October 2016 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 55

October 2016

Hockey girl Evie picks up tips from Olympic stars: Page 31

Reasons to be cheerful Carnival comes up trumps Show time in the villages Steam fair proves a sizzler Jumping for joy from the cupola Students shine in exams

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October 2016

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Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points listed below: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S Langton Road; The Post Office, Library and Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, the Spar shop in Market Place, Gorge Cafe in East Street, Blandford Museum in the Market Place, the Tourist Information Centre in West Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Co-op in Salisbury Road, the 3Cs in Damory Street, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Cherry's hairdressers in Elizabeth Road, CLP stationery on Blandford Heights industrial estate, Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road, the Central Shop in Heddington Drive, the Brewery Visitor Centre, and Tesco and Homebase at Stour Park.

In the villages: Charlton Marshall Church Rooms and Charlton pub, Woodpecker pub at Spetisbury, Abbott Garden Centre, Langton Long, True Lovers Knot and St Richard Close bus stop in Tarrant Keyneston, Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton, Pimperne shop, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster Post Office, Child Okeford Post Office, Shillingstone Garage, 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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Anger as road works cause traffic gridlock EXCESSIVE hold-ups caused by utility companies during the Great Dorset Steam Fair have been heavily criticised in Blandford, where roads were at times gridlocked.

Town councillors expressed their and the public's anger that throughout one of the busiest weeks in the year on roads around the town, two sets of temporary traffic lights compounded the situation.

Councillor Steve Hitchings said: "The first, still ongoing, started as emergency repairs on the A350 at Charlton Marshall, which have now become a major distributional change. The jams caused around Tesco meant that vehicles could not get in and out of Blandford, and the roads were completely gridlocked at times.

"The second, at the junction of

Salisbury Road and Fairfield Bungalows, was caused by BT digging up the road on Tuesday, finishing their work on the Wednesday, but leaving the three-way set of lights until the following Tuesday."

Councillor Hugo Mieville, who lives in Albert Street close to the junction, said: "It was very annoying. There was no need for the lights at all, but we had to wait for a different team to come and take them away."

The temporary but lengthy threeway single traffic flow remained in place throughout the four days of the steam fair, and resulted in tailbacks down to the town centre and up to the bypass.

Councillor Roger Carter said: "I don't think they realise how angry people in Blandford became. It is

appalling that it was left up until the Tuesday causing anger to local residents in the area, and the whole of Blandford."

County councillor Barrie Cooper said the county council's powers were limited in restricting or delaying operations by utility companies, but he would investigate the issue.

Members said that utility companies could at least be asked to take local conditions into consideration before they carried out non-emergency work.

Councillor Jackie Stayt said that in other areas, utility companies were fined by highway authorities if their works took longer than planned, and wondered whether Dorset did the same.

• Page 12: Date change pays off for Steam Fair.

GPs’ good health bulletin BLANDFORD's Whitecliff surgery is celebrating the result of a Care Quality Commission inspection at the end of July which rated it good overall, and outstanding in respect of its care of older people.

Practice manager Carol Tilley said: "I am incredibly proud that, despite the challenges that health care is facing on a national level, our team have shown total commitment and have worked tirelessly to provide the best service that we can in the face of increasing demand and ongoing resource constraints."

Full details of the inspection can be found on the surgery's website at whitecliffpractice.co.uk.

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October 2016

Town takes a tilt at top high street title

Blandford Cemetery and chapels.

Listing brings a reprieve for cemetery walls A SUCCESSFUL application for heritage listing of Blandford's 160year-old cemetery and chapels has brought a stay of execution for the cemetery wall, which had been due for demolition at the end of August.

Blandford Town Council, which owns and manages the cemetery, wanted to replace the northern section with fencing because of its deterioration, due in part to the growth of lime and sycamore trees planted close to the boundary.

The trees were also subject to a preservation order, but residents, led by Madeleine Bridle with the assistance of Blandford & District Civic Society, applied to Historic England for the entire cemetery, including its boundary walls, to be listed.

Historic England agreed to the listing at Grade II, saying: "The ensemble of paired cemetery chapels, gatepiers, railings and boundary walls are a functionally related contemporary assemblage which together form a significant group.

"The boundary walls, which run along the two roadside boundaries of the site, and northwards from the south-eastern corner to the corner of Davis Gardens, are contemporary with the chapels and the laying-out of the cemetery.

"There are clearly issues with the condition of the wall backing on to Davis Gardens, which has been undermined by tree growth, but the walls continue to form part of a designed ensemble within a landscape setting."

Historic England say that listing does not mean no alteration can be made, but helps to mark a building's significance and cele-

brate its special architectural and historic interest, bringing protection so that its special interest can be properly considered in managing its future.

Blandford's town clerk Linda Scott-Giles told councillors that she would be meeting with North Dorset District Council's conservation officer Jen Nixon to consider how repairs might be carried out.

The council has over the years devoted much care and attention to the cemetery, which was nominated this year in the 'best cemetery' category of the Good Funeral Awards, and the chapels were open as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week.

A substantial repair and restoration programme was carried out after one of its chapels was badly damaged in an arson attack, and similar repairs were undertaken when gravestones were vandalised and another part of the wall was damaged twice in vehicle collisions.

Mrs Scott-Giles, who asked at the time of the arson attack for the chapels to be listed but was told they were not particularly unusual, said: "I am to some extent relieved that the cemetery has now been listed, since Heritage England can now give us advice."

Council chairman Lynn Lindsay said: "The decision has been taken totally out of our hands.

Heritage England will decide what can be done."

Vice-chairman Hugo Mieville added: "We made the only decision we could in July, and it's a good thing the decision is now out of our hands, but it is an impossible circle to square."

BLANDFORD is again in the running to win up to ÂŁ10,000 in prize money as part of a nationwide search for Britain's best high streets.

Blandford Business Group is spearheading the entry in the small market town category of the competition, which is now in its third year, and celebrates community efforts to revitalise their areas.

The group's work includes increasing footfall through advertising and promotion, plans to develop a town app for promotion of local businesses, and plans to install cycle racks.

Alison Moore, from Blandford Business Group, said: "High streets are vital to our local economy and Blandford shows what a group of independent businesses can do if they work together.

"Fingers crossed our entry will be successful so Blandford can get its name recognised as a great place to live, shop and work."

New to 2016, the competition is also looking for individuals to win

a 'high street hero' award, open to store managers and employees from national or independent retailers and to under-25s and market traders making a difference to their local community.

Blandford's entry has been endorsed by North Dorset MP Simon Hoare. He said: "The tension between national and independent retailers is often seen and heard, and can be quite negative. Here is a positive example of how a group of independent businesses collaborated to use the arrival of a national business to enhance both their businesses and the high street/town centre as a whole."

FUNDING for the treatment of the river Stour to combat the Blandford Fly is to be reviewed

by North Dorset District Council this autumn. District councillor John Tanner urged that town councillors try to attend the overview and scrutiny committee meeting considering the issue to give their views.

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October 2016

Council merger plan debated NORTH Dorset District Council has agreed to join a combined authority for Dorset whose aims are targeted specifically at economic regeneration and transport links in association with the Dorset Local Enterprise Board.

Consultation was carried out earlier this year into the benefits of such joint working. A separate consultation has now been launched by all nine local authorities across the county, which seeks the views of residents, businesses and others on proposed changes to local government in Dorset.

The ‘Reshaping Your Councils' consultation, which will be the subject of an exhibition in the Corn Exchange on the morning of Friday 14th October and again in The Exchange at Sturminster Newton on Monday 17th October, sets out four options aimed at reducing the costs of government to avoid cuts in services threatened by reduced funding from central government.

The consultation will run until 25th October and full details, together with a questionnaire which is being sent to 20,000 homes across Dorset by independent research company Opinion Research Services, can be found in libraries and at reshapingyourcouncils.uk.

The options are for the authorities to remain as nine separate authorities or combine into two separate unitary authorities, of which there are three combinations.

The choice is between a combination of Bournemouth and Poole, of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, or of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset. In all three cases the remaining councils would combine as the other unitary authority.

North Dorset is already part of the Dorset Councils Partnership, which sees a single workforce serve the three sovereign councils of North Dorset, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland.

Nordon set to go back on the market NORDON, the headquarters of North Dorset District Council in Salisbury Road, Blandford, which the council offered for sale earlier this year, is being remarketed following consideration by the council cabinet of offers received for its unconditional sale.

But the Lodge - currently home

to Larksmead Pre-School - and registrar's office are to be retained, to be developed as a local service hub.

Councillors were told that the pre-school, which two years ago relocated from Larksmead Pavilion when it was re-occupied

by Blandford Rugby Club, had been offered an extension to occupy the Lodge until the end of December 2016.

Regular meetings have been taking place to update the pre-school on the district council's position, offer advice and support to Larksmead Nursery in finding a new location.

The cabinet met in confidential session to consider a report giving a summary of the offers and the views of the Nordon board and overview and scrutiny committee.

It was agreed that the site be remarketed inviting conditional bids for a social housing-led

development, and that the Lodge and registrar's office be retained to develop as a local service hub.

Authority has been delegated to the strategic director in consultation with the Nordon board to determine the detailed arrangements for re-marketing the site to social housing providers.

District and town councillor Esme Butler told the town council that the retention of the Lodge and registrar's office might only be a short-term solution, since work was taking place with Dorset County Council and other local services to secure a more permanent hub in the town.

Meanwhile county council-owned land in West Street, which was originally designated as a new home for Blandford library and which many considered an ideal site for a central hub, was offered for sale by auction on 23rd September.

Cabinet reshuffle A CABINET reshuffle has followed the retirement of Councillor Deborah Croney, of Iwerne Minster (Hill Fort ward) as leader of North Dorset District Council, and the appointment of Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, of Stalbridge (Blackmore Ward) as her successor.

Another member from the Blandford area, Councillor Sherry Jesperson, of Child Okeford (Hill Forts) has now joined the team as member for community and regeneration, and Councillor Andrew Kerby, member for Riversdale and Portman, remains portfolio holder with responsibility for community safety and wellbeing.

