found no wind at all during the course of the multi-terrain route around the valley, but a fast pace was set which came close to matching the course record of just under 35 minutes. After the start of the 10km race, 20 youngsters took part in the one-mile children's race. Nineyear-old Leo Riggs of Bournemouth and eight-year-old Ben Ives of Poole were first and second boys, and eight-year-old Amelia Stewart of Verwood and

Challenge pays off THE Trailway Challenge, organised on behalf of the Blandford Opportunity Group in July, raised in excess of ÂŁ230 for the charity providing pre-school facilities for children with special needs. It was one of the many activities supported by law firm Blanchards Bailey to raise money for the pre-school, its charity of the year. Staff offered refreshments to thirsty participants on the trail and sweets to the youngest challengers, and key members of the team, principals Paul Dunlop and Alan Horne, took part, proving their mettle over the course. Laura Martin, family law solicitor for Blanchards Bailey and Blandford Opportunity Group committee member, said: "It was a great day which saw the team from Blanchards Bailey support Blandford Opportunity Group in their yearly Trailway Challenge. "We came together with a host of other support to raise money for a great local charity. The highlight for me was seeing people of all ages taking on the challenge for such an excellent cause."

10-year-old Lauren Coward of Chippenham were first and second girls. A couple of two-year-old toddlers taking part with their parents arrived back only shortly before the main race winners to the cheers and applause of spectators. Proceeds from the annual event, sponsored by local businesses and organised for the first time by race director Andy Eastaugh following the retirement of James Malden, will go to the Meningitis Research Foundation and All Saints Church, Tarrant Monkton. Mr Eastaugh, thanking all runners for participating in good, though competitive, spirit, and the veritable army of volunteers from Tarrant Monkton and Tarrant Launceston, and beyond, whose kind assistance helped make this year's TV10 a resounding success, said next year's 30th anniversary event is provisionally scheduled for Sunday 16th July. See tarrantvalley10.webs.com for full results and details.

Iain Trickett on his way to victory.

Winners and runners-up in the children's mile race, Ben Ives, Leo Riggs, Amelia Stewart and Lauren Coward.

September 2016

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events

Saturday 27th August: Blandford Parish Church celebration of completion of work on the tower and cupola, fun day, sponsored abseil and evening guitar concert. To 29th August: Great Dorset Steam Fair, Tarrant Hinton, to 5pm Monday To 31st August: S&DR50 exhibition, Shillingstone Station (not Tuesday) Wednesday 31st August: Dementia friendly training session, Blandford Day Centre, 10.30am to 11.30am, book with dementiafriends/getinvolved/find a session/Blandford community Thursday 1st September: End of summer charity disco party, Crown Hotel, Blandford, 10am to noon, tickets from reception, 01258 456626 First Thursday Talk, 'The History of the Bicycle' with James Peatling, Blandford Museum, 7.30pm, Saturday 3rd September: Coffee morning, Shillingstone Church Centre. 10.30am to 12 noon. Bric-a-brac, second-handclothes rail to buy/sell on 50/50 basis, proceeds to Holy Rood church Shroton Summer Show, from 2.30pm Music & Fizz Concert, strawberries and drink, Holy Rood, Church, Shillingstone, 7pm, adults ÂŁ5, children free British Heart Foundation End of summer party and quiz, Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton, 7pm to midnight, tickets 480636 or from Langton Arms Wine tasting and quiz evening in support of hall and St Mary's Church, Winterborne Whitechurch village hall, 8pm, tickets 01258 880773 Sunday 4th September: 'Allsorts' service for children with special needs, parents, and carers, Shillingstone Church Centre, 3.30 to 4.30pm Pimperne village fete, 2pm to 5pm Book launch, Old Rectory, Langton Long, 3pm (see page 25) 'The Lost Railway' - Rag & Bone S&D50 commemoration of the Somerset & Dorset Shillingstone Station, 7.30pm Monday 5th September: Blandford & District Floral Group meets URC Hall 2.15pm, Marion Catt 'Supermarket Dash', competition 'Cute & Crafty' (petite), contact 01258 452889 Wednesday 7th September: Film night, Charlton Marshall village hall, Eddie the Eagle, 7 for 7.30pm, tickets and details 01258 456572 or 488431.

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.