Councillor Emma Parker (Abbey) has become chairman of the licensing and orders committee, and Councillor Croney a member.

Councillor Val Pothecary (Gillingham) replaces Councillor Jesperson on the planning committee, and Councillor Jane Somper (Abbey) has been appointed the district council's representative on the Dorset Waste Partnership.

October 2016

Life behind bars for Katrina’s ‘wicked’ killer STUART Thomas, who stabbed hairdresser Katrina O'Hara twice in the chest with a large kitchen knife at the Blandford salon where she worked on 7th January, has been jailed for life for her murder and told he must serve a minimum of 26 years.

He pleaded not guilty to murder, but the jury at Winchester Crown Court convicted him after a trial lasting three weeks.

They heard that Thomas, 50, of Salisbury Road, Blandford, had been arrested days before for harassing her and was subject to a restraining order. It also emerged at court that he had been given a five-year restraining order in 2014 for targeting another woman.

During his trial, the court heard that the self-employed builder and father of four had "lain in wait" for Ms O'Hara and attacked her as she went for a cigarette at the end of her working day at Jock's Barbers in East Street.

He had chased her back into the salon before stabbing her, and

Thomas: must serve a minimum of 26 years. then cut his wrists with the same knife.

The pair had become romantically involved in May 2015 but by the autumn Ms O'Hara tried to end the relationship because she did not want to have an affair with a married man, the court was told.

She had reported Thomas to police just before New Year's Eve

after he repeatedly confronted her and sent her "many messages" pleading for her to take him back.

Prosecuting barrister Nigel Lickley QC described Thomas as having a "volatile" relationship with Ms O'Hara, with her trying to leave him several times. Each time he persuaded her to come back by promising to leave his wife or by threatening to harm himself.

Judge Mr Justice Ian Dove described it as a "wicked crime" which "destroyed her life and shattered the lives of those who loved her and cherished her".

Following sentencing, Ms O'Hara's family said they were "pleased with the result".

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Film nights are halted MOVIOLA nights in the Corn Exchange have been suspended by the Friends of the Forum, who have run film nights over the last two winters.

A report to Blandford Town Council said the fluctuating audience numbers, attributed largely to the current state of the building, had led the loss of the catering providers and poor sponsorship.

It also revealed that Moviola were unsympathetic to the Friends' desire to build public support by asking the public to vote for the films they wanted to see, and the Friends were unable to commit to film choices without the necessary level of sponsorship.

LEAD thieves broke into the rear of Blandford Fashion Museum in the Plocks in the early hours of 16th September and stripped the roof of the single-storey ballroom extension which houses one of the displays.

Administrator Gordon Boutelle said police had been alerted by a neighbour, but the thieves had made off with the lead in a flat-bed lorry after gaining access from the passage behind James Newsagents and properties in Salisbury Street at around 2am.

Fortunately there was no rain damage to the collection, and arrangements were made for a temporary cover to protect it pending permanent repairs.

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October 2016

Carnival comes up trumps CRITICS of the shortage of entries in this year's Blandford Carnival have been answered by carnival secretary Sara Jones who said if people did not enter it was not the fault of the organisers.

"The entry forms were sent out, but it's up to the people to respond," she said.

Although some regulars were missing, there were also newcomers making a total of over two dozen individual and group entries, which were applauded by the crowds.

The street collection raised slightly more than last year, after wet weather on the morning of carnival day cleared in time for the evening parade.

Mrs Jones said: "We have so many people to thank - people who give up their free time to help.

Step forward all the marshalls, all those who help every year, the judges from other carnivals and AFC Blandford who marshalled and collected the cones and road signs. We couldn't do it without you."

She particularly thanked Blandford

Town Council, who stepped in at the last minute to provide the collection vehicle bringing up the rear in the parade. It was driven by grounds and property worker Paul Forster, who volunteered to drive the council pickup and was joined by his daughter Orchid.

The judges voted Just George’s Carnival Club best overall and most humorous, with Diddley Dee, and best overall among the walkers to Izzy Wheeler with Faerie Betula Pendula - a silver birch tree bedecked with fairies. Her sister Lotty won best overall trolley class with Beetlemania. Storm CC were the people's choice with 'Rocking All over the World', and also won best endeavour.

Three marching bands and three majorette troupes added to the spectacle, the Quarterjacks from Wimborne and Port Bredy Majorettes being judged the best, and best local entry came from the Blandford Evening Women's Institute with the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

The Blandford St John Ambulance Badgers were the winners in the

Blandford Evening Women's Institute present the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Jess Ryall with Signs Drama's Clowns who won the Larksmead Challenge Shield. youth organisations class with 'Bertie reads Peter Pan', runnersup Blandford Rugby Mini/Youth and third Blandford Youth Football, who turned out in force.

The Chairman's Challenge Cup was awarded to the Free Expression Arts Festival, with runners-up Blandford Georgian Fayre.

New entries included the Staffie and Strays dog rescue group and 'Baffling Blandford', who brought their own brand of magic to the proceedings. Magician Jana Bundy said: "We had a super time - loved the lights, the music, the cheering townspeople, friends and neighbours. It's an incredible experience!"

The Signs Drama Clowns won the Larksmead Challenge Cup for playgroups and associations, and Rosie Wilds as the Mad Cow defeated her long-standing fellow collector Janet Hinton as a hippie to win the Royal Signals Garrison Shield for the collectors' class.

Earlier in the day, cheques from the proceeds of last year's carnival were presented by Blandford's Deputy Mayor Hugo Mieville to Steve Hitchings for the Firefighters charity, in recognition of their help in erecting the bunting which deco-

rated the streets; to Sharon Kevern for the Blandford Opportunity Group; to John Pritchard for the Stour Valley Band; and to the Magnum Carnival Club, whose float this year was missing from the parade because of problems in getting it ready.

Councillor Mieville, presenting the cheques on behalf of the carnival committee in recognition of what the groups did for the carnival and for the town as a whole, thanked the small committee for their incredibly hard work through the whole year, and all the organisations contributing.

Overall winner in the carnival baby show, with prizes sponsored by Ragtags, was Chloe Anne Scott, of Bournemouth Road, Blandford St Mary, winner of the 6 to 12 months class. Other class winners were Caspar-Jorge Malpeli-Thornton (0 to 6 months), Primrose Haywood (12 to 18 months) and Jensen Kevern (18 to 24 months).

The winners from 200 entries in the carnival spot the oddity shop window competition were announced as first Maisie-Lou Elford, second Callum Vasey and third Fergus and Hattie Crook.

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October 2016

Peter Pan read by Bertie and the St John Ambulance Badgers.

Blandford Youth Football Club.

The Rugby Club's Mini and Youth Section.

Staffie and Stray Rescue.

More pictures on Page 8 & on www.forumfocus.co.uk

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October 2016

CARNIVAL BRINGS COLOUR AND FUN TO THE STREETS

Junior Princess Elizabeth Hunt.

Miss Blandford Carnival, Lauren Gubbins.

Magnum Carnival Club members.

Princess attendants, Lara Miller and Dolcie Burton.

Town council worker Paul Forster volunteered to drive the council pickup as the final collection vehicle and was joined by his daughter Orchid.

Baby show winner Chloe Anne Scott with her proud dad.

October 2016

Pub scene on the up again A YEAR on from the closure of Blandford's last two Victorian pubs - The Railway in Oakfield Street and The Wheatsheaf in Albert Street - the town's remaining pubs, many of which are under new management, are taking steps to improve.

Planning and listed building consent has been approved for Star Pubs and Heineken Ltd, owners of Nelsons in Salisbury Street, for improvements to the premises, which are now being run by Sam Martin and her family.

In addition to new signage and lighting to the front of the property, they are planning internal and external repairs to the building and repairs to the decking and new shelters in the garden at the rear where much work has been carried out on the landscaping.

The Kings Arms in Whitecliff Mill Street now has a first-floor function room available for meetings and private parties, and the beer garden at the rear has been much improved.

The Dolphin in East Street has launched a new menu and has a regular programme of events, including live music and quiz nights, and the Greyhound and Crown & Anchor continue to offer a programme of live music.

The Crown, which underwent a ÂŁ1.8 million refurbishment of its letting rooms and redesign of the ground-floor public bar and dining areas at the start of the year, has a varied programme of fundraising events.

Meanwhile Colin Young, at Colin's Community Club in Damory

TENDERS for work on the façade of Blandford Corn Exchange, described as 'urgent' more than 18 months ago, have now been reviewed and scored by members of the Corn Exchange Regeneration Project Board. The council's design team was due to meet at the end of September to produce an evaluation report so that a recommendation could be made to council this month.

The bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the main

Street, after successfully fighting for planning permission to extend the premises by adding another storey, has said he will not be implementing the scheme, but has extended the bar servery area.

Nev and Lesley Green, at The Farquharson Arms in Pimperne, have asked us to clarify the article in our July issue, and state that, following the reopening of The Anvil, the brewery has told them that they can remain as licensees for as long as they wish to do so, and a new contract is being negotiated.

There is a regular Sunday carvery, and special events including The Landlord & His Mate playing live every first Saturday of the month at 9pm and a quiz night on the last Sunday evening of the month starting 8pm.

stage one funding is being reconsidered in the light of a decision by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership not to support heritage projects.

Councillors agreed the project board had little option but to investigate the cost of borrowing to support the project to satisfy the HLF and other potential funders. Agreement is also still awaited for work associated with the Church Lane car park owned by North Dorset District Council.

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CHLOE Luckham, aged 17, from Blandford, graduated from the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in a military passing out parade.

The former Blandford School pupil, who was also a Blandford Army Cadet and a volunteer at the Royal Signals Museum, spent five months completing the British Army's Junior Entry training, the final exercise being a gruelling 30-hour battle camp in Scotland.

Chloe will now train to become a communication systems engineer with the Royal Corps of Signals at Blandford Camp.

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October 2016

Above: Rachel Eveleigh, first in floral art and photography at Tarrant Keyneston, with 'Cider with Rosie'.

Right: Myles Parsons-Mamon, aged eight, entered into the spirit of the pirate theme of the children's activity area, but also won in the horticultural tent with his decorated turkey egg-shell at Blandford St Mary Show.

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October 2016

Show time gets a double helping FLOWER and vegetable shows in Tarrant Keyneston and Blandford St Mary were held on consecutive days and saw many of the winners' names repeated.

Top awards at Blandford and District Horticultural Society's annual show in Tarrant Keyneston went to Barry Gould (most points vegetable classes), Alan Newman (most points all and flower classes), Rachel Eveleigh (floral art, best gladioli and photography), Rosemary Rowland (homecraft and cookery and wine shields), Mandy Eveleigh (best homecraft & cookery exhibit), Arthur Yeo (handicraft shield), Phil Williams (housewife's choice in a basket and Potato Challenge).

At the Blandford St Mary show and fete at the Manor House the following day, the full winners' list has yet to be confirmed, but Mr Gould, last year's overall winner, won the Garden News Top Vase for his dahlias and the Blackmore Vale Onion Championship.

Dave Eastment was the winner of the Mary Trinder Challenge Cup for his hybrid tea roses, and D. Snook's 11lb 4.5oz crop of

potatoes helped Blandford St Mary to victory with a total of over 21 pounds compared with Blandford's just under 16.

The fete was opened by Blandford Town Crier Jean Wells and featured a range of stalls fundraising for the village church of St Mary and a number of organisations, including Bryanston Riding for the Disabled and the Friends of Blandford St Mary Primary School.

Nine Harrods Teddy Bears collected by Lindsay Shelley were sold by silent auction by their collector and cakes were sold on behalf of 12-year-old Sam Moores of Blandford St Mary, a cerebral palsy quadriplegic in need of a new manual wheelchair costing ÂŁ8,000.

Vicar, the Rev Joe Edwards, dressed the part to loan costumes which children could wear to have their pictures taken in the pirate ship and selling 'pieces of eight' with which they took part in pirate-themed activities.

In a separate field there was also a well-supported dog show judged by Jo King with a total of seven fun classes.

Above: Phil Williams and Peter Eveleigh, first and second in the housewife's choice class at Tarrant Keyneston.

Left: Dave Eastment with his hybrid tea roses at Blandford St Mary Show.

Above: The Rev Joe Edwards selling 'pieces of eight' in the piratethemed children's area at Blandford St Mary Show.

Left: Arthur Yeo with a prize winning bowl in the handicrafts section and a loaf of bread in the cookery class at Tarrant Keyneston.

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T

HE change of date for the Great Dorset Steam Fair proved overwhelmingly successful for the five-day event which this year spanned the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Managing Director Martin Oliver said: "A high volume of visitors turned out to stay for the duration of the five-day event and the final day, Monday, was a busy show day.

"We were blessed with amazing weather and saw lots more families this year and had some really positive feedback. The atmosphere was fantastic and we are really pleased.

"I would like to thank all our exhibitors for supporting us with the change of dates. I think it has been universally accepted that it was the right move to safeguard the future of our event."

Highlights this year included a special display celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Steam Plough Association, and an enhanced experience in the World War One trenches of the commemorative display dedicated to the Battle of the Somme, where every show day at 3pm a WW1 18-pounder field gun fired a blank round as a salute.

The Michael Oliver Memorial Cup

October 2016

Date change pays off . . for best exhibit at the fair was presented to Nigel Myers and 'Organ Square', made up of organs from all over the UK and as far afield as Holland. Nigel has been bringing the 89-key De Grote Gavioli organ since restoration work was completed in 1999.

Mr Oliver said: "The Organ Square exhibit is a fantastic introduction to the show and it's one of the first exhibits that many visitors see. Each individual organ and engine is well looked-after by hard-working exhibitors and it's the overall effect they create altogether that is deserving of this award."

Charity trailer rides in the heavy haulage arena this year supported the Blandford Opportunity Group and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

The Sunday morning church service at Dean's Bioscope, courtesy of Michael and Richard Dean, near the Showman's engines lineup, was led by Father Michael, show chaplain, and began with a welcome from the Rev Dr Michael Foster, ending with a blessing from the Right Rev Karen

The parade of vintage and classic motorcycles.

Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne.

The expanded music festival featured a bumper crop of new acts on the six concert stages running until midnight on Thursday and Friday and half past midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

And on Monday 29th August, during the midnight whistles of the last night which traditionally mark the finale to the fair, Adam McKay, of Ottery St Mary in Devon, a fair visitor since he was eight, proposed to his girlfriend Kirsty

Barker, whom he met four years ago. He presented her with a diamond ring next to Countess, a Garrett 4NHP Showman's tractor that they help to man with their friends, its owners, Chris and Robert Gliddon.

Hundreds of visitors gathered to see dozens of gleaming Showman's engines blow their whistles as the clock struck midnight, creating a magical experience for visitors and streamed live to Facebook from the top of the Atlantic Star fairground wheel.

October 2016

. . steam fair is a sizzler

Ploughing at the steam fair.

Visitors queue to experience the trenches of World War One.

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Picture: SKC Photography.

Exhibitors Nigel Myers and James Dundon whose Organ Square was judged best exhibit, with GDSF managing director Martin Oliver. Picture: SKC Photography.

Adam McKay with Kirsty Barker, to whom he proposed during the midnight whistles on the final day.

Picture: SKC Photography.

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The view from the top, courtesy of DWFRS and Blandford Camera Club.

Helen Barnett Moore, of Blandford Gymnastics Club, on her way down.

October 2016

Jumping . . .

MORE than £7,000 was raised in sponsorship and collections when more than a dozen people launched themselves off the top of the church of St Peter & St Paul in Blandford in celebration of the completion of the tower restoration.

Under the guidance of firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, they abseiled down the tower, led by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell in full fire kit, followed by the chairman of the Fire Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox, from Beaminster.

Next came Blandford's deputy town crier Liz Rawlings, celebrating her 70th birthday and giving a 'cry' from the roof before her descent; and churchwarden Sara Loch, who has spearheaded the restoration project.

She far exceeded the £3,000 sponsorship target she had set to take part in the abseil, and said afterwards: "It looks like the abseil has raised at least £6,000 towards the shortfall of £25,000 on this part of the project."

Funds raised in collection buckets on the day were divided between the Cupola Project to restore the church and those nominated by former Mayor of Blandford Steve Hitchings, the local firefighter who organised the event. He was supporting the Firefighters Charity and organisations supported by him during his Mayoral year, the Blandford Gymnastics Club and Blandford Opportunity Group.

He raised a total of nearly £1,200, including more than £400 raised by abseiling members of Blandford Rotary, Nic Nicol and Evan Jones.

Mr Nicol said: "Those taking part were shown up to the ringing chamber and fitted out with a fireman's harness and helmet, then

More pictures on Page 19 & on our website www.forumfocus.co.uk led one at a time up the staircase and on to the aluminium ladders that rise vertically up to the cupola balcony. Crossing over from one ladder to the next in the confined space of the church tower was probably more interesting than the abseil!

"The view from the base of the cupola was quite something. The two firemen supervising the abseil at the top were professionalism personified, and explained that the first stage was to mount the cupola parapet 'just like getting on a horse'.

"Having first connected to the two carabiners that attached us to the descent ropes, we stepped across to the short length of ladder that marked the start of the descent.

Try as I might to stride backwards down the tower it did not increase my rate of descent, which was probably just as well. My fellow Blandford Rotarian Evan 'Yanto' Jones - until recently an army abseil instructor - showed far more style.

"It was great fun and a privilege to take part it what will only be done once. Blandford Rotary's sponsorship was small compared to Sara Loch's and Steve Hitchings's, but we raised well over £400, mainly from Blandford Rotarians, including £100 from Dave Smith and Healthy Pets customers."

The succession of volunteers for the abseiling challenge included church members Mark Riley, Ed Cudlipp, Chris Sharpe and Siobhan Hook, and Janet Winder, who was sponsored for Macmillan Nurses.

• To Page 19

October 2016

. . . for joy!

15

It’s a long way down from here - churchwarden Sara Loch looks down on the crowd from the top of the tower.

Off we go Sara begins her descent.

Passing the time on the way down.

A beaming smile of triumph, relief and pride from Sara as she finally reaches terra firma.

16

Readers’ letters

Pricing is a balance IN reply to the letter from Mrs Evans (September issue), the volunteers of the Friends of Blandford Hospital shop would like to welcome her to visit our shop in Barnack Walk.

As I and I am sure other charity shop managers are very aware, we have a duty to make the most from all donations of incoming goods that are given so generously. This is not always an easy task.

We need to balance the market value of these second-hand goods against the many cheap offerings now available on the high street. At the same time, we all aim to make the most money we can for our charities, whilst keeping our customers happy and coming back regularly.

In the hospital shop we pride ourselves on our very competitive pricing strategy and the quality of the items we put on sale. We are very lucky to have plenty of stock available, thanks to the generosity of local support, and are there-

October 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

fore able to keep our prices low.

This allows us to maximise the turnover of goods and make the most of our limited shelf space.

We very much hope Mrs Evans will pop in and see for herself and I will happily chat with her if she is to raise any concerns regarding our pricing.

The considerable income raised by the hospital charity shop is used to support projects at our community hospital and other health-related projects throughout the local community. All of the funds stay in the local area and for that reason we are very grateful for the continued support we have both in terms of incoming donations of goods and of course, most importantly, happy, regular customers.

Emma Sisson Fundraising Co-ordinator, Friends of Blandford Hospital.

Why the objection . .

I CANNOT understand why the Cranborne Chase AONB is objecting to the building of a Lidl in Blandford after Asda was given

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.

the go-ahead to build on the site.

Numerous buildings are being built there already - why was there no objection to this? If it is within the AONB, and one of the nation's finest landscapes, why was any building at all allowed there in the first place? It makes no sense.

We are also supposedly having a new housing estate on the other side of the bypass. I can understand that a Lidl could affect Morrisons' trade slightly, but people living on the northern side of town need a convenient place to shop for food.