Vince Lee and Sharne Ferris are the new owners of the village shop at Okeford Fitzpaine - and they're open every day. Story: Page 24. Monday 5th to Friday 30th September: S&D50 Exhibition: Sturminster Newton Tuesday 6th September: Blandford Macular Group supporting people with central vision loss, meets at the Parish Centre, Blandford, details 01258 454461 Wednesday 7th September: Blandford Carnival Bingo, Corn Exchange, 7.30pm Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Bryanston Court, 7pm Baffling Blandford magical walk, 7pm from the Crown Hotel, every Wednesday. see Facebook or artoftheimpossible.com/magic Blandford Environmental Trust (Angus Wood) AGM, Blandford Museum, 7pm Thursday 8th September: Book launch and talk by Toby Gent and Judith Ford, 'Wax Seals of Blandford 1650-1850', Blandford Museum, 7pm. Thursday 8th to Monday 12th September: Blandford Heritage Festival as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week (see edht/dahw and page 6) Friday 9th September: Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion, 8pm, details 01202 732239 or wessexacoustic.co.uk Barn Dance with Black Sheep, Village Hall Field, Milborne St Andrew, 6.30pm Saturday 10th September: Blandford Carnival Dorset Historic Churches Ride and Stride

BBQ and raffle for Tarrant Monkton & Launceston village hall project fund, tickets 01258 830474 or TMLVillageHall@gmail.com Sunday 11th September: Julia's House Blandford Friends Group afternoon tea with music, Parish Centre, Blandford, 3 to 4.30pm Monday 12th September: Start of Blandford Choral Society rehearsals for forthcoming season, Blandford St Mary Primary School, 7.30pm Tuesday 13th September: NHS blood donor sessions, Crown Hotel, Blandford, 12.35pm to 3.15pm and 4.15pm to 7pm Wednesday 14th September: Blandford Business Club meets 7.15am - details: blandfordbusiness.co.uk Thursday 15th September: Archaeological Group Talk, see page 27 Friday 16th and Saturday 17th September: Milborne Players present 'Bedroom Farce', Milborne St Andrew village hall, 7.30pm Saturday 17th September: Blandford Community Expo and Town Council Budget consultation, Corn Exchange, 10am to 1pm Cats Protection coffee morning, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford 10am to 12.30pm Coffee morning, St. Nicholas Church, Child Okeford, 10.30am to 12 noon, proceeds to St. Nicholas Church

S&D50 Exhibition, Spetisbury Station Halt, North Dorset Trailway, 10am to 4pm Sunday 18th September: Fun ride in aid of the Bryanston Group RDA. Start at Newfield Farm, Pimperne. Entry details 01258-863683 or springheadjackie@hotmail.com. Blandford & District Horticultural Society and Dorset County Federation Show, Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 2pm Tuesday 20th September: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Child Okeford Community Centre, 2.15pm, Practical workshop 'Pretty as a Picture', details: 01258 863775 Wednesday 21st September: Dorset Community Action community project advice sessions, Blandford Fire Station 9am to 1pm, to book call 01202 847605 Open garden with plant & craft stalls, light lunches, 10am to 5pm, Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, 01747 811853 Thursday 22nd September: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meet Blandford Royal British Legion 2pm (note change of venue), talk on weather vanes Friday 23rd September: NHS blood donor session, Crown Hotel, Blandford, 12.50pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm Saturday 24th September: S&DRT 50th Anniversary walk, Sturminster Newton to Blandford Rich Baxter Country/East Rock, Bakers Arms, Child Okeford 9pm Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September: 'The Great Fire of Blandford', Outdoor theatre. Langton Meadows, Blandford, 7.30pm (see page 14) Wednesday 28th September: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets 2pm, Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, 'Dorset Weather Vanes' with Graham Smith Friday 23rd September: Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion, 8pm, P. J. Wright and Guy Fletcher, support Andy Stone, details 01202 732239 or wessex-acoustic.co.uk Friday 30th September: Blandford U3A open meeting, Durweston village hall, 2.30pm, speaker local historian Peter Preen, the Life and Work of Lawrence of Arabia. Details 01258 455081 Final 2016 Last Friday social in the Blandford Museum Garden, from 6pm Milborne Movies present 'Spectre', Milborne St Andrew village hall, 7.30pm