H. Rawles, Blandford.

. . to the Lidl design plan?

LIKE your correspondent Mr Hussey (September issue) I was surprised to learn that objections have been raised to the design of the proposed Lidl store in Blandford.

The trivial cosmetic changes proposed by Richard Burden of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are even more surprising in view of the fact that the proposed site for the Lidl store is on an overgrown patch of waste land - albeit part of the Blandford Heights industrial estate - where it is adjacent to some large unsightly industrial buildings now under construction.

I wait with bated breath to see how this authority will impose its high aesthetic standards of design and appearance to the large domestic waste management centre which is proposed for construction on the north side of the bypass at the junction with the C13 Shaftesbury Road, which is also in the Cranborne Chase AONB. Ronald Hammond Alner Road, Blandford.

Another bible story YOUR August letter section gave me a smile - it was like action replay!

I, too, tried to buy a Bible, with no luck, in the Market Place bookshop or in Smiths. Then I

went into the book shop in East Street, and the young man assistant showed me a Bible with very small print (not at all suitable).

Then he had a bright idea - "Just at the top of the stairs is a shelf of second-hand Bibles." I thought, good, problem solved, and set off to climb the stairs.

Halfway up I realised that if I made it to the top it was debatable if I would ever get down again. I came back down and said to him: "I'm sorry, the stairs have defeated me."

The young man said: "Oh sorry," and I left the shop with no Bible.

So Mrs Jones, I can tell you where there are Bibles. If you are able to mount the stairs, buy two and I will purchase one from you.

Wendy Steele Barnes Homes, Blandford.

Blind club a good cause THANK you for printing the photo and report of the Blandford Georgian Fayre's presentation to various charities and worthy causes.

The fayre has given to me, over the years, generous amounts which, as I have always stated, I don't need, so I have recycled the amounts to causes which would benefit.

This year I gave the amount to the Blandford branch of the Dorset Blind Association, a social club at which I help. It meets on the third Monday each month in the United Reformed Church hall.

Here the members enjoy a varied selection of entertainment, with refreshments, and the occasional outing. Transport can be arranged for visually impaired members, and the meetings, lasting from 2pm to 4pm, are a lot of fun.

On a different matter, may I ask, politely, whether the proposed signage for the attractions which Blandford has to offer is really going to cost ÂŁ140,000? This seems an awful lot of money. I'm sure this could be achieved for a lot less, while still being of value to our attractions.

Arthur Bush Hunt Road, Blandford.

17

October 2016

Readers’ letters Museum offers you a chance to get involved THERE have been many letters in Forum Focus lately about the need for people to be more involved in our community, which will only be as good as we make it.

To that end I would like to invite you to consider volunteering at the Blandford Museum, which is involved in far more than just the exhibitions on display at its premises in Bere's Yard (and if you haven't been to the museum, now is your chance!).

Our learning and activities programme engages with people of all age groups, from primary school age to the elderly. We have a school's outreach programme and have school groups coming into the museum. We do lectures and events at senior centres and have groups of seniors come into the museum. We also have an active programme

in which we work with young people who are looking to do things outside of school to enhance their CV and UCAS applications, or in some cases just looking to find a way to make a contribution.

In all its activities, the museum relies on and is always in need of volunteers by whom it is entirely run. This is especially true in our learning and events programme.

There is a huge demand for activities which we sometimes find hard to fill.

We need people of all skills and interests. You could be one of them. So if you or someone you know is considering volunteering to make life more rewarding for children, young adults and seniors, please think of the museum and contact us.

Sylvia Hixson Andrews Blandford Museum.

Questions arising from housing developments POINTS arising from your article (September issue) 'Concerns remain as housing estate gets green light'.

Do councils have to show 'demonstrable need' when planning new estates? Or is it that Blandford, and indeed Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Lytchett Minster, etc, get a big tick of approval on a chart in an office in Whitehall?

Well done, Dorset, that's the ticket. Pity about the loss of priceless farm land, but you tried putting lots of houses on a flood plain and guess what, it flooded.

Crown Meadows?

Headline Forum Focus (May issue): 'Doctors reaching crisis point'. From this we assumed they were totally overloaded.

Obviously the 'crisis' has passed because they can now view the influx of 61 homes with equanimi-

ty. Really? Local schools - same influx. No problems? Perhaps £1.2m makes problems go away.

Now for the twaddle. 18 of the houses are considered 'affordable', so the remaining 43 are what, 'unaffordable'? 398 vehicle movements daily. More twaddle.

61 households jointly responsible for the estate roads, paths and amenity areas. I have lived on a 10-household estate with the same joint arrangements, and can tell you it doesn't work. It seriously doesn't work.

As a friend of mine once said, if an exam could be devised that tested for common sense almost no-one would pass. Nothing about this proposed estate would pass the common sense test.

Oh yes, lots of concerns remain.

Peter E Smith Milborne St Andrew.

WELL-known television presenter and cameraman Simon King, who lives in Frome, is coming to the Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning (COCCL) on Monday 10th October to talk on 'Nature Watch - how to track and observe British wildlife.'

Simon has earned a great reputation through his involvement with such programmes as Big Cat Diary and Springwatch.

The event has been organised in celebration of COCCL'S 10th year of talks. Bookings are being taken on 01258 860767.

Blandford Trade Park and Glenmore Business Park under construction.

Business booms at new park A NEW development of business units is filling up quickly - even before construction ends.

The latest phases at Glenmore Business Park and the adjoining Blandford Trade Park, opposite the established Blandford Heights industrial estate and next to the site for which Lidl have submitted plans for a supermarket, are being snapped up off plan.

The two developments, currently being built adjacent to the main A350 and marketed jointly by Myddelton & Major, Goadsby and Symonds & Sampson, are due to be occupied by the autumn.

Myddelton & Major partner Dean Speer said: "The highly prominent site's location speaks for itself as we have already pre-let six units.

"There is just one unit remaining at Blandford Trade Park - with three let to the charity Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and another three let to rural products supplier Countrywide Farmers PLC. Unit A had already been pre-sold to Yesss Electrical."

The remaining unit of 2,599 sq ft is available for sale freehold for £295,000 or to rent at £23,000 per annum.

At Glenmore Business Park construction is continuing on the new phase of 11 units in Blocks E and F, ranging from 1,355 sq ft to 1,420 sq ft, set in a landscaped business park location, and offering industrial, warehouse and trade counter space with the opportunity to add offices. It is being developed by London-based investment and development company Glenmore Commercial Estates.

18

Joan Capron makes an early sale to Esme Butler of a painting of the Preetz bridge to add to her collection of Blandford pictures, watched by shop volunteer Janice Coulson.

Friendly art aids charity AN exhibition and sale of local art was hosted by the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital in their charity shop in Barnack Walk.

In addition to the range of framed originals there were also mounted prints and specially designed greetings cards with works priced from 25p to ÂŁ25 - truly affordable art.

The main contributor was Joan Capron, who is a regular volunteer in the Blandford charity shop and responsible for the shop window displays. Joan paints in watercolour, acrylic, pen and pastel, and is always excited to learn new techniques and enjoy experimenting with new products.

Joan has held five previous exhibitions for charity and this year chose the Friends of Blandford Hospital as the beneficiary. She and her friends donate their paintings so they can be sold at very reasonable prices.

During the week they sold 79 paintings, prints and sketches and 150 cards and bookmarks, resulting in a total amount raised of ÂŁ865.

The Friends of Blandford Hospital hold their annual autumn fair in the Corn Exchange, Blandford, on Saturday 15th October between 9.30am and 2pm. As well as the goods on offer, there will be tombolas, a raffle and refreshments. Gift items, bottles for the tombola or cakes and home produce can be donated prior to the day at either of the hospital charity shops. Further information from the Friends' Fundraising office on 01258 451456.

October 2016

New treats on the Screen Bites menu SCREEN BITES food and film Watercress Company and the festival is back this month, with Dorset Game Larder. two scrumptious screenings in On Thursday 27th October, the DT11 area.

Durweston village hall is the The first is at Tarrant Keyneston's venue for 'Haute Cuisine', a Ann Biddlecombe Hall - the only French comedy-drama with venue to have featured in all 12 English subtitles based on the seasons - on Friday 21st true story of the private chef to October, when the film on offer is Francois Mitterrand, who has to 'Our Little Sister', made in Japanese but with English subtitles.

The film gives an unusual perspective on life in 21st century Japan, featuring the food shared by three sisters who discover their long-estranged and newly deceased father had another A scene from 'Our Little Sister' which will be daughter by his sec- screened at Tarrant Keyneston. ond wife who is tread carefully through the traps unwanted by his third, their stepin the corridors of power. Food mother. providers there include Gold Hill Sponsored by Olives et Al, the Organic, Christine's Puddings, Japanese theme will be Comins Tea House, Eggardon enhanced by Japan-born cook Rare Breeds and James's and cookery tutor Teruko Cheese.

Chagrin, wife of actor Nicholas Doors open for both events at Chagrin, who lives near 7pm - for more information call Shaftesbury, talking about 01963 32525 or see www.screenaspects of Japanese culture and bites.co.uk. food, and potter Yo Thom, of Fontmell Magna, bringing some The Festival Finale is at The of her beautiful ceramics.

Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Saturday 29th October, when Tastings will come from a range 'Burnt' - the story of a maverick of local producers, including Parisian chef trying to make his Marcia's Market from Spetisbury, way to Michelin stardom in the Ansty Herd, Ajar Of, Hotch London - comes with an 'adult Potch Savoury Pies, the language' warning.

Other local food producers providing the delicacies at prescreening tastings at other venues include Coffee to Go Go Go, Grounded Coffee, Hunny Bears Bee Products and From Dorset with Love.

A NEW bellydance class which started on 7th September in Blandford offers a fun way to exercise, improve fitness and learn a new skill in a safe and encouraging environment.

Bellydance brings together people of all ages, shapes and sizes, and many report feeling an increased sense of confidence as a result of attending classes regularly. End-of-term parties or Haflas offer a great opportunity to make new friends.

For details of beginner, improver and intermediate level classes, call Bobbi Quayle on 07568 343560 or email bobbihagan@hotmail.co.uk..

19

October 2016

Sam Ryall, who provided musical accompaniment throughout the abseiling, watches the proceedings with Rector of Blandford the Rev Jonathan Triffitt.

A happy landing for Janet Winder, abseiling for Macmillan.

Above: Ed Cudlip of Hooke Electricals, who replaced old wiring in the church and put up new in the tower. Right: Firefighter Luke Howell descends from his ledge.

Abseilers jump for joy • From Page 14 Also abseiling were Mike Lofthouse, chairman of Blandford Art Society, and Blandford Town Council's mayor's secretary Billy Bader-Riley.

Helen Barnett Moore of Blandford Gymnastics Club, abseiling in support of Mr Hitchings, said: "I used to do this sort of thing many years ago when I was a cadet, but as you get older you start to see the danger in everything. But I trusted implicitly that I was in good hands with the firefighters."

She was joined by Ryan Legg, one of their coaches, who has just finished doing an apprenticeship with them and is now working fulltime and training himself in tumbling. Last to descend were Blandford retained firefighter Austin Mills, and finally Mr Hitchings.

Throughout the day, there were fun activities including games for children, a barbecue and music, and during the abseil Sam Ryall played a medley of tunes on his accordion.

"It's the first time I've played Prince's 'I could never take the place of your man' on accordion whilst the churchwarden abseils from a cupola!" he commented on

Facebook.

In the evening, the atmosphere was more subdued when a celebratory classical guitar recital was given by West Sussex-based Mark Jennings.

Blandford's deputy town crier Liz Rawling makes her 'cry' from the top of the tower.

20

October 2016

From the Dorset County Chronicle Thursday, October 5th Lieutenant A.C.T Almarch killed in action on 28th at 21 years old.

Thursday, October 12th The harvest festival services at the parish church were held on Sunday. Very tastefully decorated church with the usual emblems of harvest. Raised ÂŁ10 12s 6d.

Thursday, October 19th Red Cross Day on Thursday was held in aid of the Red Cross Society. Total proceeds amounted to ÂŁ171 15s 6d.

Thursday, October 26th A county appeal tribunal sat at Blandford on Friday with military representative Chubb.

Captain Chubb had ascertained that appellant had been passed for general service and his nephew Harold for home service. He granted that if the appellant went, his business would have to be closed.

Memorial honours those victims with no known graves M

ANY of the men who died during the Somme offensive and have no known grave are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.

It bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth forces who died before 20th March 1918. More than 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

The memorial was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built between 1928 and 1932, unveiled by the Prince of Wales in the presence of the President of France, on 1st August 1932.

Lutyens also designed the cemeteries at Puchevillers, where the 3rd and 44th Casualty Clearing Stations were sited; at Warlencourt, made late in 1919 when graves were brought in from small cemeteries and the battlefields of Warlencourt and Le Sars; and at Etaples, south of Boulogne, the last resting place of the wounded who died in one of the 16 hospitals which were created in an area remote from attack and accessible by railway from both the northern and southern battlefields.

Hume Mackenzie Brine was the fourth of five children of William Brine and his wife Elizabeth, of Blandford St Mary, and at the age of 18 in 1901 was working as a French polisher. His mother was Scottish, and he was serving as Lance Corporal with the Seaforth

Highlanders 7th when he was killed in action on 12th October, aged 33.

He is buried in the Warlencourt British Cemetery and remembered on the memorial at Blandford St Mary.

His older brother William John served with the Royal Engineers as a sapper in the 511th Field Company, and survived the war, to be demobilised in March 1919.

William Frank Marsh, remembered on the Winterborne Kingston, Milton Abbas and Thiepval memorials, was also killed in action in France two days later, aged 19 and serving as a private with the Hampshire Regiment 2nd Battalion; he had previously served with the Dorsetshire Regiment.

His father Frank, born in Bradford Peverell, was a brickmaker, and had married his mother Mary Catherine of Winterborne Houghton in 1892 in Blandford. He and his eldest sister were born at Affpuddle, his second sister was born at Briantspuddle and in 1911 the family was living at Huish Hill, Milton Abbas.

Those who died of wounds included woodman Harry Gilbert, of Moor Crichel, a private with the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry 1st Battalion, who had previously served in the Dorsetshire Regiment. He was the son of thatcher James Bennett Gilbert, who had married Charlotte Dibben in Wimborne in 1879. He died in France on 3rd October and was buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery.

The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme. It bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces.

Edwin Charles Hunt, who was awarded the Military Medal, was the son of William Frederick and Bessie Lucy Hunt who lived in Bryanston Street. He had joined the 3rd Dorsetshire Regiment in 1898, and served as a Lance Corporal until being discharged permanently unfit, but in 1913 sailed from London to Quebec on the Corinthian, and signed up at Valcartier Camp Quebec with the 4th Battalion Canadian Infantry in 1914.

His mother had died in 1889, the year his sister was born, and in 1911, when his father was listed as a widower and inmate of the Blandford workhouse, he was living with his aunt, Fanny Hunt, at 1 Lawrences Yard in Whitecliff Mill Street. He died in France on 13th October, and is buried in the Puchevillers British Cemetery.

Sussex-born William John Eaton was still living in Horsham when he married in 1902, and had three children with his wife Lillian, all born in Horsham between 1903 and 1907.

But by 1911 he was living at Sturminster Field in Spetisbury,

working as a coachman.

He had joined the Royal Sussex Regiment in 1901 at the age of 17, and subsequently served in the Dorsetshire Regiment, but was with the 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment when he died of wounds in France on 18th October. He is remembered on the Thiepval and Blandford Memorials.

Arthur William Cousins, of Spetisbury, was the youngest child of carter William and Elizabeth Jane who had married at Blandford in 1885. They lived in Spetisbury and at Glebe Farm, Charlton Marshall, and at 21 he was working as a farm labourer. He served with the 1st/4th Dorsetshire and South Staffordshire Regiments, and died in India on 7th October, aged 26, to be buried in the Kasauli Cemetery.

Edwin Charles Baker, born in Hinton Martell, on whose memorial he is remembered, was 19 when he died serving with the 2nd Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment in Mesopotamia on October 10th, and is buried in the Amara War Cemetery.

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

October 2016

Village hall lottery delight CHARLTON Marshall village hall committee were delighted to learn that the Big Lottery had invited them to submit a Stage 2 application for Reaching Communities funding for a replacement village hall.

The committee met with Dorset Community Action, which has been helping them with the bid, to discuss the application form and guidance notes and set out an action plan to gather the information required.

Information gathered at the Extravaganza Day and the questionnaire will be used, but there are areas that will need more clarification for which the community is being asked to help. For more information and details of events being planned, see the village hall's new Facebook page.

The final hurdle will be the submission of a Stage 3 application by the end of October.

21

Heritage festival a magnet for visitors BLANDFORD's first heritage festival, in association with Dorset Architectural Heritage Week (DAHW), brought hundreds of visitors from across the county and beyond to explore some of the town's most historic buildings.

Local and county-wide publicity brought together the programme of individual events offered in DAHW with a number of other attractions. Some 180 people visited the parish church, including more than 40 who undertook tours of the tower and west gallery led by Chris Curtis. They commented how informative and interesting it was in the visitors'

Garden team’s cash crop

A CHEQUE for £2,000 has been presented to Katie Hamilton from Naomi House Children's Hospice from funds raised through a very successful open gardens event in Tarrant Keyneston in July.

A warm weekend resulted in hundreds of visitors attending and they all seemed to enjoy the eclectic mix of gardens, scrumptious teas, Diana Guy's plant stall and fun scarecrow displays.

Organisers Pam Eaton, Angie Collings, Sarah Williams, Madelaine Helmsley and Jill Vasey are pictured with Diana Guy and the giant cheque that was presented, and have thanked everyone who kindly gave their time in so many ways to make the event a huge success.

JAC Samuels, senior Cancer Research UK nurse at Southampton, kindly gave a wonderful talk to residents and visitors at Whitecliffe Nursing home.

All were interested to learn new facts and figures bringing them up to date on some of the research carried out.

Jac is pictured with Della Jones, who helped with the arrangements and added to the funds she has helped raise for the charity for many years by holding a raffle which raised £47.

Visitors study the pavement on the guided 'Stones of Blandford' walk. book, how pleased they were to see the start of restoration, and how welcoming were their guides.

A similar number called in to the exhibition in the Corn Exchange and Town Hall from Friday to Sunday, the centerpiece of which was a display by the Dorset Buildings Group of various aspects of the town's architecture.

John Imber, a member of the Dorset Buildings Group and Blandford & District Civic Society, which also exhibited, said: "Attendance was much better than at the exhibition we staged in another part of Dorset last

year."

Two dozen took part in a heritage tour guided by deputy town crier and town guide Liz Rawlings, and another dozen followed the Blandford Stones walk, led by geologist Michael Le Bas, whose book, the Building Stones of Blandford, is now on sale in the Blandford Museum.

Many also took the opportunity to visit World War Two defence structures and private homes dating back to the 18th century, with more than 40 visitors to the more contemporary Kings Road home of Alison Moore, built in the last century by the late Ian Taylor and his family.

22

FARMING

October 2016

The View from the Hill

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

W

ELL that was a humdinger of a harvest. Having started on 14th July, pretty normal, we finished the wheat on 18th August, which is the earliest since 1995.

However, we hadn't finished harvest completely because the poppies weren't fit until after it started raining, and we couldn't complete cutting them until 8th September.

As soon as the harvester was out of the field we were in with the combine to tidy up the mess the poppy harvester leaves, and to collect another few tonnes of seed from the odd stalks that fall over and are missed by the contractor's machine, a modified forage harvester with a specialised header. It only cuts

Pesky seagulls, stealing valuable worms on the site of the Great Dorset Steam Fair after the departure of the campers.

That's one of the reasons why we don't plough! off the tops of the plants, so we have to cut off the stalks before we can cultivate.

The lovely August weather gave us the easiest harvest for many years, day after day of sunshine, and no serious night dews meant that we were able to cut most crops without having to dry them, saving on drier fuel.

The combine behaved itself with very few breakdowns, meaning we had 13 cutting days on the trot, something of a rarity in the recent past. Yields

have been pretty average, mainly because of the poor weather in June, although grain quality is good.

The merchants tell me that as quality is up, we should have less need to import the higher quality bread-making wheat this year, and because we have lower yields, we will have less grain to export, which we must hope might lead to a slight improvement in prices.

The Brexit vote led to a fall in the pound for a short time during harvest, which translated into better grain prices, but since then the nonsense talk of a Brexit bounce has seen it rise again, and we are now ÂŁ10 per tonne back below the top price available when everyone was too busy harvesting to actually sell anything. Where we will end up once all the necessary trade deals have been made, and a new agricultural policy has been cobbled together, is anybody's guess.

As well as cutting and hauling grain into the store, there is straw to bale and haul, and lorries to load out to make sure there is enough room in the

Harvesting the poppies.

store to fit the harvest in. We usually ship out the rapeseed as soon as it's cut.

Once there is some ground cleared, Gary moves in with a selection of cultivation machines. This could be the discs to create a stale seedbed, or a subsoiler to work in the recently applied chicken manure.

We also buy in and spread some fertiliser on the seedbeds ready for the next crop. Last week some of this material arrived in a lorry with a 'walking floor', and the floor was not up to the task of pushing the fert out onto the yard floor. This presented a problem: either we have to shovel out 24 tonnes of stinky grey stuff by hand, or we have to build a ramp out of previously delivered fert and drive our handler into the lorry to dig the stuff out. This seemed pretty radical, and was not something I had done before. There was about two inches' clearance on each side, and I did not want to damage the lorry trailer, or our handler. Anyway, patience was rewarded, and we managed to extract the whole lot.

October 2016

One of Gwen Amey's paintings.

Gwen’s royal tribute in art AN exhibition in celebration of the long reign of the Queen was on display last month in the Blandford Museum gallery.

The paintings were by local art teacher Gwen Amey, who said that she had collected vintage images of the Queen in readiness for her 90th birthday this year, and found herself analysing the relationships the subjects had with each other.

"It made me reflect on whether faces are really necessary in art work as we can all relate to the family outing, the family pet relationship and the favourite place that becomes a reflection of many memories.

"I would like to thank the Blandford Museum for giving me the opportunity to show my work, which is usually only shown to my students and family members."

Durweston date DURWESTON'S harvest supper is being held on October 8th in the village hall. It will start with a sit down meal at 7pm, followed by entertainment with the Durweston Old Codgers and their Agricultural Orchestra, and other entertainment.

Tickets can be bought in advance from Jonny Hosford on 01258 452641 or from the village hall.

23

Hospital trip spoils the party for Alan THE diamond wedding celebrations of Alan and Maureen Grey, of Preetz Way, Blandford, were tinged with sadness when Mr Grey, who has to undergo regular kidney dialysis, had to be admitted to hospital on the eve of their anniversary party.

On the anniversary date, Thursday 1st September, they went out to lunch at the Ginger Fox at Sturminster Marshall, had a visit from the Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and received a card from the Queen.

On the Friday they took the family out to the Langton Arms. But next morning, Mr Grey had to be taken into hospital, and missed the Saturday evening party at the brewery visitor centre attended by more than 50 friends.

"I had 50 phone calls the following day asking how he was," said Mrs Grey.

The couple met in 1953 when he was 23 and she 17, both working at Sainsbury's in Blackheath, London. "We didn't have checkouts in those days, but tills behind the counter, and you had to add up in your head," said Maureen.

They were married three years later at St Saviour's in Lewisham, and had two children, Christopher, who now lives in Bournemouth, and Caroline, who works at Blandford Leisure Centre.

Alan progressed to become an area director and then regional director for Tesco, which saw the family relocate every ten years or so, and it was in that role that he moved to Dorset, first to Winterborne Stickland.

Mr Grey retired in 1992, but for many years was the south of England co-ordinator for the Tesco Retired Staff Association.

Maureen was a keen swimmer who had taught swimming and life-saving to Brownies and Guides, on the Thames and in Hampshire.

While living in Stickland she gave lessons in their own outdoor pool to pupils from Milton Abbas and Stickland junior schools.

"I still swim at Gorcombe, and we both play golf at Ashley Wood," she said.

Mentors wanted DORSET Community Foundation is currently recruiting volunteer mentors to work on a successful Raising Aspirations mentoring programme, which was piloted last year with the support of The Goldsmiths' Company at the Wey Valley School in Weymouth and is now being replicated at the Blandford School.

The aim is to work with secondary schools to find solutions for young people whose attainment in national qualifications lags behind their true potential.

Volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and stages of life are encouraged to get in touch and train to mentor a young person on a one-to-one basis to support students currently in Year 9 and 10 (13-15 years old) at hour-long meetings held usually on a fortnightly basis.

To volunteer, phone 01202 670815 or email admin@dorsetcf.org; for more details on the programme, go to dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.

Diamond couple Maureen and Alan Grey.

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October 2016

Andrew McIver with his winning line drawing of a 1915 Triumph motorcycle.

George Tapper, of Pimperne, with 'Storm Over Purbeck Heath'

Michael Jones with the Chairman's Choice winner, 'Lovers’ Tryst'

A brush with success as artists display their talents

Rachel Baynes, winner of the Harding Trophy for her still life, 'Doing a Runner'.

ARTISTS from across Dorset were among nearly 60 exhibitors at Blandford Art Society's annual open exhibition in the Corn Exchange.

It was officially opened at a private view by Blandford's deputy mayor Hugo Mieville, who said it was wonderful to see such a wide range of different styles from artists obviously inspired in many ways by the wonderful

Dorset countryside.

Art Society chairman Mike Lofthouse thanked all those involved in helping to stage the exhibition, and in particular the organiser Rachel Baynes, who was also the winner of the Harding Trophy for a fruit and vegetable still life with 'Doing a Runner' - the runner in question being a runner bean.

The Max Bennett trophy for linear artwork, chosen by David Crompton, was won by Andy McIver, of Blandford St Mary, with a drawing of a 1915 Triumph motorcycle, and the Chairman's Choice was a watercolour by Michael Jones, 'Lovers’ Tryst'.

The choice of the President, Sue

Coke, was 'Storm over Purbeck Heath' in gouache by George Tapper of Pimperne.

The best picture by a non-member, chosen by exhibition judge Donald Melvin, who also had work on display, was 'Moored at Lyme' by Barbara Davis.

A total of 218 artworks were on display on the screens, or in a selection of unhung works, which could be viewed on the stage in the 'Salon des Refusés'.

There was also a detailed and educational display from art students at The Blandford School which attracted much favourable comment and praise, and a number of portfolios offering work for sale.

PRIZEWINNING photographer and author Edward Parker will be running three photography courses at the Springhead Trust on Sunday 23rd October.

The courses are entitled 'Garden and Landscape Photography', 'People and Portrait Photography' and 'Flash and Low Light Photography' and are suitable for people of all abilities and with any type of camera.

To book contact The Springhead Trust Ltd, Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0NU, phone 01747 811853 or email info@springheadtrust.org.uk.

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October 2016

Pimperne’s fete revival PIMPERNE resident Jackie Vacher, who organised a revival of the village fete, was delighted to persuade North Dorset MP Simon Hoare to open the event in the village hall and car park.

Mr Hoare attended with his three daughters, and was able to experience the vibrancy of village life and see displays by the circle dance group, art society, camera club, pre-school and many more, and activities which included a magic show, novelty dog show, fancy dress and craft competitions.

Artistic new role for former village shop A FORMER village shop and post office has been given new life by a single mum who has opened her local artisan gallery.

Claire Palmer, a radiologist by profession who gave up work to start her family, saw an opportunity to develop something of a lifelong interest in arts and crafts when the property in Stourpaine became available to let.

After several months' work to refit and redecorate the premises, she moved in on 1st August and, with the help of her partner Gary Crewe, opened the shop two weeks later.

She has named the shop 'EdieMae's' in memory of her paternal grandmother, who died when Claire was ten months old.

Inside is to be found a treasure trove of rustic-chic, handmade

and bespoke furniture, and space in which local artists are exhibiting their work for sale.

The shop closed six years ago and, although the site has been redeveloped with new housing and flats, the shop itself has since stood derelict and untidy on the main A350, offering only a newspaper delivery service run by its owner Wendy Shinn.

Wendy retired last year and decided to rent out the premises to the White Horse pub, where licensee Chris Sargent now operates a village shop and post office.

Claire, who lives in neighbouring Durweston, is also offering a series of workshops in furniture painting for beginners, creative stencilling and decoupage. She can be contacted at the shop on 01258 446502.

Claire Palmer in her Stourpaine shop 'Edie-Mae's'.

MP Simon Hoare with his daughters and Jackie Vacher at the opening of Pimperne village fete.

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SCHOOLS

October 2016

A scene from The Blandford School’s outstanding production of Phantom of the Opera.

Stage fun for the little ones STAGECOACH Performing Arts School in Blandford is expanding to run classes for four- and fiveyear-olds, in addition to the classes for six to 18-year-olds they already run in the town.

"We are very excited to be able to offer the little ones classes after Christmas and will be taking names for this class from now onwards," said the principal Di Waterman. "They will have an hour-and-a-half of singing, dance and drama on Saturday afternoons in a relaxed atmosphere to have fun and learn at the same time."

Picture: Ash Mills.

Phantom proves an all-round winner LAST term's production by The Blandford School of 'Phantom of the Opera', staged in four performances at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne, was hailed another huge success.

One reviewer was quoted as saying "TBS Productions have exceeded all expectations", and in addition to accolades from local audience members, the school was proud to announce that all students had been awarded Grade 5 Musical Theatre at Distinction level for their efforts.

Head of Performing and Creative Arts, Lucy Bowerman-Ellis, said: "Trinity College London, whose examinations include Musical Theatre Production, allowing schools to present a whole production for assessment, assessed the students during the final performance.

"The production had to be intended for - or already

have had - a public performance in front of an audience and include production elements such as lighting, set, costume, sound, make-up, props and so on.

"Under this option the creative, stage management and technical teams can be entered for assessment as well as the performers so that every student's achievements on and off the stage is recognised and rewarded."

Headteacher Sally Wilson said: "We are thrilled all of our cast and crew have been recognised and have achieved the award. Distinctions for all is just fabulous."

Comments on the school website praised individual performers and particularly the production's director, Mrs Bowerman-Ellis, who was said to have "brought the best out of every member of the cast."

October 2016

SCHOOLS

Clayesmore girls celebrate A-level success.

Clayesmore delight at exam success AN overall pass rate of 98% for the largest Clayesmore School upper sixth cohort to date was celebrated when A-level and BTEC results were revealed.

Head of sixth-form, Sarah Jane Newland, praised the entire year group for their dedication to their studies, adding: "We must particularly congratulate Pat Green (2A* and 2As) who is going to Exeter to study English, Maddie Noll (2As and a B), going to Bristol to study Zoology, and Imogen Marshall, who achieved 2A*s, 2As and a B and is now planning to study in Australia."

Some 80% of candidates have gained places to study at their first-choice universities, almost a third of which are Russell Group institutions. Courses include accountancy at Southampton, business management at Liverpool, Reading and Warwick, economics at Exeter and Newcastle, history and politics at UCL and zoology at Bristol and Southampton.

Clayesmore's new Head, Jo

Thomson, was delighted with the results among the all-ability intake, commenting that it was wonderful to see that the students' dedication and her colleagues' excellent teaching were recognised in the results.

She was also on hand to offer congratulations the following week to pupils collecting their results in GCSE and IGCSE which saw further success and many outstanding individual performances.

The majority had sat the more academically challenging International GCSE (IGCSE), a qualification which requires a more in-depth understanding of a subject, testing pupils in how they think and apply their learning, rather than just their knowledge of individual subjects.

Particular congratulations went to Theo, who joined Clayesmore in the Nursery and gained a magnificent 11 A* grades; Amelia, with 9A*s and 2As; Jack with 9A*s, 1 A and 1 B and Ash with 9A*s and 1A.

Clayesmore boys celebrate their GCSE results.

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28

SCHOOLS

October 2016

Students shine in exam results THE Blandford School celebrated another crop of excellent Alevel and GCSE results.

Top of the performance table at A-level with an outstanding set of grades was Ruby Stoddart, whose three A*s and one A enable her to study mathematics at Imperial College, London.

Evie Opalka, Vicky Starr and James Butler all achieved the same set of grades (A*A A) to respectively read Spanish and Russian at Bristol, business and management with international study at Exeter and maths at Bath.

Beth Failes was also congratulated for her AAA which, along with additional essay evidence required by Warwick, has gained her a place at this prestigious university to study global sustainable development and business.

Students following vocational pathways also achieved very well indeed, Katy Clark, Anna Crompton and Zoe Mansfield all gaining Double Distinction* in Cambridge Technical Diploma (Level 3) business studies and Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma (Level 3) ICT. Students have chosen a wide

Top student Ruby Stoddart, with three A*s and one A, will study mathematics at Imperial College, London.

James Butler is reading mathematics at Bath

variety of future careers and routes, including degrees in maths and physics; accounting and finance; applied psychology; fashion communication and production; politics; English language; human physiology; earth and ocean science; nursing; criminology and music technology.

Tim Baker is embarking on a gap year prior to studying medicine,

which will be spent shadowing Dr Tony Markus, a plastic surgeon at a charity hospital based in India.

Those not pursuing higher education include Ryan Gosden, who has secured a place in the Marines.

The overall pass rate was very good at 98.51%, an increase on 2015. • At GCSE level, Lela Cordess

was congratulated on her ten A*s, and other superb results were achieved by Lauren Barton and Katherine Stanley 7 A*s and 3 As; Ruby Opalka (whose sister Evie was a high achiever at A level), 5 A*s, 4 As and 1 B; Robert Myers and Katie Willis Fisher 5 A*s, 3 As and 2 Bs; Rory Shafford and Ellie Wills 2 A*s, 6 As and 2 Bs. Ninety per cent of students achieved A* - C in English, an increase of two per cent on last year, and 60 per cent achieved the threshold of English and maths A* - C. Forty-one per cent achieved five or more GCSEs at Grade A* - B, and overall, 56% of students achieved 5 A* - C including English and maths.

It was particularly pleasing that the gap between Pupil Premium children and other students continued to close.

Headteacher Sally Wilson said: "I am thrilled at the success of our students of all abilities. Our high-fliers have done exceptionally well and students across the board have gained places at top universities. I have a superb team of staff and they should feel • To Page 29

SCHOOLS

October 2016

29

Even the pets feel the benefits of the new Knighton House flat

Lela Cordess - ten A*s at GCSE.

Vicky Starr to study at Exeter.

Evie Opalka is reading Spanish and Russian at Bristol with an A* and two As at A-level.

Ruby Opalka, Evie’s sister, is following in her footsteps with 5 A*s,4 As and 1 B at GCSE.

• From Page 28 very proud of their contribution to student performance.

"I am delighted for our students who have worked very hard for these results. So many took advantage of lunchtime, afterschool and holiday revision sessions. There are a number of individuals who should be very proud of their achievements. I would like to thank their teachers, support staff and parents for supporting them."

Rory Shafford: 2 A*s, 6 As and 2 Bs at GCSE.

Beth Failes will study global sustainable development and business at Warwick University.

Robert Myers and Katie Willis-Fisher both achieved 5 A*s, 3 As and 2 Bs.

KNIGHTON House School has seen a significant amount of investment over the summer holidays.

The totally new Alpha 'flat' for all Year 8 pupils wowed parents as well as pupils when the ribbon was cut to open it and headmistress Sarah Wicks welcomed the new Year 8 cohort.

The new dormitories, bathrooms and large common room give the girls increased independence in a modern environment, preparing them for their senior school.

Mrs Wicks said: "Year 8 is a special time at Knighton House School when we encourage all girls to board for at least part of the week. This helps them to become more responsible and independent as they prepare for the move to senior school, as well as creating friendship bonds which will remain with them for life.

"Our 21st century girls now have 21st century accommodation and we have also welcomed new staff to strengthen the pastoral care for which Knighton House School is well known."

It is not only the pupils who will benefit from new dormitories at Knighton House School; the pets will too. The new 'Pet Shed' is a wonderful summer house with an adjoining garden and will house the numerous rabbits, guinea pigs and more.

The prep school for girls aged 7 to 13 and pre-prep for boys and girls aged 3 to 7 hosts its next open day, with a range of fun activities, on Saturday 1st October, 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Children aged from 3 to 12 are welcome, and a place can be booked by email to admissions@knightonhouse.co.uk.

The new Year 8 common room at Knighton House.

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October 2016

Dorset in depth

Storytelling is booming

BLANDFORD is well represented in a new book, Deepest Dorset, which looks at what makes Dorset special, how it has developed, and how its combination of benign climate, beautiful scenery, stunning coastline and rich food and fishing continue to draw people.

The book, published at the end of September by Deepest Books, has been written and edited by journalists Fanny Charles and Gay PirrieWeir. The wide-ranging subject matter includes landscape and literature, food, farming and fossils, architecture, the arts and the oil industry.

Specialist articles, poems and reflections on Dorset have come from every corner of the county.

Blandford author Rosie Staal has written the chapter on literature, and other local contributors are author, poet and magician Paul Hyland, and journalist and broadcaster Dominic Prince and his wife Rose, the cookery writer and chef. Other well-known Dorset contributors include Lord Fellowes, and broadcasters Kate Adie and Val Singleton.

Rosie Staal, Paul Hyland and Fanny Charles will be talking about Deepest Dorset and reading extracts from the book at a cream tea at Beatons Blandford at 4.30pm on Sunday 9th October.

Signed copies will be on sale in support of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, the Community Foundation's Dorset Fund and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. More information at deepestbooks.co.uk or phone 01963 32525.

BLANDFORD Rotary have been amazed by the response to their second short story competition. A total of 84 entries have been received, up by 40% on the first competition held last year.

The presentation and awards evening will be held on Friday 7th October at Blandford Corn Exchange, starting at 6.30pm.

Fourteen short-listed entries will be read by their authors (or their nominees), the winners announced and prizes awarded.

Competition organiser, Rotarian Adrian Ford, said: "It gives local short story writers an opportunity to match their skills against others and be part of a significant charity fundraising event that also involves local businesses and the Town Council.

"We are very grateful to our sponsors for this event - Beatons Tearooms and Bookshop, Blandford Forum Town Council whose 'Mayor's Cup' will be presented by the Mayor Cllr Jackie Stayt, Healthy Pets (Blandford) Ltd and Lesley Shand Funeral Service."

Refreshments and a bar will open at 6pm, during the two intervals and at the end of the presentations. Entry is free and donations welcome.

The More Tea Less Hate party staged in the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden.

Tea plays a soothing role AROUND 30 people attended a 'More Tea, Less Hate' party in the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden as part of a nationwide peaceful protest against hate crime.

It was organised by Sylvia Hixson-Andrews, who was helped by members of Blandford Cares, the group supporting refugees in the camps at Calais, and raised ÂŁ100, which was shared with the Blandford Foodbank.

Blandford Cares are holding a second 'Jumble for the Jungle' event on Saturday 15th October. It will be held between 10am and 1pm at the United Reformed Church, where the sorting room is open every Tuesday between 10.30am and 1pm. Offers of help and donations are always welcome.

Donations and sponsorship can also be left at the Blandford Parish Church office any weekday between 9.30am and 12.30pm, or at other times by arrangement. Call Mike or Suzi Hearn on 01258 458411 or email hearn@forumsprings.plus.com.

Country fayre a record breaker A RECORD ÂŁ2,300 was raised for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution by its Blandford branch at the country fayre and vehicle rally held at Spetisbury.

More than 40 vintage and veteran cars and their owners rolled up to enjoy the sunshine, and as the drivers and their friends picnicked in the lovely grounds of Spetisbury Manor, a similar number of dogs paraded in the showground for the 25 classes of the dog show run by Shirley Moors. It included fancy dress, which attracted ballerinas, racehorses, tennis players and even

a private in the army.

There were also a number of RNLI stalls run by organiser Kathy Underwood and her helpers, and a full-size rigid inflatable lifeboat, the William Hurst, on display, together with cream teas served on the lawn, and entertainment from a Wimborne-based traditional band.

The next fundraiser for the RNLI will be a folk and country music roadshow on Friday 28th October at the Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston. Admission is free but by ticket only, obtainable by calling 01258 857449.

SPORT

October 2016

31

Evie picks up some tips from the top

Club champions Jenny Andrews and Peter Hawkins.

Bowlers on target for a super season FINALS weekend at Blandford Bowling Club was the culmination of the season's competitions for the club's ten major knockout trophies.

In the singles matches to determine club champions, Peter Hawkins beat Bob Trethewey to lift the men's Holroyd Bowl and Jenny Andrews beat Del Way for the Ladies' Rose Bowl. Jenny's mother, Jean Cummings, won the trophy in 1980, 1981, 1988 and 1994.

The outcome of the competitions will result in many new names appearing on the trophies, reflecting the strength of the club membership following concentrated efforts to recruit and coach new members.

Other trophy winners were Tim Bryning and Steve Tamplin

(Railston and Rankin Cup for Men's Pairs), Dave Burge (Bob Charlton Handicap and Davis Cup for Novice), Richard Brown (Marsh Cup for Men's 2-woods), Bob Trethewey and Maureen Bishop (Roy Wellen Pairs), Pat Griffin, Peter Preen and Bert Pluthero (Mixed Triples), Gill Budd and Freda Yates (Warren Cup for Ladies Pairs), Gill Walford (McCrossan Cup for Ladies' 2-Woods).

The club can reflect on a very successful season in the surrounds of the recently rebuilt and refurbished clubhouse. The men's first-team have already gained promotion to the Dorset Championship and, with two matches to play, the ladies can still succeed in the Dorset league and Edna Paisley over-60s league.

ELEVEN-year-old Evie Lewin-Gray, who plays as goalkeeper for Blandford and Sturminster Hockey Club U12s and her school team at Clayesmore, was thrilled to have the opportunity to train with the gold medalwinning ladies GB hockey team.

She was invited to train with the team which won gold in Rio

by Neil Pendle, captain for men's hockey at Chichester Hockey Club.

Also helping in the training was Chichester's own international Maciej Pacanowski, who is Poland's number one goalkeeper.

Evie had nearly two hours' training and coaching with Kirsty McKay (GB No. 2).

She said: "It was fantastic. I've learnt so many skills and drills and this has been a fantastic opportunity. I can't wait to get back to training this season now.

"Kirsty was a real inspiration to me making me realise what you can achieve at a young age if you put your mind to it."

Evie pictured with Kirsty McKay . . .

. . . and with Sophie Bray, who is holding her gold medal.

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October 2016

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events

Saturday 1st October: Coffee morning with 50/50 clothes rail, Shillingstone Church Centre, 10.30am to noon Sunday 2nd October: Round Robin Ramblers meet St Nicholas Church, Winterborne Kingston, 2pm, for 4.5-mile walk in Southern Winterbornes Oddfellows Brass concert for Read Easy Blandford, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 2.30pm 'Allsorts' service for children with special needs, parents, carers, Shillingstone Church Centre, 3.30 to 4.30pm Monday 3rd October: Blandford & District Floral Group meets URC Hall 2.15pm, Nicky Heal 'Creative Creations', competition 'Autumn Decadence', contact 01258 452889 Tuesday 4th October: Blandford Macular Group supporting people with central vision loss meeting at the Parish Centre, Blandford, details 01258 454461 Wednesday 5th October: Tarrant Keyneston Flower Arranging Club, Tarrant Keyneston village hall, 2.30pm, beginners welcome. 01258 452313 Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Bryanston Court, 7pm Film Night, 'Eye in the Sky', Charlton Marshall Village Hall, doors open 7.15pm, more details 01258 488431 Blandford Forum Hedgehog Town and Dorset Mammal Group screen 'Hedgehog Hotel', Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, 7.30pm Thursday 6th October: First Thursday talk, Blandford Museum, 7.30pm (see page 27) Friday 7th October: Blandford Rotary's short story competition presentations & awards, Corn Exchange, 6.30pm Wessex Acoustic Folk, Royal British Legion, Blandford, 8.15pm, Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention), see wessexacoustic.co.uk Saturday 8th October: Paulley Charitable Trust coffee morning and memorial unveiling, Crown Hotel, Blandford 10am to 11.30am 'Nathaniel Ireson, master builder'

by Peter Fitzgerald, hosted by Blandford & District Civic Society, Blandford Corn Exchange, 7.30pm Durweston Harvest Supper, village hall, 7pm, see page 23 Sunday 9th October: Deepest Dorset book launch, Beatons Tea Rooms, Blandford, 4.30pm Monday 10th October: Simon King talk, COCL, St Nicholas

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.

Charlie’s book launch

Charlie Raymond.

A GARDEN party at the Old Rectory in Langton Long in support of the Friends of the Forum at the Corn Exchange featured a book launch by the son of property owner Deirdre School, Child Okeford, see page 17 Friday 14th October: Public Consultation Roadshow on the future of local government in Dorset, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9am to1pm Saturday 15th October: Friends of Blandford Community Hospital Autumn Fair, Corn Exchange, 9.30am to 2pm Cats Protection Coffee Morning, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford 10am to 12.30pm Jumble for the Jungle with Blandford Cares, United Reformed Church Hall, 10am to 1pm Coffee morning in St. Nicholas' Child Okeford, 10.30am to noon, all proceeds to the Church.

Apple Day, Clapcotts Farm, Spetisbury, refreshments, food and craft sales, 11am to 4pm (last juicing 3.30pm) Charity concert, Winterborne Whitechurch village hall, with Debbie Cassell and Martin Ansell, buffet and bar, proceeds to the Galapagos Islands earthquake appeal, tickets 01258 453478 Benefice Harvest Supper at Shillingstone Church Centre, 7.30pm, bring and share, all welcome Tim Somerfield, the Afro Ninja,

Skipwith. Charlie Raymond's first book, 'Hired, Fired, Fled', describes his quest, after leaving school and university, for a job which satisfies his ambitions to love his work, travel and beat the rat race. He tries 14 jobs in as many years, ranging from safari guide through catering assistant, alpine van driver, various jobs in the film industry, publicity and promotions, cruise manager, bin man, news and features writer and plain old unemployed. It is a humorous, engaging book which casts a critical eye over the happenings of the 21st century.

Charlie is now embarking on a university tour of 119 sites in 40 days to meet his target audience and market, the undergraduates of Britain.

At the well-attended garden party, he sold signed discounted copies of his book, which is now available through bookshops and Amazon.

Bakers Arms, Child Okeford, 9pm Monday 17th October: Public Consultation Roadshow on the future of local government in Dorset, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 9.30am to1pm Visually impaired reading group starts, Blandford Library, 2 to 4pm. Enquiries to Emma 01258 452075 or David 01747 811191 Tuesday 18th October: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Child Okeford Village Hall, 2.15pm, 'Autumn Carnival' demonstration by Sharon Austin of Carnival Flowers, Wimborne, details: 01258 863775 Blandford Library Lecture, 'Hands on Shakespeare: How to fall in love with the Bard' by Emma McAlister, 7pm Wednesday 19th October: Dorset Wildlife Trust illustrated talk on the Great Heath Project

by DWT Learning & Interpretation Officer, Nicky Hoar, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7.30pm Thursday 20th October: Read Easy AGM, The Parish Centre, Blandford, 10am, Coaches and new readers answer questions on their journey to adult literacy. Refreshments.

Information blandford@read-

easy.org.uk Blandford Museum Archaeology Group, Museum, 7.30pm (see page 27) Choral Concert by Farrant Singers from Salisbury, All Saints Church Tarrant Monkton, 7.45pm for 8pm, tickets on door ÂŁ7 to include glass of wine, proceeds to a new village hall, see farrantsingers.org Thursday 20th to Saturday 29th October: Screen Bites Food and Film Festival, see page 18 Friday 21st October: Home Safety and Falls Prevention event, Blandford Corn Exchange, safety advice from a number of exhibitors and providing over-50s with free pairs of slippers, 9.30am to noon Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion, 8pm, O'Hooley & Tidow, support Jess Vincent, details 01202 732239 or wessex-acoustic.co.uk Saturday 22nd October: Khaki Canteen, Corn Exchange, 10am to 3pm Murder at the Crown Hotel!

Murder mystery event. Book direct with the hotel on 01258 456626 Blues Night for Teddy 20, Milborne St Andrew village hall, 7.30pm, tickets 07910 875184 Sunday 23rd October: Photography courses at Springhead. See page 24 Firewalk for Weldmar Hospicecare, Bryanston School, see weld-hospice.org.uk/fearless or call 01305 261800.

Thursday 27th October: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets, Blandford Royal British Legion, 2pm (note change of venue), autumn lunch with bring and buy, visitors welcome Friday 28th October: Folk and country music roadshow for the RNLI, Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, free admission by ticket only from 01258 857449 Film Night, Florence Foster Jenkins (PG), Child Okeford village hall, doors open 7pm for screening 7.30pm, advance booking 01258 860518 Durweston Film Night, Golden Years, Durweston village hall, doors open 7pm for screening 7.30pm Saturday 29th October: Kids Halloween Disco 2-4pm.

Crown Hotel, Blandford, tickets include snack and drink. All for charity Family Craft & Activities Afternoon, Child Okeford village hall, 2.30 to 5pm, free entry, everyone welcome